Test Drive Meme (August + September)

[bravenewmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME: AUGUST + SEPTEMBER 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 encouraged to use either first person or third person 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.

THIS CYCLE'S PROMPTS
#1 With a sudden interest in the inner workings of Sanctuary, the mage city has decided to host a cultural festival. Taking place over an entire week, events include exciting magic duels, extravagant tea parties, and a "mouth watering" feast of delicacies from the middle and upper class. These include such things as a curious-looking sausage, an interesting-smelling dish made with Stunfisk, and a number of boiled foods! Delicious!

#2 Wingull and Pelipper have taken up residency in the port! Loud, obnoxious and somewhat destructive, they have been creating issues for Union fishermen, creating a shortage of seafood in the city. The Council have reached out to a few, ahem, adventurous types willing to chase them off. It's a messy job, but someone has to do it! Don't wear anything you want to wear again!

#3 In a show of good will, Caldera invites the citizens of Refuge to experience a self-proclaimed "true summer." Extending the invitation to the people of Union and Citadel, the food flows freely--as does the Refuge-brewed alcohol. Things are bound to get rowdy, but what is a good party without a bit of exercise and entertainment?

#4 The herds in Citadel are growing! Miltank, Tauros and Bouffalant herd sizes are at an all time high this year in part due to the assistance from other civilizations and the unusually warm spring. Farmers and herders around the area are looking for workers, and will pay in milk, meat and hides. This work is not for the faint of heart, however, and may prove to be a bit crappy difficult.

#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

Captain America | MCU | Still not sure on the exact AU details

[punches_hitlers]

-3-
Rogers looked like he was enjoying himself, in his slightly bemused fashion. He chatted up various people, bought rounds of drinks when he felt it necessary, and was willing to eat any weird food you put in front of him.

One thing he was NOT doing, and it was very conspicuous at a Calderan party, was drinking any alcohol. He politely turned down any that were offered him with "Oh no, I'm good, thanks." or something along those lines. Could it be that the legendary hero of Sanctuary can't hold his liquor?

Well, no.

-5-
The only subject of a predecessor to the enhanced program some fifty years ago when Sanctuary was still resisting Gigas, Captain Rogers has only recently been dethawed from a horrible accident that left him frozen in suspended animation.

As such, that pop culture reference you just made just went flying over his head. He gave a slightly glassy smile.

"Right! Right. Of course. That thing that you sai-yeah I have no idea what any of that meant."

Iskandar, King of Conquerors. AKA Rider | Fate/Zero | Electric/Ghost Enhanced Master of Battle

[chasingoceanus]

-3-
The best time for soul searching is at the tail end of a massive party when everyone is slightly drunk. Iskandar, a goblet of wine in one hand, addresses you seriously.

"This is a fine revel, but that alone does not let me know your measure as a man/woman/individual [select appropriate].

Tell me, what would you say is the most important thing in life? What ideal do you value above all others?"

-4-
"HYAAH!"

Iskandar rode like he was born in a saddle as he circled the herd, smacking stragglers back into line with the flat of his sword. Eventually he pulled his mount up alongside yours and wiped some sweat off his face.

"Hard work, this. The reward should hopefully be as great, should it not?"

-5-
As Union's world has grown, the sight of strangely dressed foreigners has become slowly more common in the tower city's streets. THIS one, however, still stands out. Not because he is almost seven feet tall (though this helps), not because he wears a massive, fur-lined cloak (though that certainly is eye catching). No, the reason Iskandar stands out is that he is riding down the street in a Massive Chariot pulled by Rhyhorns, both of which are also unusually large for the breed.

He accepts the stares he gets as his due, waving magnanimously to everyone as he passes and taking in the sights of a new city.

"What a magnificent land. Those towers look as if they could touch the sky itself! It will make a fine addition to my empire, some day."

5

[ofpromisedvictory]

Saber vaguely remembers this man from a party in that other test drive post, but is more concerned and taken aback with the chariot and, particularly, the Pokémon pulling it.

"I don't think these streets were made for that," she calls out, watching foot traffic move around and/or dive out of the way of the Rhyhorn team.

3

[2horns1arm]

"Achieving one's full potential. Physically, mentally, and spiritually."

