prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .011

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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. After an hour or two of wandering through the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. Because of the strange phenomena 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? — 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. You will then be escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the Iris moon and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals.

The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ There and Back Again
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | 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. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

B As a Remooning gift from the Lunar Scientia Headquarters, the dedicated team from the Amphoria Room has released their latest perfected technology: Amphoria Pods. These VR Pods, which can fit up to four people at a time, have been set up in the gaming hub within Level 1’s PrismaPlace. They allow users to upload sceneries of their world in order to create a realistic holographic landscape of their homes that others can access and play around with, granting everyone the means to relive past memories with their loved ones as well as interact with the bestiary of other worlds. The pods also use the same technology that enhanced the popular virtual game, League Match Action Online (LmaO), which means you’re liable to feel the chill of cold environments, the burning heat from boiling water, the hard slap of your ex-lover, or the biting sting of a stray wasp. All who use the Amphoria Pods for the first time this year will also receive a small amount of Chroma in case things get too real.

▶ God Save Us from the Queen
Level 1, PrismaPlace and Level 2, Greatmoon Groves | top

The first month of the year is packed with two of the most important winter events this season: Queen Elara’s birthday and the League Match Action Online (LmaO) PVP semi-finals. It just so happens that the Queen of Lunatia is also a huge LmaO fan. Coincidence? Definitely not! LmaO players and royal family fans alike can meet her at PrismaPlace, where she will be appearing in cosplay of her favorite hero, Ah-Kari, while holding a body pillow of Commander GareBear. You, too, can get an autograph or selfie with the birthday girl if you’re willing to fall in line! Her bodyguards will also be in LmaO cosplay, keeping the crowd under control during the long wait.

Queen Elara

Good day to you all! This may come as a surprise to our guests the Moonblessed, but I am a normal person despite my exalted position. Please do not think of me today as Queen Elara. Instead... my name is Ah-Kari, sorceress of the crystal! With my soul fan blades, through the darkness, I shall slice all who dare hurt my commander in twain!

But when she is not meeting and greeting...

Queen Elara

My comrades, we're going to make history today. We're going for a new record. Perhaps the highest kill counts or the fastest clear for this map — it matters not. We’ve practiced day and night for this tournament, so let us show everyone that we’re not to be taken lightly! Also, the livestream is going in the royal archive, so make your successors proud!!

... she will be furiously grinding her character and training her skills in LmaO in the hopes of qualifying for the finals. Spectators will see her bring her own team full of hapless palace attendants who are there to either serve as her practice match partners or provide support to the one-woman army that is Queen Elara.

PrismaPlace is packed with giant crowds, many of them also in cosplay. While the semi-finals are taking place, new and old LmaO players alike can participate in the game’s current campaign: players who form teams get an improved chance of spawning unique monsters as well as winning rare items and skins in those prized lootboxes! Teams can also try to clear the event’s story together, featuring an aerial battle fought on griffin-back, which is heavily inspired by the popular Lunatian epic, The Battle of Abraxas, a colorful and complex story about the conflict between two families fighting over the fictional land of griffins, Abraxas.

A Progression in the event requires acquiring a griffin mount and getting it ready for battle. You can lure a wild one to yourself with a special veggie pie on a fishing pole. Should the griffin reject the lure, your character will be caught in a wind gaol and can only break out with the help of other players. Should you succeed, raising the griffin is a tedious task that involves players training alongside their respective griffins, running laps with them, taking them to hunt monsters, and feeding them properly. Depending on their diet, the food you give them will affect the color of its plumage and their battle stats.

Or you can skip the hard work and simply moonlace with your teammates through all the progression bars and required materials to save time. Once finished, you’ll be able to battle one another through the thunderous aerial domain of Abraxas. Clearing the event will net you an event-exclusive skin inspired by the royal family’s shining celestial robes and a weapon skin of a body pillow with your favorite character, so do your best!

B In celebration of Queen Elara’s birthday, the office of the royal household is hosting a modest tea party in the Greatmoon Groves. Swiffy bots that are normally programmed to remind visitors to keep the groves clean are now playing a birthday jingle on repeat. For people who prefer to be away from the blinding neon lights and the thumping techno music of PrismaPlace, this is the ideal escape. Unlimited tea and cookies are being served!

