TDM #1

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « OUT OF CLUTTER FIND SIMPLICITY

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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.

» » » LIES TRAVEL IN COMPANY

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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.

« « « END IN THE DISCORD

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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

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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

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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. For characters with a birthday falling in the months of January to June, their designation will be Dominant. For characters with a birthday falling in the months of July to December, their designation will be Submissive. For characters with an unknown birthday, their designation will be Dominant. Arrival into Duplicity has not been used as a prompt as it is a rather large part of introducing the game and will be saved for the first in-game log. But feel free to thread it on the TDM. Also, any locations throughout Duplicity are available for TDM prompts as well! Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

Keith | Voltron | submissive (Oct 23)

[undeserted]

DISCORD

[ There's no time for this.

If that's all he can focus on, just that thought, clinging on to that singular goal of get out of here, I have to get back as tightly as he can, maybe he can get through this. Focus comes more easily to him now than it once did, at least, so he's able to keep his wits about him while navigating a world that he never could have imagined even in his strangest dreams. Patience, right? Right.

At least things seem to be on somewhat equal footing here, and Keith steels himself and tries to see if he can spot any of his comrades in the mass of people around him. It helps to have a listen around, too, to really see how people are taking to this whole setup, and he hears people speak of a lottery with varying levels of enthusiasm. Frowning, he approaches the nearest person who looks as confused as he does. ]

Are you actually putting your name into this thing?

TABLE

[ Keith schools his expression the best he can as he watches the person on the floor, the way her back goes perfectly level and still as if she's done this a million times. There's a little, hysterical part of him that wants to laugh at how ridiculous this is, but he can only manage feeling mildly nauseated as the display unfolds before him. It isn't that unlike any other trust exercise, he supposes, not in intent anyway, but he still can't imagine himself doing something like that. His face goes red, fingers curling in his lap as the social anxiety kicks in.

This is going to be harder than he thought. ]

table

[cryfrustration]

[Sitting nearby but in a slightly taller chair, Vrenille has what amounts to prime real estate for watching the tension across the audience grow. It's a real tableau of nerves, of embarrassment, of discomforted shifting of weight from foot to foot, of people not knowing where to put their eyes. The people who don't seem uncomfortable, whether dominant assigned or submissive, are in the minority.

Vrenille is in that latter group. Unmarked by any line, his assigned place in the social hierarchy is perfectly clear. What's less clear, perhaps, is how he's managing to take everything that's happening here apparently in stride. Right down to the completely casual way he addresses the young man sitting just off to his side, striking up a conversation with a kind, easy smile, like there's no issue of dominance or submission or any hierarchy at all.]

You look like a cat that's about ready to jump right outta its skin.

[undeserted]

[ Much like the aforementioned cat Keith almost jumps as a voice interrupts his wary concentration on the scene before them. He blinks huge violet eyes at the person next to him, somewhat put off by this individual's cavalier attitude. A frown tugs at his lips and he tries not to show the extent of his displeasure. ]

It's-- not really my scene.

[cryfrustration]

You don't say. [It's sarcastic, but not unkind. He just means that the remark sounds like pretty much the understatement of the year, obvious to anyone at even the very first glance. Some people wear their hearts upon their sleeves, and at the moment this kid is one of them. It's probably not the best tactic around here.]

Sadly they don't seem to have given any of us much say in the matter. Least of all you. [He gestures to his own throat, a little up and down motion of his finger indicating the line marking the other's skin. If he doesn't work out a way to play along and get through it, he's going to suffer. It's concerning.]

[undeserted]

[ Keith's hand automatically moves to his own throat, covering most of the mark as if that will do any good for his situation whatsoever. His eyes settle on the other's neck, which is noticeably bare. Ah. ]

You don't seem to mind all that much.

[cryfrustration]

Or else I've just got a better poker face about the whole thing. [He says it like it's simply an alternative possibility, a different reading of all the same signs, which the younger man really ought to consider.

Then he gives a frank little shrug. He doesn't mind leveling with the guy.] I don't especially like it, but mostly for what's out there. [He jerks his head towards the room's exit, towards the city in general--the Down and the Up. It bothers him, that social stria and where he's been placed in it.] What's in here's just easier for me to adapt to. They've made it a means to an end, y'know? Makes it pretty simple.

At least for me--I'm already pretty used to it.

[undeserted]

[ While better at controlling his emotions than he used to be, Keith is still an open book and he can't help but bristle slightly. Really keeping up with that cat analogy there. ]

And I'm sure it helps that you're not the one who has to be furniture.

[cryfrustration]

[He shrugs.] Maybe a little. In the right context I wouldn't care--I've done a lot worse. This setup's enough to get under anyone's skin though.

