TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY—

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 Wednesday, January 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open Wednesday, January 1st.
• OC Reminder! Just a quick reminder that original characters are 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: Over two years ago, the ill fated Red String of Fate toy made its debut. At the time it seemed like a solid idea, but as it turned out… it didn’t exactly work as advertised. People found themselves tied together with entirely incompatible people instead of the proclaimed “emotionally compatible” and to top it off, personal, influential and private telepathic communication came out drenched in sap and overly lovey-dovey overtones. It was, without a doubt, one of the company’s least successful product launches ever. And you would think that they would have learned. However, they decided to try again, and… well. It wasn’t exactly all that well thought out the second time around. But third time’s the charm, right? Wrong. Even if this time, it’s in the form of rings that will draw two people together in a “matched pair” rather than a string.

1. There’s not really anything wrong with believing in true love, but trying to formulate a product that can detect someone’s ideal mate is innately flawed. Which only means that no matter how many times the product is adjusted, it’s just not going to work. Those who wind up with the product shoved onto their fingers (by a sales rep or through actually purchasing the product) will find themselves, once again, pulled by an unseen force to the nearest person they are “compatible with”. Same height, same hair color, whatever. It’s not exactly discriminatory. …Unfortunately as poor a match as they may be, the two cannot be separated until they share a meaningful embrace. So settle in, you might be together for a while.


2. In certain pairs, normal conversation is often unintentionally made amorous, simply from inflection in voice, or perhaps a heightened affectionate emotion. Or, on the flip side, anger and aggression is increased ten fold, but it’s kind of 50-50 as to what effect will take place, all dependant on which hand they wear the ring. Left, romance, Right? Anger.

• Prompt E: The inexplicably cavernous sewers of Verens are no place for a sane individual, but here you are anyway—dropped there by some horrible emotional shift that made an entire section of street vanish and then reappear above your heads as if nothing had happened. You and the poor fool you’ve been dumped down here with need to find your way to the access tunnels and climb out, or perhaps go the other way and swim out through the Lake Niras outflow. Or just smash your way out, if you’re feeling destructive. But your own emotions will work against you, as you struggle against the terrible scent, the darkness, and the entirely-justified questioning of why your life has taken this horrible turn.

1. There’s something odd about the way the water and sewage is sloshing around your ankles, almost as if it’s rising. But wait, that can’t possibly be a pair of eyes you see under the oil slick surface… could it? You’ve heard rumors about all sorts of beasties down here but surely your mind is just playing tricks on you.


2. Remember that part about emotions turning against you? Maybe you’ve been trapped down here way too long with someone who’s just not living up to your expectations, or you’ve got something else on your minds—but the smell around you certainly seems to be growing thicker, the scent growing harder and harder to ignore. The water and grossness at your feet also seems to be growing thicker almost as though it’s curing like cement. The cause? Negative emotions. But are they yours or the person you’re stuck here with? Perhaps you should work through those post haste…


3. Escape! You’ve made it out, but not without a great amount of effort on both you and your partner’s parts. Did you manage to find a way out through the access tunnels? Or perhaps you really did travel through all that much to the Lake Niras outflow… whatever it is, You’re certainly stinky, and possibly tired and cranky too.

• Prompt F: Some bandits went and stole another airship, only this time the Enforcers are prepared with a few of their own. Join in for some intense air battles. Just don't make the ship explode—they'd like it back in one piece please. Unless you're actually on the bandit team, in which case you probably want to blow up the Enforcer ship.

1. What's an airship fight without some on deck action? Either the bandits are swinging over to the ship you're on, or maybe you're swinging over there. Whatever the case, it's a full on brawl. Just watch out—those bandits are well-armed with some interesting firearms and weapons. If hit, one of the following emotions will start to take over your senses: unquestionable rage, debilitating fear and panic, and sleepiness. Needless to say, these effects will hinder one's ability to fight.


2. Can you fly or are you okay with climbing up the full height of your airship? Then grab a few sleep and apathy grenades and throw them at the bandits. Just be careful not to accidentally hit your allies. Otherwise they will be the ones feeling sleepy and want to give up. Also watch out for flying nets and bullets. Those bandits will definitely try to bring you down.


