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Duplicity Game Mods ([personal profile] duplicitymods) wrote in [community profile] duplicitymemes2023-09-10 05:47 pm
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TDM #32


« « « 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 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.

Submissives are provided with a plain black pleather collar to wear and Dominants are given bracelets made of the same black pleather. The simple design is an immediate visual indicator that they have not yet signed a contract and they will be informed that more elaborate or personalized styles are a privilege reserved for those who do.

Enjoy your free time until Orientation! Participation is mandatory for all new and past arrivals.

The weather is cooling as summer turns to autumn and the sky is overcast more often than not.



» » » ALL ABOARD



(cw: optional pony play elements)

The usual train tour after Orientation showcasing important city landmarks has been canceled and replaced with a walking tour, at least for the half of the tour that winds through the Up. Not only that, but Submissives will be required to carry Dominants the whole way, either on their own backs or in sedan chairs or litters.* It's a visceral lesson in accepting and understanding their role, whether that's to direct or serve, guide or support. (*Accessories such as harnesses and tail plugs may be provided for some Submissives either at a Dominant's request or the whim of LIEs staff.)

This portion of the tour will conclude at the train station that connects to the Down, where LIERs will finally be allowed to board the train and take a rest as they continue onward to the less impressive sights of Red Wall Bridge and South Park. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. 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.

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.



« « « THINK OF YOUR FUTURE



(cw: aphrodisiacs, dub-con, random kink compulsion)

As they're walking down the street, characters may spot some fliers for job skill classes or even be pulled aside and invited to attend one by an earnest spokesperson. These classes are advertised as equipping characters with "useful" skills that will either improve their quality of life or help them find stable employment. Whether that's actually true is questionable. The address they'll be directed to is a random building in the Down that seems to be a repurposed storefront. There are three subjects being offered currently.

At bartending class, characters will be provided with a variety of liquors, mixers, shakers, glasses, and garnishes. A few simple drink recipes are written on a chalkboard to give them a starting point, but they are also encouraged to play around, mix and match and create their own concoctions, and taste test each other's as well. Some of the drink components contain aphrodisiacs, ranging from a basic arousal booster to more targeted tinctures that stimulate desires for specific activities. These effects can stack and combine or even conflict. Drink responsibly (or don't)!

The hospitality class is geared toward setting a mood or scene and seems to mainly involve things like lighting candles and incense, running a bath with scented oils, bubbles, and foaming salts, and spreading rose petals artfully over a freshly turned down bed. Once everything is in place, they'll be urged to try it for themselves — get in that bath, roll around on that bed or have someone tuck them in. How else will they know if they've done a good job? And if they're feeling frisky from the fumes or the bath products, it just makes for a better test.

The third class is flower arranging and characters are given vases, shears for trimming, and a selection of flower cuttings of different sizes, colors, and species. They're instructed to follow their intuition and use whichever flowers they like to create a well-balanced arrangement. The thing is, some of these flowers have pollen with aphrodisiac effects. Other flowers have petals that, when handled with bare hands, secrete an aphrodisiac that's absorbed through the skin. Like the drinks, these effects range from the generic to the specific and can combine in complementary or conflicting ways. Think you're arranging a bouquet that symbolizes pure friendship or everlasting love? It might actually inspire a latex-wearing tickle orgy.

In each of the classes there are people discreetly taking video and photographs. If they ask about it, characters will be told that the footage is for promotional materials.



» » » MOTHS TO THE FLAME


(cw: altered mental states and changes in perception, compulsion)

The light in the old lighthouse at the north end of Chicanery Beach must never go out, so the locals say, but the fuel that keeps the fire burning hasn't been replenished properly in a while. As usual, Duplicity natives are hesitant to go near the beach, but this important maintenance is still deemed essential. The solution, at least this time around, seems to be putting the latest batch of LIERs (as well as any others foolish enough to volunteer or unlucky enough to be recruited) up to the task of visiting the lighthouse in teams or pairs to feed the flames.

Working in shifts and armed with canisters of fuel, the lamp is to be filled every evening and the fresnel lens carefully polished. It's a simple enough task. However, some of the fuel has been tampered with and, if examined, smells somewhat off. What this means is that in some cases, when the contaminated fuel is added, the flame temporarily changes color and those in close proximity experience odd effects.

If the flame turns blue, characters will feel compelled to share a truth about themselves that they wouldn't normally admit — at least, not to this person.

If the flame turns green, they will feel argumentative and inclined to pick a fight.

If the flame turns purple, it induces a desire for physical sensation — any sensation. It also scrambles characters' perception of what it is they're feeling. Everything they touch is inexplicably painful or pleasurable, hot or cold, smooth or sticky, soft or sharp, etc.

The effects last for as long as the flame burns that color, which can be anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. People who approach the lighthouse or try to investigate from the outside while these changes of color occur may find themselves lost on the beach for up to six hours.



« « « DOUBLE FEATURE


(cw: pornography, aphrodisiacs, public sex)

The city is putting on a free movie night in North Park with a big projector screen, encouraging citizens and LIERs alike to spread out a blanket and cuddle up close to watch the films.

It's a double feature! The first film of the evening is relatively "family friendly" but it's dripping in propaganda with a heavy pro-Creator bias and an emphasis on traditional Duplicity values. The second film, beginning well after dark, is more erotic and adult in nature (and frankly just straight up pornographic).

Concession stands are serving popcorn and other movie snacks, along with seasonal drinks like cider and hot cocoa, available during the hour before the showing and throughout the runtime of both films. As is common in Duplicity, many of the concessions are laced with an extra special ingredient that lowers inhibitions and dramatically increases libido.

