October-November Test Drive!

[indigo_league]

TEST DRIVE MEME

➞ Post with a character you wish to test drive in this game's setting.
➞ Tag other people's starters and thread out shenanigans!
➞ Invite your friends! Try out new characters! Come play with us!
➞ Have fun!


NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR TEST-DRIVE JOURNEY?
CHECK OUT ALL THE LOCATIONS WE HAVE AVAILABLE IN:

JOHTO | and | KANTO

ALSO, AS PROMPTS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, and in the spirit of Halloween: August's GHOST TRICK event!

O-Bon festival: The streets are lined with NPC-run stalls for food, games, and the assorted tchotchkes of every summer festival you’ve ever seen in your animes! There’s Goldeen Scoop, heaping cones of Swirlix Candy, Test Your STRENGTH (there are two different machines for people and Pokémon; HM04 not required); basically, if you can think of it, it’s there. There will also be a yukata rental stall if you want to go full hog on the cultural side of things. Ecruteak boasts a small stage where the Kimono Girls give a short performance once every two hours; the festivities in Lavender Town are a little quieter, but they also have Haunter-shaped ice cream treats. When you lick them, they Lick you!

On the last evening of the festival in either location, there will be a large bonfire and traditional bon-odori dance in which everyone is welcome to participate. In Lavender Town only, they also set paper lamps afloat in the water past the cliffs.

Who you gonna call?: Remember “The Ghost of Maiden’s Peak”? Well, some of the local Gastly, Duskull, and Yamask seem to have gotten it into their heads that this kind of tomfoolery is somehow good medicine. If your trainer had someone in their life, someone now dead, that they have unresolved business with, these ghosties may take it upon themselves to play a little dress-up and follow your trainer around in the guise of said dead person until the issue is resolved. It’s their way of saying thank you for all the spiritual appeasement of the festival.

These ghosts won’t speak; Pokémon don’t talk, after all. So yes, your trainer is going to be followed around by some silent echo of their past who will not leave them alone.

Or, of course, write your own!

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Comments

[smoothkreminal]

That's a fancy title. I just named mine after my maul. His head kind of looks like rock on the end of it anyways. [He laughs. Not too creative, but it works. It seems to like it anyways.] Smash isn't quite so refined. Shorter is easier to remember on the battle field. Flop would probably be his field name.

[Krem smiles at the cute little pokemon though, nodding to him.] Is he courting her then? My, that's far above his station. What a lad.

[purramedic]

It is, as a matter of fact.

[The Pokemon and its trainer tilt their heads at almost the same time. Somebody put them on one of those lists of people who look like their pets.] So where is this little one? With you, I assume. Perhaps he'd like to make a friend, if a bit of a naughty one.

[smoothkreminal]

He's playing with his club, just a second.

[Krem turns away from the camera and calls to the little Cubone, the pokemon toddling over obediently, if a little shy once it gets to the camera. It peaks over the gear and just it's nose and eyes can be seen.]

They can't bite you through the screen, Smash. It's alright. Sorry, he's a little shy.

[purramedic]

Sweet little fellow, aren't you? Listen, Smash, you look after this young man and he'll look after you. Isn't that right, Flopsy?

[The good Esquire smiles at the camera and gives a friendly purr and a little wave.]

[smoothkreminal]

[The Cubone blinks at Anders and Flopsy, considering it and then up at Krem, giving off a soft 'Cu?'. Krem pats his little bone head in response.]

He'll come into himself soon, I'm sure. Just needs some confidence. [Krem grins and shakes the bone in the little thing's hand playfully, a gentle sort of rough housing.] S'weird being chief. I'm used to second in command. Perhaps he should be my lieutenant instead of Smash.

[purramedic]

[Grinning at the prospect, he gives a light shrug.]

"Lieutenant Smash" would be quite the name. My, just hearing that would scatter your enemies.

[smoothkreminal]

Oh i don't know about that. Its easier when you've got a big idiot running in front with giant horns. That scatters them easy.

[Makes the rest easy picking if they're not prepared for the Iron Bull.]

Perhaps he will once he gets stronger.

