duplicitymemes | TDM #22

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TDM #22

« « « 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 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 highrise. 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.

Winter is here and snow flurries are common in the Up while the slush collects in the Down.

» » » ALL ABOARD

After stepping through the door and participating in orientation, LIERS are assembled together in the Up for a tour of Duplicity in its entirety. 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.

« « « WINTER WONDERLAND

As a particularly heavy snowstorm blows across the city, Duplicity finds itself blanketed in white. The morning after the storm, many citizens seem to be in a particularly mischievous mood and snowballs are a common sight flying through the air. A projectile meant for someone else may hit you square in the face if you're not careful — and then it's on. Joining these impromptu snow battles is encouraged, no matter a person's designation, and even Submissives teaming up to pelt unsuspecting Dominants with snowballs is generally taken in the spirit of good fun. Not everyone is throwing snow, of course — some are rolling much larger balls and shaping them into lewd snow figures.

Those feeling chilled after playing in the snow may experience the urge to warm up with someone else, skin to skin. Whether they're a stranger or a familiar face, holding hands, kissing, or getting down and dirty with the nearest willing partner is invigorating. It might even be the only way to really feel warm again.

« « « DUBIOUS DELIVERIES

(cw: aphro, humiliation kink)

Want to make some quick cash? After exiting the train in the Down, there seems to be a questionable character hanging about the station. Dressed in a trenchcoat and looking more like a flasher than the businessman he claims to be, this shady recruiter offers easy money in exchange for a simple delivery. Just take a package and drop it off at the address on the label. Really, that's it! Stop asking questions.

Should characters decide to open the package themselves instead, they'll discover one of the following: glitter — so much glitter, lube (appears normal, but actually contains hot pepper and will cause more than a mild tingling sensation if used anywhere sensitive), a package of flavored condoms mysteriously labeled "every flavor" (none of them taste good), candy or perfume containing an aphrodisiac that, in addition to the usual libido-boosting effect, will also cause an intense craving for humiliation.

It seems to be one of those services that allows one to send anonymous prank gifts, and they're hiding behind LIERs as couriers. There's no return address or company information on or inside the package, except for a card marked Encoded Sin Corp — which does not seem to be a real company if the name is searched.

Whether characters end up delivering the package — maybe even to a fellow LIER — or get into some trouble along the way, someone is getting a nasty surprise.

« « « SURPRISES FOR SALE

(cw: aphro, dubcon, excessive fluids, exhibitionism, public use)

A small winter market has been set up along one of the major streets in the Up with stalls selling a variety of goods ranging from knitted hats and scarves, soaps, scented lotions, candles, jewelry, artwork and assorted crafts to hand-dyed bondage rope and kinky leather accessories. Food and drink stands are plentiful as well. Strings of lights crisscross the street between the roofs of the shops, providing a cheerful glow, and there are tables set up in the street itself for people to sit and chat while having a snack — if they can stand the cold.

Some of the most popular treats being sold are hot chocolate, eggnog, marshmallow snowmen, and sugar cookies decorated like snowflakes. Of course, their popularity may have something to do with the effects they produce when consumed.

• The hot chocolate simply gets one all hot and bothered.
• The eggnog may cause heavy production of sexual fluids, a desire to be filled or covered with someone else's cream, or all of the above.
• The marshmallow snowmen will make those who eat them want to invite others to use them as they please, desiring nothing more than to be molded into the perfect fucktoy.
• The sugar cookies seem to induce all sorts of different cravings — after all, no two snowflakes are alike!

These effects tend to last at least an hour and may, in some cases, last up to a full day.

One of the jewelry shops sells an unusual selection of compass pendants and bracelets. The compass arrows spin round and round lazily while the pieces are on display. Once worn, however, that changes. The arrow will settle on a direction, but instead of pointing north it will lead directly to another person. Perhaps you should speak to them? You may even begin to feel magnetically drawn to them yourself… In the event that two people have compasses that point them at each other, the attraction will be even stronger — nearly impossible to deny.

