▶ TDM .003

[prismods]

Fear is never boring

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"The Raisins : Fear Is Never Boring" (Watch on YouTube)

▶ Tales from the Crypt
Moon Iris | top

You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. 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. Even the few shy moon creatures you find in the wild have strange crystal growths on their hides. 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 yields nothing but 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.

After a day or two of living off the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. After the strange phenomenon during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? Why did I eat those fifty cent street truck tacos last night? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay.

While waiting for transport to be prepared, you may freely roam around the government center. Alternatively, you can ask the staff about the moon base. They suggest that you visit one of their excavation sites nearby: an enormous hole known as the Glory. The scientists have been excavating this site carefully for years, searching for a legendary ancient tomb sleeping within. They’re accepting volunteers if anyone is inclined to aid in their efforts. Perhaps the Moonblessed have the knowledge they need to make it a success!

A ⬤ A chroma-powered lift made of magically fortified crystal is used to access the lower grounds. Be careful not to fall off! On the way down, some translucent caterpillars and crystals light your way. Be quiet and keep an eye out for Queen Bowie beetles: these glowing neon bugs are attracted to music, and a single note will send them flying into your clothes and hair. Putting the beetles under pressure is not advised, as they will explode and send their sticky insides flying throughout the airspace, potentially stinging your eyes. This will make moving around in dark, cramped spaces all the more difficult! Thankfully, they get bored if no one tries to sing for one whole minute.

B ⬤ Scientists, engineers, miners, and archeologists are at the unearthed antechambers, hard at work. They will assign you to different tasks: recording observations and taking down notes, digging with advanced excavation tools, or collecting fragile relics with metal and crystal detectors. The Moonblessed may also assist with solving riddles the ancients left in the tomb’s doors, chests and walls. Solving them may lead to either treasure rooms or trap walls that close in on unsuspecting grave robbers. Others, well...

Golden jellyfish statues line the walls, encrusted with glistening jewels all over, some worse for wear. Tall pillars have numerous ancient runes which the Prismals are struggling to decipher. Soon, an eerie whisper reaches your mind: “Wander no further. A curse awaits all who enter our kingdom. Disturb not those who slumber in the deep.” True enough, the floor from this point onward appears to be blue sand combed in the pattern of ocean waves... Are you brave enough to continue drilling through?

C ⬤ If that is not enough to send you scrambling out with moist underwear, perhaps the seismic jolt to the ground will. A slimy substance begins to ooze out the tomb’s cracks, glowing lilac like the Iris moon... The Prismals are quick to usher everyone out before the shaking gets worse. As the lift may be too dangerous, climbing equipment will be provided. Watch out for falling debris or collapsing rocks while assisting each other out of cramped passages and up the walls to safety. Try not to get stuck in the slime!

This little adventure might leaving you wondering what or who exactly lies deeper inside, but the Prismals are just as clueless as you are. Cave-ins happen from time to time, but this might have been the strongest one recorded on this site.

Eventually you’re called to the docks and led onto a large transport vessel. Destination: Prismatica.




▶ Those Kicks were Fast as Lightning
Higher Lunatia, Level 1 | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated.

With the end of Harvest Boon, the city is calm once more. The streets of Level 1 and 2 are now sparkling clean as always, but Level 3 is still in the process of cleaning up. There are confetti and deflated balloons strewn all over the streets, but Swiffy bots are on the scene, sweeping up whatever waste they can get their hands on. Sometimes, they might even play tug-of-war with you for it. At one of the train stations, a Prismal doomsayer screams about the apocalypse returning. Passersby shrug at the conspiracy theory and move on.