Kasen answers quickly. She already had a lot of time to think about this kind of thing when she was living by herself in the wilderness for years. "If you seek personal perfection in all matters, then morality, harmony with the world around you, and personal satisfaction will all follow."

3

[bokukotantei]

[Naoto watched the big man with distant, curious eyes that seemed far more mature than her apparent size and age. Pausing briefly in consideration before formulating a reply.]

I suppose it's finding the thread of truth in the tangled webs of lies we weave with our egos and uncertainties, [She said quietly, in a low voice that could easily be mistaken for that of a young man. Dressed in the modern, clean lines that were starting to become fashionable in Union, complete with a little hat, it was quite easy to see her as a young man.

That was, after all, the point.

Tipping up the brim of her hat to more directly regard the stranger. Despite the lateness of the hour and the relative drunkenness of the partiers, the young person seemed quite unaffected by the rabble.]

Curiosity is as good a drive as any, is it not?

Kasen Ibaraki | Touhou Project | Secret Fanalis AU???

[2horns1arm]

-3-

[Parties! Excitement! Bar fights! Here's someone smack in the middle of all of it who doesn't look like they belong there at all.

Kasen sits amidst all of the chaos, trying stiffly to retain some semblance of dignity while surrounded by revelry and well-intentioned violence.]

I have to admit, this sort of thing is one part of living among people that I could never really get the hang of...

[She's actually been drinking about as heavily as anyone else, although she seems to be holding her liquor almost implausibly well.]


-5-


[For whatever reason - sparring match, trying to get her attention, generally being a touchy person, what have you - you had reason to touch Kasen's arm. Specifically the weird one, that's all covered in bandages.

The moment you touch it, it crumples as if the bandages were complete hollow. From between them, strands of strange, dark smoke seep out. She reflexively recoils from the contact, putting her other hand over the point of disruption until it rights itself again.]

Oh! Sorry about that. It's... It's nothing important, really, just an old injury of sorts. Pay it no mind.

[Technically true, in a sense.]

5

[schmott_guy]

"Just an old injury" my foot. There was nothing in those bandages!

Naoto Shirogane | Persona 4 | Steel/Dark Master of Battle / Tiny Ace Detective from Caldera

[bokukotantei]

3

[Naoto was one-hundred percent behind the support Caldera was showing to all of the travellers flowing in from all of the explored parts of the continent. Union, Refuge, Citadel and even their old allies in Sanctuary were all bustling about-- she couldn't remember a time in her short life when the city had been so busy!

It was enough to make even a die-hard professional like her smile for a short while. Even just watching was fun, even though partiers would note the petit, slender figure was hanging out on the sidelines, observing the revelry over an icy glass of spiced lemonade in the shade instead of actually joining in. Wearing a hat and boyish layers in Union styling, wouldn't that person be uncomfortable in this heat? And why wasn't this young person in Caldera, a place not known for paying too much attention to age when selling drinks, not partaking of anything more daring than a simple lemonade?]

5



[It's the beach. Sun, sand, and the chill of the ocean waves licking at the bare toes of anyone who wandered near the surf, it was the perfect set up for relief from the heat and just different enough from the deserts of Caldera to be a novelty for the young teen who stood on the shore.

Pity, that she wasn't actually taking the time to enjoy it.

Although she travelled barefoot, in loose clothes that would have befitted a sailor, there was a look of business in her eyes as she surveyed the place. Could this boyish young person be looking for something-- or, someone?]

Extra

[Bring Your Own Adventure if you want to divvy things up!]

5

[celebrity_commentator]

Aren't you hot in all that?

[It's a playful question from a girl taking a walk on the beach. She was covered up herself, but only in a light-looking robe and a parasol.]

More importantly, d'you need a hand? You look like you lost something.

5, i almost tagged naoto with vegeta jfc

[punchesyu]

Yo!

[A boy with fawn colored hair jogs up behind Naoto, confused by this whole setup.]

Dude, the water's fine! What are you doing just chilling on the shore here? [Plus this boy Yosuke's found is alone, what fun is that?]

