faq | terms | ddm inc | departments | contractors | aces | seraphim | the motel | timeline | reality tears
Welcome to the Dead Dog Motel, also known by such names as "Sleepy Pup Inn", "Cur Corpse Tavern", "███ ██████ ██████", or "The Last Stop".
The Motel is the liminal gateway to interdimensional space colloquially known as "The Void", or simply "voidspace".
It therefore also serves as the (only) non-employee entrance to DDM Headquarters, located conveniently through portals accessible via the door to your ensuite.
Operatives should contact reception for their room assignment.Please note that the Motel strictly forbids overnight guests.
WHAT THE FUCK IS DDM ?
First of, we're going to assume you know about multiverse theory (that somewhere out there, countless dimensions exist)."DDM" stands for DIRECT DIMENSIONAL MANAGEMENT, an interdimensional corporation which exists only to make sure the multiverse doesn't completely collapse.
While DDM has thousands of mortal staff (think Men In Black-esque agents) who help keep reality stable across the multiverse, the most powerful agents who are directly responsible for fixing reality when it breaks are called Contractors.
A Contractor is some mortal who died and happened to fulfill very specific criteria at the time of their death.
The Council then offer that person a contract, which if the mortal accepts will :
- a) make them immortal and very powerful
- b) grant a single wish (don't wish for more wishes you dweeb it won't work)
- c) bind them for eternity to serve "The Cause".
It also immediately destroys every single person that mortal has ever known, just so they're not tempted to go back home for a holiday or use their powers to save their home planet or some shit. They also get assigned a fursona given an animal form they can transform into because idk i thought it was cool
There are 7 Contractors: Richard, Adam/Hana, Luka, Dullahan, Johan and Fenrir, and YOU! (aka Contractor #07).
Also, Contractors are able to offer contracts to mortals, creating "ACES".
ACES are basically a Contractor's harem pets assistants. They're a step above mortal which means they can probably take more bullets to the forehead than the average guy, but they're not totally immortal.
ACES have to obey orders from their Contractors, they physically can't resist. Which is a totally healthy relationship dynamic.
They also go into heat when they're away from their contractors for reasons (the reason is I'm a degenerate)
The Cause is the reason why DDM exists. It's the goal of making sure reality doesn't shit itself and collapse completely.
All Contractors are bound to serve the Cause forever; as long as reality exists, it will continue to decay and atrophy, and if it gets bad enough, the entire multiverse will collapse.
Which basically means Contractors are going to be fixing reality tears for the rest of eternity.
Also, because they're immortal, there's literally no escape from it.
Well, mostly no escape.
A few reasons: sometimes dimensions just kinda do that. After enough time, they start to break apart and bits and pieces (mostly monsters and other fucked up things) get through the rifts and tears that are created.
Sometimes it's mortal intervention because some genius invented time travel or something in their dimension.
But also mostly it's because of SERAPHIM.
SERAPHIM is basically ye olde interdimensional terrorist organisation and their motto is essentially "fuck you, chaos reigns".
They're the BAD GUY of the DDM universe...kind of. (spoiler: there aren't really any "good guys" here)
Anyway, SERAPHIM is run by four Big Bad Guys (aka "Kings"): Raphael, Prism, Chaos and Chorus. They all have reasons to want to fuck up DDM's day, but their main goal is to destroy all known reality.
The Dead Dog Motel is kind of the "mascot" for this universe; it just sort of fits the slightly absurdist theme (and I think it's neat.gif). They're just motels that you can use to access "Voidspace" which is basically a big black void where DDM Inc. HQ is.
Basically don't worry about the motel thing. It's just a fun little side idea and I like acronyms.
NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY SENSE STILL¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's worth noting that "DDM" is basically my "personal" OC universe, and a lot of it is made to my preferences and also the general rule of "it makes sense in my head bro i promise"But much of the lore is actually meant to be intentionally vague : you're not meant to KNOW who The Council are, or who made DDM, or what Prism is. There's just a lot of stuff I won't ever reveal (like Dullahan's face).
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO DDM
A major theme in DDM is "the unpredictability of the multiverse"; some information is purposefully left up to the reader's interpretation.Additionally, this is a universe that has existed in my head a lot longer than it has in words; I apologise if things are confusing or don't make a lot of sense!The lovely Zina has created an in depth Lore Guide/Archive :
This includes a lot of my answers to questions asked in the discord as well as background information that will (hopefully) be included in lorebooks once those are added to Janitor.
