ercookies | TDM017: SYSTEMS UPGRADE

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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.

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ They do. She does? It's still hard to tell where vines end and she begins. Either way, she's pulled into a warm embrace and... She's not one to cuddle usually but this is far from a usual situation. He's allowed to caress as he pleases but there's already a hint of something else in the back of her head now instead of just desire. A powerful instinct to leave, to not let herself even think this was anything but a great lay because nothing good ever comes of it. ]

I can definitely say I'm pretty convinced now that I am, in fact, lovely. [ There's even an amused huff about it.

She doesn't actually think she is still, but it has nothing to do with him and everything to do with the fact that poor self-image can't just be fucked away. Trust her, she's tried. She's still trying. But for right now? Maybe she can believe that she might be. Someday. Eventually. ]

Good.

[Even Seteth can't help a soft chuckle at that, muffled into the curve of Rosie's shoulder. Even if she can't believe it of herself, surely she can believe that he believes it? Seteth feels satisfied that he's proven his sincerity, at least. Especially now that he gets to recover at his leisure; for the moment, he even seems to have forgotten about the doctor, in favor of savoring the scent of her and the warmth of holding her close.]

We'll need to clean up all those petals, won't we?

[ Truthfully, she's silently waiting for the regret. The "this was a mistake" or some other indication that he might feel differently than what he originally said. It happens more than it doesn't. Granted, she usually sets herself up for it by engaging in and encouraging impulsive behavior. Not that this wasn't, really.

But it doesn't happen this time. At least, not yet. Rosie doesn't kid herself though into thinking it won't, eventually, but lets herself enjoy the moment for what it is. Why not?

He mentions the petals and she peeks up to see the floral mess they caused. Red and yellow-edged in the end; passion and a hint of joy. Yeah, that seems about right. ]

Oh, huh. Yeah, prrrrobably.

They look like little flames, don't you think?

[One arm slips from where it's slung around Rosie, reaching to pick up a petal and rub it between his fingers as he admires it. Her blossoms are just as pretty as her, really--fitting, since they come from her. That magic penetrates straight to the heart of her, now. Absently, he wonders just how deep the Augur's powers penetrates into their own. Are her flowers laced, the way so much here is when touched by the Augur's influence?]

You know, you might be able to make a nice tea from these.

[ He mentions the likeness to flame and she can see it with a slight tilt of her head. Funny, considering her people were attuned to ice instead. She never did fit in with them though so maybe this is just another way she stands out. ] Kind of, yeah. I guess that fits. Fiery passion and all that? [ At least she doesn't say it was hot, which- For the record, she was very tempted and it was a runner-up play on words. ]

That definitely was not my first idea for them, honestly, but now you've got me wondering if it would taste any good.

[ This is the strangest, least sexy pillow talk she thinks she's ever participated in.

It's kind of great. ]

I can see it.

[Which is unsexier, bad puns, or culinary non sequiturs? He appreciates how evocative the colors are, regardless. Rosie's own musing earns a flicker of wet heat along the curve of her shoulder meeting her neck, as though he could divine the answer straight from her skin; his arm comes back up to wind around her, letting the petal flutter down to rest on her back.]

How could they fail to taste good, when they come from you?

[ That warmth to her shoulder draws out a satisfied hum. Though she does like the distraction from the growing amount of questions about all that's going on, she needs to-

Oh. She turns a pretty shade of pink at that surprisingly smooth line and ducks her head in embarrassment about it. She's usually a lot more composed at best (and detached at worst) but it was just so effortless it catches her off-guard. That's not fair. She needs to cool down not get turned on all over again. There's an amused huff before she says: ]

Be careful, flattery can get you absolutely anywhere with me.

Hmmm. I should count myself lucky it takes the scenic route, in that case.