3

[sparkofgenius]

[Well, coming back home was pretty great. Lucca hadn't been home since the Day of Fire, when she'd stumbled across Gonzales, but given that there was a kind of celebration going on? Why not! The great inventor's typing is such that alcohol has, at best, very minimal effects, so she's got an incredibly strong smelling cider in her hands. And a target in mind for her own amusement.

A Calderan in Union clothes? Well, she'd seen stranger things, but not on a day like this. Peering under the shaded awning, Lucca lifted an eyebrow.]

Is that a certain detective I spy? All dressed up like a Unionite?

3

[expertonshutters]

[Not like Hayato was going to turn down a party, especially a Calderan one. Also, he supposed, he owed it to visit home once in a while if he was so intent on staying in Union for his own means. So, here he was, taking pictures and documenting this historic event.]

[He, too, is blissfully sober. Not that he was ever a drinker, but he liked to be recreational in these kinds of instances. He just seems to have a water with him while he takes pictures.]

[He does see Naoto, though. Seeing as they're dressed somewhat similarly, he makes his way over.]

Are you working at a time like this?

[Vague eyebrow quirk.]

Towa Akagi | Go! Princess Precure | Child of Knowledge Unbound - Fire specialty

[almostanthy]

[ 2 ]

Kyaa!!

[ Whether Towa had come out to this pier to assist with the de-birding or not appears to now be beside the point - she's crouching on the wooden planks with a parasol shielding her head, face scrunched up in fear and surprise as the Pokémon dive-bomb all around her. That parasol is no longer spotless, either.

The Wingull appear intent on the remains of a PokéPuff she'd been trying to feed her Torchic. The fire bird hops around indignantly, puffing fire at anything that gets too close - but then it gets chased off with a stream of Water Gun and its prize is left for scavenging.

Behold, the cries of triumphant birds, drowning out the sounds of a dismayed (and frozen in place) young lady. Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! ] Gull! Gull! Gull! Gull!

[ 3 ]

D-did you call that a dance, sir...?

[ Towa is somewhat unsteady on her feet - which is peculiar, since all she's had to drink today is a rather dark (if heady) fruit "juice", and that was only in the interests of blending in with the locals. She also has a bad case of the hiccups, but her chin remains imperiously in the air. This stranger - she's not even certain whether they're from Refuge or Caldera - has just been describing something that they claim to be culture, but... ] Th-that's no dance I've ever [ hic ] seen! Here -

[ Her arms go out, encircling an imaginary waltz partner. ] One, two, three....One, two -

[ Oh dear. She's about to collide with someone. ]

[ 5 ]

[ Someone is playing the violin deep within Verdant Forest. If you follow the melancholy strains of this piece (in a minor key throughout), you'll stumble upon Towa, eyes closed, focused only on her music. The violin she's playing hums with pent-up energy - an Enhanced Item.

She plays the piece to its completion - soulful, cold, sad, yet beautiful - then launches into a quick burst of notes that send embers flying from the violin. ] Scarlet Spark!

[ A puff of smoke, a burst of flame....and the spell fizzles. Towa lowers her violin, discouraged. ] Another failure.

[ Her Torchic hops up and down, spotting the interloper, but Towa remains preoccupied. ]

3

[sexyhitchhiker]

...Oi.

[two hands on your shoulders, keeping you at arm's length. That is, away.] Get a hold of yourself.

[this might be reminding her why she doesn't usually do parties/festivals]

shirou emiya | fate/stay night | far from ordinary

[foamsword]

》 option 1.

[ The word "magic duels" interested the young boy from Caldera. Of course, his old man was a magus - it was something that he kept to himself, since it didn't apply to him, but these types of things always interested him. Looking at the person next to him, he managed to flash a cheeky smile and asked aloud, ]

You know, I wonder if I can do magic someday!

[ ... probably not, since he's no magus, but he can always try, right? ]

》 option 2.

[ When there's help to be found, there is one Emiya Shirou on the job, with his two Honedge at his sides, Kanshou and Bakuya. He's trying to look cool, but it's probably rather difficult for people to tell that he's being a huge tryhard (he really, really is.) as he leads his force of two swords with ease. ]

Okay, let's try not to hurt these guys, we're only trying to chase them off, not hurt them.

