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Prismatic Mods ([personal profile] prismods) wrote in [community profile] prismaticrap2019-05-08 05:12 am
Entry tags:

▶ TDM .003


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.
ringlette: (❥ 125)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-17 03:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ She joins her hands together, lacing her fingers slightly. ]

I wouldn't underestimate the potential it could bring out in people. There will likely be more sessions like these in the future, especially if the happenings of last month, in which I wasn't present, really warranted something so urgent.

My cheering may do little for most people, but even if I at least encourage one person, it means I'm doing fine!
professorfreischutz: (♛ it was deranged)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-17 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
I do wonder...

[ He trails off, thoughts going internal at her remarks. There's so much that still eludes him, having been here far too short a time to collect all the pieces he needs immediately. Without his web of opportunities or the power he wielded in Shinjuku, it's back to the slower grind of his younger days. Exciting in its own right, but no less frustrating.

He shakes himself out of it soon enough. ]


Ah, but this is quite rude of me. Please, call me Archer if you'd like. Might I ask after your name, or Class?
ringlette: (❥ 056)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-17 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ In a heartbeat, without blinking an eye: ] I'm Marie Antoinette, of the Rider class.

[ Foolish move outside a War, but they're all at peace in here and she has no ill will within her. She's happy about not keeping secrets. ]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Archer.
professorfreischutz: (♛ like i'd just won the world war)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-17 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ Archer hardly even blinks. Yes, that makes absolutely perfect sense and given even the slightest bit more insight, he probably could have figured it out just from her general demeanor. That she's so forthcoming with it is a pleasant surprise. ]

Yes, much the same, Marie! I believe I understand now. Have you noticed your efforts making any difference so far?
Edited (i forgot a word) 2019-05-17 03:30 (UTC)
ringlette: (❥ 002)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-17 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
I certainly have! [ A polite, but bright smile. ]

But even if I haven't, I would try even harder. I'm a stubborn former Queen, you see.
professorfreischutz: (♛ it's wrong but i want you)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-17 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
Of that, I have no doubt! Perhaps I could learn a thing or two. Would you mind if I tagged along?
ringlette: (❥ 010)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-17 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! I'd love company at all times. Your presence here already makes me happy!

[ Getting to know new people, especially fellow Servants! Her heart is already racing from the excitement! ]
professorfreischutz: (♛ it's a cheat somewhere)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-17 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ If he weren't who he was, Archer might feel bad about this. As it is, there's relief for it being so easy! He moves to grab the chain of his coffin and allows it to disappear once he makes the contact. No need to drag it around now that it's drawn the attention he had been hoping to observe. ]

Thank you! Please lead the way. We'll be sure to find something that might require our combined efforts.
Edited 2019-05-17 05:34 (UTC)
ringlette: (❥ 024)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-17 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
Oui! Let's go, Archer!

[ Without further ado, off they go, wandering the area in search of someone who's having a hard time. They don't have to look that far: some poor dude is facing against an NPC monster and struggling to score a hit. ]

That one. Hey! [ She cups her hands in front of her mouth and shouts, getting his attention. ] The enemy may be hard to defeat, but you can still do it! Don't lose hope, for I believe in you!

[ Unfortunately, having gotten the guy distracted, she accidentally gives an opening for the monster to strike him. Marie stops mid-cheering, embarrassed. ]

... Oops. Focus on the battle, please!
professorfreischutz: (♛ with nobody else but me)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-17 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ Archer laughs, watching the fight with hardly a break in his attention. That distraction is about what he expected, but while the man is already off-step, he decides to add something. ]

Check near his collar bone, old boy! He can't raise his arms far enough in that state!

[ What? He may not have much martial skill himself but observing weakness in an opponent is second nature. Besides, it's better than trying to be senselessly optimistic, right? ]
ringlette: (❥ 005)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Being senselessly optimistic helped her survive some of battles!

Although Archer also has a point... and she'll use that information to grow even brighter and louder in her cheering. ]


What he said! Strike the weak point!

[ This time he doesn't remain distracted and makes an attempt to heed Archer's advice, aiming a strike towards the enemy's collarbone. It... works! Stumbling backwards, the enemy gives him the chance to connect with another attack. ]

Yay! Keep at it, darling, you're so close!
professorfreischutz: (♛ going to be getting fingers burnt)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ He chuckles in entertainment at how quickly Marie picks up his instruction. This time, he continues observing, then leans in her direction and offers the next piece of advice instead of yell it out on his own. ]

... and as you see, that they take it much better from your lovely voice than mine. It seems these people can be taught at least one or two things!
ringlette: (❥ 089)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ Marie is very, very thankful to Archer for aiding her this time. If she has to be honest for a moment, her kira kira methods aren't always effective, and her strategy in battle is to pretty much sing her beams out and let people protect her, not to mention listening to what her Master instructs her to do. As always, teamwork triumpths over solo battles!