The tea is a soft-colored lilac concoction made from Ehrysian tea leaves that are known to cause a huge spike of alertness and is popular to Moon Knights and office workers with long night shifts as well as gamers for those all-night grinding sessions. The assorted cookies have either Ah-Kari or Commander GareBear printed on them. In case it isn't obvious yet, both are the birthday girl’s favorite LmaO characters.

Any Moonblessed looking for extra income is welcome to be royal attendants for the day; the hours are paid by Demichroma. They must be properly dressed up as maids or butlers (outfits provided by the royal household) as they serve tables.

▶ Say Cheese
Level 3, Caihong | top

Meanwhile, Caihong is in the midst of Remooning festivities in celebration of the new year, and merriment usually lasts a fortnight, filled with fireworks in the sky. Upon entering the district, beautiful Prismals with rat ears and tails greet you with a Happy Remooning and eagerly tug you along to join in.

Those welcomed will receive a pack of multi-colored sparklers, mooncakes topped with cheese, and a glowing drink called Champagne Supernova, poured in a thin glass in your hand. If you are over eighteen, the rat Prismals will ask if you prefer your drink with a kick. If you say yes, then they will add flavorful ice that causes extreme intoxication and might leave you to be susceptible to all levels of suggestion. Saying no (or if you’re under 18) will simply leave it as a sweet drink.

A One of the party games being played by the locals is called Lucky Tail, which is basically pinning the tail on the holographic rat stand-in — with a twist, it must be played with a partner! Another participant will blindfold you, spin you around, then push you forward. The stand-in is located at the end of unsteady elevated platforms forming a maze, filled to the brim with distracting objects underneath. They’re long, they’re thick, and they’re vibrating furiously in an attempt to knock you off the platforms.

Your partner must guide you by voice to successfully navigate through the maze! The game is rigged with various mechanisms, so stepping on specific platforms will activate a number of traps against you or your partner: machines that may tickle, drop colorful slime, or cause the platform to repetitively spin, and who knows what else?

Should you manage to get through the obstacle course and pin the tail successfully, you and your partner will win copious amounts of Demichroma, courtesy of Buwan from Buwan’s Stop.

B Another attraction is a fun magic glamour booth known for its face or body swap features. The booth staff, clad in their festive rat paraphernalia, will encourage you and your friends to take aesthetic shots using an illusion generator. The effects last an hour. Photographed images can be instantly uploaded and shared in Prismagram. New year, new you! Why not take the chance to celebrate this momentous occasion in a unique fashion? It’s all in good humor.

There are two buttons to press: (A) CUSTOM or (B) RANDOM. Pressing A will allow participants to customize their desired effects. Pressing B will cause the illusion magic to randomly rearrange participants in questionable positions, new outfits (or lack thereof), and you may even come out of the booth looking like your best friend or your worst rival. The possibilities are endless!

▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

▶ As a reminder, test drive memes are for new characters only. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!
▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

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Mu, sensing her fear and confusion, realized he needs to explain. "Leanne. I'll happily go to your apartment and try your tea. But once we become better friends. A gentleman doesn't go to a lady's house until they become better aquatainences. I feel like a stranger to you. You fear me, don't you? I frighten you. I want to show...that I won't take advantage of your kindness. My honor wouldn't let me."

"I worry you endure moreso than I." He took her hand. It's a simple touch, holding her hand, fingers interlocking. "In this world, finding friends you can trust to hold your hand is important. It's called moonlacing. Holding hands is simple enough to make chroma. Chroma is the source of energy and currency. Once you know who is your friend, then you have nothing to fear."

He pause, to see if she understands, and hopefully by holding her hands, she'll feel a difference, a small trickle of good energy will rise.

Edited 2020-01-10 01:14 (UTC)

Leanne blinks at his words, at his seeming to know what she went through. "I see... I shall pray that we will become better friends then one day." She moves her wing away from her blushing face. "What makes you believe that I fear you?" Was it that obvious? She didn't want to be rude to him.

Yes, they were strangers. She goes to smile for him to ease his worries. "It is nothing, Mu. I am just not used to touch. That is all." It was a partial lie but there was still truth. She blinks as he takes her hand and the trickle of good energy going through her.

"I see, you explain it so much better than those who appeared when I first woke up here. I thank you for your kindness, Mu. I fear that I am taking advantage of your kindness."

