TEST DRIVE MEME

[ultrapenumbramods]

This is the Test Drive Meme for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Ultra Penumbra's Mock Exploration. This is mostly to voicetest, play around with being a Pokemon, and have fun with the setting. Signups will happen on Friday, March 1, so have fun figuring who you might want to bring!

We have a few prompts for you, but you can do basically anything as long as it fits with the FAQ guidelines.

1. Hiya! I'm a Pokemon! ...No I'm not!

After a weird, hazy, half-remembered dream, you wake up in a clearing in the forest surrounded by a bunch of strange creatures who appear to be as groggy and disoriented as you are. Whether you take the creatures' presence as a threat or just an oddity, you quickly find out that your body's a little... different now. In fact, you are also a weird creature! Well, have fun with that.

2. Out on the Town

Well, you've come to terms with the fact that you're a Pokemon now, but fortunately, you're not alone... both in terms of people in your situation and the fact that you're near civilization. Sure, everyone's some kind of weird critter, but you can go out and participate in society. Why not spend some time exploring? Maybe you should meet up with your fellow new arrivals, too, just to see what they're making of things.

3. Pokemon Battle!

The convenient dojo to the south of Pokemon Square is a great place to try out any weird new powers you might have. After all, even though you're in a different body, you've got cool new powers! Or you can just tackle things really hard, but hey. That's still cool. But it might be worth trying to figure your powers out, because...

4. Dungeon Diving!

You've heard some rumors about town that you might be able to find the answer to your situation in one of those Mystery Dungeons that keep popping up everywhere... and even if they don't, success in those means you might attract the attention of someone who will be able to find the answer to your situation. And hey, exploring dungeon is lucrative, and it's a favor to the friendly locals who've been hosting you. Why not give it a shot?

Comments

GONGENZAKA NOBORU | YGO ARC-V

[betheman]

[1]

Mnnhhh...

[Everything is spinning. Not literally (thank goodness). But...Visibly, it feels like it's spinny. Gongenzaka (that is his name, he knows this much) sits up and holds his head, groaning audibly as he tries to clear his thoughts. When he does achieve clarity however, it doesn't especially help.

In fact-] ...Hauh?

[When he realizes his hand is a bit different, most thoughts he had sort of grind to a halt.]

...HAAAAAH!?

[2]

[Of two things, Gongenzaka is most certain.

One....his name is Gongenzaka. Two...he was definitely human.

And as a third point, which he wasn't entirely sure about- everything going on is Really Weird. Gongenzaka finds out quickly that walking on two legs simply won't do. His stubby 'cotton' legs tromp across the beaten path, and despite himself he finds his tail swishing with interest. It's enough to maybe-]

O-Oh!! My apologies!! [...Bump into someone. He might be small, but he's got a bit of force behind his actions.] Are you...perhaps, alright?

[That stufful sounds like an old geezer....]

[3]

[Gongenzaka's strategy, typically...is defense. Except perhaps not quite. Actually relying on defense would imply that he doesn't do anything except take it. Indeed, the Steadfast Style placed great on doing just that. But in dueling, the Steadfast Style also took that defense, and unleashed it as an offense.

Gongenzaka appears to be glowing red.] Mnnghhh...I, the man Gongenzaka...

WILL NOT FALTER HERE..!

[chill gon....it's training...]

[4]

Auh...so then...this, is a dungeon...

[From the outside, it looks rather. Simple? Just a part in the trees, leading into a much...darker part of the woods, best he can tell. Gongenzaka blinks slowly at the sight, now equipped with some sort of 'scarf' around his shoulders, and a small bag.

Not to mention a headband. Only one of those is a hold item

He slowly looks to those who have come along for the trip, looking fairly uncertain.] So then...we shall simply, walk in yes..?

Futaba Sakura | Persona 5

[promiselisting]

1

[ One of the new arrivals is.. taking their time waking up. As a matter of fact, they'll stay there, curled up in an odd sort of lump on the ground, until someone pokes them. Or trips on them, or something. Even then they might swat at any of the more gentle attempts at rousing them with a lazy sort of hand.

This lasts exactly until someone is actually successful.

Then, grumpy and awake, the Elgyem just. Looks up at the person who disturbed their nap for half a second. And then. They start screaming (warning: video). And then looks down at their (her?) body. And screams more. If you're quick you might be able to stop her before she flees for the nearest bush. And if you're not, the fact that the bush is quivering means she's probably still there at least. ]

2

[ So she's. Here. Looks like. Trapped in some kind of other world, where every one looks like something out of one of those monster collector franchises? Maybe. They've got that right kind of mix of visual appeal and realism.

Not that this information actually really helps her any. Most of the town is... well, it's a town. She's lived in Tokyo pretty much all her life so seeing somewhere so small is bizarre. But there's still way too many... people... around. So instead she's by Whiscash's Pond. Which is quieter, and Whiscash is probably the closest thing to Sojiro she's gonna find for a while. Even if he's nowhere near as grumpy. Or awesome.

