TDM017: SYSTEMS UPGRADE

[erkumods]

TDM017: SYSTEMS UPGRADE

Updating environmental system to version 2.69... When you blink your eyes open, it is to the glare of blinding overhead lights and the sight of a pair of glassy mechanical eyes boring into your own. The face above yours moves like liquid mercury, forming an approximation of a figure that you recognize and trust implicitly: a friend, a loved one, a caretaker. Perhaps even a god or a goddess. From its lips fall the patterns of a language that is strange and robotic, and yet familiar to you: Everything is fine. Welcome to the ̶͓̃N̵̼̈ă̷͙m̴̝͋e̵͕͐l̴͔̋e̷̦͘š̴͙s̵̬̚ ̵̝͌I̴͙͐s̵͖̄l̷̞̓à̴͖n̷̺̏d̵̮͠.̶̼̊< Darkness overtakes you once again. In the blackness of your dreamless sleep, you are sure you hear a strange chime. You are conscious of a choice: Yes Y̶o̶u̶ ̸h̵a̸v̸e̵ ̸c̷h̸o̶s̵e̵n̷ ̶w̶i̶s̵e̴l̷y̸.̷ The Augur thanks you for your loyalty. I. Orientation With your support, the Nameless Island will thrive and prosper -- but it may require a little more energy than usual to sustain. Step outside and you will soon see why: the skies are calm, the seas are clear and blue, and the pink sands of the beach have never looked more inviting. Rome wasn't built in a day, but a facsimile of it certainly was. Enjoy new facades for all of the structures in the Nameless City - everything has been retooled, renewed, and restored to be sleek, shiny, and the absolute height of high tech, eco-friendly luxury, with lush greenery and futuristic architecture blending together seamlessly. You have been transported from the hospital directly to your new residence in either the Apartments or in the House of Worship, sparsely furnished with all the basics and some of your belongings. A friend, partner, or stranger may be there with you. This may be your roommate, but this place isn't hurting for space. No robot will stop them from selecting their own room if they wish. The Augur calls everyone to the Loudinus Amphitheater, an outdoor stage nestled among the tropical foliage where 'bots put on a play about the purpose of the island, the Auspicious Acts, and the history of the past year, including the all-too-recent attack on the Augur. The robot sex scenes are numerous and explicit, and you may find yourself watching a horribly butchered version of any of your old encounters. Pick up a free Playbook, a comprehensive list of the dramatis personae with detailed character profiles, and learn a thing or two about your fellow Islanders. No detail is too trivial! (This play will be streamed to all devices to be viewed remotely, and a digital download of the Playbook is also available.) II. With Great Power As a boon for taking on guardianship of the land, characters will find themselves sublimating into the purest form of themselves, embodying a particular trait, quality, or concept to the point where they might as well be revered as its new lawful ruler. That's right: you've become as gods, right down to the development of unique magic powers OR changes to your form which reflect the very core of your being. Enjoy being able to create water, fly with your brand new wings, or even summon geese... among other things. Of course, with semi-phenomenal, nearly-cosmic power comes semi-phenomenal, nearly-cosmic responsibility! After each expenditure of your new powers, you find yourself becoming weaker, hungrier -- but what you're craving isn't food or rest, it's eros energy. The more outrageous your power or transformation, the more your body will crave the completion of an Auspicious Act. Those who do not gather Eros Energy will be driven mad by this lust, until they begin to lose touch with their sense of self - perhaps even some of their most defining memories. If the burden proves too great, these powers or changes may be wished away with a request to the Augur and the exchange of one Act. No You have chosen to exist away from the Augur's wisdom and b̷e̴n̸e̵v̵o̵l̶e̴n̵c̴e̸. Please accept your gracious punishment. Have a p̴l̷e̷a̵s̴a̸n̷t̵ day! III. Dis-Orientation You awake outside of city limits, out of sight and out of mind, but with the looming sight of the bright and shiny Nameless City always on the horizon. What surrounds you is not luxury, but instead drab, run-down buildings and despair. Your orientation, an extravagant and sexually explicit play which describes the purpose and recent history of the Island, is remotely streamed to your device. Watch it if you wish. Meanwhile, there are a few 'bots to be seen among the rubble and rundown buildings that surround you -- but are they friend or foe? Ask them questions about what has happened to you, and they will be vague and evasive. You're inside a simulation, they say, and this is all very temporary while the Augur's systems update. They do have one answer for you: if you want into the Nameless City before that time comes, it will cost you an Auspicious Act... and a visit to the Augur. The 'bots will escort you there, if