empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: MARCH

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!mod,
*test drive

TEST DRIVE: MARCH

— TEST DRIVE: MARCH —

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 Tuesday, February 23nd and Applications (Canon | OC) open Tuesday, March 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: Fireworks are a common source of entertainment for the island, and each year the equipment and technology used get more advaanced—and more dangerous. This year they're trying to contain the explosive emotional power from the easily angered by using a new device based off the Tree of Memories petals. Except the "device" includes the explosive powder for the fireworks. You can only imagine how disasterous that could be. YOUR OPTIONS:

Someone is deliberately provoking you to try and make you mad.
Someone else has blown their top and the device (and nearby fireworks) are exploding.
General firework and explosives mayhem.

Note: Calm emotions will help diffuse the situation, but you might want some water or something else to help douse both the literal and metaphorical flames.

• Prompt E: The spring season of Zephyras is on its way, so there's a lot less snow these days. To make the most of it, a lot of the local children have built as many snowmen and snow creatures as they can. Some adults have also taken to it, some actually treating it like some kind of competition. The resulting creations range from the standard to the incredible. Behemoth, monstrous creatures with gaping jaws and horns, majestic unicorns with ice sculpted wings and horns, lifelike human sculptures in various poses. Normally all of these would be considered works of it, but when you're in a world where emotions can sometimes give things a mind of their own...well. Creativity isn't the only way to "breathe life" into them.

Emotions can affect these snow sculptures in various way. Those that trend on the happier side will cause the snow creations to move and frolic around in place, perhaps even try to "play" with those around them. Those that trend on the negative, however, will give the opposite, especially anything that could make them more angry and violent.
A few people have caught onto this and have actually created a snowmen army! Using "stock" made snowmen, at least ten from each side slide and wobble around, chucking snowballs and rocks at one another for pure snow destruction. Hopefully you don't get caught in the middle of it.

• Prompt F: Have you ever ridden on a hover board? Or a flying motorcycle? Well if you haven't, you get to be one of many to try out a new design set to come out by the summer months of Eurus. Of course, they are still in development, so expect some hiccups and stalls. Even more, to help with fuel and power efficiency issues, the engineers have created a system that would help absorb and channel the user's emotions into the machine. Now, it's supposed to only take the energy from emotions and not actually be affected by what kind is given. In theory, even a sad person could power their new flying vehicle! However, that's a kink that still needs to be hammered out, so the test vehicles are still prone to emotional effects just like everything else. Angry emotions will have fire bursting from the exhaust, giving it a super huge boost in speed and power, but lack of control. Joy and excitement are also good boosters, but prepare to have a trail of stardust that could blow back in your face. Some other side effects are: rust, engine stall, decreased acceleration, suddenly flying upside down. Oh yeah, these don't have seat belts. But you get a helmet and a parachute! Good luck.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include empty barrel and/or chickens.

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!

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[ Too late, Jefferson. Too late. But it's because he's concerned! ]

So you had to attempt to break your neck? Or mine, the way you were going?

[So he's staying up in there for a while then. That's fine, he's fine, he's kind of worried the moment he's not able to control his emotions he'll be sent crashing down but he's fine.]

It is apparently connected to my own emotions. It is not an easy thing to control. [A beat.] For me.

[ You know that he'll catch you even at his most passive aggressive, right?

Madison stares up at the man hovering above him, and helplessly uses two fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose. ]

You were aware of all that, and yet you... couldn't resist it?

[ The tone clearly adds, what are you, five?

Sigh. ]

Do you need help?

I was aware, yes. But I didn't think these would be so faulty! [That is, at least, not his fault. The Hover Boards are still in development, after all. Which Jefferson is calmly keeping to himself.

He finally takes Madison's hand, to try to hop off.]

I did also not expect them to go so fast.

[ ... and Madison takes things in his own, ah, hands. He tugs him off of the damn thing so he can catch him.

All those hours in the gym that do not, after all, improve his health? Have to pay off, somehow. He can practically pick up and carry Thomas effortlessly; now he can catch him safely so Jefferson doesn't hurt himself, and deposit him on his feet on the snow. All's good.

