Test Drive #27

[godsoffortune]

TEST DRIVE # 27



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.

Apparition Apparent

Following the ups and downs of their business after the whole Zodiac affair, the fortune tellers of Ginza have searched for another fad to bring in the customers. The old and cheesy is making a revival, and so the fortune tellers have latched onto seances as the next big thing. Trembling tables, knocks on the wall, creepy voices from beyond the grave- all performance art that people will pay big yen for. Or… is it all performance?

Bead Bustle

At the perpetually bustling intersection of Shibuya, someone’s precious bead bracelet has fallen apart. Answer this sudden but intense prayer to recover all the beads and return them to their owner.
Hope you have a bird-like affinity for small, shiny objects, because they’re certain to be thoroughly scattered under the feet of hundreds of pedestrians.

Cattle Cull

It is part of the cycle of commerce: cattle are bred to become beef. One farmer has been struck with melancholy for the fate of the poor beasts, and has asked for divine intervention in choosing which cattle are to die. Be a cattle whisperer and try to divine which beasts are accepting of their fate? Maybe, if it’s all the same to you, at least try to choose the fatty-looking ones.


Delivery Dash

For some reason, a singing telegram business is getting more orders than their small staff can handle! Good for business, so long as the messages can be delivered on time! Button up into your bellhop uniform of choice and head out in pairs on this urgent task to sing messages of all kinds, from silly to serious, to their unwitting recipients. (Just don’t get shot, ok? That’d be unfortunate.)


Epicurean Epidemic

There has been a rash of ayakashi activity in an affluent region of Tokyo. The victims will, out of envy of those around them, start spending money way above their means in order to enjoy grade-A epicurean delights- everything from entertainment to food. Then once the victim starts getting frustrated with their “sudden” lack of money to keep enjoying said delights, the small worm-like ayakashi feeds off that discontent, copies itself, and splits off onto another human.
On the plus side, the copies seem to like staying near each other. On the negative side, over a dozen people have been infected already. Hope you can find and exterminate them all.




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!

Comments

Chise Hatori | Shinki

[frailrobin]

A. Apparition Apparent

[ At this point, the newest seance had just ended. At first it was with the customers rushing out, some disgusted but most startled, as the fortune teller follows after with apologies and attempts to quell their worries. Something to get them back. Though it's not long before they're trying to draw in the next set of pedestrians with the newest shtick. Truly the person walking by must be haunted, and it's imperative that they come inside for the ritual to set the spirits at ease.

Chise comes out, wiping the last of something dark and red from her lips with an even darker hand, catching her breath with some fresh air. ]

If this continues, they'll start to swarm. They really don't notice any of this.


B. Cattle Cull
[ The request had really left the redhead flabbergasted, with the request leaving her unable to question or even protest before they had brought the 'divine intervention' into the mass of cattle. For a while, she'd been staring out before going and, instead of inspecting, petting some of the cows. It's the opposite of what they were meant to do, but some had just nudged her and she couldn't help how her hands were already rubbing behind it's ears. ]

I don't know how we're expected to choose...


C. Delivery Dash
[ Well, singing she could certainly do. It turned out that she actually has quite a talent for it! (Mind, she put someone to sleep in finding out.) So in wanting to help her god, Chise thought to take this prayer upon herself. Which meant donning the costume and getting all of 15 minutes to figure out where to go and deliver the message. Which meant running, though it's the very tip of her shoe hitting a slightly raised edge of a cement panel on the sidewalk that has her crashing into the next person. Which knocks off the hat as her hair starts flying loose. ]

Ah- Sorry! Forgive my clumsiness.

b

[chibisu]

[Don't ask how the young boy by her side has ended up tagging along on this expedition- certainly he's not her god- but here he is regardless! And he has an immediate answer to her question.]

The ones that look like they would sell for the most, of course!

[CHILD...]

[frailrobin]

[ The fact that she could practically see the stars in the boy's eyes is enough to render the redhead speechless for a short time. Until the cow shows some more affection, drawing her out of that and feeling conflicted with the situation. ]

I'm not really sure how I would be able to tell that.

A!

