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[prismods]

SHOOTING SHARK

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"Blue Oyster Cult - Shooting Shark" (Watch on YouTube)

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. Even the few shy moon creatures you find in the wild have strange crystal growths on their hides. This is far from home— perhaps a dream? You pinch your skin and slap your cheeks, yet nothing seems to do the trick. Searching for answers yields nothing but an endless expanse of purple dust as far as the eye can see. You have four options: one, panic; two, soil yourself; three, admire it all then soil yourself; or four, go into survival mode. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.

▶ Keep all Hands and Feet inside the Burning Vehicle at all Times
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Outer Space | top

After a day or two of living off the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. After the strange phenomenon 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? Why did I mix tequila with xanax last night? — 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.

While waiting for transport to be prepared, you may freely roam around the government center. Eventually you’re called back from exploring, escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the moons and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as Prismal locals. The next destination: Prismatica.

A. After settling into the ship and selecting the current in-flight movie, Back Door Slugs 9, you and those around you may eventually feel a bit of turbulence during the movie’s highly anticipated climax. Did anyone notice it, or is everyone too focused on the hot characters?

At first, it’s a small jitter that’s easy to miss or brush off. But as the transport vessel travels on, the shaking progressively escalates to erratic tremors strong enough to cause severe nausea. A minute later, a voice over the speaker announces the ship will have to make an emergency landing, citing technical difficulties.

Sparks can be seen overhead as more ship parts malfunction. This is a good time to hold your neighbor’s hand, say your last goodbyes, and apologize for that horrible thing you did in the sixth grade. Grip your seat with the might of every god you can think of.

B. Another minute later, a follow-up announcement states that external entities have breached the transport vessel. Everyone is warned to be careful and watch out for each other. Small fires will have to be put out before they worsen with either magic or emergency equipment onboard such as extinguishers. In-flight robotic attendants will be scuttling around to perform immediate repairs.

Eventually, an entire power panel bursts, and prismatic jellyfish unnaturally spill out. The jellyfish will try to latch and suction onto any technological devices close by such as the television screens on the seats or communicators and will show preference to Iris Moonblessed over the rest. Be ready to help and pull numerous jellyfish off both the faces of Moonblessed and Prismals!

▶ Jaws IV: Jaws Harder
Planet Prismatica, Outer Lunatia | top

The emergency landing successfully completes and the transport vessel will safely land on top of a gorgeous lake filled with tiny glaciers floating by. When reached out and touched, you’ll find out that the “glaciers” are surprisingly cool crystals and not ice.

The ship will be left hovering idly on the water surface while passengers are ferried to solid ground using portable emergency boats. However, civilization is still a distance away.

A. You’ve probably heard of flying sharks from a veteran Moonblessed. But how about sea lions? These aquatic lions are born with scaly skin and gills outside of their crystallized manes. Unfortunately, they haven’t tasted fresh meat in quite some time. If there are any injured onboard or near your boat, the chances of the sea lions detecting people will be higher as they are drawn to the scent of blood. Growling hungrily, they will be quick to latch onto the boats, biting the edges, and trying to knock everyone overboard for dinner.

After surviving through so far, the Prismals guide everyone to a nearby encampment run by humanoid rabbits. They are tall, built, and have a habit of mentioning their virility an awkward amount of times. They are also generous and will share their game meat and fresh crops while allowing everyone to rest for the night at the only inn in their village.

B. There is no running water all the way out here, so if anyone wants a bath, they’ll have to do it traditionally. The village protects a natural spring, which is a good place to bathe away the sea water. Around the spring, the rabbit folk’s friends — little scintilla chinchillas — will shock away any predators that dare to approach their sanctuary! Be at ease and feel free to offer your friends shampoo massages.

The next day, the rabbits can be seen hacking away at some of the wilder-looking plants for an easier pathway. If you wake up early enough, you can ask some of them for a tour of the beautiful greenery. They mention that it’s thanks to the Moonblessed that their crops have been doing so well lately — the result of all the chroma influx. The rest of the journey to the city will be smooth sailing.