[purramedic]

[Two guesses what kind of person that sounds like.]

You never know. He could sprout a ten-point rack when he evolves.

-- They do that, by the way. Start glowing, change shape, get bigger and stronger. I haven't seen it yet, personally, but that's what I've heard.

[smoothkreminal]

[Krem laughs.] That'd certainly get the chief jealous if he did and he could see it. He doesn't really look like the kind of creature who would have horns like that though. Or Antlers.

[He'll consider Smash though, leaning over and picking him up to hold him against his chest, the little Cubone pleased with this, even if he was shy for the camera, resting his head against Krem's shoulder.] He might get upset if I couldn't carry him. Hopefully he won't get too big.

[purramedic]

[At the sight of the two being so cuddly, Anders could almost forget the potential danger he's in. Of course, he doesn't want to be obvious about it...]

You seem capable enough, either way. You were a soldier where you came from, yes? What sort, if you don't mind my asking?

[smoothkreminal]

[Krem would flex for the camera, but even if he's talkative, he might be a little too shy to actually do so even after Ander's compliment.] I was for a few years, yes. Served in Tevinter, though that didn't last as long as I would have liked. Left my service and the country and got picked up by a Qunari of all people near the border.

Been with the Chief ever since. Mercenary work suits me just fine I've found. It pays well and we don't do anything you would be too ashamed to tell a good story about. Had a good job before I showed up here anyways. Good fights for a good cause and all that. And that's all a man could ask for, I think.

[purramedic]

[Well, that's a bit clearer, enough for him to stop worrying quite so much. He definitely doesn't want to assume every mercenary and bounty hunter in Thedas isn't after his head, though.]

You seem a good man.

There's a distinct lack of mercenary work in this world, but no shortage of battles, though those are reserved mainly for the Pokemon.

[smoothkreminal]

All you can do is try to be. No ones perfect. Especially if you're Tevinter. [He grins at the self depreciation, like it should be there in the absence of the person who would have said it instead.]

I can make a life here as long as I'm around though. This little guy needs me to take care of him anyways, and if I can't fight I guess I'll sew. My father was a tailor, taught me things here and there. I'm sure there's coin in that. Just need a bit to get started is all.

[purramedic]

[The way this man seems to grin and bear every obstacle about being here actually brings a smile to Anders' face.]

You're quite optimistic. Most take a while to come to terms with this place. I am glad Smash has a friend in you.

[Who knows, maybe one day he can commission the guy for an actual fucking robe.]

[smoothkreminal]

You can't just give up when you've got people relying on you. Or I suppose a Pokemon. Jobs not done at home, but it isn't like I know how to get myself back anyways. Even if I were a mage, I don't think it'd be much help here. From what I've heard and seen, we're all just...regular humans here. Odd, isn't it?

[That just people, no magic, no elves, no Qunari. That would be the norm that was set here.] I wonder what the chief would look like without his horns...he'd probably still have a big head and walk around with his gut and his pillowy man bosoms hanging out all over the place. Maker have mercy on us all...

[purramedic]

[He frowns again, in truth, more confused than worried.] It... is very odd, yes.

[Though he scoffs and chuckles again soon enough, his suspicions confirmed.] A Qunari turned human... That would be a sight. Your chief sounds like quite the character. Most Qunari I've met were... a bit bland in personality, let's say.

[smoothkreminal]

He's different, I'll give him that. In standing out he blends in though, at least that's what he likes to say. You see him and you think he's this big, dumb idiot, but he's got sharper eyes than any Dalish hunters. Sit in a room with him, and while he's smiling and talking with you, he'll have thought of ten different ways to take you down if you turn on him before the first glass empties.

[It's clear in how he talks he has a very highly regarded respect for the man, and his smile is soft, thinking about him.] Most Qunari you'd think were heartless bastards, but the chief at least has that going for him. Dunno where he learned it from with all that ass backwards Qun shit, but he's got it in there somewhere.

[Though now that Anders has revealed that yes, he knows exactly what he's talking about, he'll gently bounce his Cubone while standing like one might for a baby or small child and turn the question right around.] What about you then? You know Qunari, you didn't ask about Tevinter so I assume you know of it. What did you do in Thedas before?