There's a softness in his eyes as he does, and he looks the other man over, glad that, yeah, he seems fine. Just fine. His voice is very low as he murmurs, too, ]

That, I could have told you.

[ Never mind that neither of them knew the other was here, before just now. ]

[Thomas is tall, strong and well-built. Thomas is not used to being manhandled and he's pretty sure he'd never enjoy that with random people, especially random men. He doesn't like to be touched unless it's people he trusts, and when he feels forced to shake hands he always cleans them after. But he's also always hovering around Madison's shoulder, so he can take this if it means he'll be dropped away to safety. ]

Yo.

[He puts his hands on his shoulders, squeezing them gently because even PA Madison is a good Madison.]

I am not glad you have been forced here. But I have to admit if I have to be here I am glad you are around, my friend.

[ Well, at least the touch (even more rare towards Madison... unless it is Jefferson) and the words successfully redirect Madison's glare towards their surroundings, instead of Thomas himself. He sighs, far too quiet compared to Thomas's usual dramatics, and quirks an eyebrow. ]

I have not yet managed to learn much about it, yet. Is this place so unpleasant?

[ He'll admit to being confused. But he hasn't seen actually bad things this far - outside being here in the first place, yes. And James Madison is not exactly fond of far voyages. ]

... have you been here longer than me? I'm barely looking around.

[He shakes his head energetically, curls bouncing as he motions with his hands at... everything. Everything that surrounds them, everything around them. Suddenly everything is brighter around them, clearer.]

Unpleasant? Not at all. I have only been here for a few hours and I still have so much to see, but what I have seen is amazing. Like magic. I'm still not sure I ain't dreaming. But we brought here against our will after all.

[And yet he looks pretty ok with it, for now. He glances at the hover board.] Do you mind if I try again, now that you're here to catch me?

[ It is too strange and confusing, Madison almost says, but he holds his peace, instead letting Thomas's enthusiasm calm him down. If he hasn't found something disturbing in a few hours, maybe it's not bad strange, just strange. Slowly, with the brightening, a soft, pleasantly warm wind picks up, and Madison's face eases in... a near-smile. ]

I see.

[ His hands squeeze Thomas's shoulders, just a little, before he finally takes his eyes away from Thomas's face and quirks an eyebrow at the hoverboard. Before he gives his answer... ]

What have you found about how it moves this far? Do specific emotions make it go faster? Higher? Slower?

[ Thomas is a scientist. It'll probably be easier for him to handle the weird thing if he approached it systematically. ]

[He shakes his head before looking at the board again, his attention focus it on it right now but the energy still very clearly there.]

Nope, they just fuel it. But apparently burst of emotions mean burst of energy which translates to bursts of speed. You could try, maybe? You are definitely calm enough in general that it'll work I think.

[ Madison doesn't let go of Thomas, exactly, but he does turn to stare at the thing over his shoulder, highly suspicious. ]

Or it will not rise from the ground at all, for me.

[ Okay, maybe he's irritated enough just now for that to be untrue, but he does have to pt it out there as an option. ]

[He snorts, slapping Madison's chest gently with the back of his hand.] Nonsense.

If we see the differences between how it reacts to you and me maybe we'll figure out how it actually works.

[ Madison glances back at Thomas, and for the first time since he's come to this strange, strange place, his eyes soften. Tomas's faith in him always has that effect, even if it's usually less obvious. (Don't underestimate your abilities to disarm Passive Aggressive Madison, Thomas.)

... that doesn't mean that he's overly eager to step on that thing. ]

How do you even know I'd be able to stand on that and not fall? [ He likes the solidity of the ground! ]

[He rolls his eyes.] Do not act like a little kid, Madison. If you don't wanna try it then it's ok I guess, but you wouldn't fall just from stepping on it.

And we don't know how long we'll have to be here. We'll be seeing a lot of these weird devices, don't ya think?

[ Okay, Madison doesn't glare at Thomas over that comment, but his eyes tighten, and there's a faint unpleasant smell wafting around them. Very faint. ]

Seeing a lot of them does not mean we need to get involved with them, does in? This does look like a child's plaything!

