TEST DRIVE: OCTOBER

[empevents]

— 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!


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: 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!

Comments

rayfa padma khura'in | ace attorney

[divinable]

( as rayfa's game just came out this month, the prompts are spoiler-free! worry not. c: )

( B )
[ rayfa may not be royalty here, but she still wants to get to know the people. she wants to make sure people are living peacefully and don't have much complaints; that they should be getting what they need. and she may not be used to mundane tasks such as these, but to help… she'll do it. ]

A system is in place so that it can bring order to the people. It's shameful how the library's books are not in their proper place.

[ while talking out loud, apparently.

despite that, though, it seems her afternoon's become productive! she's managed to place a bunch of books in their proper shelves. everything looks very tidy!

though… if you look up, you'll find that all those shelves are empty. it's just the bottom shelves that have books in them. ]

I have to say, I have done a job well done.

[ she's too short to reach the upper shelves… ]


( C )
[ while her home may be a place of spirituality, being able to communicate telepathically is just… well, it's weird, isn't it? would that mean that you can hear everybody's thoughts? would that mean others can hear your own thoughts?

would that mean you know everything? ]

Who was the first person to think that they should milk a cow's breasts to receive its produce?

[ WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. ]

… I thought nothing!

[ that was a dumb thing to think about… ]


( E )
[ by some unfortunate event, you are now stuck with rayfa as your partner. ]

I will be the shooter, of course. [ there's no way you're going to make someone like her bait! ] Now hand it over!

[ yeah, the two of you are never getting anywhere if you're going to fight over the gun. ]

B

[shanghaiworld]

... Hey, I think you missed a spot.

Or a hundred.

[Do not be alarmed at the voice which came out of nowhere, it is not the telepathic communication at work.

It's just that there's this girl hovering in the air above you. Being critical of your work ethic.]

[divinable]

[ she almost jumps, startled, at the sound of the voice. she looks at both her sides, then behind her, but sees nobody. she hasn't considered to look up. ]

Who— Who's there?

[shanghaiworld]

... Look up.

[Don't worry, she's facing down. Hanging in the air, as if laying down.

That makes it better, right!?]

[divinable]

O Holy Mother!

[ why... why would anybody sneak up on an unsuspecting young lady like that?! it's a good thing rayfa doesn't curse and can only exclaim so much. it's still loud, though, which is why she covers her mouth as soon as she realises the noise she's made. ]

What- Come down this instant!

E

[spiritedafey]

[Maya's grip on the gun only tightens at the teenager barking orders at her. SIGH, how did she end up with Rayfa of all people? Being the princess' glorified royal babysitter was supposed to be Nick's job, not hers. BUT... she will need to take the situation as it is.

She's not handing over that gun, though.]

With all due respect, Your Benevolence, but I think I'm more fit to shoot this thing.

[Definitely.]

[divinable]

[ she's beauty, she's grace, she's... handling this very professionally, apparently. ]

Are you implying that I am not capable of using it?

[ or she could be very offended by all of this and the lid is only about to blow off. ]

Just because you have abetted in crimes before, or have even done them yourself, does not make you "fit" to use the gun. In fact, it may even be better in my hands so yours do not get any more soiled.

[spiritedafey]

Abetted in cri---?!? [Maya's voice grows loud for a second before quieting down again. Maya, hold yourself together, it's no use getting worked up over something a kid has to say.]

Well, abetted in crimes or not, I've played plenty of video games in my lifetime. [She's obviously a pro, Rayfa.] I'd say that's more than enough practice! Unless you can say the same, Your Benevolence?

[divinable]

[ she grits her teeth, growling a little. ]

Who— Who are you to presume that I have never played video games! [ rayfa, that's not what maya is even trying to say here?! ] Of course I have played video games, which means I have had enough practise myself!

My score in Magatahma'n Squeeze is one that cannot be rivaled!

E

[greatcleavage]

[...Roy doesn't even know where to begin with this ridiculous partnership.]

Have you ever shot a ranged weapon before...?

[divinable]

[ just who is this guy, thinking rayfa's so unexperienced?! she is, but there's no way she's going to admit that now. ]

I have done things that you cannot even imagine, fool!

[greatcleavage]

Yes, that's unquestioned -- I can tell that just by seeing you have hair that you can actually do something with. [Roy is perfectly neutral in his response. Roy has a teenaged sister.] But as someone who's about to put himself in the line of fire, I would appreciate knowing precisely how much danger I'm going to be in.

