TDM #26

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

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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 LIEs 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 LIEs 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 for all new and past arrivals. Skies are clear and the weather is warm.

» » » ALL ABOARD

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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.

« « « NOT THE ONLY ONE

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(cw: kink bingo) Following the standard Orientation lecture explaining the rules of the LIEs program and the society characters now must find a way to integrate with, there is a special activity to assist with making connections and finding partners. LIEs coordinators will direct everyone to one of the large workshop rooms and pass out cards. The cards*, labeled S E X across the top, resemble smaller versions of bingo cards with squares laid out in a 3x3 grid. Each square has a different kink or sexual act written inside it. These may be seemingly tailored to a character's preferences, whether consciously acknowledged or not, or they may include some completely random picks. Once characters have their cards, they will be instructed to mingle, discuss, and compare cards with one another with the aim of finding others (of the opposite designation!) who share at least one square in common. When they find a match, they can simply chat about their mutual interest or, if desired, step into one of the small private rooms off to the side to indulge. On the way out, they will need to show their card and mark off their matches on it before they will be allowed to leave. *(Optional: If you want to fill out an actual card for your character, you can use this generator!)

« « « BUYER BEWARE

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(cw: dub-con, coercion, food play, objectification, public sex, public humiliation) As the leaves begin to change color, signaling the shifting of the seasons, much of Fiddler's Square is taken over by an autumn market. There are stalls and booths selling a variety of wares, from tasty fall treats and fresh produce — one booth only sells particularly lewd vegetables — to seasonal scented candles, soaps, and incense. One popular vendor has a display of hand-carved and polished wooden dildos. A red tent decorated with hanging brass lanterns advertises a harvest feast! Inside, artfully arranged pieces of fruits and vegetables are served atop nude Submissives acting as platters. Those enjoying the spread may gather around and pluck the food right off their bodies — and perhaps take other liberties as well. From time to time, the platters must be replenished and, if a Submissive catches the eye of the people running the booth, they may get pulled in as a "volunteer." If you haven't had your fill of fall fruits, one creative merchant has set up an apple bobbing game in their booth. Participants must keep their hands behind their backs and, from opposite sides of the basin, duck down to catch an apple in their teeth. Successfully snag one, win a prize — or a penalty! Only the red apples will win you the coveted gift basket filled with an assortment of plain, candied, and caramel apples. Bite into a green one instead and you'll have to orally service one of the other apple bobbers, or else lick their boots, receive a spanking, or some other humiliating punishment. They didn't mention that rule upfront? Too bad. Another booth is offering photoshoots with a backdrop of beautiful fall foliage. The poses that the photographer suggests do tend to be provocative, of course, and Dominants and Submissives may be paired to take photos together whether they actually know one another or not. A somewhat mysterious wooden stall sells mugs of steaming cider with a surprise inside. The cider itself is delicious, dark and spiced, and contains no aphrodisiacs or other drugs. Once the mugs are emptied, however, a secret message written on the bottom of the mug is revealed. "Watch your back." "Things can always be worse." "Your future is uncertain." All of the fortunes are similarly ominous.

« « « TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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The bakery Buttered Buns is running a special that they are eagerly promoting throughout Duplicity. Popular among the natives, the flyers and posters are hard to miss, offering a deal on pies: if a Dominant brings a Submissive with them to their shop and the pie is split between the pair, it will be 50% off! A steal for those who've just arrived, especially unfortunate Submissives without a Dominant to care for them. There's a catch though — to get the discount the pair must consume the pie within the quaint little bakery and finish it in one sitting. Feeding it to one another by hand or sharing a single seat aren't technically part of the requirements, but many of the locals choose to do so. The dessert may cause those who consume it to be a little more truthful about themselves than they normally would, or offer up interesting facts about themselves they would usually keep secret.

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

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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 the assignments are OOCly 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 prefers chocolate, they are a Submissive. If your character prefers vanilla, they are 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 fun!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

Azul Ashengrotto | Twisted Wonderland AU | Submissive

[dealing_fine]

(AU notes: this Azul is from a version of events where Book 4 went horribly wrong and the relevant Overblotter died. He's not coping well.)