[ His two partners nod in agreement before rushing in, causing the small boy to speak two words under his breath. It was one of his few mantras, ones that assured him victory in battle. "Trace, on." If he said those words, he would be able to defeat any adversary, no matter how small. After all, he was a Hero of Justice! ]

Kanshou, Metal Sound! Bakuya, use Fury Cutter! [ And they subsequently raced into action, allowing those moves to activate the moment they left Shirou's lips, though they are definitely aiming for the ground and not the birds themselves unless he really has to.

Hopefully you're not the one getting in the way as some of the birds fly off... ]

》 wildcard

[ Want to play something out that doesn't fall under these two prompts? Hit me up! ]

1

[smitesevil]

[ What was Sanger doing in Sanctuary? He wasn't sure himself. He had been wandering the land and just found himself there for the festival. Never underestimate the ability of a wanderer to be exactly where he's needed. ]

If it's meant to be, you will, but even if it's not, you don't need magic. All you need is a good sword and a strong arm.

[ He taps the katana hanging from his belt with a smile. His sword isn't just a good sword, and he isn't merely strong, but not everybody needs to be as ridiculous as the Sword That Smites Evil. ]

1

[ofpromisedvictory]

[Saber had been spending most of her time in Sanctuary staring at the local food in glum disappointment. Union's cuisine had been a definitive step up from Berries, but this?]

[The comment from the young human next to her got her mind out of the betrayal of expectations and back on the duels she had originally come here to watch, and she blinks.]

This? Well, I suppose it's possible. These battles are a bit showier and slower-paced compared to Pokémon...

[She looks at him a bit more closely.]

Are you native to this city, then?

1

[untalented]

[Waver looked down at the boy, those uttered words providing a welcome distraction from being utterly appalled at the food choices that the vendors had decided upon. Stunlutefisk, he had decided long ago, was one of those dishes that had to be a remnant of an obsolete tradition-- no one who cherished their grandmother's heirloom silver would dare make such a dish!]

....You've got to like books if you really want it, [he replied. A glance was enough for him to tell that the boy currently didn't even have the potential to become one, and that he may simply have been too rough-and-tumble in his mindset, what with his two honedges and all.] But, there's lots of other things you can do too if that's not your thing. It's really not for everyone.

Yu Narukami | Persona 4 | Kindred Soul

[covenantal]

2.

[ Need someone to help with Pokemon? Why, it's like he was born to do this. (Literally.) Unlike many other unfortunate souls trying to deal with the throngs of Flying pokemon, Yu is mysteriously unblemished, his odd mish-mosh of clothes completely clean despite all odds. In fact...

... in fact, there seems to be a Wingull perched on his upraised arm. The pokemon tilts its head at him this way and that, watching him from opposite eyes and occasionally squawking at him. Yu, utterly lost in his own world, seems to be -- talking to it, and occasionally even laughs. ]

I understand. I'm sorry I can't do more.

[ The Wingull merely flaps its wings indignantly before settling down on his arm again. What's up with this guy? ]

3.

[ Despite the abundance of both food and drink present for all to partake in, Yu strangely has none of it. Instead he's wandering through the crowds, a small smile on his face as he largely just observes. His outfit is ... strange. It doesn't mark him as being from any one place. Not from Caldera, certainly, but not from Union or anywhere else either. He sticks out as strangely foreign even among other foreigners.

At certain points, he seems to get strangely overwhelmed, trying to find quiet spots away from all the people. ]

Ah... I guess I'm still not used to this kind of thing.

[ He'll say, apologetically, if approached. ]

5.

[ Union... he's made it back at last. It's been seven years since the last time he set foot here, and he has to take a moment to process all the strange mixed feelings the sight of his childhood home gives him.

Of course, he has no real home here now; just a name and a general idea passed to him a week or two ago by his eager-to-depart parents. My brother works for the guard...

Yu will approach anyone who seems, well, approachable enough, and he's always straightforward and polite, if apparently somewhat out of sorts. ]

Could you point me to the Dojima residence?

5

[bokukotantei]

[Naoto paused in her trek back to her apartment when she heard the stranger's voice, surprised that anyone would be asking her for direction when she had barely maintained residence in the city for a week herself. It was her style, she figured-- she had adopted Union's fashions months ago, and had gotten so comfortable in them that no one recognized her as a Caldera native on first sight anymore.]

