2 [anonymous//video]

[smokedout]

[The video starts up a bit like an old 70's VHS tape; grainy quality, washed-out colors, that weird lilt in the music as it starts up. The specific music that plays is a bright and cheery tune from the 50's, like something one would find on the shopping channel back in the day.

What it actually shows is a crude puppet, with a scribbled-on baseball for a head and googly eyes that have weirdly realistic irises. It seems to be made to exist in a permanent state of shock, or... terror. Everything about the image is just a little bit wrong.]

Hey you! Yes, you!

[The words appear on a sort of title card, like a silent film, as if the creator hasn't mixed around with his vintage inspiration enough. And then the puppet can be seen spinning to look at the screen, its eyes jostled in their plastic sockets. Gross.]

Are you in need of PROTECTION AGAINST MONSTERS? Do you suspect someone isn't TELLING THE TRUTH?
Do you enjoy the RUSH OF FEAR? Do you seek to TEST YOUR LOYALTIES?
Do you wish to DEEPEN YOUR BONDS? (Or LIVEN YOUR INTIMATE LIFE?)

[In the style of certain vintage-themed video games, the puppet can be seen in between these pitches engaged in actions related to each question. Pointing a spear at a stuffed animal of some monster. Crying at his bedside. Hiding from shadows in a corner of a room. Shoving another puppet off of a cliff. Hugging another equally not-quite-right puppet... and then a very crude display in the last clip (but at least they're not anatomically correct).

Finally the brand name flashes across the screen, in bright, rainbow, neon letters.]

LAMPYR
is here for you.

Enroll below for beta testing of this sensational product!

[At the very bottom of the screen, very small and blurry text flashes by very fast; if one goes through it frame-by-frame and squints they may notice the words "Test subjects will be selected randomly. Experiments will occur when subjects least expect." Some frames also seem to be replaced by arcane symbols and satanic imagery, as if to scare those trying to read the small text. If one is watching at normal speed, this all flashes by in the blink of an eye before the video suddenly cuts out. Hmm...]

Comments

[glitterpants]

_{[ woah, back up.. ]}
I will receive payment for something like this?

[smokedout]

It's only fair. New chemical compounds are unpredictable, and it's common to give monetary incentive. You are, after all, providing us a valuable service by involving yourself in the testing process.

[glitterpants]

_{[ holy shit... ]}
How much money are we talking about here?
_{[ money has always been.. a big interest. When they were kids, they were trying to scam adults all the time. ]}

[smokedout]

How does a weekly 500 units sound, for a daily administration of the product and short meetings to discuss their effects?

[It's half of his paycheck but. He's paying for entertainment at the core of this.]

[glitterpants]

_{[ He wants to improve his entire social standing more than anything, but he's finding it hard to commit right away. Something is holding him back.
It takes him a moment, but then he replies: ]}
I will consider it... and get back to you on all of this..

[smokedout]

Please take your time, it's an important decision. We'll be here when you've made your choice.

[Dodger's pretty confident that he's got this in the bag.]