Should anybody else amble out in that direction, she'll stiffen for a moment, before asking, voice cautious ]

You one of the new guys too?

4

[ Dungeon crawling is actually somewhat familiar to her! Except for the actual crawling part. She really really misses the Monabus. Or even Necronomicon. Actually scratch that, especially Necronomicon.

She's standing back a bit from whatever group or partnership she's made, little Elgyem hands on her head and clearly focusing hard..... and nope. Whatever she's trying, it's not working, and she drops her hands again with a frustrated sigh. ]

I'm supposed to have these crazy psychic abilities, but of course they can't give me like... clairvoyance or anything.

Guess I can keep track of the map the old-fashioned way at least.

[ Yup. That is the duty she's given herself. Though she supposes she could actually fight now, if needs demanded? Hm.... ]

Wildcard

[ Have any other ideas? Feel free to hit me up at gorsecloud ]

1

[velvetinmate]

[Wait a second, he knows that voice.

He was taken a bit off-guard by the screaming, which is why he wasn't able to stop her from fleeing. He walks over--unsteadily, he's working on getting used to this walking on four legs thing--and pauses just in front of the bush, resisting the impulse to paw at some of the leaves.]

Futaba?

Akira Kurusu | Persona 5

[velvetinmate]

1
[It's probably for the best that this guy doesn't immediately push himself to his feet as he tries standing up. For a few moments, he just lays where he is, groaning quietly without lifting his head, a protest against this dizzy, dazed feeling.

Eventually, Akira does lift his head, blinking a bit. It doesn't really occur to him that something's especially off until he sees something out of the corner of his eye--is that a tail. His memories might not be the clearest thing right now, but last he checked he definitely remembers he didn't have a tail. And trying to scramble to his feet after he notices presents another difficulty: he doesn't exactly have the limbs he's accustomed to working with here.]

What the--?!

[And his momentary flailing sends him falling onto his face. Graceful.]

2
[Small towns are something Akira likes to think he's fairly used to, but maybe not quite... this small. It doesn't really take him long to explore, so it's just left him milling about. Ah, well. It's giving him more time to get used to this whole walking on four legs deal.

... It's still a work in progress.]

Ack--! Sorry!

4
[In complete contrast to the two previous prompts, Akira's actually pretty graceful this time. Though, the fact that he's pretty focused is probably helping that. Dungeon-crawling means Akira's pretty in his element... though, his way of doing things...

Hopefully whoever he's tackling this watery cave with doesn't mind the.... perhaps overly stealthy way he's approaching this exploration, pausing every now and then behind sufficient cover to peer around corners. At some point, he'll pause and turn back towards his partner.]

Holding up alright over there?

[promiselisting]

[ Wait, she knows that voice- ]

...Akira?

[ There's a hint of hope and impending relief in her own. ]

[velvetinmate]

[And Akira doesn't even bother trying to stifle his relieved sigh.]

Yeah, hey.

[Thank goodness there's some shred of familiarity in a place like this...]

2

[velvetinmate]

[It's enough to send this Purrloin stumbling a bit, between the force and Akira's already unsteady steps.]

Y-yeah, yeah, it's-- I'm okay, thanks. Still working on getting used to four legs, you know?

[promiselisting]

You're here!

[ Okay yeah she's... well she doesn't scramble over, because that would require legs. And she does kind of have sort of stubbly versions of those? But for the most part, no she's floating, so instead she's zipping on over to hide behind him. And maybe overshooting it a bit with a yelp. Figuring out momentum and air resistance is gonna take a bit of getting used to, it seems.

Once she's actually settled though, marginally. ]

Wait, so you're a cat now? What does that make Mona?

[ He's... he's here too right? Akira and Morgana are like a package deal 90% of the time. ]

[velvetinmate]

Whoa, careful now--

[Well, that could've turned out worse, at least...]

Guess so. I'd say human, but I don't really... see any around? [Which is weird.] Hope we can figure out which one's him...

[That's gonna be a bit rough. There... isn't really any way to tell, as far as Akira can see.

There's a long pause before Akira adds--]

I already miss thumbs.

[promiselisting]

[ Oh. Futaba lifts her own arms which. Don't have fingers either, come to think of it. Just little light things? ]

Huh... didn't even think of that.

[ That being said, if they're gonna go look for Mona - or any of the others, really - she's going to just. Shuffle around so that he's between her and most of the crowd. Key item protective powers activate! ]

Do you remember what happened?

[ How they ended up like this? ]

[velvetinmate]

[Akira will do his best to remain between her and the crowd, scanning for anyone that's even remotely familiar...]

Not really, no. Some of my memories feel... hazy at best. Including how this might've happened.

[He makes a face.]

I thought that'd clear up after I'd been awake for a while, once the dazed feeling I had when I first woke up passed. I don't like it.

[Without him even realizing it, his tail lashes behind him a little.]

