duplicitymemes | TDM #4 ( revised )

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TDM #4 ( revised )

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « HERE WE ARE AGAIN

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.

» » » LIES TRAVEL IN COMPANY

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.

« « « END IN THE DISCORD

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.

» » » TABLE IT FOR LATER

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.

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

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!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

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[ Something about the straightforward response draws a slight smile from him. He prefers that in a person, in anyone he might be forced to interact with in any sort of capacity that goes beyond a handful of minutes, and maybe that will continue if he chooses his words a little more carefully. Then again, he's not overly trusting of other vampires for certain reasons; still, he has to remind himself that he is no longer in the Dusk. What good would it do to assume that someone similar is exactly like him? That's just asking for trouble. ]

I don't know. You don't look like a loser. Or do you just like playing the odds? [ If they were in a red bar, maybe he would have ordered Armand a drink. But they're not. This is a human club, and conscious of them around him, he keeps his gaze trained on the other for a second before glancing to the side in the direction of another couple laughing and groping at each other as though they're in private. He sighs. ] Maybe we should discuss this somewhere else.

[Everything about this is new and when you've been alive for over five hundred years, it's hard not to feel just a little on edge when you have no idea the full game you're playing. But at least other vampires are familiar and he can know what he's up against. That's at least a little comforting.]

Let's go. [Armand starts to lead them to a room he senses is empty and once there, sits on the bed.] As for playing the odds, I don't like doing so at all. Relying on luck has never done me any good. If you want to win, you have to do it all on your own merit.

[ This is a familiar scenario. If he follows, he might end up in a situation worse than death. If he stays, he'll let that intrigue slips away. It's an oddly difficult decision to make, though Larus reluctantly moves after him until they're alone. He watches Armand sit, pressing a shoulder against the door to keep anyone who might think to join them out of the room. ]

You're right. You don't rely on luck. You rely on information. That helps you win. [ Not that he's particularly keen on winning anything here. Except, perhaps, an ally or something else. A pause, and as if trying to prove a point: ] What do you know about me?

Nothing other than your name is Larus and you're a vampire like me. If you wanted, I could try to gather more information about you from your mind but I didn't want to be rude. Not when we might need each other in a place like this. [Armand trails his hand over the blanket on top of the bed, his eyes cast to the side until he looks at Larus.]

I won't hurt you or try to kill you [as long as you don't try to do so with me is the message he sends loud and clear to Larus. You don't live to be this old without letting others know you're not that easy and proving that if need be.].

[ His expressions narrows a little. This is too much like a certain psychic he knows back home, but at the very least, Armand is making an attempt at seeking his permission. He pushes away from the door, crossing the distance between them in the blink of an eye; it's not a particular threatening movement, though there is some underlying tension in the way he stands beside him. ]

My thoughts are my own. If you want to know something, ask. [ That isn't a guarantee he'll share though. His jaw clenches. ] But I don't have any interest in killing you. Like you said, we might need each other. I'd say we probably do more than we don't.

[Armand doesn't blink or even twitch as Larus comes closer to him. Like this, he's unnatural looking and to humans, this is when he would start to look creepy.] If it makes you feel better, most vampires of my kind can read minds. It isn't special, just part of who we are. But we all tend to block each other out. I'll stay out of your mind as a nice gesture. [Why would he want to make an enemy? He has enough of those.]

If there is anything important you think I should know then tell me. I'll base my questions from there. As for me, I am Armand as you already know and I'm over five hundred. My last territory was in Florida but many know me from Paris. That's really all you need to know about me but I'll still answer any question you do have. [He pats the seat next to him but he won't take offense if Larus doesn't want to.]

[ A frown deepens as he considers all of those things, and it's something that concerns him, the not knowing. Knowledge is crucial to surviving here, but if every interaction is going to be like this, he's going to need to be careful. As it is, he does sit. But there's nothing relaxed in it. ]

It doesn't make me feel better. [ He isn't going to explain because it's not something he trusts a stranger with. Larus had taken a long time to open up about that with people he did know. ] But if you ever meet someone named Sun, do yourself a favor and walk the other way. [ Larus' eyes meet Armand's. ] You should also know I've never heard of any of those places. As far as I know, they don't exist where I'm from. So none of that matters to me. [ He also wants to ask about territories, but that can wait until later. ]

[Armand nods. He knew that people came from different places already. It was just a detail he thought another vampire would like to know and to see if they did have anything in common. He does want to get along with Larus. It's lonely being by yourself, that he knows well enough by now, and especially in a new situation.]