you wish. These robots are a far cry from the well-oiled machines of the Nameless City, though they're no less helpful. In a rundown shack, a robot bartender dispenses rations and bootleg moonshine. (You can even check out the bathtub it's brewed in!) The liquor is definitely real, and it can definitely strip the rust right off the robots. Whether it's fit for human consumption remains to be seen. Regardless, it's going to give you the night of your life - drinking the stuff may cause a variety of effects, from normal intoxication, to erections lasting more than four hours, to wild hallucinations. IV. It's Morphin' Time Later, the rogue robots bring some scavenged technology: small, pink globes with "PROJECT DAEMON" etched on the side. These globes bond to specific individuals and morph into different creatures based on the emotions that those individuals exhibit: someone feeling brave might find themselves with a bright, roaring lion, while someone scared may find themselves pocketing a small mouse. A singer may find themselves warbling alongside a siren. They shift often and at will, and they are here to help you survive in this landscape. Need someone to help you catch fish, gather firewood, or find you a partner to complete that Auspicious Act? This little critter has your back! These creatures can communicate with everyone in simple language, but you'll soon realize they're not just voicing their own thoughts, but the thoughts of the person they've bonded with. These are temporary creatures who will run out of power by the end of the month, though they can be resurrected with rewards at a later date. Continue V. The Doctor's Back In All of this must be a lot for Islanders to take in and process. A lot of new information, new feelings, and new surroundings to become acquainted with. But they should know they are not alone here. Dr D. Love is still as present as ever to help anyone who may need to work through accepting their new situation. He and his helpers might even be rather insistent on you having a session! Whether you're in the city or out of it, you may suddenly awaken to find yourself sitting in a comfortable chair in the doctor’s newly remodeled office that is tastefully decorated with finely detailed, “hand” painted posters of beings in positions of pleasure. So many positions. Or you may find yourself in the Immersion Room, an equally tastefully decorated room filled with a large, comfortable bed (perfect for group therapy sessions!) and shelves full of toys and other supplies. For the duration of your session, enjoy access to anything one might need to help relieve the stress of their body and mind on their own - or with a partner, who might have been brought here just as unwittingly as you were. The Doctor is there to help you work through your feelings and discomfort if needed, please have no fear. He knows some of you may be resistant to his help, but he’s as cheerful and devoted as ever, to the point of not letting you leave the building until you’ve admitted to whatever feelings you are holding back - not just to him, but also to your therapy buddy. What's the diagnosis? The fact is, you must not be receiving enough pleasure. You are too tense, you need to relax and allow yourself to embrace the carnal nature of this world and what it can provide you. The more you resist, the more the Doctor shall insist. He may even choose to activate your Neural Implant, which all Islanders have been gifted with upon arrival. Said neural implant may cause immediate arousal, sexual attraction to those near you, and even turn various parts of your body into extreme erogenous zones! Once activated, the Implant's effects may kick in at the most random of times. The Doctor knew all you needed was the right motivation. OOC Notes: Welcome to the updated Erku! As this is a setting shift and a re-launch of sorts, this TDM is open to top-levels from both current and prospective players. Feel free to tag around with reckless abandon, and have fun! Whether you are new or old, it is entirely up to you as to whether your character wakes up in the Nameless City or in the ruinous world of the Simulation. Even characters who acted to attack in the Augur in Event 16 may wake up in the City and vice-versa, according to player preference. This simulation is a temporary run and will last for about two weeks (in other words, the duration of the TDM), at which point all characters will wake in their new Nameless City apartments. Even if you choose "No", you may future-date prompts for the City for this time period. For now, previously requested safe havens and residences are not currently accessible. They will be made available again in following Simulations, but 'bots are inclined to leave characters in mystery and suspense about this! Feel free to ask questions below. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

hanako 'rosalina' nurumi | original

[hasitsthorns]

orientation.

