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empatheias_ooc2016-09-18 12:53 pm
empevents) wrote in empatheias_ooc2016-09-18 12:53 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE: OCTOBER
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 Saturday, September 24 and Applications (Canon | OC) open Saturday, October 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!
• 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: The increased exposure to Shaarnathian culture has prompted many in Verens to attempt to pick up on the discipline of Dunamis. The interest has become something of a popular trend, resulting in small businesses focusing around teaching the skill to those who are interested. Unfortunately, this doesn’t often go well for those who have lived on Empatheias for most of their life and relied so heavily on technology instead. In the seedier and more dubious schools this sometimes winds up disastrous, or outrageous in weird and interesting ways.
One particularly seedy school seems to take to the hands off approach, leaving their students alone to practice in an outside arena full of gourds of all sorts and sizes. Some also seem like they’ve gone quite rotten, resulting in a strange pungent odor. This goes about as well as expected when a particularly … enthusiastic … and poorly trained student manages to implode every last one into a glorious mess that rockets high into the sky.
Now half the shopping district is covered in various states of rotting gourd, and absolutely no one is happy about it. Nothing is spared, shops, stalls, and worst of all, the shoppers. Perhaps you’re one of the unfortunate victims of this mess, or you’re ready to help start the stinky cleanup.
• Prompt E: Someone is setting up a maze in the cornfield for kids and has run into an infestation that needs to be taken care of, but the bugs must be tackled in pairs because they're tricky bastards. They're a new species that not only releases a type of gas that makes one feel sluggish and apathetic, but they also "feed" off emotions. They're otherwise harmless, but it does make capture difficult. Since the use of pesticide is prohibited, the current tactic is for one person to act as "bait" while the other is armed with a special gun that shoots out a special paralyzing webbing. However, the shooter must stay hidden, and keep their emotions unnoticeable, or the bug will catch wind and will flee. After capture, they're thrown off the island. They're like roaches, no one wants them. In fact they also look like roaches. Still unwanted. Other tactics could be employed, but keep in mind that the farmers would like their crop to come out unharmed. Any damage incurred will come out of your pocket.
• Prompt F: A new acting troupe have established themselves in Verens, with a few new aspiring actors from Shaarnath. Through the use of Dunamis, the plays have become more lively and interactive. Most have welcomed them, but there are some groups who adhere to the "classic" way of acting, which can cause some tension.
Feel free to combine the scenarios and add whatever you'd like.
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include peanut butter and/or jelly.
• 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: The increased exposure to Shaarnathian culture has prompted many in Verens to attempt to pick up on the discipline of Dunamis. The interest has become something of a popular trend, resulting in small businesses focusing around teaching the skill to those who are interested. Unfortunately, this doesn’t often go well for those who have lived on Empatheias for most of their life and relied so heavily on technology instead. In the seedier and more dubious schools this sometimes winds up disastrous, or outrageous in weird and interesting ways.
One particularly seedy school seems to take to the hands off approach, leaving their students alone to practice in an outside arena full of gourds of all sorts and sizes. Some also seem like they’ve gone quite rotten, resulting in a strange pungent odor. This goes about as well as expected when a particularly … enthusiastic … and poorly trained student manages to implode every last one into a glorious mess that rockets high into the sky.
Now half the shopping district is covered in various states of rotting gourd, and absolutely no one is happy about it. Nothing is spared, shops, stalls, and worst of all, the shoppers. Perhaps you’re one of the unfortunate victims of this mess, or you’re ready to help start the stinky cleanup.
• Prompt E: Someone is setting up a maze in the cornfield for kids and has run into an infestation that needs to be taken care of, but the bugs must be tackled in pairs because they're tricky bastards. They're a new species that not only releases a type of gas that makes one feel sluggish and apathetic, but they also "feed" off emotions. They're otherwise harmless, but it does make capture difficult. Since the use of pesticide is prohibited, the current tactic is for one person to act as "bait" while the other is armed with a special gun that shoots out a special paralyzing webbing. However, the shooter must stay hidden, and keep their emotions unnoticeable, or the bug will catch wind and will flee. After capture, they're thrown off the island. They're like roaches, no one wants them. In fact they also look like roaches. Still unwanted. Other tactics could be employed, but keep in mind that the farmers would like their crop to come out unharmed. Any damage incurred will come out of your pocket.