[There's a rare twinkle of mischief in his eyes at that, clearly pleased to earn such a charming fluster; Seteth's hand slides up to cup Rosie's jaw, thumbs stroking over one pink cheek. As much as he hates what the place does to people..... well, it isn't as though he hates sex itself. Given the space to be intimate on his own terms, even he can be a little lighthearted, once in a while.]

[ The smile that comment earns speaks the words she isn't yet able to; he may come to learn in time that it isn't often a smile does reach her eyes. It probably says a lot about the type of partners she's generally been with that the romanticism of sex - or after, as it were - is so novel that she is flustered over it. Granted, neither she nor they usually stayed long enough to even have a moment after.

But in a demonstration of how fast Rosie can ruin things for herself, she has to wonder: If he can say such things to her, who else has heard them? Is it even special? Probably not. In some ways, that almost makes it easier. In others, well- Hm. Besides, what right does she have to even want for anything beyond sex? Absolutely none. It's stupid to even think about, even stupider to pretend that this wasn't just a necessary thing for either of them, and stupider still to have considered that any part of her might actually be lovely when she's twisting herself into such ugly mental knots over probably nothing at all. ]

If you're trying to charm your way to another round, I gotta' say it is absolutely working. [ Her turn to tease. That's easy. Safe. ] But I don't know how long 'therapy' sessions here usually are allowed to go, so.

Must I have an ulterior motive to speak my mind?

[Sorry not sorry at all, Rosie, you're adorable and wear a blush very well. Of course he's going to admire the view, no matter how many knots you're twisting yourself into. Even if he's playing along though, the reminder prompts him to look back at the doctor, flushing a little in spite of himself. That..... is an excellent point.

Surely they've satisfied his request is by now, haven't they? What exactly had he wanted to begin with? Something about her being a total babe and getting sex whenever she wanted? He's fairly sure he must have slept through the start of the session.....]

Ah, that's right. I'm sorry, you must have other patients to see, don't you?

[ He doesn't have to, she realizes. But that's... It doesn't make sense otherwise. She was only told such things when there was something wanted from her. Something to be taken and used. Her body, her intelligence, her strength- Any compliments or praise always came at a price. The thought that anyone would just say nice things about her simply because they could and expect nothing in return isn't fathomable.

She's not-

She doesn't-

Before she can circle that murky mental drain, she's reaching for him despite herself. Rose turns his gaze back to her as she moves in to kiss him. ] They can wait, [ she says, quiet against his lips. This is easy. This is familiar. This is so much better than wondering and worrying and instead convincing herself this is what is wanted of her after all. ]

Take as much time as you need.

[The doctor seems entirely too pleased to continue supervising, folding his hands and sitting back to watch. Seteth is a little more hesitant to kiss back this time, brows furrowing uncertainly even as a hand curls over her cheek. Something feels..... off, somehow. More..... jarring, maybe? Like a sloppily stitched seam, the edges don't quite line up the way they should. Without knowing why or how, though, how can he properly voice that confusion or concern? Is he just imagining things?]

Are you sure?

[ He is, she'd say, lying to herself as much as him. ]

I am, [ she answers, smile coming her face easily. ] I just- [ It's a gamble, she thinks, speaking at least part of the truth but maybe it might work. ] I don't want this to end yet.

Then I'm glad to oblige.

[Maybe it is just his imagination. Even if she did change her mind abruptly, what of it? It's her right to do so. And if she chooses to do so again, that's no different either, is it? Her reasons may be her own, but that doesn't change how he should respect them. If she wants him to leave, then he'll leave. If she wants him to stay.....

Then he wants to savor this the way he didn't have the presence of mind to before. Seteth winds an arm around Rosie to pull her closer, kiss soft and exploratory and lingering. If this room isn't booked up, then they have all the time in the world to enjoy each other, don't they?]

[ Well, she's not used to being allowed to say no in many contexts, this included, but... That's a different, depressing conversation for another day. Right now, at least, the last thing on her mind is wanting to leave or for him to either. All she wants is to be kissed, to forget that she had any doubts in the first place.