Not The Only One

The less said about Azul's Orientation lecture experience, the better. Let's say he was less than pleased to be designated a Submissive and downright enraged to be told he couldn't own property or run a business in his own name. So he's already in a terrible mood and concerned about his Blot levels before he's handed the little card.



He immediately hates it, wonderful. Azul is fairly sure total destruction of the offending piece of cardstock isn't permitted. What about 'accidentally' poking out hypnosis and body worship? (He quickly finds out that isn't allowed, either, and only gets him a scolding and a replacement.) It is the most reluctant young man that starts circulating the room, too-thin and tired-eyed, but he puts on his best business smile to get it over with.


Buyer Beware

Azul is only even here for two reasons. To see how the booths are being run by the vendors as he tries to figure out a way around his current business constraints, and to browse the scented soaps to see if any of them suit his (high) standards for personal use. He isn't here for unnecessary calories, definitely isn't here for...toys...

And he is downright horrified when he catches the wrong person's attention and gets voluntold to come be used as a Seven-cursed human platter! The idea of being stripped naked and laid out in front of a crowd to be used like an object sends the entirely unpleasant kind of shudder down his spine. His attempts to argue? Ignored.

Azul rarely resorts personally to physical force; he has had Floyd for that for years. It doesn't suit the image he has built to dirty his own hands with violence. He is about two seconds from doing it now and damn the laws of this detestable city.


Network - un: ashengrotto

How does this economy even function with so many double standards, exceptions, and caveats on the free market?

I legitimately saw a man accept oral services as payment for an item yesterday. And while that may be a necessary closure of the absolutely ludicrous wage gap for some, it is certainly no way to turn a profit!


Wildcard!

[The management is open to suggestions, plotting, and literally any possible way to get Azul to eat truth pie, the calorie-counting pain in the ass.]

lol

[perfectly_average]

Jamil has adjusted far more than he originally thought he could have, but then having the twins and some of the other people in his life have made all the difference. Not that it's enough to have him doing well... Simply adjusted to fit within the set standards of this city. He has his jobs, he has his Subs, he has his growing savings. What more could he really need to start thriving in this place?

A lookalike of his lost boyfriend? ... No, that probably won't help with thriving. But that's who he's seeing when he's found himself standing in a room with those far too familiar cards. As he stares he finds himself being handed a card of his own, and he takes too long to realize he should tell them he isn't new. With a tense exhalation, he lifts the card to look at it, making a face over quite a few of the things there.

Ugh.

Well... okay. He can do this. Jamil's lips form a thin line before he walks right up to the mostly familiar figure. With an unimpressed look, he says, "To think, the infamous trio would get reunited after all... I almost feel sorry for this city."

smh

[dealing_fine]

Azul whips around at the sound of that familiar voice. That completely unexpected familiar voice. Pale eyes with heavy dark circles lock onto Jamil with unhidden shock and...pain?

He doesn't so much look like someone who didn't expect to see Jamil here as he looks like someone who didn't expect to see Jamil ever again.

Not so casually, anyway. Azul thought, if he ever saw Jamil again, it would be the result of his own efforts, the fruit of probably incredibly illegal magic to drag him back from the other side of the veil.

Azul's card falls forgotten to the floor.

"Jamil...?! Seven, strange and hellish as this place is, I didn't believe I had actually died!"

[perfectly_average]

That's... not the look he expected (or was hoping for). For just a moment, his expression shifts towards something a bit dim and weary, and then he lifts a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. He won't let himself sink into those dark and unpleasant emotions. It's fine, really; this is simply how the multiverse works.

"You're probably not dead. Neither Floyd nor Jade remember anything about dying, and there have been no consistent hints pointing towards this being anything more than just another planet."

Plus there are vampires here. Would vampires really go to the same afterlife as humans? Also, Jamil's very casually reaching down for that piece of paper. He'll shamelessly take a look at it, and everything.

