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

[backstory]

I have not before... [But that doesn't make the food from within his own world any less delicious.] Most of the foods here and technologies are foreign to me. It can be a little difficult to navigate through. [The huge differences in culture.]

However, I generally agree. The company is not poor.

[backstory]

[At that his blue eyes widen in shock and he stares at her in disbelief. S-Swing!? Swing his way back up there!?]

N-No-- I... I'm not so sure that if I swing you'll be able to support my weight. E-Eh? Swinging...

[Is this really a good idea!? He can swing, but if her own leverage gives out, wont they both tumble down then!?]

[backstory]

[He wonders if he can afford to spend his time doing such for nothing at all. But so long as everyone is willing, he doubts his companions from home care too much.

Shifting, he grins confidently.]

If I could find someone so talented and willing, such a fight would be an honor.

[backstory]

[Zeno. Zeno you can't magically heal and then act as though it is nothing new. What is this magic!?]

You... [HOLD UP. Grasping his wrist he draws it up to closer inspect, because what!?]

Zeno- how did you...? What about your other injury? [Glancing toward the point where he had been stabbed by the glass to begin with.] Your skin heals?

[gr1m]

[Only a month and some weeks and he's... settled into something, at least.]

I have, yes. Not that he wanted to be in the same area as me at first, but things happen.

[becomeashield]

I'm okay, it doesn't even hurt anymore! [Well, that was a less flashy demonstration than last time. Good thing the wound was mild.] Zeno keeps forgetting that you still don't know in your time. This is the power of the Ouryuu: the sturdy body.

Should we put the bandage on yours?

[gr1m]

His head tilted, forgetting that he had taken his mask off for a moment before catching sight of it on the table again- Right, right. Reaper had taken it off to better work on that arm of McCree's with how delicate it could be to work around those wires-

"It should have been me, for a lot of things." Gabriel Reyes shouldn't have died, not for that. He wasn't done yet and so Reaper was going to finish what was started without mercy. He would clean up, end the sad story that was Overwatch no matter who he had to hunt down and kill, what jobs he'd have to take to get to where he needed to be. To fund this personal mission. Nothing could stop him- nothing back home, here he had to put it on the backburner.

Reaper left the room for just a moment, and soon there was a clean glass of water sat down just in front of McCree. "Here, drink this." Running had been cowardly, wasn't going to argue that, but...

Kid had always been smart, reckless as Jesse was. Hadn't been stupid to run, Gabriel had stayed because he had to try, but everything had blown up in the end.

[backstory]

[Inspecting his hand again, he pins Zeno with a look when he glances up. Suddenly learning about it like this reminds him of their first strange meeting to begin with.]

All of this time you never said something. [But healing after an injury has got to hurt regardless. He's still ignoring his own wound for the moment. Instead he leans in close to stare him down...]

You do not have any other mysterious tricks that you have forgotten to mention until now have you?

[fistfulofbullets]

It should have been him for a lot of things. If the enemy operatives had their way, it would have been him for the grenade that took out Jesse's arm. It should have been him to leave Overwatch, not Jesse. It should have been him that survived, instead of this coward who ran and ran and ran and didn't stop running until he was pulled up short by the news that the man who he considered a father was dead.

And he kept running.

Until he landed here, worn out and exhausted, unable to run anymore. He hadn't caught the sun, but he had faced his shadows, the demons that clung to his back and whispered in his ear what a damn disgrace he was. What a failure, what a fool. What a poor excuse for an operative, what a poor excuse for a son-

"... Thanks..." He carefully takes the water with his newly repaired hand, tries to ignore the way he's still shaking. Whether it's with exhaustion, nerves, or more, he cannot say. Only that he's tired, he's so tired of running. And he's missed the old man in front of him.

"... Reyes, I'm..." A pause, a sigh, and he finally looks him in the eye. They're probably red-rimmed and bloodshot from crying, but that hardly matters now, does it? "... I can't change the past, but... Movin' forward..."

[becomeashield]

Well, it's not like things would change if you guys knew or not. I figured you'd eventually see it at some point.

Mmmmm, maybe?