[arcadianvampire]

[Valvatorez nods when Chise speaks, noting the strange coloration of her hand, but initially saying nothing about it. He shifted his weight onto his rear foot, casting his glare at the growing crowd being herded about to inevitably be taken for a ride.]

The nonsense fortune tellers get up to... it used to serve me well. Now, however, this is simply becoming irritating. If it were the old days, I would just scare them all straight and be done with it. Nevertheless, what do you propose we do now?

[Shinki were supposed to be something of a moral compass, after all.]

[frailrobin]

[ Very few know just how far that discoloration ran, if only because no one had really seen further up than her wrist. That was the nature of how her body was upon arrival, however.

What do they do, though? ]

W-Well, something in their seances is attracting those creatures... The ayakashi, right? If we take that away and get rid of the ones lingering, maybe it'll be safer from now on. Though they seem to be enjoying the amount of business it's bringing in, someone is bound to get hurt.

[ They were lucky she had been in the room to chase away what had come up, even if the customers thought the noise she caused was a spirit- Though it wasn't wholly inaccurate, now was it? ]

Qrow Branwen | Shinki

[corvidiocy]

A: Beads

...I'm feeling somewhat insulted,

[Qrow muttered to himself around the flask of.... something that he had brought to his lips as he took a brief break in procuring the many, many beads that had been lost in the streets. Of all prayers-- of all people-- it had to be this one.

And him.

Drawing a deep breath, he overlooked the intersection once again for any sign of any more beads. Some appeared to be caught between the bricks in the walkway. Others still looked like they had fallen down into the sewers.

Just his luck.]

B: Deliveries

[He was half washed out to sea, and it was far too late to try to stop him. Between the requests and the outfit he had been given, the laughter was uncontrollable.

As was his humor. Pity, he smelled worse than a dive bar.]

Hold on, [he said to whomever looked like they'd make a good audience.] I think I have a good one. You see, there once was this plumber from Lee...

[It was a limerick that he had started, but by god was he going to sing.]

A

[revolutionfalcon]

The only reason anyone needs to be insulted is that this person could've just as easily done this themselves.

[As someone also named after a bird, but one not known for its propensity towards shiny objects so much as its ability to catch things very quickly, Shun is somewhat less offended by this. But then again, he doesn't know Qrow to get the name issue there.

He also can't imagine being drunk is going to help, because he sure is making an educated guess at what's in a flask that looks like that.]

Though seeing double isn't going to help you either.

[corvidiocy]

[Being drunk helped plenty with certain things. Coping with chicks who were too sassy for the nest was one of them. Qrow stopped mid-draw at the commentary and pulled back, casting a questioning look between the teen and the flask before shrugging nonchalantly.]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

[He capped the flask and put it aside before withdrawing the small bag he had been collecting the beads in.]

Plenty's been found already, [he explained, shaking the bag so the beads clacked against eachother as he spoke.] That was just a break.

b

[chibisu]

[Sir. Sir stop. Sir it is a small child you are attempting to limerick at. SIR.]

[Still, the boy is listening carefully regardless. He was here checking out something else entirely but, well, he can't help but be curious in what kind of business could possibly be sending its workers out three sheets to the wind.]

[corvidiocy]

[A business that throws a man in a kilt because he has damn good legs.

Still, a tiny person wasn't a proper audience for a bawdy (and dirty) limerick, and upon seeing this Qrow quickly changed his tune.]

Wait. I've got something better.

♫ There was an Old Man in a boat,
Who said, 'I'm afloat, I'm afloat!'
When they said, 'No! you ain't!'
He was ready to faint,
That unhappy Old Man in a boat. ♫

Lin Xianming | Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens | Shinki

[killerskirt]

Bead Bustle
[ What a pain in the ass. Lin is far from pleased at having been roped into this, but he's also not a quitter. Still--This is so annoying. ]

These beads are obviously from some cheap mass produced accessory. Can't they just buy a new one?

Cattle Cull
[ What sort of idiot raise cattle for slaughter if they're not prepared to actually send them off for slaughter? Lin doesn't exactly know a lot about cattle but isn't the ones with the most meat, as long as they're not sick, worth the most and produce the most meat? Thinking that is common sense. Or at least common. ]

Isn't it time to call it quits and sell to someone who's actually prepared to go through with the necessary decisions, if you're not.. This isn't the sort of thing you're supposed to pray about.

bead bustle

[chibisu]

It really does seem to carry a value of a hundred yens worth...

