Test Drive - October Edition

[rekindlemods]

The October Test Drive! Trying to see if a character will fit or work in the setting? Need some interaction samples? Well this meme is for you! Make a post, tag around, and most importantly, have fun! Here's the setting page for those who want to learn a little more about the city itself. And don't forget to go reserve your character, GO GO GO.......

Here's some prompts to help you get started, if you need it:

Option 1

[ With the return of fall comes somewhat cooling temperatures and the phasing out of all summer clothing from the shops. There's an assortment of colder-weather clothing being put up; sweaters, jackets, scarves, gloves, boots - you name it, and it's visible in the mannequins out on display. With the return of fall also comes the return of the fall sales - all store managers are offering discounts for those that come in to purchase in pairs. ]

Option 2

[ With the changing out of the summr clothing to fall also comes the shift from the fresh fruits of summer to the gourds, apples, and warm spices of the season of harvest. Cinnamon and nutmeg can be smelled wafting from cafe's and coffee shops, tempting anyone passing by to come in and sample the wares. Like the clothing stores, they are offering a discount for those that purchase in groups of two or three. ]

Option 3

[ There seems to be another festival in the works, if the stands being erected in the Fourth District are anythign to go by. There still seems to be a lot of work to do, and the citizens would love it if a helping hand or two were to be offered. One stand that seems to be fully erected and hard at work is one dedicated to carving what looks to be the Saeng Seong equivalent of a pumpkin into traditional lanterns. There are still a number of these gourds waiting to be carved, and once again the citizens would be delighted to have any number of volunteers aiding them with the task of carving. ]

Option 4

[ Fall in Saeng Seong also means rain; lots and lots of rain, usually from out of nowhere. Luckily, the city is used to this phenomenon, and has had several small awnings built in strategic locations around the city for waiting out the wet spells that hit so frequently. They're only big enough for two or three people to take shelter under with moderate comfort, but that doesn't seem to bother anyone. Hope you don't mind sharing the space with a stranger for the duration of the weather, unless one of you had the foresight to bring an umbrella. ]

Option 5

[ Whoops. Looks like you haven't taken the cautionary words of the other NPCs to heart, or maybe you just wanted to take your chances. Either way, the withdrawal symptoms have started and you need to find someone to hug quickly before you get even more sick.]

Option 6

[If there's something else you wanted to play with, that you didn't see here, then have fun with that. You've just arrived in a strange city, after all. There's got to be plenty to explore out and about, not to mention people to meet.]

Comments

Manolo Sánchez | The Book of Life

[playsfromtheheart]

4.

[Accompanying the sound of rain, anyone who decides to walk by one of the many awnings might hear the strumming of a guitar. It sounds like someone who got stuck in this dreary weather has decided to put on a show for anyone who wishes to wait the shower out with him.]

Did you stand there all alone?
Oooohh I cannot explain what's going down
I can see you standing next to me
In and out somewhere else right now
You sigh, look away
I can see it clear as day
Close your eyes, so afraid
Hide behind that baby face

Do do doooo do do doooo

You can go all night
Looking for the answers in the pouring rain
You wanna find peace of mind
Looking for the answer

[The strumming continues and it doesn't look like he's leaving anytime soon, in fact he looks more than happy to stay put and entertain the people who are coming and going.]

[thepoweroflove]

[Guess who doesn't own an umbrella? Well, to be honest, probably a lot of people, but they don't matter. What matters now is Marty. He curses himself on not being more prepared for the rain as he uses his jacket as a makeshift jacket and dashes to find some shelter. Preferably one that had heating in it as well.

However, as he runs past a particular awning and hears music, he almost immediately stops to return to it. Music is more important than the possibility of catching the cold obviously. Marty waits for Manolo to finish singing before congratulate him. (He would also applaud but his arms are too busy holding up the jacket right now.)]

Wow, you're amazing!

[playsfromtheheart]

[Manolo would argue that the people do, in fact, matter. It's the whole reason why he's doing this in the first place, to bring a little joy on an otherwise gloomy day. He can already tell it's working, if the people who've passed by earlier weren't clue enough, is that perhaps a smile, sir?]

Ah, thank you!

[His tempo increases until he finally stops for now, seeing as it looks like he's having a conversation. Sliding over slightly, he gestures towards Marty to move in closer under the awning so he doesn't have to keep holding his jacket up like that. It's the cuddle city, after all, he's got to start welcoming this...closeness.

Yes, he realizes he's kind of wide and takes up a lot of the space. He's trying.]

Please, you're more than welcome to join me.

[thepoweroflove]

[Well Marty was trying to avoid those things because, while they did protect you from the rain, didn't seem like the most comfortable option for shelter, especially since his apartment was another option. However, this guy did seem pretty cool and t probably wouldn't hurt to get out of the rain sooner.

So Marty nods at the offer and drops the jacket to the side, it being kind of useless as a way to warm himself up now, and enters the awning. The fit was a little awkward with how bulky Manolo is, but luckily Marty's tiny enough that it's not uncomfortable.]

Thank you.

