TDM #38

[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. 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 has been noticeably cooler lately, with some afternoon heat lingering around depending on the day. Fall is nearly here; can you feel it?

» » » 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.

« « « FASHION FORWARD

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(cw: collars/harnesses, corsets) LIERs, both new and old, no doubt find some aspects of Duplicity culture shocking and may fail to assimilate without proper guidance. Whether or not they are contracted, LIERs will find themselves wearing and handling clothes and accessories that may look or feel unfamiliar. For this reason, LIEs staff are helpfully introducing different kinds of fashion that characters will typically encounter in the city. Arrivals get to attend a seminar on the use, handling, and care for clothing made of fabric like leather, latex, or lace. The seminar includes the importance of using such clothes to express one's identity, and how it can be used to highlight designation.  Submissives may end up assisting Dominants in lacing up corsets or fitting into slick bodysuits. Characters of opposite designations will also be paired for a basic leathercraft workshop, where collars and harnesses can be customized to suit a particular design, preference or fit. If LIERs feel compelled to take any new pieces of their wardrobe for a test drive, even better! At the end of Orientation, participants are given complimentary fetishwear to take home. Enjoy a new latex thong or pleather jock strap, on the house!

» » » LOVE BUGS

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(cw: insects, sexual compulsions) As the weather in Duplicity begins its transition into autumn, a slumbering menace from the ground begins to hatch and propagate. Tiny little moths, iridescent blue and red, seem to appear out of nowhere, congregating around sources of bright light, regardless of the time of day. They can be found on various surfaces (trees, the walls of buildings, etc.) and while they appear to be particularly harmless, they do bite. Not on purpose, however; it isn't blood or flesh they seek. No, it's clothing, especially the sort made out of cotton and other organic fabrics.  If they bite, it's by mistake, trying to chew and munch their way through clothing. They seem to especially enjoy undergarments, gnawing holes through panties, boxers, briefs, and bras alike. The bites themselves don't hurt or even itch all that much, but they do cause characters to feel oddly amorous toward others who have also been bitten. Side effects wear off after an hour, but unfortunately, the underwear holes are here to stay. Maybe that complimentary kinkwear you received during Orientation would be a smart thing to put on in the meantime — the moths don't seem to like leather or PVC very much!

« « « BUG OFF

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(cw: insects, aphrodisiacs, sexual compulsions) With lingerie shops and other clothing stores in an outrage due to damages and loss — courtesy of those irksome moths — the city has prepared an all-out assault in a bid to get the pests under control. Buildings are fumigated and streets and parks are sprayed with various chemicals to rid the Up and Down of the moths. While their efforts do have results, and the moth repellent drives away the infestation in a matter of days, the chemicals also have unintended side effects on those who breathe it in or come into contact with the substance in one form or another. Said effects include heightened sensitivity, increased libido, and in particularly extreme cases, unquenchable sexual insatiability — all of which will only subside once the chemical has fully worked its way out of the body in a day or two. As compensation to citizens and new arrivals who may have had their clothing ruined during the entire ordeal, gift cards are handed out so that LIERs may purchase new outfits from the very stores who suffered losses. While available stock might be low, there is still enough of a selection for individuals to find something suitable to wear — even if it may be outside their typical comfort zone. Since uncontracted Submissives are unable to purchase anything on their own, they will be paired with a Dominant to accompany them on their LIEs-sanctioned shopping trip. Time to put those fashion lessons from Orientation to good use!

» » » 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 would prefer stability, they are a Submissive. If your character would embrace passion, 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 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!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

Velma Dinkley | Scooby Doo | Dominant

[thevelmster]

>> ALL ABOARD <<

[This place is horrifying, yes, but the petite, young woman in an orange sweater can’t help but allow various aspects of the city to distract her from the dark reality of her situation. An engineer and scientist at heart, this task shouldn’t be so difficult, right?

From an outsider’s perspective, it might look as though she’s blissfully engrossed in the scenery and architecture of the Up during the tour, particularly since she can be seen taking notes with a bit of vigor from time to time. Honestly, quite a bit of it stands beautifully designed and constructed, but she knows the truth of it. And that, despite the function and aesthetics, is the simple fact that everywhere the eye falls a design decision has been made with the culture of this place in mind.

So, perhaps the young woman appears fine from a stranger’s eye, but closer inspection might reveal her true feelings. The way she grips her pen so tight her knuckles whiten. How her gaze becomes unfocused and unmoving into the distance beyond the window, or the intentional manner in which she avoids looking at a Submissive kneeling next to a Dominant.

Or, when someone sits next to her, be they LIER or local, Velma can’t help but shift her weight towards the window, giving herself and the other person more room to delineate the space. Except trains are trains and there’s an abrupt stop or a not so smooth spot that deltas the momentum sharply, subsequently throwing her against the person in the seat next to her, or more awkwardly, face first into the crotch or butt cheek of the person in front of her.

So much for laying low.]

>> FASHION FORWARD <<

[Typically, she delights in a well curated seminar. She loves learning, particularly about niche subjects. Whatever had been the expectations going into this particular presentation? Well let’s just say this lady’s poker face left much to be desired.