There is another shop which sells intricately designed pocket watches and small clocks. When these timepieces are stared at for an extended length of time or picked up and handled, characters will feel a brief but strong connection to their past and experience a vivid flashback to some moment that was, in whatever way, meaningful for them. After reliving the memory, they will feel compelled to speak about it to whoever is nearby.

« « « 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 likes it hot, they are a Dominant. If your character prefers the cold, they are a Submissive.

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 fun!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Mm, yes." Unfortunately. The flower crown delights him though, and he sits up and touches it.

"Well, now I feel I must offer something in return..." But what could he offer her? If flowers are her specialty... maybe...

He focuses, and although for some strange reason it makes his head spin to do so, he soon produces one single Elpis flower in his hand. He can't produce a field of them the way he could in Ultima Thule- no, not without Emet-Selch's power behind his own. He just isn't that powerful alone. But one will suffice, surely?

He offers her the opalescent flower with a smile. "I only hope it lives up to your standards."

It's strange to watch someone else produce a flower when it's just been her for over a year now. It was nothing for herself, her mother, or the various flower nymphs to produce flowers like that, but a stranger that is none of those things? It's kind of fascinating to both watch and feel the way his magic flows.

And the flower itself delights her. She hops up from the chair so she can take it and get a better look at it.

"It's beautiful. What is it?"

"We call it an Elpis flower. Because it was- well, created in Elpis. Not very imaginative, I'm afraid, but it is what it is." He sits back, watching her admire the flower. "A former researcher who loved flowers accidentally produced it under unknown circumstances. It is special for its ability to change hue depending on the nearby emotions surrounding it."

Of course, back in Elpis it would only glow white. He wonders if it will eventually change colour here...

"I am glad that you like it. You may keep it if you wish, as a symbol of our first meeting together."

"Really? That's so neat. I never thought of creating a flower like this." Though, why would she when flowers have meaning and she has a tendency to grow all sorts of flowers.

She turns, locating a glass and filling it with water. She places the flower in it and gives it a little of her own magic so that it grows roots. "I'm going to grow a whole patch of these in my garden when I return to the Down."

The glass gets placed near her belongings so she doesn't forget it when they leave. It's only by that point that his choice of words registers. She makes her way back over toward the bed. "Does that mean you'd like future meetings?"

"They make for quite the sight when grouped together."

He grins at her question, pleased she caught his meaning. "Why, of course! I do so enjoy making new friends, and you're a delight."

He shifts on the bed again- he's so restless. But the conversation is kind of working to take his mind off things, even if it's slow going.

"I'm sure they do." She can imagine it, all those little glowing flowers gathered together. She's sure Nier would enjoy them after he seemed so delighted by the Lyrium flower on the roof of Haven. This Elpis flower is better, though. It doesn't weird her out like the Lyrium flowers do.

"I like making new friends, too." She plops down on the bed next to him instead of returning to the chair. "Do you like baked treats? I make the best baklava." And then in a lower, more conspiratorial tone, "Don't tell Hestia, though."

"Baklava? I have never heard of such a thing. Oh- but my lips are sealed!" He doesn't know who Hestia is but he reminds himself not to tell them about Persephone's superior baked goods. He even puts a finger to his lips briefly to signify he's serious.

"I would love to try your food. And in return, I can, ah... I can tell you about my world, if you would like? I'm afraid I lack in most skills in comparison to my friends." He seems comfortable admitting as much, at least. As if he's had to tell people the same thing many, many times. "I'm afraid the one thing I excel at isn't an experience I can share, alas."

"Really? Oh goodness, it's such a delicious treat. Thin layers of dough with some kind of nut, usually almonds but you can use any kind of nut, with butter and cinnamon between those layers. It's baked so it turns out crispy and flakey. And then you drizzle honey over it. I'm sure you'll love it." Because who doesn't love her baklava?

"Maybe you just haven't tried enough things?" Says the goddess who has tried a lot of things and excelled at nearly all of them. "What's the one skill you excel at if you don't mind me asking?"

