TEST DRIVE: JUNE

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: JUNE —

IMPORTANT! Applications will be CLOSED during JULY! They will reopen in AUGUST.

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 Thursday, May 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on June 1st. IMPORTANT! We are skipping the July application cycle. June applications will run through the 7th, apps are completely closed in July, and then reopen at normal schedule in August. There will be no July Test Drive, thus the next test drive is scheduled for the August cycle.
  
  
• 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!
  
  
• Transfer to in-game. If accepted, you can assume threads made on the Test Drive happen in-game if the scenario can reasonably fit. These threads do not count toward AC.

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: It's a clash of emotions, and it's all based on love. A special perfume is in the air and it's had a greater effect than intended. One whiff of the aroma will send you in a frenzy.

1. The sweltering heat and sparks of flame aren't from the usual culprits of anger or hatred. No, it's from the burning passion of love and desire, the intense need to prove one's worth to those whom they care about. Whether the flames of passion are coming from you or someone smitten by you, the fires need to be put out. Delicately or harshly, whatever works.
   
   
2. The other side of this is rather than the heart set on fire, there's a creepy chill in the air from an ever present cold shadow lurking nearby. But it's not just a shadow. It's a stalker. For whatever reason, there is something interesting about the target. Could be superficial or deep. Whatever it is, the stalker will want to keep that person all to themselves and the emotions will do the dirty work. Creating walls to block paths, shadowy ropes to keep them in place, even freezing or some sticky substance. A good dose of hatred (or punch to the face) will help escape. So are you the stalker or the target of their affections?

• Prompt E: There's been an uptick in crime and something fishy is definitely going on.

1. Crystal stores have been prime targets for thefts. It varies from sneaky break-ins at night to armed robberies during the day. Will greed cloud your judgement to ride on their tails and take some of the plunder, like the cash and other valuables left behind? Or are you one of the brave and righteous that happens to catch them in the act?
   
   
2. Airships are another prime target, and whether you are on one for basic travel or security, prepare to be boarded! Just beware, they have emotion bombs on hand. Physically they only do minor burn damage, but the smoke will cause you to feel various debilitating emotions such as fear, irrational anger toward allies, futility, and even charmed by the enemies to let them go. Otherwise it's a swashbuckling airship fight.
   
   
3. Your crystal amulet has been stolen and replaced with one that looks exactly like it. The problem? These amulets are either going to amplify all of your emotions or drain you to apathy. Feeling a little annoyed? Well now you're flame crazy mad and want everything to burn to the ground. Sad? Here comes a torrential downpour as you sink into full on despair. What about happy? Everyone is suddenly in technicolor and you're oblivious to anything wrong. Got a crush? Time to kick up lust and try to drag them to the bedroom. It's going from 0 to 100 fast, so hopefully those around you can help out.

• Prompt F: Plush slippers are all the rage right now, but the most popular product out in the market are those styled after the Arehtei. There are even matching pajamas and robes to go with them! Coordinated or mix and match, you can't go wrong with these adorable sleepwear. But of course, there is a catch…

1. Lucky (?) you, you get to help model one of three top selling styles: Peromei, Aiada, and Thras! Aren't you adorable with those fuzzy dragon slippers, unicorn pj's, and fluffy sprite hat. Despite how ridiculous you feel, you may also become appreciative of the hard work, brave the gawking crowds, andhope your hell ends soon. OR perhaps you'll become jealous of those who escaped this fate, fear showing your face anywhere ever again, and despair at your misfortune and suffering. Maybe it's a crazy mishmash. Anything goes when it comes to emotions.
   
   
2. However it happened, perhaps through a special promotion involving a lot of cash, you managed to procure a set of the Arehtei pajamas and spent the night in them. Or maybe you're lounging at home, chilling with roommates or friends. Maybe they want to try it on. Regardless, after a long period of time, your emotions are becoming more focused toward the Arehtei the pj's are based off—or more if they are mixed. Maybe...you're actually behaving more like the Arehtei's personality. Hope it's not Sosyne or you'll be one constantly pissed off not!whale.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include giant shrimp and/or angry flock of crows.

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

Xander | Fire Emblem: Fates

[blackparagon]

Prompt C

I beg your pardon, I am merely testing the amulet to see if it works and how it works. My name is Xander. Should anyone like to talk, I would appreciate it if you would indulge me.

...I wonder if this could be used to circumvent the curse...

Prompt D-1

[Xander was no stranger to admirers. He figured he would be able to handle whatever went down when he heard about love running wild.

