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

arrives late to the F1 party with steambucks

[spirialink]

[Fortunately for Apollo, the cavalry has arrived, as the sounds of bones clattered, rotten flesh being seared, and sparks of electricity flying converge on Apollo's location. It culminates in a rather hard boot to the head being delivered to one of the zombies trying to latch onto Apollo, sending it flying.]

Hey! You alright here?!

[forcelightning]

I'm glad too.

[ Oh he could tell her stories of his relationship with his Master. Stories about his training techniques that would make even the sturdiest of heart cringe in horror. But he's not going to. Not now, maybe not ever. To anyone. There were some stories that were just better left untold.

For now... he looks relieved, at least a little. It could have gone worse. Much worse, and he's grateful that she's still cordial at the very least. It's probably more then he deserves. ]

It really took root then? The rebellion?

[ From his perspective it had only just barely entered the beginning stages. The whispers just barely turning to rallying shouts. But this Leia was at least a little older then the one he knew. ]

[cyberize]

[ Despite his capability in a fight, Genji would rather not face those fists in a fight. can't deflect heavy smacks and lasers. So he knows he's in trustworthy hands. ]

It does make one wonder.. [ Genji isn't one for the works and wonders so he'll leave the theories and so forth with the scientist. He only hopes after the first time these remains aren't brought back once more. At least Winston confirms as much. ] Let us hope they will be allowed to rest then.

[ The green light of his visor dims a little as he stares at the skeletal remains before he moves on, attention focused on behind them for any approaching flankers. ]

[oratorical]

[Some of that tension fades at his question, a small, satisfied smirk making its way across Leia's face as she considers her answer. She can't help it, she knows how the rebellion used to be, and how it grew into what it was now and what she knows happens in the future (even if that future is one she still wants to change). As the cause she's devoted her entire life to, there's no way to hide how proud she is of what they've all managed to achieve for the galaxy.]

The emperor is dead, as is your former master. It's not over by a long shot, but we're on our way to restoring the republic.

[Which should be more than enough of an answer to his question. Instead of icy winds, this time, the grass around them brightens to a more vibrant green, matching Leia's better mood.]

[oathkeeper]

[He watches Kairi for a moment, a little longer than he should be watching the plants. The happy smile on his face still pulling at his lips. It's nice to see her happy even with simple things like this.]

This place has become a second home to me and Riku. It'll never replace Destiny Islands but it's been good to us. It'll be good to you too.

[One particular plant seems to start growing bigger and bigger. It might pop soon!]

[goesbananas]

Yeah. Definitely.

[Padding forward, Winston moves down the corridor, eyes sweeping from side to side. There aren't any skeletons waiting yet, which is a blessing, but there are a great many awkward sounds. Rattling, clacking noises from down the hall, almost like a bag of bones.]

Suppose they're dancing?

[seasaltkeys]

I've been here for about two years now. She hasn't shown up yet.

[Granted this place can be pretty random.]

[forcelightning]

[ Her reply stuns him into silence for a moment, eyes widening a bit and his mouth forming an 'o' that might have almost been comical looking under different circumstances. He wonders if maybe he even misheard her. ]

They're truly dead? Both Vader and the evil old ghoul? How?

[ The news is almost too good to be true. Especially considering what he was doing mere moments before finding himself in this other world. ]

I tried but I couldn't. Not by myself at least, not against the both of them.

[inthecenterfold]

Huh. Alright.

[It's not nearly as weird talking about this stuff with another guy under the presumption it'll be used on girls - as compared to Shinou. Anyway.]

Holy shit, there's a lot here!

[His eyes dart mainly to things with differently shaped boxes, even if they're simple products. He starts picking up on the directions that say stuff like emotion effects.]

I had literally never even considered using these emotion powers like they're suggesting, wow.

[inthecenterfold]

Alright, no problem.

[He gestures to follow him over to his solo house he's taken up residence in. It's not that far from downtown, actually.]

Unless you'd rather wait here and I'll bring him back.

[He shrugs.]

At least then I can come back and pick a job to check out.

