prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .003

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▶ TDM .003

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▶ 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.

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[Adra's settled himself peaceably on the lawns, having finally broken away from staring mournfully at his own meas tree (its bright red blossoms still nearby, shuddering thick, ember scented petals with every strong breeze). It's no good to drown yourself solely in your own dreams. So he's taken some little cucumber and cheese sandwich (he could do better, he's thinking, as he bites into it) and he's sat down to try to chase his melancholy away.

And then, a man, whispering about swords in his ear. Said ear goes ramrod straight, like an alarmed cat, and his cheeks instantly color.]

I, I mean ... only if it's magic--

[Wait, is that what he means? He coughs violently.]

[ There's no telling what Kogitsunemaru actually means, because it's likely that they all apply in one way or another. Even as the other man's face warms up, Kogitsunemaru keeps his position, close enough to feel the heat radiating off his cheek. ]

Mmm, I am magic! [ Which is probably just as cryptic as his first statement... ] I had a good feeling about you, you know? Perhaps you can help out this pitiful fox.

[That's honestly way too close.]

Er, pardon? What do you mean?

[His ears twitch as he leans back slightly, frowning. There's magic about this man, that's for certain, but it's from another world--meaning he can't put a name or a shape to it.]

[ It occurs to him that it's probably not the best idea to reveal what he is until he is able to locate his Master. For all he knows, this could be connected to another mission that he doesn't immediately see the full picture of yet. Upon that realization, the ear-resembling locks of hair seems to... sag, just a little, as he contemplates what to say next. ]

Ah, well— my sword... [ He unsheathes the real Kogitsunemaru from its scabbard; despite the lavish golden design of the sheathe, the sword itself is in bad shape... almost as though it's imitating its user. ] Let's just say it's very closely connected to me.

[Hmm, very curious. Adra glances at the sword, then back at the man before him. He's familiar with all kinds of weapons, though he has little skill with actually wielding them; the staff lying beside him on the grass is used more as a walking cane than anything else.]

Do you need a blacksmith?

[That's the only conclusion he can draw, even as his sense for magic continues to thrum.]

Hmm...

[ He at last breaks their proximity to first examine himself, then the sword before him. ]

I suppose so. Are you saying you can't help me? [ He chins toward his staff. ] Even with that?

If you're battered and beat up, I can mend you. You'd need somebody with a hammer and fire to fix the sword.

[He picks up the staff (an ornate thing, jeweled and winged) and drives its sharp point into the dirt.]

As for this thing, it's just a conduit now.

[ He doesn't look like it, but his spirit definitely is as battered and beat up as his sword suggests. ]

Oh, fine— but will you still use some of your magic on me, anyway? I was stuck in the caves on the moon! [ He points up toward the moons, though he isn't sure which one he was on. ] I'm still a little hurt. My chest was nearly crushed in!

Oh--!

[His eyes widen slightly as he follows the line of Kogi's finger, his ears flicking back in alarm. Light limns his palms he leans forward, a golden glow that radiates a soothing heat. He presses both hands to Kogitsunemaru's chest, channeling the magic into him: for most people, the Light calms as it restores, quieting the mind and warming the soul. Adra shuts his eyes as he bows his head, his long hair falling into his face.]

Tell me if this helps.

[ Kogitsunemaru wasn't sure if there was an elaborate process to healing; he's only known about smithing and ironworks— which has been plenty helpful for his kind... but to be healed directly in such a way is something else altogether.

He closes his eyes as the warm light from his hands start to mend whatever was hurting him at his chest. The heat begins to pool at the pit of his stomach, filling him with a light he can't place a finger on— and in the end, he can't help but lean down and press their bodies together, needily seeking the Light. ] It feels good, yeah—

[ He's not shy about admitting that much. ]

Mm, sorry— this feels, [ A pause as he tries to justify his actions, but even still he's not really sweating it. ] It feels safe, you know? This little fox is weak for that sort of thing.

[At first, Adra's relieved that he can help: he feels Kogitsunemaru relax under his hands, feels the warmth rising between them as he continues to channel the Light. He smiles, starting to open his eyes, and then he realizes just how close they've suddenly become. His fingers curl against Kogi's chest as he sucks in air between his teeth, his eartips and cheeks flushing bright red. This heat is from more than the purifying work of the Light.]

I--I'm glad.

[He looks up at Kogi, clearing his throat.]

I wouldn't call you 'little', though.

I'm glad, too. Thank you— ah, what was your name?