[Marty almost immediately starts shivering as he gets out of the rain, but tries to ignore it. Besides, he was too annoyed at the situation to care too much about dying of cold.]

Christ, I wish they told us about how rainy it was when we got here.

[playsfromtheheart]

[He'd try to be smaller for his new friend, but it seems to be impossible at the moment. So, awkward it is!]

Well, we know now. [If a shrug could be friendly, he somehow made it happen.] There's not much we can do but wait and prepare for next time.

[It's just rain, after all. Now, if it was really bad, he could see a reason to complain. It's not like the rain has any connection to anything terrible happening in his life - oh wait.

Well, regardless, he begins to idly strum at his guitar.]

So, seeing as we might be here for awhile, let's get the introductions out of the way. My name is Manolo Sánchez.

[And right on cue, the strumming stops and he offers his hand, inches away from Marty's face.]

[thepoweroflove]

I guess, but it doesn't really make being this wet any more fun.

[Manolo you are not the one who is soaking wet right now, of course you can't complain.]

I'm Marty McFly. [Awkwardly shakes the puppet man's hand.] Actually I'm a musician too.

[playsfromtheheart]

[Um, pardon you, you think he predicted this storm and ran for shelter before he got wet? I mean, he's good, but he's not that good.

But details, right now Manolo can't help but grin when Marty mentions he's a musician. He won't even bring up his bizarre name, that's just how excited he is.]

Are you? [Just look at all that joy, it takes everything in him not to squirm.] Tell me, what do you play?

[colourist]

[Thankfully, wearing armor shielded you a lot from rain--it wasn't something she was very used to, actually. While Lothal was their base of operations, it was usually fair weather, and whenever it wasn't, they seemed to be out in space on some errand for Fulcrum. Still, that didn't make the rain pattering against her visor any easier to see, as she frustratingly walks through the streets of Saeng Seong.

That is, until she heard someone singing. That was another thing rare in the galaxy. You'd hear it occasionally in the local cantina, but with the Empire's clutches as tight as they were...

Music just didn't quite ring as clearly.

This, however, was different, and catches her attention as she looks to the side, under the awning.

What an interesting man...]

Hey, not bad...

[A hand goes to her hip as she looks at the shelter the awning gave, hurrying under to save herself from any more annoying droplets. It'd be a good place to clean her helmet, that's for sure.]

Good to know someone can keep their spirits up in this weather.

[But she figured she should at least give him something for that kind of performance. He seemed to deserve it, in her eyes. A hand goes into her pocket, pulling out a single credit from her homeworld. Sighing.]

Guess this won't do you much good. I don't think there's any exchange around here.

[playsfromtheheart]

[That's certainly some...peculiar armor, but considering all the other things he's seen? Probably not a big deal. In fact, he admires the colors, they're...exciting. He gives the stranger a smile, much like he's been doing with anyone else who's stopped by, but finds his expression dropping when she hands him...what is that exactly?]

Oh, no, I cannot take this.

[His playing stops for now as he tries to return it to her, unsure what he'd even do with it. It's a kind gesture, certainly, but the last thing he needs is payment.]

I don't mean to offend you, but my music is free.

[The last thing he wants is to look like he's begging, especially considering he takes up so much of an already limited space. That's like, forced begging or something.]

[colourist]

[It's more surprise than offense, smiling under the helmet as she pockets it. He truly was just doing this because of his love for it. Not...many like that where she's from.

In a way, it reminded her of her homeworld...]

Well, then you'll just have to accept my compliments.

[Her arms reach up to lift that helmet off, shaking the bangs out of her eyes as she smiles.]

It's been awhile since I heard something so...

[she snaps her fingers, trying to think of the right phrase.]

from the heart.

[playsfromtheheart]

[Manolo had a feeling there was a lady under that helmet, and it just warms him somewhat to see he's right. In a small way, it reminds him a lot of María, she wasn't into those 'traditional' norms either. It was just something about strong women...

At her compliment, he practically lights up. Well, if he wasn't reminded of María before, he certainly is now.]

That is exactly what I go for.

[He's like an eager little puppy; if he had a tail, it'd be wagging. Excitedly, he strums a few chords to emphasize his point.]

Thank you so much. That means more to me than all the money this city has to offer.

[colourist]

[She sees him light up, surprised that the rain didn't just dissipate from his mood alone. Apparently, she couldn't have phrased that any better, which is just fine by her.

In fact, it gets a small smirk on her lips too, arms folding across her chest. Yep, he's definitely got some Mandalore spirit. Or what she read of it.]

Anytime. Seems like compliments are few and far inbetween these days, no matter what place we're thrown into.

[A question she still needs answered, actually. She listens to him strum a couple more seconds before glancing around, head bobbing slightly.]

Speaking of...do you know exactly what city this is? I couldn't place it on my own maps.

[playsfromtheheart]

[A look of concern crosses Manolo's face, surprised by her question.]

Didn't you get the letter?

[He gestures to his side, like there's supposed to be a table there. Maybe it's different in other rooms, but he definitely remembers a little table with a letter. Without it, he can only imagine how confusing this could be for anyone.]

