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duplicitymemes2023-07-10 08:51 am
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2023-07-10 08:51 am
Entry tags:
TDM #31
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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. It's the hottest part of the summer. Prepare to sweat. |
 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. |
 (cw: aphrodisiacs, dub-con, groping, public nudity, public sex) It's summertime! To beat the heat, LIEs has decided to throw a pool party directly following Orientation at one of the city's public pools! Attendance is mandatory for new arrivals and strongly encouraged for everyone else. New arrivals are provided with (skimpy) swimsuits to wear, but LIERs who have been in the city a while have the option of bringing their own gear. Of course, skinny dipping is allowed as well, and there are many spots on deck for people to tan themselves. Speaking of tanning, why not help out a fellow LIER by rubbing some lotion on them? Or, if you want to avoid a burn, get someone to put sunscreen on your back? The formulas of the complementary products that LIEs provide may or may not have a mild aphrodisiac added to them, but at least you won't burn and you may get that nice golden tan you've been chasing — all over! While one end of the pool is reserved for people to splash around in or float casually, there are numerous games and water activities for people to join in on as well: In a sexy twist on Marco Polo, though in Duplicity the call and response is "lucky" and "get me," the seeker must try and tag other players by tugging at their swimsuits. They'll be rewarded with 30 seconds of foreplay, groping and whatever else they can accomplish within the time frame. Dominant and Submissive pairs face off against one another in piggyback chicken fights or jousts using inflatable toys and suggestively shaped pool noodles. Are those dildos stuck to the bottom of the pool? You bet! Dive down and retrieve them before handing them to the next person behind you to toss in and dive for or just collect as many as you can. There is, of course, the option of using said dildo on yourself or someone else for others to watch and enjoy on the pool deck. No judgment here. For those who prefer a slightly more private option, there are curtained cabanas available and it's easy enough to duck inside with a partner for a quick tryst. |
 (cw: aphrodisiacs, dub-con, altered mental states, miscellaneous kink) Whether it's the obnoxious, telltale jingle that signals the arrival of ice cream trucks, or the vehicles happen to be spotted in their various parking spots all around Duplicity — including some smaller carts made to navigate the narrower streets of the Down, it's obvious that they're popular considering the warm summer weather. It seems the locals can't get enough of the cool, sweet treats on offer — and, even better, the trucks are offering free samples in addition to selling regular sizes. Popsicles and soft serve ice cream are on the menu, and each frozen bite has its own unique set of effects. The menu: Want sprinkles with that? Enjoy your added aphro! |
 (cw: dub-con/non-con, pet play, leash and collar, training/discipline, exhibitionism) A new public park has recently been built on a formerly empty lot in the Up. The bigger sign on the gate reads "Dog Park," and the smaller sign adjacent to it includes the posted rules that all people need to abide by in order to enter. If you're curious about what such a structure entails (after all, there are dogs in Duplicity), you're in luck: today, there's a meet-and-greet being hosted for pets and their owners, sponsored by a local "pet" shop, with banners advertising the event posted at each end of the park. This is a Dog Park, alright, but it's intended for a very specific kind of play involving the LIERs who want to wear the collars in question as well as the LIERs who are interested in holding their leashes. Even if you've never harbored an interest in it before, don't worry — random bystanders will be enthusiastically pressured to join in by event volunteers, so you might find yourself wearing a collar or holding a leash in very short order regardless. All pets must be collared and leashed properly in order to enter the Dog Park, and owners must remain in close proximity to their pets at all times. There are toys for tugging and fetching, a few pieces of special playground equipment, and more than enough space to run around. There will also be obedience challenges issued to various pairs at random, just to see how in sync both pet and owner are with one another. If you decide to participate and remain on your best behavior, you might even earn a nice treat in addition to a pat on the head. The pet shop will be handing out goodie bags consisting of take-home collars, as well as animal tail plugs and other sex toys and gear, to everyone who takes part in the event, willingly or not. |
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 is a night owl, they are a Dominant. If your character prefers the daytime, 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 tag on 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!! |
no subject
[Oswald blurts out, a chunk of melting popsicle breaking off the stick in his grip and splatting over the concrete. A few people stare. He can feel the weight of their gazes, their judgment, and falters, his skin prickling all over. A too-familiar discomfort. He presses his eyes shut a moment and lets out a breath. A crease forms between his eyebrows.]
...What does concern me [he insists, more quietly] is this overzealous effort on the part of city officials to foist their... [pressing his lips together, he chooses his next words carefully] particular expectations on the populace. Celibate or otherwise.
[He considers the popsicle puddling at his feet, dreading the more important things he stands to lose before long.
A sudden bark of laughter turns his head. He flushes, jaw clenched with the near-certainty that it has something to do with him. But it’s only a couple sharing snacks. They’re smiling away, thumbing ice cream off each others lips and chins. Having the time of their lives. He can't tell if it's real or if they're drugged out of their gourds.
Swallowing, the look he gives D'Artagnan next is bright and intent, one of quiet desperation. As if immediate hope of escape lies with him.] And I know I am not the only one who feels this way.
no subject
You're not.
[D'Artagnan states that pointedly and with some manner of authoritative undertone, trying to command attention and focus, and perhaps lessen any panic. He's not quite practiced at it.]
I've not met one person recently arrived who agrees with this, but what do you propose to do about it at this moment? I'm not one to usually suggest this, but it might be best not to draw undue attention to yourself.
[He lets out a short sigh, looking around the surrounding city streets, a little overwhelmed with it all and still trying to process everything that's happened and what's expected of them here.]
I'd think it a fever dream if it wasn't far beyond what I'd ever imagine.
no subject
My apologies for the mess. [He offers, with a sharp little smile, mostly for the benefit of anyone still in earshot. There's a pause and another furtive glance around before he continues.] Escape, as it stands, is an impossible task. Even if some sort of distraction were created intentionally, then what?