[dealing_fine]

That shift in Jamil's expression, however brief, brings concern to Azul's face. Maybe a touch of something that almost looks like guilt. He's not entirely sure why Jamil chose to approach him in the first place, after- Just after. But clearly Azul has already done something wrong.

He listens to Jamil's words without pressing, a small frown pulling at his mouth at the mention of the twins. That this place has captured them, too.

"Then how are you here? Alive? Is this planet that much more advanced in necromancy?"

That very casualness is what gives Jamil a moment to actually read what's there. Azul doesn't immediately register exactly what he's retrieving, most of his attention fixed on Jamil himself. When it does register, the mer goes red all the way to the tips of his ears and tries to take it back.

"J-Jamil!"

Buyer Beware

[foundhisone]

He certainly understands the desire to fight against such a thing. Frankly, Shell would swap places with him in no time, given even half a chance to. Alas, all he can do is step in and hope to be convincing enough. With a firm look, he very lightly touches the stranger's shoulder, his grip just firm enough to be what he hopes is reassuring...?

If not, he's speaking up at the same exact time, "I'm afraid I have business with this one."

After very sternly explaining that he's new, and he's nervous, and he'd already set his mind on courting this particular Submissive... It's almost funny how easily they usher them away. Please, go, get acquainted... Once he's turned away from them, he gives Azul a relieved smile, and gestures for him to follow.

Should Azul choose to, he'll be given a tiny grin, "I hope you don't mind the impromptu rescue. You looked like you were about to get in lots of trouble."

[dealing_fine]

Considering the way that shoulder stiffens under his hand, it maybe isn't reassuring. Azul is alright with people he knows touching him, minus a few notable exceptions. Strangers are a Very Different Story.

But he stays quiet and lets the stranger, obviously a Dominant, talk them away from the horrible booth. It grinds his nerves to be rescued, but being put in jail would likely be worse. The fact that he's been rescued is exactly why he has no choice but to follow.

"I most likely was. This is far from ideal, but better than the alternative. I owe you a debt, it seems. I'd rather see to repaying it as soon as possible."

[foundhisone]

Part of him still isn't even sure why he felt such a strong need to interfere, in the first place. The other part simply accepts that he felt it was right. That this is the best decision he could have made, given the options before him at the time. It doesn't sit pleasantly, knowing how the young man might be feeling towards him... but he's endured worse. So he gives another small smile.

With his voice a touch softer, he says, "You don't owe me anything."

[dealing_fine]

Azul does not understand why some people get like this. It's always so inconvenient to have to argue about it. Aid was rendered, it needs to be paid for. That's only sensible.

"Considering the situation I was in, I most certainly do. I don't like to leave such matters unresolved."

Buyer Beware

[eelusive]

It hasn’t been easy being a Submissive. Privilege restrictions aside, the simple act of being labeled, sorted and even marked into specific categories is beyond insulting to a carefree spirit like Floyd. But after countless run-ins with the law, he’s somewhat resigned himself to following the rules, not only for himself, but for Jade’s sake as well. This is a complicated world with magic beyond their comprehension, after all. While they’re fortunate enough to have each other, Floyd needs to take steps not to sabotage the one safety net they have.

That being said, if he can’t have everything he wants right off the bat, then he needs to get creative. Food, shelter, clothing, entertainment. Jade might be willing to go about earning his keep, but Floyd’s more inclined to stay as slippery as always. So down at the square, he browses for opportunities to schmooze. People here trade a chat with a pretty face for a full course dinner. He might not be as charismatic as his twin, no, but Floyd can play along decently well… when he feels compelled enough.

He’s just succeeded in scoring a steaming mug of cider when he overhears the commotion nearby and looks up in time to spot vendors shoving some poor unfortunate soul toward their stalls. Nothing out of the ordinary… except–

Lips hovering by the rim of his drink, Floyd manages a slight grin then quietly approaches the stalls so he can try and find a spot to observe toward the front. It’s not as if he can easily intervene, you know, if at all. He’d much rather avoid being turned into a food platter himself, thank you very much.

