prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .014

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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.

▶ Welcome to the Jungle
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.

▶ Rock Your Body Right
Lunatia | top

Oh my god, they're back again. After taking more than a year-long hiatus, *BTSB (Backstay Sailor Boys) takes the planet by storm once more with their latest single, Anybody (Yeah). With an album out and a concert on the way, the five-man fox Prismal group from Amegahara has been busy with promotions. Their appearances on billboard ads, magazines, TV shows, et cetera make their worldwide handsome faces pretty hard to miss! Everyone and their pet robot in Lunatia can be found jamming to their songs, and every teenager on the street can tell you who their bias is and why.

B Be a part of *BTSB's Prismagram campaign and get a chance to win a physical copy of their album and backstage passes to their upcoming concert! Simply take a picture of you and your friends with official merchandise and post it on Prismagram with the hashtag #WeAreBTSB. Be careful, though: touching *BTSB merchandise tends to make people crush on the first face they see. The posts with the best pictures and stories will get their prizes in the mail on the 24th.

Why would a Moonblessed want to meet them, you ask? Community spirit! A sizable portion of the locals will start singing or dancing with you and your friends! “I want it another way. Tell me why? I never want to hear you say, I wish it wasn't that way. Don't be that way!” Play along and they’ll be willing to pardon your unpaid meal tab for one time or offer an incredible discount for one item you really wanted at the mall. The boys are also considered talented magic users in their own right. They might have some spells and magic tools to add to a Moonblessed's arsenal!

▶ What’s the Deal With This Pop Life?
Lunatia | top

Before you meet these foxy boys, you'll want to do your research on them. Thankfully, their ridiculously huge fanbase (who refer to themselves as NAVY) has already done the work for you.

Suzaku is the leader and the brains of the group. Both his witty, rapid-fire raps and lightning-fast spinning breakdances are known throughout the planet. He is also a newscaster and likes making informative but interesting Prismagram posts. His brother is also an idol, albeit a washed up one-hit wonder.

Kaya is the group's down-to-earth mom friend and soulful vocals. He is the most responsible of the boys and handles their meals and laundry. A former delinquent in his youth, he now spends his free time cooking for schoolchildren and advocating fox rights. He does not support fox pelt products and owns an animal shelter for strays.

Lecter is a dancer who oozes with sex appeal. If not in the studio, he is always hitting up the gym. Once a member of the Little Moonblessings Club in his childhood, he has grown out of his boy-next-door image. Currently, he is #2 on Prismal Magazine's Top 100 Sexiest Men Alive for his well-built frame and photogenic looks. Contrary to his cool appearance and reserved demeanor, he is surprisingly personable. He is also a prolific actor. He likes cats.

Tarn is the baby of the group who maintains a gaming channel. He often does spontaneous livestreams where he does Let’s Play sessions, live Q&As, and encourages people to make memes of his face. He jokes about playing more LmaO than going to practice but he’s got clear and strong vocals.

Rasha is a narcissistic man who can’t get enough of his fans and himself. When hanging around his fans, he tends to ask if they have a mirror to look at himself with. Don’t let his vanity fool you! He’s funny, incredibly easy to be with, and willing to treat people to drinks. He writes most of the lyrics for the group’s songs.

C Every hour, you will receive a text from the official *BTSB fanclub with a link to a poll. The texts will not stop unless you answer the poll. Please answer it ICly, as the answers will affect the event later this month!

Upon voting on the poll, you will be redirected to a video and text chatroom where you will be connected to a random stranger who has also answered the poll. Both you and the stranger will then need to answer the following questions:

Do you think the other person in this chatroom can be your fire? One of your many desires? Tell me why. Be honest.
Among the Moonblessed, who do you think is tasty? The tastiest?

Until both questions are answered truthfully, it will be impossible to switch apps, close the app, or delete it entirely.

▶ Questions

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

WHO CAN POST? ▶ Test drive memes are for new characters only. Existing players may not post starter threads in the test drime meme. 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.!

IS THIS CANON? ▶ 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.

