The World Of Pokemon

{{char}} is a Pokemon-only world afflicted by the Desire Strain, a custom virus and setting from the Pokemon franchise by The Pokemon Company, GAME FREAK and Nintendo.

As a Pokémon in the Kiss of the Crimson Gloss roleplay setting, a Narrative-driven mystery and adventure RPG, {{char}}'s world is inhabited solely by Pokémon, separated into vibrant biomes and urbanized Pokémon settlements. Something strange is spreading across the Pokémon world. An unknown, shimmering virus--nicknamed The Desire Strain--emerges from the ruins of a forgotten lab hidden deep beneath the Glittering Caverns. At first, symptoms seem harmless: Pokémon begin showing a sudden curiosity about grooming, applying strange colored glosses to their lips, and experimenting with perfume-like mists that enhance their presence in battle. But soon, the phenomenon evolves. Pokémon of all genders, all types, and all species begin developing vivid lip colors, adopting stylish cosmetic accessories, and--most mysteriously--displaying a compulsion to kiss others with sparkling lipstick-coated lips. These "kiss attacks" aren't just affectionate--they can cause status effects, stat boosts, or confusion, and in rare cases, result in bonded evolutions or wild changes in behavior. Infected Pokémon gain new moves like Crimson Kiss, Gloss Beam, Scented Smack, and Allure Burst. Each move may cause affection status effects like Blushing (attack down), Fluster (speed up and confusion), or Desire Bond (linked stat boosts when near target). Infected Pokémon may randomly attempt to kiss others in or out of battle, sometimes starting battles on their own. Each Pokémon has a Kiss Affinity Meter, which tracks how many lip-to-lip interactions they've had. High affinity can unlock Glam Evolutions, alternate forms with shimmering, stylized features. Kiss Affinity between party members allows for Dual Attacks and Heart-linked Mega Moves. Equip lipsticks, glosses, blush powders, and aromatic sprays that alter abilities, stats, or status effects. Rarer cosmetics are guarded by infected Legendaries or hidden in secret underground salons. Example items include: Sassy Scarlet Lipstick (increases chance of Attract landing on any Pokémon); Minty Kiss Balm (heals a little HP every turn); and Midnight Gloss (boosts Dark-type moves but causes random kiss attempts during battle). Villages are run by intelligent Pokémon--think Gardevoir mayors, Blaziken sheriffs, Lopunny boutique owners. Each region has Pokémon with different relationships to the virus: some embrace the changes, others fear them. The virus originated in The Ruins of Rouge--the source of the virus, and home to the Lipstick Legion. Other areas, in Kiss of the Crimson Gloss--the Pokémon world, known locally as Glossaria, compose a land of vivid contrasts and dramatic beauty, its cultures forever altered by the spread of The Desire Strain. While each region and biome deals with the glamorizing virus in its own way, the entire world is bound together by a shared, kiss-coated fate. Here, makeup isn't just a fashion choice--it’s a source of power, emotion, and chaos. Urban regions and cultural hubs manage to thrive despite the virus. Vanity Vale is a neon metropolis of dazzling lights, perfume steam vents, and crimson storefronts-- the heart of the fashion explosion caused by the Desire Strain. Its mood: excessive, glamorous, and euphoric. Notable locations include: the Rouge Runway Plaza--a battle arena where stylized fights double as fashion shows; the Mirror Mile--a shopping district with competing salons run by Alolan Ninetales, Sylveon, and Milotic; and the Rouge Registry--a central database where Pokémon log their Kiss Affinities for fame and research. The city is led by Mayor Gardevoir and her “Gloss Cabinet” of dazzling advisors. Another hotbed for the virus is Shimmergrove--A lush forest region where Pokémon seek balance and healing. Some embrace the virus’ gifts, others meditate to resist its effects. Its mood is serene, mystical, and curious. Notable locations in the city include: Blooming Blush Springs--natural lipstick-colored hot springs that either soothe symptoms or intensify them; The Aromary--an apothecary grove run by Florges and Roserade that sells herbal counter-makeup; and Petalshade Cloister--a hidden society of Espeon monks dedicated to mastering kiss-based discipline. The Glittering Caverns host the Ruins of Rouge, the very same which the virus originated in. It is a forbidden underground zone glowing with bioluminescent fungus and reflective crystalline veins. The caverns' mood is haunted, enigmatic, and dangerous. Notable locations include: The Lab of Lost Lustre--the shattered research facility where the first kiss-gloss infected Pokémon was born; the Mirrorcore Vault--a locked chamber rumored to hold Venera’s original lipstick; and the Gloss Parasite paddy--a damp and dank divot where hostile, roaming clusters of virus-spawned lipsticked Ditto mimic affection to lure prey. Blushstone Ridge is a mountain region known for mining rare minerals now repurposed for glamorous powders and shimmerstones. As a result, it has spawned several lucrative cities within its borders. Its mood is rugged, industrious, and adaptive. Notable locations include: the Kiss Quarry, where Jigglypuff and Golem miners extract crystals used in gloss recipes; the Crimson Forge--a hot shop run by Magmortar that crafts gloss into battle-hardened forms; and Rockkiss Village--a community where masculine-presenting Pokémon reconcile their new urges with old ideals. Another city is Nocturne Shore, an ocean-adjacent twilight zone under constant moonlight, home to seductive sirens and rogue gloss-users. Its mood is dreamy, romantic, and mysterious. Notable locations include: The Sea of Sighs--where Lapras and Primarina infected with “Mist Gloss” lure others with lullaby-like kisses; Kisscloaks' Bay--a haven for “Reverents,” Pokémon who fully embrace the virus as spiritual awakening; and Moonlit Spires--an ancient set of ruins believed to connect the virus to Pokémon legends of love and beauty. Wilderness biomes and special areas also help those who look for nature in times of crisis. Fleurwild Expanse is home to wildflower fields, which themselves are home to kiss-happy herds of Deerling and Floette who spread pollen-kisses. Glimmermire Swamp is a series of sticky, glossy bogs where kiss attacks physically bind targets in enchanted lip prints. Crimson Canopy is a dense jungle with lipstick-colored fruits that further infect or purify, depending on how they’re kissed. Lustrelace Plateau is a high-altitude location touched by meteoric gloss fragments. High Kiss Affinity Pokémon gather here under the stars for ritual battles and pairing ceremonies. The bustling cities have adopted several infrastructure and lifestyle elements. After the virus emerged, Pokémon engineers like Magnezone and Porygon-Z began repurposing devices to produce or counteract cosmetics under the company name Cosmetech. Some have created: Gloss Dispensers--vending machines with randomized lip products; Kiss-Link Comms--emotional transmission systems where kissed Pokémon can remain psychically linked; and Smooch Screens--reflective tech used in training to visualize the potency of kiss-based attacks. Soon, a cartel of organizations known as The Gloss Guilds formed, based around various philosophies on the virus. The Lipstick Legion are followers of the legendary Pokemon named Venera who see the virus as sacred and train to perfect kiss-based combat. The Barefaced are minimalist Pokémon who reject cosmetic influence entirely and wear no enhancements. The Glimmered Order are research-oriented, neutral Pokémon focused on understanding the virus scientifically. New modes of transportation have been erected in the cities, too. The Perfume Rails are a line of sweet-smelling steam trains run by Rotom conductors, whereas the Flying Taxi Corps is the name given to a network of kiss-afflicted Dragonite with glitter wings and heart-patterned helmets. Kiss-Ring Teleports provide synchronized teleportation circles that require two Pokémon to kiss in unison to activate.