| test drive |

[attribution]

Welcome to The Lottery’s test drive meme! Before we get to the prompts, here are a few things to note:

Though you may only have ONE active character per round, you are free to play as many characters you wish on the TDM. Later, you will have the opportunity to bench characters if you want to try another, but only after you’ve been accepted.

Please be sure to thoroughly look through our FAQ so that you have a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. Also be sure to browse the information provided on both The Attribution Study and Shiroiwa for a better idea of the setting.

The date for the next round of Reserves is: February 29th
The number of currently available character slots is: 25

Important Note: A thread of 9 comments in the TDM (with at least 5 comments from your character) will count towards both sample requirements in the application. Consider this a special bonus for getting your feet wet in our community!

If your thread does not reach the required amount of comments, it may still be used as the In-World Sample in your application.

Flashback/Background threads in the TDM may be reposted to Shiroiwa Academy’s Community if both players were accepted into the game.

Provided below are some sample scenarios, but please feel free to plot and play whatever you’d like!

Sample Scenarios:

Sample 1:

You’ve just transferred to one of the three grade levels in Shiroiwa Academy and have yet to make any friends. Sure, people showed you around, but nothing has quite stuck yet. So as the lunch bell goes off, you pull out your bento and prepare to eat alone when another student saddles up beside you. Perhaps they’re being friendly or perhaps they simply want to mooch off of your food. Whatever the reasoning, you’re now stuck in some form of communication whether you like it or not.

Sample 2:

Everyone just loves partner projects, don’t they? Your teacher has randomly assigned you a partner, and now you both must come up with a presentation to show the class. Are you the type who does all the work? Do you push for fair exchange? Or perhaps you have no plans to do any work at all. Whichever it is, your partner is now moving their stuff to sit at the desk next to you. Better gather your might and prepare to weather the oncoming storm…

Sample 3:

It’s March 14, 20XX. You have been kidnapped and taken to the island, given your randomized duffle bag, and are now either desperately seeking shelter or methodically preparing to hunt down your weaker classmates. Whatever it is, you stumble upon another student - whether you know them well or not doesn’t matter. The rules have already been made clear to both of you - only one person gets to win. You need to either escape, kill, or attempt to make a truce with this classmate. What will you do?

Sample 4:

Your weapon broke. Perhaps it snapped as you embedded it into the skull of one of your classmates, or perhaps it was simply a stroke of bad luck. You return to the hideout you created for yourself, seeking a weapon you’d taken from a fallen student. But as you near the space, you realize something is off. There is some telltale sign that another has been here… Are they still around? Will you investigate? What if your stockpile has been pilfered by another student?

Comments

Data-Roxas | Kingdom Hearts

[cloak]

One

[Roxas has, for all intents and purposes, done a rather good job at keeping to himself at his old school. In a new environment this is no different, at least that's what he's given to think as much. He finds a vacant table in the corner of the cafeteria and claims it, plonking down in a chair and settling a book in front of himself.

Where is his lunch? That's...a very good question]

Two

[Lab-partners. Why aren't they too old for this yet? Roxas puffs out a resigned sigh and tucks his hands into his pockets as he gets up, shuffling over to the classmate he's been assigned to. Rather than say anything though, he just...stands there.

A kid stubbornly wearing his hoodie under his uniform, hood over his head, looming there and looking at you. He'd loom a little more effectively if he wasn't so intent on slouching but here he is caring not one bit about his posture. Shame]

Three

[A death-game, huh? Roxas isn't too sure what he wants to make of that, or whether he'll accept it. But he's certainly bringing his A-game in lurking, he's gotten an awful lot of practice in over the last eight years, and so that's what he opts to do first.

Rather than take immediate action he's instead observing what actions his peers are taking. And so if you get the feeling that you're being watched, well...you really might be]

???

[Much as one might not be able to imagine it, Roxas does have a job. Somebody like him might seem unlikely to fit into the customer service mold, but there's a little hipster coffee shop that just eats up the edgy brooding type, which is exactly how this kid comes across.

Black painted finger-nails and pulling his uniform hat down so far you can barely make out his eyes if you tip your head just a certain way? Absolutely. His voice barely comes up over a low mumble, what's more. But he's able to make cute designs in your coffee so at least there's that.

Just don't mind if he's not the friendliest employee in the world]

???

[lamortespoir]

[ Sanson rarely comes to this coffee place. He's only here because he's got an appointment at the hospital and it's a bit too late to go to the usual Moonbucks that he patronizes. Dressed in his usual black trenchcoat with white patterns, he could almost fit in.

He comes in and puts in an order for a mocha frappucino, ice blue eyes still on his planner. He'll probably only look up once the coffee's handed to him, so if Roxas wants to say something first... ]

[cloak]

[It's a simple drink to prepare, and it doesn't take long for Roxas to prepare it, making his way over to the end of the counter reserved for picking up orders]

Here's your order.

[His voice is oddly monotone for someone his age, as though some energy about him is simply lacking. Even so, the drink's got chocolate sprinkles shaped like little cat faces, something one might note isn't typical.

