▶ 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

[indensity]

[Chuuya could leave him behind, but he doesn't. So far the falling rubble is small enough that it's not a threat to him, so there's no reason for him to rush yet, and since he'd offered to help this guy doesn't feel like he can abandon him.

Though those gemstones won't do him any good if he's dead.]

Are you an idiot?

[He says it casually, before walking over to that wall he'd been saying. And then he just punches it, fist going through the rock, before he plucks that gemstone right out. And pockets it for himself.]

Or do you just want to die?

[inabluemoon]

[Truthfully Vanitas is mostly interested in the gem because he wants to compare it to some of the other crystals that he encountered on the way down and those utilized in the city. Of course if it doesn't yield anything interesting on that front there's a chance that the Prismals might give him something in exchange for it, and extra Chroma is never a bad thing.

He had almost wedged the gemstone out with one of his nails when Chuuya abruptly punches the wall, leaving nothing more than debris and a crater in the wake of his fist. For a moment the doctor pouts, watching what pocket the redhead puts the rock into before stepping after him.]

So is that strength your Moonblessing? Or could you always do that sort of thing?

[Still he doesn't seem at all concerned and he seems to have no intention of addressing either of Chuuya's questions.]

[indensity]

[Chuuya is a bit surprised by the lack of annoyance. He'd expected anger, or at least an objection, since he did just take the gem this guy had worked so hard to get. But when he doesn't get any of that, Chuuya just shrugs.

And grins.]

That's nothing.

[That's not really an answer, either. But it does come across as a boast, which probably says enough.]

You're going to get buried soon.

[inabluemoon]

[Oh don't get the wrong idea; Vanitas is definitely going to try and pick Chuuya's pocket before long to get that stone back. But if he doesn't act upset or lash out in an obvious way it won't arouse suspicion. Besides, it's also beneficial for him to get information on strong people here and it seems like this guy definitely falls into that category.

He chuckles.]

Hmm~ I still have a little longer in this area. It's more stable here than those in the offshooting rooms, but I suppose it would be a bad idea to dawdle too much longer. [He huffs and finally looks up a wall as if making some sort of calculations.]

Of course that punch might have cut my time a little short.

[indensity]

[Chuuya looks up, too. He can feel the vibrations around them, feel the seismic activity, and he doesn't need to see the way more and more rocks keep falling to know that they won't be safe here for long. But he's considering how best to get out.

For him it's easy, but this guy?]

If you want to risk it. Are there any more gems you want?

[Now he looks around the room instead. There's a lot they could gather, but he doesn't know the value of any of it. It might be worthless, just pretty rocks, strange inscriptions. He's never known how to recognize these things.]

[inabluemoon]

[He hums thoughtfully, taking the moment of distraction as Chuuya is glancing around to try and slide a hand into his pocket to nab back to gem. While he's not a professional pickpocket he has more than a little experience with shady things and he knows how to steal when necessary, but he doesn't know enough about how perceptive this guy is yet to know how good his chances are.

But there's no better way to find out, right~?]

No, just one is fine~

[indensity]

[Chuuya isn't perceptive enough to pick up on it. He's distracted by the various cracks developing on the wall next to them, wondering if everything in here is going to get destroyed, or if the bits that are clearly constructed will make it.

It's not until Vanitas speaks that he realizes.]

What did you --

[He checks his pocket, which is very much empty.]

You stole it back?

[inabluemoon]

Why would I waste my time getting another?

[Spoken over his shoulder as he looks over the wall for only a moment longer before grabbing a small outcropping of rock to pull himself up a little, one of his daggers in hand. He wedges it into a crack between rocks to steady himself for a moment before casting another glance around. The lift isn't too far above, and even though it isn't operational for safety reasons he can climb the rest of the way up if he gets himself to it.

Chuuya didn't seem worried about getting out so he's not going to worry about him either.]

[indensity]

Because you don't know what I can do to you.

[But he kicks the wall, which makes another gem come lose for him to grab. And then he jumps up after Vanitas.

He keeps himself close to the wall, to make himself a smaller target for the falling rubble. Not that it would hurt him, but it's just annoying, and he doesn't want to get dust in his eyes. He doesn't so much climb, though, as walk up the wall, stepping on outcroppings and apparently not needing to worry about keeping his balance.]

You're slow.

[inabluemoon]

I'm so terrified~

[Yeah he's definitely not. While he knows better than to judge someone by appearance Chuuya would NOT be the first extremely strong short person he has taunted in his life. Or even this month.]

What the-

[Fortunately he doesn't lose his grip in surprise when the other's voice comes from beside him, but he doesn't seem shocked over the fact that the redhead is pretty much just strolling up the wall. Just as quickly he recovers, scowling.]

Then go on ahead. You're under no obligation to keep pace. [Once he climbs up near the height of the lift he angles the back of his dagger and flips a switch in the hilt. A cable shoots out the end, wrapping around one of the bars surrounding the lift and after a tug to ensure that it's secure he swings over to clamber on top.]

