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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

Lorenz Hellman Gloucester | FE3H | Iris, of course

[bergamotrose]

▶ Cars
A

[...A ship? That sailed through the stars? It couldn't possibly be-- there was something almost poetic about the notion however, and the emotion it conjured in his heart made him long for a pen and paper to write.

It was only to document the strangeness of this land he had found himself in, so he could properly analyze it later. Not so he could give form to his thoughts in the pattern of rhyme and meter!

Though his mind surged with questions, he quietly acquiesced to the instructions given and sat tight in his seat while the ship set sail... his attention focused on what lie beyond the window rather than the bizarre play that was being shown via moving pictures. He barely noticed the tremors that rocked the ship-- and would have ignored them if not for the feeling of someone falling against his arm.]

Do be careful, [he admonished quietly, keeping his voice low so not as to cause a scene. Lorenz tore his attention away from the stars, brows furrowed in concern.]

Though there's no waves, it seems this ship isn't unlike others. Some rocking isn't unheard of. Are you managing this all right?

[It was only duty to look after the needs of others-- even in this bizarre land where he couldn't imagine what would come their way.]

▶ Midnight Sea
B

Oh, Finally. Something that makes sense!

[After sailing the stars, being attacked by celestial jellyfish, and chased from their premature landing site by the most bizarre sea creatures Lorenz had ever born witness to, being bade to bathe in a natural spring was positively normal. Sure, he preferred the privacy of an actual bath... but he would take what he could get.]

...Beg pardon, [He added politely, searching the pool for signs of recognizeable life.] I am not causing disruption, am I?

▶ Our House (In the Middle of Our Street)
A

...This cannnot be serious. [Lorenz said flatly, staring at the furnishings of the apartment he had been assigned to with bewilderment in his eyes. He didn't understand what he was looking at, nonetheless begin describing it. The only word that he knew would suffice was 'colorful'.

Someone, help this poor man out.]

B

[Not even Derdriu, the capital city of the Leicester Alliance, could compare to the wonders available in this city. Between the automated vehicles, the glittering lights, and the wide and varied selection of everything from food to clothes to wear, Lorenz was finding himself at a loss for words. There was, however, one thing he knew for certain: he was going to need different clothes. Though there may be dangers, it was clear to him that this city wasn't on the verge of war. It was untoward to dress like it was and, in the interest of blending in, Lorenz was in the shops searching for his new wardrobe.]

Are these styles truly what's in fashion right now? [He asked aloud, eyebrow delicately raised in doubt as he examined the backless sweater that seemed to be flying from the racks.] They hardly seem practical for this season. Shouldn't people be preparing for the harvest and winter seasons?

Wildcard

(Don't like a prompt? Make one up! Hit me up at woodrift for plotting and questions. As a note, I'm playing Lorenz just after the timeskip on the Verdant Wind route, so no one under 18 for smutty threads.)

our house B, thanks for getting that stuck in my head

[tigerpoet]

Fashion is inscrutable.

[Or at least, that's Atsushi's opinion of it. The clothes he's selected are much plainer, but more practical. Or at least less revealing.]

This is casual wear, not something suited for harvesting or heavy labor. I don't think many people here have that sort of work... But they do at least switch to thicker clothes when winter comes.

[Even if farming is done by robots or some such, people still get cold.]

My job here is done...

[bergamotrose]

I am well aware of the nuances of fashion.

[Observe, the stylish angled cut of his rain-straight hair, and the prim and proper red rose he had embossed into his armor. The man was clearly the epitome of fashion.]

But, casual wear, you say? Is that not something you would simply wear around your home when company isn't expected? You needn't put on shows for the people you see day-to-day.]

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi wears a tiger-print boa regularly, he is in no position to argue that Lorenz is not High Fashion.]

Well... [How to phrase this delicately.] I would assume that the sort of person you would put on this kind of show for is someone you see frequently? As it's rather... intimate?

[He can't just say 'it's a sexy outfit'.]

[bergamotrose]

[Yes. He can see how people with less scruples would get 'intimate' if this sweater were in the picture.]

....I would hope that the person in question valued themselves better, if they felt compelled to wear this. They wouldn't need to go to such lengths to have my attention.

[Sighing, he put the scandalous sweater back onto the rack. It was no longer worth his time and frustration.]