If she's being rude to him, a human would take offense. However, he didn't take offense. Rather, it's a gentle concern. "You already told me yourself." He said. He already seen it. In the body language. When a mere touch looks like it will hurt her. Its a sign of fear. "I will not ask what do you need to apologize for."

With determination, "This city is safe." He said. "I think you were unfortunate to met the scientists when you woke up. The Prismals here are helpful. Most of them at times."

Taking her hand, squeezing gently, there's warmth of chroma being exchange. "You're not taking advantage. I wanted to show you. Let's have lunch. I heard the tea is very good."

"Mu...." Now she felt a little guilty that he had picked up on her fear of humans. "I... I can sense that you are a good Beorc or one who will not harm me." But the trauma was deeply seated in her. She... She can tell him just a little bit, it won't be weakness. "According to Serenes.... It has been at least 20 years since I have either seen or touched another person..."

She smiles as he continues to speak. "I shall pray that it is. Especially for those like me."

The blush never left her face as he gently squeezes her hand. "I will if only you let me provide the lunch next time, Mu."

"20 years? What happened?" Gently, taking the lead. "I will not harm you. I spent my life as a child protecting the goddess." And he sacrificed himself for her honor.

Until then, Leanne will learn her first lesson about moonlacing. Holding hands. It wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, holding hands it's warm. "Mm. Lunch next time."

He leads her to the Greatmoon Groves, where it's packed with well-dressed people, both the natives and the off-worlders to celebrate the queen's birthday. The techno music is being played all around. Plates of food, sweets, and especially tea is being served.

"Here we are. I never seen a celebration like this one. Is there anything you want to eat?"

She goes to shake her head, smiling gently at him. "It is the past." She frowns though at the mentioning of his childhood. "I... I am sorry to hear that. I pray that you had a few happy moments."

Holding his hand, he was so big compared to her. She was small. So small compared to him. He was so warm but yet, she wasn't used to so much touch. Especially by a stranger. When he agreed that she will get lunch the next time, her pride was pleased.

He leads her to another noisy place and she goes to hold her wings close to herself. Once again, she did feel the urge to flee. She liked being social, at least when she was a nestling but there were too many Beorcs. Too many of them in one place.

"What type of celebrations are you used to, Mu?"

And hrm... She knows that most Beorcs were meat eaters, maybe aim for something safe for now.... And also not reveal just how starving she is.

"Perhaps just a desert and tea?"

"Hm? I had chosen too. It was my destiny foretold and written in the stars since my childhood." He said mildly, but he appreciated her thoughtfulness. Here, he's no longer has any ties to the goddess anymore. He has tried to sense her across the universe, but there's no signal for him to connect to Athena.

It is crowded, but it's a happy atmosphere. There maybe an occasional bump, but it does raise the good energy as people chat and dine in one place. The hostess leads them to a table and sitting at one of the seats where it's the least crowded.

"Not many, but there are holidays here. The last one celebrates winter and gift-giving last month."

(There are vegetarian options on the menu!) With a nod, "Desserts and tea." He said as he placed his order with the waiter and orders a set of sandwiches, soup, and salad too. When the food arrives, there's a tray enough to feed for four.

"Help yourself. So, heron clan? Is your people are like that? With wings and grace such as yourself?"

"Even so... You should have a happy childhood. Destiny or not." She goes to sigh a little.

She was glad to be seated in a quieter section. The vibe was happy and welcoming. She smiles as he can feel the good vibes.

".... What is winter? Gift-giving?" She tilts her head. Her eyes widen at the array of food he got and her stomach goes to start growling.

"Yes, we all have wing but our colors let you know which Heron belongs to which family." She beams a little, proud of her people. "They are all the definition of grace, I still have a long way to go. We are healers."

This does take him back to his childhood days where the training is spartan at best, learning the Grecian style of training. "I have my happy days." He smiles wistfully.

At her question, "Have you ever seen snow and experience cold? During this season, humans give each other presents and gifts to give thanks." But then again, if she hasn't seen humans in 20 years.

"Healers." He acknowledges with a nod. "That's a valuable skill."

The food is good and there are some dishes that contain meat, but it's easy to avoid. The salad has no meat, so that's should be a safe dish.

"I am glad to hear that you had happy days." A part of her was curious but she didn't want to pry as they were strangers.