Boy was he wrong.

Xander couldn't go even three feet without woman (and the occasional man) throwing themselves at him, either eager for his attention or just trying to take him home. It was getting to the point where Xander was tempted to get a paper bag to put on his head and just head home...or get a bucket of ice water to douse anyone who tried to approach him.

And right now, he's currently trying to let somebody down as gently as he can. However, he's clearly frustrated. The clouds keep moving to block the sun from shining on him, and the patch directly above him is an especially nasty shade of gray. Are you passing by, or maybe perhaps the person he's trying to let down? Up to you!]

Prompt E-2

[Xander is aboard an airship. It's his first time on one, so he had been eager to see the sights and look down at the world below. That said, he's also responsible for keeping the airship safe on this particular trip. Might seem like work below his station, but he's a master of defensive tactics at this point in his life, given how much experience he has due to the Nohr-Hoshido war back home.

So when the pirates attacked, Xander was among the first to intercept. So far he's been able to avoid succumbing to emotion bombs; he could block taking a direct hit by using the shield affixed to his left forearm, then leading the battle closer to the bow of the ship. And at the moment, he's doing a good job; two pirates lie dead on the deck, while the others stand a distance away. Xander brandishes his sword, an ornate jet-black blade whose edges glow red.]

Is that all? I've hardly broken a sweat against you pigs! Get down on your knees, or say your prayers -- I care not which!

C

[unfairest_ofthemall]

[Ding ding ding, someone said the magic word!]

I'm sorry, did you say curse?

[blackparagon]

[Wait, what? But Xander didn't think he said that...]

You...heard that part?

[This might get awkward.]

[unfairest_ofthemall]

Yeah, that's one of the things you'll learn about the amulets - as long as you think it, we can still hear it!

[blackparagon]

...Oh. I see. Well, er, I thank you for the information, miss.

[Now he just feels awkward. That wasn't supposed to be said. Hopefully the curse doesn't apply to mental communication, or he might have a hard time.]

D-1

[foxtastic]

[ oh. oh no. yes, the perfume apparently works very well--- but not on this kitsune. actually, it's mostly because he's already quite content and doesn't feel the need to chase every man or woman around in order to get what he wants. he's no smitten kitten, because he's a fox, which completely renders the terrible rhyme useless.

however, he does spot an terribly familiar and recognizable figure. the clouds certainly obscure a little bit of his stature, but his presence is unmistakable.

which is why he goes into action, immediately looping his arm around Xander's. with a cheery and fake smile, he tries to wave the unshakable admirer away. ]

Hey! Look, there are plenty of fish in the sea... err, by the docks. Why don't you go somewhere else and let me take care of my human friend? After all, we've been together forever, right?

[ the frozen smile stays in place as he looks up to Xander, but his eyes say 'ruse'. ]

[blackparagon]

[The action catches Xander by surprise. However, if there's one good thing about Xander's stony face, it's that it seldom gives anything away.]

Oh -- Kaden?

[The kitsune is unmistakable -- since Kaden is the only one Xander is at all familiar with. His muscles continue to remain extremely tense; however, he's able to figure out what Kaden is up to quickly enough.]

...Yes. You see, it is too late. I'm sorry. It's best you move on and forget about me.

[That was something that the girl couldn't argue with. Dejected, she slumps off.]

[foxtastic]

[ he's really glad he didn't have to demonstrate how 'close' they were to the other party, whose grumbling could be heard with his acute kitsune senses as she peaced out. and as soon as she's out of sight, he quickly lets go and steps out so he could be in front of him, hands on his hips. ]

Xander! [ he puffs out his cheeks, making a soft, irritated noise in the back of his throat. ] What'd you do to get that girl so upset?

[ a beat and then he immediately perks up, grinning. ]

Oh, and do you think we'd make a solid power couple or what?

[blackparagon]

Why would I make a girl upset? It's this accursed perfume wafting through the air. It's driving everyone mad!

The sooner I get back home, the better. I've had enough escapades for one day.

[By "home" he means where he's staying in the city.]

Er. I'm sorry if I'm a bit touchy. This afternoon has tried on my last nerve.

[No comment on that last bit.]

C

[lazuline]

I would not tempt fate, Xander.

[Azura herself, has wondered the same, but the thought of what could happen has certainly kept her from talking about it. .... or well, thinking about it too.]

...It's safer to avoid it, I think.

[blackparagon]

[Whoa, wait. Xander had a few things to process with that. First, he knows that voice. It's Azura. Second, she heard something he didn't say.]