3. While the enforcers are trying to maintain the integrity of the stolen ship, the bandits feel no such need to hold back and are freely unloading their weapons onto the Enforcer's ships, forcing them to defend themselves. Other than decapacitating the bandit behind the weapon, it's also possible to overload it with intense emotions. Explode it with rage or clog it with happy, loving flowers.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include bubblegum and/or toadstools.

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

aqua | kingdom hearts

[prismbloom]

prompt b.

A panty thief...?

[ Of all the things... Aqua's more confused than anything. Still, it's enough of an issue that someone took to the task board in order to resolve it. She doesn't see any need to use force, but the problem here is finding whoever fits the description. Wherever she is, she might turn to whoever is nearby, and say, ] Hello. I accepted a task, but I'm afraid I'm having a bit of trouble finding who's been making trouble. If it's no issue, would you like to join me?

prompt d1.

[ Aqua very much believes in true love and miracles--all that mushy stuff, as Terra once put it very eloquently--but this is straight-up just... odd. Wrong, almost. True love should be able to flourish on its own, between two people who spend a lot of time together. Not... this, whatever is happening.

Regardless, even if she's extremely skeptical, maybe she might make a friend. Aqua looks a little awkward nonetheless. She's sitting now, hands folded in her lap. What, exactly, do you say to a person who's apparently your soulmate...? ]

Well... hello.

[ Nailed it. ]

prompt e3.

[ So, that was a thing that happened. Aqua knows she doesn't ever want to return to that place; the air out here is too sweet and fresh to pass up in favor of... that. The darkness of the place, too, had hit a little too close for comfort...

Aqua coughs once, then takes in a deep breath, and she turns to whoever it is she'd been stuck with. ]

Are you alright?

e3

[seasaltkeys]

Fine.

[It's an automatic response, and he's not what one would call fine. He's been ignoring that he's sick so he looks a little bleary-eyed and generally tired. But he's still standing, which is something. It might say more about his stubbornness than his toughness.]

At least we're out.

[prismbloom]

You did very well, Roxas.

[ She notices the tiredness, and it's definitely worrisome. Aqua nearly reaches out to touch his shoulder, but she holds back. ]

We should wash up and rest, [ she says softly, hand curling into a loose fist. ]

[seasaltkeys]

[He nods, trying to smile and hoping it doesn't come out too much of a grimace.]

I did my best. I like that idea though, resting.

[He takes a few wobbly steps forward.]

[prismbloom]

[ Uh oh. Aqua reaches out to catch him, just in case he falls over. ]

Would you like me to help you back to your place?

[seasaltkeys]

I'll be alright, really. Just need to catch my breath.

i didn't think there would be that much fighting.

[But he might just, unconsciously, lean on her slightly.]

[prismbloom]

[ She wraps an arm lightly around him; he looks about as bad as Aqua feels. ]

Neither did I. [ She shakes her head. ] But we made it through, and that's what matters.

d1

[dyingworld]

Hi.

[Noel is sitting there too with a somewhat perplexed look on his face. How did he get roped into trying this ridiculous toy thing, he's not sure.

At least the girl looks nice enough.]

Guess we should exchange names, in the least.

[prismbloom]

[ She still feels awkward as heck, but at least he seems nice.

She turns to him. ]

I'm Aqua.

[dyingworld]

Noel. Nice to meet you, Aqua.

[He lifts up a hand that has the red ring attaching them together and wonders just how it is supposed to work. You never know with anything on this island.]

Care to test if we really can't separate even if we walk away from each other?

[prismbloom]

It's nice to meet you, too.

[ She looks down at her own hand, studying it curiously. What kind of magic is this, anyway...? ]

It's worth a try, [ she says, as she stands. ]

[dyingworld]

[He stands too and nods. With that, he takes a few paces away from her and feels it instantly. A strange magnetic pull that makes Noel stumble slightly as if someone shoved him back in her direction.

He straightens himself out and crosses his arms.]

... Well then.