None of these styles of clothing even remotely fit Velma’s typical aesthetic. It’s giving her flashbacks of Daphne putting her in a faux leather bodysuit to make her seem sexy and mysterious on a date. During the entirety of the seminar, she appears visibly uncomfortable, often seen blushing and trying to avoid eye contact with teachers and LIERs alike.

The material science aspect of the seminar, however, hooks her attention, and there are times where she’s engaging in focused note-taking. Too bad it’s mostly a practical course.

Due to her Dominant designation, she’s directed to help designated Submissives in learning how to properly lace up a corset, and she’s actively torn between dying of embarrassment and overachieving in a teacher-esque role. There’s a deep breath to bolster herself with an attempt at confidence before she turns to someone nearby with a collar.]

Can you please help me... Um put this on? [She does not sound terribly confident. But she does quickly add some clarification!] Over the sweater.

[Her sweater’s snug and she’s figuring she could get away with a more historical or Renaissance Faire aesthetic rather than full on kink. Never mind that the corset they’ve handed her was a deep maroon leather underbust. Yep. The sweater is definitely staying on for this.]

>> UN: 0111011001100101011011000110110101100001 <<

Looking for samples of the various moth repellent agents.
Can trade accompaniment to assist with gift card purchases in exchange.

Please wear proper PPE during sample collection.

>> WILDCARD <<

[OOC: Have something else in mind? PM this journal to discuss! Feel free to have your character recognize Velma, but do not inform her she is a fictional character please.]

text: un: playing_human

[nightmarescenario]

most people aren't going to know what 'ppe' is, much less proper ppe

[thevelmster]

It's almost as though they have a compact supercomputer at their fingertips.

Or they can ask for clarification directly.

[Everyone else? Darwinism? A Learning Experience?]

[nightmarescenario]

your faith in the human condition is much higher than mine

[thevelmster]

It's a struggle some days, but I try.

[nightmarescenario]

why bother?

[thevelmster]

Most people still mean well. Some are just idiots.

[nightmarescenario]

i agree on that last part

[thevelmster]

Not an optimist?

[nightmarescenario]

i'm a futurist.

[thevelmster]

That's vague. What makes you one?
Hopefully not Tarot cards and crystal balls.

[nightmarescenario]

definitely not.
means i look forward. to the future - when i develop new - whatever.

[thevelmster]

Isn't that normal? Even beyond an engineer's scope of iterative development, forward planning is required for growth.

fashion forward

[gascogne]

[D'Artagnan had little hope to escape this orientation without much participation, near the last he'd be required to attend, but as far as such things go, it's relatively tame and uneventful. He'd paid no attention to the seminar portion, sprawled in a chair, clearly well versed in leather already, and most of his clothing tied with laces to begin with. It's dull and pointless, and he's almost fallen asleep by the time the demonstrations are to be made. His instinct then is to brush off the woman who dared look his way, arms crossed at his ribs and looking like he wishes to be anywhere else, but it's the tone of her voice, and her immediate specification of over the sweater that softens his glare. Still, he sighs in annoyance as he steps closer, trying to not loom over Velma as he reaches for her selected corset.]

Of course, Madame.

[That's spoken mostly for the instructor's benefit of showing respect, and it's them he looks at when he speaks first. Quietly, he follows that with a low monotonous assurance for Velma herself.]

Fear not for your assessment, I know what I'm doing.

[thevelmster]

[Even though she's short, Velma's quite used to the towering height of both Fred and Shaggy, this feels much more daunting. It's the entire scenario, but it's also the annoyance after she's mustered the courage to even ask for such intimate assistance.

Being called Madame is weird, and it takes her a moment to register that it's not really for her benefit. That maybe, he's actually trying to be kind about it?

She wants to tell him that it's okay. He doesn't have to help if he doesn't want to, and that she's sorry too, for bothering him about it. But instead, she squeaks out a simple:]

Okay.

[Clearly she's more than happy for him to take the lead here.]

[gascogne]

[The corner of his lips quirk into a tiny amused smile that's suppressed in his bid to be practical and detached. It's difficult the moment he has the corset in hand, and finds his gaze drifting down at her chest in that sweater. Generally awkward himself, he fumbles with the material a bit in his hand, gesturing vaguely and trying not to stare directly again.]

You might wish to... adjust this as you like, under...

[Her breasts, so he need not do so himself and possibly cause more embarrassment.]

I'll do up the laces after...

[thevelmster]

Oh! [Now it's her turn to look sheepish, a blush rising over her features both at his lingering gaze and his now obvious suggestion.] Right.

[Carefully, she takes the corset and unfolds it, examining it quietly to try and determine exactly how it's supposed to go, the laces in one hand for now. Mostly she's trying to find a tag or the edges of fabric next to stitching. It's pretty self explanatory which part to place under her breasts, which she does with a look of intense concentration at some point in the distance as she clutches it against her with one arm.

She steals a glance to him as she offers him the laces, quiet and questioning.]

