empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER

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TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER

— 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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
Flying equipment. The various medical equipment has also taken life, scalpels and needles flying everywhere and stethoscopes ready to strangle.
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!

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[And so, Yukizome calmly listened to Junko's show, mildly entertained to an extent even if it did lead to nothing, in a manner of speaking.

Her actions were definitely nothing new on the Junko front, in any case.]

Well, since you're the teacher's pet, I certainly can pull a few strings.

[Her smiled turned conspiratory at that, though her expression quickly gave way to an indignant one once a certain thought came to mind.]

But if that's all you've been up to in this world, then you've got another think coming!

[Unlikely as it was considering Junko, no one can ever be too sure.]

Oh come on, you know me, I've got all sorts of things going on, and I've done all sorts of things in my time here. I'm not the type to slack off.

[Okay, so she hasn't plunged this world into the depths of despair, but she's definitely kept busy.]

This is just a little field trip for me. But before I get into what I've done, do me a favor, okay? Can I see that shovel? Just for a second?

[Well, wasn't that good to hear. Maybe they'd have time to catch up later, or maybe she'd end up reading about it in the library in case she bothered to check it out.

Though first things first, the shovel.]

Sure.

[Whatever Junko wanted with the shovel, it probably wasn't a great idea in normal people's eyes, but Yukizome wasn't exactly normal, so she offered it without much of a second thought. Though likewise, still spared a curious glance, wondering what kind of scheme Junko had in mind.]

Right, so not being the type to slack off, I've been thinking, so here's my creative writing prompt.

[She takes the shovel, looking it over, like she's checking it for something, and just continues talking.]

So we've got a lot of your students here, not the whole class, of course, but a bunch of them. And they're totally lacking direction here. I mean they hate me which is fine, but they're all doing their own thing, and I know how much you hate that.

[Okay, that's not really the problem here so much as they're not doing Junko's thing. Which she knows they won't unless she resorts to being incredibly cheap, and while she can, she's just not ready to skip to the ending that quickly.]

But they're lacking a rallying point, something to really get them united and really contributing their emotions.

[The negative ones anyway. There's some sure, but not enough.]

You'd think I'd be enough, but no. And I tried framing Hajime, you remember him, right? But I halfassed the whole thing and it was just sort of lackluster. And then Nanami showed up, and I thought, okay, I can work with this, but no, she left. The whole thing's so horribly despair inducing, there's nothing I can do, right?

[She doesn't seem particularly torn up about it, as she finishes her inspection and changes her grip on the shovel. It's higher than for a baseball bat, but close enough for what she's planning on doing. And the casual tone she's been using starts to fade out when she's talking again, by the end it's replaced by something a lot colder.]

Then I saw you, and I thought, hey here's the perfect opportunity. Their beloved teacher shows up, and while some of them no doubt are wondering why exactly Ms. Yukizome isn't smiling anymore, their thoughts are put to rest as they band together to avenge her death at the hands of the dreaded Ultimate Despair.

[She swings for the fences, her target in mind, stopping just short of actually hitting Chisa in the neck with the shovel's blade.]

But then I thought why in the hell would I waste my first kill here on you? It's not a long list, but you're not exactly topping it last time I checked.

[So she'll pull the shovel back, away from Chisa. She's already abandoned the idea, but hey, it's still a pretty good one as far as she's concerned.]

[Well, it certainly was a shame they haven't been up to their usual Ultimate Despair schtick, and the mere thought caused Yukizome to shake her head in shame. Was this all her tutelage amounted to?

Still, as the other's monologue went on, she was more than prepared for what Junko was about to do, not flinching one bit as Junko swung the shovel at her, stopping short of actually making contact.

Because using her and her students wasn't exactly new in the grand scheme of things, and it was pretty much what she lived for nowadays, after all.

The thought of Junko dropping the idea did cause her a certain degree of despair however, and she did bite her lip in disappointment as the other pulled the shovel away.

Considering she already died once, another death wasn't going to make a difference--wasn't it?]

If you reconsider, I certainly don't mind going along with it.

[She managed to force a grin before continuing, setting aside her mixed feelings on the matter of that and her failure as the class adviser of Ultimate Despair.]

I'm surprised though--it's not like you to hesitate when it comes to killing people, Enoshima-san.

