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Duplicity Game Mods ([personal profile] duplicitymods) wrote in [community profile] duplicitymemes2019-09-12 04:47 pm
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TDM #8


« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »


« « « AND IT GOES ON AND ON


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.

... and 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.

The hellish summer heat is finally starting to subside, and the cool breeze suggests autumn is approaching.



» » » TAKE A RIDE




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.



« « « A POCKET OF PENNIES




The weather’s getting cooler, and people have begun transitioning from summer clothing to the sweaters and jackets of early fall. With jackets come pockets, and with pockets come a bizarre uptick in robberies.

Then again, perhaps the correlation is flawed. In the Down, getting robbed is a constant threat. Gangs of street toughs look for lone or inattentive people who look like they’ve got valuables on hand. Uncontracted Submissives are particularly easy to rob, since authorities have little time to bother with a lowly Submissive without a Dominant to advocate for them. One particularly nasty gang of young adult men, the Bulldogs, hangs out near the train, looking to ambush unwary Submissives fresh out of Orientation. They are prone to violent muggings and will simply beat up their target and leave them in a gutter when they’re finished robbing them.

In the Up, the streets are nominally safer, but there have been reports of a group of college-aged Submissive women taking advantage of their designation to attack travelers. They, too, stand near the train and the orientation center, looking to seduce passersby into an alley where a group of them can beat and mug their victims, usually Dominants looking to capitalize on their pretty appearances.

But you’re truthfully at risk anywhere in the city. The new arrivals are easy targets, and any brazen thief might get the idea to make some quick cash. The authorities are spread too thin to help, but perhaps LIErs can look out for one another?

Or they might just get in on the thievery. Everyone’s out for themselves, after all.



« « « NEW FLESH LIKE A GLOVE


( CW: potential dubcon, drugs, BDSM/sexual torture, prostitution, public use )

Surrounding a large building near the orientation center in the Up, banners and fliers announcing the beginning of the inaugural Duplicity High Tech Sexpo, a trade show for businesses and manufacturers of adult novelties. Since this is the expo’s first year, admission is free and many excited volunteers are handing out vouchers all over the city. These vouchers can be exchanged for goods and services within the expo, but have no monetary value outside of it. Even if you refuse them, you’ll likely find two or three of them tucked into your bag or pocket.

Inside the expo hall, there are dozens of booths pitching a variety of entertainments. Many offer interactive demonstrations, showing off their tech for the crowds of interested onlookers. Competition is fierce, and booths try to attract attention and customers through any means necessary. There are private rooms all around the expo for potential customers to try out the products. Booths will also happily accept volunteers for demos, or try to recruit them by bribing them with cash or free samples. There’s a nasty rumor going around that some are recruiting volunteers via more illicit means, like drugging and dressing them up, but surely that’s an exaggeration…

Some of the smaller booths sell more traditional toys and accessories: leashes and collars, specialty lubes and massage oils, fetish gear, strap-ons, dildos and vibrators in myriad shapes and sizes, and other basic items. Others advertise apps for the devices, the most notable of which is HUGGR (which LIErs may recognize as a poorly rebuilt sex-themed version of a certain other app.) The closer you get to the big-ticket sponsor booths, the more elaborate and fantastic the products become.

One of the most eye-catching demos is for the Climax VR Headset. You and a partner both wear a VR headset, which displays a collaborative virtual scenario. Both partners can alter the setting and surroundings however they like, and any sexual activity conducted in VR transmits real sensations to their bodies. You can come together without ever physically touching.

Symphony Hydraulics have a large, loud booth where crowds gather to watch perhaps the most outrageous demo: a variety of fucking machines. Volunteers get stripped, strapped in, and turned on, brought to screaming orgasms in front of the whole crowd. There is a fifteen minute break between demos on each machine, as some poor intern hurriedly washes and sanitizes them between uses. In the interim, they offer smaller, portable versions for sale or rent at the expo. (Some may note that a few of the Symphony Hydraulics staff members look a bit familiar.)

Does all this high-tech equipment have you overwhelmed? Wish you could go back to a simpler time? Sir Robert’f Bedroome Provifionf (sic) is helmed by historical reenactor Robert Plum, who has also created his own line of medieval torture device-themed sex toys. Need a chastity belt to keep your Submissive all to yourself? A rack with an attached spreader-bar? An iron maiden with soft vibrating silicone ticklers inside? All the stocks and whips and chains you could ever need? Sir Robert has you covered. Of course, everything on display is harmlessly altered for sexual novelty purposes, but one might also ask to see Sir Robert’s “special” merchandise in the back.

