Test Drive Meme (February + March)

[bravenewmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME: FEBRUARY + MARCH EDITION

Welcome to bravenewworld's test drive meme! This post is designed to help players test out their characters within the setting, as well as give them an opportunity to collect samples for their future application. The prompts below are all optional, and can be used to get a feel for the game, but we encourage players to get creative and use this post however best suits their needs. Players are welcome to use either prose or brackets for their threads.

When creating a thread, it is advised that players give their prospective thread partners a bit of information in the subject line, such as the characters name and canon, or a possible typing and Enlightened ability (if this is applicable). These are not required, but will make it easier for any prospective players to thread with you. While not required, we also encourage you to take a look at the most recent AU Planning post.

THIS CYCLE'S PROMPTS
#1 After the events in Union, the settlement of Refuge has decided to make the Shattering a more public affair. People who were impacted by the tragedies that befell the city, or those who wish to pay respects to a lost family member are encouraged to either send a Litwick off into the caves, or go off to find one. Who knows, you may find something out about yourself--or about the others around you.

#2 The Medical Center in Union is in need of volunteers, and has sent out a call. But it's not because of what you might think. The weather has been surprisingly warm this time of year, and because of it, a number of Pokémon have decided to, um, fix the population discrepancy that the Elite Four's attack has caused. Baby 'mon have overrun the Breeding Center, and many have found their way at the Medical Center for overflow. There are going to be a lot of diapers that need changing...

#3 With the warm weather hinting at a full return, flocks of Pokémon have begun their northern migration back into the Verdant Forest and beyond. Unfortunately, a few of the wild Flying-type breeds are less than respectful of old monuments, and the Lake and Forest Shrine have received a few unwanted guests making a mess. Shooing them off only seems to anger them, and the Shrines are filthy as a result of their visit. Ugh, will these rude Pokémon ever leave?!

#4 After the attack from the Elite Four, help has been filtering in from all parts of the known world. As a result, a number of temporary food carts have opened up in the business district of Union. Workers have to eat, right? This is a perfect time to expand your palette, but be warned, some of the delicacies can be a bit... eclectic, we'll say. Eat at your own risk.

#5 Wildcard! Come up with your own prompt!

If you have any setting questions, or want to do some reading before posting a thread, you can find the setting directory here! Happy tagging!

Comments

Hinahoho | Magi: Sinbad no Bouken | Ice/Fighting Glacier-native

[coldadapted]

4-A

[The most difficult thing about adapting to Union's infrastructure was that everything was so small. For a man towering at just under a solid 8 feet tall, the height difference alone was enough to make going through doors an annoyance-- it was a small fortune that food carts were outside, where there was still plenty of space.

...Unfortunately, most of the fare seemed somewhat tame. And sweet. Behold the giant shirtless man with a mess of blue hair cascading down his back pondering over the array of sweets at one of the stands. Did people actually eat this...?]

4 B

[Night had fallen, and the bars were always where the action was at. Even in times of crisis, people found ways to indulge in the harder drinks, and Hinahoho was impressed with some of the concoctions that the Calderans had brought into town with them.

Unfortunately, while he was distracted by the fun, a little Swinub went walk about.

Cue the giant man in the middle of the night, looking down every street for the little fuzzy piglet.]

Rolo~! Rolo, where are you?!

5

[Wildcard! Make up a scenario! Hinahoho's new in Union, and a towering man with a ton fo blue hair and a tiny swinub is hard to miss!]

5

[conquerorofwaves]

[Getting time to sail was always a treat for him, especially in strange waters - but he hadn't expected that giant Gyarados to come out of nowhere, sending his boat flying. He landed hard as the pokemon dives again, groaning low in pain]

What the hell-?!

[With that, Sinbad scrambles up to to scan the waters, trying to sense what would happen next]

[coldadapted]

[What happened next--

A tiny swinub, soaked through it's heavy coat with the frigid waters of the arctic, careened straight for the young man's face out of the blindingly blue sky. It's shrill squeak could only be interpreted as one of surprise and delight, for who could imagine that a pig would truly fly?

Secondly: A burly man, with the mass and demeanor that was roughly the equivilent of a a young Wailmer, hoisted up into the boat from the side without so much as a 'hello'. Barechested as he was, and armed with only a simple harpoon, it seemed almost absurd that any man would emerge from the arctic sea in such a state.

Except that he didn't even seem cold. Rather, he seemed more embarrassed than anything.]

It's a good thing you showed up, [he huffed, moving his stance to a more balanced one with the ease of someone who was accustomed to the sea. With a spin he readied his harpoon, prepared to strike again.]

Can you watch Rolo? Our boat broke, and she's not that good at fighting in the water.

[Ground types. Rolo squeaked indignantly-- of course she was good in a fight!

...Just not under water.]

[conquerorofwaves]

[He yelps as he hits the deck again, getting chilled by the damp water dripping off the tiny creature]

You all-!

[Sinbad rolls as the boat tilts in response to Hinahoho climbing aboard. He was about to retort how rude it was to board without permission, though the protest dies in his throat as he got a good look at the stranger - the man was massive, and how on earth is he not cold?! He thought]

Who... who are you, and what the abyss is going on?!

