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)
duplicitymemes2021-05-08 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
[He'll buy his safety, eventually. There's only so many shadow games he's willing to start for the sake of being able to travel the Down.
The explanation for what the Archivist does draws a curious cock of his eyebrows. Or well, eyebrow, since the Archivist can only see one.]
Is this foundation publicly accessible? I'd be interested in having a look. The less this place blindsides me, the better.
[It is much quicker, easier, and more effective to simply peek into someones mind, however, so Pegasus settles deeper into his seat in preparation to go digging.]
no subject
No, it's not. I would allow a researcher with a legitimate inquiry access, perhaps, but these are stories of people who have been traumatized in some form or fashion. I don't allow the general public to simply peruse their terrors at their leisure.
If you had a question, I may be able to provide some generalized answers based on what information I have.
no subject
Of course, of course. My apologies. I see you take this responsibility very seriously- the privacy concerns didn't even occur to me.
[He tsks a few times, as if admonishing himself, then presses on.]
Mmm, how about... are there any terrors you think I ought to watch out for?
[And while the Archivist is addressing that, he'll have a little graze of their mind. Just pluck at some of those surface thoughts and feelings, first, before diving any deeper.]
no subject
She was just 27. No one should die like that. Like-
No rent. No rent and I just signed a goddamn contract. What do I tell her? We can't move back to the Down-
Why is he smiling at me? There's nothing to smile about. Does he-
The riots took everything, the fire-
I don't like that man. Too tall. God, he's like a spider with the-
Why the fuck is there a club for the vampires, anyway? Blood-sucking leeches.
The broken thoughts ping around in Jon's head as he mentally pushes against them to keep himself in the moment, instead of focusing on other things.]
LIEs is more of a threat to you than most of the native phenomena's likely to be. We did have a headless horseman during October last year that chased people around the forest to murder them. I'd also avoid taking up a residence near the beach. A haunted ship took up residence there last summer and brought a red tide and a great many dead animals washing up on the beach.
no subject
He sweeps his gaze over the rest of the trains occupants to pursue the continuation of those fragments, and he isn't able to. They don't match. He turns in his seat just slightly, glances down the other side of the train, tries to find some connection, and all he gets is one tapering thought about rent. Does this man have so little control that he receives thoughts from all over the city? That sounds awful. And interesting.
Back to the Archivist.]
A... [What was he saying? Headless... horseman! That's it. And something about the beach, but he missed any memorable details.] Headless horseman, you say? Are things like that common in October, or was that just a particularly unlucky year?
[He tries again, deeper this time, brushing past anything superfluous to try to get to the meat of who this person is.]
cw: attempted mind-control
[He gestures vaguely.]
Most things here seem to be resolved with sex. Tedious as that is.
[Pushing deeper nets more of Jon's thoughts and fears. His major anxiety is focused on the potential presence of SIN Guards, the anklet around his leg sending a painful jolt of electricity any time he comes near them. There's concern over the general press of people, as well, worry over the people he knows in the Down and a person named EROS being harbored by the Rubies.
As Pegasus examines, though, something else turns its gaze upon him. It is ancient, primordial, far older than human civilization, and it is vast and hungry. It watches him watching, doing nothing but looking back.
Which is about the point that Jon notices there's something glowing from beneath the other man's hair and the creeping sensation of being watched hits a higher level than its usual baseline for him. He goes still, and then, he asks a question, putting some power behind it.]
Why is your face glowing?
no subject
Sounds like people featured in their own bargain bin horror movie. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a movie with that exact plot out there somewhere. [Not that he's ever seen a bargain bin, but he's heard of them.] I'll be sure to put out a jack-o-lantern when October comes around, just in... in case.
[His voice falters slightly when he feels something watch back, a vast, hungry, old something that even the Eye, in its own ancient power, can't seem to repel with its usual ease. The fine hairs at Pegasus's nape and arms stand on end and his heart jumps in his chest, but his intrigue wins out over his unease, like it often does with such things, and he reaches for that ancient gaze like he might be able to peel it open and take its secrets for himself.
But he doesn't get far, his attention snapping back to Jon when he speaks.]
It isn't.
[Right? It only does that when he wants it to, when he's aiming to intimidate people, but he suddenly realises he can feel that odd, prickling warmth he always does when he uses that ability.
The light fades. Apparently reaching for that vast thing in Mr. Sims got him excited.]
Well, that's embarrassing. I've never had that happen before. [He smiles and carefully readjusts his hair.] You have a very interesting mind, Mr. Sims. Though you might want to consider Xanax or something. You radiate anxiety.
no subject
Get inside my head again, and I will rip apart yours, Mr. Crawford.
[It's a quiet threat, but one accompanied by a bite in the Archivist's tone. He has to deal with Elias sifting through his mind. He refuses to tolerate it from other people.]
Consider this your one warning.
no subject
[Looks like he's upset Jon's sensibilities quite thoroughly, though.]
Seems like you've been in plenty of other peoples heads, in any case, so isn't it a little hypocritical to threaten me? We could come together over that common ground instead.
no subject
I told you that information wasn't publicly available. I don't work with people who can't respect basic privacy or boundaries. [That is an absolute lie. Also hypocritical, as Pegasus points out. Curiosity starts to prickle at his senses, telling him to dig back.
It's a difficult temptation to resist when he's upset and now has guilt creeping in along with more worries. What exactly has Pegasus seen? Another question and more power behind it this time.]
How did you see inside my head?
no subject
It's been a long time since the Eye has done something without his conscious direction. Or something this obvious, at least, and he can't help shuddering a little, his jaw clicking until he manages to recover his voice.]