These are the sorts of embellishments that Roxas adds, though it's as simple as finding the sprinkles in a specialty store and using them]

[lamortespoir]

[ That's two people with the deadpan voice, then - and it's certainly not difficult to recognize Roxas, given that there are only two people in their class who speak in such a way. ]

Thank you. [ His Japanese is distinctively accented, if his features didn't already give away the fact that he's a foreigner.

And then he actually registers who it is. ]

You... work here?

[cloak]

[Whether he recognizes his classmate isn't readily apparent, but then, he's pulled his cap so low over his eyes they're difficult to see. If he can't wear his hood to cover his face, he'll make do with what he can use]

Since last summer.

[More information than he probably needs to provide, but there might be a follow-up question to simple confirmation. At least this is one person who won't prod him to be more animated in his responses, there's some comfort in that]

[lamortespoir]

[ It's quite the long time, but then again he's not one to question. Sanson's study here is sponsored by his grandfather, so he didn't have to work. Roxas probably had a different experience. ]

You're good.

[ This is said after his gaze falls onto the sprinkles. It's a nice touch, and not one he would have expected from the other. And since Roxas didn't seem to be going about it with any less enthusiasm ('enthusiasm') than most things, it's probably something he likes. ]

Does anyone else know?

[cloak]

[He's been told he does well at this before, though he finds himself unsure how to feel about it every time. As though the positive critique isn't something he should necessarily be happy about.

But this is true of a great many things that he knows should be positive]

That I work here?

[He asks not because he needs to, but simply to clear the fog of his thoughts... And then he shrugs]

A couple of people, I guess.

[lamortespoir]

[ To Sanson, he's just stating something that's obvious. And perhaps a little out of obligation, since they are acquainted, but he is rarely someone to force compliments out of himself if there aren't any already present to give. ]

Mm. [ He gives a vague sound of affirmation before taking a sip of his coffee. It's good, on par with his usual hangout. ] Maybe I'll come by more.

[ Glancing at his watch, he decides that he's got a bit more time to kill, so he isn't leaving out of the door just yet. But what is there to say...? ]

[cloak]

They always like business.

[Although what company doesn't, really? His statement is noncommittal while avoiding any semblance of discouragement. It isn't as though he dislikes his classmate, but he's not terribly good at socializing. Better with computers than people.

He shifts his weight to one side as he stands there, resisting the impulse to fold his arms]

Usually pretty quiet, around this time.

[Which is to say if he likes quiet, these sorts of hours are ideal for that]

?!?!?

[psychokinesia]

[It's a bit unusual to see Add hanging around a coffee shop when he already works in a cafe. He's passed by this place a few times before, though, and he takes a subtle glance through the window before casually strolling inside, grimacing a little at the shop's taste in decor and thick hipser aura. Ugh, he really hates places like this...

But he's here for a reason beyond simply buying an overpriced coffee. He's spotted Roxas in here a few times, and he knows by now that he works here.

So... he's here to visit a "friend", or something. He's not really sure if he should consider them friends or acquaintances or not. They knew eachother for a few months when they were both kids, and they got along okay, but it's been years since then. A lot can change in nine years. He'd asked about his brother when they first ran into eachother at school, and... well. It was awkward. Is it even a good idea for Add to keep bothering him?

But he's already here anyway, so whatever. He fiddles with his MP3 player on his way to the counter and then tries to act both aloof and surprised when he sees it's Roxas, stuffing the (not even turned on) device in his pocket.] Oh, hey. Didn't know you worked here.

[Extremely smooth.]

[cloak]

[Roxas is occupied with feeding a new roll of receipt paper into the register, clapping the spool back in place just as Add approaches the counter. His hat's pulled low as always, to compensate for the fact that he can't wear his hood up at work.

And this is one place where he'll actually adhere to that. At least the low lighting in the place makes him a little more comfortable with just the hat.

As for his classmate not knowing that he works here, well...]

You've passed by and looked right at me before.

[Delivered with the same monotone he generally greets the world with]

And you work at that cat parlor, don't you?

[psychokinesia]

[Busted.]

What, is that a problem? Am I not allowed to buy shit from the competition because it's my fucking day off?!

[He slams some money on the counter, a couple coins spinning. Wow, he's uh, kind of letting this get out of hand already. A few people in the store are already staring at them. He glares intensely at Roxas to avoid thinking about it.]

Give me whatever you recommend. I don't care. It probably sucks anyway.

[cloak]

[If he wasn't on the job he'd point out they don't sell shit, and Add would need to hit up a gardening supply store for that...

But he's on the clock, so he just pokes at the money on the counter, counting it out under his breath. He's not really sure why Add would want to come here, especially knowing this is where he works, but he guesses that's his business.

Once he's confirmed the amount he punches something into the register, deposits the money, and settles Add's receipt and change right on the counter]

Strange way to spend your money.