A blush goes to slowly form on her cheeks as she shakes her head. "No I haven't... It was always Springtime in Serenes." And a gift giving tradition? How odd. "That sounds like a wonderful tradition to have."

A small smile as she goes to nod. "Yes, but I fear that I am not as skilled as others in my clan."

Her stomach growls louder and she really wants to help herself to the food before her. But she cannot take too much advantage of Mu's kindness, no matter how much she wants to. Though she allows herself to privy a small amount of the salad. If only to quell her growling stomach.

Mu nearly nodded. "Mm." And he listened to her description of Serenes. So she never experienced cold or winter as it's always springtime where she's from.

"There's always a need for healer. And Leanne, please help yourself to the food and eat as much as you want. It's on me." Even if Mu doesn't have much on him, he's naturally inclined to be generous to a guest who makes his company. He was generous with his kindness and if she's picking up any emotions, there's a warmth of pleasure of sharing company as Mu is used to eating alone.

"Have the salad and the tea." He encourages. "If you want seconds, I'll order more." As food and drink is bountiful.

She goes to smile a little at the mentioning of always needing a healer but then he goes to insist on her helping herself to the food.

"But... Didn't you ordered all this for yourself?" She goes to blush a little, unsure of what to do as she is not used to humans at all and here seems to be one that wasn't outright being aggressive towards her. But instead, there is warmth emitting from him. Warmth towards her.

"You should eat as well, Mu."

Mu managed to smile back and lightly shake his head. Clearly amused.

"I usually do." He is used to eating alone and at times, with his child, Kiki. "But you're here with me. So I ordered for the both of us. Please, help yourself."

The mood in the crowd is quite merry. "Help yourself to the tea as well." Mu picks up a cup to take a sip. There's a cup of tea with a soft lilac color in front of her. "It's refreshing."

Leanne couldn't help but to blush an look away. "But I have nothing to offer back for your kindness." So much blushing right now. "Is there anything with meat? I... I cannot eat meat."

She gains a peaceful expression which hid a brief sadden expression at the merriment. "I will have to, perhaps I can duplicate it." She then takes a small sip of it and lets out a contented sigh. "You are right, Mu. It is refreshing."

"Hm? You cannot eat meat? You should tell me sooner, so I can order something else from the waiters. I know people can get sick from eating animal flesh."

Then it's clear she's a vegetarian. Mu examines the food for any traces of meat. Some of the dishes on the table does indeed contain some meat for as far as he can tell.

"What else can you eat? Nuts? Fruits? I think the salad is suitable. Let me ask the waiters again for a vegetarian dish."

"I didn't expect you to order so much food, Mu."

So much embarressment is going through her as he looks over the current food.

"I can eat those things and the salad is good enough. You don't have do that, especially for one as myself."

"Was it too much?"

Mu gazed at the food on the table. Being a cordis, he doesn't think this is too much. "I don't know. I feel very hungry for some reason."

He simply smiles at her, feeling relaxed for some reason, and orders more from the waiter. "More salad please." Which isn't a problem, and there's a bowl of salad for a second helping.

"For one as myself, but..." She waits until he is done talking and giggles. "But it looks like the right amount for you, Mu."

And now there is more salad to eat from. She just can't stop blushing as she eats just a small amount, not wanting to be greedy despite... Not really eating in over 20 years. She felt like she was starving.

"I... I can help pay for this... Or pay you back somehow."

Weeeell, his chroma (the currency of this world) is abysmal. In other words for the meal, he already has zero chroma in balance. One gains chroma through moonlacing, which means and requires holding hands or touch to generate chroma for money.

Mu has very little chroma to start with. "You don't have to. I'll pay. The meal is on me." For him, it's not really a problem, paying for a beautiful stranger.

"So take my word for it, but it's fine. Enjoy your tea and your meal. I think it's just a lovely day in this world to have a cup of tea with you, at least."

Chroma, it was something she was also low on just due to the fact that she doesn't know how to gain more and also, she has been trying to keep to herself.

"If you are sure, Mu." She feels a little guilty but she goes to still smile up at him. He was very handsome for a Beorc.

"A lovely day to enjoy a cup tea with a handsome Beorc." She goes to sip her tea and take a small bite of her food. She will have to slip in a proper thank you to him. One way or another.

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▶ TDM .011

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I fell asleep before I finished this tag. c-c;;

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