A ⬤ In response to the unexpected rough events during Harvest Boon, the Moon Knights decided to hold free-for-all self-defense seminars at a large park near Lunatia Square. The live demonstrations include proper monster-wrangling procedures and how to efficiently keep a rogue moonheld (read: transformed under the moon) Prismal away. Participants are encouraged to learn and interact with each other to learn various safety practices and techniques. The training visors provided enhance the seminar experience, changing whoever your eyes focus on into a cerberus or other rogue moonheld Prismal on the visor’s display. Don’t use the visors for too long, or you’ll be seeing everyone as a cerberus well after you take the visors off! Fortunately, the effects only last for an hour. Energy drinks and free snacks are available to any worn-out Prismal or Moonblessed.

B ⬤ Virtual lunar conditions are also available via multiplayer VR pods in Lunar Scientia headquarters, simulating the Moonblessed/moonheld experience under full moons. Mental exercises and magic practice sessions are accessible in the virtual spaces, allowing people to test out their magical abilities and transformations. Simulation participants can either train by themselves, with a partner, or through a tutorial of instruction-based movements. However, the program is still in beta. You may experience errors or bugs like lagging, NPCs phasing into things they shouldn’t, weird physics, or body glitches.

▶ Meas Trees are the Bee’s Knees
Middle Lunatia, Level 2 | top

The rows of Meas trees planted this Harvest Boon are blossoming beautifully into view, painting the fields in Level 2 with colors of spring. Meas tree saplings each have a small sign next to them, displaying their owners’ written wish if they chose to disclose it. Interestingly, the color and aroma of each flower depends on the owners; fiery personalities might have red or orange flowers, those born in a coastal town might have flowers that smell like the sea near their hometown, and so on. Maybe you’ll encounter a familiar aroma if you’re lucky enough.

The Moonblessed who were most active with moonlacing the past few weeks have the largest trees, nearly rivaling the oldest Meas trees around. The older trees planted by Prismals over time can be seen in the next field, standing majestically with their swaying branches and flying petals.

A ⬤ Picnic grounds for flower viewings can be found near the fields. There are plenty of stalls selling homemade bruschettas, crostinis, sandwiches, wines, cheeses, and other enjoyable finger food. Notably, some wines may give you an insatiable desire to whisper things in someone’s ear. Sweet nothings, death threats, your secret kinks—no matter the words, you’ll want to kill someone softly with them.

B ⬤ The Swiffy bots that are assigned to the parks and gardens in Level 2 help keep things spick and span, but they’re due for maintenance and may attempt to sweep off any unfortunate picnics with their high-powered vacuums or leaf blowers. As they zoom across the paths, they chirrup about not treading on the grass and take off with picnic blankets, table cloths, and people’s clothes. Any nearby maintenance staff (who are all desperately trying to chase the bots) yell that a conk on the head will immobilize them. Once the malfunctioning bots are stopped, the staff approach to wheel them away while apologising profusely for the mayhem.

▶ Questions

If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

Comments

Kashuu Kiyomitsu | Touken Ranbu

[saigawa]

▶ Tales from the Crypt
A.
[When the seismic jolt hits, evacuations already starting in a mix of organisation and chaos. Kashuu's doing what he can, that is trying to climb out of here and helping out anyone near him. Sure, he can go ahead, but well... He's still a nice guy, and he would feel bad about leaving people behind.]

Hey, hold on tight!

[His hand grasp theirs, as he try to pull them out from that awfully cramped looking passage. Ugh, as much as he likes how he looks, he wonders having a bigger, stronger body would help him more.]

Man, are you carrying a heavy bag or something?!

B.
Ew ew ew ew ew GROSS!

[Alas, during the evacuation process... The unthinkable happened. The most horrible thing that might have happen. Something that's almost (almost) up there as That Night.

Kashuu Kiyomitsu, the cutest sword warrior of them all, got stuck in slime. And they're getting into his clothes and his hair.]

I don't care, just get me out of here!

[Free him from this slimy hell, and hopefully his outfit isn't completely ruined!!]

▶ Meas Trees are the Bee's Knees
[Kashuu's been eyeing the various stalls selling the delicious looking finger food. He doesn't know what most of them are, but they do look rather nice. And all these food are enticing enough to rouse his appetite.