[indensity]

[Chuuya doesn't really have an interest in killing this guy for taking a gem that Chuuya technically stole from him in the first place. He'll definitely be keeping an eye on him from now on, though.

And he does climb a bit ahead of him.]

I'm just curious if you'll survive.

[His main reason for not leaving him behind, clearly. Though Vanitas does seem capable enough.]

Though if you get crushed, you probably deserve it.

[inabluemoon]

[Instead of being offended or annoyed that Chuuya seems to find sport in his struggle Vanitas just laughs, pausing where he's perched atop the lift.]

Well I hope you enjoy the show. You should be thankful that I'm not charging you~

[Unfortunately since the lift is Chroma-powered there isn't exactly anything for him to shimmy the rest of the way up, but it does give him a good platform to resume climbing from. Some of the slime is also seeping out up here and he makes a face when a gloved hand lands in some.]

Ew!

[indensity]

[The advantage to just walking up the wall: It's easier to see and avoid the slime. He could have warned Vanitas about it, but why would he do something like that when he can laugh at him insted?

He grins broadly, and slides back down the wall to get a closer look.]

That's disgusting.

[And this guy deserves it.]

[inabluemoon]

[All right now this guy is starting to get on his nerves with the way he's just hanging around to clearly mock him. But two can play that game, so when Chuuya moves closer he gathers some of the slime in his hand and flicks it at the redhead.]

Here, try a bit.

[indensity]

What the hell--

[Chuuya jumps out from the wall to dodge, a horrified expression on his face as some of that slime hits his shirt. He makes a quick movement like he wants to immediately wipe it off, then stops, just as abruptly, because he doesn't want to touch that.

It's so gross.]

I should kill you.

[inabluemoon]

[Vanitas bursts out laughing, barely managing to keep his grip on the rocks he's climbing on as he tosses his head back. He flashes Chuuya a shit-eating grin, tilting his head.]

I'd love to see you try.

[With another mocking chuckle he gets back to climbing since he's not too far from the top now.]

[indensity]

[Chuuya doesn't even hesitate. He doesn't really want to kill this guy, but he can't make a threat and then not follow through. He moves fast, grabbing the guy by his clothes and dragging him out from the wall, leaving them both hanging in the air in the middle of the shaft.

This is fine for Chuuya. Less fine for Vanitas if he drops him.]

Should I let go?

[inabluemoon]

[Vanitas lets out a cry of surprise as he's yanked away from the wall, scrambling for a moment as he's dangled. But he only struggles for a moment before going still because he knows better than to make the other loosen his grip.

So instead he looks at Chuuya fearlessly, grinning almost manically.]

You said you should kill me, right? From this height pretty much no one could survive.

[indensity]

[That cry is satisfying, the rest... Not so much. Chuuya shakes him a little.]

I said should, not that I would. I'm waiting to see what you'll say.

[inabluemoon]

[Vanitas raises an eyebrow before putting the back of a hand to his forehead like a swooning damsel, voice going high in an overdramatically feminine tone.]

Oh no~ Please don't kill me mysterious stranger, I'll do anything you want~~

[Then that grin is back.]

Better?

[indensity]

[Ugh. Chuuya seriously considers just dropping him. No one would miss a guy like this, right? He'd be doing everyone a favor.

Unfortunately, there are people watching from the top of the shaft now, waiting for the last few people to make it to safety. And Chuuya doesn't really want to make enemies of them yet, not when he needs them for information about this new place, not to mention food.

So instead he flings Vanitas the last several feet out of the hole, before jumping out after him, landing lightly on his feet.]

[inabluemoon]

[If Vanitas has even the slightest shred of fear about Chuuya actually dropping him it doesn't register on his expression. In truth he suspects that the redhead won't; he had tried to offer him climbing equipment and hadn't just left even when he clearly had the ability to do so. While it was possible that he was actually just wanting to watch and mock him, if he had planned on killing him he wouldn't have even bothered asking.

So he's not worried.

When he's abruptly flung out of the hole the doctor makes another undignified cry as he hits the ground, cursing in French as he rubs his hip.]

Fils de pute! Sheesh, if you're going to throw me at least do it with a little more care! [No, this isn't the first time he's been thrown. At least he wasn't being used as a projectile weapon this time.]

[indensity]

[Oh, this was definitely satisfying. This makes up for not getting to kill him, and Chuuya leans over him, looking more than a little pleased with himself.

He switches over to French as he speaks.]

I thought you'd land on your feet.

[He just grins more.]

I'm not sure if I should be disappointed.

[inabluemoon]

[Vanitas gets to his feet with a dramatic grunt and dusts himself off, pausing to ensure that all his other possessions seem to be intact before planting his hands on his hips.

He looks a little surprised when the redhead switches to French though, blinking before he just huffs.]

Well if you had warned me before throwing me maybe I could have. But either way it isn't my fault that you made assumptions.

[indensity]

It's your own fault if you're weak.

[Should normally people be expected to be able to nail a landing like that, after being thrown out of a hole? Probably not. But does Chuuya care?

No.]

Next time, try not to piss me off.

[He also doesn't really looked pissed.]