[justchords]

(asougi's confidence manages to pass a small amount along to apollo, giving him a surge of energy to believe that he can do this, they'll be able to get out of here with the items they came for and fight back the swarm of nerd zombies. just a little more, that one extra push more and they'll be home free, they can do this--

the next thing he knows, asougi in almost buried in the fleshy monsters, and apollo knows. he knows he should focus on finishing the mission, what they were paid to do in the first place. he also knows he'll never be able to forgive himself if he simply leaves asougi to battle these things on his own. grabbing the nearest object large enough to use as a weapon, a chair in this case, he swings it around to bash the zombies off and away from him. that's definitely gonna smart tomorrow.) H-Hey! Are you okay!?

[pruning]

[Ah... wait a moment... which option will get him the most dragon time? Unlimited dragon time? Could it be possible??]

Perhaps you could take down the pertinent information about the jobs that interest you now, while we're here, and then I could pay your lovely pet a visit.

[circle yes or yes]

[dyedsnow]

I don't deny it.

[Her tone was solemn, and expression apologetic. Better have the cat out of the bag sooner than later, and better from her than from someone else.]

And I'm... really sorry about it.

[Because she didn't get to hang around and see the fruits of her labor.

That slow, creeping grief once he saw her body.

That slow, creeping anger at the world that robbed him of her.

That slow, creeping despair as he connected two and two, however that might be.

She could imagine it for all she wanted, but it wasn't the same as actually seeing and enjoying it. It was impossible given her role in bringing it about, but still a shame, regardless.]

I was... too weak and helpless against Enoshima's despair. But death saved me, in a way.

[She certainly meant every word of it, though for the wrong reasons.]

You don't have to believe me. And I know a million apologies would not be enough to atone for what I have done.

[That balled fist of his did not escape her notice, after all. And trust, once broken, was one that wasn't easily regained.]

[porte_bonheur]

You know, I was thinking of doing something like that! Seeing if any boutiques need any apprentices. [She pauses, before letting out a small chuckle.] I was also considering working at a bakery part-time. I've got the experience to do so.

If they did have pianos, it's probably all steampunk-y like everything else here. [But he does have a point, he must feel lost without any of his extra-curricular activities.] Well hey! This is a new place, isn't it? It could be your chance to try something you've never done before! Like, uh... [She ponders to think.] Something like... uh, whatever they do in steampunk cities?

[porte_bonheur]

It's hard, yeah, but I like the challenge! It's really great to get to be creative and make all sorts of fun clothes... I bet I could make a doctor's uniform with a bunch of pockets and stuff in it!

Uh, assuming I'd be allowed to do that. I hear doctors kinda have strict dress codes, or at least the ones in Paris do...

[nanoscope]

[It was all she could ask for right now. She would be sure to speak with Reaper again in the future, but at least they have this understanding.]

[She hums, leaning back in her chair a bit.] I take it you've spoken with him already, then?

[nanoscope]

[It's impressive that she was able to scratch his armour, but it's more of a relief that he didn't get hurt, inhuman strength or not.]

So it seems. Let's get going before she can do more than scratch your armour.

[nanoscope]

[She had always had a soft spot for McCree, and he had always been a charmer. Of course she'd feel honoured to be remembered by him; he had been part of her 'extended family' back then, regardless whether he worked with Overwatch or Blackwatch. They had all been like family, back during the old days.]

[She accepts the cup, looking it over before cradling it in her hands. It really is a nice cup. His words cause an amused smirk to cross her face.]

Sounds like you've been making quite a name for yourself while I was away.

[justchords]

(it's honestly a good thing for apollo that nahyuta remains so calm and collected. sure, there's the underlying sadness he knows is there, but it brings apollo back to the fact that they're going through the same thing.

this isn't something either of them can fix right away. it's the same as what he said earlier, there's a lot both of them have to deal with after the trial, nahyuta's burden is just a different form than apollo's. he can't impose his help on nahyuta, he can't yell at him to see a certain way.

he takes a deep, but shaky breath, trying to calm himself down, not explode over this. he doesn't have a right to argue nahyuta about this. it's something he has to move past on his own, though apollo will reach a hand out for help if his friend needs it.) I... I'm sorry. I got carried away. We're... both still dealing with a lot after the trial. You've got your reasons for what we're trying to accomplish, and I've got mine. Just... (he releases his grip on nahyuta, rubbing his own forearm, finding it just a tad difficult to make eye contact.) Promise me you're doing it because you want to. Not because you feel you owe everyone something.