[ Also, Thomas, do not be so sure that he won't fall from the damn thing. And if he breaks a limb, it will be your fault.

Madison's lips thin, then he shakes his head. ]

If you want to try again, go ahead. Keep your focus on me.

[The first affirmation gets a look because you do know who you're talking with right Madison? He's gonna get involved with all of them and more.]

I do want to try it, if you will not. [And he wrinkles his nose. Is that... ammonia? Whatever.]

Catch me if I fall? I'll just jump off if it goes crazy on me again.

[ Madison's eyes clear a bit (and so does the smell), and then they soften (yes, he does know him, that doesn't mean he can't try being the voice of reason!) as he nods. ]

Of course I will catch you. Just don't rush away too fast, please.

[ He can probably keep up. He might also catch a pretty bad cold from that kind of running in the open. ]

[Thomas grins. He'd tease, if it were anyone else. Probably purposely try to outrun them for fun. But we don't want Madison coughing to his death.]

I'll try. I think as long as I focus on a single thought, on a single emotion I should be able to control the speed no problem. I am pretty sure it'll be fine now that I've tried it once. [But he was also sure he'd control it the first time, so. You know.]

Ready? I will hop on.

[ Madison blinks, making a motion towards the hoverboard. It's not like he had to step on it, so being asked if he's ready...

Well, bringing Thomas's attention to that nervousness is probably unwise.

He raises an eyebrow, though, taking a look around. ]

It's a different world, my friend. How can you expect to hold one thought only, or one emotion? Too many distractions.

[ Focus on me, he doesn't repeat.

He's pretty sure he doesn't need to. ]

[Jefferson's grin should be enough to tell him that no, he really doesn't. He doesn't say it out loud but his focus is entirely on Madison.]

I'll do fine. I need to prove to you it's safe for you to try, yeah? [And on he goes, on top the board, a smile so wide his teeth are showing. It feels steadier than before, but he hasn't actually turned it 'on' yet...]

Here goes nothing. [And off goes the board, at a very slow speed.]

[ Madison watches with a frown, with only a soft huff when Thomas asks his question, then relaxes just a tiny bit when, this time, the strange contraption seems to be actually behaving.

He tilts his head up at Thomas, trying for a small distraction, while he is keeping up, to see how it'll work on his friend's control - and what will happen if it wavers. ]

You really want to get me up on one of those, don't you. I like my feet firmly planted on the ground.

[Madison keeps on talking, which is good. Makes focusing on him and ignoring all the other 'stimuli' way more easier. The table isn't exactly going at the exact same speed every second but he'll take it over nearly crashing to people all over.]

I told you. I want to see what happens when you get on. Maybe you'll be a natural!

[ Madison breathes out, softly, something inside relaxing a notch. Because Thomas and his science and that means everything is all right, at least a little. (A soft, pleasantly warm breeze drifts by, but it's not like either of them can tell what's normal for this place and time and what isn't.) ]

I just prefer having my feet on the ground, or on something that's on the ground, that's all.

[ At last, the truth why Thomas did not get his bestie on the trip to France.

Also, Madison, things will get interesting when you get your hands on the introductory pamphlet... ]

[Jefferson chuckles. It does come out slightly nervous, he is hovering on something that shouldn't technically work and yet does. But it really is much easier to control himself when he has Madison by his side. Then again, hasn't that always been the case?]

Well, you know me. Anything new and shiny will get my attention. [He looks down. The hover board is, actually, very shiny all of a sudden.] Have you noticed that?

Not anything new and shiny.

[ Madison's smirk might be tiny, but it's definitely proud. He remembers when Thomas met Hamilton, after all, and he didn't get Jefferson's attention, not really. So there.

Madison reaches up and points with his whole palm at Thomas's sleeve - he's not exactly looking at the hover board, after all, but Thomas's clothes do tend to the shiny. ]

But I've generally noticed.

(no subject)

moreequal - 2016-03-09 16:56 (UTC) - Expand

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