Duplicity Game Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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duplicitymemes2021-05-08 02:08 am
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2021-05-08 02:08 am
Entry tags:
TDM #18
« « « 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 paper gown 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 quite pleasant for once actually. Sunny and warm. How nice. |
» » » 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. |
« « « BACK ON TRACK
 With the train system up and running again after the damage that was done to it thanks to the Rubies, Duplicity’s Department of Transportation has decided to partner with LIEs and their Orientation program for the next batch of new arrivals being processed at the facility. Their aim is to raise a bit of money to help cover the cost of repairs and much needed construction, and they’ll be enlisting the help of LIERs — whether they want to volunteer their time or not. There aren’t many vehicles in Duplicity, but those who do own cars or even motorcycles are encouraged to take advantage of the warming weather by coming out to get a free washing, courtesy of the city’s first official charity car wash. Should anyone care to make a donation, all proceeds will be going to benefit continuing restoration efforts at the various stations that were impacted by last month’s events. Of course, new LIERs aren’t the only ones invited to volunteer their time and efforts to soaping up some chrome — and there might be some fun perks involved for anyone who pitches in to help get these cars all squeaky clean. |
« « « ZOOM ZOOM
 (cw: aphro, voyeurism, exhibitionism, public humiliation, fluids, coercion, dub-con, transactional sex)Even though Duplicity is a place ripe with debauchery and filth in many regards, that doesn’t mean that those who have the means to own vehicles aren’t inclined to keep them clean. Targeting those who clearly have cash to spare, the car wash in the Up put on by the Department of Transportation is an enticing spectacle to behold, whether one is having their vehicle catered to or not. Volunteers are encouraged to strip down to underwear or a swimsuit and get scrubbing! If they don’t have something skimpy to wear, don’t worry — there are spare hot pants and bikinis to go around. Hoses, buckets, and a variety of colorful liquid soaps have all been provided as well, along with sponges for washing - although using one’s own soaped up body is even better - and towels for drying. Getting all sudsy and wet seems to come with some added effects depending on which soap is used, such as:
Some of these cars are going to get dirtier before they get clean. But who doesn’t love a show? In fact, one of the services offered is a bit of backseat action with the volunteers, anything from riding the gear shift to stationary road head. Car owners may request to have volunteers get it on in the back while they watch via a dashcam set up on the rearview mirror. It may seem counterintuitive considering the point of a car wash is to clean the vehicle, but engaging in such an act could earn a pretty penny for the fundraiser. There are other tasks to do at the car wash aside from, well, scrubbing vehicles with your body. Volunteers are also needed to collect donations, greet those who come to the event, hold signs to advertise and entice passerbys, help direct people where to go, etc. These volunteers are encouraged to wear as little as possible or white clothes, especially if they want to enter the wet t-shirt contest held at the end of the day. All those who participate in the contest will receive tickets for admission to a drive-in movie coming to a parking lot in the near future. |
« « « STATION MASTER
 (cw: public sex)To celebrate the return of regular train service, for a limited time, special cards with a magnetic stripe are handed out to riders. At first, it might be unclear what they’re for, but printed on one side is a list with every station between the Up and the Down. Inquire further and their purpose will become a little more obvious: “check-ins” at each station, with special prizes handed out to the riders who manage to achieve a minimum of five (the most common of these being a complimentary night for them and a plus one, if desired, at the Stay and Play Hotel). However, checking in won’t be quite as simple as a single swipe of one’s card. Scanning the card at any turnstile will offer up a specific sex act that riders must complete, either on the train itself or, if they’re quick, in the station before hopping on. Some acts might only require one person — solo masturbation to orgasm, for example. Others may demand two or even three participants. Better hope you’ve found a riding buddy, or even a possible friendly stranger, because all acts must be completed by the time the train reaches its final stop in the Down before looping back to the Up. |
« « « ESCORT ESCAPADES
 (cw: coercion)Following the recent conflict that took place in the Down, LIEs has begrudgingly ceded control of the lower portion of the city to the Rubies and other gangs. Although some territory, including the public housing for LIERs, remains neutral, the area on the whole is seedier than ever. Thanks to this development, LIEs has decided to pair new Submissives up at Orientation with a Dominant to escort them safely to their housing in the Down. Whether the Dominant is just as green as the Sub they’re escorting or a longtime Duplicity resident, adhering to the buddy system is necessary in these tumultuous times. There may also be a few instances where Submissives are paired with one another and entrusted to the care of a native Dominant to help them to their new place of residence. Regardless of who goes with who, no one is to end up going home alone! Of course, in the spirit of matchmaking, Dominants are encouraged (if the chemistry is right) to spend the night with their Submissive charge, either in the Down or, if the Dominant is feeling generous, back at their place. If they wind up getting it on, both will receive $50 deposited to their bank accounts the next day. Sure, it may not seem like much, but for Submissives especially, who have nothing, it’s better than being empty-handed. |
« « « 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: If your character would rather live in the country or out in nature, they’re a Submissive. If your character is a city slicker or would like to be, they’re a Dominant. 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! Test Drive threads can be used as activity proofs for characters currently in-game. Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have a good time!! |
no subject
You as well. [He politely inclines his head.