"Mm... sounds delicious." He sighs, thinking about it. Which takes his mind off his other problem for now, at least.

"Ah- I can see someone's aether. That is, I can see your soul if I care to." He touches his hand to his own chest, just under the mask hanging at his robes. "I can see them from great distances, and tell the hues of them apart better than my peers. It makes finding someone from a distance quite easy. Not all are gifted with this sight, but of those who are, mine is the strongest I know of."

It's the one thing he gets to be proud of, besides his incredible friends of course. "But mayhap you're right, and I simply haven't tried enough things." An idea comes to him, and he brightens. "You could teach me something, couldn't you?"

"Absolutely delicious." She flops back on the bed, surprised to find it's actually comfortable. She didn't expect it considering this place was on the cheaper end.

"That sounds almost scandalous being able to see one's soul while it's still within the body." She giggles. "Though it does sound very useful. I wasn't aware souls could have different colors. Back home all of the shades are kinda this pale blue, so I just figured that's how it was." Maybe was different after they left the body?

She rolls onto her side, facing him, in response to the question. "Hmm, like baking? Or maybe gardening? You made that flower so certainly you cold have some talent with plants."

"Scandalous?" He giggles into his hand, amused. "I've never heard it referred to as such."

He thinks on whether or not he could get away with gardening. "The truth is, I've never tried gardening. I suppose a little magic could help me along..." He's not so sure about baking. But gardening he could certainly try.

"If you would teach me the basics of gardening, then... I would be appreciative." He can perhaps have his own dedicated plant that he cares for, and expand from there? He wants to make sure he can handle just the one, first.

"Well, don't you think so? Almost like being able to see through someone's clothing only it's their soul." Though see-through clothing is absolutely a thing in this place.

She likes teaching people. Typically she sticks to teaching how to cook or bake, but gardening she could absolutely do as well.

"Really? It's pretty relaxing. I have my own place in the Down with a big garden, so it'll be perfect for teaching."

"Well, when you put it like that..." He chuckles again. Oh, how amusing. "Would you prefer that I not look at yours?"

Relaxing sounds like something he will need, being here. So he smiles, pleased at the prospect of learning something and maybe even being good at it. Who knows!

"I place myself in your capable hands, Persephone."

"I'll do my best to teach you." She responds with a smile.

She hums thoughtfully, rolling onto her back once more as she raises her hand, turning it this way and that as if she can see to her soul. "I have to admit I'm curious if it's as pink as the rest of me or if it's more like my true form with a mixture of green? Or maybe it's an entirely different color..."

During that musing a thought hits her and her attention goes back to him. She bounces a little on the bed as she once again turns onto her side. "What do souls look like? Are they person-shaped or more abstract?"

"Your true form? That would explain the green, yes."

He smiles at her interest. "More abstract, certainly. Like clusters of brilliant light... I have spent many a night watching the distant twinkle of souls as people go about their tasks."

He sighs fondly- oh, how he misses those days. Misses his home... but there is no bringing it back nor the people he so fondly recalls, and so what can he do but continue on?

"Oh, so it's not all pink?" She's more plant than person at times. Especially when her emotions overtake her.

She closes her eyes as she tries to imagine it. In the end, she just comes up with the night's sky and the skyline of the Underworld with all its neon lights. "That sounds beautiful."

"There are touches of pink in places, but it gets lost amongst the green at times."

He moves to lie on his back, humming. "'Tis a sight too beautiful for me to do justice to with words. The very essence of life... I am privileged to be able to bear witness to it."

He turns his head to watch Persephone again, though he remains on his back. "What of you? What are you grateful for?"

"I guess that makes sense."

She smiles as she listens to him. "It must be nice."

The question catches her off guard. She blinks at him, quiet for a few moments as she thinks. She turns her gaze to look up at the ceiling again. "What am I grateful for?"