Those who consume the refreshments may want to pull their blankets up over themselves and engage in some stealthy fondling, or maybe they're feeling bold enough to get handsy right out in the open. It's dark, after all, and everyone else is watching the movie. Or are they?



» » » 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 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 more afraid of tangible things (such as spiders, snakes, or clowns), they are a Dominant. If your character is more afraid of intangible things (such as intimacy, rejection, or change), 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!!




» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

the_real_mccoy: (as if!)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-09-16 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
Well hell. McCoy glanced around and found a wall with a light switch. He held out a hand and smiled at the man, "Come on over this way. I can show ya a switch at least. I mean, we don't use 'em back home much, but around here they're essential."
whorse: (6)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-09-21 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
With no reason not to follow and an inherent curiosity he moves to follow the other man. For there to be a singular switch one could flip and control light sounds, well, magical.

Hah.

"I see. Illuminating a space is rather important, so I am not surprised to hear it."
the_real_mccoy: (as if!)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-09-24 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
When they got to the wall, he pointed at the switch, "Here, this thing. Ya can't do it right now, but ya flip the little lever up an down ta turn the lights on an off." He pointed at the lights on the ceiling, "See up there? When the lever's up like this, it turns 'em on. If ya flicked it off . . ." He gestured as if he'd flip it off, "Where it's pointin down? The lights go off."
whorse: (17)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-09-29 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
He watches patiently, silent as the other man explains and demonstrates. How useful of an invention, to be able to control illumination with the flick of a very switch.

"Why cannot you flip it now? Is there a reason why?"
the_real_mccoy: (well i just think)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-10-08 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, it'd go dark in here. I don't think anyone'd be all that happy about it, even if it only lasts a few seconds. If we were in a room alone ya could flick it all ya wanted. All the buildins got light switches, so ya can do it alla time in ya room."

In all honesty, it probably wouldn't bother anyone to have a light or two go out, and it might please some people who wanted a darker environment. Mostly he wasn't sure how many of the lights would be controlled by that particular switch.
whorse: (6)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-10-17 08:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"I see. I will refrain from doing so." He may be a menace and like to create and cause trouble but he doesn't want to do so right now.

Not when he isn't sure how much he can get away with.
the_real_mccoy: (as if!)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-10-22 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
McCoy grinned at the man and clapped him on the shoulder, "If ya want, we can walk around the room. Ya can point out stuff that ya got questions over an I can do my best ta explain 'em. Be happy ta help out."
whorse: (3)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-11-09 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
"I would appreciate that immensely." He means it too. Sleipnir will take any opportunity he's given to learn more about this world.
the_real_mccoy: (as if!)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-11-12 10:25 am (UTC)(link)
McCoy offered his arm with a grin, "Come on then! Let's go see what-all ya don't understand. So tell me more about home? Ya said a little, but how about expandin on it?"
whorse: (9)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-11-13 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
He's not expecting the offered arm but...this isn't exactly the kind of place to be aloof or unfriendly. Their captors are watching and this man is being useful. He takes his arm with a nod.

"The world I come from is one filled with magic. Everything is operated with magic and many do not know how to survive without it. There is no technology even remotely as advanced as what I have seen here thus far. To be honest, it feels somewhat primitive in comparison."
the_real_mccoy: (uh huh)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-11-19 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
McCoy simply liked touching people, and offering an arm seemed less intimidating than holding hands somehow. He started walking with the man on his arm, listening intently with a faint frown. Magic. Why was it so many worlds had it and none of the people there tried to figure it out? Science could explain everything!

"So . . . ya magic does everythin? Like lights and cookin an transportation? Everythin?"
whorse: (3)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-11-27 07:46 am (UTC)(link)
"It does, yes. Mankind relies on it for everything. Far too much, in my opinion."

Says the literal magic horse, as if he himself knows any better.

"But our transportation is wooden carts and chocobos. Far more primitive than what this place has to offer."
the_real_mccoy: (amused)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-12-01 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I've hearda places like that, but never seen one. Never seen somethin completely unexplainable either. All magic can be traced back ta science." McCoy said it with rather smug finality. He'd made a pet project of figuring out how people with "magic" used it, and thus far he'd found very good indicators that it was often tied to genetics, or having organic structures. In other words, it wasn't some unknowable, mystic force that couldn't be investigated.

He never said people couldn't do amazing things, he just believed he could prove how they did them, "If ya got all that magic, why don't nobody use it for travel?"
whorse: (Default)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-12-11 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
"Using magic isn't without its downside. To use magic one must have crystal to channel the aether through it. Those who are capable of using magic without crystal will find themselves crystalizing after some time."

Needless to say using magic for travel on a wide scale was out of the question.
the_real_mccoy: (suspicious)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-12-16 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Wait, wait. Hang on. Lemme get this straight." He was quiet for a moment as he tried to wrap his mind around all that, "So ta use ya magic, ya gotta somehow filter it through crystals? An that's the usual way ta do it? But some people don't need the crystals, but without usin the crystals, they become one?"

What the hell?
whorse: (6)

[personal profile] whorse 2023-12-17 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"You are correct." There's more to it than that but, honestly? That's good enough. Sleipnir doesn't feel it necessary to get into the nitty gritty with him about magic use.

"Ironic, isn't it?"
the_real_mccoy: (uh huh)

[personal profile] the_real_mccoy 2023-12-27 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Ya know what a Miqo'te is? I met one here who's kinda part crystal. Ya think he comes from ya world?"

It seemed like a reasonable question. How often did you meet one person who was part crystal? Here was another one saying people who used magic became crystals. It seemed perfectly reasonable to McCoy they might come from the same place.