▶ 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

[catchthis]

[ Wow, is that a slouch? Looks like V's limping. He doesn't look too well so Nero raises an eyebrow, curiously. ]

Well you did your homework. Good job, smartass. [ He slowly claps his hands together because he's rude like that. ]

I don't have to bring the news to your front door. Welcome to shitstain city. Enjoy your stay.

[intwained]

[ despite how much the slouch takes off his height, he seems to do just fine on walking around.

the claps have him shooting nero an odd look, and then he chuckles. ]

This city may not be our first choice of locale, but they seem friendly enough. I can think of worst places to be absconded to.

Then again, I suppose without Kyrie here, your options for Chroma are limited.

[catchthis]

Better be glad we aren't rotting away in some--

[ cue: mic drop. Everytime Kyrie's brought up Nero makes a strange expression. He looks more baffled than before and has to stop himself from throwing a few punches. ]

Alright, you can insult me or wave that cane in my face. I don't give a damn. What you can't do is mention Kyrie like that because I'm about to explode.

Was this really necessary?? I know, dude. There are some things you just don't say!!!

[ He's just frowning, showing immense displeasure. ]

[intwained]

[ he is a Little regretful that it got this kind of a reaction, but nero is just so easy to goad. he rests both his hands on his cane, listening to nero talk about exploding. ]

I see your maturity level regarding sex remains the same at any age.

[ clearing his throat. ]

It's only natural to be frustrated when you're separated from someone you care greatly for.

[catchthis]

I'm only frustrated that you know too much. You're a piece of work.

[ He casually motions towards V, yes he meant you. ]

An old fart like you might kneel over and choke before anything happens on the bed. When that happens don't say I didn't warn you.

[ Nero might find V a little annoying, but he doesn't hate the guy. The only person he really hates is Vergil. #oops. ]

[intwained]

It's not as if I have been camping outside your window.

[ he laughs. ]

I am sure I will manage this place somehow. I'll keep your warnings under due advisement.

[ he hums a little bit. ]

So Dante and Nico - they are here as well?

[catchthis]

You got any business with them? Nico's staying with me. As for Dante, that guy's been living beside one of the biggest douchebags I know.

[ Just, Vergil. Nero's brow furrows and grinds his teeth angrily. He doesn't want to talk about all of their ugly fights together. They're a mess.]

All you have to do is knock on his door and you'll see what I mean.

[intwained]

[ v slowly tilts his head, wondering what "the biggest douchebag" nero knows could possibly be. ]

I wasn't aware anyone could out do Dante in that regard. But I imagine I'll find out soon enough.

[ living with nico is more curious at this point. ]

And yes, I do have business. We were in the middle of an important mission; I'd like to check up on them at the very least.

[catchthis]

Knock yourself out. Nico might appreciate having you around. [ She can take care of some old business and do whatever. Nero isn't too concerned. ]

I've only known that bitch for a few weeks. She never shuts up.

[ It's better to talk about the person who doesn't make you upset. Nero can be a rollercoaster of emotions sometimes. ]

[intwained]

Well, she must certainly be going mad if she doesn't have some kind of workstation. That might be why she's particularly noisy.

[ although she's always been talkative, but v finds he doesn't mind it most of the time. ]

[catchthis]

Looks like she just leaves crap lying around everywhere instead. Gets fussy if I try to clean up. Could live without the smell of smokes though.

[ Nero might be younger but he still dislikes her smoking habits all the same. He takes another look at V and shrugs. ]

So hey punk, you still haven't told me your name.

[intwained]

Bad habits are hard to break, I hear.

[ listen he knows she must miss the nero that knows her, this is fine. nero asks his name and v can only smile. ]

You can call me V.

[catchthis]

Wait, you're V. I heard things about you from the others. Never imagined that you'd be so scrawny looking.

[ He heard about a man that shows up with a new job for Dante. No one really took it seriously back then. Nero thought nothing of it now, too. ]

Are you gonna be okay? Listen, we're on some crazy time trip and I don't want you going around overdoing it.

[intwained]

One can only hope they were positive things.

[ nero's concern for him is touching, just as it was back in red grave. v nods his head a little. ]

Surprising though it may be, this place has actually fully restored me. I was not doing well before I arrived here. You needn't worry yourself over me.

[catchthis]

Nico said I'll end up meeting you one way or another. This guy showing up during the Red Grave incident. You fit the bill.

[ Nero merely rolls his eyes to the side, being unable to accept what V just said.]

I'm not worried about you, jackass. Hey, I just don't want to find you dead the next day.

[ Thats...


the same thing as worrying about V but don't tell him that.]

[intwained]

[ v has to physically stop himself from saying that if nero found him dead, it'd probably solve a few of the problems in his future.

still, he shakes his head. ]

If you are worried about my health, as I said - it's fine. And if it is my ability to defend myself --

[ there's a sudden growl, and shadow climbs out from a pool of blackness on the ground, chroma glittering around him as he gets up and his tail lashes back and forth. ]

-- I am not alone here.

[catchthis]

Did you just call an oversized house cat? What the hell.

[ Nero can't tell if V's a run of the mill demon. His arm is always detecting demons nearby. It could just be Vergil or Dante running around so that makes it hard to tell anything. He sighs. ]

You're no normal guy, V.

[intwained]

A panther, if you want to be accurate. Shadow is no threat to you.

[ shadow huffs a little growl, as if disagreeing with v, who reaches down to ruin his fingers along the large familiars back. ]

He's one of my familiars, so you can cease your worries.

[catchthis]

To me it just looks like a demon. I've never heard of this happening before.

[Nero clicks his thumbs back, being unable to old back his urge to fight. ]

Has it eaten lunch? You can't snack on humans down here.

[He just automatically assumes that all of V's familiars are hungry flesh eating demons. ]

[intwained]

He is a demon. A demon I've contracted to act as my familiar.

[ and, well, a part of his former self. shadow considers nero with a little swish of his tail before he headbutts v's knee, walking around behind him. ]

And he's not hungry, but thank you for the concern.

[ now v knows he is teasing nero. ]

[catchthis]

I'm gonna shoot those things myself the second they cause trouble.

[ Nero only has more questions. Nothing about this is ordinary and it's even harder for him to get a read on V. ]

You don't seem like that much of an idiot. I'd still watch out if I were you.

[ He's getting some shady vibes from V which is why Nero is persistent on his #mistrust.]

[intwained]

While I'd prefer you did not, you'd find they wouldn't stay down very long.

[ he gives a little smirk to nero. v is definitely shady on the whole, and without the incident in red grave to back up his mysterious ways, its understandable. ]

But I promise, they do not intend to hurt anyone, and I will not let them even if that was a chance.

[ shadow gives a little growl, laying down fully next to v. he could have eaten you in a second kid, you're fine. ]

[catchthis]

Don't go around breaking that promise of yours. I'll just break something else in return.

[ He opens hands and puts it behind his back. Nero thinks about how they might be similar in some ways. It's not something he'd say out loud. ]

Think fast, V.

[ Nero throws a toy van at V. It's a model of their old motorhouse. ]

[intwained]

[ v reaches up and catches the toy as it's thrown at him. he turns it over in his hand, curious. ]

Where did you obtain a model such as this?

[catchthis]

From Nico. She keeps all sorts of junk lying around.

[ Nero bites down and grinds his teeth somewhat, he's just an angry guy. ]

Hey, does it ring any bells? Apparently we used to hang out in there.

[ Van looks a little beat up though. The devil may cry sign lights up. ]