TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK

[erkumods]

TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK

00. Arrival This time, you come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased. With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a rundown apartment, a tent on the beach, or a bed in the “comfortable” new barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● I. SIX FLAGELLANTS Welcome, one and all, to a thrilling new location! Robots have worked tirelessly to build, from the ground up, what can only be recognizable as an amusement park. You are just in time for the grand opening of Six Flagellants: Great Advagtures! The Ferris Wheel routinely stops when lovebirds reach the top, waiting for a kiss - or something more daring! - before it starts up again. Robots warn of the scary Haunted House: a dark building with wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills. Flickering ghosts roam the halls, and you may find an eerily realistic Headless Horseman -- who bids you, "Come closer. Give me head," while pointing to yours. Hey, get your mind out of the... Nevermind. The Carousel is a two-story affair. Nude figures with familiar faces lounge about, waiting to be ridden, and closer inspection proves that they have the faces of your fellow islanders. Hop on your favorite person and take them for a spin! There are even Bumper Cars, which have the interesting effect of making one feel more aroused with every bump and impact. (It's randomized each time, so don't try to guess based on car color!) What should be a similar ride, the Teacups, has the robots' madness written all over it instead. They have misunderstood the gentle spin-cycles for dangerous, dizzying loop-the-loops across a wide track. Some would swear that the ride has a supernatural invocation for fear. Others are simply man enough to admit they're afraid. Lastly, the Tunnel of Love is not what you expect. Although flavored lube and guides to cunnilingus are on each fleshy-log-shaped boat, the motion of the ocean is quite soothing, and there's a pleasant floral scent in the air that causes a light intoxication. Don't forget to try the food! Similar to the Street Kiosks, there's a ton of faire food: cotton candy, corn dogs, and the like. Mascot outfits are available and those who wear them will be rewarded generously with credits. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● II. LIKE A FIREWORK The next morning, you receive a message on your device: You are cordially invited to a celebration of skinship at the House of Worship. Please do not dress for the occasion. If asked about it, the robots will confirm that is not a specific holiday, but a simple joyous event. If you pry, they may even say that the Old Ones often made merry and partook in the pleasures of the flesh - and so too should you. For an hour, there will be food and drink - alcoholic and aphrodisiac. Then, at the designated time, once the sun has gone down, clothes will be shed and a revelry begun. As fireworks explode overhead, the different colors send the naked senses reeling: Red: You are amorous towards the people around you. Yours is a joyous celebration. The Auspicious Acts you offer are happy and lighthearted, full of kisses and sweet nothings. Orange: You feel bold and adventurous, eager to try something - or someone - new. Your preferred Acts may be dangerous or exciting, perhaps with more than one person. Yellow: You feel reverence when you watch the fireworks, reverence when you look at your fellow people. You feel blessed to be part of the celebration at the House of Worship, and you make the Acts you complete into Acts of worship. You are all about the spirit of generosity. Green: You are not here to celebrate. Jealousy is your lot. Uncover a new side of yourself, full of bitterness and resentment, and try an Act that treads the fine line between light and dark. Indigo: You are proud to celebrate! Those around you are lucky to bask in your presence. You have a newly-minted domineering attitude that makes itself known, and your Acts are likely to be something where you'll come out on top. Violet: These fireworks make you feel unusual - the opposite of yourself. You are different in all that you want to do, preferring Auspicious Acts that you may not have thought twice about before. A group shower will be provided after the festivities wind down. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● III. MISTLETOE Many cherub dragons can be found gathering together in the Greenhouse, working together to finish the cultivation of a new plant. They spend an exhaustive night decorating the island with the new greenery, which can soon be identified as mistletoe. You may think it's sweet of them, but don't get caught underneath one of these sprigs! Standing under the dragon's mistletoe will cause sensory deprivation - and of course, the only way to regain what was lost is to indulge in an Auspicious Act. (You may choose whichever sense you like, or even choose to be figurative, such as "the sense of reason" or "a sense of purpose.") ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

[sharpestsword]

I'll show you.

[ She gets this question a lot and this time she's ready. Rather than trying to explain, she brings up a picture of the mobile suit on her device and shoves that at him instead. That should be enough to tell her what level of technology he's used to. It's encouraging that he's at least interested. ]

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto is indeed interested, eyes lighting up. But he is fully expecting some sort of plane or something. Which is not what he sees. ]

Huh? [ There's pause as he takes in the photo. He glances at her questioningly. But it doesn't seem like a joke. ]

Are you saying you pilot a robot!?
[ Makoto's voice goes up an octave when he gets louder, voice cracking. ]

[sharpestsword]

[ He's still loud even when he can hear. She squints slightly and then nods. ]

Yes, there are a few of them here. You can see for yourself.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto is still a little shocked but he doesn't think she's lying.
At least his volume is back to normal. ]

That's... That's so cool.
Was it something you learned here?

[sharpestsword]

I brought it with me. This is something I've been around for just about as long as I can remember.

[ So she's pretty good if she does say so herself. Maybe he'll get a chance to see her in action one day. ]

[edamamepon]

[ Now, he's fascinated and has far too many questions he wants to ask her all of a sudden. Brought it with her? ]

They let you bring your robot here?
I'm sorry, this is probably a stupid question. But have you tried using it to escape?

[sharpestsword]

That's definitely a stupid question.

[ She just stares at him. Judging. ]

[edamamepon]

Yea, that's fair. Sorry.
I just wasn't sure if you'd been here long enough to try yet.

[ Makoto sighs, before shrugging and leaning back on the bench in defeat. It was worth a shot. ]

How long have you been stuck here, then?

[sharpestsword]

Nearly seven months. This place was nothing but ruins when we got here.

[ So they've pretty much tried everything. She'll give him a moment if he needs it. She was there once too. ]

[edamamepon]

Oh.
[ He frowns at that, looking away for a moment. Makoto pretty much comes to the same conclusion that they must have tried everything already. ]

So I guess that pretty much confirms that the energy thing isn't a lie...
[ Though he says that more to himself than anything. There's a pause, before he's ready to talk again. It's a lot to process still. ]

[sharpestsword]

You get used to it.

[ Though she knows not everyone is as adaptable as she is. She could just leave and forget all about him but she doesn't. ]

If you need anything you can contact me.

[edamamepon]

Thanks.

[ Makoto pauses again. She's a resource while she's here though and he realizes he should probably take the opportunity before she leaves. Immediate problem first. He can deal with the rest later. ]

... Do you know if the barracks is safe?

[sharpestsword]

I can't vouch for every person staying there. Go ask the Auger for your own place if you're concerned. Do you need protection?

[edamamepon]

Yea, that's a good idea.

I don't think so?
No one's attacked me so far, but I guess I'm worried about more traps like the mistletoe.

[sharpestsword]

You usually find that kind of thing in the food but sometimes they come up with something like this. You never know. Just be aware as much as you can.

[ He'll be fine probably. She'll even check up on him later. ]

It was ah, nice meeting you.

[edamamepon]

Good to know.
Thank you again. For everything.

... And if it's alright, I definitely want to see your robot in person sometime.

[sharpestsword]

The hangar is open to the public so you're welcome any time. You can usually find me there.