Perhaps the most unassuming booth at the expo belongs to Grandma Hattie’s Snacks and Sweets. Grandma Hattie, a kindly old Submissive, has partnered with a tech company to produce what appear to be completely normal vending machines, stocked full of her tasty homemade bread, snack cakes, and other baked goods. Vouchers are good for a free sample of any treat from a vending machine. They taste amazing and have no apparent odd effects-- until 10 minutes after consumption, when you suddenly gain an insatiable craving for a random kink. Your craving will dominate your thoughts for three hours, or until it is appeased.



« « « PERFECTION OF THE DIGITAL




(CW: potential dubcon, objectification)

By far the largest and shiniest booth comes from expo sponsors Sexy Metal Incorporated, who have set up a display of their incredible high-tech sexbots. These life-sized dolls are made of extremely realistic material that feels like warm human skin, and come with state-of-the-art mechanics that give them lifelike movement. Engineers show off how the bots can be plugged into a computer and programmed to act any way the buyer likes.

They come in a wide variety of customizable appearances and eerily, some of the bots on display look exactly like people you may know. Booth staff encourage customers to buy these dolls, or to rent them and give them a try onstage in front of the fascinated crowds. If that’s not kinky enough, one of the engineers has purchased a VR headset from another booth, and programmed it to interface with the bot’s controls. Care to slip inside the silicone skin of another person?



« « « MOD & OOC NOTES



Please read carefully.

On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters 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 chooses "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: In celebration of our one year, pick whichever role you want for your character!

» A Pocket Full of Pennies: Feel free to come up with any free-roving gangs or petty criminals you like for your characters to tangle with.

» New Flesh Like A Glove: Characters can spend money on items at the expo, or may exchange vouchers for what they want. Each voucher has a value of about $5 within the expo and they may be acquired by finding them, having them handed to characters/stuffed in their pockets or bags by expo volunteers, or paid them in exchange for “volunteering” at booths.

Characters may indeed try before they buy, either out in the open or using one of the provided private rooms with a partner. The expo has a staff of unpaid student interns tasked with cleaning and sanitizing products if they are used but not purchased.

Grandma Hattie’s snacks can inspire characters to have any kink you may desire.

» Perfection of the Digital: Sexbots can resemble any player characters, including brand new arrivals/test drive characters. They can also resemble characters that yours knows from home. The engineers have no explanation for this, and the one who identifies himself as the designer will shrug and say he gets inspiration from many places.

The sexbots are hot-ticket expensive merchandise, so security is tight around the booth. Characters who attempt to steal or destroy a sexbot (for instance, one who looks like themselves) will be quickly set upon by guards, who are meant to eject them from the expo. However, many of the guards will take bribes from other booths to provide them model “volunteers,” drugged into complacency.

If characters want to acquire a sexbot permanently, they will have to buy it or exchange a hefty 50 vouchers for it.

Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!!




» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

permanentlyexhaustedbird: (businessbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-16 12:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"Perhaps, for now, I can offer something to eat? in exchange for more information about your world?" Tim will indicate towards the exit of the expo, where has led them to eventually on the long walk around the exhibitions.

"You don't want to eat anything offered inside the expo, it is likely all laced with aphrodisiacs. As Submissives we're not technically allowed to buy food without a Dominant's permission but there are a couple of places that my Dominant has given blanket permission to the staff that allows me to get us something."

It's one of the first things he does to help new Submissives cope with being here, tell them where they can find food or supply it. The restriction on purchasing your own wares tends not to be the first thing new people worry about but it is usually the most immediate concern after the initial shock has worn off.
theansweris: (Watch the World Burn)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-17 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
"I already know about the food restriction. Because clearly the best way to hurry people into legally binding contracts of slavery is to deny them basic living conditions." It is effective. So long as they haven't been shoplifting.

Without me, you'd already be begging someone for help.

Ed's head twitches, trying to shake the whisper out of his ear. "Food for information sounds fair. I reserve the right to not answer anything too personal, or that would betray a confidence."

Betray Oswald you mean.

"Shut up," he hissed to his other side, away from Tim.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (unternetbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-19 11:53 am (UTC)(link)
"Be thankful that you're not expected to kneel and eat it from a Dominant's hand right now,"

Tim blinks and watches Ed's odd behaviour, especially when he's told to Shut Up, okay he's definitely not actually talking to Tim when he hisses it but there's no one else here that he could have.

Hallucinations weren't something Nygma was known for in his universe so this is certainly odd. He wonders if pointing out or just observing will lead to an answer faster.

"Are you talking to someone in particular when you do that?"
theansweris: (Mischief)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-19 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
"No."

The answer is far too quick.

"I'm aware of how bad it could get. I live in Gotham, unless things have changed significantly by your time, slavery is hardly uncommon, especially among the underworld."
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (businessbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-19 12:04 pm (UTC)(link)
That's definitely a yes. Tim will have to keep an eye on that. He wonders where Nygma is currently staying and how quickly Tim can bug it.

