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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I don't know the whole story about that part. [ He says quickly, apologetically. ]

It happened a long time ago. But he was - he was friends with this cultivator named Song Lan, and something happened to him. Lost his eyesight. So Daozhang Xiao saved him, by taking him to a really old powerful hermit cultivator. He gave his eyes so she could give them to Song Lan.

That's all I know. Sorry. Something happened and they separated again, and that's when Xue Yang found him, used his blindness against him. Tricked him into horrible things he would never have done, otherwise.

[ With feeling: ]

Motherfucker.

[ This tale is wrong from start to finish. Whatever role Xue Yang has played in this sordid story, there's plenty of blame to go around: for this "friend" Song Lan, to accept such a sacrifice... and Xiao Xingchen, for making it.

He wants to beat all parties involved, soundly. The hermit cultivator, too. Everyone gets a whipping, he won't discriminate. ]

[ ....but this kid, this Jin Ling is an innocent. Indeed, he's done a great service, by revealing truths that the involved persons would never have confessed willingly. So, with difficulty, he wills himself to calm down.

He exhales. ]

Great Liang's engineers can alter the course of a river. Perhaps this river of time can change also.

[ The first word startles his sensibilities enough that he turns his head around sharply to look at the man behind him, eyes as wide as dinner plates. Who on Earth would use that kind of language around him??

And then he realized how close the other man was sitting, still, got a little flustered and turned back around.

Damn. He couldn’t decide if he was insulted or if that was really cool.

Motherfucker.

Yeah. That summed up his words about this entire situation completely. He was going to remember that one.

He doesn’t know who Great Liang is, but the sentiment isn’t lost on him, and he goes a little still. ]

Is that possible?

[ He can’t help the note of hope that slips into his voice. ]

If Daozhang Xiao is here... could other dead people be here too?

[ Is it possible to change someone's fate? He doesn't have an answer for that. But what a cruel trick it would be, to bring people here from all different places, give them a chance to learn and grow.... but snatch away any hope of that person escaping their fate, back home.

If they can get home. Does he want to go home?

How many times has he contemplated running away from his duty? What purpose is there in wanting to return? Nothing remains there for him, but bloodshed and death. All his fame, all his glory, what is the point of it all, if that will end only with a memorial tablet? With Chang Geng here at his side, aren't his days perfect?

And then Jin Ling asks his question, dyed with hopefulness—and, he supposes, hidden grief. He's lost someone. A boy that age, probably his parents. Gu Yun himself knows that pain. He's been holding onto Jin Ling fairly tightly, to keep him from falling off, but now his grip relaxes, becomes kinder, more like an embrace. ]

Yes. There are people here who've arrived even after their deaths.

[ A gentle thread of something strange tingles through him as the grip loosens, a weird fluttering in his chest. He promptly attempts to ignore it. He’s just - he’s overwhelmed or something.

But he relaxes a little, too, settling quieter, no longer tugging at everything. ]

So anyone could be here. [ The longing fills him so completely he can’t quite help himself: ] Did anyone you know arrive, too? Or is it - is it random, or- do you know everyone who is here? Is - have you met anyone from the Lanling Jin Sect? Or Yunmeng Jiang?

[ In the distance, on the horizon, the white dome of the Iris Moon Government Center starts to appear.

He can't help smiling at the barrage of questions. It's a bittersweet feeling; he hopes very much the boy will be able to meet the people he's looking for, but at the same time he realizes that there's a good chance Jin Ling's hopes will be dashed. ]

I can't claim to know everyone. It's a big city. Um... Lanling Jin doesn't ring a bell. And Yunmeng Jiang... Yunmeng Jiang, that name is familiar. I met a young man who said he was part of that sect. His name was... um....

[ One moment, while he searches his memory. ]

....Wei Wuxian. Do you know him?

[ It's like someone threw a bucket of ice cold water right over him, the name piercing like a knife into his spine, twisting in his gut. ]

He's here. [ He doesn't know if he feels fury or relief or guilt or fear, but whatever he's feeling, he's feeling a lot of it.

He twists sharply to look back at his literal white knight, glaring him down. ]

You're telling me of everyone that Wei Wuxian is here?

[ He's very much taken aback by that glare. ]

Um....haha. You two don't get along?

[ The Wei Wuxian he met was about Jin Ling's age. He seemed like such a well-mannered young man. Well... perhaps they're rivals, or something. ]

[ It’s honestly bizarre to meet someone who doesn’t just know. Wei Wuxian was practically mythological, back home, and knowing Jin Ling meant knowing the tragedy he was near born with. The pity was instant.

He opened his mouth, about to snap that of course they didn’t, since Wei Wuxian killed his parents, but then everything that had happened to him in the days leading up to his arrival here twisted in his gut. He turned back around, unwilling to let a stranger see the anger and conflict in his face. ]

... he’s the worst there ever was.

[ And yet a part of Jin Ling loved him, still. ]

[ He's as puzzled as ever; but he can certainly hear the conflict in the boy's voice. Were they friends once, and now bitter enemies? His instinct is to pat Jin LIng's shoulder, but his hands are full, one holding the boy and the other grasping the pegasus' reins. So he just pats his hand where it is, against Jin Ling's waist. ]

Keep in mind the flowing river and its villages. Whatever happened between the two of you, it might not have happened yet, from Wei Wuxian's point of view.