He makes it easy with the languid, loving pace that she's so unfamiliar with. She's smiling as she kisses him back now; while it might be out of habit more than authenticity now, well- There's still some sincerity to the way she arches up into him and sighs in contentment. ]

I'm glad, [ she can't help but murmur. True or not, even she can't rightfully say anymore. But it's fine. The daydream will end eventually and she'll be back to things as usual so she's going to enjoy it while it lasts. ]

[Oh, this is lovely. She's warm and soft against him, and so pliant and inviting..... The difference from mere minutes ago is like night and day, at least for now. It's hard to resist just how intoxicating her lips are, when she seems so pleased; his voice is soft and breathless once he finally does speak again, punctuated by kisses as hands roam bare skin.]

Tell me what you want?

[She had simply taken what she wanted before, after all; he'd hardly had a chance to treat her right, restrained as he was. Doesn't she deserve to be pampered a little, then?]

[ His touch tickles and those kisses are so, so nice. But when he asks that, she- Oh, well-

It's not like she has never been asked what she wanted. Or... has she? It's hard to remember if she has and that's a sad sort of thing. Even Rosie can recognize that. 'Too much,' she thinks to say. Not more than anyone can give, but more than she feels she should take.

But she can only be philosophical for so long when this turned on, thankfully. The blond gives a thoughtful hum at the question as if considering all the possibilities and try to play off her brief pause as contemplation. Though she does contemplate since it is a bit overwhelming to suddenly have the freedom to choose instead of being led. ] Well, it's tried and true and maybe a bit basic but I...

[ 'I want to look at you,' 'I want you to kiss me more,' and a dozen other things she thinks to say but isn't able to. Instead, she settles for: ] I think those powers took a bit more out of me than I was expecting. How about- [ she shifts a little to encourage him to take the top this time ] -you take charge this time?

There's certainly no need to overcomplicate things. Why don't we see what we can do about that?

[Seteth moves to lay Rosie back against the bed, mouth trailing hot over her jaw and neck, and soon lower still. For the moment at least, he seems quite content to take his time; every inch of skin, every curve, every scar needs to be lavished with attention on his way down.

Even as his own arousal starts stirring back to life, he's clearly more interested in stretching out and settling between her thighs. If her powers have exhausted her, and they evidently rely on sex to power them, the solution seems obvious--the more orgasms she has, the more revitalized she'll be, yes?]

[ Well, she's not sure that's how it works but how can she refute such sound logic? Each kiss and caress has so much care behind it that she's hardly sure what to do with herself but enjoy it. For as impatient and impulsive as Rose can be, people often matched her energy when it came to intimacy. Maybe she likes taking things slower than she wants to let on.

She can't remember the last time anyone noticed let alone did anything about her scars. While tiny ones litter her body, she's been purposefully trying to avoid exposing the ones on her back just yet. But the thought that he wouldn't mind, that he'd kiss them just as the rest of her is enough to get those flowers blooming in her hair again. This time they're ixora instead of roses, brilliantly red and numerous.

The heat of his mouth reaches the inside of her thighs and it's everything she wanted but couldn't ask for; it's something she's only got to experience on the rare occasions that anyone would indulge her in it. ] You sure? [ Despite herself, she has to check. ]

Positive.

[There's no revulsion or judgment in his touch, but nor is there any shame to speak of, in spite of the concealing clothing he favors. Even with his shirt hanging open and dangling off his shoulders, he sports plenty of scars of his own, both faded and fresh--how could he not, after centuries of battle? Even if he hadn't been restrained, it would have been pointless to try and hide them.

His smile is felt rather than seen as he dips his head. A pair of fingers slip inside Rosie, pressing and stroking; soon enough, he's breathing muffled noises of arousal against her as his mouth sets to work. He's certainly enthusiastic, if nothing else, all too glad to let his world narrow to slick heat around him and musk heavy on his tongue.]