[purramedic]

Very impressive, indeed. You sure he isn't just a very tall man wearing fake horns? [His tone is mostly teasing; clearly it would be unwise to insult this chief.]

Ah, yes. You'll forgive me for not being very forthcoming. One... never knows how a foreigner might react to a lowborn Fereldan farm boy. [Yeah, sorry, buddy, that's all you're getting -- you seem like a decent guy, but how nice can you really be?]

[smoothkreminal]

[Krem snorts, shaking his head.] With as much bullshit that comes out of his mouth, I'd say he was a genuine oxman.

[That and human men don't come in the same shape and size as The Iron Bull. No human woman could have birthed that and lived most probably.

Still, at his confession, Krem shrugs. He might not completely buy it, the look of the man on the other side of the screen doesn't have the look about him of 'farm boy', but perhaps that's because he's been around so many lately in the quality of some of the volunteers the inquisition gets.] You don't have to worry about me. I might be from Tevinter, but they've got their poor as well. Soporati are the regular non-mage citizens. We either do well enough for ourselves or eventually sell ourselves into slavery. Not everyone in Tevinter drinks blood from goblets and can afford hundreds of slaves to serve them peeled grapes, promise.

[purramedic]

[Some of that is relieving to hear, but it's... interesting, to say the least. Anders' hand may instinctively stroke across a sleepy Floppington's scruff just to busy itself.]

You would willingly submit to slavery when you have a choice?

[smoothkreminal]

[There is a little something further back that is hard to see in Krem's eyes at Ander's question. It isn't something he hasn't heard, but it still bothers him from time to time.] When you get to that point it's not really a choice, but survival. My father sold himself into slavery when he was put out of business by a Magister's initiative to try and clothe the poor.

It kept food on the table for my mother and I. When I was old enough, I enlisted and most of my coin went to her.

[Even if her plan had been to marry him off, but that hadn't been his plan for his own life, and being stubborn helped win out against her at the very least. It's better to live your life as a lie you enjoy than be stuck in one you hated he supposed.]

[purramedic]

[Anders' face is grim, but he tries at least to understand. He may not have much of a worldview outside of the mages' plight, but he needn't knowingly be outright offensive for no reason, and this is clearly a sensitive subject.]

I am... sorry your family was forced into such a position.

[smoothkreminal]

[Where he is now, Krem wasn't really sure what became of his mother. He sent coin now and again, but being a fugitive from home meant that he couldn't easily keep in contact, not that she was all that happy with him in the first place. Part of him wondered if his letters and gold were ever received or if she herself had gone into servitude to keep afloat after the what had happened.

In any case, there was no use dwelling on things that couldn't be changed. He wasn't angry, and as much as he's sure that Anders means well, he doesn't feel he needs it. If Anders wanted to give him sympathy, that was his perogative if he himself needed it.] It's different from what you're used to down south, though I'm sure you all have your struggles, even if they go by different names and faces.

If you asked an Altus or a Magister, it wouldn't sound so desperate. They're fed and clothed. They'll survive. Everyone has struggles, you've obviously faced your own as well. It isn't anything to be sorry for. I'm no slave, I'm no magister, I'm living my life as I want to and that's good enough for me. If I can afford wine at the end of the day, that's a bonus.

[purramedic]

[He gives a solemn nod.] Yes, I suppose you're right.

[Brighter notes, then.]

Well, if it's wine you're looking for, you'll be glad to know it's inexpensive here. Everything is, really. Though the tavern nearest you is ten days' walk at a reasonable pace.

[smoothkreminal]

[For both their sakes, it's best they probably change the subject anyways, and he's always willing to talk about Wine. Better than water, almost better than sitting on the back of a chair.]

Now, I was just about to thank you for the good news, but a ten days march is nothing to sneeze at... [Though it would be a good stamina training regiment for his little Cubone. Not that the Chargers marched like any sort of soldiers, but most of them were pretty good at what they did and Krem was always ready for a good long march if needed.] I guess if it's that far away, it'll just taste sweeter when I get there.

You try anything particularly good? Any recommendations?