Duplicity Game Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
duplicitymods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
duplicitymemes2021-03-09 06:59 pm
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2021-03-09 06:59 pm
Entry tags:
TDM #17
« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »
« « « ALL ON DISPLAY
» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «
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:
While others might find their own reaction to be a little more severe:
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!! |
no subject
Inside the darkened interior of the house — for she has not moved to turn on any of the lights yet — she can hear the rain beating relentlessly against the windows, falling in sheets, and he is silhouetted even in the shadows, as she listens to her own light pants of breath, to his. Her own dress has dissolved midway up her legs, the sheer fabric of her stockings beneath clinging to her calves in mere strips, and her gaze drifts over his face, seemingly more daring now that they are secluded together, tucked away in a dry, warm space. ]
Yes, I shudder to think what sort of state we would have been left in without it. [ Her voice has dropped, low and still sounding as though she is trying to slow her breaths, and the umbrella in question slips from her grasp to fall to the floor, spinning like a top before listing to one side.
On sudden impulse, she reaches up to sweep fingers against a few curls straying across his forehead, nudging them back with all of the rest. For a moment it is silent between them, save the rain. ]
no subject
his breathing feels heavy and the laughter gets stuck in his throat the moment he feels the brush of the tips of her fingers on his forehead. it's a sweet gesture, innocent even, but he's studying her expression carefully, suddenly hopeful for a hint of more. even with the pink flush on her cheeks her skin glows against the dark background, making the mark on her neck stand out. he tries not to look at it.
a clock is ticking somewhere in the house and he's conscious of how time seems to have slowed down altogether. it's just his imagination, but this is like some sort of a magic spell he's under. he's dizzy and his chest feels tight and he can't draw his eyes away from her.
his lips part slightly as he draws in a breath, hoping it doesn't sound as shaky to her as it did to his own ears. then, almost by itself, his hand reaches to touch her dress below her waist as if he was curious to see whether the remaining fabric would dissolve when touched. it doesn't. without the umbrella the situation would have been different.
there's a question in his eyes even though he wants to hide it. ]
no subject
It takes her an additional beat to realize that, even as his hand alights to settle against the remaining folds of her dress, above the round of her hip, her own has dropped from that wayward curl of hair to settle against his shoulder, the one that no longer wears a sleeve of either his coat or the shirt beneath — and it means she has skin beneath her fingertips again, as her touch descends along the length of his bare arm, bicep to the inward curve of an elbow to forearm.
Wordlessly, slowly, she collects his hand in hers and guides it to her waist on the other side, assent there in that gesture but also in the manner in which her gaze ultimately lifts to find his again — the answer to the question he poses all without voicing a single sentiment.
Then again, it may be confirmed even further when she steps forward, the movement almost silent on bare feet, and they are close enough for her to feel the heat of his breath against her skin, across the shape of her mouth; there is a piece of her that almost desires to prolong it, this sudden and sweet anticipation between them, even if the water that has now absorbed into her skin, her hair has prompted a flush in her cheeks, a quickening in her breathing. ]
no subject
because she's closed the short distanced between them, she's so close he would only have to step in and he could slip his knee between her legs; her almost bare legs, press his body against hers and...
his heart is beating so fast he doesn't know what to do, how to continue drawing in air without breathing in her scent. his fingers press against the fabric on her waist, eager to pull her in so there's no more chance to hesitate, but suddenly he gasps sharply, stopping himself short. ]
--No, I couldn't, I'm sorry. [ he hardly knows her, this is her home and he's about to make a big mistake. he shouldn't have imposed himself on her like this, it was indecent from the start. his hands curl into fists by her waist like his own body fought against the idea of backing down. ]
no subject
She wants it all, desperately, suddenly more than she has ever wanted anything else, and when his hands tighten their hold on her waist she thinks this, this will be the moment. Her hand alights to his cheek while she inclines her head to bring their mouths together — and then the sharp indraw of his breath prompts her to stop too, just short of consummating. ]
Couldn't you? [ She exhales it, arousal heavy on her lips and yearning; confronted now with the possibility of having to stop, her body instantaneously wars with her mind, leaving her dangling in a place somewhere between the two, and yet she knows if she proceeded now, ignoring his wishes, she would never truly be able to forgive herself. It does not make the manner in which she burns for his touch less obvious, though, especially since she cannot bring herself to withdraw from his embrace right away. ]
This isn't how I... typically behave at first meeting, I assure you. [ She tilts back until she can meet his gaze again, a soft furrow between her brows. ] Whether you choose to continue or stop now, however, I can — I will — respect your wishes.