It shouldn't be such a difficult question but she's suddenly having a hard time coming up with an answer. So much has gone wrong since she left home, all her plans went out the window. Well, not really her plans rather her mother's plans for her. But then there was Hades, a bright spot and the only good thing in her life since. And after over a year and a half in worlds not her own she's finally been reunited with him. Although this place certainly isn't ideal he's here.

"Hades." She finally says with a soft smile. "There are other things, but he's been so good to me." She turns to look at him again. "He arrived not too long ago and things almost feel normal here when I'm with him."

"Hades?" He suddenly looks hopeful- and then he chastises himself. If Emet-Selch were here he would know. He looked for his soul first of all.

"Ah- my apologies. My dearest friend shares a name with him."

Hythlodaeus meekly brushes some of his hair out of his face as he considers her words, a little embarrassed for daring to hope that he wasn't alone here. "Is he from your world? Or another? Either way, I am glad you have him."

Now if only he had his Hades...

That certainly grabs Persephone's attention.

"Really? Huh... I had heard there were Hades in other worlds, that we gods are something of a constant. Well, not a constant but we pop up in a lot of different worlds." She rambles a bit, looking thoughtful before remembering he'd asked a few questions.

"Oh, yes, he's from my world." She smiles, cheeks flushing as a few brilliant blue forget-me-nots bloom in her hair. "Though now I'm very curious about your Hades. What is he like? Is he also King of the Underworld?"

He eyes the flowers, smiling. She must care for Hades the same way Hythlodaeus cares for Emet-Selch.

"Ah, well. His real name may be Hades, but I'd thank you to keep that quiet, if you would. He would not appreciate my slip. Call him Emet-Selch." He winks. "But in a sense, I suppose. The seat of Emet-Selch is the Keeper of the Underworld, oddly enough. A position that was first offered to myself, but I declined."

As for what he's like... Hythlodaeus gets a far-off look in his eyes as he continues. "Mm... what can I say about him? He is... irritable. Yes, that is what most people will notice about him at first. But he is also caring. Sentimental to a fault... and he enjoys helping people, whether he admits it or not. Time and grief may have eaten away at him, but at his core he has never really changed. He is, and always will be, my most beloved friend..." Sighing, he traces shapes on the sheets, still smiling.

"Is he like that, too? Your Hades?"

"Of course. The secret is safe with me." She smiles and makes a zipping motion over her lips. "Why did you decline?"

She recognizes that look and tone. Smiling a bit wider as she listens, wiggling closer so she can rest her head aginst his shoulder.

"There are some similarities, yes. You must care a great deal about him."

"Emet-Selch is a powerful mage... skilled in both soul sight and manipulating aether. Where I made you one flower, he could make hundreds- no, thousands. I can't even transform... heh. No, I daresay he is better suited to the task than I."

He seems comfortable saying as much, though. Perhaps he's just used to having to explain his shortcomings.

"I care very deeply for him. I do hope that I can leave here and reunite with him soon."

He wouldn't wish this place on Emet-Selch, after all.

"I see." Her voice is a bit quiet as she responds. She understands that feeling all too well. That feeling of being lesser. Her mother made her feel weak, as if she wasn't much of a goddess, with the way she was raised. Though, unlike herself, he seems quite comfortable with the feeling.

The more he goes on about Emet-Selch, however, she sits up and gently places her hands on either side of his face so she squishes his cheeks. It seems the longer they're in the room the more touchy she's getting.

"You're absolutely adorable, you know that?" She chuckles as she pulls her hands back, wondering if she's the same when she talks about Hades.

He's about to ask if Persephone is okay, considering she sounds quiet- but then she squishes his cheeks, and he blinks.

"I am?" His voice is a little muffled, at least until she pulls her hands back from his cheeks. "What have I done?"

He doesn't quite realise how he comes across when he's talking about Emet-Selch, admittedly. But he has never found any reason to hide how he feels- except for perhaps playing off anything too obvious as just greatly admiring his friend. Which works, really. After all, he admires Azem too, and he's just as relentless in his praise for her.

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botanist unlocked

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