[ Yes, she thinks, despite herself. Yes, she wants to continue. She wants to live, she wants-

The woman is waking up with a gasp into a daydream. A fantasy. It was a good call. This place is awesome. Part of her thinks she might actually be dead and this is just the afterlife but- No. Her kind doesn't go to the same place as benevolent human souls. This wouldn't be a haven meant for her. That means it's all the more reason to absolutely live it up like there's no tomorrow. For all she knows, this could end in an instant so she's going to make the best of it. Her dwelling - and whoever might also be occupying it - is only briefly addressed. Sorry, random dude or dudette. She has a whole new world to see.

Of course, it's interrupted by the arts. She isn't actually upset about that, of course, and actually thinks this place can't get any better. ]

This is amazing, [ she says, to whoever might be unfortunately seated next to her. ] Like, just- Look at them go, right? Every time I think they can't add another sex scene, they do. It just keeps on going.

great power.

I.
[ A rose by any other name she is and so that's what she becomes. Her hair is golden still but littered with roses of varying color with the most prominent being braided behind her head. The creamy pink dress she wears is, upon closer inspection, a layer of soft pink petals that appear to be an actual part of her rather than external. ] Woah, dang, I'm a freakin' flower nymph.

[ Graceful as she may look, no one said that she had to act the part of a goddess. ]

Check this out, [ she'll say to anyone whose attention she can grab. She places a palm to her chest and gives a bit of focus before- Boom. Her dress erupts in a beautiful array of colorful petals now instead; it's a friggin' floral rainbow. ] Awesome, right?

[ Of course, no one warned her that this fun party trick would come with side effects. She recognizes the familiar itch of desire for what it is but- She can ignore it. Right? It's fine. She's sure it'll be fine. ]

II.
[ It's not fine.

While no stranger to a good casual hook-up or two, Rose is resisting the unnatural urge to the point of no return. Probably because it feels too similar to her people's mating drive. Her body feels hot, her mind racing with desperation, and she just wants someone to fill her in more ways than one- ] Agh! [ the shout comes suddenly, startling some people nearby and likely drawing the attention of others. The blond dramatically flops onto a soft patch of grass that she starts to tear out in her frustration.

It's childish and stupid but it makes her feel better. ]

Leave me alone, [ she says to whoever might approach to see if she's alright. ] Fuck this grass, fuck this place, stop saying fuck because it makes you want to- [ She can't even mess up the lawn in peace! What kind of hell is this! ]

doctor, doctor, give me the news.

[ Rose stares at the wall of the Immersion Room flatly. While their collection of dildos is honestly impressive, she's hardly enthused. ]

"Group Therapy," [ she huffs out, raising her hands to make air quotes and all. When she sits up, she's pleading to the ceiling. Really, she's pleading to whatever cameras she assumes are in the room. ] Look, man, I'm sorry I screwed up the grass. Please, just- I don't need therapy. [ She doesn't need this type of therapy, at least. Regular therapy? Absolutely. ]

And I don't need help getting laid. I'm a bonafide babe who can absolutely get it. Okay? [ She just doesn't want it to be like this. ]

Right? [ Directed now to the unfortunate soul stuck in here with her. Tread carefully. Either answer, yes or no, leads to disaster. ]

[dadministrator]

Pardon?

