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

Dr. Stephen Strange | Marvel 616 | Submissive (November 18)

[abracadont]

LIES TRAVEL IN COMPANY

[Stephen watches everything around him with an unerring intensity, calm on the surface as he takes it all in: the people who get on and off the train, the city passing by outside, the -- yep, that's someone kneeling at another person's feet. He doesn't seem to be paying his seatmate any mind, but an offhand question comes their way eventually.]

So what's your theory on our real reason for being here?


TABLE IT FOR LATER

...Nope.

[Doesn't matter what the other person was about to say, what they were going to suggest; the answer is no and it comes out of Stephen's mouth before they even say a word. The demonstration was...well, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that bizarre or torturous compared to the various literal hells he's visited. And hey, live and let live, but he's the sometimes Sorcerer Supreme and he has to draw the line somewhere.

Apparently volunteering to roleplay furniture is where he draws that line.]


WILDCARD

[Got another idea? Toss me a note!]

Travel

[princessascended]

[Kairi's actually a little annoyed that her seatmate doesn't seem to be really looking at her, much less interested in talking. She really doesn't want to be alone with her thoughts right now. But she's not quite rude enough to just, like, poke him and ask if he wants to talk to her.

Right up until he actually does toss a question her way, to her relief. Even if it's not one she can really answer.]

Uh, well... To make a theory, I feel like we'd need to have more information than we've got. My wild guess? Behavioral study. Possibly by aliens. And I actually just made that up, but frankly now that I've said it I kinda think it works.

[abracadont]

[He finally seems to refocus and actually look at her.]

That would make them more subtle than the last bunch, at least. An apparently pre-existing culture of this size, though....

[His eyes go again to the kneeling submissive.]

An experiment to see how humans from different dimensions interact when thrown together?

[princessascended]

[Oh, okay, so he's just gonna roll with that hypothesis. Well, time for her to see if she can actually flesh it out any.]

I kinda think it's gotta be more than that... maybe trying to see how we react to this place's rules? Who rebels, who goes along with it, who just throws a fit... that kinda thing.

[abracadont]

That would appear to be somewhat in line with what they've been told they want from us -- minus the aliens, of course. That they want to test us for this...Deceit Gene. Compare the results against the standing population, presumably.

[He's dubious that any such thing exists, to say the least.]

But why such an array of us if they want anything approaching usable data? And why outsiders at all?

table;

[elezens]

My sentiments exactly yet not quite as succinctly summarized.

[ Frankly, Aymeric is struggling to understand the exact benefits of this exercise and whether or not there is any real gratification between both parties. Is the woman on her knees, made to behave like furniture, truly delighted by this? If that were the case, then why would she need comforting after?

His brows knit together almost as if in pain, starting to regret this venture, even if his purpose was strictly for research about this world and how it operates. He understands the basic notions of balance and harmony, yet this far surpasses his realm of knowledge in ...other areas. Ishgardians typically didn't spend too much time exchanging tales of whatever transpires behind closed doors between wedded couples, and the less he knew of that, the happier he'd been.

Until now. Though he can see he's far from the only one flummoxed by the display. ]

I hesitate to think how something of that nature would contribute to their society's longevity. Are those who conform merely doing so out of fear of being ostracized?

[abracadont]

As a demonstration of the roles they want us to assume it's...demonstrative.

[Nailed it.]

I have to assume those who are native to this society are more accustomed to...everything. That doesn't mean it's not a performance on some level.

table

[queen_pretend]

[Charlotte raises her brow, in mild, subdued amusement. Her head tilts ever so slightly.]

I was going to ask if you would take some air, with me, but if I've misjudged your desire to stay-?

[She lets it hang like that, coyly in the air.]

[abracadont]

[Stephen lifts his chin, regaining some of his composure. Nothing to see here; he's not freaked out, you're freaked out.]

I enjoy air.

[Smooth.]

That is, I could consent to stepping out for some of it.

[queen_pretend]

[Very smooth.]

A clever turn of phrase. Will you offer me your arm, then?

[She's dressed quite like a lady of the 18th century, so this isn't as out of the ordinary as it could be. As long as we're not counting that she's asked him for it, rather than him taking the initiative.]

[abracadont]

[He's dressed quite like something out of a renaissance festival, so they're...kind of even? He manages a smile and offers his arm.]

I'll have you know I'm normally more eloquent. You're not seeing me at my best.

travel

[tensecondsahead]

[Stephen's seatmate is a man in his mid-twenties. Average height, average build, messy grey hair, right eye covered in a plain black eye patch, his purple-and-yellow uniform worn in a sloppy way that's probably completely out of code for whatever organization he's part of. He's been watching the entire exhibition of city and culture with a sharp gaze that belies his casual, relaxed body language.