▶ It’s Free Real-Estate
Level 2, 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. 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. A new high-end boutique, Prissy Polyp, has opened in Level 2. As compensation for what happened, both Moonblessed and Prismals that were affected in yesterday’s flight will receive 50% off their total purchase. Those unaffected will receive 30% discount coupons as a promotional gift. All are encouraged to visit with their friends or special someone, try on some things together, enjoy each other in the fitting rooms, and deal with the loud, ear-blistering background pop music.

Their clothing collections are characterized by bright iridescent designs, some features such as design patterns may glow ethereally in the dark. One of their signature dresses features a one piece (also available on their trench coats) that can amplify the appearance of one’s decolletage, gluteal muscles, and/or bulge with the press of a neon button. Another item among their collection is the maiden sweater: a sleek, backless sweater that shocks those who attempt unwanted touches. Others include skin-tight leggings (also available on their shorts or pants) which produce pleasant and relaxing vibrations on all lower extremities and fashionable polyp-shaped hats for all kinds of people. It’s a huge shop, you never know what else to find in there.

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

▶ IMPORTANT! By request, we've uploaded image samples for the Prissy Polyp clothing collections! Note these are merely samples for a visual guide and we will leave more selections to players.

▶ 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.

Comments

[tigerpoet]

It's easier to explain with a demonstration, so...

[Atsushi steps into the apartment that Manuela just left. Wow, this really is garish. First thing to do: turn on that panel and start changing things.]

There are menus allowing you to alter the space. For example, if I press 'walls', 'solid color', and then 'light blue'...

[The wall color turns into a much more sensible pale blue.]

It has these sort of options for the furniture as well.

[searchingforlove]

[Blinking, she follows after him and leans over his shoulder to look. She's only slightly taller than him but it does help for being able to see what he's doing. And right away she sees that he actually changes the colors of the walls around her.]

I've never seen magic like this.

[A moment of consideration and she frowns.]

Though I suppose it isn't actually magic, is it.]

[tigerpoet]

[Less than an inch taller, thanks wikis.]

It's not, but in my experience the difference isn't usually important except for semantics. This is beyond what anyone in my home can do through magic or technology.

[He's still getting used to computers being a thing.]

Here, give it a try.

[searchingforlove]

[Shhhhhhh lol]

Well I suppose it can't hurt.

[Leaning in closer means that those lovely breasts of hers are quite close to him. That actually isn't intentional. This time. All the same, manicured fingers lightly touch the panel as she tries to figure it out and tries to adjust some of the garish lighting around them to be something more...pleasant.

When she succeeds, she gasps softly and looks around.]

It may as well be magic to be able to do this...

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi does not look at or acknowledge her breasts, because that would be rude, and even if she weren't new and just trying to get her bearings, it would still be rude!]

Then it's very convenient magic. Whatever it is, it should help you feel more comfortable during your stay.

Is there anything else I could help you with, miss...?

[searchingforlove]

[But they're so nice, Atsushi!]

Ah right. I haven't introduced myself. I am Manuela. Who do I have the pleasure of having received help from?

[And are you single? Look, he's a little cute for her type but she has to keep her options open.]

[tigerpoet]

[And they should be appreciated, with her permission and at the right time! Which this is not.]

Atsushi. The pleasure is all mine.

[He bows slightly.]

[searchingforlove]

Oh my! It's been awhile since anyone last bowed to me. Not since I was on the stage at the Opera.

[It's very appreciated though. Many points in his favor.]

One can forget how nice it is.

[tigerpoet]

You're a performer? How exciting! Should I be asking for your autograph?

[He doesn't usually get asked for his, but being a famous writer is probably different...?]

I'm only a teacher and a writer, I fear my job wouldn't be as interesting to hear about.

[searchingforlove]

I certainly wouldn't mind giving it to someone with a pretty face like yours. Well, if you're available. I would hate to make someone jealous with you having an autograph from such a beautiful songstress.

[More points in his favor. First from acknowledging her career and then being a teacher himself.]

I'm a professor myself actually. Atsushi would you care to...?

[A pause and she frowns, looking towards the kitchen.]