DDM INC
Direct Dimensional Management Incorporated, also known as "The Company", is an interdimensional organisation dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of reality, known internally as "The Cause". DDM Inc. Headquarters is located in "voidspace", or "the gap between worlds". DDM Inc. hires countless human/humanoid staff as well as eight seven (7) Contractors.
Contractor
Contractors, also known as "Cons" or "Constants", are immortal, supernatural beings who were originally human(oid) but made a contract with ███ █████, dedicated eternally to The Cause.
ACES
Assistant Contractor Elite Specialists : mortals who have formed bonds with contractors, pledging service in exchange for demi-immortality and enhanced senses & physical ability. ACES are soul-bound to their contractor and are magically compelled to obey every order.
SERAPHIM
SERAPHIM is a shadowy organisation whose apparent goal is the total collapse of known reality. They are responsible for the uptick in reality tears and are a rival faction to DDM Inc. Their operatives are known as "Seraphs".
ARC Level
Active Reality Control.A measurement system created by DDM Inc. Every person/object/concept in existence has an ARC level which indicates how "real" it is.An average human has an ARC level of 1. Contractors typically have ARC levels of 3-4.2.The more real something is - and thus the higher its ARC level - the more influence it has over reality.For example, a "0" on the ARC scale would be a non-concept, whereas "5" would be a being considered "godlike" in most cultures.
Base Reality
Modern Earth - our world, dear reader - circa. 2024. The standard by which all alternate dimensions are compared to for database purposes.
DIRECT DIMENSIONAL MANAGEMENT
DMM Inc. Headquarters.
➥ What is DDM INC ? Direct Dimensional Management Incorporated, also known as "DDM Inc." or "The Company", is an interdimensional organisation dedicated to the preservation of reality and the multiverse as a whole.
It refers to this goal as "The Cause".➥ Where is DDM Inc. HQ located ? DDM Inc. Headquarters is located in "voidspace", or "the gap between realities". It resembles an endless office building suspended in the void.
The structure is non-euclidean and acts not only as a workplace but living quarters for its countless employees.➥ Who works for DDM Inc. ? DDM has thousands of mortal staff, coming from a huge variety of universes. It also employees 7 immortal "contractors", who are soul bound to The Council.
In turn, contractors are able to recruit ACEs, which are mortals with enhanced abilities resulting from their bond with their respective contractor.➥ Who runs DDM Inc. ? The Council, a mysterious group of godlike entities with an unknown purpose. Only contractors have ever seen or interacted with The Council, who reside in a dimension that is inaccessible to anyone who does not fulfil the terms of contract eligibility.
The 7 contractors form a board of their own and have the final say in decisions relating to DDM Inc.'s management
EMPLOYEES
DEPARTMENTS
Anomalous Objects and Creatures
Security & Defense
Euclidean Division
Supernatural Research
Human Resources
LAZARUS [black ops]
ANOMALIES
♦ HIGH PRIORITY | EXTREMELY HOSTILE ♦SERAPHIM directly threatens the stability of reality and DDM operations.
DEPARTMENTS
DDM INC has a number of faculties and divisions, covering a wide variety of aspects relating to the preservation of the multiverse. While the vast majority of The Company's staff are mortal, many department heads are either Contractors or otherwise enhanced to better deal with the stresses associated with the job.