[ The sharp intake of breath does worry him a little, though; he breaks their proximity to observe his smaller face. His cheeks are flushing up to the tips of his ears... and it makes Kogitsunemaru wonder if he's overstepped some boundary.

...Such is what happens when a Touken Danshi interacts with those who are not. ] I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, though! Your powers are... incredible.

[ Kogi looks down at himself, suddenly becoming too aware of their difference in height. ]

Ah— that's the irony of my name. "Kogitsune" means "little fox." [ Nevermind that his true form is much smaller than how he appears. Then, with a small laugh, he adds:] It's a matter of humbleness, you see.

So, like an epithet? For humility ... that makes sense.

[Adrasteius rubs the side of his face, embarrassed. He's never been good at masking his emotions, no matter what they might be.]

In any case, I'm not uncomfortable.

[That's not the right word.]

You're fine. Very, ah, warm.

[He still has one hand on Kogi's chest, though he's stopped channeling. Beads of sweat have formed across his throat; on his forehead. Healing burns his energy more quickly in this place, energy that can only be replenished via Chroma. Sighing, he adds--]

And my name is Adrasteius. Just 'Adra' is fine, though.

[ He wonders how much of that really makes sense; if Adra is just entertaining him despite his very strange remarks thus far. Regardless, he appreciates his help— no doubt he would have endured the pain in his chest for far longer than necessary had he not impulsively whispered sweet nothings to him. Perhaps he'd sensed it... but that might be giving his instincts too much credit, especially when his spirit has been effectively demoralized since his arrival. ]

Are you cold? You can cuddle up against me, you know. [ He laughs lightly again. ] I'm Kogitsunemaru. It's nice to meet you, Master Adra!

[ The hand is indeed still against his chest, and while Kogitsunemaru no longer feels the Light flowing through him, he... undoubtedly feels something else entirely exchange between the two of them. It's the same kind of influence that inspired him to speak to Adra in the first place, and is entirely the reason why Kogi will make the first move—

Takes his hand and slides behind him. With his much larger form, he's able to drape over his back easily, bringing both his arms over Adra's chest in an embrace. ]

This is the least I can do— hold still, okay?

[Though Adra can sense that there's something supernatural about Kogi, he can't put a name to it. It's beyond him. But he comes from a world of magic, of things both strange and wondrous--that a man should insist on an incongruous epithet seems unusual, but who is he to question?]

Oh--

[He's about to say that he's not cold (he's warm, in fact, almost febrile), but then Kogi's embraced him, and then that sweet, pleasant feeling of the Chroma exchange follows. It helps that he fits so nicely against the other man; he feels like he could curl up and safely take a nap.

(But he's noticing, too, the sheer physicality of Kogitsunemaru; the solidity and strength of his body, his arms and hands. He'll keep himself in check, though; he'll swallow his rapidly beating heart.)

Sighing, Adra melts against him. His ears perk forward.]

Thank you, my friend.

[He murmurs.]

I'll be perfectly still.

[ For his part, he has never experienced something as strange as Chroma exchange. Kogitsunemaru hadn't known how much his body craves it until he feels the... energy flow between the two of them. It causes his heart to pound heavily against his chest, so much that he's certain Adra feels it, too.

The man seems very comfortable, though— and while Kogitsunemaru can't say he isn't comfortable also, the feeling is too unusual for him to keep still in place. He squirms a bit against him, his cheeks flushing. ] I'm— haha, I'm sorry, this feels very... different.

[ But he doesn't let go. He lets his chin rest on his shoulder and huddle as tightly as he's able, completely starved for the chroma exchange. ]

Hey, Master Adra— do you know what we're feeling right now? [ He gulps, seemingly out of breath. ] I mean, you feel it too, right?

[Although he's done a little bit of moonlacing in his time here, he can't say that he's used to the sensation. As a man who rigorously guards himself against any sensation that might make him horny, he's both immensely satisfied and immensely uncomfortable right now. Between the undeniably pleasurable exchange of energy and Kogi's ragged breath against his ears, Adra feels a hot scarlet flush creeping up his throat and cheeks, too. He wants to break away as much as he wants to stay exactly where he is, even if the latter option feels increasingly dangerous.

He stammers, his ears wilting.]

I-it's moonlacing. Something that happens when people like us--the visitors to this planet--touch each other.

[He braces himself against Kogi, hands on the other man's biceps. His blood feels electric. Thrilling and discomfiting at once.

Focus on the pedantry. That always helps.]

It generates energy for them. It's--why we're here.

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▶ TDM .003

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