An assassin from a family of assassins- that's a new one. The natives here might be a slog, but the LIERs are so very intriguing and exciting. There's whole worlds to be discovered through them, and it takes everything Pegasus has not to dive too deep, get distracted.]
I was among the first of the new arrivals, so I've had a few days to settle in. Or settle in as best one can in a place where every other thing has aphrodisiac properties. [Okay, that's a little dramatic; most things don't, but an inordinate amount still do.] I'd be careful about what things you eat, drink, touch, and you'll want to be wary of the natives, because sometimes they like to throw things at you, or blindside you with something that seems innocent. Isn't this place delightful?
[He gives a ringing, sardonic laugh.]
no subject
[ He doesn't sound all that bothered, if anything he just looks a little thoughtful. While that sort of thing was never part of his training regime in the past, he wasn't at all bothered by it either. In a way he felt that it might aid his training. He had already been poisoned over and over since birth and developed a tolerance, so what difference would this make? ]
I just arrived. Have you been to the Down yet?
[ Pegasus was supposed to escort the assassin, after all. ]
no subject
That's definitely the case for the LIERs, but that might be giving the natives a little too much credit. Most of them are already in contracts and well indoctrinated. For them, much of that is just indulgence.
[Like kicking back on the weekend with a glass of wine. Except, you know, it's an aphrodisiac instead.]
Oh, don't worry. I know my way around. [He hasn't had much of a wander of the Down, but he hasn't needed to. He knows what spots to avoid, and he knows how to reach the submissive housing.] Our devices have a GPS, besides. In the unlikely event that my sense of direction fails us, I'll just bring that out.
[Once outside, Pegasus gestures him down a footpath. They'll need to reach the central elevator from here, catch a ride to the Down, then they can have a nice stroll while being hollered at by strangers, probably. He might know what places in the Down one should definitely avoid, but that doesn't mean they can avoid unpleasantness entirely.]
no subject
[ A hand comes up to Illumi's chin in thought as they walk together, the Submissive easily following alongside Pegasus. The occasional glance from natives and fellow LIERs alike don't phase the longer haired man even in his unfortunate state of undress. Even as they continue to the elevator. ]
I had heard there were issues there recently. I was more concerned for your safety rather than your sense of direction. If you get lost, as a Dominant, I'm sure someone would have helped you.
[ Even if the communicator they held apparently could give them directions with a built in map and artificial navigator. That was rather handy. ]
no subject
[With his abilities, Illumi would be an asset to The Rubies, but Pegasus still tacks on:]
-Well, once you have something to offer, that is.
And I'll be perfectly fine. I've travelled around the world- my world, at least, so I'm not unaccustomed to this sort of thing.
[A little ways down the footpath, Pegasus draws them across the street, waving away a dominant that tries to sidle in on the submissive he's escorting. Sure didn't take them long to start going after a new, seemingly vulnerable submissive like a shark after blood.]
With how relaxed you are, I'll bet you've done some travelling through dangerous waters yourself.
no subject
[ Vulgarities aside his home world was much more bizarre than this. With countless magical beasts, faeries, criminals, poisonous illusion filled marshes... Islands with giant mushrooms and large flying monsters with more teeth than body. Even his family's guard dog was more dangerous than a walk through these streets.
A mere human was hardly a risk. Especially ones lacking any proper training. ]
How is travel in your world? Surely this city is boring in comparison?
no subject
Well, it's less... racy, that's for certain. I'll probably get bored eventually, but for the moment, this place is very novel, and not all in awful ways. The magic, for example- it's more flexible than what I've encountered back home. They have potions here, like in books.
[He sounds a little like a kid in a toy store.]
What about your world? Is there magic there?
no subject
Magic exists as a rare skill... Mages and Spell Hunters use their vast knowledge and practice of their Auras to perform various elemental spells. Even summonings.
[ Though Illumi had incredible power over his Nen, he was not a mage nor had any desire to be. An assassin focused on their individual talents than forcing mediocrity across multiple ones. A deeper look into his mind would show Illumi's own strengths: precision of throws, infusing his aura into needles to condition, control or change the appearance of the living. Or on the darker side of things even re-animate and control the dead.
Mindlessly, mind you. Rendering them into nothing more than useful puppets. Though that was the sort of ability Pegasus likely would have thought up for a card or two anyway. ] Your world has magic, but no potions?
no subject
He does dig a little deeper, to try to unearth more of that world, and the re-animate and control the dead gives him pause. Not one of disgust, but one of interest, because he's been looking for ways to resurrect someone dear to him, and he'll consider every avenue. It would be ideal if he didn't have to wait until he got access to whatever 'program' is being used to collect LIEs participants.]
The magic of my world probably isn't what you would traditionally associate with the word. A lot of it is channelled through unconventional means, and much of it comes through the soul.
