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duplicitymemes2019-01-11 06:40 pm
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2019-01-11 06:40 pm
Entry tags:
TDM #4 ( revised )
« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »
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!! |
Arthur Morgan | RDR2 | Submissive
» » » arrival - up
which is why there's a woman dashing up to his side, slipping through to hold her arms out between arthur and whoever's accosting him, like her slight, 5'2'' frame could protect a grown man and a horse on top of that. with her back to him, the long braid of blonde hair thankfully disguises how her shoulders have hunched up—not in fear, but desperation to, uh... not make this turn into a free-for-all (and not the orgy kind, the bloody fistfight kind) right in the street.]
Please take it easy! There's no reason for this! [she's addressing the "bastards". arthur could be new. or confused. or whatever, but she'll use the horse if she has to:] If anything, we don't want to frighten the horse.
no subject
Arthur was about three seconds away from getting himself arrested until this little woman appears out of nowhere. The entire altercation shimmers down to a standstill. Even Arthur is too busy gawking at the blonde to keep up with the hysterics. While he's still huffing like an angry bull, Arthur doesn't reach for his revolver. The last thing he wants to do is kill anyone. He's still trying to get his bearings here and spending the night in a jail cell doesn't sound appealing.
Besides, who would take care of poor Delilah?]
What she says! [The outlaw states in support.] My horse is easily spooked.
[The goons back off a little, their gaze focused on the testy horse behind Arthur. While she's a pretty as sin silver dapple pinto, Delilah is meaner than a rattlesnake when riled up. Arthur makes sure to keep his girl calm by patting her neck.]
Easy there. [He mumbles to the horse.] It's okay. Just fine.
[After a few more gentle pats, Arthur turns from his horse and greets the little woman with an awkward smile.]
Um...well. [He scratches the back of his neck.] Thanks? I guess.
Don't know why they were so hardheaded.
Crime Does Pay
... not that he can really blame him, but still. Looking somewhere between alarmed and a little bit pissed off he slowly takes his hands out of his pockets and holds them up, careful to make no sudden movements even as he doesn't take his eyes off of Arthur for an instant. He's really not looking for a fight tonight but he also intends to leave with as few gunshot wounds as possible and ideally all of his possessions.]
Easy with that thing, I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you're about as mad as the rest of us about getting dragged into this.
no subject
[The outlaw growls from beneath his black neckerchief. He has it wrapped over his nose in hopes of concealing his identity. Of course, that's not going to work. Arthur is about 6'1, 200 something odd pounds sporting a damn cowboy hat. He's definitely going to be easy to spot in a line up.
There's no hope for him.].
But not as mad as I'm gonna be if you don't fill up this sack. [He tosses the empty bag at the boy.] GET TO IT!
I'm not gonna ask again, boy!
[Realistically, Arthur would've shot him by now for testing his patience. He's just a hair trigger away from doing it. So why doesn't he? He's not even sure there's an answer for that. Might have something to do with how young his target is. Arthur doesn't really wants to shoot a kid.]
C'mon already! Stop bullshittin' around.
Arrival - Up
Still there's a hand clapping to his shoulder, coming up from behind as opposite as possible to the steed. When Arthur turns he'll see a man in a fedora and two-piece suit. A uniform not so foreign to his time. It's the same silhouette a century down the line with half the brim trimmed off the hat. But where Arthur's all bile and brimstone this man is cold and calm.
Don squares the outlaw with a warning look. He speaks low. He has no more power here than the other man. Which is just more motive to see they get out with skins intact.]
This isn't the fight you want.
no subject
It takes all his willpower not to reach for his guns, his right hand tightening around Delilah's reins for dear life. He takes a moment to regain his bearings here. He just needs a second to calm the hell down.
Just a second. Just a second...]
Tch, fine. [Arthur manages to mutter under his breath.] Y'all win this time. I'll go but Delilah stays with me, got it?
[Now that he cooled off a little, Arthur gives the feller by him another glance. Just judging from the outfit alone, this feller looks just like a got damn Pinkerton. Everything from the damn wide brim hat, the suit and tie, hell even that authoritative look in his eyes reminds him too much of Agent Ross and Milton. It's enough to make Arthur curse. Even here, there's reminders that his days as an outlaw are dwindling down and with it, his freedom. Dutch's dream is starting to look even further away to him now.]
The hell is all this?
[The outlaw fusses as he tries to lead Delilah away. The silver dapple pinto stays quiet as she follows behind Arthur. She's a rather well behaved Missouri Fox trotter. A real beauty since Arthur takes care of his girl better than he does himself.]
no subject
Don's lips thin at the inquiry.]