• Prompt F: A new acting troupe have established themselves in Verens, with a few new aspiring actors from Shaarnath. Through the use of Dunamis, the plays have become more lively and interactive. Most have welcomed them, but there are some groups who adhere to the "classic" way of acting, which can cause some tension.
- The troupe are advertising themselves on various street corners and parks, all dressed in bright, colorful clothing! But instead of a regular play, they are beckoning others to join them in various impromptu acts. Action, comedy, romance, tragedy—anything goes! So what do you say, care to join? You can even pull in or shove the person next to you forward instead. Remember to put some feeling into it! Bonus: The scene may require some dunamis for prop work. Try it out!
- Perhaps you're one of the people siding with the classic actors. Or maybe you just don't like plays in general. There's a bucket of tomatoes just waiting to be thrown. Even better, the angrier you are, the more rotten and sour the fruit will be.
Feel free to combine the scenarios and add whatever you'd like.
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include peanut butter and/or jelly.
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!
Cho Hakkai | Saiyuki
Is this really going to work? [Even after being told about the amulets and the telepathic connection they give to everyone who wears them, Hakkai can't help but be wary. The idea that any of his thoughts could be picked up by others whether he wishes to share them or not is not a pleasant idea. Which is why he's been avoiding using his amulet. Until now. There are some discussions that are simply much easier to have through a wider means of communication.]
Ah, good afternoon Verens. I suppose I should start by introducing myself. My name is Cho Hakkai and I have some questions that I'm hoping some of you would be kind enough to answer. You see, I wish to know about dunamis. I have heard a little about it already, enough to know what it is. What I wish to know is what sort of purposes do people use it for? Is it really as valuable a technique to learn as it seems? And how would one go about learning it? Are there teachers of dunamis here in Verens? [And perhaps that's enough questions to begin with.]
e;
[This isn't the type of work that Hakkai would have preferred, but when you have the tendency to live hand-to-mouth, supporting yourself on random odd jobs, you really can't complain with the type of work you find available. Plus the money is enough to get over any slight discomfort.
Which is how Hakkai finds himself crouched down behind a row of corn, web shooting gun in hand, as he waits for his partner to lure out the bugs. Being calm in the face of danger comes naturally to him, and he would hardly think of emotion sucking bugs to be anything to get into a tizzy over.
...Until he feels something creeping up his leg, causing him to start and look down, faced with the sight of one of the said bugs moving up his pants leg. A sudden sense of drowsiness comes over him.]
...Shit.
[Now would really be a bad time for his partner to need him to fire the gun.]
wildcard;
[Do your thing!]
e
That's why Shinou joined up to defeat these little emotional leeches.
Shinou offered to be the bait for the little monsters and tried stirring up as many emotions as he possibly could, which wasn't all that easy when he pushes things back as far as he can usually. ]
Maaa, are the little pests sleep-- Hakkai!
[ Shinou had turned back in time to see Hakkai looking like he might topple over and a bug attaching to his leg. Shinou manages to conjure up a ball of water and throw it at Hakkai in an attempt to scare the bug off. ]
no subject
He's just about to try and flick the bug off his leg using the special gun when he hears Shinou's voice calling out to him. Before he can say anything there's a ball of water smashing into him and soaking through his clothes.
Wiping water off his face using a dry patch of his sleeve, he begins to feel much more awake and the bug that had been on his leg is nowhere to be seen.]
That was quite the wake up call, my friend. [He smiles even as he gives up on finding a part of him dry enough to wipe down his monocle.] I guess these bugs aren't so different from any other kind. They don't appear to be fans of water.
no subject
[ There was a click of his tongue as he tsked the poor man, with a hand on his hip as he did it. He approached Hakkai and held a hand out to him.]
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[He accepts the other man's hand easily and pulls up onto his feet, the special gun still securely in his other hand.]
But I must admit, you surely don't look as old as you claim.
[There's curiosity in his statement, but not much surprise. He knows of few people from home whose ages are equally in-congruent with their appearance.]
no subject
[ What he means is his ego, since there is literally nothing wrong with this man's self esteem in the slightest. He chuckles and gives him a charming smile ]
If you were to guess, what would be your best attempt. Humor me.
no subject
[While they're catching, the bugs are re-grouping around them, drawn in by their warm, friendly exchange. They approach slowly, trying to go unnoticed, but once some of them come into range, Hakkai raises the gun unerringly, expression not changing in the slightest, and fires.
