TEST DRIVE: MARCH

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: MARCH —

Welcome to empatheias' test drive meme. This test drive is to help interested players test their characters in the game's environment. We've included a few prompts that incorporate specific elements of the game, though you'll find all of them have a lot of leeway for players to get as creative as necessary. Before diving in, here are a few things we'd like to remind everyone about the game in general:

• Date reminders. Reserves open Tuesday, February 23nd and Applications (Canon | OC) open Tuesday, March 1st.
  
  
• OC Reminder! Just a quick reminder that original characters are currently allowed. Those interested can also use the test drive. OCs do not need to be reserved.
  
  
• Emotions are key! Empatheias' premise focuses on how anyone's emotions can affect their environment, be it big or small. While not every emotion will cause a reaction, significant ones definitely will. How much effect a character will have will ultimately be up to you, the player. Also, while we're giving a lot of leeway for the test drive, keep in mind that there will be some limits in the actual game.
  
  
• Everyone has an amulet. All characters have a unique amulet that is specialized for them. It will contain all of their emotion drops and it serves as the network device. Remember, communication is telepathic. Otherwise, it works basically the same.
  
  
• Assume the character is already in the game. Because "OMG WHERE AM I IS THIS REAL LIFE" threads aren't going to be very helpful in this test drive! Plus those are going to happen in-game, anyway. So to make things easier, just assume that they've been around at least a week or so. Still learning the ropes, but not a complete "first day" experience.
  
  
• First or third person allowed. Your threads can be in either first or third, but we'd advise being flexible about it. Remember, these threads can also be used in your application for samples! Reminder: We only require one sample and it can be done in either format. We have also made a change to our sample requirements, so look over the Applications page!

Now with that out of the way, here are some prompts you guys can work from!


PROMPTS

• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try?

• Prompt B: Refer to the Task Board and choose a task your character may be interested in taking up. For this prompt, you could have your character ask for help, already be in the middle of the job, or react to it in some way. Perhaps they were an unfortunate victim or want to create a job countering an existing one. You could even have a prompt making a job request. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.

• Prompt C: How about giving the amulets a go? Start a telepathic conversation and see how it works. Remember, the amulets are sending out the owner's thoughts so might want to be careful about how the stream of consciousness goes...

• Prompt D: Fireworks are a common source of entertainment for the island, and each year the equipment and technology used get more advaanced—and more dangerous. This year they're trying to contain the explosive emotional power from the easily angered by using a new device based off the Tree of Memories petals. Except the "device" includes the explosive powder for the fireworks. You can only imagine how disasterous that could be. YOUR OPTIONS:

1. Someone is deliberately provoking you to try and make you mad.
   
2. Someone else has blown their top and the device (and nearby fireworks) are exploding.
   
3. General firework and explosives mayhem.

Note: Calm emotions will help diffuse the situation, but you might want some water or something else to help douse both the literal and metaphorical flames.

• Prompt E: The spring season of Zephyras is on its way, so there's a lot less snow these days. To make the most of it, a lot of the local children have built as many snowmen and snow creatures as they can. Some adults have also taken to it, some actually treating it like some kind of competition. The resulting creations range from the standard to the incredible. Behemoth, monstrous creatures with gaping jaws and horns, majestic unicorns with ice sculpted wings and horns, lifelike human sculptures in various poses. Normally all of these would be considered works of it, but when you're in a world where emotions can sometimes give things a mind of their own...well. Creativity isn't the only way to "breathe life" into them.

1. Emotions can affect these snow sculptures in various way. Those that trend on the happier side will cause the snow creations to move and frolic around in place, perhaps even try to "play" with those around them. Those that trend on the negative, however, will give the opposite, especially anything that could make them more angry and violent.
   
   
2. A few people have caught onto this and have actually created a snowmen army! Using "stock" made snowmen, at least ten from each side slide and wobble around, chucking snowballs and rocks at one another for pure snow destruction. Hopefully you don't get caught in the middle of it.

