TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER —

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, October 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open Tuesday, November 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: The Boreas Harvest Festival is fast approaching, and the farmers are trying hard to work through the bleak weather conditions to get their crops in before they go bad from all the apathy. All hands on deck—but there may be too many unwanted hands roaming around.

1. Scarecrows. The scarecrows that have been set up as a festive reminder of the time of year have unfortunately come under the influence of some errant strong emotions from the farm hands that work in the fields. Unfortunately that includes trying to ward off anyone who enters the fields with pitchforks and is one of them carrying a torch? Maybe if they can be convinced that you are trustworthy they will calm down.
   
   
2. Invading rabbits. There are ton of rabbits ravaging the carrot patches. They're easily frightened, but some are more tenacious than others. Beware of the white rabbit with red eyes.
   
   
3. Save the crops! Several batches are already starting to spoil! The only thing that can save them is dumping as much positive emotions into them. Joy of good food, hope for a bountiful meal, love of eating—whatever will work. Just be careful. Too much and those things might grow and explode…

• Prompt E: Aiada, the Arehtei of appreciation and jealousy, has sent a personal request for those who are interested. There is a small island just beneath Empatheias that she has been cultivating over the many centuries. She wishes to contribute to the Harvest Festival with some seeds and spores. However, the recent atmosphere has also reached down there, and now it's all a mess! Giant mushrooms replaced the trees and there's slime and mold everywhere. The cure? Aside from getting a lot of heavy duty cleaners and pushing it off, appreciation will go a long way to help.

1. Goop brigade. Grab that bucket and shovel and clear the goop out! Just be careful not to have too much get on you—jealousy might take over.
   
   
2. Appreciation balls. To help hasten the effort, Aiada has given several tubs filled with light, green orbs. Once channeled with enough appreciation, they can be used as mini-grenades to help explode and wash the area with more positive energy. Those caught in the blast won't be harmed. If anything, they'll just be very thankful.
   
   
3. Watch the ledges. Careful, it's a fairly small island and the goop and slime has made things slick. If you fall… That's not a good way to go, let's just say that.

• Prompt F: Various parties are interested in the emotion shards scattered all over Thera. But this time around, the focus is on the medical laboratory as the equipment and potential research there is also of interest. For three days those who volunteer are sent back to try and gather as much as possible—but of course this won't be easy.

1. Skeletal Scientists. The remains of the scientists who once worked in these rooms are still lurking, ready to protect their work. Fortunately they're relatively weak nerds, so not too difficult to dispatch. Just be careful.
   
   
2. Flying equipment. The various medical equipment has also taken life, scalpels and needles flying everywhere and stethoscopes ready to strangle.
   
   
3. Questionable liquid. Most of the easy shards have already been taken, leaving the more difficult to retrieve ones left. In particular they're found in strange, dark pink liquid. It's mostly harmless—except that upon contact intense waves of grief and suffering will course through. The longer the exposure, the worse it is. So hopefully a bucket full of it doesn't fall on you…

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include feathers and/or confetti.

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

[tekhartha]

The pleasure is all mine- and, please, call me "Zenyatta".

[With that settled and Chisa's mood lifted again, he turns the conversation to the next question on his mind.]

You mentioned home. Where are you from, Chisa? If you don't mind my asking.

b

[invigorates]

This world is truly not so different from many others, in a variety of ways. [ comes the calm voice through nahyuta's head. ] Though I have mostly seen the latter in regards to dragons. Very few are fond of them - it is rather unfortunate.

[hopedout]

[ His red eye flickers a little, his voice losing any of the serious emotion it bad carried when he said that. While he appreciates not being punched, Hinata had given the offer - given the choice regardless. Because he doesn't want people to be left without it. ]

Do you still plan on killing us, then? As well as the so called "traitor" to the Future Foundation?

[ He already knows what they were planning on doing to them, and to be honest, it's kind of boring. ]

If that is what you want, I will not allow your plans to come into fruition.

[ He is serious. Hinata's own voice is tinged with anger, one that allows the shadows around him to manifest, the tendrils looking ready to strike, but does nothing. ]

Eliminating despair will not bring about the hope you seek. Instead, you will bring about the chaos that Enoshima Junko wanted all along. And that is boring. [ His gaze lowers as he shoves a hand into his pocket, fingers messing with the hairpin that lay there. ] Is that what you truly want?