I've got a sinking feeling this isn't the Metaverse, though...

heads up if Akira would notice- Gon sounds like he walked out of ancient japan

[betheman]

A-Auhh...it is the same for myself... [The idea that others are in this situation fortunately isn't too bizarre after waking up in the same clearing. Careful though boys, Dark is weak to Fighting]

I, the man Gongenzaka, am unsure how I am even able to grasp things actually, but...

[LIFE...FINDS A WAY...

Gongenzaka shakes himself, archaic chatter continuing as it stands there.] Have you yourself found anything that could explain all of this? So far, it would seem none have an answer...

noted!

[velvetinmate]

[... Wow, okay, that is a really old-timey way of talking. That's actually kind of cool?? Holy crap.

Right, anyway. He shakes his head at the question.]

Nothing yet, unfortunately. And I haven't heard anything from anyone else I've talked to, either. I wish I had, but...

[betheman]

Hahhh... [Bit of a forlorn sigh, to that. There really isn't much to be done.] Mnhh...with all of this then, at this rate...we will have to move priority to simply finding a place to sleep for the evening...

[velvetinmate]

At least that's looking like a lot less of an undertaking at this point.

[If he was human, he'd be rubbing the back of his neck right about now.]

The food situation's something to think about too.

[betheman]

Auuh, that is true! [..................... ....his stomach grumbles at the mention.]

T...that is also true...

[Oh noooooooo] ...Perhaps we should search for both things...auh.

[It occurs to him-] ...Which, reminds me...I have failed to introduce myself! I am Gongenzaka Noboru- it is good to meet you, [he adds, bowing his head.]

[velvetinmate]

That'd... probably be a good idea. At least two pairs of eyes would be better than one, yeah?

[He'll politely stifle the chuckle at Gongenzaka's stomach grumbling.]

Oh, uh, Kurusu Akira. Nice to meet you, too.

3

[justasinine]

[...the rather severe looking Rowlet Gongenzaka is currently sparring with just kind of... considers his next move.]

Hm.

[...he's really tempted to just wait and see what happens if he doesn't actually attack...]

[betheman]

[Well, with a pause in attack, any gathered energy being stored up won't be added to. So that's the major plus for Revali. The sole positive on Gongenzaka's end is that normal typing won't be at any disadvantage here- it won't really have an advantage either, but it's better than fighting. But he can only hold that energy in so long.

Which means-] HOOHHHH!

[He unleashes it, and charges!]

Melia Antiqua | Xenoblade Chronicles

[birdlady]

1

[Melia isn't aware that anything is immediately off as she wakes up. In fact, she can still feel her headwings moving gently in the breeze. It's only when she stands up that she realizes that her legs are shorter than normal. A lot shorter.]

Ah...! What in the world is going on?

[She looks around for her companions, but only finds herself surrounded by other strange-looking creatures.]

3

[Okay, she may be a dainty princess turned into some kind of pink stuffed animal, but Melia is no pushover! And what better way to get used to this new form than to try out its abilities?

...If only she knew what those abilities are. Not sure what else to do, Melia concentrates as if she's trying to summon an ether element. She feels a strangely familiar surge of power and...]

Now! Feel my power!

[Melia used Psyshock!]

Garrett | Thief

[itsjustrats]

1

[Garrett's not exactly a stranger to waking up in places he doesn't remember falling asleep in, but waking up as a bird? That's... new. Not being one to panic (outwardly at least), he takes a few moments to examine these... his wings and talons, trying to come up with some kind of rational explanation for this.

If he senses someone approach, he'll snap his head in their direction with a glare that could kill.]

What.

2

[Don't steal from the Kecleon brothers.

Sounds like a challenge.

Garrett isn't in the business of making friends. He's barely talked to anyone since arriving here (wherever 'here' is), but anyone keeping track of the new arrivals might spot a Murkrow lurking around the Kecleon Shop. He's not doing anything, but you get the feeling he's up to no good... ]

2

[whereswalder]

[...oh, yeah, he was kind of looking for more space too, and this seemed like a good space... well, the Sentret tries to cover for it, though it's pretty obvious that he wasn't expecting anyone.]

Oh! Yes, actually. I wasn't expecting anyone to be here, haha...

4

[justasinine]

I'm doing perfectly fine, thank you.

[It's a bit snippy, but... well, it's more out of pride than any actual animosity. The Rowlet cocks his head a bit, though...]

I think we can stand to pick up the pace a bit, though. I feel confident enough in my skills to deal with whatever we encounter.

[justasinine]

[...oh, oh wait, he thought it was totally ineffective if you didn't attack, he wasn't actually expecting a charge- so he tries to dodge, but he's shocked enough that he does end up getting hit in the side as he tries to sidestep.

he squawks indignantly and, perhaps, in an undignified manner.]

Ugh!

[hang on hang on let him get his bearings-!]

1

[whereswalder]

[ah... well, Walder is a groggy little Sentret right now, but he still hasn't quite figured that out yet... so when he hears someone talking, he does his best to try and right himself!]

I don't know, but you can--

[...wait, is that person talking a weird monster?]

...

Hm. Actually, I'm wondering that, too!