Thanks to her voice and Archer's smarts, the stranger manages to defeat his enemy and gather a bit of precious experience. Marie trots over to him and seizes his hands, rewarding him with a shiny smile. ]


I knew you could do it! Please remember what we've taught you and treasure it in your heart for future battles.

[ He blushes, stuttering words of thanks before leaving. She turns to Archer, satisfied. ]

Thank you for your precious help. Your suggestions were all on point.
professorfreischutz: (♛ and the lights‚ they glow)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 06:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's adorable, pure, utterly outside of his wheelhouse. There's an urge inside of him to crush it, several possibilities laying out before him like beautiful, complicated equations solved right in front of his eyes, but he merely smiles back at her enthusiasm. Acting on impulse alone in such unknown circumstances is risky; doing so with at least one other Servant present is dangerous. ]

Of course they were! Archers are known for their keen eyes. Your cheer seems to have had a good effect on the fellow's morale, as well, which deserves its own praise. Bravo!
ringlette: (❥ 058)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
Merci beaucoup! The two of us could make a wonderful support team.

[ Her hands clasp together as she dreamily thinks of all the possibilities that may happen. Though she doesn't know his name, Marie is certain there is a lot of good in this individual. ]

I suppose we could take a break now. Do you like tea?
professorfreischutz: (♛ it's wrong but i want you)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Marie... Marie, please. Don't do that thing. "Lots" is a gross overstatement of a technical detail... ]

Oh yes. I'm quite fond of a good cup of tea. Do you happen to know where we might get some?
ringlette: (❥ 044)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 10:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ She taps her chin, humming. ]

I've only arrived today, so my knowledge is limited, but I was told there is a cafe place at Lunatia's library that serves really good coffee! Perhaps they also have tea?
professorfreischutz: (♛ going to be getting fingers burnt)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Aha, a story similar to myself. If they don't, we can at least inquire further!

[ He nods, gallantly motions for her to lead the way. He has a sneaking suspicion they'll still need to figure out where the library is, but he doesn't mind. That's somewhere he figures that he'll be very familiar with in the coming times. ]
ringlette: (❥ 116)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Marie plenty cheerfully leads Archer out of the training grounds, heading off the Lunaria Square to search around. After asking a few NPCs for directions, the pair reach their destination.

And before long, they're inside a maze of bookshelves, with yet no way to find the cafe. ]


Oh my, they must have gathered books from countless worlds in here!
professorfreischutz: (♛ friends of mine in disbelief)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Something bright and pure in Archer sparks to light as he sees all the books. Think of all the knowledge here. He simply must know as much as possible, make it bend to his will, fill his mind with ideas and understanding of all these new things...

What he wants to do with the knowledge isn't pure, but the desire to obtain it is beyond reckoning. He gets the feeling he'll be here frequently. Even now, he's scanning down the shelves and around the corners and formulating a plan of attack via mapping the place in his mind. ]


Yes... Yes, perhaps so. Even if not so, there's many new things to learn about a new world. Something as fantastic as just one is still no mean feat.

[ He clears his throat, moving to manifest his cane to add a more stately look to himself and ask after the cafe when he sees someone walking by. ]
ringlette: (❥ 015)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 03:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Somehow, Archer sounds like a happy kid surrounded by his favourite toys. With the looks and vibes he gives off, Marie assumed he was also a man of culture. She may not be completely off mark there.

The kind soul Archer asked for directions leads them to the fairly crowded cafe area. A faint scent of coffee lingers under Marie's nose as she makes way for one of the unoccupied tables. ]


Even this area is incredibly vast! I wonder how many people are in charge of maintaining this entire building...!
professorfreischutz: (♛ with a little derring-do)

[personal profile] professorfreischutz 2019-05-18 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Hopefully quite a few. Keeping all of this in proper condition would be difficult without a properly staffed and dedicated force.

[ He's looking over the menu, wondering after a tea selection before heaving a small sigh. They may have to go elsewhere to have any sort of proper drink, but now he almost doesn't want to leave. ]

Well, they don't appear to have what we were looking for. Shall we move on?

[ He can come back later if necessary. Now isn't the time to be gallivanting off on his own. ]
ringlette: (❥ 121)

[personal profile] ringlette 2019-05-18 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)