He did give the wines a curious glance. He does drink sometimes, but only in the safety of the citadel. Or with his comrades nearby.]

... Think we can ask for a taste test?

[Kashuu wonders out loud, whether anyone nearby wants to hear or not.]

(OOC: For the wine thing, let me know if you want it and any prefs for Kashuu's whispering urge!)

▶ Wild Card
[Or bring your own scenario! Hit me up via PM or Sonica for questions/plotting, if you need to.]

Meas trees

[sanguinertia]

I don't see why not. The locals are actually pretty generous?

[ Like, sure, sometimes you have to pay some chroma for stuff, but you can get chroma by just hugging someone or holding hands (or more, but whatever, she just goes with the easy stuff). It's basically the least work Ruby's ever had to do for spare change. ]

I've never had any wine before, either, I'm kinda curious...

[saigawa]

Right? I'm sure they'll understand if we want to try before we buy.

[It's still a little weird how they can get chroma. But Kashuu want to make sure what they're paying for is worth the hugs and hand holding (or... more).

And yeah, he just want an early bite.]

Me too. I did drink sake before, but nothing like these before.

[When your headquarters is full of Japanese spirits...]

One sip each?

[sanguinertia]

Sure! If you spit it out, try to aim away from me, though.

[ Ruby, he's not gonna do that.

But once they have their taster samples, she'll down hers immediately, before making a sort of wrinkled-nose face. ]

...I was kinda hoping it would be way sweeter.

[saigawa]

[He makes a face at that.]

Ew? I wouldn't do something as gross as that.

[It's not cute at all!

There's two ways of drinking: slowly to savour the flavours, or down it all fast. Kashuu opts for the slower way.

And wrinkle his nose, frowning.]

I don't know what I'm expecting.

[Sweet? Burning? He doesn't know if he likes this. But it's not plain, at least.]

Is this what the locals like to have?

[Maybe he ought to tell them about what he's used to. Or... tell someone something...?]

Tales from the Crypt B

[nakemen]

[Izuminokami is much in the same boat. Maybe he isn't like Kashuu exactly but he's got long hair he's proud of. His looks are another weapon, after all, and being covered in slime is awful. It's everywhere.]

Ugh, Kiyomitsu! It's in my hair! How'd you get stuck?! [But he is attempting to pull him out of the slimy mess. After all, Shinsengumi has to be there for each other, right?]

[saigawa]

[It's gooey, sticky and doesn't even match his outfit. It's completely and utterly gross.]

I don't know, it got me when I was helping someone else!

[And where did that person go, anyway?! Kashuu grasp onto Izuminokami's hand, most likely getting more slime onto the other's arms and clothes. Pull him out!!]

[nakemen]

What kind of person doesn't help the person who got them out?! [He's really offended for his sake but also his sake because there's so much slime everywhere.] Ugh this slime is gonna seriously tangle up my hair!

[But with one hard pull he finally frees Kashuu... Who is a little stuck on him now but it isn't too bad.] You good?

[saigawa]

[Even in another weird world, there's still people like that? Ugh, whatever, the slime bothers him more than that right now!

One pull later, he's finally free from... well, the big pile of slime he was stuck in earlier. Now the slime that's on his clothes and body are what's sticking him to Izuminokami. He looks up at his taller comrade. Despite his annoyed voice, he almost seem a little relieved.]

Ugh, I'm fine... Just feeling gross and sticky. But thanks.

[He need a bath. A hot one. Maybe even the open air onsen after a nice soapy scrub. Anyway, he frowns and try to pull slowly himself away from Izuminokami.]

Meas trees

[dioscorea]

[Fresh off a fight with one of the malfunctioning Swiffy bots (and notably lacking his usual white scarf as a result), Yasusada's also looking through the food stalls. Living in Lunatia for this long, he's starting to get used to some of the more exotic foods here, things they never really had in the citadel.