[He knows a shortcut to the elevator, courtesy of his earlier deep dive into Duplicity's residents, so he turns them down into an alleyway before continuing to speak.
They won't be taking any shortcuts once in the Down. Too risky.]
Are you able to perform any magic yourself? That would come in handy when travelling through those 'worse places', I imagine.
no subject
The comment about 'soul' though does make him wonder if Pegasus's world had something like Nen and the like. ]
Magic isn't necessary. My specialty is self-defense. [ Despite Illumi's blank, almost hollow expression his voice sounds almost pleased. A bit on the joyful side. ] I have ways of making people who piss me off leave me alone.
no subject
The change in Illumi's voice has Pegasus cocking his eyebrows at him curiously.]
You could give a demonstration, once we're in the Down. It wouldn't be hard to find someone.
[He sounds surprisingly casual considering he's suggesting they deliberately seek out trouble so Pegasus can watch him assault some poor sod.
There's a moment pause, during which he regards Illumi's outfit (or lack thereof) thoughtfully.]
We should probably get you changed first, so to avoid the potential for indecent exposure.
no subject
No offense.]You aren't much of a fighter, are you?
[ Illumi's head tilts as they approach the lift, his long black hair moving elegantly with the motion as he gives Pegasus a careful, but not hidden look over. ]
I would kill you easily. I think even I would feel bad about it.
no subject
Physically? No. I've never so much as thrown a punch at someone. Just seems a fast way to get ones knuckles bruised.
[He's not a particularly imposing figure, despite his height. Too skinny, too manicured. Not exactly dom material, at least on the surface.
The follow up comment gets Illumi a laugh.]
Like killing a kitten, right? Because I'm cute and charming. Not particularly small, but I doubt that would do me much good.
[Into the elevator. It's a ten minute journey, so he finds them a quiet corner to spend that time in.]
no subject
Fighting in it wouldn't bother him, but if he could avoid it that would be preferred. ]
You have never thrown a punch? Even my youngest brother has.
[ Kalluto was only 10 and a member of a Class-A criminal organization, though, so perhaps he hardly counted in a normal place like this. ]
no subject
[Why develop muscle when you can pay for muscle? He hasn't felt in any danger in seven years, in any case, courtesy of the Eye. Most people aren't going to be able to combat a shadow game.
With someone like Illumi, he would have to employ rules to protect himself first, before progressing with a game, and even if he can do it at a thought, there's no guarantee he would be fast enough to avoid one of those needles.
But he has no intention of ever initiating one of those with him. Much more useful as an ally. Or a neutral presence, at least.]
But I could learn, I suppose. [He won't.] Any tips?
no subject
Not that seeing the eye would particularly mean anything to him, but he'd put up with all sorts of physical and mental tortures in his life. Enough to almost be sympathetic to people weaker to him like Pegasus here... He'd still kill him in a heartbeat, but he might let him run or have a last wish. Little things like that. ]
I would have to see your starting point.
[ He holds up one hand, motioning to it with his other. ]
Punch my palm.
no subject
Try to be gentle about your assessment.
[Here he goes-
And it's terrible. He knows it is. Illumi's hand doesn't even move when he strikes it, and he shamelessly rubs his knuckles after with a frown.]
no subject
Really anything. His gaze returns to Pegasus. ]
You weren't lying. Your posture is all wrong. [ The same hand Pegasus punched closes into a fist, albeit a very loose one. ] When you throw a fist, you shouldn't tighten your arm or shoulder before you swing.
[ And then he punches: close to Pegasus, but narrowly avoiding him with just a graze of hair as fist meets metal and the portion of the lift briefly shakes and groans. ]
You shouldn't squeeze your fist until you swing, either. It'll weaken the force of your blow.
no subject
You shouldn't? I would have thought that added to the force behind it-
[Was punching that close really necessary? Pegasus can't help jolting a little, reaching out to steady himself on the railing as the elevator shakes. The other occupants don't look especially pleased either, and one of them edges over to the door like they're worried it's going to be them next.]
Impressive! And a fraction of what you're capable of, I'm sure. Which is fortunate, because if you damaged that, I doubt either of us could pay the fine. [He turns slightly, curiously examining Illumi's hand.] Does that hurt at all?
no subject
So there were those sort of stigmas here. He'd had a feeling, but it was informative to see it in action. ]
When your muscles are tensed they cause a disruption of airflow and limit the fluidity of your motion. You should squeeze and tighten only in the midst of your swing for maximum impact.
[ The front gate to his property was more of a workout to open, but destroying the lift would likely take quite a bit of work. Or needlemen. His hand drops back to his side which seems to help the other passengers relax. ]
Punching metal always hurts to some degree.
no subject
I thought that might fade after some years, but I suppose you're punching something much softer most of the time anyway.
[He fists one of his hands a few times, copying how Illumi did it. He's a quick study, so he does manage to hold himself appropriately this time, but he definitely won't be practising enough (at all) for this to go anywhere.]
One more go? We have time enough for that.