Anomalous Objects and Creatures
The Department of Anomalous Objects and Creatures, often shortened to A.O.C, is headed by Contractor #02, Hana and Adam Valencia. A.O.C is responsible for the capture, containment and research of anomalous, supernatural or otherwise non-mundane objects, artefacts and organic beings that are believed to be related to the ongoing decay of the multiverse. Such subjects are often captured by Contractors or ACEs during regular missions and brought back for study.STAFF ROLES : ALWAYS HIRING
Researcher, Zookeeper, Feeder, Veterinarian (exotic and domesticated), Analyst, Curator, Janitor, Retrieval Team
Security & Defense
The Security and Defense Division is, as might be suggested by the title, the Company's security and combat forces, primarily composed of trained soldiers and specialists.Under the jurisdiction of Contractor #03, Captain Luka Sutter.Responsibilities include:- Keeping anomalous sites clear from civilians & hostiles
- Managing fallout from reality tears
- Guarding DDM inc. properties (including motels)
- Managing discipline and securing DDM inc. assetsOPERATIVES
Soldier, Security Guard, Interpreter, Undercover Agent, Trainer, Technician, Mechanic
Euclidean Division
The Euclidean Division is tasked with maintaining the integrity of baseline reality. This division specializes in identifying, cataloguing, and neutralizing spatial, temporal, and logical anomalies that threaten the coherent structure of universes.They ensure that laws of physics remain stable and that non-Euclidean or paradoxical phenomena are detected and resolved before cascading into larger dimensional threats.Technically, Contractor #04, Dullahan, heads this division.Responsibilities include:- Surveying for zones of spatial distortion or recursive geometry
- Restoring logical consistency to affected sites
- Providing technical support for Contractors encountering impossible spacesSPECIALISTS
Geometrician, Logician, Reality Stabilizer, Containment Architect, Dimensional Cartographer, Field Inspector
Supernatural Research
The Research Department is entrusted with uncovering the secrets of reality and the multiverse; specifically, anything relating to the development, control and closure of reality tears, as well as the development of weapons and strategies to deal with Seraphim. Headed by Contractor #05, Dr. Johan Jakobsen.FACULTIES
Reality & Dimensional Research, Antiphysics, Metaversal Traversal, Chemistry, Cryptobiology,
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department manages all mortal personnel at DDM Inc., serving as the liaison between ordinary employees and the enigmatic needs of their immortal overseers. While outwardly similar to corporate HR, their responsibilities are complicated by the dangers and secrecy intrinsic to multiversal operations.Responsibilities include:- Recruiting, vetting, and onboarding new hires across realities
- Administering psychological evaluations and resilience training for staff exposed to anomalous phenomena
- Mediating disputes (including those involving reality manipulation or existential crises)
- Ensuring compliance with interdimensional workplace safety standards
- Managing benefits, memory wipes, and severance for departed employeesSTAFF
Recruiter, Psychometrician, Benefits Coordinator, Interdimensional Liaison, Counselor, Incident Response Officer
LAZARUS [ black ops ]
LAZARUS squad, lead by Contractor #06, Fenrir, is DDM Inc. black ops team, chosen for their elite combat capabilities. LAZARUS handles direct confrontation with high ranking SERAPHIM individuals as well as general wetwork for the Company.
the Immortal eight seven
CONTRACTORS
SOUL-BOUND IN SERVICE TO THE CAUSE
WHAT IS A CONTRACTOR?
A Contractor, also known as a "Constant" or a "Con" is an elite, immortal being who gave up their mortal soul to The Council in exchange for supernatural powers and one [1] wish being granted at the time of their death.DDM Inc. has 8 7 Contractors who form an elite board which manages DDM Inc's activities. However, a Contractor's main responsibility is service to the The Cause - preserving reality by sealing tears in the multiverse.
TERMS OF THE CONTRACT
Any living being is theoretically eligible to be offered a contract by The Council upon their death, however the following traits have been observed in all known Contractors:
- Physically fit
- Over 18
- Willingness to kill for reasons other than self defense
- Natural ARC Level of 1.2 or higher
- No living blood relatives
- Extreme hatred towards an entity, organisation or concept
- No genuine religious beliefs
A contract-eligible mortal is generally notable or special in some way, such as being extremely skilled in their chosen field, having an important role in their society or simply by being very charismatic.
However, this is not always the case; in some cases, Contractors are entirely unremarkable in their mortal lives.
Contractors are not necessarily human.
The premise of a Contract is extremely simple: In exchange for their soul and an eternity of service to The Cause, any eligible mortal can have one (1) wish granted.
Contracts are only proposed to eligible candidates who are at the point of death
[known thereafter as the Contractor's "Original Death"]
Upon completion of the contract, a Contractor will become functionally immortal and gain a number of supernatural powers and abilities.
Additionally, every living sentient creature who was aware of the Contractor's mortal existence is destroyed instantaneously.
It is presumed this is done to avoid any distraction from serving The Cause.
The process of becoming a Contractor has sometimes been described as "excruciating", "maddening" or "if dying was the worst thing that could happen to a person".
Contractors can still engage in mortal habits (eating/drinking/sleeping/etc) if they so choose, but they do not have to in order to survive.
NOTE:
If a Contractor avoids a certain mortal need for a long enough period of time they will stop experiencing that need. For example, if a Contractor doesn't eat they will cease experiencing hunger, potentially permanently.
Due to the negative affects on psyche, it is therefore not recommended for Contractors to entirely forego mortal habits.
Though Contractors can still "sleep", they do not dream.