[From his side, a small voice speaks up to Lin. By this point, he probably shouldn't be surprised at random small children speaking to him. With his hands folded behind his back, he leans over to watch as Lin searches.]

I wonder what could have made that person pray so much for it?

[killerskirt]

[ A child? Whatever. ]

Barely.

[ He may have seen beads like this when he was shopping, not very long ago.

Lin rolls a bead between two fingers, holds it up with his elbow leaning against his leg, looking at it---though it looks more like he's glaring. ]

I dunno, something ridiculous like a romance, maybe.

Son Goku | God

[rockthemonkey]

A. Bead Bustle

Ah- don't worry, I got 'em! [By lucky chance, Goku happened to be on the street near the distressed bracelet owner when it broke. He never heard any praying, and he might actually be interfering with a prayer someone else received, but he rushes over to help the person anyway. ] Here!

[He passes the person a handful of beads that landed near his feet before kneeling down again to pick some out of the pavement.]

Man, there's a lot of these... Ah, don't step there! [Watch your feet!]


B. Cattle Cull

[Things Goku was expecting to do today: maybe have a hamburger or something. Things Goku wasn't expecting to do today: stand in a field surrounded by cattle, watching them anxiously as he tries to decide which should live or die.]

But... They all look nice... [Someone doesn't like thinking about where his food comes from. One cow trudges over and nudges him pleasantly with her nose. Goku slowly pets her.] Hey, buddy... Are you tasty? Woah!

[Goku laughs as he gets nudged again, this time in the back by another cow.] Hey, come on! [He'd be happy making friends but at the same time, his stomach growls.]

Man, why can't any of you guys just be jerks or somethin'? [Stop making this hard!]

a

[chibisu]

Whoa- !

[With one foot raised, the young boy Goku is suddenly yelling at freezes abruptly like a good obedient child... only to go toppling backwards with arms flailing.]

[His balance... isn't quite good. There's a reason he can't skip.]

[rockthemonkey]

Shit-

[Language, Goku! But at least he quickly darts up to his feet and rushes forward, just barely managing to catch Ebisu's hand and hold him up before the kid hits the pavement. Beads scatter everywhere. It's a disaster.]

Sorry, sorry! I just didn't want ya to break 'em!

[erogappa]

[ Let's say this is a day or so before he goes to jail? ]

[ If he'd known how much time he'd end up spending tailing low-lifes around downtown Tokyo, Gojyo might have reconsidered his vengeance plan. Or at least invested in a pair of boots with better soles. Today's low-life is no slouch, though. Gojyo's got to give him that. Living people aren't supposed to notice them, but this guy's apparently feeling Gojyo's gaze, because he's broken off his previous course and made a beeline for the busiest intersection Gojyo's ever seen.

Cursing under his breath, Gojyo follows, nearly losing the man a dozen times in the crowd. But just as he's beginning to make up the distance between them, he trips over some kid kneeling on the pavement, and nearly takes a header into the sidewalk. ]

What the...?!

[ He barely spares the kid more than a glance, though. He's fine, there's no blood, that's what he gets for playing speed bump. With a huff, Gojyo turns back, scanning the street for any sign of the man he's been following. In another second, he'll vanish into the crowd. ]

[rockthemonkey]

[Sounds good!]

Ow- hey, jerk!

[Said kid springs to his feet, fists clenched and glaring at whoever just fucking stepped on him without a word. He runs forward, jostling Gojyo's shoulder without really meaning to in his haste to demand an apology.]

Why don't ya watch where you're goin'?

[Geez, he's not even looking at Goku, what an asshole with a terrible haircut-]

b

[sweetdeath]

Hey there, um...

[Tsuzuki leans to one side to try to catch one cow's gaze. The steer stares at him placidly from one big, dark eye, chewing a mouthful of grass.]

So, the whole thing is, you get fed and taken care of until it's time to turn you into steak, you know that, right?