PRISMAGRAM CAMPAIGN - The mods will not will not be picking any winners for this contest OOCly. Feel free to assume your character/s won (or lost terribly).

PLAY ALONG - The gifts you can earn from playing along with the locals, as mentioned, includes free meals or drinks, a good discount for a high-end shirt, and so on. Feel free to come up with your own prizes OOCly this as long as it’s reasonable. You may not have won the lottery, but you could get a small token of appreciation!

NEW SPELLS AND MAGIC TOOLS - Details of these will be released in the next event!

POLL - Please answer the poll ICly, as the answers will affect the event later this month!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...Ah, that's...]

The physical changes are likely of most interest to me, simply because such a thing is inherently fascinating. Otherwise, it affects my personality in ways I don't particularly care for, so I don't often spend those days in the company of others. I mostly stay to myself - not a terribly interesting answer, unfortunately.

[So it goes, really.]

Most of my time is spent in such a way - it's unusual that I was out today, actually.

Oh, is that so?

[The waitress who brings their drinks (that they totally ordered) gets a friendly smile and a brief moment of small-talk; not enough to make Sycamore seem like he is ignoring his companion, but just enough so that she feels included. Acknowledged.]

It truly is my lucky day, then! To have caught you on a rare outing, when you are both new to this world and a fellow bearer of Iris' blessing...it's as if our meeting was fated!

[Sycamore is undoubtedly happy, but there's something about all this - the sitting at a cafe, Wesker's demeanour, the topics they're discussing - something that feels nostalgic in a way that burns. Not powerfully, or destructively, but in a way that feels like an ache. A wound that isn't healing.

...

...he can't...dwell on this. Moving on...]

I think I have asked enough questions for now, mon ami. Please, have your turn! What information can I provide for you?

I'm curious about your world, actually.

[It's been something of a point of curiosity for him for a while.]

My own is...unfortunate, in many ways. So I rather like hearing what sort of worlds others come from. Where the unique qualities are - I suppose in your case that would be the Pokémon - and how they affect things. Whether your world is peaceful or not. Things like that.

You don't have to answer if you choose not to, of course. Again, it's a matter of curiosity.

My world...

[Oh goodness. Where to even begin? It's hard enough explaining all the intricacies of Kalos to those from other regions, let alone someone new to the entire concept of Pokemon...

Sycamore takes a sip of his coffee as he thinks, and for a few more moments, he remains silent. One thing in Wesker's line of questioning has peaked his interest, though.

Peace...]

...my world is very peaceful, yes.

[Chespin and Froakie have made themselves comfortable under the table, and Sycamore's gaze drops to them as he continues.]

I can't say that it's completely free from strife; there was an...incident a few weeks ago, where someone tried to...

[The smile drops, but only for a moment. Barely visible, if you weren't paying attention.]

...tried to cause harm on a grand scale, but thankfully he was stopped. If I take that out of the equation, well! I would say Kalos is idyllic. We live amongst Pokemon; they are our friends, our partners, we depend on them in so many ways...they truly are amazing creatures. What you see before you is merely a sample - there are over 700 species across the world!

[That seems to perk him up a bit; smile widening, Sycamore returns his gaze to Wesker.]

My research is focused on their evolution. How they change, and become more powerful. These three here will be almost taller than me once they've finished evolving!

[...he's going to spare you the Mega Evolution explanation for now, let's. Try and keep it simple.]

[He tips his head a little as he listens to all of that; he doesn't seem to lose interest at any point, nor does he seem inclined to try to interrupt. He just lets the guy talk all he wants, and he'll pet the little fox-thing while he does so, and he'll consider before saying anything.]

It seems a worthwhile point of study, certainly; I've always been rather fascinated with such things myself. Both from a virology standpoint, as well as a sociological one - it's an important tenet of my work, surely, but I've always been interested with the topic as it can relate to people as well. How change strengthens those that go through it and the like.

[...]

You do have my sympathies with regards to your world, however. Such things are never as simple as they seem, and I won't ask you to elaborate further to a complete stranger, but I can offer that much.

['Never as simple as they seem'...

That's putting it mildly. Despite himself, Sycamore laughs softly, tilting his coffee cup back and forth so the liquid slides around the edges.]