[It's a rhetorical question, of course; he understands the situation, wants that made clear. Gaze turning inward, he worries his lower lip. There are far too many missing pieces to begin to attempt cobbling together a plan.]
Tell me, what is the last memory you have prior to your abduction? [More specifically:] Were you alone?
no subject
He only nods slightly at the question, Oswald voicing his thoughts, and D'Artagnan agrees with them. Distractions are pointless when how to return to where they were, or even where to begin to look for escape, are unknown factors. It's too large and complicated of a cage. Oswald may be right in starting where he is, going back to the moment before arrival, for potential similarities or something that went unnoticed in the confusion and strangeness of the situation. D'Artagnan runs his fingers along the brim of his hat, a gift he'd been given moments before he'd found himself here, and the time between that felt like a blink of an eye.]
I'd just been appointed captain. We were in the garrison, what was left of it after a fire... I was not alone, no. I was...
[He has to pause there as his voice wavers, looking somewhere in the distance while he composes himself.]
I was with my wife. Friends, a few cadets. The important point being there were several people around, a fairly open area, in full daylight. Something had to have occurred between that and the room with the two doors, but I remember nothing of it.
[The idea of instantaneously being transported somewhere is a notion he doesn't entirely fathom even with the explanations given during that examination.]
Is it like that for you, an interruption in recollection?
no subject
My situation is may be considered unique in that my kidnapping took place at some point while I was in and out of consciousness. [He steps aside to dump the sad remains of his popsicle into the trash, crossing his arms.] I lay down to rest, and here I am! [He smiles bitterly.] But, like you, I was not alone.
[D'Artagnan has a particular manner of speech, and talk of garrisons and cadets and fire damage prompts Oswald to offer the man a second considering look from hat-to-toe. He absently wonders, a moment, if this man is a historical reenactor type. A real medieval fair nut committed to his role. But then he decides he doesn't really care, not right now.]
It is difficult, truly, being torn away from the people you care about. I know – believe me. [His mouth skews, lips pinching white a moment.] Ditching this... crude, pathetic excuse for a party may be out of the question for now. I accept that - grudgingly. But I believe we can still be of help to each other.
no subject
Though the party, more risqué, and crude as Oswald puts it, isn't anything like one he's attended, the tedium of being required somewhere he doesn't want to be while others entertain themselves is all too familiar.]
Perhaps they'll grow bored and send everyone home.
[There's little confidence to that statement, and he doesn't feel the organisers of this event will be as fickle as the king. D'Artagnan purses his lips, considering the proposition of mutual aid, and shrugs one shoulder, less in a dismissive manner than subdued acquiescence.]
While I don't see you're in a position to help me, Monsieur, if there's something you wish to obtain for yourself within the confines of the law here, I won't require reciprocation for my assistance. You're unable to purchase things, or enter certain places without someone... representing your interests, as I understand it.
if you need me to fix anything, lemme know!
There is that. [He acknowledges.
When he glances past D’Artagnan’s shoulder and out into the road, it’s not through grated windows or tiny slits in iron doors that have been bolted shut. But this place is just another Arkham all the same; all he has done is trade a ragged jumpsuit for a different kind of uncomfortable, an exercise yard for a pool, cafeteria riots for an orgy. Surely enough, when the sun dips below the horizon and he’ll find himself in the Down sitting up in his bed in the small hours of the morning, alone and not alone, the full and terrible magnitude of his situation will catch up. Catch him like a fist square to the gut and leave him doubled over and clutching his mouth, fighting ugly, heaving sobs with everything he has. But what is also certain is that after he smudges away his tears and lays his aching head on his pillow, he’ll meet the next day and the next with his jaw set and the resolve not just to survive this place, but to thrive in ways he can even be proud of.]
You are... proposing that we enter into a formal contract? [He's only seeking confirmation; the idea alone is a lot for a mind still stumbling around and grasping for sense. 'No reciprocation required' does have a nice ring to it, though. But he'd need that on paper, in ink. No takebacks. Only then could he give himself permission to relax a little.]
no subject
No.
[The answer comes with a soundless breathy laugh, mostly from a nervousness of having his admittedly vague words misinterpreted.]
No, no. I'm only offering to stand as a liaison where your... status prevents you from acting on your own behalf. Making purchases in your stead at the market or shops, accompany you to the areas of the city you're otherwise restricted from venturing into alone while not in possession of a contract. I've no intent to sign one myself, or be legally responsible for a man I've only just met.
[Though not the most discerning of men when it comes to making hasty decisions, he has some modicum of sense in that regard.]
no subject
[He lets that hang in the air before continuing.]
What I am proposing now is something much simpler. I am looking for a friend; you miss your wife and brothers-in-arms. Provided I have the information I need, I am willing to be your eyes and ears around the pool and in the public housing area afterwards. And you, [he gestures to D'Artagnan, his palm upturned] in turn, could be mine.
[It's not much, but has to count for something, he’d think. Building a network of allies starts with one person.]
The freedoms and privileges you enjoy may far surpass my own. But even a Dominant could use a friend in low places.
no subject
[D'Artagnan has many such regrets, and he'd like to avoid gathering more of them while he stumbles his way through this city. What Oswald lays out is a potential foundation for learning more about the way things are run here, and one can't be everywhere at once. The city is vast, separated, and if they both ultimately want to escape it, a mutual information exchange can only be beneficial.]
I'll not reject an offer of companionship, nor any insights you might share with me. If I've information to give you in return, I'd gladly do so. I must say I expect to be less helpful than you might wish as I find myself quite out of place and perplexed with a number of things here I've not the words for.