[It's still chewing. Desperately, Tsuzuki forges ahead.]

Do you think you're ready? It's getting to that time, you know, um.

[Why is he choosing which cows live and die!?

The steer swings its head around, looks at him with great seriousness, and sneezes. Loudly. Messily. Half-chewed flecks of grass and green spittle splatter across Tsuzuki's face.

He wishes he knew if that were a yes or no.]

[rockthemonkey]

[Goku watches Tsuzuki for a while, hoping he's somehow cracked the code on how to deal with this situation. He snickers a bit when he gets sneezed on.]

That's so gross! You don't wanna eat that one, you'll get sick!

[Ugh maybe this is why so many monks are vegetarian.]

Valvatorez | God

[arcadianvampire]

1. Bead Bustle?

[A potent prayer called him to the location, and as part of his new duties as a divine being, it would be remiss of him not to attempt to lend a hand. Of course, picking up beads was not exactly what he had in mind when he arrived. Beads, of all things, that a human called out for aid about.

Nevertheless, as vexing as it might be for most to be called for such a seemingly trivial errand, this rather stern and commanding looking man took it quite seriously. He was kneeling down on the walk, shooting glares at people who bumped him while he fetched beads out from around peoples' feet. After pocketing what had to be fifty beads, he rose up and quickly turned, red eyes darting around looking for more.]

I know there are more of you! Show yourselves now!

[...Because that's obviously productive. He turns to whomever else came to answer this prayer.]

Come now, we have many more left to find!

Cattle Culling

[As bizarre a request as this was, investigating cows to figure out which were best suited for the slaughter, it was one Valvatorez found himself surprisingly at ease with. He rather calmly passed through the pastures looking over each cow with a critical eye... enough that many of the otherwise dim animals became rather unnerved.]

These beasts are actually well taken care of. Scarcely a one that is infirm or feeble. Hmmm... making choices will not be so simple.

[Some actively avoided him as he marched through the field. At one point though, a bull, perhaps spooked by Valvatorez's very nature, stomped the ground, lowered its horns and charged at him. You might want to warn him about it. Or don't. It'll be fine, right?]

3. Epicurean Epidemic

[Fortunately, it appeared to be a large part of this infestation of evil spirits was quarantined to a single major club. Valvatorez had already made it inside, and was observing his quarry from a distance. He turned to the other individual with him.]

How best do you believe we could draw out these ayakashi? They cannot be allowed to siphon any more negativity. We must be decisive.

1

[badassfreakingoverlord]

[In perhaps one of the Far Shore's stranger twists, turning to glare only spots a strange spot in the crowd where the pedestrians rise up as if stepping onto a hill, before they tread on past, heedless of whatever they might have trod upon.]

[And what, exactly, is that thing they're stepping on?]

[It's totally a Prinny.]

Hey, I'm working on getting the beads, but this kind of sucks, dood.

[arcadianvampire]

[Valvatorez turns an eye toward the source of the voice.]

No excuses! Regardless of however much this task may suck, slacking off will not be tolerated! You know the rules!

[Or if you don't, he'd be happy to recite them. All of them. Again.]

How many have you recovered so far?

Beads

[trademark_skull]

...They're beads, they can't hear you.

[Says another god whining at the rear. It had already felt like they been searching for these beads for hours. Maybe it had been hours? Honestly he lost track of time.]

[Surely they found all of them by now, or enough that nobody will notice the difference. Who really cares if a few more beads were missing?]

[The tiny demon just wants to go back home.]

3! Pardon the lateness~

[bakukatsu]

This mission requires some creative thinking.

[ They make an odd pair, these two but that's what happens when gods and shinki are paired up by random roll. But surely there were more terrifying things in the Netherworld than some dude with mouths on his palms.

Mouths that happen to be slobbering as he fiddles with the white clay that comes from them.

His fingers are quick, shaping the clay into small white balls the size of beads. In no time, he has a bunch of them in one palm and the smallest smirk on his face. ]

Just say the word and I'll dazzle them with my art. That should be enough to draw them out.

[ But if Valvatorez were to recall from this shinki's death, anything made from Deidara's clay explodes. Probably not the best course of action if all you're aiming for are the ayakashi. ]