framework/tests/api/_bootstrap.php

<?php
// Here you can initialize variables that will be available to your tests

// Set up the default permissions.
// @todo this should be moved to an installation migration-like object which should be called upon
$permissions = [

    // Guests can view the forum
    ['group.2' , 'forum'          , 'view'],

    // Members can create and reply to discussions + edit their own stuff
    ['group.3' , 'forum'          , 'startDiscussion'],
    ['group.3' , 'discussion'     , 'editOwn'],
    ['group.3' , 'discussion'     , 'reply'],
    ['group.3' , 'post'           , 'editOwn'],

    // Moderators can edit + delete stuff and suspend users
    ['group.4' , 'discussion'     , 'delete'],
    ['group.4' , 'discussion'     , 'edit'],
    ['group.4' , 'post'           , 'delete'],
    ['group.4' , 'post'           , 'edit'],
    ['group.4' , 'user'           , 'suspend'],

];
foreach ($permissions as &$permission) {
    $permission = [
        'grantee'    => $permission[0],
        'entity'     => $permission[1],
        'permission' => $permission[2]
    ];
}
app('db')->table('permissions')->truncate();
app('db')->table('permissions')->insert($permissions);