• Prompt F: Have you ever ridden on a hover board? Or a flying motorcycle? Well if you haven't, you get to be one of many to try out a new design set to come out by the summer months of Eurus. Of course, they are still in development, so expect some hiccups and stalls. Even more, to help with fuel and power efficiency issues, the engineers have created a system that would help absorb and channel the user's emotions into the machine. Now, it's supposed to only take the energy from emotions and not actually be affected by what kind is given. In theory, even a sad person could power their new flying vehicle! However, that's a kink that still needs to be hammered out, so the test vehicles are still prone to emotional effects just like everything else. Angry emotions will have fire bursting from the exhaust, giving it a super huge boost in speed and power, but lack of control. Joy and excitement are also good boosters, but prepare to have a trail of stardust that could blow back in your face. Some other side effects are: rust, engine stall, decreased acceleration, suddenly flying upside down. Oh yeah, these don't have seat belts. But you get a helmet and a parachute! Good luck.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include empty barrel and/or chickens.

For your threads, put the Character Name and the Canon in the subject line to help readily identify them. You're also welcome to use more than one prompt for respondents to choose from. If you have any questions or want to brush up on the game information, refer to the Game Information entry. Otherwise, tag around and have fun!

Comments

Finn | Star Wars: The Force Awakens

[neededapilot]

[Prompt D.2]
[Fireworks by emotions seemed like an interesting idea, but you would think they would want to do it with other kinds, like joy maybe? Anger seemed like a bad idea.]

[Case in point, he just saw fireworks shooting off, every which way, and a few were not going up in the proper direction. He winced, catching sight of someone either having a fit of anger, or just... well, he didn't know. Anger of some sort, he would assume. Personally, he didn't know why anyone would want to shoot off fireworks with emotions. A simple lighter and fuse should have worked better, but who is he to say?]

[Coming closer, hands up he gave the mysterious person an uneasy smile] Whoa there... you might want to take a moment...


[Prompt E.2]
[He got caught in the middle of it!]

[At first it was just interesting, all the creatures and things that people built out of snow. He was pretty sure he just passed someone playing with a snow monster. That actually moved. It was weird, how these emotions things worked like that.]

[And then he took a hit, to the back of the head! A snow ball, thankfully. Splat! Right in the back of the head of all places! His hand dropped down for his blaster at first, not at all there as he turned, shooting a glance back to watch a standard looking 'snow man' or so he was told, advance. Another snow ball thrown, sailing over his head and hitting another one.]

Oooookay. [Finn said slowly, staring at the two tall figures of snow, only to realize more were showing up, chucking snow on either side. His eyes went wide as he suddenly ran through a flurry of snow balls coming in on either side.]


[Prompt G]
[Hit him with your own prompt start. He's new and getting the hang of this place, or trying to. He knows some of his people are here, or at least his friends. He doesn't know just how many are here that he might at least know. Finn is sticking with his (Poe's) brown leather jacket, black pants and has a clean cream colored shirt on under it all. At his side and half covered by the coat is the Lightsaber he had while in battle with Ren... because he got pulled from that exact moment. This has all been a very confusing adventure so far. Come, make it better, or worse...]

hi traitor :> E-2?

[lostapprentice]

[There are a number of things that run through Kylo Ren's mind when he spots Finn a moment before the latter collides with him: surprise that's quickly written off as ridiculous, considering who else has been brought to the island; anger nearing rage that's reduced to irritation quickly enough to suppress most external effects, save for the crack of stones under their feet; and finally a curiosity that lingers even as he straightens up from stumbling backwards a step.

His modulated voice is more even and calm than Finn might expect. But the ex-trooper likely knows that doesn't mean he's out of danger.]

FN-2187. Being a nuisance as usual.

oh hell... <3

[neededapilot]

[He had just ducked a ROCK that was thrown, catching from the corner of his eye a snowman that took it to the face, head knocking back and half off. That... would have hurt. Did he stumble into the middle of someones war?]

[Had he been looking where he was going, he wouldn't have ran into the guy, but instead, he was looking at what might have hit him in this gauntlet of snow beasts, and just clearing it.... ran into a bigger monster.]

[He stumbled back a step, his own expressions ranging from surprise, to an apologetic stutter, to... annoyance. Then anger, glaring at the masked man. Mentally he felt at his help, looking for the weight of the lightsaber he still held. THEY had been in the middle of a fight before he found himself here some time earlier. The others said Ren was here, but this is the first time he had... the 'pleasure' to running into him.]

[His lip curled at the others unnatural calm as he hea rd his old code name.]

It's Finn.