[unyieldingdragon]

Whoa! [Dhurke wasn't sure what he was expecting, but that sure was an entrance. It even startles Mr. Scarecrow. The sounds of firecrackers can be heard, created from Dhurke's shock. ]

W-Wow, you just popped him out of thin air. That quite a hat trick! [And he's already bouncing back with a smile on his face.] Well hello there Mr. Hat. It's nice to meet you.

[The scarecrow just leans forward, as if trying to examine this new intruder....and yet a kindred spirit?]

[razzledazzles]

Beauty can be found in anything. I admire the beauty inside of a person more than anything else.

[He flattens that hand on his chest in emphasis before dropping it away.] You don't have to worry. Your face is also fairly beautiful, so there's no need for products like these.

[tekhartha]

[in a light, amused way:] He is very much the man of mystery, is he not?

[Even here, so far from home and history and reputation. Zenyatta hums pensively, turning 76 over in his thoughts for a moment or two, then brushes him aside.]

At any rate, thank you for your invitation; I would be glad to see all of you in person. As often as I expound the values of mind over physical matter, there really is nothing quite like a familiar face.

[tekhartha]

[That, perhaps, is what Zenyatta finds most intriguing of all about this conversation; Reaper's presence is less a shadow than it is a pool of water, of undefinable depths, in which he finds himself glimpsing some strange, gleaming something beneath the dark. Weird fishes, resistant to prying eyes.

It makes him ravenously curious, above all else.]

As you wish. You are living alone at the moment, correct?

[hopedout]

Yeah.

[ Of course, he's leaving out several things, but that's all fine and dandy since Hinata doesn't need to explain much more than this yet. ]

It's just that... this world is similar to our own. It suffered a great tragedy and it's just getting back on its feet. If you try leaving the island, for example, you'll find that outside of it is a pit of apathy so deep that it can and will kill a person.

This world has to be fixed. But we're nprobably here to assist, really. Since even if we do fix the world ourselves, it won't mean anything if the natives can't keep it that way.

[unyieldingdragon]

Well then, I offer myself as the first line of defense. [He cracks his knuckles in anticipation for a good brawl. At least he be more efficient in taking them down and not apologize for it everytime. They reach another room down the hallway as Dhurke waits for Nahyuta to enter before shutting the door behind them. It's not going to stop that mob, but it'll slow them down at least.

Thankfully there were not as many living corpses roaming the new room they entered.]

The materials we need should be somewhere in this room. I'm counting on you to find it. [He was resolute in his voice, expecting Nahyuta to protest that Dhurke was throwing himself into danger. He's not going to hear any of it. He made the decision to protect his son and he's not going to back down from it.]

[gr1m]

I am, yes.

[No point in lying, and he never stayed in one place for long. Long lasting habits and paranoia had him moving between multiple safehouses, all to keep himself from being tracked. Held true here as well.

... The cat doesn't count as living with someone.]

1/2

[eyeswideopen]

[He still can't tell. Their conversation has been light and her alignment further masks any possible way to tell. There's no helping it. Komaeda looks down, putting a hand over his face as he sighs.]

I was worried that was the case. Mmm, I've died too. It isn't pleasant! I'm very sorry you had to endure that.

2/2

[eyeswideopen]

[As he raises his head his eyes are dark and the air turns cold. Darkness wraps around his neck, producing a long chain that falls past his knees. He's shades older, wilder looking. He straightens up as the black backjacket and dark pants replace his other clothes.] But for the sake of hope, I guess it's a small price to pay. Mm?

It's almost relaxing to know whatever you do now...is completely outside the script. [Despair washes out from him like the sea rushing over the shore. It's calculated. He has nothing to gain or lose if she's normal. But every card to snatch up if she isn't.]

Of course I'm not exactly dead, but...I've still fallen off the chess board. It's fine. I was prepared to be a stepping stone for what is to follow.

[tekhartha]

Then I will not be invited over any time soon, I take it.

[That was meant as more of a private observation than an aside, but there's no helping it now. But Zenyatta glosses smoothly over it with the ease of a professional decorator.]

Still, I am sure we will meet, in time.

[gr1m]

[.. That was not a brief hint of amusement or laughter. A flicker of something warm, soon enough covered once more and much more quickly than it had happened.]

