Duplicity Game Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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duplicitymemes2019-01-11 06:40 pm
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2019-01-11 06:40 pm
Entry tags:
TDM #4 ( revised )
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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 L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues. You’re here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity. After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a paper gown to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation. If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You’re a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your highrise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You’re a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you’ll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms. Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals. Oh, and one more thing. It's fucking cold. Better bundle up. |
 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. |
 While the societal climate between Dominants and Submissives remains somewhat neutral throughout Duplicity, there has been the occasional whisper of defiance and call for equality. Yet, demonstrations and visible proof of this unhappiness spreads faster by word of mouth on a day exactly when you need it most. Welcome to Autonomy, a "traveling" nightclub that is never in the same place twice. People wanting to attend only learn of its lucrative location and password hours before it opens for business. Tonight, I choose the third door will get you inside and into the temporary freedom club Autonomy has to offer. In this circle, there are no assigned designations and no consequences for taking a role that isn't the one given by society. So, a Dominant may become the Submissive they've always wanted to be—or vice versa. Dominants and Submissives alike are able to mingle without repercussion and be themselves. Food, drinks, and private areas for more intimate – or if your preference is sexual – encounters are provided. Donations are accepted at any point during the night to further Autonomy's attempts of spreading the fulfillment that comes from being untitled. On the night you choose to visit, Autonomy is holding a random lottery for temporary connections. When entering, you have the choice of submitting your name into this drawing to be paired with someone else in the club regardless of designation. A short while later, a message will pop up on your device with the name and information of your partner, and whether or not you choose to meet them is purely at your discretion. Having more than one connection isn't completely unusual either. |
 Gratification of being a successful Dominant or Submissive isn't necessarily simple. Learning curves are to be made, and mistakes will happen. Led by a Dominant and Submissive couple – Miriam and Victoria, who have been paired for twenty-two years – a monthly meeting for unattached Dominants and Submissives is held in the conference room of Morning Wood motel in the Down. The meeting starts a few minutes after nine and has no designated end time. The couple introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the meeting: learn the proper method for a new kink and possibly find your perfect partner. The space is intimate and well-stocked with refreshments. To begin, Victoria, while blindfolded, balances on her hands and knees with her back perfectly level. Her partner, when ready, places various items on the level surface–a full cup, a plate. The Submissive is meant to hold the items until the Dominant believes she's reached her limit. The exercise is one of trust and understanding. The demonstration is a short one, followed by Miriam removing the blindfold and soothing her Submissive. The words are whispered low and with care, clearly a method that is specific to this couple. The process is concluded with the pair handing out workups, videos, and answering questions. Anyone wishing to practice Purposeful Submission can do so in the open room with a random volunteer, aided by the couple, or can find someone to take to one of the rented rooms. Sex may follow any scene but is not necessarily included. Experimenting with unattached Dominants and Submissives allows for new relationships to form. |
Please read carefully. On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles based on birthdays; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, character will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chose "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. All characters who have blue eyes or one blue eye and another color are Submissives. All characters who have brown eyes or one brown eye and another color are Dominants. Characters with any other color eyes are Dominants. To use this TDM as a door pass please link this on your app and place whether it is Dominant or Submissive. Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!! |
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But for someone to utter the name Fray. Now that is curious indeed and it gives pause to her fingers plucking at the strings of her harp, yet the song keeps its haunting overture. As for the rest of the words... they're certainly worth noting.
But... mayhaps it is not the words that need so much thought as the person before her. She holds a weight that is all too familiar. Her shoulders ache with burden that she didn't ask for. And in this dream that seems to be of Hydaelyn's faint making it would not be so bold a leap to assume that this may yet be another Warrior of Light from another shard as the Warriors of Darkness had been. Heroes from other stars. And with all the strangeness of visions and echoing words through her head she's not about to dismiss the oddity that another hero stands before her.
Most notable, at least in Kasa's eyes, is that she is just... so so sad.
She does not know this woman. She does not know for certain that she is a champion like herself. But she knows of Fray. And that speaks endless volumes all on its own. A walker of the abyss like herself... and the pain you must be in to even take a step on that path. For her... it was screaming with a voice that not a soul could hear. The betrayal of every nation. And though she had a kind hand in Haurchefant one man alone cannot take a spear of such great injustice.
As it was so painfully proven right before her eyes...
Kasa closes her eyes tightly for a moment as she sets her harp aside. How different would the world be if she could speak? Would she feel any closer to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn? Would her love towards individuals be anything more than gratefulness that they bothered to take the time. She knows not. She thinks... maybe not. She takes in a deep breath as she stands and when she opens her eyes once more her eyes focus on Irhya fully. And she smiles.
The folds of her lavender colored dress fall back around her and her tail swishes lazily from side to side, ever causing the fabric to sway around her legs. And with delicate and gentle steps the Au Ra closes the distance between them to embrace the other girl. The weight of all that sorrow...
Is this not too heavy to carry all on your own?
It may be too intimate of a gesture but all she knows is that there were certain moments in her life that all she longed for was the arms of someone and a whisper that things would be okay. From anyone. And it was naught to be found by anyone. And she regretted, endlessly, the times when she shied away from such a gesture for those who were still around to give them.
If she has learned anything it is to give and offer love more freely when you have the opportunity. And not even idiot Garleans will make her regret making that decision. You should do anything for love. And give it to those that have none.]
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And yet, with just a simple gesture, Kasa manages to touch something so deep and central to her that it nearly takes her breath away, the touch feeling at first like the sharp beat of a drum, but eventually coming to soothe her nerves without her ever realizing she was pulled so taut in the first place.
She's proud of the way she doesn't cry this time, at least, but she does raise her arms in return and burrow her face into Kasa's shoulder, still not understanding but willing to accept the warmth because it feels right. When she inhales, it does indeed smell of lavender, light and fresh and so, so peaceful.]