:D

[lostapprentice]

[Kylo Ren remembered quite well how he defeated FN-2187 on Starkiller Base—he reminded himself of it fairly often, when frustrations brought on by the pilot or the scavenger began to grind away his patience. It was mainly due to that that he managed to keep his cool, despite the strong envy hatred he had for the young man. He could end him at any time. He just... chose not to. For now.

Ren's tilted his head slightly as he observed Finn and heard his retort.]

You can call yourself what you want, traitor. I have no intention of allowing you to forget your place.

[But his eyes were drawn to Finn's side, where a particular silver and black hilt had been brought to his attention. He remained silent for a few moments, attempting to connect the dots...]

[neededapilot]

[He was stiff now, watching the other very carefully. He had hoped this place was big enough not to have to run into this one. His chin lifted a bit though, and he said he would play it cool if ever he did find himself staring at that stupid black mask.]

Funny how we meet again. In the snow. [he said at first, a reminder of where he last saw the man, not... that he remembers all of that battle. Being in the middle of it and then being here was hard to take at first.]

I found my place, and it's not with the First Order. Call me Traitor if you want, but I know where I am wanted.

[That silver and black hilt is only partly seen, but it's also very clearly the one he used to... almost... beat the other one.]

[lostapprentice]

For your sake, you should hope it doesn't end like our last encounter.

[Ren exuded confidence, which probably wouldn't give Finn much hope as to how their fight went... would go.

He ignored the rebellious proclamation to zero in on the object of his interest, and spoke authoritatively, like he wouldn't accept anything but a proper, direct answer. Like he was speaking to a stormtrooper.]

The saber. Did the girl give it to you? Or did you arrive with it?

[neededapilot]

[He's... heard. He's not so sure he wants to believe that though, but he also didn't ask more on it. Nor will he. He's smart enough not to fall for the comment though, not to say more to it or be defiant in that subject.]

[Defiant in this other however? Yes. His chin lifted and he stood as tall as he could, foot sliding back a bit as if to hide the hip the lightsaber was on.]

Wouldn't you like to know. [Yes Finn, that's why he asked. Still, he would stand his ground, as best he could. He came with it, but was that really all that important. He and Rey both had one, which was weird enough as it was. Also, in his annoyance, if a Snowman happens to chuck a snowball this way, he doesn't take blame...]

[lostapprentice]

[When Ren sees the white projectile heading his way, he holds up a hand and stops the thing in midair. This gesture alone isn't nearly as intense as what Finn had seen on Jakku, but with a much more aggressive, wide sweep of his arm, all the snowmen behind the young man are destroyed, snow scattered about haphazardly. A few of the piles with arms attached still feebly attempt to continue their assault on each other, but by and large the emotional energy fueling them has been scattered and disrupted by Kylo Ren's anger.

His patience is draining, and the air is warming around him.]

I can take it from you if you'd prefer not to answer.

[It's an offer of sorts. Finn can either tell him what he wants to know and continue the conversation relatively peacefully, or he can face him in battle again.]

[neededapilot]

[He flinched.]

[Damn it.]

[DAMN it. He didn't mean to flinch, but he felt it, the destruction of the snow creatures that suddenly broke and crumbled. He glanced back just enough to see it there, then glanced back to the dark figure before him.]

[oh come ON, why did he have to run into THIS guy, alone. Not that he can't take it (okay, he can't). But still...]

[He hated himself for it, but he answered him instead of fighting it, at the moment.]

It came with me. And it's not yours to have.

D.2 | Let's Use Those Negative Emotions

[gotyourselfapilot]

[The whole emotions thing really fascinated Poe. It fascinated him in such a way that he wanted to be able to control them. Maybe he'll be able to use it to his advantage someday. Anything really, he had been practicing in a sense. His own frustrations with trying to make a simple firework go off wasn't helping. He didn't understand why it wasn't working. Was he just focusing too much on a different kind of anger?

The moment he even thought about Kylo Ren the firework would spark and go up a little before spiraling out of control shortly after. It lands on the ground with a loud bang and a pop out in the area that Finn would be able to see. Poe doesn't even know who is coming up upon him as he's about to concentrate on setting another a blaze.

He tenses as he slowly turns around to look back at Finn.] You wanna give it a try? I think you'll be able to set it off better than I can. You might even be able to make it go in the right direction too.

[Maybe that was his frustration with this simple project. He gets too angry, sets it off and it just goes where ever it wants to go. Not in the direction he intended for it to go.]