[A lot of people have died for and against her name and cause, after all. Yukizome included.]

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?

[She did feel a little insulted at the jabs to her intelligence, but nonetheless, Yukizome just listened quietly with a blank, if a bit bored, expression.

Junko's take on things was interesting as per usual, but she did miss the grandiose despair the other had an inclination towards. While Yukizome was all for bonds and making the most out of one's time, it certainly was disappointing to learn that the fabled Junko Enoshima has fallen to that particular low.

Though on hindsight, she did concede the act might have been despairing in one sense or another., so she decided to let it go... for now.

That, and she did mention a "long term thing", and she did employ a similar tactic when she got her former classmates to kill each other.

It's with those thoughts that she clapped her hands, putting on one of the fakest smiles in her arsenal.]

As expected of Enoshima-san! You get a gold star for paying close attention to my lessons!

So, who are these lucky people you've been forging bonds with? You get bonus points for each one you name!

Oh come on, you think I can't see through that phony act. You're totally disappointed. Probably thinking something like what is this, has Junko Enoshima gone soft? Is this really the same girl who took your students away from you, brought Hope's Peak Academy to its knees, and made the world a living hell for your beloved Kyosuke Munakata?

[When she puts it that way...yeah, she's sort of been slacking. She knows that, and Chisa's not wrong for thinking that brings her despair. But with how this world works, it sort of works out. All that despair goes somewhere, her despair from trying to play fair, her despair from knowing she'd rather do a lot worse, her despair from knowing she could do worse, her despair from knowing someday she'll get bored of it and it'll all be over. Just thinking about it's causing all of Chisa's hard work to become undone as the mushrooms and slime start to reform all over again. Which is fitting, isn't it?]

In fact, I bet you think you can do better, can't you?

[Her eyes narrow, like she's actually thinking about it. She's not, of course, but whatever, she'll play with the idea for now.]

Yeah, that's it, I mean shit, what do I know, I didn't even finish high school, so you being the teacher and all probably think you can do a way better job than someone like me. Man, if I'd have known sending you back to your friends would go to your head like this, I totally would've done something different.

[Immediately, Yukizome dropped the act, going back to a tired, if a bit unimpressed expression. Not quite unlike something Junko would wear herself, actually. It did not help that the mushrooms and all the goop started coming back as Junko went on her tirade, and as much as Yukizome loved to clean, it was a whole different story having someone undo everything she's taken the time to tidy up.

Still, she could not bring herself to get completely pissed at this turn of events, if only for the fact that everything thus far was so Junko, and while it wasn't her brand of despair per se, despair was despair.]

I think you're being unfair to yourself, Enoshima-san. You've accomplished a lot more than most adults in our world have ever done in their lifetime.

[Her tone was unusually flat, but she did mean every word of it.]

Of course, I do expect a lot more from my star pupil, but I would never dream of thinking I can do better than you! A teacher's job is to support her students, after all!

[And then she was back to being her usual cheerful self, with no trace of her earlier gloom whatsoever.]

There we go! That was a way more honest expression! I know you're the teacher, but you totally get points for honesty! You don't get it at all, and it's frustrating, I keep talking and talking and talking, and nobody's hurling themselves over the side of the island, so it doesn't add up.

[She sounds so completely pleased with this.]

So tell you what, here's a name. Definitely not my friend, not at all, but go look up what happened with Peromei's arrival. Not my best work by far, but it's the type of thing that really set the stage for what's possible here, and has sort of colored everything involving me since then.

[Or maybe Chisa would prefer the word dyed. But being outed publicly as Ultimate Despair, and then the entire subsequent mess that followed put Junko into a different role than she was back home. And that's fine, change is good. It keeps things fresh.]

Truth is, resources are an issue too. The Peromei thing? That was all me, but other things, well, you're kind of dependent on who shows up. Especially if I don't want to just brainwash a bunch of saps because let's be honest, that doesn't always leave me with the most useful followers.

[Look, she doesn't want a bunch of reserves. Not yet anyways. Maybe someday if she gets really bored. There are those video game screens in Sharnaath after all.]

Plus, you know me, I always jump from one thing to another, so after that, there's this whole thing with my sister which was totally distracting while she was here, the world keeps giving me new pieces of things to play with before I can settle on a design, it's so hopelessly distracting, even for someone like me. Or maybe especially for someone like me. Whatever.