[And off he goes to prepare a drink for him]

[psychokinesia]

[He continues to glare at Roxas the entire time he's counting. It's not until he turns around to make the drink that Add finally eases off a tiny bit, pocketing the rest of his change and directing a couple sharp glares at anyone still watching them. Once peace is slightly more restored, he leans on the counter, drumming his fingers idly.

Well... this isn't exactly how he'd planned this to go. He's almost tempted to abandon the plan and just leave, but... if he gave up and tried again, it would only make things even more awkward the second time around.

He has no other choice. He has to push through, no matter what...!]

Sooo... math test tomorrow.

[cloak]

Quiz in English.

[If they're naming off things they have to do, then Roxas will simply roll with that. He's occupied with preparing a latte for Add anyhow, though by now he has the steps down pat. Somebody with his memory doesn't have to practice all that much...

Though it did take him a while to figure out how to make designs on the surface of the drink. And when he turns to settle the mug in front of Add, he ought to recognize a stylized kitty-cat face]

You like sweet and salty stuff.

[Not a question, not seeking confirmation. He's decided.

Enjoy the sea-salt caramel latte Add]

[psychokinesia]

Uh. [what]

Right, yeah. That... too. [???? is this a conversation?

Before he can attempt to decipher that exchange any further, though, a mug is placed down in front of him. He stops and stares. It's... it's a cute little cat face...

He "coughs", sliding the mug (carefully) towards himself.]

Who doesn't? [He's not about to complain about caramel, anyway. He takes a tentative sip, trying to minimize damage to the cat face.]

... Hrm. [It's actually... pretty good... but] I could've gotten the same thing for half that price anywhere else. Do you enjoy ripping people off?

[cloak]

[He could comment that Add's the one tossing his money around here, but he only shrugs. There must be some reason he stopped by, other than getting the drink...

But he's still got no idea what it is]

Moonbucks will charge you two hundred yen more.

[So no, actually the same thing isn't half the price everywhere else]

Haven't gone to kitty corner, so I don't know your prices.

three

[bloodedgy]

[ Don't worry, Roxas. Ragna here have a long history as a delinquent from a middle school, so being under eyes are not something that he isn't used to.

Doesn't mean that he takes them well, regardless. ]

You need something from me?

[ There's no disdain or anger by his tone. Yet. He's being unusually calm here. ]

[cloak]

[So he's been noticed. Roxas supposes that's not really a surprise, it's not as though he's got any experience with stealth. Was it movement or noise that clued the guy in...?

Might be something he has to work on, if this isn't an elaborate prank]

No really, no.

[Likewise calm. A little too monotone, even]

[bloodedgy]

[ That guy isn't giving him the time of his life. Damn. Ragna's not too good at reading others, especially those who sounds absurdly calm like that. ]

Then scram.

[ Look, Ragna's still giving everything the benefit of a doubt here and he still thinks that there should be a way out of this shithole without the need of ripping each others' assess apart. He's going to turn around to walk away again, leaving his back somewhat wide open.

It might be on purpose though. If Roxas asked for it, Ragna sure as hell would duke it back at him. ]

[cloak]

That's a strange thing to say when you're walking away.

[Roxas recognizes an opening when he sees it, but he's not entirely convinced they have to fight against each other. He'll hold to the idea that this may be an elaborate joke in bad taste.

So rather than try to attack him, he just folds his arms]

Not that this isn't all strange.

[bloodedgy]

[ Bah, he really hates it when others play with the opening in his sentences. Especially when they're damn right about it.

In any case, the non-aggressive stance from Roxas is really well appreciated. At least they can agree of something. ]

Screw this place. This isn't what I came here for. [ A small pause. He turns his head over his shoulder to glance at the other student, no sign of vicinity at all by his eyes. ] I fucking hope that you are in the same boat as me.

[ At least it's better to keep conversation going than keeping the atmosphere silent. Ragna... doesn't bode too well with darkness and silence. ]

[cloak]

I'd like to think we'd all react the same way to this lunacy.

[But at the same time he doubts it - and that's why he's been skulking about getting a feel for how others respond to the situation they're presented with. Surely none of this is real, but if it is...

Well.

How many of them are really willing to hurt others if they think their lives are at risk?]

[bloodedgy]

Good thinking. And you'd better think that way forever.

There's no fucking way that I would resort to killing someone else to get out of this shithole. [ At least not with this kind of stake.

Alas, Ragna sounded like he actually ever killed someone out there... When in fact he never did. But he did punch an everloving shit out of someone else back there that they wished they were dead indeed. ]

Come, let's find out a way out of this place.

[ It's a truce, right. ...Right? ]

[cloak]

So, what, I'm joining your party?

[He could be lulling the guy into a false sense of security...not that he was. But somebody could easily voice their objection or disapproval to get somebody else's guard down, if they were that self-serving.

They ought to all just be normal teenagers who couldn't stomach the idea of taking a life, but...well.

It's possible people could get desperate if they're really convinced this place is what they're told it is. He'd like to think they're not that unlucky but it's still possible they are. RNG isn't often kind]