[gascogne]

[Ignoring the colouring of her cheeks, he stands by patiently as Velma examines the corset in a pragmatic manner that at least makes it appear they'll get through his demonstration without issue concerning the task itself. D'Artagnan keeps his attention focused on Velma's hands, looking up when he feels her eyes on him, nodding slightly as takes the laces from her hand.]

One moment.

[His tone remains level and droll, but there's a tinge of warmth in it. Stepping behind her, he holds the laces in his teeth as he settles his hands at her waist, solid but gentle, smoothing the leather of the corset back so he might grip both sides at the middle of her back and start threading the laces through the eyelets. Once the initial loose knot is in place, the tedious lacing begins. Silence is awkward, but perhaps so it conversation, nevertheless, he'll attempt that for distraction.]

Forgive me, I'd not introduced myself. My name is D'Artagnan. I've been in this city just over a year now. I presume you're a new arrival? Should you've any questions about this place, I'll do my best to answer them.

[thevelmster]

[She's having a bit of difficulty parsing his tone with what she feels is kindness by his actions, and she chooses to believe the latter is the reality. That's at least helpful in dampening her nervousness somewhat. Not a lot, but every bit counts she's decided.

The feeling of the corset tightening is an odd feeling, but not unpleasant, almost methodical with what feels like practiced motions from him. It's a question she might ask later. While the silence doesn't particularly bother her, gleaning information far supersedes her comfort as a priority here. It's an excellent place to focus her attention, since that blush hasn't faded too much thanks to the feel of his hands on her, however small and brief the touches. She's not often touched by others in such a manner.

She shoves aside the knowledge that this place most certainly will change that.]

I have a multitude of questions. [Most would do best not to ask here, probably.
Okay but rewind, proper manners and social things.] My name is Velma, and yes, I'm a new arrival. [A beat.] A year is a long time. What's the longest a LIER has been here?

[gascogne]

Velma. Pleased to make your acquaintance, though it's unfortunately under these circumstances.

[His words veer too far towards politesse still, but D'Artagnan harbours such resentment for this city, it won't do to start letting that slip out during an orientation workshop, lest he bring unwanted attention to this poor woman with his vitriol and call forth the guards. What does come through is a bit of strain in his voice, the monotony wavering.]

It is. Long. And a difficult adjustment.

[One he's not yet entirely made.]

I do hope you're luckier than me in that, Velma... As for your question, I know one or two who've been here six years.

[thevelmster]

I have a feeling that's a frequent caveat with introductions here.

[She harbors her own resentment, but her logic wins out eventually, which is why she decides to mimic his politeness as best she's able. Unfortunately, she's not so great at masking her expression at his words about the difficulty. Velma can't help but think that if it's difficult for most, then it's going to be particularly difficult for her.]

Oh brother.

[There's a deep breath, her arms moving subconsciously to hug herself while holding the corset still.]

If adjusting to society back home is any indication of that luck here, then I'm not terribly optimistic on an easy course here.

[gascogne]

[The initial lacing done and pulled snug, he moves back to the top to tighten them all, just enough to make it look as if there's effort put in to attending to such things, but careful not to tug too much, and listening for signs of too-shallow breathing.]

Had you such difficulties? Where is it you're from, if I might ask?

[Some adjust better than others to certain aspects, and though D'Artagnan has no goodwill towards the city, he knows some who do, who have thrived where they faltered in their own societal mores at home.]

Or... when may be a better question. Years tend to be helpful.

[Though generally not for him, as he's met very few from earlier points in Earth-adjacent time.]

[thevelmster]

[It's strangely relaxing, the feel of the corset tightening increment by increment, like a firm hug, and Velma finds that while it's a little more difficult to breathe deeply, she's not terribly uncomfortable. Perhaps because it's an under bust corset.]

Yes. [The answer to his question comes quick.] I'm quite intelligent. More than most. The hobbies I enjoyed didn't align with what most considered 'cool' - er popular.

[She shrugs a shoulder, trying not to look as bothered by all that's lumped together with that in her mind, including conventional beauty standards.]

I'm lucky to have found a small group of friends that shared one of my passions.

[Glancing over her shoulder to him, or the shape of him really as he's on the edge of her glasses.]

I'm from 2004. What about you?

[gascogne]

[A barely audible laugh escapes him at that claim, as he continues with the tightening, working his way down the corset to tie a solid bow knot at the bottom.]

If you often state it bluntly like that, it's your arrogance they dislike, not your intellect.

[It's not meant as an insult, but the moment it's spoken, he sighs and clears his throat quietly, pressing on to the next topic with no remorse in his dry and perfunctory apology.]

Forgive my insolence. 1637.

[thevelmster]

I merely stated facts, or answered questions they could not in school. Other times they would treat me poorly merely for wanting to read or spend time in a lab rather than go to the mall for fun.

[She supposes that her confidence in her intellect can be seen as arrogant at times, but given she's actually as smart as she claims, she considers the ire it earns more jealousy of others. Facts are facts after all.

Her brow furrows at his apology, but it's immediately eclipsed by surprise, then curious delight.]

Jinkies, that's... [Well honestly with his chosen attire it makes logical sense.] Fascinating. I would very much like to discuss history with you.