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.
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N A V I G A T I O N
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no subject
He falls into step beside her without a second thought, eager to put some distance between himself and the play.]
Yeah? Oh. Well, I wasn't planning on going in. Not today anyway. Armor and sea water don't really mix. [He motions to the set of plate mail he's in and, as the sun beats down on him, he's really wishing he had something lighter to change into. He'd definitely need to get some new clothes, he can feel himself cooking already.] But, uh, I'll definitely watch out for the jellyfish if I go in.
no subject
Of course, she knew she should warn him regardless, in case she was not around when he inevitably did decide to venture into the water. )
I only make mention of them because they are not, ah... Ordinary jellyfish. Their stings, while only mildly painful, inflict their targets with some sort of aphrodisiac that - ( she cleared her throat. ) Well, you can guess what that would do, I am sure. ( and surely, she thought, after that whole display during orientation, it was abundantly clear what the Augur wished for them all to do. )
no subject
Oh, definitely, but I don't really want to leave it lying around the beach. I'll definitely have to come back down here once I'm settled into my room. [He glances over at her, smile just this side of flirtatious.] You should come with when I do, just in case I need someone to point out jellyfish.
Although... aphrodisiacs... I mean, as long as you know what you're getting into, I guess. [He means it as a bit of a lighthearted joke though he isn't sure she'll see it like that.]
no subject
If you are so inclined, I suppose I would not say no to an invitation. ( said once she finally gathered herself enough to speak, her cheeks still flushed. ) I do not think I would ever enjoy such things, even knowingly. The lack of control is very unpleasant. But I can fathom as to why others might enjoy the uninhibited state they can provide. ( to each their own, or whatever. )
Was there anything you were curious about? I do not have much knowledge of the place yet myself, but I will at least attempt to aid where I can.
no subject
Hey, you can decline the invitation if you want to. [He offers her a reassuring smile and a shrug.] And that stuff about the jellyfish and aphrodisiacs were just a joke.
I just think it'd be nice to take a stroll on the beach in... [He glances down at his thick wool, furlined clothes and armor.]- something a little more appropriate. And, why stroll alone, right?
[He is really starting to overheat, sweat trickling down the back of his neck.] Uh, what do you ask about a place as weird as this one, right?
Hey... I think I need to head back, Lioriley. I'm gonna pass out...
no subject
Lioriley cocked her head back, peering up at him with a look of concern; leylines dimming just a little. She stopped walking, hoping he would do the same. )
Is it the heat? ( It had to be, right? With that heavy armor and the sun beating down on him. She reached out to gently set her hand against his forearm, pointing with her free hand toward a small cabana nearby. ) We can rest there a moment. I have a way to help you cool down a bit before we venture to the apartments. Come. ( she tugged on him gently; insistent, hoping he would follow her to the shadier spot on the beach. )
no subject
Yeah, I didn't realize it'd be so hot out here. [He'd started to glance around as well, needing shade, maybe somewhere to sit down. He doesn't spot the cabana at first but lets her lead him that direction regardless.]
Sorry. [He mumbles, mostly just disappointed by how suddenly the heat had become too much. It'd been pretty stupid to go walking around in all this gear and clothes that were meant to keep him toasty and dry in the middle of a snow storm.]
no subject
Once inside the small structure, she urged him to sit on said bench's comfortable cushioning. She settled beside him, angled so they could face one another. )
Here. This will help. ( Assuming he didn't push her away or stop her in any capacity, Lioriley would reach up to set her hands on either side of Sylvain's neck, her fingertips icy cold to the touch, sliding up to his jaw as she attempted to cool him with her magic. The lines on her skin crackled as sparks of electric blue energy bounced off her skin. ) Do you need assistance removing any of your armor? ( given her demeanor, it was probably obvious that wasn't a come on. Probably. )
no subject
He takes a seat on the padded bench, dropping his thick gloves to the ground as he starts to fumble for the leather buckles tucked in his armor that keeps it snug and in place. He looks over at her as she reaches for him, already feeling the cold radiating off her hands. Sighing in relief, his eyes sink closed as he leans into the touch.]
That feels amazing. [His thoughts feel a little less stuffy and swollen now. He nods at her offer but continues on autopilot, pulling the straps holding the platemail in place open until it's loose enough to start working it off.] Just need this overcoat off. [He mumbles the words as he starts to undo the fastens of his coat. His undershirt isn't the lightest fabric but it's a lot better than the warm coat and metal plates.] Thanks, Leyley.
[Help someone avoid heatstroke, get a questionable nickname.]
no subject
Of course. ( Her ice-covered thumbs smoothed over either side of his jaw and then up to his cheeks, leaving a lingering chill and a surprising lack of dripping water even as the ice touched heated skin. Once certain he wasn't going to pass out on her, she reached down to try and aid in the removal of his mail and overcoat, making sure to keep her hands cool the entire time. ) Better? I would suggest resting for a bit yet before you attempt the walk back to the apartments.
no subject
Ice spell was a really good thinking. [Well, that's what he thinks it is at least. Ironically, he can do a bit of fire magic. Not super helpful in this situation.
