The desert. It's hot. It's sandy. It's filled with creepy monsters and things. But mostly it's hot and sandy and there's a whole lot of nothing. You appear and wonder "why am I here? What is there to do here? Is that a cow skull? Do cows live out here in this desert? How can cows live in the desert? Maybe it's a horse?" These are all very complicated questions with equally complicated answers but there's no one to provide them no matter where you look. Instead, you're given the option of walking. Forwards, backwards, to your right, to your left, any direction is yours to take. Try not to die from dehydration or something, that would be a sad ViViD death and the cow-horse skull might start laughing at you. I mean, you'll just start over from the beginning anyway but still.
Welcome to ViViD's new line of Vacation Spotlights: Desert Edition.
Moo-Neigh.
 One wish, that's all you get.
Make it snappy, I don't have all day.
Actually, I have eternity but I just don't want to spend it with you.
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PHASE I [ 6 00 ] So.
There's sand.
In fact, there's so much sand that there's probably already sand in your shoes and your shorts and all sorts of other places that aren't fun to have sand in. It stretches for miles and miles, in large dunes and deep dips, and above it all there are three suns that beat down upon everyone's backs. Why three? Because why not, that's why. Enjoy the sunshine and try not to get sunburnt.
You've got a long ways to travel before you find anything but sand, but thankfully you're not alone -- there are a bunch of unfortunate stragglers who are out with you, so it's time to make some friends as you travel. You've got pleeeeenty of time. No water though. Or food. Or... anything but human interaction.
Thankfully, it's only a matter of time before you stumble across your hot new ride. Thankfully, it seats two, so you and your new friend can enjoy a cramped road trip. You, this relative stranger, and the great... sandy... unknown! Good luck!
PHASE II [ 645 ] If you prefer to not take your ride, you're going to wish that you did soon enough. Every desert level has to have desert monsters, after all. You're walking through the sand, trying to make it to somewhere that isn't sand, and then suddenly, the sand worms appear.
Or.
Well.
They try.
Unfortunately, they're little more than 5 or 6 inches tall apiece, and they'll mostly try to eat your shoes and socks. How scary.
Alternatively, if you have actually taken that sweet ride of yours on an adventure through the desert, you're going to hit something at one point. It makes a rather pitiful scream and there's a small bump underneath your tire before your car comes to a stop. You just ran over a sand worm.
Anyone who is intrepid enough to kill a sand worm though will find one interesting thing about them. They're filled with water, and you are very, very thirsty. Ew.
PHASE III [ 1000 ] It sure is hot.
And unless you've devoured one of those poor, sad, screaming sand worms, there's no water to be found. It feels as though you've been wandering in circles for ages, so perhaps it's really no surprise that the heat starts to get to you. First come the headaches, and the thirst. Then the dizziness and vertigo.
And finally, the mirages.
What you see is a waterfall cascading into a crystal pool, beautiful and pristine and painfully cool. It's just begging for you to come enjoy it, and -- wait, there's one more thing. Standing in front of that pool is either someone you care about immensely or someone you hate immensely.
And either way, the things they say or do will be the same. First they reach for you, beckoning, and they they start to detail all of the things they'd like to do to you. NSFW, SFW, loving or cruel or so many things in between, all that's honestly consistent is that it's pretty shocking.
Oh, and awkwardly, it seems as though anyone with you can see and hear that hallucination too. That's embarrassing.
PHASE IV [ 1215 ] Eventually, though, you'll find your destination. Or... at least, it seems like it should be the destination. The tiny temple is at least a change from the endless sand, and in the middle of it, there's a lamp. That sure looks familiar.
If you rub the lamp, of course, you'll release the genie, and he'll glance at you, and inspect his fingernails as though you're hardly worth his time, and offer you one, single wish.
As soon as you make it, well... You'll get the opposite of what you wish for with a sudden apology note in your hand. The card will read "Sorry, this level isn't entirely finished yet - Mosley" before immediately disappearing. Your wish will only apply in ViViD, of course, but hopefully you didn't wish for anything too crazy, or you might have made the level Much Harder for everyone around you.
BONUS [ why o'clock ] One second you're walking along the desert sand, enjoying the eternally same view, and the next there's a sudden pinch on your ankle, and a scorpion monster scuttles away quickly. Whoops, looks like you've been stung.
But it's not poison, it would seem. Aside from feeling a little odd and having a mild fever, you're fine.