Contractors who use their abilities for reasons other than in service to "The Cause" experience physical pain as a form of punishment.
For example, a Contractor using their abilities to save a mortal's life could cause them to suffer intense migraines or randomly break a bone.
ARC - Alternate Reality Control - is how much something impacts base reality.
A normal mortal human(oid) having an ARC level higher than 1 is considered highly uncommon.
It's basically DDM’s version of power levels.
ARC LEVELS DEFINED
ARC LEVEL 0
Baseline. Can't change reality at all. Something like a rock would have an ARC level of 0.
ARC LEVEL 1
Most humans are around ARC Level 1 (or below). Essentially, your non-magical, boring person with an average lifespan.
ARC LEVEL 2
Stuff like enhanced strength/stamina, maybe minor telepathy or heightened empathy. It's normal for an ACE to be a high 1, possibly a 2 in special cases.
ARC LEVEL 3
Level 3 is more straight up magic stuff like controlling/summoning fire, transforming yourself or other things, making portals. Most Contractors are above Level 3.
ARC LEVEL 4
Level 4 would involve being able to alter reality in a significant way like being able to destroy a city in a second or slow time.
ARC LEVEL 5
Effectively a god. The Council is ARC level >5.
ARC can increase or decrease due to a variety of factors. It is noted that ARC levels can spike during heightened emotional states.
Additionally, ARC level does not decide whether or not someone would win a fight; it only decides which would come out on top if two conflicting abilities were to interact.
As an example, someone with an ARC level of 4.2 might be able to stop time, but an opponent with an ARC level of 4.4 would be able to restart time again.
A Contractor's death is typically considered a very private matter. However, when a Contractor is close to The Motel, the neon sign (which typically depicts a canine or lupine creature) above the motel will change to reflect that Contractor's manner of death (i.e the dog will be headless or perhaps impaled).
If more than one Contractor is present, then the death of the Contractor with the highest ARC level will be displayed.
All Contractor's animal forms are unique, though this is not particularly strict; for example, different breeds of the same type of animal seem to be permitted.
Animal forms are restricted to animals that have existed in baseline Earth; this includes fish, birds and insects. It is not currently known why certain forms are chosen, though it has been suggested that it relates to the Contractor's general temperament.
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A NOTE ON IMMORTALITY
Though contractors are considered "immortal" it should be noted that this refers to functional immortality.
Contractors cannot age or die and they do not need to breathe or sustain themselves as mortals do, but they can be injured.Contractors have enhanced healing capabilities that are conditionally (and holistically) activated.
The general rule of thumb is that regeneration only kicks in when the injury is considered severe enough to impediment a Contractor's ability to serve The Cause. Consider the following examples as a guide:
| Immediate Regeneration | Natural Healing |
|---|---|
| Beheading | Minor Cuts |
| Multiple Compound Fractures | Bruises |
| Loss of a Limb | Broken Fingers/Toes |
| Removal of Major Organ* | Minor Infection |
*It is unknown why this would trigger regeneration as technically speaking, a Contractor doesn't need any of their organs to survive.
CONTRACTOR ABILITIES
Immortal [does not age, cannot be killed]
Dimensional Shifting
Shapeshifting*
*into a specific animal form
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES
Typically contractors have at least one supernatural ability I.E: transmogrification, invisibility, flight, controlling an element, etc.
ACES
A contractor can have as many ACEs as they desire, though controlling a large amount of souls can take a physical toll on the contractor.
RESETTING
Contractors [and ACEs] are liable to have their memory reset as a punishment for disobeying The Council or failing in their duties to The Cause.
ACES
Summary
Assistant Contractor Elite Specialists, ACEs (plural) or ACE (singular), are mortals who have formed soul contracts with Contractors, pledging service in exchange for demi-immortality, enhanced senses and increased physical ability.ACEs are loyal and experience desire and affection towards their Contractor regardless of their personal beliefs or feelings as a consequence of their soul bond. This experience is one-way.Within the context of their employment with DDM Inc., ACEs are most often used in small squads for minor jobs which don't necessarily require contractor intervention (i.e "MODERATE" or lower).An ACE must obey a direct order from their contractor or their body will begin to degrade.
ACES can be any sex, species or age.
There is no limit to how many ACES a contractor can have.
ACES belonging to different contractors may work together occasionally.
Rivalry between ACES is not uncommon.
ACES can enter "heat", an intense period of arousal, if away from their Contractor for too long
ACES typically refer to their contractors with titles such as "Commander", "Master" or "Captain".