He nods again. He's usually that terrible patient that's up and walking around long before he's supposed to be but, in this case, he knows he has to lug his armor back to the apartment so actually cooling off does sound like a genuinely good idea to him.]
Well... since we're stuck here for a bit... [He relaxes a little, glancing over at her while still trying to keep his head tilted in a way that she can keep the icy touch on his face and neck.] Does everyone where you're from look like you? I bet for you, I'm the strange looking one, right? [He grins tiredly.]
no subject
Once he was stripped as much as he desired to be, she set those cold hands to his cheeks and neck once more, even brushing over his forehead to cover all her bases. )
Oh, no. ( She laughed, shaking her head. ) You do not look strange at all. If anything, I am more used to seeing humans than I am fellow Lunari at this point, having spent so much time from my homeland. ( they were abundant here too, apparently. The universe favored humans — for whatever reason. ) I am rarity, as it were. Both here and in my home world of Valsheria.
no subject
Not wanting to bother with his greaves or cuisses, he stick with simply stripping down to just shy of shirtless, unbuttoning the light undershirt he has on and letting it hang open while leaving everything form the waist down alone. There is a nice breeze rolling in off the water. Honestly, it's an amazing day, just... not a good day to be dressed in armor and cold weather clothes.]
Oh. A Lunari. That's what your people are called? Do you miss it? Them? I mean, standing out in a crowd by having an unforgettable face has its perks but it's got to get a little, I dunno, lonely sometimes. [Or maybe he's reading way too much into it. Maybe Lunari are the worst and she's happier away from them.]
no subject
Sylvain asked a lot of questions — some far more intimate than she anticipated so soon. And there was a very distinct pause before she answered, like she really had to consider her words. )
Yes, that is what we are called, and yes I miss my homeland and my fellow Lunari often. It has been... mm. Nearly a century since I visited last, I suppose. ( Maybe she should have made more of an effort, but the journey was so long. Months and months of travel through dangerous lands, and it had already been difficult enough to get to Garsalia to begin with. ) Most humans fear what they do not understand, what is different from what they are used to. I am an anomaly amongst them, and am treated as such. But there are some that do not mind and that make it easier, less lonely than you might think. ( At least so far as keeping company was concerned. It didn't matter much to her what species anyone was, so long as they were nice to her. )
Usually I am the one bombarding others with questions. Speaking of - what realm do you hail from, if you do not mind my asking?
no subject
The Kingdom of Faerghus... it's in the North of the continent of Fodlan. I've never heard of anyone that looks like you before so I'm guessing it's a place you've never heard of. Where I'm from, there are only humans. Pretty boring, right?
It's nice and cold there. And I was... kind of dressed for the weather. As you can see.
no subject
( Ferdinand had also made mention of a few non-humans that hailed from there as well, but it seemed like Sylvain was unfamiliar. Best not to mention it probably. )
Understandable. I am still familiarizing myself with the island after the oddness that just occurred, but I am sure there are more suitable clothes for you to wear while you are here. I can keep an eye out.
no subject
[There's something terse and careful in his tone and polite smile, just shy of strained. He's quick to latch onto the topic of where they are now. No need to get into the politics of a world that isn't her's.]
The oddness? Oh, do you mean the attack. The monsters from the ocean? Felix told me about that.
Hope so. I mean, I would've been alright if I'd just left half of this at home. But getting some stuff I can wear to the beach would be pretty great. There's a coast in the North of Gautier territory. I don't think I've ever seen it free of snow. [He grins.]
no subject
Ah, yes. I understand. I did not see the ocean for nearly two centuries before I left my home in the mountains. Perhaps you can take the time to fully appreciate it now, once properly settled.
no subject
Oh! Then your home is a lot like mine. Cold with lots of mountains! Just the way I like it. [He smiles brightly.
He nods at her suggestion.] I'd like that. Although, it's always way better to explore things with someone else.
Speaking of, I think I'm good to head back now. I really appreciate you hanging out with me and helping me cool off. You're a real life saver. [He takes one of her hands and turns it so he can brush a kiss to the back of it with a smile.] I definitely owe you one.
no subject
Oh. ( when he took her hand she made sure to warm it again, not wanting his lips to be met with that icy cold. She smiled softly in return. ) You do not owe me anything - I was glad to help. Are you certain you do not wish for me to walk you back?
no subject
[He shoots her another charming smile as he gets to his feet and starts trying to figure out how to carry everything he'd shed.]
I hate to ask this. But would you mind carrying my gloves? [He shoves his gloves into his metal gauntlets and holds them out hopefully before folding his coat over one arm while carrying his breastplate and pauldrons in the other.]
no subject
Of course. ( she's got little noodly nerd arms, but even she can manage that. Lioriley took them, smiling up at him and waiting patiently for him to gather his things before moving. ) Shall we then? Luckily, it is not far. And if you see anything of note on the way, be sure to say as much. We can visit later when you are better suited to the weather.