[divinable]

Why will you be put in danger?!

[ it comes out as more like a whine, her voice cracking a little. she even stamps her foot once. ]

Definitely SoJ spoilers - B

[unyieldingdragon]

Hm. [Dhurke decided to make his presence known once Rayfa had actually finished. There was a convenient pile of books nearby just asking to be sat on and that's where he's been this whole time.]

Not a bad job at all for her royal Highness. [He says as he stands up and pretends to look over Rayfa's work with great scrutiny.] But I'm sorry to say that you're not quite finished yet.

[divinable]

[ it's all still weird, really. being around dhurke, and not wanting his head on a platter. and there's always a sharp pang of guilt in her heart whenever he's nearby. still, she isn't going to show any form of weakness now.

especially when her work is being criticised. ]

Do you not see how tidy the library looks now? [ she raises an arm and points her palm flat to one of the signs. ] Now people will find the books they want to find in the proper shelves. Sorted by the numbers on the spine of the books, and by genre.

[unyieldingdragon]

[Even if the circumstances between them was complicated, the man didn't let it bother him. That was home, this was here. If she's not bringing it up, Dhurke has no reason to think about it either.]

Well, it certainly is tidier, but there's a pile of books that still require Her Benevolence's attention. [He motions to the books he had been sitting on apparently.] And those empty shelves are graciously waiting to accept those books. [...Yes he knows they're too high for her, but he wants to have a little fun with her first.]

[divinable]

[ she looks at him and the books he's sitting on, then turns to look at the empty shelves up top. it's actually kind of daunting. but she won't give up now! in this kind of situation, she'd just yell at someone to do it for her as she physically can't reach the top. she won't, though. inga may have been the father she knew and loved, and she barely even knows dhurke, but she's her real father.

she doesn't want to disappoint him! ]

It would do you well to stand up, then.

E!

[magicpanchira]

Are you kidding me? Look, I'm a magician. I know my way around a gun... do you even know how to shoot?

[ ...Trucy this is not a normal gun. Still, she trusts her gun wielding instincts before she trusts the good Princess' aim, thank you. ]

...Wait, why did we agree to do this again? I mean, have you seen what these bugs look like?

[divinable]

I have seen what they look like!

[ and they're gross, truth be told. but she has to do it if she wants to help people!! just because she'd rather be elsewhere doesn't mean she shouldn't be assisting those in need. ]

Now cease arguing with me this instant and hand it over!

[magicpanchira]

Well, you're brave, I'll give you that much.

[ Oh heck no. Trucy twirls the gun on her fingers, huffing. ]

Absolutely not. You'll end up shooting me, I can just picture it! If you really want to help people, you can go act as the bait. Otherwise, I'll just do both myself, and give you half of the credit anyways. I'm older than you, respect your elders!

[ She'll just pull the whole age rank thing. Except she hates the fact that she just said 'respect your elders' and suddenly she wants to take it back because this is something Apollo would be saying. Too late now, though. ]

[divinable]

[ oh my god these people from america really have no manners!! how insulting!! ]

I will not be bait!

[ WHY ISN'T PHOENIX HERE TO SETTLE THIS ARGUMENT. stupid barbed head lawyer!! why does he always inconvenience her?! ]

... But, perhaps if you run around and proclaim to all that you are a nincompoop, I will reconsider.

C

[goesbananas]

[Winston rumbles a laugh, keeping the broadcast strictly Audio right now. Better not alarm anyone.]

Very likely the same people who remember breastfeeding their infants and observed a cow doing the same with her own. It's instinctual, and milk contains the same nutrients and the like across all mammalian species, so it may have simply seemed logical to try it to early humans.

[divinable]

[ yeah, rayfa is going to scream if she sees some kind of animal talking to her. dear god why...

that is a good point, though. ]

Then, if a businessman owns a piece of land, would that mean he has possession of the soil that is all the way down to the core of the earth?

[goesbananas]

No. Land rights actually have a limit in nearly every industrialized nation.

[Ah what is with these totally unrelated questions?]

Once you get to a certain point, you start hitting utility lines and that's when it becomes public land again. It's illegal to dig further, in fact.

[divinable]

[ these are totally good questions shut up. ]

Illegal? Why? [ there's a pause there. ] Miners and archeologists dig up more than they have to.