TEST DRIVE MEME: DECEMBER + JANUARY 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 The end of the year means Salvation holiday is in full swing in Union. This month long celebration means that houses, businesses and other establishments are decorated to the nines in garlands, ornaments and other fineries, and that retail establishments are sure to be swamped. There is an outcry for helpers around these various shops, and while jobs here do not necessarily pay well, the discounts on goods cannot be beat. Just beware of difficult customers...

#2 With the biting cold settling in most places, Caldera has seen a sudden influx of visitors. Something about being in extremely close proximity to a volcano seems to have some kind of appeal, and places are packed. But what does that matter to tourists? It’s warm, the food is good, and the crowds in the business district aren’t nearly as cut-throat. Residents of the city, however, might get a bit fed up with the sudden surge in (temporary) population. Caldera wasn’t meant to take so many people.

#3 Whereas most of the countryside is barren during this time of year, Citadel stays green despite the cold temperatures. With snow-like blooms speckling its branches, the tree that houses this settlement is a go-to place for people looking for a bit of spring in the middle of winter. Unfortunately, however, with flowers come allergies, and those not used to the blooms (and even some who are) may find themselves a bit more congested than usual.

#4 Glacier is a frozen wonderland this time of year. Literally and figuratively. The place is about 70% ice normally, and the winter bite has opened up a number of “interesting” (see: suicidal for anyone with any remote cold intolerance) activities. These include ice fishing (both with a pole and, for the brave at heart, ice noodling), speed skating, luge and the annual Beartic Swim. We hope you brought your swimsuit and a thirst for adventure!

#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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[That was months ago, Mami! Sure, things would never be one-hundred percent, but she can't honestly think that anyone hanging around any part of Citadel's territories to stay in one place for very long. Besides-- he had other things on his agenda.

Like getting to Union, and maybe making a few bucks along the way.]

Ah-- Mami! [Lowering his simplistic pipe, he grinned at the young woman. This was an unexpected, but not unwelcome, surprise.] Who wouldn't look around this place? It's actually pretty warm compared to everywere else right now.

[Warm enough that he could go around in his loose, comfortable clothes instead of messing with multiple thick layers to accomodate the season.]

Besides that, the food's pretty good. And it' fun harrassing the cooks.

[Mami nods to him.] It is quite warm here. I don't mind that, sometimes, even if I'm more than used to the cold.

[Citadel native and whatnot. It's colder up north.]

The food here is quite nice. Though, I hope you've not come here only to harass the cooks. [She winks.] Or compete with them! What brought you to Caldera, anyways?

Actually? I'm trying to learn a few things from the locals, if you wanna buy that.

[He grinned right back at her, playing right along.]

'Sides, I'm just passing through. Some of us here still have to travel on foot!

Ah! Branching out into other cultures' cuisine, then. I approve!

[She raises a hand to her mouth, politely covering her laughter.]

I suppose I'm lucky. You had no trouble reaching here?

Nah. I tagged along with a caravan heading out this way. Its amazing what people will put up with when you offer to make them food!

[His grin twisted into something a little more sly. Bragging about getting what was essentially free passage through the wilderness wasn't too far beneath him either. In times like this, people needed to adapt to whatever circumstances they were dealt.]

Food is an effective means of bribing people.

[She smiles at that. Still, she can't help but lecture a little; it's in Mami's nature to do so.] I'm glad. The terrain between here and Citadel can be quite dangerous on your own.

Ain't that always the case?

[He chomped down on the bit of his pipe once again so he could have his hand free and started digging around in the folds of his clothes-- as if looking for something.]

I'm actually planning on headed south of here to-- what's that place called again? Union? I ran into someone strange, and I was thinking someone there might help with it.

[And came up with a Litwick in his hand to punctuate his sentence. The little ghost blinked up at Mami before letting out a long, sleepy yawn that earned a pointed look from Kon himself.]

It's this little guy. I'm not sure where he came from, or how he ended up so far east. They're not really something that's native to that area.

Union? I'm quite familiar. It's a nice place and well worth seeing for yourself.

[Mami nods; she smiles, then, and tilts her head to the side. She waves at the Litwick; very interesting, that. She's not surprised, really -- she's bonded with many a Pokemon, after all.]

[She'll need to, if she wants to be Matriarch.]

Hmm. Very interesting! They might be able to help. They have Windblessed who can communiate with Pokemon quite well. I wonder how he got out there, though...

Who knows? That's the real mystery right now.

[The little Litwick waved back with a shy squeak. He didn't mean to cause so much trouble-- honest.

Placing the Pokemon on his shoulder so he had his grasp free, Kon continued.]

I've heard that 'bout Union too, that why I decided to come out. I also heard there's a bunch of psychic and ghost typed people who can help me with a few other problems I've been having.

Hopefully, they can help you identify it.

[She smiles at the Litwick, then she looks up at Kon, and nods her head.]

There's an entire section of the town with Ghost-types. I think they'll be able to help. Ah, and it's an interesting place to see, too, while you're there.

Yeah, that's another thing I was thinking-- it might be neat to see how people who grew up with this spend their time, and it might be another thing to learn. Cooking and odd jobs are fine and all, but they're just ways to make some bucks. This? Might be something worthwhile.

Hm, a wise idea! I know little enough about that... but nonetheless.

[She nods.] Using your powers for a living is always wise. Windblessed were given their abilities to use them, I think.

Yeah, I've heard that one, too. And I can't really ignore it anymore. If I thought the Windblessed in Citadel could help, I'd have stayed there...but I thought coming to a place with history might work out better.

Mm, yes. And I think traveling is good for you, anyways.

You just saying that because you're a traveller yourself?

[He grinned, clearly teasing the young woman.]

I prefer to think of it as speaking from experience.

[She winks.]

Hey, experience is the best teacher-- and I was getting a little bored out there. Going to the big city's gotta be a good way to shake loose of that problem.

I couldn't agree more. And Union certainly feels larger than Citadel, too.

[Citadel was more of a hub for herders that grew into a city, after all. Union's... well, a full-fledged city.]

Though, I miss the tree and the rest.

There's no shame in going back and visiting. Maybe once the weather warms up a bunch of us can head that way on a trip.

Ah! A fine plan, Kon. We should do that. Not that I mind winter travel, but... let's not do it unless we must.

I don't mind it either-- only 'cause it gives me excuse to drop by places like this and hang around, but not everyone's gonna be so easy going.

Spring's still a couple months off that far south, right?

Oh, yes. The Calderans, for instance, despise such weather.

And yes, quite correct! It will be warm soon enough there.

Then we can plan it for the spring or summer. Sound like a deal?

Perfect. I like the idea. We should mention to others, as it grows closer.

Test Drive Meme (December + January)

TEST DRIVE MEME: DECEMBER + JANUARY EDITION

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