Still, being so obnoxiously tall, Floyd stands out like a sore thumb in the gathering crowd; a gangly teal beanpole casually sipping cider while his boss is dragged off against his will. Maybe Azul won’t notice. Maybe. Or maybe he’ll catch a glimpse and start wailing for him like a petulant baby octopus. Whatever is in store, Azul’s infamous guard dog lies in wait.

[dealing_fine]

More like while someone tries to drag his boss off against his will. If Floyd needed any confirmation that Azul remains stronger than he looks even in these human forms, he's getting it now. Azul digs in his heels and refuses to be budged after the first startled couple of steps.

Something is off with Azul, though. Beyond his current state of distress. It's easier to see the closer Floyd gets to the front; most of his body is hidden under layers as usual, but Azul's face, his neck... He's thinner, unhealthily so, verging on legitimately gaunt. Paler, too, which doesn't make the dark circles under his eyes any more subtle. Azul has always worked himself hard, but... not like this.

And if Floyd thinks to look, the gem in Azul's cane shows an ominous, mottled grey instead of shining white.

"I was not at all unclear that I refuse, and you will unhand me this instant or-"

For the record, it does not take Azul long at all to notice Floyd, whatever threat he originally had on the tip of his tongue unpresented. There's a moment of startlement, though not outright shock, before pale eyes narrow.

"Floyd!"

It's not a wail, whatever the impossible brat of an eel wants to tell himself. It's the sharply demanding tones of his boss two seconds from losing all patience with Floyd's games. It might not be a tone that belongs on a Submissive in this city but Azul Does Not Care.

[eelusive]

Well now, it looks like Azul has things under control, doesn't he? Not that Floyd ever doubted he'd be able to hold his own, at least until someone brings out the needles and drugs. Then he'd really be struggling. As it is though, he watches the struggle ensue from the sidelines, waiting for an opportune moment to either vault over and offer a proper greeting or disappear back into the shadows.

If not for a certain tug at the other merman's clothing, Floyd might already be halfway across the city by now. In spite of appearances, Floyd remains a fearsome predator of the deep, well in tune with all five senses for the sake of survival. So even several feet away, it isn't difficult for him to parse even the most subtle of differences in Azul's appearance. Someone isn't quite as chewy looking as he usually is. He certainly doesn't sound appetizing either.

Couple all that with a cloudy magestone and something tells him that month-long post-blot counseling session hasn't wrapped up yet.

However, clearly disapproving that tone of voice, Floyd turns his head away and takes another long sip of his drink. Is that how he's going to greet him then? Rude. See if he does you any favors now.

cw: grievous injury to an npc ig

[dealing_fine]

It's barely more than a second after Floyd looks away before Azul's voice rings out again, his tone light in the dangerously unstable way.

"Fine!"

Then there is the harsh, distinctive snap of bone breaking and a scream that is definitely not from Azul.

un: sisterdeath, text

[wantingmore]

Preposterous, isn't it? Fortunately, there are ways to build a lucrative business even in a society like this one. Many of the natives refuse to take our business, anyway, so I wouldn't worry about needing to go out of your way to expect such dealings outside of your monthly quota.

[dealing_fine]

It's positively absurd and a debasement of the core principles of capitalism.

What nonsense. So not only have they divided their own economy in such an unstable way, but they are also effectively forcing the formation of another microeconomy *within their own*. WHY

[He has rarely come so close to actually using the table flip emoji.]

[wantingmore]

My, you're impassioned about the issue! You must be quite the businessman where you come from.

not the only one

[lacecase]

The thing that really draws Ginger's attention is just how tired the young man with the glasses looks. Poor thing! She'd love to treat him to a nice warm drink that'll help him get some sleep. Unfortunately, they're all stuck here until their cards are filled. Guess that means she should try and help.

So she steps forward the rest of the way to meet him, her own smile bright and cheerful. "Hi, cutie! You look like you could use a nap. Anything I can offer?"

The blonde gestures toward his card, holding up her own. It looks like they have "praise" and "body worship" in common.