The webbing shoots out and envelops a grouping of the bugs, stopping their approach.]
My, these pests certainly are living up to their title.
no subject
But it seems you certainly have them covered! You are certainly a fiercsome man!
no subject
Oh, no. I wouldn't even be this much help if you hadn't come to my aid. It's my turn to pick up the slack so to speak.
no subject
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[An unease grows within him and he barely stops himself from reaching up to touch his limiters, but he shoves the emotion away before it can gather enough force behind it to effect the environment around them. It had been much easier to play things close to the vest back home when needn't worry about such things.
Besides, what are the odds that this man would even know what he is?]
no subject
Nothing nothing, don't mind me. Just the ramblings of an old man again. We tend to do that sometimes.
no subject
It's no problem at all. I just don't often hear such things directed towards me. It was a shock.
(no subject)
E!
Where was Hakkai? The sooner the healer did his part, the sooner they could get out of here. Sanzo rounded the corner where Hakkai was supposed to be, and looked down to see the other man starting to slump over.
"Oi," he growled, making his way over. A few more bugs buzzed around him, drawn by annoyance and anger. "Did one of them get you already?"
no subject
He would like to believe that his will is a bit stronger than that of a tiny bug, but by the time Sanzo finds him, he's barely keeping the gun held up. It was almost a relief when the familiar irritated voice graces his ears.
"I'm afraid so. Would you mind doing the honors? I don't trust my ability at the moment."
no subject
With a quick zap, the bug disintegrated, and Hakkai's leg was completely untouched. Sanzo rested the gun in his hand against his shoulder and looked over his teammate. "How long do the effects take to wear off? You're going to be able to continue, right?"
no subject
"I'm not quite sure, I'm afraid. But I am already feeling much better. Thank you Sanzo."
As if to prove his words, he raises the special gun and shoots two bugs dead-on who had been re-grouping around them during their chat. Satisfaction bleeds out into his expression as he turns back to face his companion, coupled with a gentle breeze kicking up around them.
"I believe it would be best if we kept moving. Unless we want to draw them all to this spot and hope we can capture or banish them all."
C
Besides, I thought your magic and dunmais were basically the same thing?
[He has no idea he's mispronouncing it.]
Why would you even need a teacher?
no subject
[And because he's a bro he's not going to mention that fact. Yet. Be good and he might bring it up before you can embarrass yourself in front of someone.]
If you're referring to my chi, that is an energy that comes from the body. From what I've gathered of dunamis, it originates from our emotions. Although they both involve channeling certain energies towards a specific goal. So in some ways they are similar.
no subject
Okay so you've still got a leg up on me. That's kind of my point.
[Because like most everything else in his life, he's been self-teaching this whole emotional magic thing too. It just hasn't felt important enough to seek out a 'teacher' at this point.]
I guess if you get good enough at it, I can just watch you.
[Moocher through and through.]
no subject
[A part of Hakkai will always be a teacher at heart, and as such he's drawn to going beyond what he can learn on his own. A part of being a better teacher is first learning from others after all.]
You could also join in if I find someone to teach us.
[Or he can just watch Hakkai. It's not like he's going to stop him.]
no subject
[He taps out his cigarette and smirks a bit, even if Hakkai can't see it.]
Well maybe if the teacher is a hot lady I'll pay attention more.
[And he chuckles merrily, but in that way that says he's not actually kidding.]
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[There's a hint of amusement in the thought. He's well aware of Gojyo's tendencies after all.]
Then again, perhaps I should withdraw my offer. Your inevitable flirting would be a distraction. [Assuming he finds a woman to teach him at all.]
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[But that's not really the point and he knows it.]
All the same if you don't want me there...? I'm sure I could find other ways to keep myself busy. Still working on getting a mahjongg set after all.
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[But he supposes Gojyo's infamous lechery is good for one thing; their enemies have tended to underestimate him in the past due to it.]
Of course you're welcome Gojyo. I just can't promise any beautiful women seeing as I haven't found an instructor yet. But if you're interested in learning I would appreciate having a partner. As for the mahjongg, how is that going? Do they know of the game here?