At the moment, you actually have it. My attention. That's a splendid piece you're wearing about your neck, and you seem to be a person with a keen eye. Would you happen to know where a person could get clothing that is more... tasteful?

Our House [A]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

It is. And it probably isn't at the same time.

[ Konoka happened to be passing by, on the way back to her own house, when she spied the man with the rather... striking hair and appearance still drawing a blank upon seeing one of the sample apartments. ]

Apartments are flexible and apparently very uh... varied in tastes. Maybe you could get something a little more... tasteful?

[ Well, she hoped she was being helpful. ]

[bergamotrose]

[He was as tall as a sturdy sapling-- slender as one as well.]

Varied? And Flexible?

[The latter was rarely a word he had heard applied to architecture.]

Dare I say it? This bodes ill for the future.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ Wait, did he possibly misinterpret-- ]

I don't mean literally flexible! The foundation would be a disaster if it was! I'm saying there's a whole lot of options. Like, you could head upstairs and there would be a more... traditional apartment up there?

I dunno how they do it though, and I study magic!

[bergamotrose]

I study it as well, and I doubt my skills would be any help here.

[A sigh. This was going to be a long and difficult day.]

Let us withdraw, and perhaps you could explain better? I'm aware that the building itself is likely sturdy enough, but it hardly seems possible that the interior architecture can be so vastly different.

our house a

[escardos]

[ having noticed the man staring into the apartment, flat was too curious to not look inside as well. ]

It looks amazing!

[ is he serious or is he joking? the answer may surprise you. ]

[bergamotrose]

That certainly is an apt word to describe this.

[Whether that was a good thing or not was left to be determined. Lorenz sighed.]

There seems to be much of this city that I need to learn just to manage day-to-day. Since that's the case, I'd prefer quarters that are... simpler.

our house, because these two + fashion... is meant to B

[inveigle]

[So this sweater is, um. An interesting choice, Hilda thinks, blinking down at it as she stands by Lorenz's side. She's always down try a new look, and she's confident that she could make this particular look work, but... whew, lads. Sometimes less is more...]

Maybe this is only meant to be worn... inside? Just a guess.

[You wouldn't wear a ballgown in battle; you (hopefully) wouldn't wear a backless sweater outside in the dead of winter, or so Hilda hopes. But as she glances back up at Lorenz, the corners of her lips quirking upwards:]

And maybe it looks better on. You should try it!

[Friendly encouragement, or friendly teasing? Hmm.]

[bergamotrose]

[Less was indeed more in Lorenz's opinion. And, no matter whom it was that he chose to marry for the sake of continuing the bloodline, he hoped that she would be the sort who didn't find such vulger trappings necessary. Beauty was in more that appearances, after all.

It was in the heart, too.]

You may be correct; perhaps it does look better on.

[He passed his gaze toward Hilda, brows delicately arched in curiosity. The teasing subtext was obvious-- but, as a gentleman...]

It might be best if we both try it, [He said, searching the rack for one in Hilda's size while he spoke.] That way, we can form a more educated decision on this matter.

[inveigle]

[What did Hilda expect? Certainly not this, as evidenced by the way she blinks back at him. This almost feels too easy—but when has Hilda ever complained about that? At the end of the day, trying on a scandalous sweater is a small price to pay for a spot of fun, so:]

Oh, of course. You're as thoughtful as ever, Lorenz.

[It never hurts to butter him up a bit—especially when he's the one picking out her sweater? Pick up these mental vibes, Lorenz! Get the black one!]

It's not something I'd normally go for, but... [Weeeeell.] If we're both wearing it, then I won't feel as embarrassed.

[Not that she had any shame to BEGIN with, but look, she is a very delicate flower... who doesn't want Lorenz backing out of this at the last possible second.]

[bergamotrose]

I should hope that it is I who am embarrassed,

[Lorenz said, deftly pulling out a black sweater that looked to be perfect for Hilda.]

Your beauty is so exceptional that even a tawdry piece like this couldn't tarnish it. I hope I would look even half as good as you.

[....Perhaps he was laying it on too thick, but he wanted Hilda to have her wits about her in this strange place. For a delicate flower she was more than capable of handling herself, but the Deer were nothing if not a team. Even the most delicate among them needed to be on alert at that moment.]

Our house A

[bangpae_yong]

[Walking by he sees the man looking into the apartment with...horror? Or that's how it feels. Zeno pops up behind the other and looks around. It looks really cozy to Zeno!]

