▶ TDM OVERFLOW .001

[prismods]

Cybernetic dream, something like you've never seen

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▶ Lisa Frank's LSD Fun House
anytime, anywhere on the moon Iris | top

Everything is darkness except for dim lights sparkling in the distance, a faint gleam that greets you as you start to unfurl from your dormant state. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. Throat parched and skin dry and aching, you grope your body in alarm to make sure your possessions are still in place. This is far from home— perhaps a dream? You pinch your skin and slap your cheeks, yet nothing seems to do the trick. Searching for answers only rewards you with an endless expanse of purple dust as far as the eye can see. You have four options: one, panic; two, soil yourself; three, admire it all then soil yourself; or four, go into survival mode. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.

A ⬤ As you traverse the near-barren landscape, you feel something sting your skin. It's small and subtle at first, then you finally catch sight of it: an elegant, crystalline mosquito buzzing around from the corner of your eye. However, a pest is still a pest. After a while, marks near your welts begin to form strange patterns on your skin, mimicking ancient runes. Each rune has with it a particular side-effect that may hinder you on your journey:

✾ The Mark of the Enchanter: Hallucinations, hallucinations galore. Your character will see everything and anything their imagination can conjure and will have difficulty separating reality from fiction.
₪ The Mark of the Destroyer: Limbs start to cease their function, causing you to stumble or try and get around one-handed. Other certain body parts may be affected as well. Look at the bright side: you can stop worrying about jiggle physics and hiding your fear boner.
⍢ The Mark of the Sinner: Your hunger, your thirst, your fatigue and your desire are at an all-time high. Your impulses are rabid and uncontrollable. Maybe you experience only one of those symptoms. Maybe you experience them all. All you know is that you want relief now.

These effects will eventually clear up with a bit of accidental or purposeful physical contact with another person, making you wonder if there was anything wrong with you at all.

B ⬤ Hunger starts to gnaw at you vigorously. Perhaps you consider hunting the moon's creatures to sate your hunger. That's when you see it: a thick, meaty, juicy meal on legs. No, we're not talking about Alex Louis Armstrong. A wild silver-white pegasus runs across the purple landscape, its hair billowing in the wind as its hooves smack loudly against the ground. Try and shoot it, and you may find your efforts curtailed by its legendary rage. Eyes aglow and wings beating up a storm, this pegasus is no dainty horse. Two thousand pounds of pure muscle swoop down and charge at you, all blades and ammunition deflecting off its impenetrable skin. Taming appears impossible; it will buck anyone away and leave a sizable horn- or hoof-shaped hole in them for their efforts. Hunting it, however, should be easier. Relatively.

C ⬤ Or you may decide that you'd like to take a drink in the prismatic waters. A small pond can be found just a few miles away from where you first awoke, but gazing into it reflects what appears to be a window into your own world. You see the faces of loved ones or at least someone very close and familiar to you gathered around your prone body, shaking it frantically as though to try and rouse you, yet your image lies frozen and unresponsive, not even a whisper of life running through you. Did you die in your world? Is this your afterlife? The questions start to pile up along with the gnawing dread that you may never return home again.

▶ Camp Nowhere
anytime, anywhere on the moon iris | top

Time moves strangely when you're trapped on a moon with no sun to guide you. Hours feel like days, and days feel like weeks. Travelling has rendered you weak and tired. Luckily, a few crystal formations in the shape of a cavern may offer you a small place refuge as you decide to nap. You notice a few artifacts left over from previous explorers.

D ⬤ A comm unit abandoned within the cavern will display the former owner's idol obsession. As you tap the buttons indiscriminately, a holographic screen will appear, and you will see a fabulous recorded concert featuring three bubbly young ladies in animal print, singing to you about something called Cordis, a cat, and a bag of gems. Does this make any sense to you? Probably not, but the beat is catchy. You may even find yourself tapping a foot along to it. Don’t worry. We know it’s plastic love.

E ⬤ There's a small cooler-like container of preserved powdered food bags labeled with only the word “Edible” that can be safely consumed. Although the powder tastes as bland as you’d expect, it’s oddly filling, sating either hunger or thirst. But who will be the first — and the bravest — to try eating them?

F ⬤ A strange, pointed instrument is among the effects found in the cavern. It's silver, long, and thin with a curved end and a light. When you grip it with warm hands, it seems to vibrate enthusiastically and comes in three settings indicated by a frowny face, a neutral face, and a happy face. What could it mean exactly? No one knows, but you can fiddle with it to your heart's desire. Just don't ask yourself where it's been before. You don't want to know.