"Just to clarify, slavery is still illegal in your Gotham right? This isn't a world where it was never outlawed and you're simply referring to Gotham being it's general crime-ridden self?" Tim doesn't want to consider how bad Gotham might be in a world where slavery is still legal.

"Perhaps I've been here too long when I'm simply grateful for the freedom I am given."
theansweris: (Watch the World Burn)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-19 12:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, it's completely illegal." He waves a hand dismissively. "But since when has illegality been a genuine concern in Gotham? I worked the GCPD, I know how little that matters."

This place isn't freedom. Even those 'little freedoms' are gilding on an iron maiden. To be a slave and be grateful that your owner doesn't choose to debase you completely...

That's not freedom.

Ed lowers his gaze, absently rubbing under his chin with his thumb, like he might feel the mark. Or take it off.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (helmetbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-19 12:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Tim does sigh in relief to hear that, "I know Gotham and crime and synonymous with each other but I just had a horrible image of what it would be like if slavery was never made illegal. I mean it's bad but I just pictured so much worse."

Tim shakes his head as if to get rid of the image, "I grew up in Gotham and was sneaking around its streets by myself when I was quite young and I still know that what I've seen then was just scratching the surface," what he's seen as Robin however is much deeper and darker.

He watches the man's reaction to his words and the way he worries at his submissive mark. He should not be feeling sympathy for Nygma but he does. Anyone new here who has to deal with all those simple freedoms being stripped. Tim does think he's been here too long if this now feels normal to him.

"Come, we'll find food together." Tim leads the way out of the expo and a couple of streets away to a simple cafe.
theansweris: (g3TiZLk)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-19 12:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Ed spent so many years working to get himself free into his own life, and his stay in Arkham is too recent for him to not resent having his freedom stolen for the third time, by an enemy he can do nothing to try and thwart.

"I would presume that any passive resistance would be quashed as thoroughly and ruthlessly as a refusal to participate in their sexual demands?" He has no real appetite for the food here, but he can't imagine that a city so invested in controlling their people's lives would allow a hunger strike, or self mutilation, or anything that might show an exertion of will and control.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (businessbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-22 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Most passive resistance is largely ignored actually, as long as you do not die you can do as you wish. I attempted a hunger strike when we were dragged off to Fort Harmony. I stopped when I realised that if you passed out from lack of food they simply supplied you with an IV and let you continue to starve until you knelt," He shrugs, it wasn't his greatest moment but he had been trying to test the boundaries.

"That was before this Creator returned, I don't know how he's going to change things from now."
theansweris: (Ed Nygma)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-22 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Part of Ed despises the notion of surrender to anything. But most of Ed knows that the only thing that matters is survival.

"It's more the fact that I have little appetite. It's a common reaction to stress."
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (robinbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-23 07:34 am (UTC)(link)
"That is understandable, but you'll need to get your food when you can until you're able to get more help onside. There are a couple of locals who will help and a lot of the others who are bought in by LIEs are more than willing to break the rules."

It feels odd to be giving Nygma all these tips but well, everyone deserves to be able to feed themselves in some way.
theansweris: (g3TiZLk)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-23 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not looking to break rules and end up being punished." Not with what punishment seemed to entail.

And not like he would say otherwise in public.

"The housing feeds us. It's basic, but suitable. I'd rather have my own kitchen." But he wouldn't have that option until he found someone to supply it.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (sideeyebird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-24 02:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"Alright, just letting you know. Knowledge is power and all that," Tim doubts the words but he's not going to argue with the man over it.

"I'm aware of what the Down housing is like Ed," Tim will indicate to his own neck, "I started there as well." Tim thinks of suggesting the Haven kitchens but he wants to have a chance to warn Alfred before he gives Riddler that information.

"Perhaps I should let you be then. It's all a lot to take in and I don't want to be overwhelming." And Tim can't tail Nygma back to his lodgings until he lets the man leave too.
theansweris: (Amused)

[personal profile] theansweris 2019-10-25 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, it is." Knowledge is power. That and explosives. They helped. "And yes, of course, you know. My first discussion was with someone who attempted to tell me how hard it is being unmarked and the power there is in having this thing on my throat."

Which went a lot better than expected.

"Thank you. You've been a lot kinder than you could have been." And Tim gets a small smile.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (helmetbird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2019-10-25 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
Tim would absolutely shudder if he knew that part of him agreed with Ed's thoughts on knowledge and explosives. Just used for different ends.

"I'd be curious to know who that was but a line or no line, we've all been kidnapped and placed here against our will. Just some of us got heads and some of us got tails in the random coin toss that is this caste system," He doesn't want Ed to start blaming any and all Doms just for being assigned Dominants. He doesn't know yet if that's something this Ed would do.

"I guess it's one of those pay it forward moments? or do onto others what you want to be done to yourself?" However, the wording goes." He shrugs, "It was very interesting to meet you Edward Nygma. I hope to learn much more about you and your Gotham."