Impressive trick. What were you saying about 'people who can't respect basic privacy or boundaries'?
no subject
[He feels the train slowing and anxiety spikes up once more. He needs to get off this train, away from this man, but he doesn't know who might be getting on at the next station. It's a gamble that it won't be a Guard... and one he'll have to deal with. Jon stands from his seat.]
You wanted advice? I would suggest keeping your eyes to yourself. There's far more in this place than might exist in your own reality.
no subject
Oooh, scary. They should send you out on Halloween.
[Getting away from this man might prove difficult, since he'll rise after Jon once Jon starts moving. Not because he needs to get off here, but so he can work at Jon a little more. Without use of the Eye.]
On that subject, something looked back at me when I was digging around in there. [He lightly taps Jon's head with his fingers. Height advantage, so it's really easy.] How about a friendly exchange instead of a tug-of-war? You tell me about yours, I'll tell you about mine. I don't really mind divulging. Whatever you were doing back there was just unpleasant.
no subject
Don't touch me. And how do I know you're not going to just try to read my mind again?
no subject
Apologies. It's been a while since I've socialised with anyone but my servants, and I can touch them to my hearts content. Platonically, that is.
[Read: he's a spoiled rich brat who isn't used to having to respect peoples privacy in any capacity.
And he isn't thrilled that he has to clarify the platonic nature of his relationship with his servants.]
Because you would try to read me back, and it was unpleasant enough the first time.
no subject
Try anything else, and I'll make it more than unpleasant.
[He looks around at the other passengers pretending not to be listening in.]
I'm not doing this on a train. There's a cafe at the next stop run by someone in the LIEs program. We can talk there.
[Honestea and one of its secluded booths will have to do.]
no subject
I won't. Pinky promise, cross my heart and all that.
[Since they'll be on the train for a moment longer, he takes hold of one of the grab handles. Then removes his hand, frowning, because maybe someone weird has touched that, so he sits back down in his seat instead. Which someone weird might have also touched, but at least it's not on his bare skin.]
Sounds perfect. I could go for some tea, and some cake to go with it. [A pause.] Cafes do sell cake, right? Not just drinks?
[He's never really had reason to go into one.]
no subject
I'm not buying you cake.
[Jon is assuming he'll be paying for this with the man being new. He will pay for a cup of tea to be polite, but that's the extent of his good English manners.]
no subject
Mean, but I can afford my own cakes.
[Because mind reading is a great way to earn some quick cash, and he wasted no time in filling his pockets. Not by much, but he'll expand upon his funds later.]
I assume the lack of mention of tea means you would have bought that for me. You still can, if you like.
[Which he definitely won't, but Jon might make a funny face, so he'll make the suggestion anyway.]
no subject
Buy your own tea.
[The train finally, blessedly, comes to a halt, and Jon turns toward the doors, mentally preparing himself to see a SIN Guard come waltzing in. He gets lucky and there are few people on the platform as he scurries off the train, trying to get out of the exiting crowd quickly. Pegasus will have to keep up, himself. Jon isn't going to bother waiting amongst the throng for him. Too much chance there will be someone he needs to avoid.]
no subject
He vacates his seat as the train slows, following at Jon's heels. Not something he's used to doing, ever the leader, but he can't get to the mans side with so many other people exiting. Eventually the crowd does thin out though, and he steps up.]
Is it far? I'm not very fond of walking places. [In cities, anyway. He usually travels via helicopter or limousine.] This city could do with some trams. [Not his first choice, but it's not like he has the funds for his usual means of transport.]
no subject
[The words are muttered low under Jon's breath as he keeps walking. He doesn't bother to answer given it's only a few blocks. His attention is elsewhere, eyes darting around, searching for the uniform of any nearby SIN Guards.
Honestea is a well-appointed cafe a little ways off from the train station. It has some soothing music drifting out of the windows as they approach. At the very least, the Archivist isn't taking this new person to a shoddy hole-in-the-wall. Mainly because those places tend to have people packed in close for listening. Honestea is more spread out with some booths toward the back that offer some level of privacy.]
no subject
It isn't hard to figure out the darting eyes is Jon searching for SIN guards. Pegasus is taller, has a better vantage point, so he does Jon the favour of having a quick look himself, sweeping his eyes over the street. Less out of kindness, more because Jon probably wouldn't be a very good conversational partner after being shocked. The man did threaten to rip him apart.]
You seem in the clear.
[In the cafe, Pegasus takes a moment to puzzle out if this is one of those 'the server comes to you' or 'you go to the front and order' places. It's something of a novel experience since he's had a home chef for most of his life. Both ways end up being an option, and he decides to go up front, pick out some cake, and bring it to the table with him while his tea is being prepared.]
Unlike certain people, I'm a generous man, so if you would like some cake...
[He gestures to the four he's selected, which probably seems excessive, but he likes to have options if he gets bored of one thing. The strawberry one he's on now is startlingly good. Everything else up until this point has tasted cheap to varying degrees, and he licks his spoon clean of its cream before going in for another bite.]
no subject
[Jon stares down his nose at the cakes as if they've personally offended him. They look... very good, actually, but he refuses to give any ground to this man. He crosses his arms, instead, while he waits for his own tea to be brought to the table.]
What's wrong with your eye?
[They came here for a reason, and it wasn't to socialize, as far as Jon is concerned.]
no subject
There's nothing wrong with it. It functions better than most.
[Another mouthful of cake. He hums appreciatively.]
Though it does tend to draw looks, so I keep it behind my hair. Maybe I'll let you see it some time.
I gather you aren't as fond of your eye as I am mine.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
cw: mention of self-mutilation/eye removal
cw: mention of mutilation/eye removal
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)