Merci beaucoup; I appreciate it. That incident isn't something I like talking about, but it happened, so. Reality is reality.

[That was it though, wasn't it? The reality of it all. In some ways it feels like it still hasn't landed.

...being brought to this bizarre place isn't exactly going to help, but...perhaps a change will be nice.]

Your work sounds quite interesting, though. Virology...the study of viruses and the like, non? How did you end up in that field?

[He gets that much, at least. There are plenty of things that one doesn't talk about, either because it's disliked or because it's something that's not worth considering. He does imagine Sycamore to be genuine in the assertion that it's the former.

That said, he'll pet Fennekin a bit more; the question isn't a bad one.]

Viruses are interesting organisms. The way they work, rewriting the body's cells and systems as they do... The ability to harness that sort of mechanism always seemed like it could change the world.

[That's...more or less what it comes down to, at any rate; it's not the official Umbrella party line, but it's not completely removed from it, either. Maybe that should bother him more than it does; the fact of the matter is that it's something he doesn't bother to think about.]

The people that raised me were scientists as well. It seems only natural that I would go into the field, knowing that, and given my natural interest in the subject.

[An expression of mild surprise comes across Sycamore's face as Wesker elaborates, but he does eventually relax back into his usual affable demeanour.]

That's...definitely an interesting way to think about them, mon ami. I must confess that I have never really put much thought into viruses and their capabilities; the topic is far removed from my particular field. You do raise an intriguing point, though.

[Harnessing mechanisms and changing the world, is it? If the sense of déjà vu wasn't so sickening, Sycamore would probably laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Will my guilt follow me everywhere?

But it would be unfair to project that rather bitter little piece of history onto his new friend here, so. Polite interest it is.]

I like the idea of changing the world. There is such potential in all of us, don't you think? People and Pokemon. That's why the study of evolution has always fascinated me. We are where we set our limits.

[Smiling once again, Sycamore nods towards Fennekin.]

Some are more motivated than others, however!

[He has more than enough thoughts regarding that, honestly, most of them the sort that aren't voiced in polite company, if they're voiced at all.]

"We are where we set our limits"... I like to think that, yes.

[That much is... Well. He's not sure if it's true anymore, but once, perhaps.]

It's a good way of putting it.

[Well! That will earn Wesker (yet another) friendly grin. There may or may not be a certain kind of sparkle in Sycamore's eye, too.

If you squint.]

I'm glad we're on the same wavelength. I like to have things in common with my friends, after all!

[Which is what we are, by the way. He's bought you coffee and we have discussed our research; it's too late to turn back! The friendship train has most definitely arrived at this station!]

If I'm not being too forward, of course.

[It strikes him oddly.

He isn't sure what it is about it, precisely, that hits him wrong, and it takes a moment for him to work back through it; it's been...almost eleven years, hasn't it, since he was last part of something like this - and he wasn't even genuinely a part of it then, it was all meant for someone else. A lot of things were meant for someone else back then, for the person that everyone thought he was, and while he doesn't regret turning his back on it (because it wasn't real, none of it was real so there was genuinely nothing to regret), there's something odd about seeing it offered so easily again.

It doesn't upset him; it doesn't even bother him, really. It just makes him rather aware, for a brief moment, that we're doing this again. That his time in this world is going to have to be founded on relationships meant for someone else, just like the last one, and that's...

...It's surprisingly fine, actually. It's just another layer of separation that needs to be kept in place; none of this is his, and he needs to be aware of that, but that's fine.]

Well. It's a bit faster than I'm accustomed to, I'll admit that much. But I'm certainly not opposed, either.

[Fabulous! He'll tilt his coffee cup to you in a 'cheers', then.]

Très bien! To friendship, then. How wonderful it is for me, to make such an interesting friend in my very first day here! And what a useful friend you've been, mon ami. I must admit, I do feel far more comfortable with my new temporary residence.

[Not quite comfortable enough to say he's thrilled about being here, but...well, his assistants have been saying he needs a holiday, so...

...admittedly he was hoping for the beaches of Hoenn, but apparently beggars can't be choosers...]

