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’s about to say something about hearing Sylvain was here before, but before he can a line from the play stops him.
”You look good in that swimsuit, Felix. It’s a shame you don’t show this much skin more often.”
Ashe’s eyes go wide, fixed on what is happening behind Sylvain - specifically, one robot advancing on another.
”What!? I told you not to get your hopes up, Ashe. I didn’t come here for that.”
Ashe takes a step back so fast he almost trips.]
Actually Sylvain why don’t we talk about this somewhere else!
[It comes out in a rush. Seriously, why are the robots showing that!?]
no subject
He glances over his shoulder just and robo-Felix speaks up.]
Wait... are they just playing out things that have happened? [Because up until now Sylvain had thought they were just helpful imaginings of ways to do these particular acts. Original characters in made up scenarios.
He tilts his head a little as he turns fully, crossing his arms over his chest as he watches the scene unfold. Alright, so first important take home lesson - both Ashe and Felix had swimsuits and they both looked really good in them.]
Nah. [He doesn't even look away from the play as he answers, sounding distracted.] I think, I'll stick around a minute. Did this... Did this really happen? Or are they just stealing your faces? [If it's the latter, it seems they're also copying their personalities, too.]
no subject
[Even if Ashe didn't answer, the despair in his voice probably says enough: this is something that actually happened. Though the robots are fancifying it a bit - the robo-Ashe is able to much more smoothly press robo-Felix against a conveniently placed rock face with less discussion in between than their real-life counterparts had had. They also seem to be moving on to the actual sex more quickly.
Still, it's close enough that Ashe's whole face is on fire, from his neck to his ears.]
Yes, they are showing things that actually happened. [There's no hiding it now.] But that's all the more reason we should go, I think! Who knows what or who they'll portray next...
no subject
Ashe and Felix.
Part of him feels strangely supportive, proud even? Like, good for the both of them! Get some. But then he can't stop looking back to Felix and feeling strangely... what is this feeling? Jealousy? What a silly, useless thing to feel.
He does turn away. Before swimtrunks can start being removed. That part definitely didn't feel like anything that anyone should see. A private moment that had never been intended for anyone else but the two of them.]
Yeah, sorry. Let's go. [He waits until they've put a bit more distance between them and the play before clearing his throat.]
Hey, I really am sorry they're just... showing that to anyone who happens to watch. That's... it's really messed up. [He puts a comforting hand on Ashe's shoulder.]
no subject
They do things like that often… another time, there were lewd paintings of us all hung around the spa.
[Actually, those are probably still there.]
But it’s alright. You get… used to it, sort of. [He turns back to Sylvain, less flustered now that he can’t hear the play anymore.] Not that I appreciate it, to be clear. It’s rude to show things like that without consent!
[But there’s only so much use in getting mad about it.]
Anyway… It’s good to see you, despite everything.
no subject
I guess? I mean, it's still pretty, uh, invasive. And awful. Even if you're expecting it.
[He nods though, understanding. You can accept something while still not appreciating it in the least bit.]
You too. So... [The elephant that was now very much in the room. Sylvain can't help but steer them back toward it.] You and Felix, huh?
no subject
[He sounds confused at first, not sure what Sylvain means by that. Yes, that was him and Felix, but...
Oh.]
Oh! Ah, we aren't... dating, or anything like that. [He gives his head a little shake.] We just... well, it's a bit complicated. [He chuckles nervously.] I was stung by a jellyfish, and then... one thing led to another.
[He knows what he's saying doesn't make a lot of sense, but further details make him feel embarrassed. Felix had told him not to get his hopes up - aphro-jelly or no, coming on to him was rude.
Even if Felix ended up getting into it.]
no subject
[Sylvain definitely looks relaxed and nonchalant, a practiced facade to hide just how curious he is. With no war or political obligations to distract them all, had any of his other friends 'settled down'?
He tilts his head a little the facade wavering just a little.] No?
[He opens his mouth to ask about the 'complicated'ness but when Ashe mentions a jellyfish, he nods knowingly.] Ohhhh, I was warned about those. Super potent right?
Ah. Well. Alright then.
Sorry. Didn't mean to pry. [He absolutely had.] Just curious.
no subject
[He blushes, but pushes past it.]
It's alright. I would be curious too, but... things are treated much more casually here than back home by most people.
[Not that, by Ashe's estimation, Sylvain has ever had a problem with casual.]
Though, I did think His Highness and Lady Edelgard were officially courting for a time, but they keep insisting that they are not.
[Though by his tone it's pretty clear Ashe thinks they're both full of shit.]
no subject
[Please excuse how absolutely delighted he sounds by that prospect.]
Whoa. Wait. Hold up. What? Are you serious? I... can't even picture it. Why'd you think they were courting. What'd you see?
[Sylvain wants every detail. He can hardly picture Dimitri even managing to speak full sentences to Edelgard, much less 'court' her. And Edelgard wanted him dead. How...?]
no subject
[But you know what's better than talking about that? Gossiping about Edelgard and Dimitri!]
I'm sure you know about the truce between us and Lady Edelgard. [There's no war here, thankfully. Not with each other, at least.] Since making that truce, the two of them have been very familiar with each other! I don't know all the details, but the robots at the very least seem like they think the two of them are dating. Not that you can always take the robots seriously...
no subject
[His eyebrows raise though in a mix of surprise and disbelief.] A truce? No... I hadn't. But... alright.
Huh... innnnnteresting.
no subject
Still, he can't help but chuckle at Sylvain's proposed solution.] That's an excellent idea. I'll give it a try.
[But boy, it's a good thing he looped Sylvain in on the truce, before he ran afoul of Edelgard.] I do wonder why they weren't able to solve their differences this way in Fodlan... but I guess everything's so much more complicated back home than it is here.
no subject
No? You wouldn't happily court a fair maiden for a few years, carrying a token of affection of her's on you while exchanging love letters, dutifully written and sealed with a kiss?
Sounds like your scene. [He smirks.] No love at first sight? Soul mates?
[He's half curious, half teasing. He knew Ashe loved the idea of knights, the romanticized idea of knights, all justice and virtue, so he had always assumed Ashe also looked at love and courting through a similar lens.
But then the conversation swings back toward less enjoyable topics. The war. Sylvain frowns a little but nods.] I'm sure it was easier here. Edelgard doesn't have to face consequences. Even if His Majesty would want to simply make a truce and agree to stand down, there would be pressure from the other nobles and, more importantly, the church, to, at the very least, exile or imprison her. There's a lot more players, a lot more forces moving around in the background than just the two of them. War is complicated, but truces can be even moreso. [He makes a face, unsatisfied. He hates talking about this kind of thing.]
no subject
But still!]
I may enjoy those kinds of books, Sylvain, but I know how reality usually is. Not every relationship I have has to be with a soulmate.
[And speaking of reality, Sylvain is right on all counts about the war. Edelgard's actions can't just be waved away there. Even if he has a feeling Dimitri would have tried, had she accepted his parlay.
Not that it's his decision.]
You're right. The Church at least would never allow her to go unpunished. [No one knows that more intimately than Ashe, after all.] Even here, I know Seteth isn't entirely comfortable with the state of things... but fighting would get us nowhere.
no subject
Uh huh.
[Sylvain nods. Yeah, he's seen the church lash out, seen them 'handle' problems. Ashe is well aware of their methods and Sylvain is too.]
Yeah, I guess, no matter what, we can all agree that fighting amongst ourselves here would only hurt all of us... [Kind of like how it was back home, but, well...]
no subject
Exactly... hence the truce.
[But he moves on from that topic to ask...]
Have you figured out where you're staying? Gotten settled in and all that?