no subject
No, that's not it. That's not it at all. [ he's quick to assure her, the strain in his voice real. she's been amazing, it was he who invited himself in here. if anyone was to blame for this situation, it would be him. ]
I wish I could, I wish it so much, but I cannot. [ he doesn't have enough blood left in his brain to explain it any better, so he can only hope that she senses the desperation him. his hands remain on her waist and he's staring at her mouth - he's fully aware that he's sending all the wrong signals, but he can't help himself. his voice is barely a whisper. ] Can you forgive me?
no subject
Of course. [ She shakes her head quietly, almost imperceptibly, the worry there overriding any of her other feelings, anywhere her attention might be torn in focus by his touch or the way his voice has softened while they are standing so close to one another. Still, she recognizes that she cannot simply send him out into the rain with the inadequate cover of that umbrella or nothing at all, for that would be something she wouldn't be able to forgive herself for as well. ]
I'm afraid if I don't... take steps to rectify the situation personally, the effects may worsen. [ She will not dismiss him now, but if they cannot proceed together, she will have to see to herself by other methods, and with a strength of will that surprises even her she pulls herself free from his hold, walking backward by a few paces until she meets the foyer wall; one of her hands secures purchase in what remains of her skirt, clenching a fisted grip in the ruined material. ] I suggest you do the same.
[ Her gaze finds his, the implication heavy; he may not be able to touch her, or she him, but there are ways around that. ]
no subject
when she suddenly frees herself of his hold he has half a mind to go after her and for a moment it really seems like he would, his hands grab at air before he draws them back to himself and presses the fists against his sides. he can't help looking like she just slapped him in the face even though she did precisely what he begged of her. it's terrible. ]
I... [ he turns a shade darker, unable to form words for a second, but his eyes stay on her. she'd only need to look a little lower to see what an effect her proximity had on him and now those words. relieving himself after all of this was going to happen without question but he never thought that-- ] Not in the same room. Please. [ his voice cracks and his direct words surprise even himself, but she went there first and he had to get it out there somehow. he wouldn't be able to restrain himself if she was in his view. just standing back now takes everything he has. ]
no subject
— she draws in a breath, soft and shuddering, and glances away from him before the temptation becomes too great for her to bear. Part of her is aware that this is the rain now, so much moisture having seeped into her skin that her entire body feels flushed as though with fever, and she can discern a telling ache between her legs, something that she knows will become more intolerable by the minute until she takes care of the problem. ]
Of course, you should... I can show you to the guest room. [ It is upstairs, although climbing the set behind her now feels like a unique feat in and of itself, and she shifts to move by him, collecting herself as much as she is able; instinctively, she reaches to grasp her skirt before realizing her hem has been reduced to tatters, no risk for her to tread on now in bare feet as she begins to ascend by a few steps before waiting for him to follow. She attempts to keep her voice level as well, though there is a breathless quality to it, as though she has been overly exerting herself, and she has to reach out to brace a hand against the banister, momentarily steadying herself. ] You may... stay until the storm passes, if you like.
no subject
suddenly he steps forward like he was about to climb the stairs and catch up with her, but instead he jerks to an abrupt stop and grabs a hold of the knob of the banister at the bottom of the stairs.
his fingers curl around the wooden knob like he was trying to crush it, but his eyes are fixed on her. he's breathing heavily. speaking is a struggle, but he means every word. ]
I won't disturb you, I promise.
no subject
Her heart pounds in her chest so firmly that she can hear the echo of it in her ears, almost loud enough to block out the distant fall of rain, and she is surprised he cannot hear it too, that constant thudding that quickens in spite of her attempts to remain calm. ]
And if I told you you were permitted?
[ She does not turn around to face him, fingers curving an imperceptible degree against the wood of the railing, as if one look from him will prove to be the undoing of the final shreds of whatever self-control she has within her. For the moment, all is silence between them again, but she can almost hear his breaths as closely as if they were in her ear, and she imagines him there now, pressed against her, vivid and palpable and close enough to touch and be touched in her mind's eye. ]
no subject
he shakes his head even though vanessa can't see him, presses his fingers around tighter the wooden knob as if to keep himself grounded even though his other foot has already sneaked its way on the first step. he wants to curse out loud.
it's so difficult to think of a reason when he can't even think straight anymore. he can only focus on the length of her legs, the curve of her neck, the shape of her, her whole body suddenly made available to him with a few quiet words he will never forget -- it would only require climbing the steps and he could take her. he wouldn't even have to bother undressing her, not when the rain did the job for him.
she's wise not to have turned around. if she as much as looked at him, he knows for sure he couldn't keep himself in check anymore. gathering what's left of his senses, he draws in a breath before he speaks. there's a fraction of a moment when he almost says the wrong thing. ]
I would think of the permission as a privilege and as an honour, but as your guest I could never do such a thing.