Gods, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I can't even tell you how much...
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The Au Ra warrior pulls back some and just takes the Miqo'te's hands in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. She shakes he head at the words, the apologies, that are unneeded. Instead she guides her further into the dream like Ishgard. Past the fountain and past the Fortemps manor. Right to the edge of the Last Vigil where the star filled sky fills up your vision. Where the tips of the mountains is the only visible landmass.
Precariously she leaps onto the thin railing and seats herself down, at once kicking her legs out, and gives Irhya's hand a tug insisting that she join her on the railing. Even going so far to pat a spot beside her.]
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But she finds herself feeling awkward and out of place as soon as she finds herself seated, their tails occasionally brushing against one another. What to do with this time? Is there nothing she can do to really connect with her? Does she even know what has happened in her absence...?
So Irhya pulls out her soul crystal, a solid red like all the coagulated blood she's ever spilled for battles not her own, for causes she did not care about. Perhaps they do have more in common than she thought... and maybe that's why she was so quick to comfort her.]
How do you even begin picking up the pieces again after something like this? With no outstretched hand to reach for, when the abyss calling for you just seems so much easier to abide by...?
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Only those that seek to use their powers. That is all any Warrior of Light can surround themselves with. And the abyss... it calls sweetly. And wouldn't it be simpler to heed it's call and give in. For what does it matter? If they are two souls with naught left to hold on to... why not?
But the true answer sits behind them. A dark flag with a painted red unicorn. Not necessarily for the House itself. Nor the people who reside within it. And maybe for this Miqo'te the answer is different. A fallen goddess primal who did right at the end of all things. A cunning sorcerer who fallowed in the steps of his master. For the young woman whose life now is naught more than a tool for the mother crystal. For the wrathful Doman who suffered and brought suffering in return.
Those that could not be saved.
And those that still can be.
For there are people in this land that are still worth saving. And isn't that what he would want? Are you not his hero at the end of all things? What would he say if he knew how far one had fallen? In the end it doesn't matter for even in the darkest depths of hopelessness if you reached out... you know he'd pull you out. And though he is no longer here to do it himself you must take care not to wander too far.
Kasa reaches at her side for her spell book. Calculations and spells from page to page. And this is naught but a dream, hopefully, so she can spare a page.
Her scrawl is neat and tidy, necessary when the lines and words are so important in her casting.
A day may come when she sacrifices everything for selfishness. For a moment. A chance. A day may come when she burns the world to ashes more devastating than any primal. But it is not today. And likely not tomorrow. For now she is just who she is. Making her best in a world that feels so very lonely and trying to make it better for those that remain. For those that deserve to live still. For those she still harbors deep feelings for no matter what it may or may not lead to.
Kasa has no answer to how to pick up the pieces. If she could do that, if she knew where the fractured remains of her heart were she'd glue them back together. But... She can answer the second or at least provide something. And with her words neatly written out she offers the heavy parchment to Irhya. Though some of the words are plagiarized by a man who suffered as much as they she hopes it will provide something all the same. Upon it it reads:]
To save our world we gave our lives. We were just adventurers trying to make our way. An odd job here. A favor there. We never aspired to be Warriors of Light. But word of our deeds spread. And soon people were calling us heroes. They placed their hopes and dreams on our shoulders and bid us fight for all that is good and right.
We fight. And we fight. And we fight. And we will fight until there is no one left to fight. We do everything right. We do everything that is asked of us and more. And it will never be enough.
Such is our burden. Such is the line we walk, hovering over the abyss, but we shall not falter. We shall not fall.
For those we could not save. For those that still can be.
One day, some day, we will fail. But it is not today. Nor tomorrow.
Fellow walker of the abyss... can you not feel him still?
[Kasa reaches out to the Ishgardian night sky, fingers grasping at stars that she will not ever touch, far beyond the reach of even a Warrior of Light. Though she holds onto nothing she can still feel. Just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there. She believes with all of her heart that he is still watching over her. For she must. To continue to take steps she must hold true to this faith. Because she cannot continue this path alone. She can not muck through the shallows of darkness without that truth in her heart.]
Surely... you have not forgotten that warmth. Not yet... It's still much too soon for it to be naught but a fading memory.
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It seems unfathomable, almost uncomfortable to think there might ever be a way in which Irhya does not hate herself. Any attempts at mustering appreciation for herself seem to dissolve away in the swampy mess of doubt that is her own mind before they ever have a chance to take hold.]
Aye... stars burn bright of their own power, and ultimately meet their demise because of it. We are much the same, in theory. It is always the wise who are the most foolish, and the strong who are the most wounded.
[And that is just the way of things. But there were plenty who could have heeded the call and instead chose not to; plenty of adventurers, those blessed and those less so, and plenty of ordinary people who instead cast off on a different path. The ones who survived, the ones who continued to bend over backwards and bleed themselves dry and give the shirts off their damn backs for some foolish, ungrateful shiteheels who wouldn't otherwise give them the time of day... No one would have blamed them for quietly slipping away and pretending not to hear the needy cries of the masses for salvation, for they themselves are not gods to be prayed to, and certainly not primals bearing false promises of protection.
But they stayed anyway. They picked themselves up, licked their wounds, and pressed on with sore feet and aching hearts because they wanted to, even if it meant toeing the boundary of humanity and godhood on a very dangerous level. The very way Fordola had nearly been knocked breathless by a mere glimpse of her memories only served to make her wonder if something was wrong with her, at the time. Yet, she also wants to retake the mantle she had set down of her own volition, the desire burnt and buried by layers of ash, but still warm and aglow somewhere beneath.]
Would he even wait for someone like me at all...?