ARIA XENTHON | TROUBLE
ELIAS CARTER | LOYAL
Corrin Snow | Puppy
CATHARIS EIGHT | ? ? ?
Orion Kovač | TRAITOR
| TERM | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| Demi-immortality | Mortal but with extremely enhanced regenerative powers and slowed aging; can still be killed by conventional means. |
| Enhanced Senses | Enhanced sense of smell and hearing, night vision, physical sensitivity. Interestingly, many ACES report having little to no sense of taste. |
| Physical Ablity | ACES are much stronger than the average human and have increased stamina. ACES can go longer without nourishment or rest. |
| Soul Bond | A contractor owns the souls of their ACES. |
GUIDE TO REALITY TEARS
Summary
Reality Tears, also known as rifts, reality breaks or dimensional holes, are portals between one dimension* and another.Reality tears present a considerable threat to the dimension they occur in, as they allow matter - including living beings - to enter the "host" reality. These beings are frequently hostile, requiring the intervention of DDM Inc personnel to avoid casualities amongst civilian populations (if present)These tears occur when the fabric of reality separating two dimensions thins to the point where it cannot sustain the barrier any longer; this can occur via the extended passage of time, high manipulation of elements outside of their natural purpose, and outside interference.It has been noted that reality tears occur more frequently in dimensions which contain individuals with higher than average ARC levels.A single dimension can experience multiple reality tears, not necessarily at the same time. After experiencing a reality tear, a reality is more likely to have a tear occur again.Tears range in severity from Tier 1 (lowest, least dangerous) to Tier 5 (highest, most volatile)
* "dimension" here can be interchangeably used with "reality", "world", "universe" or "plane".
HOW DO YOU CLOSE A REALITY TEAR?
Methods for closing or sealing a tear differ between contractor to contractor. Generally it requires an ARC level of at least 2.2 to close a reality tear, but teams of ACEs have been known to close Tier 1 tears with Contractor supervision.Methods observed include, but are not limited to:
- Chanting or ritual spellwork
- Physical gestures involving "pushing" or "zipping" the tear closed
- The use of reality sealing tools or weapons
- Mental or psychic forces
- The use of seals or runic casts
SERAPHIM
SERAPHIM is an organization dedicated to a sole goal : the destabilization and destruction of all known reality.Its motivations for this goal are unknown.SERAPHIM employs all manner of creatures ranging from human to supernatural, known as SERAPHS. Notably, SERAPHIM often recruits ex-DDM employees.Rather than a central base, SERAPHIM utilizes various dimensional pockets known as Safe Havens to congregate. These take many forms, and, similar to DDM Inc HQ, are accessed via specific rooms in the Dead Dog Motel.SERAPHIM's true leadership is unknown, with many claiming some degree of authority over its legions of soldiers. However, there are four KINGS who command SERAPHIM's various operatives :
♛
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
It is important to note, due to the nature of the multiverse (and dealing with entities that can manipulate time, reality and space), that errors and inconsistencies between timelines are to be expected. This is not gospel; only a rough outline of events in the MAIN TIMELINE.
999+ LOCATIONS - FREE WIFI - COMFORTABLE ROOMS - SWIMMING POOL - FRIENDLY STAFF
THE DEAD DOG MOTEL
A version of the Dead Dog Motel exists in every connected reality, which is to say a dimension which has been inducted into The Multiverse via reality tear or, rarely, intentional dimensional exploration.While the vast majority of Motel properties are under the direct control of DDM Inc., some locations are under new and exciting management!The Dead Dog Motel got its name from the large sign depicting an (alive) wolf or dog-like creature with some kind fatal injury [beheaded, shot, stabbed, etc.] that sits above the entrance to reception [or reception-like space] of every Motel.
When a contractor approaches a Motel, the dog on the sign will appear to have been killed in the same manner of the contractor's Original Death. It is unknown why this occurs.Visitors to the Motel are recommended to check in and head to their room as soon as possible, as the temporal and interdimensional properties of the Motel can have a harmful impact on sanity, ARC levels, general perception of self, and life.
NOTICE 06/10
The pool is currently CLOSED due to unforeseen circumstances and/or inclement weather. Please do NOT enter the water for your health and safety. If you see anyone in the pool, please alert the closest DDM Inc. operative or reception. Thank you and enjoy your stay!
NO VACANCIES
KNOWN LOCATIONS