▶ Interstellar Action Force Assemble
prisma, iris | top

Over a day has passed when a group of people find you worse for wear. Some are full of uncertainty and fear while some are full of curiosity and excitement. They claim that they are scientists from the planet Prismatica here to investigate the sudden appearances of rainbow crystals in the skies. That means you and the others they’ve located within the area. You are all a surprising find to them, and they are quick to load everyone in their transport vehicles for examination and questioning.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? Why are the pegasi so ill-tempered? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They do have questions on their own, so it’s only fair to trade. They tell you about their world as they poke and prod you, trying to understand what you are and how you came into their land. If they’re not trembling in fear, some of them may ask you odd and invasive questions in return, such as what the rate at which your body achieves thermoregulation is, how long your refractory period is, and if you would be willing to submit various kinds of body fluids to them. It's up to whether you wish to comply or protest.

G ⬤ If you react violently, you will be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. They came prepared, so have fun with that! In any case, conscious or not, you’ll be brought into one of the transport vehicles. If you choose to peacefully cooperate, you’ll be provided any necessary first aid and a refreshing drink to help you recuperate after the rough time you had for the past few days. Each transport vehicle has a few small rooms to rest in, but due to the limited space, you’ll have to snuggle up with someone else on that bunk bed. Unfortunately, the moonshine fruit the ship is also carrying in its cargo has an extremely sweet smell that’s been permeating through certain areas of the ventilation system… Taking a whiff of it may inebriate you for the rest of the trip.

H ⬤ It’s a bumpy ride as terrain vehicles draw over various crystal formations until you see a large dome-like structure up ahead. Within its confines lies the seat of the Prismatica's government, Prisma. It’s a bureaucratic wet dream: skyscrapers practically touch the upper surface of the dome, windows glimmer with a prismatic sheen as daylight hits them, and small ships can be seen flying to and from its spaceport. The scientists, members of the Lunar Scientia, usher you into their facilities for tests. Arrivals are likely to twitch, tremble, and panic as Lunar Scientia fellows take and broadcast every embarrassing, unfiltered detail about you — height, weight, age, strange odors, estimated frequency of sexual activity —- to one another. These scientists will ask you politely to undress, too, but understand if you don't want to. They're especially fascinated by the readings of pure Chroma inside you, whispering among one another excitedly about the possibility of the new arrivals being a new moon species. What should they call them? Moonborne? Moonblessed?

I ⬤ At long last, the questions and physical examinations are done. They’ve decided to call the arrivals as the Moonblessed. They’ll take you under their care until they understand more about you. You're allowed a very refreshing hot shower and a warm meal for your efforts. Don’t worry, the meal was imported from their planet. “Planet?” you might ask, but you won’t need to wonder for too long. The ships are preparing for their next destination: the nearby planet Prismatica, where you will be dwelling for the time being. You're free to explore the government center until then.

▶ Wildcard
Lunatia, Prismatica | top

It only takes a couple hours for the ships to reach their home planet. The ships drop the characters off at the city of Lunatia, where they will be given their communication devices and a plastic card they can present to certain landlords at any residential district for their subsidized (read: absolutely free) lodging. Officials at Prisma instructed the newcomers to await further instructions from the government, but you have a lot of time to kill before then. Why not explore in the meantime? Learn the ins and outs of the world, get a job, transform under the full moon, and explore the many mysteries of planet Prismatica!

This is this TDM's overflow. Feel free to move your threads from there and continue tagging!

Comments

[schwarzen]

[ He doesn't press the issue. Mostly because he wouldn't ordinarily anyway— he isn't prone to sharing much about himself either, not wanting to be a burden on others or deeming it necessary, and respects the will of others to do the same.

Besides, he's even more taken aback when she leans forward and presses their noses together. They aren't particularly close, but it's not unwelcome perse, just unexpected. And quite frankly, he doesn't know what to make of it. ]

Ah. No. We should explore. I'd like to get an understanding of the society here, lest we find out too late that we've simply been transported to a more... colorful Duplicity.

[menphina]

[ Considering she's much like a very affectionate housecat when she's with someone she likes, it wouldn't be too shocking on her part to be as physically affectionate- and she doesn't think too much on it. Perhaps it's just her way of showing him that she missed him after he vanished- he was one of the few who didn't give her a headache, aside from him being a complete weirdo at times.

But it was always endearing more than annoying, and her ears lift up when he agrees- ]

Let's hope not. But-

[ She taps under her chin, to indicate his Submissive mark - ]

That's gone, isn't it? It means you're not going to be contracted to anyone now! ... I hope.

[ Tugging him towards her though, she looks out towards the buildings... ]

This is definitely not like any place I've seen before. Well, come along, Siegfried! Don't dawdle already. Maybe we'll even find you something that isn't armor to wear!!