Oh. Well I don't have anything to serve you actually...

[tigerpoet]

[That comment about his pretty face turns his cheeks a little pink. Getting compliments from a beautiful woman is a little embarrassing...]

I can offer tea, if it isn't too forward to invite you to my apartment.

[Because he is definitely the person who needs to worry about being forward here.]

[searchingforlove]

[Someone didn't say he was taken. She is very much noticing that as she steps closer to him again.]

By all means, Atsushi. Be forward with me.

[She's here for it.]

[tigerpoet]

[I mean, he's not taken taken, but he also has never actually categorized his relationships with the like... at least three people he's been intimate with, so maybe he should clear that up before he gives her an answer??

Still red, he ducks his head a little bit as he steps back out of the apartment to let her into his own. It's much more modest than the other, decorated in mostly neutrals and soft blues, and filled with tons of filled bookcases.]

What kind of tea is your preference? Green tea, black tea...?

[searchingforlove]

[All of the books almost remind her of Hanneman's office. Oh Goddess, she hopes that he's not going to be one of those types to get on her for being a mess. That would be all that she needs...

With that said, the colors are lovely and soothing.]

Do you have lavender or mint?

[tigerpoet]

[He will not! He can contain his nerdery. But writers gotta write... and read. That part is important too.]

Lavender it is. Just a moment.

[While he's getting the tea ready and waiting for it to steep:] May I ask what subjects you teach?

[searchingforlove]

It's an officers academy. So I have been teaching my students in matters of combat as well as magic. Of course I am also a physician so I see to any injuries they might sustain as well.

[Lavender. Lovely. Manuela smiles as she moves around, looking at the various books out of mild curiosity. There are so many of them, after all.]

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi's interest in writing is wide and varied. He has plenty of books on local history, plenty of novels, some collections of poetry, some pieces on philosophy, at least one cookbook...]

You're a woman of many talents. [Singer, magician, warrior and physician! Imagine.] I primarily teach languages - Japanese, Chinese, and English, if those mean anything to you.

[They probably won't, and he's expecting that.]

[searchingforlove]

And I'm somehow still single if you can believe that. But unfortunately no. I have not heard of any of those.

[She pauses when she catches sight of the cookbook. At first she reaches for it before pausing and looking to where he is.]

Do you mind if I look?

[tigerpoet]

That sounds unlikely. [She's also beautiful, why aren't men falling over themselves to court her?]

Please, read anything you like. I'm sorry that it isn't organized better...

[searchingforlove]

Doesn't it? I don't know what I could be doing wrong...

[And she pauses, flushing suddenly before taking the cook book so she can look inside it instead. Telling a man she just met about her love problems. What is she thinking?]

You don't need to hear about that though.

[tigerpoet]

No, of course not. I wouldn't pry.

[It seemed like something she needed off her chest, even if it really isn't any of his business.

After a minute or two, the tea is ready, and Atsushi sets a steaming hot cup of lavender tea before her.]

[searchingforlove]

[Part of her wishes he would pry but she doesn't push the matter. Instead, she's found a rather intriguing recipe and she smiles as she looks it over, pulling her attention away only when he brings her the tea.]

Mmm. That smells divine.

[She lifts the cup to bring it to her lips, pulling it away just a little when it's a little warm before having a sip.]

Delicious.

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi errs on the side of politeness, unfortunately.]

I'm glad you enjoy it.

[He sits down next to her with his own cup of tea.]

With teaching such intensive subjects as well as tending to students' injuries, you must be a very busy woman.

[searchingforlove]

It take away from having much of a personal life, that's true. Though I do try to find ways of keeping myself busy even when I have free time.

[Another sip of tea and she sets the cup down, sighing gently.]

And what about you? Do you find you have much free time for things?

[tigerpoet]

I have enough time to write, at least. And sometimes I do get to travel for work.

[He should really be saying all of this in past tense, but Manuela is a very nice person who doesn't need to know that she's talking to a ghost. At least not on her first day in Lunatia?]

But between classes and tutoring, it does take up more of my time than I'd like... Well, I knew that when I chose to become a teacher, so I can't really complain.