[He feels a bit embarrassed. If this magic really proved soulmates or not, it's strange and embarrassing. He rolls his shoulders, that feeling making some static bounce off his shoulders.]

e3

[notgoingtowait]

[ That whole thing had been an experience in itself and she NEVER wants to go back in there as long as she lives. She's just finishing up with catching her breath when she heard Aqua speak to her, looking up and offering something in way of a sheepish smile. ]

Now that we're out of there, I think so.

[ Brushing some hair away from in front of her eyes, Kairi just hoped she didn't look as bad as she felt after all that. ]

What about you?

[prismbloom]

[ Aqua, for her part, is proud of how strong Kairi's become. But right this moment, it's not necessarily the time to tell her that. She's more worried about Kairi's well-being, after all. ]

I'm alright. [ ... Granted, she's exhausted for more than one reason, but. ] I'm not certain I'd like to repeat that, though.

[notgoingtowait]

[ She's quick to nod in agreement, straightening up and stretching her arms above her head. Ugh. A good bath was necessary when she got back to her place. ]

Yeah. I'll be happy if I never have to do that again.

[ Kairi then turned to Aqua, eyes bright. Something about her seemed really familiar but she couldn't put a finger on why. ]

Thank you, by the way. Without you, I don't think I would have gotten out of there as quick as we did.

[prismbloom]

[ A thank you... Aqua smiles and nods. ]

You're welcome--but I should be thanking you, too. Working together was the only way we managed so well.

D1

[onebadapple]

Why hello there.

[Snow White giggled.] You know, if you'll forgive me, I don't think you're my true love. I met him earlier before coming here, but you know, I would still be more than happy to love you as a friend.

[prismbloom]

[ Oh, now there's a face she recognizes. She hasn't seen her in so long, and seeing her alive and well is comforting. ]

Oh, of course. It's not your fault, after all. [ She's just as sweet as she remembers. Aqua smiles. ] I'd be honored to have you as a friend.

[onebadapple]

Well then, we've got that out of the way, perhaps we can figure out why these rings think we're compatible. OH! Do you already have a true love too?

[prismbloom]

[ Aqua shakes her head, but there's a smile there. ]

No, I haven't found mine yet. But I'm still looking, and I have hope they're out there.

[onebadapple]

Everyone has a true love. [Snow White smiled.] It's just a matter of finding them! But a wish into a well never hurts to make.

[D-1] ((i'm... doesn't have to be romantic if you don't want it to :3))

[apartoftheirheart]

[Ventus never gave much thought to love, never thought it was something he would be confronted with so soon. The love he shared for his friends and Master Eraqus was certainly not romantic attraction... Yet somehow, he finds himself across from a face he's more than familiar with. And, well. He's relieved to see her, but there's also that nagging "what the heck?" hammering against his brain.]

A-Aqua?! [he stands up, the... thing on his finger jolts and it stings a little from the sudden movement, but he's too wound up to notice.] Is it really you?

!!! ven ahh

[prismbloom]

[ It takes her half a moment before it registers just who's talking to her. There's a single moment where she's completely stunned, with wide eyes and being speechless and all... but then she reaches toward him. Aqua seems to second-guess herself, because she pulls her hand back and presses both hands to her chest. ]

Ventus...? I should be asking you that.

[Hey, hey!! ^^ So happy to see Aqua!]

[apartoftheirheart]

[His head tilts to the side, confusion flitting across his face. And... why did she pull away? It shouldn't upset him, but Ventus can't help feeling a little dejected at this. Why was Aqua acting so strangely, as if she didn't know it was really him?]

Of course it's me, Aqua! [he assures. He wants to reach out to her, but decides against it, waits for the shock to subside.] Are you... Is everything okay?

[prismbloom]

[ Oh, no... Now she feels guilty beyond reason. Of course it's him. She reaches out again to pull him into a hug, and she holds him close for some time.

When she pulls away, just enough to look at him-- ]

I'm so sorry for worrying you, Ven. It's just been so long since I've seen you, and...

[ There are definitely tears welling up in her eyes now, and she brings him in for another hug. ]