[ It's all the assurance she needs that he wants this as much as she does. Not that she really would need convincing when he smiles against her skin like that and- ] Oh, [ she can't help but moan as he sets to work with fingers and tongue in tandem.

The fingers are a nice touch. She had worried, really, that it might
be too much, too 'gross' as a lot of partners had put it but he doesn't seem detered in the least. It's actually pretty sexy and Rose props herself up on an elbow just slightly to seek out the touch of his tongue better. While that hand grips the sheets, the other finds itself twined in that nice hair of his.

Still a bit sensitive from her last orgasm, she's squirming and moaning beneath the work of those fingers and each stroke of his tongue before long. ] Mm, gods, I can't- [ Can't believe how good this is, can't get enough of his tongue, can't express a lot beyond a string of needy noises, whines, and pointed toes as her body tenses in the build-up to another moment of euphoria. ]

Then don't.

[Don't hold out on him. Don't deny herself what she wants and needs. Don't try to put off her own pleasure. Don't say what doesn't need to be said. Every fidget and sound is only more enticing still, more eloquent than anything else she could say; Seteth is all too glad to coax them out of her as long as she wants. Maybe he should linger and wear her out a little?]

[ That's a competitor for one of the sexiest things ever said to her, really, and it's taken to heart. At least, for the moment. It's a lot easier said than done long-term to allow herself such a thing but for right now? Right now, those beautiful noises she's making hike up an octave as she does let herself feel good. There's a tug at his hair as there's a wave of pleasure that rolls through her once again.

She would not complain about that in the slightest. She doesn't. Honestly, her thoughts about him still being down there and working her to orgasm yet again are basically along the lines of: gkhratglrrak. Her limbs weakening mean that she can't keep herself propped up. Rose lets out a bout of giggles as she falls back and one of her knees lifts up to keep him there and- The next time when she comes it's a sound caught between another fit of laughter and a squeaky yell of delight. Her head spins but she has enough sense to tap her free hand against the bed in a 'tapping out' motion. ]

Okay, I- [ She's the one breathless now but what a sight she makes with blond waves of hair full of those red blooms now branching out across the sheets. Her expression is dazed, but obviously contented. ] I can't have all the fun.

[Flames, she sounds gorgeous, and having her cling and pull like that..... He hardly needs any more motivation to stay put. Seteth is slick and aching with need by the time Rosie stops him, a sly smile tugging at his lips as he straightens up to kneel at her feet. Seeing her breathless and bursting into bloom like this, how could he not be pleased with a job well done?]

Are you implying I'm not?

[A quick swipe of a sleeve over his face, and Seteth slides up to kiss Rosie again, pressed flush against her. Even if he'd had to resort to his own hand afterwards, getting to hear her lose herself is more than its own reward. Getting to take her again now is just the icing on the cake, made all the sweeter by the wait. What could feel better than this?]

Okay, well, there's more fun still to be had. How about that?

[ A job well done indeed if the tingly feeling rolling through her body still and the way she smiles now is any indication. When was it last that she'd come multiple times? Maybe, once upon a time with Charlie but that was more driven by frustration than desire and kami the difference it makes.

Every touch feels electric, his kiss is intoxicating in all the best ways. She wouldn't have put him out like that, of course, because how could she after how amazing she's gotten to feel so far? Her other knee lifts up to straddle him as he moves up. She can feel him hot and slick against her and doesn't want to make him wait; the woman lines up easily so that he can take her again and-

It's like fireworks in her brain when he does. Her arms loop around him and she moans unrestrained at the shockwaves of pleasure running up through her already with each move he makes. She's sensitive to the point of bordering on pleasantly painful but like hell she wants to stop. ] Yes, [ she breathes out, words spilling out faster than her brain can really keep up with. ] Please, please- I can't get enough of you.

I. Orientation

II. With Great Power

III. Dis-Orientation

IV. It's Morphin' Time

V. The Doctor's Back In

OOC Notes:

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