[dealing_fine]

He does look tired, even with the carefully curated smile. The smile doesn't last long, though, because he is immediately flustered by being called 'cutie'. What? What?!

Azul is much more used to being called shady than cute.

It takes him a minute to pull himself together, one hand pushing up his glasses to try to hide the blush.

"Ahaha, er, these two, it seems? I don't believe my card is particularly accurate, however..."

He shows her the matching squares on his card, 'coincidentally' holding it so his fingers hide the top row. (His card is 100% accurate, he just hasn't had a chance to find out.)

[lacecase]

"Well, that's okay! There's kind of funny ones on mine, too, that I wouldn't have really thought of." Fortunately, even if she could see what he was hiding, she wouldn't even know what Xenophilia is. "I know it's super duper forward, but I'd be happy to worship your body, if you'd like."

Even recognizing that it's forward, still, what a sentence. Ginger doesn't even skip a beat, though, so she must just be used to living here. With a small laugh, she adds, "Gosh, I should at least introduce myself first, huh? My name's Ginger!"

Buyer Beware

[colorature]

Honestly? Diva could care less about how strangers are treated. It isn't as if she doesn't find herself receiving the short end of the stick because of her Submissive designation from time to time, she's just gotten used to it. The fuss this particular man is beginning to make however grabs her attention, if only because, well, she thinks he's pretty.

It's really all she needs to step in and intervene.

"Oh so sorry, but our Dominant's been looking for us! You'll have to pick someone else."

The grip she has on his wrist is strong, so much so he won't be able to wiggle away as she drags him through the crowd that had begun to form, ignoring the mutterings from the stall runner who, eventually, turns to drag the next Submissive that crosses their path into their scheme.

It's only when she's pulled him far enough away from the commotion that she lets go and turns to smile up at him, fangs on display.

"You ought to be more careful in this place, y'know."

[dealing_fine]

He might not be able to wiggle away, but his attempts to free his wrist have more strength than one would usually expect out of a thin, exhausted-looking teenager. They're subtle, though, clearly being hidden from anyone that might be watching them as he does his best to keep pace with her.

When she releases him, he immediately fixes any wrinkles or skewing in his clothes from the entire debacle, seeming perfectly unconcerned by the fangs in her smile. He smiles back, Stepford pleasant, resting a hand against his chest.

"So it seems. My own mistake, of course, to think that walking in public as part of the regular flow of foot traffic was anything less than an invitation. A lesson to me to be more demure in future."

All the earmarks of savage sarcasm and an ocean's worth of salt, but tucked away neatly under mellow and agreeable tones.

[colorature]

"You could say thank you, y'know. I just saved you back there."

Not that he uh, asked to be saved or anything. She totally intervened of her own volition. Still, this is Diva and she's just done her good deed of the day. Was it selfishly inspired? Yes, he's pretty and she wanted to talk to him. Should he thank her anyway? Yes.

"You're clearly new here and it shows. You're lucky you're pretty...or maybe not. You might make people hungry."

not the only one

[the_real_mccoy]

McCoy had misplaced his card, not that it would have made any difference if he had it. The last thing he planned to do was anything on a card. Mostly he was trying to meet people, because he was bad at mingling. He caught sight of the guy from across the room and made his slow way over, frowning. McCoy was already reaching for his tricorder as he stepped up, eyes sliding over the man in a clinical fashion.

"When's the last time ya ate somethin? Or slept?"

Why u gotta call him out like this, Bones?

[dealing_fine]

Those weren't the sort of questions Azul expected to encounter at this event. They weren't necessarily better questions, either. He drew himself up, making a dismissive gesture with one hand.

"I believe one usually introduces oneself before prying? I sleep and eat on a regular schedule, though it may require some adjustment to compensate for my abrupt displacement."

doctor?

[the_real_mccoy]

"I rarely do the polite thing." He held out a hand anyway. Just because he usually chose not to use his manners didn't mean he had none, "McCoy. Nice ta meetcha. Now, ya look like shit. Which do ya need more, the food or the sleep?"

He had the tricorder out and was running a preliminary scan even as he spoke, frowning.