More importantly, you've now found yourself in possession of some... new powers (a la Spider-man), and they're...
Well, they're useless.
Maybe you can summon water now, but... only sulfur water. Perhaps you can now make pretty light shows and that's about all. You can see the future but only the next three seconds. The possibilities are endless, but what's for certain is that they're all completely and utterly useless to you.
What the fuck, ViViD.
[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with sensitive or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the log. ] |
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Cullen Rutherford | Dragon Age
[ The heat is the first thing he notices. Ferelden and even the Free Marches, often had heat waves in the summer but nothing that compared to this. He'd been based in Haven and then in Skyhold so the contrast in weather is almost alarming when the sun(s??) beat down on the back of his neck. His armor is too hot and heavy for this kind of terrain, too. Cullen takes the first few steps forward, hand hovering over where his sword is at his side while he tries to take a good look around. The metal should protect him, but instead it weighs him down.
Thankfully, it's seeing everyone being just as confused as he might be that makes the frown on his face relax a tad. His arm even shifts to rest over the hilt of his blade instead. ]
Perhaps it would be best to take a look around? [ He offers to the nearest person, though it's mostly if they look confused. If not, he might also ask what kind of place this is.
The... pink car is another thing entirely though. If they see that after he'll stop with a rather hesitant look on his face, as if contemplating the vehicle. It's nothing like a horse and cart, that's for sure. It's also... small? Is it even for transport? Is it a toy? There are a number of questions that he could do with answers to, but asking whoever ended up stuck with him for now doesn't deserve that kind of pain. ]
Could we use this? [ There, something beneficial for both of them. ]
<< II: You drive me crazy aoooah aoooah
[ If he thought the heat was going to be the most uncomfortable part of this experience, he was incredibly wrong. Driving is out of the question for him, so whoever is with him will have needed to offer or suffer him pressing the wrong buttons and potentially reversing (which is actually more humiliating than admitting he doesn't know how to use this pink machine of death), so now he's stuck in the passenger side with some lunatic racing over a desert.
Varric often told him he needed to lighten up, that he looked too serious at times but even if he wanted to try and enjoy this experience, there's an underlying worry that the car is going to topple to the side and flip over when they drive over bumps in the sand.
Especially when a sand worm goes splat and makes the car skid.
Despite the fact that his chest tightens as it happens, there's no reason to believe he isn't in control of his emotions. The only difference is the way his brow twists into a deeper frown and he bites down on the corner of his tongue.
As soon as the car stops he calmly moves to step out of it. The slight wobble he has at first he can blame on him sinking into the sand. More importantly though, he moves to investigate whatever they hit.
His gloved hand slides over the sand, noting the wet patch. It's when he looks back he can see it's the only patch like it. ]
I think we might have uncovered something.
<< III: Oops I did it again... I played with your heart
[ Even after using the sand worms as a means for survival, it isn't enough to keep back the thirst when you're trapped in a desert with no food or water. The Templar Order had always been well equipped. Even when out on journeys it wasn't impossible to hunt a ram or some other kinds of animals. There were streams and rivers to use for water.
This had. Nothing.
The metal is probably starting to burn as well at this point, though sheer willpower is keeping it in place so he doesn't lose any parts of it in this hellhole. It's when he takes his next step that he sees her. It's been years, not as many as it would have been for other people to show up, but Meredith looks exactly the same as she did just before the red lyrium drove her mad.
There is no hesitation before he reaches for his blade, which may be alarming for anyone who happens upon this scene, but he doesn't turn his gaze away now. He's lived through torment, through anger and hate, through understanding and clarity. It's still chilling to hear her voice. ]
You chose to stop me, did you think there wouldn't be any consequences? With my protection Kirkwall stood strong. Have you seen what you've done? Your insubordination has ruined Kirkwall. Ruined the lands. Mages run free because of the Champion. Because of you.
Enough! I don't know what kind of demon you are, but I will hear no more of this.
[ ...Well this sure is a soap opera, isn't it??? ]
iii bc duh why not
like really, sup, because hawke is approaching and probably doesn't look much like hawke at all! she's in shorts and a tank-top, her red plaid shirt is tied over her head as a way to block out the sun and stop the sweat and she has her boots hanging from the tips of her fingers. she looks between cullen and ... whoever that lady is and her eyebrows just lift curiously. ]
Hey.
[ a few steps forward and she props her free hand up on her hip and looks at his sword and then back to meredith again. ]
You're from Kirkwall?