[Seteth is honestly more groggy and confused than upset by the whole affair. What does it say about him--or this place--that waking up in the company of strangers is starting t lose its alarm? He blinks blearily at the doctor watching from a nearby armchair as he sits up himself, before turning his attention to the woman on the bed nearby. What was the question, again? Get what? Sex, knowing this place?]

You're lovely, but what does that have to do with therapy?

[hasitsthorns]

Everything in this place, apparently.

[ They seem to have taken the term 'sex sells' and ran a million miles with it. Well, not exactly- It doesn't sell so much as fuel, apparently? She's a little unclear on it all still beyond they really, truly encourage it.

And while she isn't wanting to play that game, there's something about his answer that doesn't satisfy. 'Lovely' would usually be enough. It should be enough. It should, but it isn't. She's fine, dammit, and wants to hear it. ]

But lovely feels like a cop-out answer. You call the old lady down the street lovely, not someone like me.

[dadministrator]

What?

[What exactly is a cop-out? What does any of this have to do with little old ladies? Beautiful is beautiful, isn't it? He still feels like he's half-asleep, trying to piece together a conversation he'd dozed through part of.]

What would you prefer, then?

[hasitsthorns]

[ That's honestly an accurate description of almost any interaction with Rose where her emotions are running high. She usually likes to keep her crazy contained until, like, at least the third date but- Whatever. This situation is weird and everything about this place is weird and she's so stupidly turned on which is weird- ]

I don't know! [ Which is true, she doesn't. She's just frustrated. Sexually and regularly, which is an awful combination. ] Hot? Sexy? Something a bit more definitively 'Yes, I'd totally do you' than just lovely.

[dadministrator]

We've only just met. Isn't that a little presumptuous?

[Even in a place like this, it just seems demeaning, honestly. She's a person, not a piece of meat. Even if it can't always be helped in a place like this, doesn't she deserve people being attracted to her based on who she is?]

Ah--my name is Seteth, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[hasitsthorns]

[ No, she thinks, with a tinge of melancholy. It's not presumptuous at all. It's not something she would believe she deserved either. Her looks are one of the only things she has going for her, really, and she was so used to utilizing them that it's...

It tangles up her thoughts and feelings in ways she can't quite explain. In ways that, despite not understanding, she doesn't like. They're as ugly as she suddenly feels and- Ugh. That's not his fault, but still: she just needs somewhere for this frustration to go. ]

Rose, [ she supplies. ] And don't- You don't gotta' be nice, dude. [ She can't imagine her trying to pressure him into saying she's hot is 'pleasant' by any means.

Stop it, she thinks now. What she doesn't deserve is to be treated like she isn't as awful as she's acting. Vines begin to spiral along her arm as she gets more tense; she didn't realize those powers would apply here too but- Why not? This place is already weird enough as it is. ]

orientation

[ragesagainsttheodds]

I'm just honestly impressed that their dicks are so lifelike.

[The young woman sat next to her is watching with rapt attention. She's tall with broad shoulders, a toned physique and messily cut short hair. And she hasn't been able to take her eyes off the story since in began. When she speaks it's with a broad English accent that could be mistaken for Scottish were one to not listen closely enough.]

S'like the stories back home. Only more machine bullshit than normal. Need more betrayal. All the good stories have a fuckin' doublecross in 'em.

[hasitsthorns]

Right? [ Rose can only agree in awe. Respect? She's not sure. These people are absolutely dedicated to their craft though and, like, mad props for that.
Now that she's not so entranced by the play though- Oh. Excuse the blond as she admires that physique quietly and thinks her hair is awfully cute in that style. Rose had never been able to pull off short, really, but this woman works it. ]

Okay, yeah, that's a good point- But it has to be a sexy doublecross to keep it thematic. Like... [ The back of her palm to her forward, leaning back and doing a horrible attempt at dramatic voice- ] 'Oh, I betrayed you, but only because otherwise you'd die and let's have one last night of freaky passion about you finding this out but then one of us dies' or however that always plays out.

