empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: JUNE

Entry tags:

!mod,
*test drive

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

[She slaps him, it's not overly hard, but it's not gentle either. But right after she hugs him trying to keep her voice even. She feels relieved but she's still angry and sad at the same time. The conflict picks up a wind around her, like it wants to storm but isn't strong enough.]

Komaeda kun!

[His breath comes out in a rush. He wraps his arm around her as his eyes slide shut. It's a bitter sweet pain to be this close again. No sense dwelling on what was.] I'm sorry.

[No justifications or explainations. Snow begins to fall in fat flakes. Sounds are muted around them by his unchained sorrow.] You have been missed here. Everyone will be glad to see you.

We're both...alive here. [He lets go of her, his metal hand held up.] Now. I can explain this world or you could come with me to the center. Whichever you desire, I'll honor.

[From what Komaeda was saying she would have to assume that the rest of the class, or at least a good ammount of them were here as well. But why? And she had been here before? Did this mean they were trapped still... or... was this really the case of falling into another world? It was hard to understand. The logical answer would be they were still in the simulation just a different layer. There wasn't any sign of the virus, but she also had no access to anything either. And looking at Komaeda's hand... there was a lot she didn't understand.]

If I can, I want to talk to you a bit first, Komaeda kun. You've said a lot of things I don't quite understand. And... you were reckless. No matter what, you can't do something like that ever again.

[She didn't know how much time it may have been for him, but it had been very recent for her. She couldn't ignore it.]

No matter what, you need to talk to everyone, you can't just take it all on yourself.

[Though she was mad it was an anger born from caring. She balled up her fists again in determination, turning Komaeda's snow into rain.]

It's been four years since then. But, alright, I swear I won't do anything like that again. [Hie steps back from her. Komaeda dips his head briefly and straightenes, shoulders back and head held high.]

Anyway, ask whatever you want to know. I can explain or point you to someone who could answer your questions. I don't have work today in any capacity. [He clamps his will back down over the energy his body gives off. The snow that added to Nanami's emtotion reaction is cut off.]

You have all the time you want.

That is a promis.

[She was determined. Four years or not. Four years was a lot, wasn't it? A person could change a lot in that amount of time, couldn't they?

One thing at a time.]

First, you said "everyone would be glad to see you" does that mean everyone else is here as well? And I was here before? Second, where exactly is here?

[She was doubting more and more how much she understood of the reality she was in right now.]

Here is Verens, one of the three cities remaining after this world suffered a global catacylsm. You're on the isle of Empatheias. ...some of the class is here but not all of us. Some of the 78th class and the Future Foundation are here as well.

[He rakes his hands through his hair getting it out of his face. Maybe he should have tied it back. Komaeda crosses his arms over his chest.] You have a crystal that you found when you woke up, right?

[She didn't have much of an opinion on the other classes, and though she was connected to the Future Foundation it wasn't like she had ever directly interacted with any of them. They weren't her priority. But if some of the class was okay, that was good to know. That there was a place for them, even if it was a strange other world.

Or... like a game. It wasn't that strange at all, no stranger, in fact more normal! than the world she had known.]

Yes, it looked like a key item so I put it on right away.

[Can't just walk off without starting the key events.]

So this really is like waking up in another world. Is there an evil overlord to defeat? Or heroes of light to band together on quests and save the world? Do I get to choose a class?

Nothing like that. [He holds up his hands with a dry laugh. She's so eager he hates to burst that joy.] This world was dying. It reaches out to people in other worlds and brings us here to help. In this world our bodies give off energy when we feel emotions. In turn it affects our surroundings.

In time you can learn to control it but right now it runs wild and manifests physical things like wind, rain, even smells or appearance changes! They're as personal as a fingerprint. Anyway, we work together with the spirits we get aligned to when arriving to rebuild this world.

Balance in our emotions is the key. As much as living beings can be balanced, anyway.

Ah! So, it's like being a mage.

[She didn't mind mage classes, and it was a new mechanic to use emotions.]

Our job is to help save the world by understanding our emotions and helping others....

[Feeling like she figured it out she's rather glad, but only for a moment before she sighs.]

I'm not very good at games where feelings are the most important....

[She can help look out for people, but it's hard to guess what people feel and how to respond to it. She can support a sad person, or try and motivate disheartened people, but she can't tell subtleties or connect well on a personal level.]

...you'll learn. You're not alone and we're experienced in how this works. [He starts to reach for her with his metal hand, but it falls back to his side. He grips his forearm and turns his head away from her.]

Learning how to control that energy is a journey of the self. In a way, it's a teaching tool of its own. But what you do with the emotion energy can be whatever you want to focus on. So you can be any 'class' you want. For example, there are story tellers in Shaarnath that paint the night sky and use that to tell their tales.

If it's so versatile than job changes shouldn't be that hard, and you won't even have to go to a shop or carry a bag of weapons.

[She smiles a little. It wasn't really the same though. She can learn about herself, she had come to learn a lot of things already, she had come a very far way since she was first turned on. But... could she help everyone else? Could she have meaningful interactions with them and help?]

I want to be able to help everyone, and help this place too. I want to be able to succeed where I failed before.

[His fingers dig into his arm. Even if the reasons made sense at the time. Even if it turned out alright. Komaeda turns away from her to tack the job back up on the board. He hadn't agreed to take the job. Someone else might need it.]

Mm, you didn't fail. They made it out. Hajime in turn saved all of us who died in the program. [Even him.]

Still... no one should have gone through that. It was suppose to be fun, it was suppose to be a game where everyone became friends and got along. Even if in the end something good came of the bad, it doesn't change that I couldn't help everyone avoid such sadness.

You should never have felt compelled to do what you did. No one should have been in the situations they had to face. It should have been a fun trip....

I want to see everyone having fun, I want to see everyone be friends and laugh and smile.

Can you change any of what happened? [His mild tone breaks the silence as he studies her face. Yes, he had done those things. Nothing could change that. Dwelling on the past does little good. But remembering it and accepting it...that could serve a purpose.]</small. I understand for you that this happened recently. Forgive me if I am speaking too bluntly. Grieve for what could have been, but when you're done...remember now is still here. That can be changed. The past, can not.

I can't. But that's why I'm going to do my best to not let more sad things happen. To protect the smiles of my friends. To have fun with everyone and see everyone having fun with each other.

[She raised her hands again, determined. She would never give up as long as she had a chance, as long as there was room to act.]

I don't know why we're here, and... it worries me a little. I don't understand how this works exactly. But, no matter what, I won't let this chance slip by. This time, it will be different. It's the start of a new game, and I'll definitely clear all the routes! ...probably.

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TEST DRIVE: JUNE

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dr2 and dr3 spoilers

Re: dr2 and dr3 spoilers

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