[Like she said, talking and talking, and talking. And she's sort of absentmindedly twirling the shovel around in one hand now. It's not really absentminded though, she knows full well what she's doing, and what she's thinking about doing with it, but standing around doing nothing is boring.]

But hey, now I've got someone like you to keep me focused and to pick up the slack, that works! It's like you're the only one I can count on now! So don't screw it up, okay?

[She's laughing and smiling like this is a good thing, but the only real indication of her mood is the fact that the mushrooms and slime are just getting worse.]

[This time, Yukizome kept her smile plastered on her face, surprising even herself at how it did not waver.

Even as Junko told her to look up a certain event she had a hand in, decidedly not giving her the straight answer she wanted.

Even as Junko shot down the idea of brainwashing the other people on the island, even with the plentiful talents and new blood that Yukizome herself had seen around.

More so when she realized that she didn't really have a place in Junko's plans, considering the disparity between the other's words and the tragedy that was happening to their immediate environment.

It betrayed Junko's words and Yukizome's smile, and Aiada definitely won't be happy about this, but it was not like Yukizome cared about that anyway.

And sure, what Junko said made complete sense, but it didn't mean she had to be happy about it.]

But of course! I'll be sure to watch over you. Reaaaaal closely! So don't screw up either and make your teacher proud, OK?

[Still, she supposed there was no harm playing along even if it was all built on a lie. And strangely enough, it felt right just to say that.

Maybe if she were another person, she would have clung to every word Junko said and took them all at face value, hungrily lapping it all up. But Yukizome wasn't Mukuro, and had a brain of her own.

...Messed up as it was.

She did, however, make a mental note to read up on what happened with Peromei. If anything, it should be an interesting tale to entertain herself with while she figured out her role in this new mess, so to speak.

Junko wasn't the only one who can create her own despair, after all.]

[Of course Chisa doesn't figure into her plans. ~~She didn't exist up until a few months ago anyway.~~ Though there should probably be a yet after that sentence. It's pointless to make plans for who might show up or who goes home, or any of that, it's not even really worth the despair of having plans collect dust forever, especially with how Junko jumps from thing to thing to thing and then back to one of those things in the middle all in the pursuit of despair.

Plus, she knows full well that Chisa's not her sister. She doesn't have to write out instructions for her at all. Once someone's driven to seek despair, that's all they'll do. It doesn't require direction or orders, or anything like that. That's the beauty of it. Despair seeks out despair, creating more despair, and that despair gives rise to the next wave of despair and despair despair despair despair, it's all so wonderful to her.

Because even if she's disappointed with her, even if she's not happy with the direction Junko's taken in this world, whatever she does, it all benefits her anyway! She can't lose! ...which is boring, she'll make a note to throw a wrench in things somewhere down the line. But for now, she'll just take things as they are, and hey, who knows, if she has anything up her sleeve involving a certain class or certain other people, well, it's always nice to have the faculty's support, isn't it?]

Hey, I'll do that, but you know, just to make sure I don't screw up...

[The shovel's swung again, this time aimed at the knee. The flat side of it anyway, she's not going for anything lasting. Not right now anyway. Just enough to stagger her and to tell the story Junko wants told.

Think fast if you don't want to get hit Chisa.]

I mean this is sort of the only way this could end, right? We've gotta dispel any preconceived notions your students might have, so if I do things this way, it'll put their minds at ease. Plus, it totally gives them that something to rally about, and is in line with what they expect me to do. Trust me, you're not the only one who thinks I've gone soft.

[Not that they've really...forgotten what she can do, but they don't really expect her to do it. Not with how she's been playing her little game.]

And all the while, they'll rally around you, not knowing I've handed you back in the exact same condition I found you in today. So I get to do my thing, you get to do your thing, and everybody's happy. And as a teacher, that's kind of the thing you strive for, right?

[She imagines such a thing wouldn't put everyone's suspicions to rest, some of them are simply too perceptive for their own good, but with time, she knows those perceptions can be worn down. So long as someone doesn't fuck it up. But hey, what are the odds of that happening?]

[...Of course, Yukizome saw it coming.

...Of course, she let it happen.

...And of course, it ended up being a rather painful experience, and no amount of foresight could change that fact anyway.