At Stephen's question, he hums thoughtfully.]

You don't believe them? [It's pretty obvious that he doesn't either, but isn't going to be the first person to blatantly say anything.]

[abracadont]

If it's an experiment, it's an atrociously designed one.

[That doesn't rule it out, of course. They might not be privy to all of the information...or whoever brought them here might be a hell of a lot better at dimensional manipulation than they are at designing experiments.]

[tensecondsahead]

How would you have designed it? [If this guy's a scientist, Laine's just going to let him talk, and see if his ego gets him to share his thoughts.]

[abracadont]

I wouldn't have.

[The ethical answer. The true answer, really. And yet.]

There are too many variables. Too many things we don't have in common with one another, no control group unless the general population is considered to serve that capacity. Whatever results they get are highly unlikely to be usable in any fashion.

travel

[definingfuture]

[Nothing like sitting right next to a familiar face that seems to pretend not to know you. But to be fair, that is a common response for people that are familiar with Tony. Sometimes it's better to play off even acknowledging him -- and the alternative is just as often a fire fight, so he shouldn't really complain. But his insecurities are flaring up and he reacts in his typical, too-forward manner of trying to fill the oppressive silence.]

Torture? Interrogation? Maybe they have a control problem.

[Something he'd know a lot about.]

What do you think it is?

/waves (pls be gentle I still haven't read their stuff together)

[abracadont]

[Stephen finally gives Tony his attention, though he seems unimpressed with the hypotheses offered.]

Well, I don't think we're here strictly for observation. They can't expect us not to have an effect on our surroundings.

<3 no worries at all follow your heart and you are probably right tbh

[definingfuture]

[Unimpressed or not, Tony is just pleased to get the response. He seems to perk up once he has Stephen's attention, which might be the first warning sign. He's given Tony his attention and now the engineer knows it's possible to get it.]

Why not? It's an experiment, so they might be counting on us to have an effect. Maybe that's the point. They want to see what we can change.

[As light as his response is, there's some actual thought behind it. Something subtly meticulous under his show of careless good humor and attention seeking.]

Or maybe they think we're the ones that need the change.

Stephen "I'm not going to ask Tony for help!!!" Strange

[abracadont]

[And now he's engaged. Good going, Stephen.]

Whichever it is, I don't buy their line about the "Deceit Gene." This is a social experiment, not a medical one -- if it's really an experiment as we'd think of the term at all. Too many variables, too few controls.

Travel

[buffleheaded]

Not sure it matters why. Y'figure out a way to drag things across the planes, you take the operation big time. Could get all sorts of stuff out of it.

[Imoen's been rubbernecking at the city, fidgeting like a bored tourist waiting for the opportunity to strike out and wander where she wants to go. Features currently include: an inane expression and unhelpful commentary.]

[abracadont]

I've been able to transit between planes for years and never once have I dropped a bunch of unsuspecting people into a BDSM hellscape.

[So there. Come up with a better argument, stranger. In a gesture that's going to rapidly become second nature Stephen glances at her neck to see if features also include a submissive's mark.]

[buffleheaded]

[She does not have a submissive's mark (canonically unknown birthday), but the close observer does find scars that contrast the otherwise attempt to look just stupid cute. She's just giving him a 'gotcha' grin.]

So you're going to assume you're the baseline? What if it turns out you're the one with a limited scope of imagination?

Table it

[noblankpages]

Oh, good. [ Zexion drawls. ] I was concerned someone was going to express actual interest in participating.

[ He doesn't bother to look at Stephen as he speaks, being too busy watching Miriam and Victoria with inquisitive but undisguised disdain. His arms are folded over his chest, and he taps a finger to his lips thoughtfully. ] I have to wonder what the point of this exercise truly is, or if they actually expected anyone to play along with it.

[abracadont]

I suspect we're not the intended audience. They're locals, used to dealing with locals.

[Look, he hasn't lost his powers of observation and critical thought, even if he's feeling defensive as hell. Unlike Zexion, Stephen does turn to look at the man speaking to him, his gaze not entirely subtle as it flickers to the man's neck in search of a mark.]

[noblankpages]

True enough, and there do appear to be some of our compatriots in the program doing their best to fit in, so it would seem I'm the one with skewed expectations.

[ There is none to be found! The man does break from his observation of their instructors in time to catch Stephen looking, though, and the corner of his mouth crooks up in a dry half-smirk. ]

You don't need to be concerned. I have no desire to assert whatever arbitrary authority I'm granted in this place over you or anyone else.