Wait, what? Azura? I mean, you heard what I thought about the curse?

[lazuline]

[Oh, he must not have used the amulets before now? Azura hesitates, some of her concern filtering through the device.]

Yes. [an answer to both questions at once.]

Don't worry. Minding your thoughts so they are not broadcast with the amulet becomes second nature here quickly. But you should be careful, until then.

[blackparagon]

I would imagine so. Nevertheless, thank you. Best I learn it from you than from someone who might take advantage of what I said.

So, I presume you had the same thought when you first arrived?

C

[angriff]

... why would anyone want to do that?

[blackparagon]

Why not? People don't need a reason to meet other people.

E-2

[oligomania]

[There are ships flying the sky, ships that are similar to what she's used to but that travel above the ground rather than in the sea. Makes sense considering there aren't a lot of big bodies of water on the floating island. Rather than walk everywhere, sometimes Velvet takes up a spot on one of these ships and after having taken a journey out to one of the little hamlets (just to see them) is on her way back to Verens when the pirates attack.

For the most part, she's avoided getting into trouble. While she has no loyalty to these pirates in particular, Velvet also has to wonder if maybe someday they might become her allies. After all, that was what had happened to her back home and they proved themselves to be useful.

So she has only done what was necessary to protect herself and then made her way to the deck to avoid the smoke emitted from the emotion bombs. Currently, she's taken up space on the mast, up out of the way of all of the fighting and difficult to spot if one weren't looking up. Now she's watching one of the heroes squaring off against the pirates but also has the ideal spot to see a wider field.]

Behind you. [Comes the casual call as she watches another pair of pirates attempt to get Xander in a pincer move.]

[blackparagon]

Huh?
[Xander glances up toward where he heard the voice come from, and also turns around. He catches a glimpse of long, black hair above him, then lifts his sword above his head. A spike of black energy lances out from the sword and strikes one of the advancing pirates in the chest. He does it again to take out the other one.]

You thought a pincer strike would work? No such luck! Now, throw your arms away and surrender! This is your last chance!

[Clearly the pirates hadn't been expecting Siegfried to have the power to launch magic attacks from a distance. This time, they finally do as Xander demands and drop to their knees.

Xander breathes a sigh of relief, then looks back up to where he saw the mass of hair before. Sure enough, he sees the young woman up in the mast. He calls up to her.]

Excuse me! I beg your pardon, but could you help me find some rope?

[He's grateful for Velvet's warning, but he'll thank her once he doesn't have to call up to her.]

[oligomania]

[If he gets stabbed for trying to look up at her while facing off against an enemy, it's not her fault. That's about her train of thought when Velvet sees him attempting to glance up at her. Never turn away from an opponent, even if you have the upper hand.

She doesn't comment as he throws around magic to make them submit, merely watches as the pirates give up so easily. Scoffing at their lack of backbone.

When the "hero" turns to her to ask for rope, Velvet debates whether to put that much effort into helping someone.]

You look for the rope, I'll keep an eye on them. If they so much as move a finger, they'll end up as my next meal. [As she says it, her left arm shifts to her side and transforms from the normal (if completely bandaged) appearance into a giant black and red monstrous claw. Velvet's eyes lock with the pirates.]

I must admit that I'm hoping they move as it's been a while since my last meal and I've gotten quite hungry. [It's said with a menacing grin that causes the pirates to look at her with horror, then over at Xander as if they expect him to protect them.]

[blackparagon]

[Xander watches in surprise at the transformation. In one respect, it reminded him of Corrin's abilities, particularly how he could transform appendages into dragon parts. On the other hand...meal? What?

Xander takes a deep breath and heads off to find some rope. It doesn't take him long to find some coiled up on the deck, so he slings a loop over his arm and carries it back.]

...All right. Keep them unmoving while I tie their limbs.

E-2

[shofuren]

[Enju heard from her friends of a place where there is water as far as the eye could see; they even mentioned off-handedly that there could be a place in the clouds one day. She didn't expect a chance to view the latter so soon and how amazing it would be; it was breathtaking. There were practically small rainbows forming from her shoulders and she dearly wished she could show this view to her friends.

Though, thanks to the pirate raid, her happiness was short-lived and soon replaced with quiet determination. She takes a deep breath to relax and begins to analyze the situation as she was taught. There seemed to be six pirates in total and while they lacked the skills a shinobi has, they seemed to have some sort of weapon that emitted smoke once it hit its target. There also was another man that was a... mercenary, maybe? She's unsure of what his position is, but he was defending against the pirates which makes him an ally for now.