[ The pegasus' wings spread out, gliding. The white dome of the Iris Moon Government Center looms larger before them. ]

Perhaps the course of that river might be changed, also.

[ He doesn’t know what to think about that. He doesn’t know if it would be better or worse.

Either a Wei Wuxian who killed his parents, or...

A Wei Wuxian who never knew him at all. ]

I’ll deal with him when I see him. [ An attempt to sound stern and cool that actually just came off grumpy. ]

Rivers of time or not, he’s still the same person.

[ Wei Wuxian struck him as a well-mannered, good-humored young man; but Jin Ling seems... headstrong. To put it mildly. Therefore it seems like a bad idea to put himself in the midst of this dispute, not knowing all the facts—or worse, only hearing them from Jin Ling's point of view. Boys that age should settle their own problems, anyway. Therefore he holds his tongue, only saying: ]

Mm.

[ Gu Yun's grip on Jin Ling tightens once more. The winged horse glides lower to the sparkling purple ground, until its hooves touch, and it hits the ground galloping. Gu Yun pulls on the reins, slowing the pegasus down to a walk. They stop just in front of the hospital entrance at the edge of the city dome. ]

This is where we part. Inside, they'll make sure you're healthy and answer all your questions.

[ He swings out of the saddle and lands lightly on the ground, as if he didn't have 40 pounds of iron armor on him (or maybe the moon's gravitational pull is weaker), and lifts an arm to help Jin Ling down if he needs it. ]

[ Jin Ling doesn't seem like he super wants to elaborate, anyway, and when he's suddenly held tighter again he feels his heart skip a beat. Stupid. Stupid!!

But he stays silent as they land, glancing sideways to watch Sir Zi Xi slide of the horse like the picture of elegance and grace himself. Stupid.

He wants to take the arm but he also wants to look Cool and Together, so he ends up dismounting the pegasus himself. He's not as graceful, but it's clear that he's no stranger to horses, either, and he dusts himself off once he's on the ground, before looking up again. ]

Am- So am I going to see you again, or--

[ Not that he cares, or anything!!! ]

[ As soon as it's clear Jin Ling is going to get down on his own, he steps back. He's just about to send the boy off with a standard-issue Gallant^TM Moon Knight bow... ]

Hm!

[ ...when that question makes him chuckle. ]

Haven't even said farewell, and you're already missing me?

[ The outside corners of his eyes naturally rise, giving him a playful look; right now, those eyes are sparkling with amusement, as he reaches out to pat Jin Ling's shoulder. ]

I'll see you on the transport home. Well — back to the planet. You'll see.

[ His cheeks tinge pink at being called out, flustered, but honestly he’s so used to most people mocking him in a mean way that the gentle chuckle and the reassurance feel completely alien to him. Not even a snide comment about him acting like a spoiled princess or anything.

Stupid!!!

The tinge gets a little darker. ]

I didn’t say that. [ With a sniff. ]

But you have been gracious in your hospitality and I intend to return the courtesy. [ A little primly. He has tried to learn from his little uncle, but he never has the same easy grace - it just sounds like a challenge instead. ]

Haha! I look forward to it!

[ Gu Yun has the unfortunate habit of liking to touch things, his itchy fingers can never be pacified. The boy's pink cheeks draw his eye, and naturally he lifts his hand from the boy's shoulder to cup the side of his face. It's a cold gesture: Gu Yun's black iron armor covers his hands to the first joint of his fingers, and his fingers are as icy cold as the metal. Indeed, the warmth of Jin Ling's face feels nice.

He lingers like that for a moment, before finally drawing his hand away.

Remembering Chang Geng, and how anxious he'd been, when they left Yanhui town, he adds: ]

Even after we arrive in the city, I'll be there to protect you, all right? Don't be afraid.

[ It is pure shock that has Jin Ling standing there stock still, eyes a little wide as Gu Yun touches his cheek. It felt even colder thanks to the heat that was flooding his face even deeper than a second ago.

He tried to remember the last time anyone had touched him like that. His uncle, maybe, when he was younger? Certainly not for a long time, now. No servant would dare.

He wonders if his parents might have, if they were still alive.

The point was, the gesture was ridiculously intimate for a touch-starved teenager, and even those bare finger tips - that slight brush of skin on skin - suddenly gave him a flush of tingling pleasure spreading across his cheek. Which, of course, sent him into an internal panic. He was pretty sure?? Being touched like that?? Wasn’t supposed to feel so good????

But he was so shocked by it that he didn’t move, and when Gu Yun finally pulled away, he was so red that the cinnabar mark on his forehead nearly vanished. ]

I don’t need your protection! [ His voice cracked as he stepped back, clutching his sword too tight, heart hammering too fast. What the hell?? ]

I can do just fine on my own!!

[ He grabbed fairy out of the saddlebags, and then fled as quickly as humanly possible. ]

[ He likes to think he learned something from the time he spent with Chang Geng, enough to avoid teenage temper tantrums.

...

Or not, as it happens. He stands there slack-jawed, staring after the door Jin Ling has disappeared through. He is completely, utterly confused by what just happened. He'd hardly teased the boy at all, so why such a powerful reaction?

After a while, he shakes his head. Whatever this was, he can't puzzle it out. He swings back into the saddle and gallops off, afterwards winging into the sky. ]

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▶ TDM .011

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