[ragesagainsttheodds]

Oh no, wait, there there. [Not caring if she's being rude or talking over other people's enjoyment of the play the points over the top of other people's heads to a far off corner.] Y'got the classic fuckin' with the knife t'your throat 'cos I fancy you but I don't trust you.

Hot. [ What? Everyone has a knife-kink. Right?]

[hasitsthorns]

Yes! [ she exclaims, excited. Rose doesn't care either about disrupting people. This play isn't taking itself seriously so she doubts the audience is either. Or, if it is and they are, that honestly only adds to the entertainment factor for her. ]

Extremely, [ she agrees. Look, maybe not everyone but Rose can understand the appeal of a good sharp object or two in the bedroom. ] I'm glad someone else gets it. Maybe they'll take our pitches for the next rendition.

[ragesagainsttheodds]

[Heckling was practically a part of the show back home and always to be expected to test a young new bard's mettle against a pack of their loud kin and tribemates. Ren barely thinks of it as rude.]

I mean, gotta have more grapplin' in it. [That's an obvious.] And I appreciate the amount of dicks but ain't any real love stories in there. Gotta have some emotional element. Not everythin' can be sweaty ballslappin' fuckin' [A good portion of it could be. But emotions and someone to fight for were important.]

[hasitsthorns]

[ Then she's in good company. ]

Well, I mean- I guess? [ Romance. Eugh. Her nose crinkles in distaste but what could be passed off as contemplation. It does make her wonder though about the fact that this play is supposedly based on people already here; she feels a sense of relief that no one is really attached but swiftly after comes a pang of something she doesn't yet understand. ] They sure seem to think it can. It would get old after a while though if there was nothing else.

ii.

[wantitall]

[ Perhaps unfortunately for Rose, Greed is always on the lookout for something interesting, and someone throwing such a public tantrum? Yes, that's interesting to be sure.

So of course he approaches, though not entirely, it must be said, to see if she's alright per se. Just to see what's going on, to see what's got her in such a fit. Maybe it's worth knowing? And if nothing else, it won't be boring, and oh, how Greed can't stand being bored.

Much better to hunker down in a crouch beside her, his arms resting on his knees as he looks down at her. ]

Fuck? [ he finishes for her, grinning a wide and lazy grin. ] Seems about right for this kinda place, if you ask me. At least, that's what they want us thinking. How about you, pretty lady?

[hasitsthorns]

Yes! [ she agrees, giving an exasperated groan as her hands flail up briefly only to cover her face.

She knows she's making a spectacle of herself. It wouldn't be a far cry to say that, perhaps, she had wanted someone to notice. To console her, however, was the hope but- Whatever this guy's doing is fine too, she supposes. ]

I don't know, dude, [ the blond answers, moving to sit up so that she can be closer to eye-level with him instead.

Wait- ] You think I'm pretty?

[ roSE, PRIORITIES ]

[wantitall]

[ If she doesn't want attention, she's certainly going about it a funny way. 'Dramatic' is a word for it. 'Entertaining' is another. Even 'cute.' ]

Yeah, sounds about right.

[ His grin only widens when she sits up and just looks at him. Asks that simple, easy question that anyone would be happy to answer. ]

Obviously. I got eyes, don't I? [ He tips down his sunglasses as he said it, just in case there were any concerns about what was actually behind the lenses - and they're eyes, alright, if strangely colored. ] And you look like you're gonna be real popular around here, if you want to be.

[hasitsthorns]

[ She likes your words, strange man, and it shows from the small smile upturning her lips now instead of a frown. 'Cute' might be an apt description from the way she runs a hand through her blond hair to bring it in front of her shoulder; a classic tried and true tell, really, but no one said Rose wasn't predictable.

While she'd like to say she wouldn't consider wanting to make out with a strange guy that called her pretty on a lawn, well- She can't. It's happened a time or two. And those times, she wasn't even that weirdly turned on for seemingly no reason at all. He was there, she was there, and the opportunity was there so why not?

