takamagahara | (no subject)

Entry tags:

test drive

(no subject)

TEST DRIVE # 07

Whether you're trying to figure out how your character would fare in this setting, trying to get some samples together, or just dipping your toes in the water, you've come to the right place! The Test Drive is here to make your life easy by letting you see what the game is like without actually joining it first. So here is how it works:

1: Post a starter with your character, including whether they are a god or shinki in the subject line.
2: Act like your character is established enough in the setting to allow your thread to go places.
3: Take on any god/shinki of your choosing, as long as they're not already in the game!
4: Comment around to the other people on the meme.
5: Have lots of fun!

To get you started, here are some ideas for thread-starters! Feel free to come up with your own ideas if these don't strike your fancy, though.

Echoing Endlessly

Many people in the area are complaining about a strange echo following them around. It never seems to go away and, in fact, collects more and more echoes with each passing moment, creating a cacophony of sound. There have been reports of a few people slowly going crazy because of this echoing. It's your job to find what's causing it and put an end to the echoes!

French Frenzy

The new craze has swept over the city! Everything French is so in right now, and everyone wants something newer and Frenchier to make them stand out from the crowd. Just your luck, you happen to have something very French you can peddle - or maybe you can convince someone just how French your very Japanese things are!

Gateway Guardians

A very strange old shinki has left you with a very simple request: guard this door and don't let anyone through. It looks like a totally normal door on a totally normal house! You might be curious to peek through it, but it's locked and you were told not to go through yourself either...

Helping Hands

There's an ayakashi roaming around that is literally just hundreds of hands that randomly grab people and things and move them around before disappearing. The odd thing is that they are... actually doing good things? Maybe it's a scheme to suck people into a plagued afterlife without being caught, or maybe they just really want to help people out.

Irksome Illusions

There's a certain street in the downtown area that has some of the craziest rumors being spread about it. Apparently going down this street will just bring you back to the entrance, but when you turn around to head back you'll only find yourself at the entrance again. Moreover, there are a lot of creepy things that whisper and appear as you walk, more with each turn you make...

If you're uncertain about anything, feel free to check out the Premise, Rules, and FAQ posts. And don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have on the FAQ!
When and if you're ready to join the game, check out the Taken Characters before throwing in a Reserve and starting on your Application
Have fun!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Maybe if he weren't standing there staring at the barrier as it literally breaks, Hazel wouldn't have had to come all the way back! How about that one! He stands back at least while Jae-Ha remakes the barrier, watching the ayakashi behind it with a mixture of worry and distaste. The two of them probably can't take down something like that on their own, and he balls his hands into fists in frustration at that.

Because really, it deserves to be slaughtered like the filthy beast it is, but- here they are. He's so wrapped up in staring at the ayakashi that he doesn't pay attention to Jae-Ha until he's lifted again. Aha.]

You're real keen on makin' friends. [But whatever, he's not complaining this time, even hooking an arm around Jae-Ha's shoulders so he doesn't die or something. He's still looking at the ayakashi...]

Disgustin', ain't it?

[Hmm, he sure is fascinated with that ayakashi, isn't he? Jae-Ha doesn't respond to the friend comment, for once, just focusing on running a bit further for now as he glances back himself. He'd like to get on a more stable rooftop so he can jump higher.

Disgusting, though. It isn't beautiful by any means, but he just thinks of his own leg, and how easily he's heard it is for shinki to end up like that, instead.]

Terribly so. Hold onto your hat, now.

[Here, he takes a small hop to the next, further roof, just in time for the second barrier to break. There's no more time to keep staring at it, so the moment he lands, he kicks off again with his right foot. This time, they're basically flying, and that monster fades quickly into the distance behind them while Jae-Ha looks ahead.]

I pity it.

[Don't make fun of his hat. He will hold onto it, thanks much. Hazel's still watching the ayakashi over Jae-Ha's shoulder as best he can as they gain distance from it. It's repulsive, at best - he figured they'd be distasteful monsters, but that creature's not even close to what he imagined.]

Pity's one word for it. [Surely, being a mindless glob of monster is pitiable. He can agree with that.

also what the hell] This sure is quite the jump!

Does it frighten you?