[neededapilot]

[Finn had been wandering around here a bit himself. He had just watched someone going off at some aria, shooting off fireworks haphazardly into the ground. Things caught fire. It was a bit concerning.]

[Then he saw POE trying it now, and frowned as one whizzed off in an odd angle. He came over, his hands in the pockets of the leather coat he still had, and his brow raised as he was asked if he wanted to give it a try.]

Are you telling me I have more anger then you? Because so far, all I'm seeing is people trying to set them off in anger. [he couldn't help the smile at that.] What are the fireworks even for? I haven't seen these in some time.

[gotyourselfapilot]

[Poe had been here for quite some time. Finn would be able to see the litter of fireworks that went right into the ground. There might even be some scorch marks from beneath the pilot's feet.]

[His anger was being fueled for things that he should have thought closely on. It was his choice in the end and his consequences to deal with.]

Is that how it sounded? I have more anger for the both of us. [That would be evident when he accidentally lights the next firework next to them. However, it sets off and explodes immediately before reaching the air. It crackles behind Poe before dying down.]

The fireworks are used for entertainment. You'll come to learn that there isn't much for it. Technology here isn't advanced at all. I think you'll be able to set off the fireworks better because you might be able to find balance.

[One of them needs to find it. Poe surely wasn't going to.]

[neededapilot]

[Finn did see the mess of fireworks, giving the other a odd look as he took it all in. How long had he been here trying to make fireworks go off? Why? He assumed it must have been fun, maybe?]

[Head tilted he looked over the mess and then the other un-fired ones that were here and there.] You never know. I do have a temper. [he said it with a chuckle though, that contrasted the statement so well. Jumping a bit as Poe set off another one haphazardly before it even reached the air. He raised an arm, as if to shield himself from it, then gave Poe a odd look. Man, these emotions things were going to take a lot to get the hang of, huh.]

Okay, entertainment reasons. I get that, but... balance? [His brow raised at Poe, giving him a dubious look, before looking at the device that was suppose to protect the fireworks from the angry emotions, and the fireworks that people were in fact setting off.] Why's it got to be anger though? I saw someone else having a fit and just... I don't get it. They should be... happy feelings, I would think. Or excited maybe! Excitement sends sparks in people, right?

[he's still learning, Poe. Forgive him.]

[gotyourselfapilot]

[Poe was trying to learn how to control his emotions. It wasn't easy at all and there were a lot of trial and error involved.]

[Because anger could cause fire to happen, it was the best emotion to use. Poe wasn't sure happy emotions could start fires. Certain positive or negative emotions did things based on the emotion itself.] Do you? I remember you yelling about not wanting to go back to Jakku. That counts as you having a temper, right? [There's a wide knowing smile as he picks up another firework and examines the fuse. He offers it over to Finn.]

Anger is a negative emotion, it can create fire and can be used if you control it right. I saw a man, [The word man came out a bit sour and it will always come out that way.] that out of his own anger set fire to whatever around him without care. I have too much anger that I explode the fireworks too soon. Happy feelings... I don't think will work because it's positive. The happy feelings might make it more bright and fun. Calm feelings probably make it not get all... explosions everywhere.

We're talking about emotions. I'm still learning what does what myself. Give it a try.

[neededapilot]

[Finn was full of emotions, especially lately as he was learning to let them out more. Sadly most of the time it was all unease and fear, but he had a good handle on being calm too. Or, well, he was getting better at that.]

Okay, look. Jakku was a bad idea in the first place. I now I am glad we went back now, but it was the worst idea at the time. I had good reason not to want to go there. And THEN we crashed, so... I feel my distaste in the idea was justified! [he said, crossing his arms and giving the other a flat look.] And I never said I didn't have a temper...

[He sighed though, looking at the fire works.] So, what you are saying is... get angry, but be calm about it. [His brow raised at that. Can anyone BE angry and calm at the same time? That's a deadly combo, isn't it?]

Yeah, emotions. I'm... still kind of learning to um... express them, okay? [he came closer though, looking at a firework and frowning at it calmly.] I still say it would be easier to set a fire to it with a lighter or torch...

E-2 because eeeeeeee is the noise i'm making rn

[reyofsunshine]

[In no universe is grace one of Rey's primary traits. So it really shouldn't be any surprise when she slams fullspeed into somebody in a barrage of snowballs because she happens to be looking over her shoulder at the time. That "somebody" being Finn, of course.