[ She looks enthused already, but it's just her way of coping before panicking. ]

[schwarzen]

[ Almost reflexively, he reaches up to touch at the curve of his neck. While he never cared much about appearances or anything of the sort, that mark had been a reminder of the injustices suffered by himself and many others in that city. Having seen it gone was more than a relief— it was the last bit of confirmation that he needed to know he wasn't there anymore.

So that relief was followed by worry and panic, because though he didn't wish to stay in Duplicity, he relished the thought of his loved ones staying behind even more.

So he's happier to see her here, more than he could express. He looks as though he might say something to that effect, but hesitates.

Instead, he gives her hand a small squeeze, as if to reassure himself that they are both truly here, as they exit the building. ]

Already I'm receiving grief for my battle armor. [ He chuckles. It's nostalgic, both to the time they'd spent in PECS trying out different outfits and to the complaints he'd received from his friends back home. ] Though I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to blend in with the people here.

However, Chroma, the form of currency here... I have some to my name, but I've yet to figure out how the number rises.

[ ... ]

[menphina]

[ She's just glad to have a familiar presence- she did run into a few people she recognized, but really, having Siegfried around was comforting in ways she couldn't place. Maybe it was that air of calm around him and that genuinely sweet natured warmth that emanated from him. Or perhaps, it was just the fact that he was always soothing- unlike Percival who was haughty at everything like her but cooled down when called on it, or Lancelot who liked to tease.

Not that she'd mind being teased by Siegfried, mind- but he seemed to be the kind who might have her teasing fly over his head.

As they walk in, she blinks as her ears flick at his question, and she grins. ]

Didn't they tell you?

[ She holds up their joined hands. ]

It's intimacy. They said we, the "Moonblessed", will produce Chroma through contact and intimacy. So something as simple as hand-holding will raise the amount. See?

[ She lifts her device with her free hand to show him, having gotten somewhat used to technology lately... ]

Bet we could make more of it if we hugged! Actually, that amount's higher from when I hugged you!

[ She grins, ears wiggling. ]

Wonder how much a kiss would be, then... if you'd like to experiment, Siegfried!

[schwarzen]

[ Siegfried listens carefully as she explains. Actually, he mentally berates himself a little for not having noticed earlier, but despite having been in Duplicity for so long, he doesn't expect this place to be driven on the idea of physical contact, either.

Though, to be fair, this seems a lot less sinister than what he's used to. He looks down at their joined hands, then back at her device, indeed noting that the number is steadily increasing the longer they remain like this.

Honestly, what would he do without her? This isn't the first time that Megumi has proven to be not only practical, but more aware and understanding of their surroundings than he is. He's losing his touch (really he's so out of his element in these sorts of places). ]

Really? Is that how it works? It's a bizarre concept, but after the idea of people as property in Duplicity, I shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore, should I?

[ Her next suggestion not only makes him blink, but slow color rises to his face, too.

His immediate reaction is confusion that she'd even propose such a thing, because he remembers clearly that she's mentioned having a husband. And Megumi is many things, but she has never given him the impression of being disloyal. She is warm and kind, but her feelings clearly lay with the person left behind in her world.

Then, concern follows. It's as if, for the first time, he's really considered that she's had to have survived some way in Duplicity without her husband there. That's how things worked. Not meeting your sexual quota had dire consequences, and he wonders how often she'd had to suffer through such treatment.

Perhaps his concern is betrayed by the way his eyebrows furrow just a bit, but...

Right now hardly seems like the place or time to bring up such heavy topics. Not while they're trying to distract themselves from the possibility of being in yet another terrible place.

So, his eyes soften. ]

If you're comfortable with the idea, then I wouldn't mind trying, Megumi. So is your theory that a kiss would give both of us even more currency?

[menphina]

[ At the very least, this physical contact seems to be of more productivity than what they were expected to do in Duplicity. And she's really just being a good Matriarch! She has to be observant and attentive as a leader, after all, and his remark makes her chuckle. ]

In a perfect situation, we wouldn't even have to worry about things like this. Most of the time, anyroad!

[ But she does catch his expression, not immediately guessing the reason behind that concerned look, but were she to learn of why, she'd be able to quell the worry easily. After all, she didn't exactly go through living in Duplicity without any action- even some where quota wasn't exactly a concern.

But that's a subject to approach later- right now, she can't help but feel a stir within as she looks at his handsome features- though really, the good looks have always been a bonus with Siegfried. He's always been so kind and silly, that she's always felt endeared by him- and it helps that he's never been shy to be firm about his limits.

He's definitely deserving of the crushes she- and plenty of others have on him!

So with a small smile, she perks up and gives him a nod. ]

And- aye! Don't act like others haven't wanted to kiss you too, Siegfried. [ An affectionate tease, before she sets her device back and lifts a hand to his cheek. ]

I won't mind if it's you. Besides, it's not every day I get to kiss a handsome dragon knight, after all!