How powerful is Sun? [His guess is powerful enough if he is getting warned about him. Details he can ask about later since Larus is obviously wary of Armand and prying won't be winning him any points.]

[ Larus doesn't like to speak too much of Sun because, deep down, he's afraid to get as entangled with him as he had in the past. He's the reason for this life, if it could really be called that, and there's so much turmoil wrapped around his name that it feels pointless to even speak of it. Still, he hasn't really felt Sun's influence here, and Armand is asking something that's important enough to skip all those rules he has circulating Sun and his very existence to answer. Larus shrugs in an attempt at being casual. ]

Powerful. I've never known another like him, and I make it my business to know everyone. [ At least in the Dusk. Vampires tend to congregate together there, nests of them loyal to Sun and his cruel ideals. ] But he's not here now, so it's nothing to worry about yet. I'd rather discuss anything else other than him. [ There's plenty to talk about anyway, especially considering where they are and what's being asked of them while they're in the city. ]

[Armand doesn't need to use his telepathy there's a lot between this Sun and Larus, but Armand won't pry for now. There's a lot about Armand's past that he wouldn't like to talk about either. If Sun isn't here then it isn't a problem and there's more than enough they need to talk about.]

Then tell me about yourself. That should be a safe topic, yes? Or we can talk about this insane trap. [From his tone, it's obvious he isn't happy being here.]

[ Talking about himself is a skill he doesn't particularly excel in, so he's grateful for the shift in Armand's tone because it's something else to focus on. He's already taken the room into account, and like the rest of this city, it appears perfect. Yet, there's something else about all of this that he hasn't liked since he'd shown up against his will. ]

Which part do you dislike the most? The sex? Or is it the fact we've been brought here as an experiment? [ Because one of them has made him a little more annoyed than the other. ]

[Armand laughs, though it's bitter.] Who would enjoy being an experiment? I want to know who it was that took all of us. How were they strong enough to do so? [He may not be one of the most powerful vampires but he's powerful enough that the idea that someone overpowered him is worrying.]

They have also made it possible for me to have sex again and so what technology do they have that can make the impossible become possible? Is their science different...? It's frustrating. It feels like they are capable of playing God. [He had never missed sex, the blood had been more than enough to satisfy him, but being able to have sex again was an experience that wasn't negative.]

You'd be surprised what someone might enjoy. [ Not that he cares about that particular line of thinking. If they're meant to do this, it's not the worst thing that could be asked of them, but that little bit of information Armand provides about not being able to have sex... It's a curious thing, wondering what other differences exist between the vampires of his world and Armand's have. He doesn't take the time to inquire further though, not yet. Instead, he focuses on his tone and the way it seems to upset him. Larus had been bothered by it too, but for other reasons. ] You could try asking them questions, but the answers they've given others aren't the whole truth. At least you aren't bound by the rules of this mark.

[ It's his turn to be annoyed, grinding his teeth for a moment, and his fingers dig into the sheets beneath him as he remembers that line down his throat. ] I have a feeling threats won't change anything.

You're right. Some would enjoy the mark you have, wanting to rely on someone else. [He eyes it on Larus' neck. It isn't that he wants to be in a position of absolutely no power. Given a choice, clearly, he would choose dominant.]

But those types of people wouldn't be of much use to us, now would they? It would seem that, for the moment, we're stuck in this hell. You would think I would have grown accustomed to it. How about yourself? [Finally, his eyes move off of Larus' neck and up to his eyes.]

[ There's something about the way he glances at the mark that makes Larus even more wary than before, but his words smooth that away when their eyes meet. He's pretty, though that could be said of almost all of their kind. Still, he doesn't need that sort of distraction. It's better to be straightforward rather than guess, so that's what he's going to do—and with a straight face. ]

It's not the same kind of hell. I'll do what I have to so that I'm free of it. [ He means the city and the mark. ] Is there something you might want from me, Armand?

Continued here!

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TDM #4 ( revised )

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sorry for the delay!

no prob!

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