Unfortunately, it seems they're not real big on free choice. That's gonna make things rough for a guy who's strong-minded, independent, a little bit proud. [He could have said bristly. He's certainly noticed it. In any case, it's no mystery who he's describing. The open-bookness makes this kid easy to read. He tries to make himself easy to read in turn: he's not selling something, just trying to help, because frankly, the guy's gonna need it, and he's not judging him for that.]

[undeserted]

[ Keith huffs, arms crossed tightly and protectively over his chest as he looks over at the display again. Honestly, it isn't that bad to witness. The two people seem fond of one another, at least, perfectly in sync-- it's not the act itself that's bothering him. It's the public nature of it, and the expectations put on him to do the same.

This guy is right, though. He can't go against the grain forever. Keith shuffles his feet a little, doesn't look at the other when he speaks. ]

So you're gonna do it, then? Make someone do stuff like that? Own someone?

[cryfrustration]

Make someone? Nah, I'm not real keen on making someone. I'm not real keen on owning anybody either. But, y'know, that's all their words for it anyway. I don't feel the need to get too hung up on that. [Far from crossing his own arms, Vrenille's body language is nonchalant, free. He leans forward a little in his chair, elbows on his knees, hands folded, so that he can speak to his companion in a lower voice. It keeps their conversation a little more private, but he seems less concerned about the secrecy of it than his focus that's trained on the younger man, like there's no one else but them in the whole room.]

What I'm gonna do is find a guy I like, who I get on with, who I can help get outta that slum they've dumped you all in, and I'm gonna help him make a public face, just enough of a show here and there, y'know, do it in ways that he won't hate. Maybe even ways that he can like.

Beyond that? What we get up to, how we get up to it? 'S no one's business but our own.

[undeserted]

[ Upon arrival Keith had been hyperfocused on finding a way to break out, to get back home, and had resigned himself to frustrated acceptance not too long ago. It had been easy to fall into dark thoughts and assume the worst, especially with regard to something he knows literally nothing about, but when this guy puts it like that? Maybe it's not that bad after all. Even though war seems almost easier right now, simpler, this is still better than people dying. ]

You really think it'll be that easy?

[cryfrustration]

[Another shrug.] Easy is what you make of it. I don't reckon it'll be easy for everyone. When it comes to things like this, people got a lotta baggage.

Like I said though, I'm already pretty used to it. [He smiles and adds just a slight edge of teasing.] Let's say that I'm as used to it as you're clearly... [his eyes trace the younger man up and down, giving him an obvious once over,] not.

[Look, he's not saying you should give it a try. He's just...lightly implying that you're holding yourself at a disadvantage if you don't. Of course that's your call, friend.]

I didn't get your name.

Discord

[lionunchained]

[Shiro had arrived at some point during the evening, looking forward to the chance to ignore the rules of this society for a while. His mind was always calculating options, but everything seemed to come to a dead end, even with the connections and privilege he had been granted based on... luck?

He was wandering through the nightclub, trying to keep his eyes peeled for someone that he might know. Well, it wasn't the sight, but a lull in the noise, he heard a familiar voice]

Keith?

[undeserted]

[ Keith has experienced a wide range of emotions since arriving at this place--shock, confusion, horror and determination to name a few--but right now all of it gives way to a powerful rush of pure relief that flows through his entire body at the sight of his dearest friend. ]

Shiro!

[ He hurries forward, almost knocking into other partygoers on his way. ] Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?

[lionunchained]

[Shiro can't help the smile as Keith comes running over, only having to take a few steps in Keith's direction before the other reached him. He immediately pulled Keith into a hug when the other got there]

Yeah, I'm fine. No one was done anything.

[Keith might be able to tell by the quality of his clothes and lack of a mark the class he'd been given here. He was definitely safe]

What about you? Are you okay?

[undeserted]

[ The effect of Shiro's hug is instantaneous; Keith relaxes against him, feeling the tension that has been weighing down on him since his arrival melt away at last. Shiro's here. Everything is going to be okay. ]

I'm fine. Just-- It's been weird. Really weird.

[ Upon pulling away slightly to look Shiro over, he notices how put together he looks at the lack of a mark on his neck. That-- Oh. Oh. Keith's face suddenly feels very hot. ]

Did you see anybody else? [ Keith is still a leader, still has to think about his team and not, you know, the idea of Shiro doing some of the things he's seen the other people--the dominants--get up to in this place. ]

[lionunchained]

[Shiro will always protect Keith. He's been saying it for years and even in this weird place, he'll still protect him. At least as much as he can]

Yeah, it has. Very weird. I don't trust this place in the slightest.

[It was true. He didn't. The idea that a fair portion of the population was being subjugated based on reasons they didn't understand. Also people who had nothing to do with this world other than finding themselves here]

Anyone else from home? No, I haven't. I've been looking. That's good, I suppose. No one else has to deal with this.

