empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: JUNE

— 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.

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.
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.

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?
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.
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…

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.
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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[their home in Verens may not be his cozy attic room in Leblanc, but Sojiro and Futaba are there. that's enough to make it feel warm and welcoming. that's enough to make it feel like home]

[. . . which is usually a calming thought for Akira, but as he drags himself out of bed this morning and grabs himself a cup of coffee from the kitchen, he feels pretty unnaturally cranky. it couldn't be the fish-patterned Sosyne panamas he's wearing, could it?]

Cute pajamas, Boss.

[the comment is delivered in his usual deadpan as he shuffles into the room, rubbing one eye sleepily with one hand and cradling a mug with the other. a few sparks of annoyed electricity follow him, and each time one pops near his ear he flinches, a grumble escaping his mouth. it's okay tho Boss, Akira's Sosyne pajamas are cute too]

[ .... this is a disgrace. this moment. the nasty crime boy is calling him out for his choice of clothing. before coming here they hadn't really ever saw each other in the mornings. at least, not the early mornings before the cafe opened. this was an "adjustment period" of sorts.

there's a spark of electricity near him, like static, annoyance manifesting for a hot second. he's about to "chew" his ward out for the comment, but his gaze slips over the pajamas. a grin, instead, takes form and the sparks disappear. fondly, he lifts a hand to rub at his chin, staring at akira. ]

Right back at you, kid. Where did you dig those up?

[however odd Akira might feel about seeing his guardian in his morning pajamas, he doesn't say anything about it. probably because he's too busy nursing mild aggravation. thanks Sosyne]

[mild aggravation that he, thankfully, diverts away from Sojiro as he lifts a hand and swats at some of those sparks]

Same place you got yours, I bet. [another pop, and he flinches] Can we please stop the fireworks, they're driving me crazy. . .

[IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THIS. he slumps into a chair, lifts his mug to his mouth, and sulks]

Edited 2017-05-30 00:40 (UTC)

[ sojiro can't help the twitch of his lips into an even bigger grin. for some reason, seeing akira "miserable" like this is far too much amusement. call it a not!dad thing. ]

Long night?

[ because he can only assume that akira is hungover. he has to be, right? he's seen that expression many of times in the mirror in his youth (and not so much younger days, if they're being honest). ]

[DAD PLZ!!]

Futaba couldn't sleep, so I played cards with her until we both got tired.

[so no, not a hangover. not the traditional, alcohol-induced kind, anyway. but somehow, blaming his morning irritation on staying up late doesn't feel quite. right]

I don't think it's that, though.

[another pop of electricity, and he sinks further into the chair. UUUUGH SAVE HIM]

TEST DRIVE: JUNE

f, still can't believe I forgot to do this

FINALLY I HAVE ARRIVED FOR THIS

PAJAMA PARTY!!

bring the curry-popcorn!

popcurry