duplicitymemes | TDM #17

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TDM #17

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy.

This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses.

To counteract the discovery of the Deceit Gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues.

... and you're here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity.

After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a clear plastic top and pants along with clear plastic boots to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation.

If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You're a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your high rise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You're a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you'll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms.

Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals.

The weather is rather wet and rainy. Very, very rainy.

» » » ALL ABOARD

It's time for the monthly Duplicity train tour. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. Traveling from Fiddler's Square, the train journeys through various parts of the Up, showcasing society and examples of lifestyle. Along the way, frequent stops are made; a variety of passengers can be seen exiting and entering the doors. A Dominant with a kneeling Submissive takes a seat near the front of the train at one stop. A small group of Submissives board and sit closer to the LIERS at another, all seemingly content in their roles. As the tour continues through the Up, the train passes close to the Market and White Wall Bridge and zips by North Park before heading into the Down and bypassing Red Wall Bridge and South Park.

The train makes a "final" stop at Riddler's Square, where inhabitants of the Down are instructed to return to their temporary housing. Those who live in the Up are permitted to stay on the train and revisit the same locations while returning.

« « « RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

(cw: aphro, dub-con, violence, marking)

Ice and chilly weather have begun to give way to rain instead, with overcast skies and dark clouds a seemingly constant sight. While the overabundance of rain is an annoyance and comes with the usual series of problems, such as leaky ceilings, mold growth, and gutters or storm drains overflowing, this time the rain carries with it another problem altogether. A weather advisory warning is broadcast to every device, as well as on news networks and radio. The rain, at least for a few days, is not ordinary rain. Whether you're in the Up or the Down, when the water hits clothing it eats away at it. The more water it absorbs, the more the material disintegrates until the wearer is left naked.

When the rain comes in contact with skin (or is ingested) the effects seem to differ depending on where you are in Duplicity. In the Up, it's relatively harmless and merely has an aphrodisiac effect, leaving individuals feeling hot and bothered, more sociable and touchy feely.

Those in the Down, however, are not so lucky. As the rain seeps through the soil from the Up, it ends up laced with toxins, causing a range of less pleasant side effects for anyone unfortunate enough to come into contact with it. Aside from the aphrodisiac, those who get caught in the rain may develop an uncomfortable, itchy rash, leaving them looking rather spotty for a few days. Those who can't resist scratching at themselves will find a newfound pleasure to the relief it brings and start to crave the feeling or sight of similar marks. In worst case scenarios, individuals will become addicted to marking themselves and others, perhaps even to the point of breaking skin.

Effects may last for several hours after exposure and will stack with repeated exposures. In all cases, getting off will bring temporary relief but will not alleviate the symptoms entirely.

Plastic coverings seem to be unaffected by the rain and, as word spreads, the Natives in Duplicity form a mad rush buying up umbrellas. Unless a character is lucky, they may find themselves unable to purchase - or even borrow - one. Theft of umbrellas becomes widespread in the Down, often escalating to violence, and even the Up isn't safe from thugs trying to steal and resell this suddenly hot commodity.

There's another side to all of this, however. Due to the shortage of umbrellas, it isn't uncommon to see Dom/Sub pairs sharing umbrellas together. If anything, it's encouraged as a means to strengthen their bond. Enterprising Subs and Doms alike may even sell their "services" to escort individuals who would otherwise end up soaked.

« « « SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME

(cw: substance abuse, altered states, coercion, fluids, physical body changes)

A new "holistic" pharma company named SQuIRT is opening up in Duplicity and is paying a pretty penny for people to trial run their new line of supplements. These supplements are supposed to increase a person's vitality and energy levels, but the side effects are what the company is really looking out for.

Some of the side effects aren't so bad and could include:

Prolonged erections
Lactation in both men and women
Size enlargement of breasts or genitals
Copious amounts of ejaculate or sexual fluids
Sudden interest in previously unexplored kinks

While others might find their own reaction to be a little more severe:

Shrinkage of breasts, genitals, or entire being
Inability to cum
Uncontrollable hair growth or hair loss
Temporary loss of one or more senses
Spontaneous weeping

Subjects must take the supplements for at least a week, otherwise they'll receive no compensation for their troubles. All new arrivals will find themselves automatically enrolled in these trials, whether they want to be or not, and expected to report to the clinic. Of course they don't have to take the supplements, but the payout is certainly enticing, especially for those unfortunate enough to be branded Submissives.

« « « STICKY FINGERS

(cw: violence)

Crime runs rampant in the Down as always but now, with the nastier side effects of the rain creating an ongoing problem, some unsavory types are sneaking their way into the Up where the effects aren't so hazardous.

The result is an uptick in crime in places that are usually considered safe. Be careful how you carry yourself - and your valuables. Those who look like easy pickings may find their pockets empty. Cameras in public areas are being vandalized as well, while homes and businesses are seeing a rise in graffiti. Most of the graffiti is merely obscene, but some is outright seditious. Good luck explaining the latter to the authorities if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of the smaller gangs that has a presence in the Down is taking particular advantage of the rain's disruption to expand their territory into the Up. Known as the Bulldogs, their members are young men and they have a reputation for violent muggings and assaults - mainly targeting Submissives. They loiter in groups near the train and the elevator between the Up and the Down to ambush the alone and unwary. At night, they also prey on those walking home from bars or clubs who may not fully have their wits about them.