[He wonders if Hazel grew to dislike these things from what he heard of them, their image now, or if there's some past bias there. He's curious about so many things already, but it would probably be a bit too much to ask so much about a stranger's history when he has no information on his own.

So for now, he just smiles down at Hazel in his arms, holding him close.]

Don't worry. I won't let you fall. [They're going very far away from that thing. He doesn't want to risk it catching up since it was so large.]

Now ain't that a rather personal question? [Carrying him around like a young bride is charming and all, but he's not that open. His reply somehow isn't as cagey as it could be, saying something like that - maybe he just doesn't want to be teased about maybe being spooked by a monster with a ton of limbs. Could be anything!

But anyway, he sure is here, cozied up against some near-stranger and... flying. What does one say in this situation?]

I'll just enjoy the view in the meantime.

[He just looks on innocently at that personal question comment. Hmm, well, that's almost an answer. Maybe!]

It's not a view you'll be able to enjoy with anyone else. You should take it in!

[He sees nothing wrong with enjoying the view. He touches down to another roof just briefly enough to jump again, further still. Hmm, his little friend here got a little bruised up, probably, but it could have been a lot worse.

Still, maybe he should be more careful wandering into things on his own... ...nah.]

I was just aiming to take us far from that spot, but if you have somewhere you'd like to be anyway... [Now is the time to make requests for the Jae-Ha express.]

[little friend, rude. He's going to complain and Jae-Ha's going to owe him drinks to make up for all the running and near-death experiences, but for now, enjoying the view. He'll do that. And the scenery isn't that bad either!! ~~audience laughs~~]

I'm not needed anywhere anytime soon, no. All things considered, it looks like I'm at your disposal, aren't I? 'Til ya feel like puttin' me down.

My, with permission like that, I may just take a detour.

[He's kidding, mostly. Hazel isn't heavy at all, so he can't even tease him about that, so he'll just joke about stealing him away. Surely that's fine to do with someone you've just met.]

What were you doing in a place like that without your shinki?

[Is he being kidnapped? Could be worse.]

Goin' for a walk. [Clearly.... alright.] I heard somethin' wasn't right about that street, and I thought I'd have a look for myself. Wasn't tryin' to catch the beast all by my lonesome, if that's what you mean.

Wandering alone into a creepy place like that alone is just asking for trouble.

[He says, having done the exact same thing. But here, he drops down in the city quite a distance away from the ayakashi's location. This seems as good of a spot as any, so he'll take a few steps after the landing and gently let him down.]

Were you hurt?

[Ah yes, hypocrisy... Hazel's glad to be back on solid ground, still, even if that flight wasn't totally horrible. He takes a moment to stretch a bit, survey how bruised he is, no big deal.]

If the creek don't rise, I'll get away clean with a bruise or ten. [his beautiful skin.....tarnished] How's that leg holdin' up?

Beautifully.

[Well, carrying a person while jumping does tire him out, but they weren't jumping for very long, so it's not too bad. He even does a flashy kick in the air to show off just how well his leg is still doing, see?, before letting it rest back down.

He's still going to glance back the way they come, though. Ultimately, he feels bad they couldn't deal with it on their own, either. Hmm, has someone taken care of it by now? Or should he check on it later, with Yona? It seemed rather large...]

Ah, but now all the action has gone away. It's almost sad.

[He doesn't have to do that with his leg. In fact, he shouldn't do that anymore. Hazel just sort of... ignores that, looking back the same way Jae-Ha is, himself. That monster... He should probably go back that way, later. Just to see.]

Are ya some kinda thrill-seeker? Take the day off.

I'm no more a thrill-seeker than you.

[Well, but actually, Jae-Ha loves thrills. He's just saying, they met up in that spot for a reason. Now, though? He doesn't exactly think he needs to babysit this person or anything, but—]

Aren't you gazing back that way thoughtfully? [He continues to be a hypocrite.] It's best if we leave it to partners who are in the area, so why don't we embrace this newfound friendship and go somewhere just the two of us?

[Call-out post: both of them. Hazel finally tears his gaze away from that direction, mostly so he can smirk at Jae-Ha. Yes, you got him, very good.]

I'm sure there's someone more than capable already handlin' it. [Or dying. Could also be dying. He'll check later.]

What'd ya have in mind? A couple handsome men like ourselves could have free rein of this place if we wanted.