[ Yes, yes, she knows he isn't anymore, but she was still calling the four of them by their collective epithet back on Duplicity too, so.

Her thumb traces over his jawline, before she urges his face down gently to just close enough to hers, her blue gaze affectionate as she bumps her nose to his. ]

May as well get a bit of a head start if we're going to be stuck here for a spell, aye? And this is a lot better than being forced into it! So- don't hold back with me, if you want to try.

[schwarzen]

[ Her comments only make his embarrassment a little more evident. ]

You're too kind. The way you and others talk, you'd think I have a line of suitors, when that is far from the truth.

I simply hope I don't end up disappointing you.

[ In fact, save for being closer to certain people in the intimate sense, he is still a bit of a loner.

But he isn't going to fight her on that point, much less when she's already being so sweet and comforting. He would be lying if her presence isn't oddly healing, if he weren't compelled to lose himself in the bright blues of her eyes for just a little bit.

He's always conceptually acknowledged that Megumi is beautiful, of course, but much the same way he would appreciate a painting— from a distance and never with any intention to touch. It wasn't his place, and from his perspective, she'd never expressed interest in anything more than simple friendship.

Tentatively, Siegfried raises his palm to cup her cheek, then to thread his fingers through her hair lightly.

After only a brief moment more of hesitation, he closes the distance between their lips, the kiss warm but relatively chaste, at least initially. It is, much like the rest of him at the moment, affectionate but cautiously so.

After a second or so passes, however, he does wrap an arm loosely around her waist, drawing her body flush against his own. ]

HI HELLO PLEASE NEVER STOP I melted forever at this /)///(\

[menphina]

You know you had a fanclub back in Duplicity, aye? Hells, I encouraged it! [ And she may have given them expensive Dragon Knight Husband Memorabilia. Don't ask.

This was also why the four of them may have had some bonuses tacked on to their pay back there, too. Though she frowns a little at his words. ]

Oi, oi- if you were a disappointment, you'd hear it right from more than just me, so don't go deciding that on your own!

[ But, he then moves his hand up to her cheek and touches her hair- and it makes her ears flick in excitement because hells is she big on people she's interested in just- touching her. She's never been shy about skinship, and Siegfried's been the type where she could really just fantasize about him all day-

Which is why when he moves in close, she moves in to meet his lips with her own in return, having no hesitation in her own actions as she does it. She's never been shy about intimacy after all- and the kiss is as she'd expect. Gentle and affectionate in a way she's only used to from certain people, but also careful, as though being respectful.

She isn't expecting what comes next, though, and though a surprise, she doesn't hesitate in her moving her own arms around his shoulders and crossing behind his neck. Her lips moving gently against his, mouth parting enough to welcome him, she inhales the scent surrounding him as she finds herself- warmed. Perhaps even a little excited, if the little peeking fragrance that emanates from her skin isn't telling enough- her pheromones making her desire more obvious, before it fades, and she lifts a hand up to place over the back of his head now.

Fingers threading into the brown strands, as though to encourage him to not pull away too soon, while she moves to deepen the kiss if he'll let her, keeping herself pressed against his form- and finding herself wishing he was less dressed to feel more of his heat. ]

[schwarzen]

[ For these moments, Siegfried allows himself to simply feel. Rather than worrying about the past or the present, or occupying himself with thoughts of whether this was proper or not, he simply enjoys her mouth against his, the way she welcomes him and deepens the contact, thus quelling any lingering doubt over her receptiveness.

It's true, around this time would be when he'd slowly pull away, but her fingers near the nape of his neck keep him there, and much like many of their interactions before, he has no choice but to relent.

But much like before, he doesn't truly mind.

His fingertips linger along her spine as he revels in the slight fragrance of her skin, something he assumes has always been there but he's never noticed, and also something he feels inexplicably and irresistibly drawn to. While Siegfried doesn't pull away completely, he presses a series of smaller, more playfully affectionate kisses, a sign that he's become more relaxed. ]

[menphina]

[ The relaxation against her makes her feel content- and when they're kissing sweetly as though they were lovers finally reuniting after a long dry spell, she ends up smiling. Her ears wiggle happily as she lets out a little chuckle when the kisses become softer, and cuter. Her own lips return them, playful, perhaps even purring a little as she keeps herself up against him-

Her fingers stroke over his hair and slide down his jaw, before she tilts her head to kiss his lower lip with an affectionate smooch before moving to his mouth fully- sweet as this is, she finally steals a final press of their mouths together before she pulls back just enough to look at his gold eyes.

And she gives him a wiggle of her ears. ]

You're a better kisser than I imagined. Somehow, the armor kept getting in the way when I did picture it!

[ What, she can be cute. ]