[heartsome]

You haven't been homesick?

[He and Riku are more used to being away from the Islands, in comparison. So perhaps she might not be so surprised if that were the case. But still, he does admit it couldn't replace their home. That seems to reassure her somewhat at least.

She blinks, noting one of the plants growing rather large.]

S-Sora! It's...how do we make it stop? Won't it break?!

[Help. How does the opposite work? Think sad thoughts? It's probably better they don't explode any, quite aside from the mess, it'd be a waste, after all!]

[heartsome]

[It's. Something of a hazard, yes. Kairi is rather quickly learning that, to say the least. As she gives an almost sheepish and grateful look when Aiden catches her by the arm to stop her falling over.]

Would a walking stick even work with this stuff?

[She is usually better balanced. Honest.] But I won't argue there. The sooner we get past this, the better.

[heartsome]

Oh...but that doesn't mean she won't, right? If both you and Sora are here, then even if he and I are...

[So. In theory. It's possible at least. Even if they can't exactly control who shows up and all. Kairi still wants to hold hope.]

[heartsome]

I was just walking along, but I tripped with all this.

[Gesturing at the goop and slime and all. Which is probably obvious, though perhaps she had been a little closer to the edge to give others room somewhat. Regardless, the end result could have been worse.]

this is so true that it hurts

[magicpanchira]

Exactly! Of course, I don't really want to test that theory, because for all I know we could walk in there and they'd go after us. But it makes sense, if they were that secretive in life, why not in death? Ah, you're probably right, though. Let's... hope we don't run into whatever killed them and made them like this! You know, I think I've seen a movie that kind of mirrors this situation...

[ This is all a little morbid, but really, they've dealt with worse things on their investigations. Of course, none of the corpses of the deceased tried to eat them, but those are just small details that can be ignored. Probably. Either way, Trucy smiles at him, before turning her attention back at the zombies in question. One of them is wearing a polka-dotted bow tie and she almost feels a little guilty for what she's about to do. ]

You're right, we're going to be more than fine. Let's put these guys to rest! After this room, we've got about four more to get through... I don't know how long we've been in here, but we went further than I realized! Maybe we'll still come across some of that information we're supposed to be looking for, too! Okay, Polly, here we go!

[ Filled with a sense of renewed confidence, the magician twirls the knife within her hand for a moment, before hurling it as hard as she can. Trucy's a strong girl, and that means the power behind that knife isn't anything to laugh about -- that poor bow-tied zombie is hit so hard in the head that he actually gets pinned to the wall nearest to him. This, of course, gains the attention of the others in the room, and they all begin groaning and shuffling around, occasionally bumping into one another and whining weakly. ]

[ephemerous]

I give you my word. [Nahyuta lowers his arms as Apollo lets go of him, relieved to see him calm down.] That I feel responsible for my deeds is only one part of what drives me. Ultimately... my motives have always been the same.

[Nahyuta won't even stop him from using his bracelet to check; this time, he has nothing to hide.]

I wish for everything I do to be for the good of the people, the laws that preserve them, and for the good of our family. That includes you, Apollo. [He deserves to be a part of this as much as any of them, whether he chooses Khura'in as his home or not. That was why Nahyuta had requested he stay a while longer, aside from the more pragmatic concerns of rebuilding.] Whatever challenges are raised against us, whether at home or in this world, know that you have my unconditional support.

[He's firm, resolute in that. Apollo doesn't have to feel like he needs to fix everyone's problems or shield them from harm, but neither does he need to carry around all that suffering on his own, either. If he takes nothing else away from this, he hopes he'll at least take that.]