The eyes don't deter her. If anything, her smile grows a little at them because inhumanity is more attractive to her than it isn't. ] You do. And very nice ones, I might add.

But I don't know... do I want to be?

[wantitall]

[ Distantly, Greed can hear the ringing of a register in the back of his head.

It's written all over her face, of course. The way she cards her hair, the way she smiles. He's already got her interested, and now he just needs to reel her in, and it leaves him thinking, well. Maybe this place is something he can get used to, after all. ]

Flirt, [ he teases as he shifts in a little bit closer, one hand dropping to the grass, poised lightly on his fingertips. He moves with a smooth grace, especially for a man of his... let's call it rough temperament. ] I doubt they compare to yours much, but I appreciate it, all the same.

[ And then there's his other hand, brushing the first knuckle of his thumb just under her chin. A featherlight touch, bold and presumptuous, gently guiding. ]

Dunno. I hear that way leads power, though. And a whole lot of fun besides.

[hasitsthorns]

[ Honestly? This is something she might be able to get behind too. While she had weaponized her looks for Charlie's sake, she can't deny there's a part of her that enjoys being wanted like this. 'You're beautiful,' they'd told her for her strength; she much prefers being told she's pretty for simpler, inane reasons like her appearance alone. ]

Now that's the pot calling the kettle black. [ She has to tease, pointing out that he started it. She's still smiling all the while though. The roses in her hair bloom in large, colorful arrays as soon as he brings that touch to under her chin. While she doesn't enjoy being so easily read, well- It can't be helped right now, can it? It's not as if he wouldn't know either way. ]

Well, power I'm not so hungry for... [ Which is true. ] But fun? I'm always up for some fun. [ A beat, before she turns the very definition of 'bedroom eyes' on him. ] Are you?

II.

[bestswordmaster]

[Ordinarily, Felix wouldn't bother approaching this grown woman throwing a tantrum. It's none of his business and he doesn't care. Unfortunately, she happens to be throwing her tantrum right in the middle of the grass he'd need to cross to get where he was going. Could he step around her? Probably. But she's being loud and annoying...and also she sounds miserable and clearly doesn't want to be here, to which he can unfortunately relate.

He looks down at her, folding his arms.]

You're in my way. What are you doing?

[hasitsthorns]

[ Rose hadn't really cared for whose walk she might impede when she flopped over. She was thinking of only her own misery, really, and now wallowing in it is being interrupted. Rude. ]

Oh, I'm so sorry, apparent king of the lawn. [ she snaps back almost immediately. With a huff, the blond sits up just to be able to glare at him. ] I'm ruining whatever I can of this place because it's terrible.

[ A beat, glancing at her sad little patch of picked at earth. ] Even if I do it one blade of grass at a time.

[bestswordmaster]

If I were king of the lawn, I would have simply banished you instead.

[He says this with a completely straight face, no sarcasm or humor detected.]

But I agree. This place is terrible. Unfortunately, I don't think flailing around and yelling like a wild thing is going to change it. I'd try it myself if I thought it would work.

[hasitsthorns]

[ Pft comes an undignified snort. She doesn't know what's funnier: that he had said it in the first place or that he seemed to be serious about it. It's a bit of both, she decides, and at least she's smiling now instead of scowling. ]

Maybe you just haven't been wild enough! [ Well, maybe he has. She's just frustrated though - in all the worst ways - and it's only getting worse by the second. ] But I don't know, you don't look like the sort who would get too wild anyway...

[ A gentle poke, to see what kind of reaction she gets. ]

[bestswordmaster]

You're correct. I'm not wild--

[He blinks, bewildered.]

What are you doing? Stop that.

I wish I was I was sorry

[hasitsthorns]

Just making sure you're real. That any of this is, I guess.

[ A considering pause. ]

You just look like you rolled right out of a shounen anime with that style and pullable hair.