I'd likely be accused of kidnapping you.

[He knows what little faith certain individuals have in his ability to play nice. Well earned.]

I don't hide away when I move around the city. I go get my coffee from Steambucks like everyone else.

[scrapture]

Soundwave? [He says like it's the worst name he's ever heard, disgust clear in his voice and perhaps his aura. Nah... he'll keep calling him Scrappy. Suits him better.

But as Soundwave goes on, there's more important matters to discuss. Like how terrible omnics are.]

Nuclear 'bots, basically. Most of 'em look like you. Nearly destroyed the entire planet, buncha wastes of space. [He dips his head and points at the balding patches on it.] Radiation! Caused by a lot of 'em blowin' up! Isn't that just grand? [He sounds bitter. It can almost be tasted.]

But you aren't openin' fire on me immediately so I guess you're not one of 'em.

[morewithhoney]

[Giorno's asking Doppio to control his emotions. That's impossible and Doppio knows it already.]

I'm plenty secretive! Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten where I am today.

[Where he still is, no matter what Giorno thinks has gone on since. Giorno Giovanna is delusional at best.

It's probably a good thing most Passione members don't have telepathy. The usefulness would be far outweighed by people giving away their secrets unintentionally.]

[ephemerous]

[Nahyuta follows in after him, and as expected, looks ready to argue the point. Dhurke has done enough of risking his life for others to last an entire lifetime; surely he should be granted a reprieve from it here.

But he can tell his father has already made up his mind. Dhurke has always been more stubborn than anyone he knows, both as a father and as the leader of the Dragons. Therefore, he's forced to acquiesce.]

I will. And I'm counting on you not to do anything rash.

[He believes in Dhurke's abilities, of course, but he's also seen him act a lot less serious than the situation deserves. He doesn't want him to take any unnecessary risks.]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Soundwave is going to ignore that he just says his name in disgust.

Soundwave listens to Junkrat's explanation of an omnic and can sense the bitterness from him. Nearly destroyed an entire planet? He... better not mention that he invaded and nearly destroyed his version of Earth, New York City specifically.]

Nuclear bots? Then there are human-made.[Although his voice is calm, there is a hint of anger in his voice. It doesn't help that he heard that these omnics looks just like him.] Then these omnics are weapons of war then? [Soundwave is reminded of the clones of Ramjet and Thrust that the humans created behind his back.]

I am glad that you realize that I'm not one of them.[You know, he's starting to like the humans here. They're reasonable people. Even if some of them threaten to shoot him at first.]

[tekhartha]

[And just like that the fire is out. Sort of. Zenyatta thought it might distract Junkrat, yes, but not quite such brilliant efficacy; he's not so much like a dog with a bone as a hyena with a bison's entire right flank.

Probably it's best to agree and leave the conversation here, but for the first time so far he's actually kind of tickled by the direction this has taken.]

I will certainly mention you, Junkrat. You are not a man who can be forgotten so easily. [In spite of, well, Junkrat, he finds he's palpably warming.] What about the large man usually with you? "Roadhog"?

Kija | Akatsuki no Yona

[backstory]

[Prompt B]

[With a sigh, Kija frowns unhappily as he stares at the task board. No, no.... bugs definitely no... There aren't any options he's overly content with. Blue eyes shift over the board seriously, a white, claw tipped hand, covered in scales holding his chin in thought.

Out of all the options there is one thing he'd be interested in. The street fights. They have him both intrigued and frowning. A test of strength from one man to another, a spar! Back in his village, he never had someone who he could go all out against. This would be a wonderful opportunity, and he'd be only too happy to compete with others. Only... apparently he isn't allowed.]

There should be sparing for all levels.

[What do they mean people born with a natural strength can't compete... ]

[Prompt E: Watch the ledges]

[There are a number of regrets in the moment. The goop in his hair from a slippery tumble down. Wearing his white robes that could easily become heavy with the weight of the disgusting and uncomfortable slime that has now made their way inside them, too. But even more than the first reasons, is his position now. The fact that he's now dangling over the edge, held only by another's hand.

Heart pounding like thunder within his ears, his claw grasps tight onto the arm that had thankfully reached down and grabbed hold of him before he could entirely tumble down toward the depths below. Now the trick is holding on without causing physical harm to the individual helping him. Flailing around, his opposite hand waves dramatically as he attempts to reach up with that, too]

Up, up, up, pull me up...!