I don't know. [His eyes flick over the horse as they walk away. She's obedient, lovingly groomed. A doted on partner. The next best thing to family, or perhaps better.] I have no idea what to do with her, either. There was a park south of here—
[Truthfully, he couldn't give a damn about the well-being of the horse. There's people passing with haughty looks, a lot of shock and sneering at the sight of a pack animal in civilization. They're drawing far too much attention in a place they knew far too little about. They were already marked as lower class. How much further could they be made to stoop?]
Get her out of here. You're a walking bullseye.
no subject
[The cowboy snaps back in a fit of anger, positively bristling like a bear. He's a big guy, big and dumb looking with his wide brim hat and noisy spurs but this is a man who can deadlift a deer no problem. He could probably snatch his feller up and fling him a good several feet like a damn rag doll.
Arthur is like part man and part bear. He's almost just as wild as one.]
God dammit! I don't know this place and quite frankly, I don't wanna be here! [He huffs grumpily as he stomps along. The outlaw damn near has steam coming out of his ears. He's mad.] Just how the hell did I wake up in this hellhole?
[He mutters as he runs his hand over his sweat drenched face.]
Too many got damn people. Too many stupid laws and rules!
no subject
[People are startled again. They'll never shake off suspicion like this. His teeth grit as he surveys the crowd. No new challengers. He steps closer again and chides him through the tones of conspiracy.]
You think you're the only one who feels that way? We don't belong here. And you're right. It's too many people, and it's too many rules. So how about you figure out what the rules are before trying to break them?
[His gaze tracks back to the horse again. He lifts a hand to stroke at her snout. Irate, but thinking it through. He's not shy of horses, growing up as he did. It's just hard to like them after seeing that hoof crunch into his father's face.]
We'll head for the city limits. If we can't find someone to give us an answer on the way, then at least she'll be in the open. Are her shoes good on the pavement?
no subject
Quit lecturin' me like you're my grand-pappy. [He grumbles while idly thanking the man mentally for keeping him on the straight and narrow right now.] I get it, okay? We need to keep a low profile.
[Arthur sighs quietly before simmering down a bit to seem somewhat reasonable. If it wasn't for Delilah gently nudging him, he would've really snapped. Mentioning the horse, she didn't seem to mind the light pats from this dapper stranger. The horse is calm and quiet unlike her ornery owner.]
Her shoes ought to be. [He answers after fishing out a cigarette from his jacket's pocket.] I paid a pretty penny at the stables. I trust she'll do just fine.
[The outlaw gives his trusted a steed a worried glance before peeking over at the feller beside him.]
What's your name?
crime does pay
She looks at the revolver, and then looks at the man, and tilts her head to the side.] I am not sure what you are asking me to stick and where, but if you really wish to try and threaten me, would it not be more effective to do so with some kind of blade?
A sword is much more intimidating than this... oddly shaped club.
[Guess who predates firearms?]
no subject
Arthur is a good man or at least he tries to be. It's hard to be good when the world itself isn't. Nevertheless, he tries and he's trying real hard not to smack this woman over the head for that stupid question.]
A sword? [He scoffs.] I ain't never seen no feller with a sword before, ma'am. But guns are a dime a dozen.
[The outlaw let's out a distressed sigh as he holsters his firearm. Yeah, he's not interested in robbing some weird lady.]
The hell's you're problem? Ain't never seen a gun before?
no subject
[She tilts her head to the side. Depending on how perceptive he is, he might see movement on the top of her head under the hood, as though something perked up underneath it.]
You were threatening me, were you not? You may continue. I thought it was interesting.
no subject
Maybe this lady does have a few screws loose.]
You're crazier than you look, huh?
[His gaze strays to her hood. Arthur could've sworn he seen it move a little. The hell is that all about?]
You never heard of a gun? Firearms? Pistols? [He questions curiously as he strokes his chin.] None of that rings a bell? Well, shit...!
[Why are all the damn people in this world so weird? Arthur huffs in frustration.]
Move it along! Whatever crazies you got, I don't want 'em.
no subject
I have never heard of any of those things. Will you explain? Or just continue to act perplexed that I have not heard of things that are commonplace to you?
[Holo smiles.
She's got very sharp, prominent canine teeth. Kinda like fangs.] Shall I inquire as to things that I know that you may not, and then act smug and self-assured at your confusion?
no subject
Yeah, yeah. A bold proclamation comin' from a lady too damn dumb to know what a gun looks like.