[ LOOK, YOU LOOK PRETTY FUCKING DIFFERENT, CULLEN. ]
i guess i deserved this
Really though her appearance is completely different that he has to double take. It's hard enough as it is, as despite Meredith's image only being caused by a mirage due to ongoing thirst and this almost being like hell, he doesn't want to avert his gaze. Not now, not again.
While he may not be raising the blade yet, he does hold it out between both of them, shoulders tense as he tries to see the truth in all this.
Why would a demon choose to alter someone's appearance anyway, is the question. Still, you don't forget a friend's face, even if it has been years. ]
You don't remember?
[ That only makes this all the more suspicious. Where is the Maker when you need him?
i.
sweats.
literally.
she does seem confused, though, so she nods at cullen's direction. ]
If there's anything to find, anyway! [ but she speaks too soon, and there's suddenly a car in front of them. she looks at him, curious, then tilts her head. ] Do you know how to drive?
(blush)
He seems sure of himself, at least, even if there's a worry that this is all a trap. The powerpoint had been a lot to take in, after all, and all of this seems like a dream rather than reality. They'd been working on closing a hole in the sky, fighting against someone who believed himself to have gone to the realm of the Maker, to the Golden City, and now this?
Maybe it isn't all the unbelievable considering all the facts, but he's a leader. A Commander. He can't afford to give in to doubt, even if he shouldn't brush it aside either.
The car is something he does doubt the use of, mostly because it looks like nothing he's ever seen before. ]
To drive? [ He looks back at the car, and while the wheels do make it easy to see that it should be some form of transport, he has no idea how to use it. ] I can't say that I can. Are you able to?
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and okay, maybe she shouldn't have asked if he could drive. armour and all, he's probably from another time. that's not weird for her at all, either. people from different timelines, anyway. he's probably a knight at some castle from the middle ages or something.
her bad. ]
Let it be known that I don't have my license yet.
[ that's a yes, though, at least. and why does she sound so proud about not having a license?! ]
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Time shouldn't flip flop about at all. ]
Your license? [ Why does she sound so proud of it. ] Have you received training for... this?
[ He's trying so hard to not sound so awkward and unsure about all this. ]
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ii is made for her lbr
It started off really well too, since she does know people are afraid of her driving.
His life was probably saved when she hit something, and now they must investigate. Vietnam only just exited the car after he finds the wet patch.]
Uncovered something? [She walks around the car to see what he was looking at.] What do you mean?
i thought of you ngl...
There is water here. It must have come from something close by. [ Tracking where the water apparently came from doesn't take long either, as more of those sand worms seem to start popping up. Really, a sword is a little big to do this with and if his swing wasn't as clean as it was, it might look more like a game of whack-a-mole when he brings the blade down on one of the sandworms popping up hungrily.
Water splashes onto the sand, though it's brief before it evaporates thanks to the numerous suns blaring down from the sky. ]
o-oh...the prompts were meant 2 b
Water? It would be great if we could find the source. [Before they dry up and die. Even she needs some water now, despite having better tolerance of the water than he does.
In fact, he'll be needing water soon because while he just takes cares of those sand worms so easily, he'd be exerting a lot of energy. She didn't even really get a chance to attack.]
Just like the desert to have something so dangerous--...hmm? [She saw the water evaporate.] Those creatures are made of water?
i mean ... when writing it (blush)
oh my god was this a trap for me cos it worked ///
not like i needed one with your thirst smh
you still left one!!!
ehhh
ah, denial...
kills u
why are you silencing me
bc ur thirst needs to be contained
what thirst
l a u g h s
liah remember the pictures
sweats.... there were no........ pictures
1
[She seems blissfully unaffected by the heat, and after a moment she raises her sakaki wand with a light swish, disappearing in a shimmering swirl of light-- only to reappear in the exact same spot seconds later.
Her brow furrows in confusion and she attempts again with the same result. With a clearly heavy heart she turns to Cullen again, expression highly apologetic Forgive me, my lord. I had hopes to make escape from this place much easier, but I am afraid that is not possible. [Not that she knows how the fuck that's not possible, but she's not even considered the strongest of the mystics-- time travel shenanigans notwithstanding. She bows her head low again in apology]
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You're a ...mage? [ Not that he knew mages could actually disappear like that. The circle would have been in an uproar if that kind of magic was allowed, surely. He can't doubt his vision though, because whatever she's doing isn't normal ]
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She sweeps into an overly polite bow (okay real talk her outfit is like 12 layers of robes how is she not roasted--)] I am called Kaguya, my lord. My capability with magic is not as great as my betters, but they are at your disposal. I will do my best. [She straightens and looks to him expectantly for an introduction.