[coldadapted]

[Ah...this tiny young man had to be from the South. No wonder he looked so confused.

Hinahoho sighed, and pushed his soaking hair out of the way to regard the stranger.]

It's exactly what it looks like. I need to fight that Gyarados.

[conquerorofwaves]

Why...?

[He tilts his head as he sat up, his tail curled around himself trying to keep warm]

Did it hurt someone?

[coldadapted]

[Headscratch. This truly was an embarrassing situation.]

...Actually, not particularly. It's tradition in my clan undertake this test.

[conquerorofwaves]

[He tilts his head further]

And you're not having any luck?

[That's kind of obvious, but he had wonder about a test that pits someone against a notoriously aggressive pokemon]

[coldadapted]

[At this point, the little swinub squeaks before her trainer could reply. Yep-- he's a total failure at this! He's not even allowed home until he wins!]

Rolo!

[Though he couldn't speak to pokemon in the way that some could, he knew this one well enough to know when she was teasing him. Face burning in embarrassment, he scooped the little swinub up and held her in the crook of his arm, just to keep her from teasing him some more.]

--Well. I think that'd also be obvious.

[He was one and twenty years old-- why couldn't he even put a ding in those scales?]

[conquerorofwaves]

[He tilts his head at Rolo]

Is that true...? That you can't go back?

[Sinbad sets the small pokemon on deck, resting his hands on his knees, his expression serious]

So what exactly goes into this hunt, and what is it so important?

[coldadapted]

[Eyebrows shoot upward in surprise.]

You can understand what she's saying?

[He only knew her enough to get the gist of what she was communicating, not the conversation word-for-word.

But the question couldn't be ignored. Shifting uncomfortably, the large man cast his gaze out over the frigid sea instead.]

It's a right of passage in my clan. I'm not considered a true 'adult' until I complete it.

[conquerorofwaves]

[The young man nods]

Yeah - it's what the Unionites call an 'Enlightened Ability', it's something I've always been able to do.

[He noticed how the man was holding himself, not to mention the general morose air]

You've been at it a while, haven't you? So what rules do you have to follow for this rite?

[coldadapted]

[He hung his head, blinding bangs obscuring his eyes.]

Take it down. Bring it home.

[Hands tightened on the harpoon in a white knuckled grip.]

--I haven't even been able to scratch one of those scales!

4-B

[nonstopyouth]

[Well... things could be going better. She made enough to eat! But not really enough to stay anywhere. Oh well. She could do better tomorrow! But, that left the matter of it being dark and everything looking more unfamiliar.]

[Oh no, she stumbled into some kind of red light district, there were all these bars. She just wanted a place to eat.]

[Yeah, trying to ask for directions wasn't doing her any good. She was feeling pretty defeated when something fuzzy brushed her legs. Just shy of screaming she looked down and saw... oh. How cute.]

Oh ...Are you lost? I wonder if you have a trainer, nya...

4-B

[coldadapted]

[Squeaking in curiosity, Rolo brushed up against the stranger's leg and snuffled at her feet like a friendly little piglet before looking up at the cute girl. She definitely had a trainer-- but she just wanted to explore on her own!]

4-B

[nonstopyouth]

[Oh no it's squeaking... so cute. She giggled a little and bent down, holding her hand out.]

This doesn't seem like a good place for you. There are a lot of people around, what if you got stepped on?

[She looks up to see if she can see anyone visibly looking for her though.]

[coldadapted]

[Somebody was....and, unfortunately, he was a tiny bit drunk and lost himself on the streets at this point in time. Rolo just wiggled in excitement. She's a tough little Swinub-- no one was going to step on her! She's too fast, too flashy, too cute!]

[nonstopyouth]

[Oh no. She frowns when she can't see anyone but oh well. Maybe she can look after her for now. She scritches at the top of her head with another soft giggle.]

Someone must be worried about you, though. Why don't we look...?

[coldadapted]

[The little piget leans into the girl's hand, enjoying the attention with a little groan of delight. Her trainer was a big guy-- he could take care of himself for a while. This was nice~]

[nonstopyouth]

[Okay well. As much as she wants to keep petting you she should really figure out where you go so, while you are in that false sense of security she will scoop you up.]

[coldadapted]

[Ooh! A ride!

The little Swinub squeaks in surprise at first before settling down in the girl's arms-- she loved rides!]

[nonstopyouth]

[Oh good! Okay, this would make things easier. She keeps her hold firm as she walks through the street. She's ...honestly not sure what she's looking for except if maybe anyone she passes looks particularly like they've lost something.]

[coldadapted]

[And then, right on cue:]

Oh, man....where is she?

[A giant man, with blue hair cascading down his back and a bemused look in his eyes, scratched the back of his head wearily as he slowed to a stop at the far end of the street. He knew he should have kept better watch on Rolo, but she was an adventurous little Swinub. She was also so small that nothing could stop her if she really wanted something.]

[nonstopyouth]

[Oh goodness he was very tall. But! That's the first person so far to approach her looking lost. It was a lead.]

Um!

[She quietly skitters over to him]

E-excuse me....

[coldadapted]

Hm?

[Surprised that a stranger would approach him at this time at night, the tall man looked down at her in confusion. The little swinub in her arms looked familiar.....but, no. It couldn't be.]

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