[He huffs in annoyance once this woman starts going off at the mouth. She's more aggravating than Abigail whenever she's in a tizzy about something John did. This little lady is trying to pick his brain and Arthur doesn't like it one bit.]
Geez, quit your yappin' for a minute!
[He snaps at her while trying his best not to grow. This is a robbery turned interrogation. How come nothing ever works out in his favor?]
You tellin' the truth about never seein' a gun before, ma'am? [Arthur questions with a raised brow.] Well, erm...hm.
[He lets out a long suffering sigh.]
Alright then, I might as well give you a lesson. [Despite how ridiculous this seems, Arthur complies. He pulls out his revolver and points it upward away from them both.] This is the Schofield Revolver.
[He explains before lowering it for closer inspection. It's a silver revolver with a wooden hilt. Definitely not as fancy as one of Dutch's guns but practical and sleek in design.]
It's a firearm that has a revolving cylinder. [Arthur feels absolutely idiotic for having to explain this but he continues nonetheless. He shows off the cylinder of the gun and pops it open to reveal the brass coated bullets inside.] It contains multiple chambers for ammunition and it's fired out from the barrel.
you should know i've been researching the history of early renaissance guns for this thread
It is silvery... I like how it catches the light.
[She understands that the chambers revolve, but she doesn't know the word "firearm." Another term, though, she's heard before, but in a different context.] "Ammunition?" [She repeats carefully, crowning.] I have heard that used by guardsmen before, but they did not have anything such as this.
Is it similar in nature to a crossbow? They carried those atop the walls.
that's how you know the rp is fun lol
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» » » CRIME DOES PAY
he can smell alcohol in the air from arthur's earlier adventures, and it gives him flicker of something he can't place or attribute to error in reminder of hank.
ANALYSIS IN PROGRESS....
||||||||||| 100%
ANALYSIS COMPLETE
Estimated bullet trajectory: Biocomponent #7511p
Loss of Thirium estimated at: 9%
Estimated overall risk: LOW, RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT
CHOOSE YOUR APPROACH
▲ ATTACK HIM - RETRIEVE WEAPON & NEUTRALIZE
■ REASON WITH HIM
◯ COMPLY WITH REQUEST
✕ CALL FOR HELP
■ REASON WITH HIM
any good hostage negotiator knows not to capitulate so easily. he needs assurance no one else will be harmed. and maybe learning what he's hoping to accomplish will talk him down. money isn't much of an object to an android anyway, but this type of behaviour is sure to attract the attention of city officials and lead to an unpleasant reality for the man.
connor puts his hands up, keeping his voice calm, neutral and firm.]
Okay. Okay. [he repeats it, to enforce that he's planning to comply on some level.]
You want money, right? How about you tell me your name and we can work this out.
I'm Connor.
[humanizing yourself is more likely to appeal to one's empathy. attaching a name and a face to a threat has an estimated 37% increase in successful negotiations.]
OMG!
What's your problem, feller?! [He mutters as he pokes the barrel of his revolver harder against the man's back.] I got a gun pointed at you and you wanna make chit chat?
Can't you tell I'm robbin' you?!
[An annoyed huff escapes Arthur as he lowers the gun a little. He doesn't have his heart in it but the firearm is still drawn. This big drunk fool don't seem to realize he's being played like a fiddle. Oh, well. It beats him having his ass locked up in a jail cell.
This big dummy could use a sympathetic ear.]
Connor, huh? [He pauses for a moment as if trying to come up with an alias. It's quite obvious that his gears are spinning but Arthur is drunk as hell and thinking hurts right about now.] Ain't that an Irish name? I think I met an Irishman with that name before back in Valentine.
[The outlaw pauses for a moment before finally giving his name.]
The name's Arthur, feller. Arthur.
c: hi there
LIKELIHOOD OF A RASH DECISION: INCONCLUSIVE, POTENTIALLY 60% OR MORE
that means he'll either be easier to talk down, or he'll be volatile. it depends what type of drinker he is, and connor hasn't had to factor alcohol outside of an already established relationship into any negotiations.]
Yes, I'm aware that was your likely goal.
It's okay--I have the money. I have more money than I ever would have been allowed to possess where I come from. If that's what you need, I can give you some.
[there. he feels a slight tremor, an annoyed huff of air brushing against the back of his neck. a frustrated tone, like maybe he's questioning himself.
SUCCESS RATE: 47%]
It is of Irish origin--it means "lover of dogs", which is very accurate in my case. Do you like dogs, Arthur?