It looks nice!

Ah! Zeno! I need to catch up on ANY. I'm... at least 50 chapters behind!

[bergamotrose]

Truly?

[Lorenz glanced down at the disheveled young man, silently resisting the urge to pull him aside and brush the tangles from those thick, blonde locks just to cure himself of second-hand embarrassment. So much of this city defied expectation that his hands itched for something mindless and ordinary to do.

Like detangling hair as if he were dealing with a child.]

Perhaps I'm just not used to this style. You could say I've lived a sheltered life.

YAY!! No worries he is from like...Chapter 104 so nooot the most current cause I am a tad behind too

[bangpae_yong]

It's got a bed and all!

[His standards are just...pretty low. He was happy with any kind of bed or place to sleep really. At the man looks at him he throws a curious look and smiles a little more.]

That's okay! Just means you get to have lots of experiences here right? Zeno can help you find other stuff?

[Then he remembers.]

Oh! It seems there's a magic box on the wall that lets you change things!

Makes me wanna catch up and bring my blue boi out again.

[bergamotrose]

A magic box...?

[He felt it in his blood; there was something deeply wrong here. All of his training as a mage still left him feeling inadequate in this city.]

There's no way you can change things that easily. Is there? It hardly seems possible.

combo breaks our house with Midnight Sea

[crestfallenfor]

[You said it, Lorenz.

After everything that's happened so far, the initial statement made isn't really worth commenting on - the springs are communal, Sylvain has been led to believe that all of the so-called "moonblessed" are from other worlds, and strange as that is to accept, what isn't strange is that someone else would be relieved to see something even remotely familiar. Like this.

But the newcomer keeps talking, and partially because he's being polite and partially because there's a familiarity in the voice, he turns to look up to properly answer him and quiet any nagging thoughts that he might know him (wouldn't be the first person from home he's met in this new world, after all...), and sure enough, there's Lorenz.]

Of course you aren't, Lorenz.

[Don't be an idiot.

...But also join him, he's absolutely not admitting he's been concerned about... well. Everyone. Since the war started.]

I've been rocking the 80s playlist all day. Dio is what I clean to.

[bergamotrose]

[The familiar voice elicited a chuckle in reply.].

Many thanks,

[He said, setting his clothes down neatly on a rock and slipping into the warmth of the waters himself. Although they were nominally on opposing sides of the war Emperor Edelgard had declared on the continent, a part of Lorenz refused to believe that all of his former classmates at the Monastary had become his enemies. Perhaps it was optimism that fueled him-- because, wouldn't a noble know the truth of who was friend and foe no matter how strange and desperate the situation became?

That was what he hoped. He, too, worried after all the people he used to see daily at the Monastary.]

Sylvain, it has been far too long. I marvel at the small kindness this world has given us, by letting us see familiar faces in this unfamiliar place.

perfect

[crestfallenfor]

[Maybe, in an ideal world, Lorenz's optimism would be worth something. As it is, though, being on opposing sides of a war, even nominally meant they could face each other down on the field of combat, and out there, there could be no mercy.

He'd already seen that firsthand, had faced down former schoolmates, and...

Well. Now they're here, which is a sort of mercy in itself, if only because they're not at war.]

Is it kindness?

[Wait hold on, rein that in, Sylvain. Too gloomy to think about. Laugh it away.]

I guess seeing you is better than being here alone.

Midnight Sea

[unyieldingmarch]

[A disturbance? Oh most certainly! Edelgard von Hresvelg was hardly someone who appreciated being disturbed in the bath, and she immediately sank down lower into the pool and pressing herself against the wall, glaring out of the water at her fellow noble.]

You most certainly are! Do you not think to check to see who might be bathing before entering, yourself?

[bergamotrose]

[Of all the people Lorenz anticipated, this was one of the last. He froze on the water's edge, and quickly turned so that his gaze was angled toward the clouds rather than risking anyone's possible displeasure or resentment.]

Ah. My deepest apologies.

[He said, obviously putting an effort into keeping his voice steady and calm.]

I had no idea anyone was here-- nonetheless you, your highness.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard's eyes remain on Lorenz, though they are slightly narrowed. He did garner a reputation during their time in the academy, after all. She has not forgotten, nor will she forget.]

...Did you not consider calling out before barging into a bath like this?

[...Angry? No. But annoyed. Yes.]