Can't say that I know where it's at, myself, [she said, turning around to offer the stranger a friendy smile. In her arms was a bag full of groceries-- food items, basic necessities, and a package of buns from the bakery that were still warm-- Ichiro, the little Ralts who walked alongside her, was busy digging into one while they walked.]

Though, perhaps we can figure it out together. Can you give me any more information that you know about the Dojima family? That might help us determine where to go.

3; i should probably be sorrier than i am

[leadingspirit]

[Taki is several things that might be cause for further unease on Yu's part. He's, for one, enormously tall and obviously Calderan, both from how he dresses and overall just how he looks. Caldera was a bit of a difficult culture to adjust to if you weren't... Calderan. For two, he is also aggressively friendly. Which, on one hand, is better than aggressively unfriendly, but is still probably pretty intimidating when you've got a 6'2" wall of smiles striding toward you.]

[And clapping you on the shoulder if given the opportunity. Possibly handing you a cup of unidentified liquid. Don't talk to strangers, Yu.]

Caldera definitely takes some getting used to! Take your time, have a drink.

[From behind a hand, like it's a secret.]

Even if you're not old enough to drink, we don't mind too much as long as someone's looking out for you.

Valvatorez | Disgaea 4 | God of War (Dark/Dragon/Steel, AU Details still murky)

[arcadianvampire]

-1-

Valvatorez decided that the mage city was worth investigating; what could it hurt to learn more about the world, after all? He carried with him at the festival an air of nobility, though in his interactions he was often humble. On his shoulder perched a single Noibat, his constant companion through all things. He did not bother participating in magic duels; he preferred martial combat if given a choice, but he found them still fascinating to watch. But the food on the other hand? That sausage was... okay. But the fish dish? That makes him wrinkle his nose.

"...Ugh. What I wouldn't give for Finneon based dishes. A much more nutritious and delicious meal." He reached up and offered his Noibat a bite, which it took one smell of and promptly swatted it away with its tiny wings. The man laughed quietly. "You too, then."

He set out to socialize with anyone present and nearby... might as well mingle during a festival.

-3-

Another party, another festival. This time, it's much louder and rowdier thanks to the limitless drinks and food being brought about. Of course, elements of this party were not as civil. On his way out of one of the main revelry sites, Valvatorez was bumped into by a particularly rowdy, drunk, and aggressive individual. The man assessed Valvatorez as a minimal threat, what with his short stature and seemingly weak physique while looking like a stuffed shirt noble, and drunkenly decided to take a swing at him. A foolish mistake, even if the blow landed. Valvatorez was largely unfazed by the attack, however, and returned the favor with a Payback strike. It was enough to send his attacker flying back and knocked him silly, leaving him a groaning mess on the floor.

"Let that be a lesson to you, lad. People are like Pokemon. Size matters little. Be careful what battles you pick."

He continued on his way, crowd generally moving out of his way after that.

-5-

[Open to any prompts you want to run with. For clarity, Valvatorez is a relatively short statured man, only about 5'5'' and thin as a rail. He doesn't look like much, but he's far more than he appears: a great and skilled warrior, and a natural leader. But he also carries plenty of eccentric qualities, is often verbose and hammy, and much more.]

1

[sparkofgenius]

Overhearing that statement made Lucca smile. It definitely had some merit. Whatever that fish...was...it made even her Steel-type sensibilities rankle. It wasn't exactly poison, because she'd drink that all day and not care but something about it was just unpalatable. Maybe the reek. That was definitely a thing that made it all the more unappealing.

"Finneon? Don't think I've ever had it. Does it smell better, too?"

Booker DeWitt | Bioshock Infinite | run-off Gigas solider. Possibly Enhanced.

[dontdewitt]

5 - Lake Shrine

[ He's run so far. He doesn't remember how long. Doesn't remember how many times he's fallen over now, only to force himself back to his feet. He certainly has no idea where he is, only that everything's very green here, and that he doesn't remember being anyplace like this before.