[malignans]

[And that (among other reasons) is why Dio has little else but disdain for Doppio. While he isn't the sort of person who particularly enjoys or wants defiance from others, he can't respect someone who acquiesces so quickly. It's one thing to be smart and knowing when to fight your battles, but it's another to be ruled by fear. It's weak. It's human.]

[Dio scoffs contemptuously.]

If someone like that truly exists [for a second time], luck will have very little to do with it.

[backstory]

You should say these things sooner! [Kija has always been up front and honest about his gift from the gods. Why are the others so quick to try and hide theirs? ]

We are your dragon brothers! Even if you cannot show your abilities safely outside of your village [Wherever it may be] You should be able to trust us!

[Lifting his claw up to his chest]

I am not so poor an older brother that I could not help or find a way to aid you with your own training and abilities!

[becomeashield]

[He hugs Kija.]

Well, it's just... I've been meaning to do it. I've gotten pumped to do it. But because my powers don't actively manifest unless I'm hurt, I haven't gotten many chances.

I think the fact I haven't used them yet says that I knew you, and the others, would keep the Miss and the Lad safe in my stead in those situations. In other words, that I trust you guys. [Can you feel a warm, pleasant breeze on your face, despite the lack of windows in that room?]

[gr1m]

"Forward towards what?"

His posture had tensed a little, not from the eye contact, by from those words alone. The past couldn't be changed, and the only way forwards for Reaper was that one last self-appointed mission that was impossible here. Yet here he was, playing nice and...

Reaper could have very easily left McCree down in Thera, left him to whatever shadows those were and let someone else happen upon him. There were plenty of hero and simply helpful types around here he'd not be down there for long. "You've better chance of that than-" The corner of his mouth twitched at a meow from another room, the padding of paws and, well.

That was an extremely fluffy and white cat interrupting any thought Reaper had been about to express as it climbed onto the couch and stared at the cowboy sitting there. Right. He'd brought the cat with him here.

[festumkept]

An honor. . .?

[He says so a bit wry. The only time he's (willingly) fought with others was when classmates would challenge him, and that was never a big deal. Opposed to his position as a soldier, and fighting for the sole reason to protect people. Although if he succeeds in doing so, he certainly is thankful.]

You definitely should try, then. You may be surprised with who you'll find.

[fistfulofbullets]

He can hear the objection in his voice before he even finishes the sentence. Sounds familiar to his ears, just like the tone he'd always get before a good chewing out or a stern lecture on discipline. He braces himself for the argument, to try and formulate his words, to change his mind- But they're interrupted by, of all things, a cat.

A large, fluffy, white cat, with a little ribbon around her neck. She climbs up onto the couch, close enough to McCree that he could pet her, and he can't help the grin that spreads across his face.
"Well hey there, little missy..." Gently reaching out with his right hand, he pets once, then twice when the cat doesn't make any movements to pull away or hiss.

"You know, you did always seem like a cat person." He can't help the chuckle, looking back up at Reyes, and for a moment it feels like old times. Despite the tears on his face and the ruined, decaying skin of Reyes's, it all feels so nostalgic he can't help himself.

"... Movin' forward. I don't. Want to abandon you again."

[bloodyrose]

[Little by little Mika is getting through to him. Being outdoors again helps, however he still has the substance all over his legs and arms.]

There's something in this. . . isn't there. . .

[It's the first, more coherent things he's said so far. The liquid smells off, and he can't pinpoint it at all. It definitely is not blood. His eyes and the marking on his throat is reacting to something entirely different.

He's further becoming more aware (and remembering, especially) of the way this world works. He arrived only several days ago, but made sure to read all of what information was offered. Regardless of how much he's able to recall at present.

It's true, though. There's no part of him that is giving off a sense of hatred, or being a threat. Only the embittered feeling he is over the situation, and the lack of control he has. Normally it's the opposite of that.]

You should knock me out.

[A plain request. He's completely saturated with a messy combination of misery and discomfort, while above all, not trusting himself in the slightest.]

I know. . .you're strong enough to. [He can tell.]