[ it's a lot of words and he struggles with them, wishing the exact opposite. what he wouldn't give to be able to show up on the doorstep of vanessa's bedroom, invited or less so at this point? but it's impossible, he can't, they're strangers and it's one of his first nights in this strange city. he's a gentleman, he'd never. ]
no subject
She does not fully turn to face him, but she does pivot, just enough, to put him in her periphery, and there is an understanding in her expression, even as she struggles to keep it schooled into some semblance of politeness in spite of the need that coils through her. ]
Of course. [ She whispers it, knowing he'll be able to discern her standing this close, and then summoning a willpower she will desperately need in order to make it up the remainder of the stairs and down the corridor to the room she must show him to, she draws in a breath, ascending the flight one step at a time. ]
But as your host, I must insist that you stay as long as you like. [ The moment passed between them, she raises her voice again, pressing her lips together when the sentiment is expressed as she attempts to control her breathing. The ache within her is growing, this yawning need for satisfaction, and she fears she may be only minutes away from sinking her weight against the wall and shoving a hand beneath her ruined skirts in order to try and sate it, so much of her body seeming to yearn for that touch. ] At least... until this storm has passed and you can see your way back safely.
no subject
I will stay for the night.
[ every hour he spends under this roof will be a struggle, but he knows that it would be much worse out there. vanessa is too generous. he worries what will become of this budding friendship, however, if he can't control himself. she's kind and understanding, he doesn't want to lose her. one night is all he can take. ]
Miss Ives, I have a request to make.
[ he tries to sound stern, not to give her the wrong impression of what he's about to ask of her. climbing the stairs is slow and he's not reached her yet - he will try to keep his distance for the rest of the evening. the shape of his erection can be clearly seen through the trousers, it's getting really uncomfortable to move. ]
no subject
She does not respond to his assent in words so much as with a nod of her head, slow and understanding. It is more than she is willing to press him on, not wanting to seem overeager in her hospitality but reluctant to send him back out into the worst of it now, and at least here, he will have a freshly made bed to sleep in, perhaps some clean clothes if she can rustle up an older shirt and pair of trousers of Dorian’s that might be stored away.
The sudden shift in his tone prompts her to still, however, and she finally does swivel to look at him again, ascending the stairs behind her, not having made it to the corridor just yet; the light from the hall, cast across his features, makes her draw in a breath at the sight of damp curls, the sheen of rainwater on his skin. ]
What is it you need, Mr. Lascelles? [ It is an internal struggle not to let her gaze linger on his mouth, the shape of his jaw. ]
no subject
everything would be much easier if vanessa didn't look at him, especially not like that. he knows what a poor impression he must make and how impossible it would be to fancy someone in his current condition. a man incapable of self-control, dressed in rags like some beggar on the street. he wishes he could see her stare at him with such longing when he's more like himself. not like this, not when he knows for certain that the yearning in her eyes is only the work of some weird power. ]
Can you lock the door? [ it's a weird request, but he can't explain it any further, his tongue feels heavy and words impossible. he's ashamed yet serious because he knows that she must understand his meaning. ]
no subject
Her shoulders do not release their tension, but there is an instant when her features arrange themselves in a slightly more neutral expression, as though she is attempting to submerge any obvious traces of yearning that may still linger in her eyes. ]
Yes, of course.
[ And now it is her turn to speak sternly, more abruptly, turning from him with an indrawn breath before she can let her inconvenient state influence her any further than it already has. She does not wait for him to follow this time, as she ventures down the hall and finally stands in front of the door at a corner neighboring her own bedroom, retreating to afford him enough of a berth to enter without actually initiating an inadvertent touch between them. ]
no subject
he sees vanessa waiting by the door down the hall and averts his gaze when he approaches her, thankful for the space she's given him. there's no hiding his current state when he comes in her view, but he's quick to move past her and enter the room. before he knows it he's already gripping the handle of the door, ready to practically slam the door in her face. he manages to stop himself at the last moment. ]
Good night, Miss Ives.
[ it sounds more like "get away from me" – even though he doesn't mean any of it. nothing neutral about his expression either, since he can't get rid of the frown, so her impression of him is probably even worse. there's no way he could even apologize to her without pulling her into the room with himself, so he simply closes the door without another word. he won't let go of the handle until he hears the key turning in the lock. ]