I happen to be a free spirit, so I think we should walk down this street and see where it takes us!

[So, he's going to walk this way, and Hazel should follow him! He makes sure he's following before glancing forward and along the street. Let's see, where could they go? Before he can even take a look at the various stores and buildings, though, he spots... something there, on the street!

He rushes forward the couple extra steps and gestures wildly for Hazel to come over.]

Look at this! [It's... a vending machine.]

[Hazel's never been to modern Japan because Saiyuki doesn't make any goddamn sense so I'm saying as much, but this all looks like a big city to him... bigger than usual, but just a city. But ah, what's Jae-Ha found over here??

It's— it's basic. Is Jae-Ha alright? He might be a shinki, but surely...]

Your spirit's takin' us to get snacks?

These aren't just snacks!

[He places both hands to the vending machine, practically sparkling over how great it is.] Technology is a wonderful thing. Take a look here! If I place coins in this slot here, then I can choose a letter and number to match the one inside... and it will automatically drop it for me!

[Ohhh, does he not understand technology at all? Is he from the boonies, or something? Maybe so... Hazel doesn't recognize his style of clothing, so that could be it. He sidles over to stand beside Jae-Ha at the vending machine, looking at it like it isn't just an ordinary machine he's seen dozens of before. This is kind of endearing...]

Ain't it smart? [smart..... after a moment he produces a coin from wherever he keeps his texan wallet, how did he get this coin? i don't care] Here, get yourself somethin' nice, on me.

[Coincidentally, Jae-Ha had just been patting himself down in search of his wallet. Did he forget it again? He packed one too many knives while preparing himself for that street, and now...

Oh, a coin, offered to him? He looks genuinely surprised for a moment as he takes that coin before smiling.]

How kind. [He doesn't understand that Hazel isn't as amazed... So, he lets the coin dance between his fingers for a few moments as he stares very intently at the machine. None of these packages make much sense... but they're very bright colors. So eventually, he slips the coin inside, picks one, and enters the letter and number combination.

The way he watches the vending machine do its simple work is with nothing less than amazement. And at the end, he glances over to Hazel for his reaction (GREAT, RIGHT?) before bending down to pick it up and hold it between them.]

We'll share this!

[Well, that's a neat coin trick, at least. Hazel really isn't amazed by the vending machine at all, but he is officially endeared by Jae-Ha's enthusiasm for it. He's like a child... It's cute.

So naturally when Jae-Ha looks at him for his reaction he's actually looking at Jae-Ha, but glances at the machine like, oh, yes, very nice. He coughs behind a hand and can't help the sheepish chuckle that escapes him.] Ahaha, how generous!

...It's your color.

[you're kind of one-note aren't you]

In the end, I'm a simple man.

[He smiles very genuinely at Hazel before glancing down at the matcha cookies.] To be honest, I have no idea how they'll taste, since I chose them for the color...

[Well, one way to find out! He opens them, sticks one in his mouth and ponders the flavor as he holds the package over for Hazel to take one.]

They're not bad! Maybe my excitement gave them a bit more flavor. [They're kind of a unique taste.]

[Charming... He figured it was because of the color.]

Well, let's see... [He takes a cookie to try. It could be better, but he studiously does not make a face because Jae-Ha might look disappointed about his crappy vending machine cookies.]

They're one of a kind.

Aren't they?

[Ah, he's so pleased. Hazel was a new face, one he didn't recognize, and he'd been through this city countless times, so clearly that meant he was relatively new. Within the last week or so, surely! Humans were easy to lose track of, but shinki and gods... They stood out.]

Now, you'll have to tell me if you've ever seen something like this before! This way.

[Holding the cookies, he takes another and nibbles on it a bit as he walks, holding out the package to Hazel. Take another as he shows him this magical... bus stop. He sits on the bench.]

If we are lucky, a strange carriage will come any minute to transport us slowly and almost-dangerously through the city.

[What completely ordinary thing will he be shown next? He takes another cookie and very subtly drops it behind his back as they walk. That's enough of those.

And, ah... now they're at a bus stop. Hazel looks at Jae-Ha evenly for a moment - maybe he's being messed with - then hums and looks past him, to wherever they keep bus schedules for this mystery carriage.]

It'll be here in ten, give or take a few. Don't ya ride the bus more than this?