In addition to beating up their victims for money, some of the Bulldogs are engaging in an informal competition over who can steal the most umbrellas - with bonus points awarded for whatever else they feel like. LIERs are worth double points by default, so watch out!

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

Please read carefully.

On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right". When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass". This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice.

To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide:

Players can choose whether to assign their character as a Dominant or Submissive on this TDM for the Door Pass for March Applications only. For May's Application round, threads started here may be used as samples however they will not be eligible for a Door Pass in May. Characters will need to use a thread from May's TDM, using those Door Pass rules, for an application after the March round.

To Note: Characters can only swap their designation for one of the following reasons: an event occurs that allows it or there are OOC reasons that make it a necessity. Any swap always requires mod approval and each character can only ever switch once. Characters that are being reapped will keep their previous designation but players can choose to use new TDMs with different designations for fun!

THERE WILL BE NO APPLICATION ROUND IN APRIL

Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have a good time!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ That's along the lines of the kind of work Drake was thinking he'd wind up doing -- the security, not tattooing. He listens to her interestedly, though, then smiles. ]

That sounds like a fun gig. And yeah, I've got a couple, but I'd have to take my shirt off to show you. Are you an artist?

I wouldn't be opposed to that. [ him taking off his shirt, she means, although she gets why he can't do it right now because of the rain. then again, having that shirtless view also turn into a wet shirtless one... well, she can't be blamed for wanting to know what it would look like, right? ]

Sorta. I did a lot of my own stuff, actually. Some of it was somebody else. [ her ex, but also other professional artists. ] But I like to think I've always kinda had my own eye for bright and colorful things.

Then once we get inside, I'll show you.

[ He's just over the rash he got from the first time he was stuck in the rain sans umbrella and got soaked, and isn't in a hurry to get another one. ]

Think I could see yours, too?

Honey, you can see anything you want to.

[ she's got more tattoos than are visible right now, and even the way she's dressed has got very little left to the imagination between her short shorts and off-the-shoulder crop top, but she's never been opposed to letting anyone get a closer look at them. ]

We're almost there, anyhow. [ she finally turns her gaze outward in front of them and tries to squint through the rain. ] ... I think. Oh, yeah, right up there. I recognize that burned-out building.

I think that's against the rules.

[ The way he emphasizes that is practically airquotes, though, and his smirk says he definitely doesn't care. Not just yet, anyway -- he hasn't been privy to tales of citations or realignment.

He glances up ahead where she's looking, and heads that way. It isn't long before they arrive, just like she said, and Drake holds the umbrella for her while she gets the building door. ]

You always play by the rules?

[ she can’t relate to that, and wouldn’t be able to relate to it even if she wasn’t here. once they get through the outer gate in through the courtyard area, she’s sliding open the big metal door, squeaky on its hinges, and ducking into the dry interior. it’s a little more put together now, less in demolition stages, although she has at least one ladder propped against the wall and a few paint buckets sitting on the floor, signs that she’s still making changes.

but it’s a clean, open space, the kitchen and the living room all kind of leading into each other, with a set of stairs leading up to the second floor where the bedrooms are. ]

Anybody home? Red? Brucie? [ her voice echoes a little before she spins back with a smile. ] Guess he took Bruce to work with him again. Looks like it’s just you’n me.

I definitely don't.

[ Drake shakes his umbrella out before bringing it in after them -- it's clearly still a work in progress but he likes they layout, the mood of the space. He smiles back at her. ]

Just us, then. This is bigger than I thought it'd be. You gonna need help painting it?

Yeah, but you shoulda seen it at first. This is with a lotta elbow grease. Plus I busted down a few walls here so I can skate around. [ she might've had a little sledgehammering help with that part, but she's more than happy to take credit, toeing off her shoes and backing up a few paces on bare feet. ]

Why, you wanna give me a hand sometime? [ and that's not even an innuendo; she's genuinely pleased by the thought, especially since he's so tall. ] Betcha you wouldn't even need a ladder to reach those spots up high.

Yeah. I've painted a few houses in my day.

[ He follows her lead, taking off his boots before coming farther into the place. ]

Skate around, huh? Blades or boards?

Nah, just skates! See?

[ she points, and amidst all of the various pairs of shoes and heels that have been left here at the door (most of them hers), there's one pair of black and gold and red roller skates, the classic kind. ]

Used to be on a derby team back home. Plus I was thinkin' of setting something up here for us ladies. 'Specially since it can be a good way to get out some of that... pent-up frustration, y'know? [ she swivels to him with a smile, slipping her hand into his and then tugging him along to head across the space. ] Other than the stuff they want us to do to each other.