Except then he spots a very familiar person from behind, a short ways off, and all thoughts of food are gone from his head just like that.

Is that Kiyomitsu?!

Yasusada's eyes widen with joy, and he bolts in Kashuu's direction.

And then pauses. What if it's not him after all? Lunatia's a big city; would they really just happen to run into each other like this?

...nope, that's definitely Kiyomitsu.

So Kashuu, expect to be tackled without warning by a fast-moving blue object in 3... 2... ]

[saigawa]

[1...

As Kashuu ponder what to eat, and how much he's willing to spend here, he thought he sense someone coming right at him. And then he suddenly find himself knocked over into the ground, with an oddly familiar presence atop of him.]

Wha-!

[Ooph. Well, he's now laying on the ground. Which will dirty his clothes a fair bit. But more importantly, who tackled him?! He quickly raise his head and look at whoever's on top of him.]

Hey! What are you—[Wait a minute.]—Yasusada?

[There's a lot to go over. One, he's surprised to see him. Two, he's relieved to see him. Three, did he really have to tackle him?!]

[dioscorea]

[Even as they're falling in a tangle of clothes and limbs on the dirty ground, Yasusada's laughing, the grin on his face threatening to split it apart.]

Kiyomitsu, it's really you!

[He pushes up, his hands on Kashuu's shoulders, just far enough to get a good look at his partner sword. And then the questions start pouring out.]

Did you miss me? How long have you been here? Have you seen the others? I should show you where we live here!

[saigawa]

[They're a tangled mess of limbs and clothes, Kashuu's carefully maintained looks are ruined—well, not as meticulous as usual without his usual makeup—but it's hard for him to feel that frustrated. He heard that laughter, it's coming from Yasusada instead of anyone else, and it tempers his reactions a little.

Once he get the chance, he sits up as well and really looks at his partner.]

Yeah? Of course it's me.

[Was there another Kashuu Kiyomitsu running around? But the barrage of questions caught him off guard, as he waits for a good opening.]

Wait, wait, stop! Stop! One at a time! [Gosh.] I got here not that long ago, I guess? I did see... Yamanbagiri, Izuminokami and Hasebe earlier.

[Mikazuki will come later on, maybe. And Kashuu's not really going to answer that first question.]

... And you guys have a place already?

[Which is actually good! Somewhere to stay and maybe act as their base camp.]

B

[udonsong]

[ Wow, a little gunk never hurt nobody! I mean, yeah, it's pretty gross, Hasebe's definitely not jealous but he definitely scoffs in that "how am I the only adult in the world" way of his that everyone finds annoying. ]

You're fine. It doesn't hurt, does it?

[ Hey, look who it is, here to pull you out of the muck and definitely not get stuck in it himself. It's Hasebe! He reaches over and grabs him by the arms. ]

Hold still!

[saigawa]

[Hey, being the cutest is hard work when he have to stand out from everyone else. And more seriously, how could he expect to find himself cover in slime? He's a sword, for crying out loud!]

Ugh, yeah. Except that I'm covered in this stuff.

[He'll take pain over this, thanks. Well, anyway, Kashuu stop moving for Hasebe to pull him out. Here hopes it works!]

I am now!

[udonsong]

[ Hasebe grabs him and yanks, pulling Kashuu out of the goo in a quick, sudden motion. He manages to not fall over in doing so, but it's a close thing. ]

There. Can you stand?

[ At least Kashuu is shorter than him so it's not like, super awkward. Aren't you glad they're strong sword boys who can at least carry each other? Hasebe's got some of that ooze on him now too, but sometimes you make sacrifices for your friends... (Don't tell Kashuu they're friends.) ]

Meas trees

[jiyuujin]

[If Kashuu is looking for a comrade, it just so happens that one nearby overhears him. However, rather than announce his presence, he observes him for a short while, meandering his way through the crowd and finally sneaking up behind the young sword. Surreptitiously, he tucks one arm around his waist in an overly friendly manner. They were friends right? Well probably not, but he could pretend for the time being.]