[he pauses, letting that friendliness sink in before quietly following this with:]
How about we do this without the gun?
howdy, feller!
Whelp. Arthur already hates himself enough as it is.]
Well, hurry up and get me the money! [He snaps as he presses the gun a little firmer against the man's back.] Don't make me hurt you, okay?
[He blurts out suddenly further proving his rather inebriated and oddly emotional state. Arthur Morgan is having a tough night, okay? Being an outlaw is rough.]
"Lover of dogs", huh? [There's a faint chuckle.] That's a good name. Of course I love dogs. Used to have a coonhound by the name of Cooper.
[He pulls away a little, his morale wavering quite a bit. His heart really in this right now.]
He was a sweet old thing. All attitude and tongue, I tell ya. [Arthur smiles as he reminisces about his old four legged friend.] Cooper used to follow me everywhere.
He was loyal boy, a good boy. [Arthur misses that damn dog. Dearly]
[The silence that follows is nerve-wrecking. Arthur takes a moment to figure what to do here. He honestly doesn't want to hurt Connor but he doesn't exactly trust him. So instead of complying, the outlaw pats Connor on the shoulder to turn him around.]
...Okay. [He mutters under his breath.] Just don't you even think about runnin' off on me, son. I'll hogtie you if I have to.
i love this thread already
opening up had been the right choice, he notes as his success rate jumps another 10%.
ARTHUR LIKES DOGS. ARTHUR OWNED A DOG (COOPER), DECEASED.]
I--someone close to me has a dog too. A Saint Bernard named Sumo. He was a good boy too. He's here, you know. I would....find it regrettable if I weren't able to feed him his dinner tonight or say goodbye, Arthur.
[connor shifts to the right when he feels the solid hand on his shoulder, led spinning in quick bursts of blue suggesting increased activity but nothing detrimental to his software yet. his voice is gentle, eyes lowered slightly before he takes a risk and lets them lift up to meet arthur directly. they're warm, brown--awfully convincing. his hands are still up, but he shifts slightly closer with one small, tentative step--like he's afraid of disturbing a wounded animal.
his success rate is still too close to even for his liking, so it's time to push a little more.]
I don't think you're a bad man, Arthur.
[REPETITION OF ONE'S NAME SUGGESTS FAMILIARITY, A PERCEIVED CLOSENESS OR BOND. CONTINUE TO REPEAT INTERMITTENTLY.]
And I know what it's like to feel...powerless.
me too! me too! ;-;
[Yep, Arthur is a dog person. He would love to meet Sumo someday, assuming he doesn't blow Connor's brains out. That would be quite...unfortunate.]
I ain't powerless. [The outlaw proclaims while still waving that damn gun around.] That ain't me! I'm going to find my way out of this town and get back with the gang.
[He doesn't mean to blurt all of this out but the alcohol has him talking. Unbeknownst to Arthur but known to everyone else, he's a sloppy drunk. Arthur is a fun but sloppy drunk who doesn't know when to shut up.]
Aw, hell! You don't even know me, Connor. [The man sighs as he finally puts his revolver away.] If ya did...you would know I'm lower than shit. Done too much sinning to ever be good again.
[An outlaw with low self-esteem? Odd mix.]
i spy an app!!!
[talking about the future creates an incentive for them both to get out of this together. though, the way his success rate keeps racking up, connor is starting to think this is another mission he can call a success. at least, until his outburst and the erratic waving of his gun.
TOPIC: WEAKNESS, POWERLESSNESS - TRIGGERS INCREASED STRESS LEVELS BY 11%+.RECOMMENDATION: AVOID OR PLACATE
connor puts his hands up again, emphasizing once more that he's not making any sudden moves and he's not meaning to agitate him, even though he's preconstructed enough scenarios to know how to disarm him with minimal effort or injury to either side. but escalating to an action like that will often leave no chance at a meaningful interaction or a peaceful resolution.
and maybe there's a part of connor's newfound empathy that would like to hear arthur out. since hank's disappearance, he's been vulnerable in his own way. he steps forward again, the barest fraction of an inch.]
I don't think I believe that, Arthur. You're right--I don't know you.
[he pauses, tilting his head inquisitively. he thinks about the things hank has said and done, shown him about hating one's self and wanting to give up rather than fight past it.]
But all evidence suggests you have empathy. You care, you feel...guilt? You're alive, and that gives you endless combinations of possibilities to fix whatever you think you've done wrong.
[connor lowers one hand, extending it open-palmed.]
Give me your device. I can transfer you the funds that way--but I'd appreciate if you tell me what you wanted to do with them.