[ He sees! Drake isn't an expert on skates, but they look cool. He used to rollerblade as a kid and enjoyed that, and figures it's pretty much the same thing. ]

Roller derby? That's retro, I like it.

[ He grins back, letting Harley take his hand and tug him... somewhere. Where are they going? ]

[ just the couch! which is currently adorned with a few pink fuzzy throw pillows, although she drops down and scoots over to make some room for him so he can sit down next to her if he wants to. ]

Gets pretty gnarly sometimes, but it's fun. [ she swivels to position herself closer to him, elbow docked against the back of the couch with her head propped in her hand. ]

Wait, do you skate? Or board, whatever?

[ He nods, sitting next to her and ruffling one of the fuzzy pink pillows just to see how soft it is. ]

I used to rollerblade, but it's been a long time. You think it's like riding a bike?

[ she does make note of him touching the pillow with a faint smile, especially since most people sit down and kind of just toss them aside. harley? she likes to hold onto one, clutching against her middle usually while she's watching tv. ]

Why not? Bodies remember a lot of stuff. I bet you strap on a pair and start rollin', it'll all come back to you. Just like that.

[ she snaps her fingers on the last word for further emphasis, drawing one knee up onto the sofa until it bumps into his leg. ] Maybe we could go skatin' together sometime.

[ Drake nods his agreement, with a quick glance down at the expanse of leg she's showing -- that little nudge got his attention, Harley. ]

Maybe we could. You know anywhere with good pavement?

[ well, if he wanted to see tattoos, a good number of them are right there on the tops of both thighs — all of the stick-and-poke or self-administered variety, although based on the look of them, some have either been crossed out or added on to more recently, literally drawn x's through or changed so that something now says PUDDINg cups.

she clearly hasn't shown any hesitation about sitting close to him, although she rarely has any problem with casually touching someone without any bigger incentive attached. granted, he is cute. she hasn't overlooked that. ]

Mmmm, Up's probably better for it. Since they actually care about keepin' things nice there. Here it's more like... whatever you can get, so good luck.

[ The crossed out tattoos are a choice, that's for sure. He's pretty sure a good artist could have managed cover ups for some, but he can't imagine putting something on his skin that he wouldn't be sure about later. Maybe that's why he only has four tattoos and Harley has all of these -- the willingness to make mistakes with it. There's something bold and appealing about that. About her. ]

I'll look for good spots when I head back up.

Speakin' of good spots...

[ she trails off then, leaning back against the couch cushions with a slow stretch of her arms up over her head. it's a move that makes it apparent she's sporting way more ink than just what's on her face, arms and thighs, especially with the hem of her shirt creeps up to bare her stomach for a few seconds. ]

You gonna show me what you've got on you, or should I go first? [ the answer doesn't matter to her one way or another. she'll gladly be the one to start showing off the rest of what's on her body, even if that means ditching some layers. ]

[ Drake chuckles, then straightens up a bit and pulls off his shirt. He's got five visible immediately, one on each shoulder -- a knotted bear paw the bolder of the two, a heart with his mother's name on his bicep, and numbers on either collarbone. ]

I was looking to get a new one but my artist isn't around, here.

[ it's definitely a nice view, and she's not just talking about the tattoos, although instinctively her fingers come up to idly trace the designs of that paw on his shoulder, following the thick lines of its shape while she listens. ]

Oh! Well, if you want, I could give you somethin' new. Shop's just about ready to be opened up again, so you could come by, take a look around. [ her fingers still against his arm as she looks up at his face again. ] See if there's anythin' you like.

[ Drake doesn't seem to mind the contact -- in fact he turns his upper body so she can see it better. It's his favorite one.

Her not-so-subtlety gets a grin out of him, too, his eyes flicking down to the tattoos on her arms and legs. She sure does have the experience. ]

You could, huh? Which of yours did you do yourself?

Well, let's see. [ she pulls back from him to glance down at herself; most of the tattoos on her body are visible without her even needing to remove a layer, since she's wearing shorts and a short-sleeved top, and she scans over herself before pointing at her thighs. ]

These I did, but they were all the stick'n poke kind when I was bored once. [ try a handful of times, in the super-max prison where she briefly did a stint. ] Went back later and touched 'em up with a machine I rigged up myself. These here — [ she touches her forearm, indicates the J-shape on her upper arm that's clearly been turned into a mermaid, lettering on her chest and face. ] — not me. I'm kinda self-taught.

[ All the cover ups are interesting, but Drake doesn't know her well enough to ask about it yet. ]

I'd be curious to see what you could do with a real machine. Do you sketch things out first?

Sometimes! Not always. I've been known to freehand, but that's just mostly on myself. If I was doin' it on someone else, I wouldn't do it that way unless they wanted me to.

[ her ex had been the one for... shall we say, forcible tattooing. but harley's not about that life. still, after she's done looking herself over, she glances back to where he's sitting next to her, shirtless and looking very good right now. ]

Got some other ones too, if you wanna see 'em. Some of this has gotta come off first.

Sure. If you feel like showing off.

[ Both the tattoos and herself, in this instance. ]

TDM #17

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