She drew a sharp breath as the shovel made contact with her knee, biting back an exclamation as she staggered backwards thanks to the blow.

As expected of Junko, it didn't rob her the use of her leg, though it'll probably bruise in a while. And she'll definitely be walking with a limp for a week or so, as she had the feeling it may have broken or torn something.

Just as they both wanted.]

Right.

[She managed a smile as she let out a heavy breath, not yet quite over the pain. What else was supposed to say in that situation anyway?]

I'll be sure to spread the story of how Chisa Yukizome survived yet another encounter with the infamous Junko Enoshima! Oh, what a harrowing and exciting tale it would be!

[Well, not really, but her eyes sparkled at the thought anyway, eagerly anticipating the distraught reactions of her beloved students. Likewise, it probably wouldn't put all of their suspicions to rest, but it definitely was a start of sorts.

All thanks to Junko, as always.]

But first... could I have my shovel back?

[An uncharacteristic laugh escaped her then, if a bit nervous and uncertain. While she could probably limp all the way back to the cleaners's base of operations, it was an experience that would be fraught with a lot of aches she'd rather do without. And while not a proper walking stick, that shovel was still something she could use to support her weight.

...If Junko gave it back, that is.]

It's a good story. And yeah you can have the shovel back.

[While Chisa's been talking, Junko's taken a few steps away from her, like she's leaving, and taking the shovel with her. But she stops, a smile coming across her face as she lashes out again, striking at Chisa's back this time. She did ask if she could have it back, didn't she?]

Once I'm done with it anyway, I mean it's a little weird if I attacked you and all that happened was you sprained your knee, I haven't gone that soft.

[She'll strike at her a few more times, intent to bruise, maybe to break something, but nothing too threatening, it'd be utterly despair inducing for her to die here, but she'll save that for another time. This is already the most violent she's been in a while, she doesn't want to waste it all in one thread.]

There we go! Now it's totally convincing!

[She just grins at her handiwork, and goes to leave again.]

Oh wait, you wanted this back didn't you?

[She'll throw it into the goop over there. Even without that last beating, it's not like she was ever going to just hand it over. No way. Have fun getting it and walking back, Chisa. She knows you can do it.]

See you around, teach. Let me know how they react, okay?

[Now if you'll excuse her, she's got people to see, places to be, things to do. Or something like that anyway.]

[Yukizome's blood did run cold as Junko walked past her with the shovel, knowing there was going to be a catch to it. Even with those words, Junko was not the most straightforward of individuals after all.

Or well, she could actually be, in the worst way possible.

So that said, she was not that shocked when Junko struck her again with the shovel. If Junko could kill her once--well, metaphorically--she definitely could do it again. That, and well, she already set a precedent with the whole almost-breaking-her-knee thing, and really, it was too good to be true for her to just walk away from a supposed encounter with that simple injury.

Still, it didn't mean she had to like it, especially since when she fell forward, she simply had the good fortune to land on her bad knee.

And as if to further drive home a point, Junko struck with the object a few more times--ouch, that certainly was going to bruise--ouch, did Junko just break skin--ouch, maybe she fractured a shoulder blade there--Yukizome couldn't quite tell anymore thanks to the pain that overtook her senses.

Eventually, she was lying in the mud, bloodied and bruised as the overgrowth worsened around her--clearly affected by her emotions on the matter. Dimly and with a sinking heart, she heard a muted thump as Junko threw away the shovel somewhere decidedly further before leaving her with those parting words.

No one will be coming to save her now. Or maybe at least for a while, but that was quite optimistic a thought.

Perhaps some people might call it a "bad end", but given these two, no, not quite.

Because again, just like earlier, Yukizome couldn't bring herself to begrudge Junko for her actions, considering what it gave her in return.

Uncontrollable tears flowed at the helplessness of it all, yet at the same time, she could not help but smile to herself in anticipation of what was to come in the future, sobs coming out more like a strangled laugh as both emotions harmonized to form a unique kind of despair, seemingly protecting her from the side-effects of the jealousy muck that she was lying in.

"All's well that ends well", or so the story went. Or perhaps in this case, a "to be continued" would be more appropriate.]

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TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER

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let me know if this is too much

oh no, this is great!

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aaaaand that's a wrap!