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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

[kabethoth]

[ For being the god of knowledge, women continue to baffle him. Whatever machinations she might have, he remains oblivious to all save for her offer to help. However, this one, this one carries herself with the flair and grace of someone who knows how to command attention. She has his, at the very least.

A noblewoman, perhaps? No matter; this is neither of their worlds. Thoth nods to offer, and whenever she walks, he'll stride beside her, the sleeves of his coat trailing after him. ] Ah, you've noticed it as well? [ About how... young many of the otherworlders seem. ] And all of us, gathered to generate this "chroma".

We are fortunate to be given this respite; I intend to treat it as such. Without children. [ As always, he shares his opinion without anyone asking for it. not that he hates teens, it's just that... he needs a break okay ]

[searchingforlove]

What a bold thing to say. And before I even have your name. I'll start with mine.

[She looks to him as they walk, her own sleeves trailing behind her as well.]

I'm Manuela. I'm a professor, a physician, a songstress, and available. It's nice to meet you.

[Look, she has to add that part about her being single. Even if he ends up having no interest in her in the end. It certainly never hurts to at least throw some leads out into a new pond. One never knew when there would be bites.]

[kabethoth]

[ Professor Manuela. Doctor Manuela? Lady Manuela, he decides to go with; an accomplished woman, overall. He can appreciate someone who not only pursues a variety of subjects, but also one who passes that knowledge onto others in the form of teaching. ]

I [ The delay comes with some thought. ] am Thoth. [ And, because he sees no need to give away what he is, he merely adds: ] As it were, I am also a professor.

[ He glances at her, watching her profile. Available, hm.... Hmmmm.

→Compliment her eyeshadow.
→Compliment her dress.
→Compliment her achievements. ]

The pleasure is all mine; it's not often one meets a physician and a songstress both in one. The two fields are quite different.

[searchingforlove]

Another professor?

[And one who compliments her achievements as well. He's not trying to be charming but he's succeeding as far as she's concerned.]

Yes, they are. I've practiced the art of medicine for awhile now but for a time I was known throughout the capital as the Divine Songstress when I was with the opera. Perhaps I will sing for you sometime.

[Anything to let her get to have more chances to interact with him really. Handsome and intelligent and showing no signs of being taken? Yes please.]

Do you excel in any fields of study, professor?

[kabethoth]

[ Does he excel any anything in particular? Good question; hell, he even knows about singing and music composition. But there is a difference between knowing and doing.

The "job" he has right now is to help problem gods learn about humanity. He'll stick with a simpler explanation. ]

Ah, "anthropology" might be the best term. [ THE STUDY OF MANKIND. Perfect. ] Human anatomy, biology... [ Which, he's sure, she's studied as a physician. ] I break these classes down further into more nuanced subjects. Although, you'll find little experience within arts under my belt.

[searchingforlove]

So you are more a man of scholarly experiences rather than practical application? Well, there is no shame in that. Even that can be seen as attractive in the right circumstances.

[Like...now. Or is that just her? Honestly Manuela sometimes wonders if her desire to find someone to be with gets in the way of her ability to open her eyes enough to see the negatives. Very likely.

That must be why a catch like her has yet to find someone.]

Ah. Here is the building. Shall we go inside?

[kabethoth]

[ And what a nice, clean-looking building it is! There are the banners and neon signs that practically litter all of the city, yes, but it does not seem as excessive in this particular lodging. The windows seem well-kept, and the units appear to have some sort of balcony additions to them. Looking further up, he spots floor with greenery washing over the railing, hinting at shared amenities or a garden. Not bad so far. Thoth steps forward, opening the door for her. Following her into the lobby, he keeps that resting judging face dialed up to 11, only now it's about the architecture and every minute detail to be found. 

Thoth steps forward, slamming his palm upon the counter, golden bracelets clinking against the top... as you do when you are an demanding asshole. Nope, totally not a flaw here, no ma'am! ] We would like to tour an empty apartment. 

[ "Yes... y-yes, sir!" replies the concierge, bringing up a keycard for them to take.  "Twentieth floor, unit two is our model. Please, take your time!"

Slipping the card into his back pocket, he turns on his heels to face Manuela... this time with a hint of better mood dancing in his eyes. Finally, they're getting somewhere with house-hunting.  ]

Shall we? [ He parrots her words from just moments earlier, motioning towards the elevators. ]

[searchingforlove]

[That should be a flaw but really she sees a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Besides, he's not really being rude so it's fine. For now anyway. It really does help that when he turns back to here there's a spark to his eyes that suggests he's in a good mood.

And he did say they would like to tour an empty apartment. How lovely. Manuela can't help but to smile as she comes to join him again.]

My, a man who knows how to get his way. You don't often see that. Has anyone told you how attractive that is?

[And she will just go to push the button for the elevators. She has that much figured out at least.]

[kabethoth]

[ Ding goes the elevator, just as when they first met.  Her question causes him to pause, briefly, just before entering.  ] 

You flatter. [ He states, tone matter-of-fact but undisturbed. Selecting the twentieth floor, he then folds his arms beneath his coat. ] That sort of talent will get anyone far here.

[ In generating chroma, at the very least. He's not going to beat around the bush when that's exactly why the moonblessed have been gathered, and how that chroma is generated. ]  You strike me as just the same: a woman who knows how to get her way.

[searchingforlove]

[It's rather difficult to tell if he has an interest in her or not. He's certainly saying all the right things, making all the right moves, applying the correct compliments. And yet, he also is mildly difficult to read.

It's more intriguing that she expects it to be honestly.]

Well, I like to believe that I am. Though it doesn't always get me everything I want.

[Like love...]

[kabethoth]

Such as... a degree in another field? A hobby? [ He asks, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Most humans pursue one occupation for their entire lives; either she is a renaissance woman, or she's flighty with her hobbies. Either way, any of her professions could have earned her enough coin, so he doubts she's lacking in finances. ]

It makes one wonder what occupations we, as otherworlders, can pursue to earn demichroma, if not by our usual professions.

[ The elevators door part, and he strides out past them. ] 

[searchingforlove]

Oh no. You could say it is a more...personal matter. [Namely her awful dating life. And you don't simply go spouting that off to someone when you can't tell if someone is interested or not.

Except for the times when she does. Those don't count. Obviously.]

I suppose we could still be teachers here. We would simply have to find subjects that suit this world.

[kabethoth]

...Or we may become students ourselves. Admittedly, the subject of chroma itself intrigues me. In my world, individuals may transfer power between each other if they know how, but it is not automatically evoked by touch so... [ A beat. ] readily. [ A person has to will the transfer of energy for it to work! Here, it seems, that chroma can be evoked just by accident. Not that he's had the opportunity to feel it himself yet. ] What of yours?

[ Now at the door to the model apartment, he uses the keycard. It slides into the wall with an automatic, hydraulic hiss, opening to the hallway. So far, so good: no signs of neon in the entryway.

He waits for her to move into the apartment first. ]