There's a clearing and a lake, and it's awfully slow going to the water while he tries to scan the area for anything or anyone even potentially hostile. Booker in his battered and stained Gigas uniform is plain to see, meanwhile. Plainly injured too, unarmed and alone. ]

4 - Citadel farms

[ Before the work begins in earnest, Booker can be seen at the side, trying to befriend the rapidash they've given him to assist on the job. It's working so far. She's letting him pet her without issue, and it seems like the flames of her mane do him no harm. Seems like he knows his way around these types. He turns when approached. ]

So, we working together on this?

5!

[expertonshutters]

[Hayato wasn't religious, but that didn't mean the Shrine wasn't a calming place to visit. His pokemon liked the place and every once in a while he didn't mind making a trip out for them.]

[It was a nice place to sit and clear his head. He took some of his work out with him and had just approached the clearing when he sees someone already in the Shrine. He honestly doesn't think much of it at first- people come and go through here all the time- but then he gets a better look and starts to bristle. His two Pokemon- Fuji and Goro- flank by his sides.]

[He didn't have a weapon and he didn't have a lot of time to make a plan, but if there were more near by then he needed to do something before they found the city.]

Oi.

[That is not a friendly stance.]

Kanji Tatsumi - P4 - Sanctuary native

[sewdamncute]

2

[The move from Sanctuary to Union had definitely been better for both Kanji and his mother. It was safer, on a whole, and didn't carry with it the stupid stigma of being a non-mage while being an Enlightened that he'd suffered his whole life until the move. No, it was way better now.

So, when the cry for help had come from the Council, the teen figured it was a good way to show his appreciation for his new home's help in getting the hell out from under Gigas's foot. Hence the reason he and his Pancham, Xin, were running down the coast to chase off the dumb bird Pokémon. With some success.

Until Xin's bamboo was stolen and the normally calm Pancham started yelling and trying to reach the one to rip it in half.]

Give that back, you idiot! Now or else!

5

[With the move to Union, Kanji and his mother had had to leave everything behind. And getting situated in a new town hadn't been the easiest. It wasn't the hardest thing, but it was a struggle to begin with.

It did have a lack of assholes harassing his mom though. Huge improvement, in any case.

But now was the day he'd been put outside the new shop to drum up some new business. And try not to scare off potential customers with his abrupt nature. So, he was outside the shop, wearing an elaborately embroidered apron-complete with lace around the edges and trying to act charmimg.

Lost cause, maybe?]

Hey, you. You look like you could use some new clothes. We got everything you want inside. And it's all half-off. Today only.

3

[bokukotantei]

[....it was a terribly odd sight, to say the least. Naoto, busy taking care of her private affairs in the city that afternoon, stopped in curiosity when she had heard word of a new textiles shop opening in Union. She had expected some sort of quaint boutique when she heard that and, although she didn't particularly have any need for anything, was curious enough to investigate.

But, the sight of the gruff young man decked out in the starched fabrics and lace of a noble family's waitstaff barking at passers by to come in was enough to throw her off her guard.

She stopped. It was...quite odd. He towered over her even with her platformed boots, and the get up he was wearing was more suited for someone decidedly more feminine than she was.

Despite herself, her professionalism, and what she understood of manners, it was all she could do to stifle a giggle behind a hand.]

Lulu ❤ League of Legends ❤ Fairy/Dark Child of Knowledge Unbound/Kindred Soul

[suppordle]

2.

[But the Wingull and their parent figures are having so much fun! Lulu should help nicely with the others on shooing them away, but she sits in the middle of a pack with Pix the Spritzee on her head, mimicking sounds and cries of the surrounding birds.]

Mine mine mine mine! Aha! We made really funny friends here! Let's keep them here, Pix!

[Someone might need to reminder her of her job... Then again, she's just a little purple child despite her oddities.]

3.



[There is a barrel among the alcohol barrels of the festival, only it's shaking and there is pink glitter surrounding it. Every time you try to go get alcohol pass it, it moves in front of you. Kick it or whatever movement you do, it moves back.]

Guardian of the good juice! Password please!

[It's open for everyone, of course, but someone just wants to make things interesting.]

3

[indy_wannabe]

No fuckin' way you're old enough to be holding the good juice.