[undeserted]

Right. Just us.

[ Keith lets out a humorless laugh, that feeling of sticking out like a sore thumb returning even in the presence of his best friend. It's strange; even with their differences, Keith and Shiro had always been equals. For this place to suddenly want to separate them into drastically different classes seems unusually cruel.

Keith's face falls; reuniting with Shiro had eased his tension for a while, but now it's returning with a vengeance. ]

Shiro, what are we gonna do? It doesn't seem like there's any way out of this place, and I'm-- and you're...

[lionunchained]

[Shiro is more than aware this weird system makes them not equal. Worse yet, it puts Keith at a severe disadvantage, emotionally, physically and monetarily. He has none of those disadvantages. As much as he doesn't want them either, he doesn't want that huge difference between them. It is painful]

No, it doesn't. I've been looking, but have found nothing.

I know... I know we are.

[Of course, Shiro is always quick to offer a solution. He wants to help Keith and this seems like the only way to do it]

Have... have you found a contract with anyone yet?

[undeserted]

[ Right. The contract. Keith has been trying to put it out of his mind, just focusing on survival and getting through one day at a time, like he always has. He can’t run forever, though. He has always valued freedom more than most things, but here? He can’t be free here.

He looks away from Shiro, his shoulders going rigid and taut. ]

No. I’m not signing myself over to anyone.

[lionunchained]

I hate to say it, but I don't think you're going to have the choice. They'll give you one if you don't.

[He didn't like that it had to be a thing that Keith had to think about. For Submissives, it was a much greater issue than for Dominants. It required giving up their freedom to someone else who would essentially control their lives. It also heavily implied something else.

It was this implied other thing that made Shiro hesitate offering, but knowing Keith wasn't going to have an option to put it off indefinitely and not wanting him to end up with some random person...]

What about me?

[undeserted]

[ Honestly, it makes so much sense that it seems like a no brainer— Shiro is Keith’s most important person, the one he trusts with his life, the one for whom he’d do absolutely anything. He’d sign over his freedom to him in a heartbeat if it was what he truly wanted, and it wouldn’t bother him at all; Shiro would never hurt him, after all, never force him to do anything he didn’t want to. He’d give Keith the reins over his own life as much as he could, would watch over him and keep him safe, and more than anything they’d be comfortable with each other. Honestly, as far as Keith is concerned, he has the best luck out of any of the other submissive here.

And yet.

Keith’s blush can’t be totally hidden by his fringe, but he tries anyway, lowering his head as he squeezes himself more tightly together. His heart is beating wildly and making him dizzy. His palms feel sweaty and he desperately needs to get out of this hot, stifling environment right the fuck now. Actually, that sounds like a great idea. ]

Can we get some air? [ He’s used to asking Shiro permission to do things as his former underling, but suddenly there is this whole new context to it all and it makes his stomach do backflips. ]

[lionunchained]

[It was the best option that Shiro could see. This didn't mean that it was ideal in the least, but Keith would be safe. Yes, they would have to play the part of Dominant and Submissive in public, which wasn't going to be easy for either of them, Keith even less than him - but Keith also wouldn't be required to play that role all day everyday like he might with some random person he didn't know or even someone he knew only vaguely.

Yes, there was the other part of what was required of them, but that was something they could work on, even if it would awkward... was there a stronger word than awkward because it would be that. But he could legally have Keith move into his living space without anyone batting an eye because Keith would be contracted.

At the question, Shiro nodded, putting a hand on Keith's shoulder, a silent offer of support. He could see Keith starting to get emotional about it, but he couldn't tell if it was panic or embarrassment or both. He didn't like that THIS was something Keith had to deal with. Yes, "partners" could be picked willingly, but there was no choice not to pick one so it was still forced on both of them, but he was less concerned about himself in all of this]

Of course. Let's go.

[He started to lead the way over to the door, staying beside Keith to make sure they didn't get separated but also because when they exited the club, they'd be back in the world the class system reigned and if anyone should see, they had to at least look like they were playing the part]

Discord

[pidgeypidge]

Of course not. Are you?

[The words are tumbling from her mouth before she can really think twice about it. There's just something about this place that puts her in a foul mood. Maybe it's the very real divide between the two classes, or maybe it's something else she hasn't quite put her finger on yet. Either way, she's not happy about being here, and she generally wants nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, she can't see any immediate way out. Which means she'll have to stick around at least long enough to try and figure out a way to get out of here. The fact that Keith is here too is actually a little comforting, if only because it means she's not completely alone. But even still, she's just kind of staring up at him because it's odd seeing him here.]

Sorry. I'm just... [Trying to process? In disbelief? Trying not to have a low-key anxiety attack? Yes.]

This is so messed up.

[undeserted]

[ continued here ]