[His life is flashing before his eyes in this very moment! Granny he's so sorry, this is not how a sacred dragon is supposed to go.]


[Prompt F: Skeletal Scientists]

[Maybe the mission isn't easy. But Kija doesn't find it overly difficult, either. While others might find the animated skeletons frightening, Kija has faced much worse. Even just that morning. The memory continues to haunt him, sending a shudder to visibly crawl down his spine. He had moved to put on his boots, when there, right in the middle of the left shoe had been a giant, hairy spider. He turns pale at the memory.

Hands lifting, he slaps his own cheeks. Focus. This is different! All he has to do is find the research.

When he hears a noise within the room ahead, he feels a small rush of excitement. Finally- an opportunity for him to use his claw again! Hand lifting, it expands many time's it's normal height. Lingering at the doorway, he listens a moment for the steady shuffling as it nears. Any second now. Just as it moves to step outside the room, Kija takes it by surprise. His claw flies forward, ready to strike!]

RAH-- [ But the cry cuts short.]

-!?

[Reeling he barely stops himself from sinking claws into actual flesh. Blue eyes grow wide in shocked surprise.]

Ah- [Another person.... ]

[tekhartha]

[Reluctant though the snake may be, it does the trick- after a few cautious flickers of its tongue against Axl's fingers it slithers forward into the palm of his hand, then up and around his arm in search of the heart of that warmth.

Of course, Zenyatta's cool hostility cracks within the second. If ever anyone needed proof that a mouth was unnecessary for a smile, they'd find it right here.]

There! Excellent work! [With a satisfied little wriggle of his shoulders, now perfectly pest free, he floats around until they're face to face again.] It seems I owe you my thanks. I was worried that I might have hurt the creature had I attempted the extraction myself.

[alley_whoops]

[The way Dhurke can just walk past these vicious straw dudes without any trouble is damn impressive, but... well, that's because it's Dhurke, isn't it? Most of the stuff he does is impressive.

Datz is still a little leery about passing by those things himself, though. He's shooting them a pretty suspicious sideglance as he does so, sticking close to Dhurke in case they try anything funny.]

Uhh... Seems like they're goin' bad for some reason.

[sobored]

Ugh, it's not hesitation.

[For a moment, she considers swinging the shovel again, not for a killing blow, but to just hit Chisa upside the head for making her explain this. But no, she won't. She needs Chisa's brain relatively unscrambled for the time being.]

Seriously, you're a teacher, I shouldn't have to explain using a different approach for a different audience, but maybe my disappointing ass sister cut right through that part of your brain, huh?

[Wouldn't surprise her honestly. That's what she gets for delegating things to Mukuro of all people.

Okay, sure she actually seems to have followed the instructions perfectly, but that's not going to stop Junko from acting irritated and running her mouth about it.]

Anyways, I'll keep it simple for you if that's the case. I'm playing a different game here. Sure, I could've caused a bunch of horrible death and destruction and ruined everything, and I'm not ruling it out, but I'm going for more of a long term thing in this world. Making the most of my time and the bonds I've made or whatever else sort of crap you probably tell your students. That sort of thing, y'know?

[fistfulofbullets]

[ He about jumps out of his skin when she speaks, taken off guard by the sudden appearance of the woman. Should have been paying attention to her footsteps, but considering how isolated this place was? He hadn't really considered being interrupted. ]

Captain- I mean, Ana- Ms. Amari.

[ Clearly flustered, he doesn't look at her, fiddling with the teacup and wondering if he should pick it up. She was alive, after all, even if they had buried her. And the offering. Well. Felt odd, even if it helped him try and make sense of everything. ]

No ma'am, of course not. Just still gettin' used to the idea, is all.

gr8 and adorable giogio

[tekhartha]

[Even if his eyes didn't give it away in a heartbeat, the effect the young man has on the flowers speaks for itself- or laughs, in every glowing, lolling bloom.]

They are. I must admit, as a side-effect they really are quite tolerable. [In spite of the wry twist his voice really is very warm, fed in part by the young man's reaction.

Speaking of which. Zenyatta gives him a steady once-over, taking in the elaborate curls and the flamboyant clothing. By human standards he must be in his teens still.]

It seems our meeting was meant to be. You are?