She looks stunned for a moment after impact, face already curling into about one-fourth of a snarl just in case she needs to chew out somebody when...]

Finn! [She's not too proud to admit his name may have come out as more of a loud squeak, and her face lights up into the most giddy grin imaginable; he's awake and well and she's just missed him so damn much she can't help it. She puts her hands on his arms like she can't decide if she wants to hug him or just look at him, safe and whole and not wounded defending her from that monster... and she seems like she might say more when she gets smacked in the side of the head by a snowball.]

\o/ Hello Rey! I made noises to match when I saw this I think xD

[neededapilot]

[He really should look where he was going, huh? He hadn't meant to crash into anyone, but with one arm over his head to protect it from hits, and a glance back to glare at a snow creature throwing rocks, it just happened. Crash, right into--]

Rey! [He yelped at the exact same moment she had said his name. He beamed in a huge smile. He had been here for a little bit, of course, as this wasn't his first day, but every time he saw her it was like looking at a brilliant sun. He had been in the middle of that fight with Ren when he was brought here, the very middle of it, so he had been trying to protect her. Trying, at least. So every time he saw her he felt relief.]

[Just as he too was about to say more, she got hit in the side of the head, and he took three snowballs to the back, making him jump into action, reaching down to grab her hand, like he does, and start to move.] Unless you got a better idea on how to stop war crazed snow things, we should run!

[He's still learning this emotion thing]

G. For GDIT.

[sixthdeadliest]

[There are a lot of chickens running around. It seems that somebody let them loose either by accident or on purpose. And that is a grumpy man in a green suit with dark green shades carrying two chickens under one arm and another balanced on his head as he helps in the cleanup of all these loose fowl, dumping them into an empty barrel as they cluck in protest.]

[neededapilot]

[He's getting used to the weird things around here. Like tiny fires when he's angry, or rain when a sad emotion falls on someone. Then there is the things that happen around others that confuse him as well. Like a grumpy looking man in green shades with strange birds under his arms. Chickens, he's been told.]

[It's the one on his head that impresses him enough to smirk, watchful at first. Wait, why was he putting them in a barrel? Finn blinked, unsure at first, then dove out to catch a bird swiftly between his hands, jerking back as it flapped, upset at being held.]

Whoa there... easy. Easy... bird thing. [he pulled it in close with both arms and held it protectively, coming closer to the grumpy man.] What's happened?

[sixthdeadliest]

Local vendor ended up having his stock of live chickens getting let loose.

[He adjusts his grip as one hen tries to peck away at his arm.]

Be careful. They bite.

[neededapilot]

[He held on to the one in his arms tightly, but just enough to get it to stop moving much. He cooed at it, softly, as if trying to calm it. It pecked once or twice, but it wasn't long before it fluffed up in his arms and settled.]

Looks like a lot of them. They can't be happy being shoved into a barrel though. [Feeling for the chickens, wtf.]

[sixthdeadliest]

Having to improvise. Their cages are being repaired.

[Though those probably aren't much better, but Six doesn't think too much about it. PETA would probably hate him.]

You seem to have a way with them though. Or at least that one. [He nods to the fowl in the young man's arms.]

[neededapilot]

[Finn doesn't even know what PETA is... but they'd maybe adore him as a poster child at some point. You know, "enslaved black man in white armor, frees self and now cuddles chickens". Okay, maybe not all that much, but the chicken wasn't so bad.]

[He moved over to the barrel, looking at it and hearing a bunch of upset chickens already caught. Frowning at it he shook his head.]

Keeping them in cages sounds terrible. [A glance was given to the man in shades, brow raised.] We can do things with emotions, right? I bet you can do something to influence them to, I don't know, gather up in one place and wait there.

[Is that even how this works? He has NO idea... but it seemed like a good idea?]

[sixthdeadliest]

[And have a raised eyebrow in return.]

I've only been here for two days. Not long enough to learn how to do that.

You seem to have a possible knack for it though.

[neededapilot]

Oh... you too.

[He frowned at that. So much for that idea.] No, um... I haven't been here long either, actually. And, uh, I don't know about having a knack for it. [He looked down at the fluffy chicken in his arms, giving it a smile. Okay maybe.]

I can try to help though. Just, you know, be really calm at them. Or, uh, is calm an emotion? I suppose that's not really right, is it?