[gr1m]

At least the cat had stayed out of the room with emotions flaring just moments ago. Probably figured it was safe- to rub up against McCree's hand and start purring. How did he end up taking in a cat again? "Can't leave what was clearly a pet wandering the street." That was how, he'd even checked in with where he'd seen the cat before and, well.

Previous owners weren't around any longer, guess people could vanish as easily as they appeared.

"Gabriel Reyes died, McCree." A small gesture towards his face, moving to pick his mask back up. "This is my curse, and you can't abandon the dead." No time to get sentimental.

[bloodyrose]

It's an offset of the regular police, you could say that. If not the government. Similar to vampires, the majority of human society don't know about hunters, either.

[But maybe she knows about all of this already. The Chairman certainly speaks plenty about coexistence.

. . .That's right, though. It'll be awhile before Yuuki learns that that man is also (or maybe "was" is the better way to put it) a hunter. For now, Zero will keep quiet about the fact.]

He doesn't especially oppose it. He knows the importance of hunters. My Master is acquaintances with him, and he knew my family. My Master wasn't able to take me in after that night, which is why the Chairman did.

[bloodyrose]

It's become far more of a bother than anything.

[Just as dry, while both the truth but not. It's not as though this is something that's of great importance in the end. . . . Although that's not to say he's never been tempted to give in with other circumstances. Mostly. He's silently grateful to have arrived with so many blood tablets.]

It would be the first vampire I've met to be so with an animal. [Rather casually spoken.] Then again, who knows what else this place can pull.

[fistfulofbullets]

He looks back at the cat and tries to focus on her when Reyes puts that mask back on. Scratches behind her ears, underneath her chin, listens to the soft purr as she draws closer and starts to settle on his lap. It's an offer he knows that Reyes- that Reaper won't take. And when at one time he would have thought nothing of it, now it almost wounds him. Reyes died, he said, even though McCree could see so much of him still behind that mask. In his actions, in his voice. In the small things, like cleaning out his arm or caring for this cat.

Could still see his old boss underneath all that darkness, and he doesn't want to leave him behind again. He doesn't want to run again.

"... He's still alive under that mask and you and I both know it." He looks up at him again, stares death straight in the face. This is something he doesn't want to back down from.
"I ain't leaving him behind again." It might take time. And Reyes probably won't agree to it instantly- he's stubborn, the damn fool. But McCree makes a promise to himself. As long as he's here, McCree will be doing his best to not leave the man behind. Jack be damned. Overwatch be damned.

He's got to repent for all the mistakes he's made. And he's going to start now.

[malignans]

[Casually and in a seamless motion, Dio raises a hand slightly behind himself to take the handle of his parasol from The World as she rambles on and on and on and on. The longer she speaks, the more the mere sound of her voice is enough to agitate him. It carries too much energy and bounce with it, giving the image of thoughtlessness. Whether thoughtlessness is characteristic of her or not is a moot point; Dio can't stand it. A nearby window creaks for a moment before a crack appears in the glass. It stays within its frame, but it's impossible to see through the crack's web.]

Then perhaps you might consider running along.

[malignans]

You would know without having to ask if I was from the same world as you.

[Dio's disdain is, of course, persistent and not liable to ease up at all in the near future. But more notable is the way he says I. It doesn't end up emphasized over the rest of the words in the sentence in any sort of dramatic fashion. It's a much more subtle inflection of superiority and importance that he infuses into the word, and yet it is still unmistakable: Dio is Someone and he is quite used to being that Someone.]

[But in case he somehow missed it, Dio highlights it for him anyway. Nothing is ever half-measures with Dio.]

But even if I were, what makes you so certain I would want to associate or speak with you?

[porte_bonheur]

Ooh, you're from America. [She lets out a little hum.] Well, I'm from Paris, so maybe the dress codes are different.

[porte_bonheur]

[She rolls her eyes and does let him go, but notices the scarecrows keep advancing. She frowns, looking around; there's no way to really beat them without compromising crazy animal-guy here, and honestly, it might be better to just get out of dodge at this point.]

Regardless of what you say, there's plenty more of them than us. It might be better to get out while we can!