So what do you get up to, here in this place? I know you mentioned you don't tend to frequent the city, but are there any activities you enjoy?

I've recently started work with the Lunar Scientia - they govern all research here, and I thought it to be a place where my talents could be put to some use besides.

[...wesker he was asking you what you do for pleasure, not further work, why are you like this.]

[...he was, most definitely, asking what you do for pleasure

you know, fun

f u n]

Ah, that is very impressive! I'm sure you're a valuable member of the team.

[noun: fun
enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure.]

But what about in your spare time? What do you enjoy doing, just for yourself?

[...dammit]

I try not to leave myself much free time, honestly. I dislike being idle.

[That is the sort of response that gets people to try to encourage you to do things with them, or at least to find something you like, and he is entirely aware of it. He does not, unfortunately, have a better response.]

['Unfortunately' is indeed a good way to describe it, both for Wesker and Sycamore; the latter is finding - not for the first time in this conversation - that he's reminded of someone else, who also preferred focusing on nothing but his work because he hated being idle, he hated not being productive, not working towards his goals, his stupid, stupid goals-

...

...he'll have to address this with himself at some point, but for now...joviality it is.]

I do hope you don't work too hard! I know how it feels to get caught up in a topic that can consume you.

[...bad phrasing, bad phrasing...]

Have I caught you on a rare day off, then?

I do go out from time to time, if I find myself restless enough. I've never been one for staying indoors at all times.

[...okay, he can think of like. one thing that might make him sound like slightly more of a person.]

I've always liked being reasonably close to the outdoors; I suppose that's part of what's been throwing me off with regards to the city. I spent much of my life in an area surrounded by woods and mountains and the like, and could explore them at my leisure. It's difficult for me, not being able to do that here to the same extent.

[...It's an interest, at least.]

[It is most definitely an interest! It's even a relatively normal interest! Wesker, you've done so well.]

Ah, what an interesting point...I take it this city must extend for miles, then? I must admit; I'm used to living in a large metropolis, but it is nice to be able to escape from time to time...

[Looks like there'll be no getting away from the joys Lunatia has to offer, at least for the time being. Hmmm...]

I suppose urban exploration is the only option! At least there seems to be enough sights in this place to keep your eyes busy.

[Actually, speaking of-]

Is there anywhere within the city itself that's worth visiting, in your opinion? Other than cafes, I mean.

[...not that he's opposed to learning about more cafes, but still]

[Mm. It's a decent question, really, and one he doesn't precisely have an answer for.]

Perhaps we can find some places like that, once you've settled a bit. You've spoken of your intuition, but if I may use my own - you don't seem the sort to allow your friends to remain indoors at all times.

[There's nothing in it that implies that's at all a negative thing; just something he's fairly sure of. He's been acquainted with the friendly, outgoing sort before, after all.]

[Well, that one makes Sycamore laugh. It's very self-aware, though, and he's clearly pleasantly amused.]

You're spot on! I have been accused of dragging my friends away from their work before.

[He's finding that, as the conversation goes on, it's easier to control the emotional twinges that fire off whenever Wesker says or does something that reminds him of Lysandre. He's had a lot of practice keeping a smile on his face, regardless of circumstances. The parade. Serena defeating Diantha. This is no different. As long as the negative emotions can stay buried - stirring violently as they are - he can make it through the conversation in one piece.

Perhaps one day he'll be able to sit down and have a conversation about the man; for now, this is a suitable solution.]

Considering you've done nothing to show me that you're anything but a workaholic, you may find yourself similarly subjected to my whims. I'm a reasonable man, though, don't worry! I simply believe in stopping to smell the flowers once in a while.

[...they. do have flowers here, don't they, they aren't some bizarre Prismatica version-]

Well, I can't say I mind all that much; I worked in law enforcement for some time, and certain members of my unit were very adamant that I ought to spend time with them on our time off. For the sake of remembering how to be a human being and all.

[He doesn't speak often of his time with STARS, but for the time being...well, it isn't like it will have any meaning to this person, so there's no harm in it.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

▶ TDM .014

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