Ohh... I'm so sorry, you may not like my answer.

[spacejackaroo]

[You ever smell a wet Lasat? It smells a lot like a wet shaven Wookie. Don't know what a wet shaven Wookie smells like? Me neither. Point is, it smells not too good.

That aside, Zeb's mood matches the dark clouds on account on getting caught in the lousy rain. And boy let him tell ya, the rain makes him wish he wasn't so fuzzy.

It's ironic, like rain on your wedding day. Or the good advice that you just didn't take.

But references aside, Zeb passes by to catch the singing. And while sure he's what one would consider one that appreciate of the arts, he has a sarcastic comment or three.]

Is the answer a cloak?

[playsfromtheheart]

[There are certainly some interesting people in this city, but it's not like that's bad. In fact, Manolo happens to find it very exciting. Hell, even if this man smells awful, that doesn't make him any less of a man.

He stops playing for a bit, blinking once or twice at his question, until beaming like a goof. Oh, it's a joke. ...Or he at least hopes it is.]

Ha, I suppose it could be! [A chuckle.] Until then, how about we settle for this?

[He points up at the awning and scoots himself over to the side to make enough room for his soaked acquaintance.]

There's plenty of room for two.

[spacejackaroo]

[Yeah yeah exciting, sounds like another word for cold. But considering how he deals with obstructive kids and smarter-than-thou team dads, Manolo's brand of big dumb goof feels a little refreshing.

Yeah joke, that's exactly what he meant.

He hesitates for a second because does he really wanna share space with a stranger like this. A second is all he needs given the rain. Yeah, he likes to avoid the rain.]

Alright, but if anyone asks, I said no and stormed off.

[He climbs onto the vacant spot, bunching himself very much in an ape-like fashion. Is there a thanks? Uhhh it's implied.]

[playsfromtheheart]

[Ah, he's one of those types. Manolo can't help but raise his eyebrows as he gives a tiny smile, watching the stranger join him in their tiny shelter. He'll take that implied thanks and hang it on his implied wall.]

I'll even tell them you pushed me into the mud while you were at it.

[Another chuckle. He is the biggest, dumbest goof, and he has absolutely no shame in that.]

[spacejackaroo]

[Zeb spots the smile, responding with a half-smile in kind. He went back to bundling himseolf into a tight wet ball of irritation.

Well wait, that's a little funny. You won a laugh, Manolo.]

Yeah?

Something tells me, you're used to tellin' stories.

[playsfromtheheart]

Wha- Me? [He points to himself.] Nooo.

[Joking aside, he rolls his shoulders and straightens his stance, dropping the surprised look. There might be another tiny smile.]

Although I am a fan of stories. Perhaps you could tell me yours?

[callmewhateveryuwant]

[Is that clapping from close by? It is but there's something off about that boy who is doing it. Mainly because there is a masked weirdo three times his height clapping with him and a few cats who are listening.


Yeah just a normal day.]

[playsfromtheheart]

[Is it weird that the tall masked man doesn't bother him much? Even if he did, it's not like Manolo has any room to talk. He's...he's kind of made out of wood.

No, what catches his eye the most are the cats, and it's not even the amount of them.]

I must say, your pets are very well trained! Most cats I know wouldn't be out in this weather!

[Not that he knows most cats...]

[callmewhateveryuwant]

[To most it would be creepy but also the boy has a cat mask on his head but he gives a little smile.]

They're not my pets. The one in my coat pocket is.

[At the mention of that, little Banchou peeks out and meows a greeting.]

[playsfromtheheart]

...

[...okay, that's a little strange.]

Regardless, they appear to like you.

[That has to mean something.

...Or maybe he just smells like food.]

[callmewhateveryuwant]

I pet them and feed them and talk to them.

[They are his Cat Army and some will come to sniff at the newcomer. Is he a good person...?]

[playsfromtheheart]

[Well, Manolo can't fault someone for petting and feeding animals. If that's all it takes to raise an army, then so be it. He might even have to look into it...

As a few of the cats begin to approach him, he bends down and begins to strum at his guitar again, smiling at them like one would a child. And what better song for a child than a children's song?

...In Spanish.]

Estaba el señor Don Gato
sentadito en su tejado
marramiau, miau, miau,
sentadito en su tejado.

Ha recibido una carta
por si quiere ser casado,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
por si quiere ser casado.

Con una gatita blanca
sobrina de un gato pardo,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
sobrina de un gato pardo.

El gato por ir a verla
se ha caído del tejado,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
se ha caído del tejado.

Se ha roto seis costillas
el espinazo y el rabo,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
el espinazo y el rabo.

Ya lo llevan a enterrar
por la calle del pescado,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
por la calle del pescado.

Al olor de las sardinas
el gato ha resucitado,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
el gato ha resucitado.

Por eso dice la gente
siete vidas tiene un gato,
marramiau, miau, miau, miau,
siete vidas tiene un gato.

[This isn't the first time he sang for animals and it certainly won't be the last; he doesn't seem to care how weird this might look.]