Calm down, Kaguya, you're not at court tone down the courtly overly polite manners.]
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i
Looking around is probably the best thing to do.
Not that there's much to look at.
[WHAT A... RAY OF SUNSHINE. Shiki wipes her brow and takes off her leather jacket, dusting off any remaining sand.]
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The cow(?) skull and lack of meat from it are a worry, as is the lack of water anywhere in sight. It doesn't mean they should give up hope though, even with a hole in the sky at home they didn't give up hope. ]
If we look around, something should come up eventually. We ended up here somehow, so there must be a way out.
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[And when it comes down to it, Shiki's practical and will go straight to business.
Business like looking at their pink monstrosity of a ride.]
... Well, there's transportation. I take it that you don't know how to drive?
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ii!!
It had been a quiet ride, on Miranda's end anyway. The driving goes without comment, though if Cullen became a little too vocal with his complaints Miranda was quick to quieten him back down - mostly by threatening to stop the car and make him walk.
And then they hit something. Well, skidded over something. After Cullen gets out Miranda does. She was half tempted to just leave him there and carry on but who knows whether or not he could be useful. Following him round she looks at the patch, and isn't that impressed )
Liquid. ( In a desert. Unusual, if it wasn't for the fact that there was also a dead worm nearby ) It's likely dead.
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She was quick to dismiss it, but given what he knows about surviving in hard conditions when journeying, sometimes nothing can become something useful.
He's cautious as he presses a gloved finger against the liquid, raising it to give it a careful sniff. ]
It isn't blood. [ He explains, which should be expected. ]
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Still, as much as nothing can be useful - and as useful as water is in a desert - it's still a worm to Miranda, and only a small amount of water. She's also seen a lot of nasty things come out of the sand - she doesn't want to wait around for anything bigger )
It's a worm. Not all species shed blood the same.
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iii
Though, speaking of— ]
Well. She's just as charming as I remembered.
[ He shakes his head, resting his hands on his hips and just sighing. Meredith is long dead and he's already had his own experience in ViViD with ghosts from the past. ]
Can't say I missed this.
you and squee are such masochists...
Despite the company though, he can feel chills down his own spine as more images continue to torment him. If the effects of lyrium withdrawal weren't enough, this place throws shit like this at him too. How fun. ]
I can't say anyone missed this. [ Considering what was left of the Templars in Kirkwall followed him after Meredith's ... crazy outburst, he can say that with almost certainty. If there had been anyone that agreed with her, they were keeping well hidden. (Though that is horribly doubtful... just look at this bitch jesus).
She isn't moving to attack though, simply saying more words like that ones before, telling him--them--that they ruined the peace. Cullen feels a headache coming on from more demons from his past coming back, hoping that there isn't more to it. Still, he keeps his sword drawn, aimed at Meredith's image. ]
This should have ended long ago.
yes. yes we are.... sry cullen
It did. Long, long time ago. She's just a ghost.
[ Not... really. But that's the easiest way to explain it without a whole big spiel. Which normally he'd just love... but the sand's making his throat really dry. Better told over a good mug of ale and better company than tumbleweeds and grubs. ]
Oh. Speaking of a long time ago—congrats.
it's cool homie... at least it's sharing the pain together u//u
i'm just glad that my dream of getting cullen naked via wicked grace can finally come true... u///u
sweats profusely... do you even have the cards here?!?!?!?
don't u worry about that.... don't u worry at all
s w e a t s
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III
she sees only what he sees. a woman decorated with armor as sure as laurels, bright hair and ice brittle for eyes. office in her diadem. cullen calls her a demon; corrin isn't sure she's ever heard this word. )
Wait. ( the outburst flies from aggrieved lips. even the threat of unnecessary violence unsettled corrin. even now. ) She hasn't drawn her blade on you.
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His hand tightens on the hilt, and he doesn't lower his blade. ]
Yet, but this woman gave into madness. Whatever is pretending to be her is no better.
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corrin is young enough still to believe she knows what she's talking about better than anyone else. in this, it comes through. )
If she was ill, was that her fault? ( corrin, you're a child. shut up. )
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