For the most part, she was able to keep herself hidden by erasing her presence behind some barrels at the bow of the ship. She was going to wait until there was an opening to help, but when one pirate was approaching her location, she quieted her breathing waiting for him to pass. Once he had, she unsheathed her dagger and dealt a sharp blow to his neck with the handle to knock him out. A relieved sigh is released as she maneuvered back to her hiding spot and observed the battle.

Considering that two were killed, it made her visibly tense, but she pushed down the fear and uneasiness to focus. This leaves three pirates left: two at the front of Xander and one at his blind spot. The third pirate grabbed something from his pocket and tossed it towards the space in between the other two pirates and Xander.]

...!

[The way the object was thrown was one in a high-arc so she's unsure if Xander had seen it, but it seemed like the pirate didn't mind if his fellow allies got hit by the smoke as well. With no other way to give a warning subtly she revealed herself from her hiding spot, yelling to grab Xander's attention.]

Cover your face!

[It's the only warning Xander gets before she throws her kunai at the emotion bomb.]

[blackparagon]

Wha--

[The action catches Xander by surprise. However, his reflexes are well-trained, and he quickly raises his shield over his face and holds his breath. The emotion bomb detonation catches him by surprise, and he spins around to see it coming at him. Immediately he drops to the deck and lets the draft carry the smoke away.]

So that was what you were planning?

[Xander quickly leaps back to his feet and throws himself at the pirate who had tried to sneak up on him, cutting him down with a single stroke. He then turned to the other two.]

Now, will you surrender, or will I have to kill you, too?

[He also owes the girl who helped him some gratitude, but first things first.]

[shofuren]

[To be honest, Enju wasn't expecting the other man to hear her warning in time. While she is in awe of his quick reflexes -- wondering if he's as fast as the shinobi she knows -- she shouldn't let it distract her and directs her attention to the two pirates when he focuses on the one with the bomb.

It seems like at least one of the pirates inhaled the smoke considering how fidgety he is, their eyes darting across the ship as if looking for an escape route. On the other hand, the other pirate remains somewhat the same as before. Although, he seems to be paying close attention to his comrade which becomes clear when they hear the warning.

Both men fall to their knees as they cradle their head in their hands, eyes downcast. They both seem like they're surrendering, but the person that is affected by the smoke has a much more believable facial expression than the one that isn't. Even with her training, it is somewhat difficult to see so she decides to just relay her thoughts to the person that is fighting and hope for the best.

As a habit, her steps are quiet and she speaks up when she's a safe amount distance away from the man.]

I think they'll be out of commission in the meantime because of that smoke, but...

[A pause as she lowers her voice slightly.]

The one on the left may have not been affected by it. Would you be able to subdue them without bloodshed?

[There's already been enough killing today and as long as they're not going in for the kill like in a mission, she believes it should be fine to just capture them. She would do it herself, but it's probably best to blend in as a random boarder for now? You know, except for that kunai; she'll think of an excuse for having that.]

[blackparagon]

[Xander remains motionless as the pirates appear to surrender and the young woman approaches. He stays silent until she speaks.]

As long as we have some rope. Do you know where we can find some? I'll stand guard in the meantime.

D-1

[callyourname]

[ Mikasa just happens to be passing by near him and that situation. She is completely unaffected by the perfume or whatever is in the air today because she is keeping her red scarf wrapped tightly all the way up to covering her nose that she doesn't smell it at all. Clearly she shouldn't wash her favorite piece of clothing once she gets home, so she won't do anything stupid or weird around Eren...

Either way. Her first plan is to ignore him and his problems but well considering how it looks like something might happened there soon with all those negative emotions gathering around him...

Mikasa sighs. Well she should meet new people while she is here, it is what Eren keeps telling her...

She walks to them with fast steps, staying calm all the time because that situation clearly needs someone like that around... Once Mikasa gets there, she grabs the too excited admirer by the neck and tries to pull them away from the man. She's not exactly gentle about it and her touch feels icecold. ]

Enough.

[ Help from a very serious looking girl, who is wearing some kind of an uniform, green cloak and some weird metal boxes on her hips... You're welcome. ]

[blackparagon]

[For a few seconds, Xander doesn't react, aside from his eyes going wide in surprise. He simply looks at Mikasa briefly before speaking.]

Ah...er, thank you. I, um, wasn't expecting help.