If you'd like to try some, I'd be happy to treat you to a glass. In celebration of your arrival, Kashuu-dono.

[saigawa]

[Ever since he saw Yamanbagiri earlier, he's been keeping an eye out for comrades. While acting like he's at ease and not troubled at all, it's better than acting all worried in front of strangers.

And if he's here for a while, he'd need to eat at some point.

Kashuu didn't notice Mikazuki at first. Until he feel an arm around his waist, and he almost jump up in surprise ("Wha-!"). And then try to move away from the arm, turning around as he do to look at the other person.

And hearing that familiar voice only confirms their identity. (How can Mikazuki sneak up like that?!)]

—Mikazuki?

[Well, as much as Mikazuki is infuriatingly tiring, it's also a relief to see another familiar face. Kashuu relaxes his stance, as he tilt his head at Mikazuki.

Mikazuki Munechika is offering to get him a glass...]

I am a little curious... you're really offering?

[jiyuujin]

[If Kashuu wants to pull away, Mikazuki won't stop him. He's not about to hold anyone against their will when his initial act of surprise has already been accomplished.

He crosses his arms, smiling, with a tilt of his head that mirrors Kashuu and indicates something vague. Satisfaction? Amusement? Omniscience?]

I insist. If you've only just arrived, I doubt you've built up much in the way of funds already.

[Without waiting for a response or protest from their new guest, he gestures to the nearby cashier and taps his own device against one of theirs.] Get whatever you like.

crypt a!!

[hoasen]

[She didn't know what to expect but the young(?) man grabs her hand just in time to pull her along with him. She tries her best to keep up. Even if she raises her eyebrow at being said that she's holding something heavy.

Well...]

My bag? It has the equipment I was using--am I too heavy?

[IS IT HER?]

eyy

[saigawa]

[Yes, it is a young man. Even as strong as he is, there's still a limit to his strength!]

What kind of equipment? Are you one of the diggers here?

[Are those tools really that heavy?! Despite his tone, he's still pulling her up as much as he can.]

HEH

[hoasen]

[Could he even carry her with everything?!]

Not quite, I just brought them as a precaution. And it's not mine, so I'm not sure if they'll be happy if I leave it all behind.

[She probably would, though, if he continues to struggle. It's not worth saving these things.]

wanders in late af.. meas trees, also have him whisper whatever idc ... bring on cursed shit

[schwarzen]

[ Siegfried has allowed himself to relax... sort of. His clothes are casual, but Ascalon remains strapped to his back, even as he browses the food and drink stalls. He looks over to the person apparently addressing him. (Or is he? It's hard to tell). ]

The locals are generous, I've found. That's precisely what they're offering.

[ He himself politely asks for what looks like a pinot grigio. ]

Which one would you like to try? There's a few options.

such freedom of choice... kowai

[saigawa]

[Kashuu's deliberately speaking up. He doesn't mind if someone heard him or not, but if they do? It'd be easier on him. Since he's still new, he doesn't have a lot of... cash on him.

Kashuu looks at what this older... well, taller man is getting. The bottle looks nice, but the name on the label is unfamiliar to him.]

I'm used to sake, but...

[His eyes land on the rosé bottle, drawn by the pink colour he can see through the see-thru bottle.]

That one looks pretty. "Rose"?

[schwarzen]

That's an interesting choice, too. Rosé is made from the same type of grapes as red wine, but with not enough of the grape skins to give it the same deep red color. Instead, it ends up a pale pink, like this.

[ He takes the bottle, inspecting it for a moment before also reaching for two glasses and offering one to Kashuu. It's already open, and the vendor gives him a sign that says, sure, go ahead. ]

Let's try this one, then.

[ He pours Kashuu a glass first, then one for himself. ]