TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY—

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 Wednesday, January 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open Wednesday, January 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: Over two years ago, the ill fated Red String of Fate toy made its debut. At the time it seemed like a solid idea, but as it turned out… it didn’t exactly work as advertised. People found themselves tied together with entirely incompatible people instead of the proclaimed “emotionally compatible” and to top it off, personal, influential and private telepathic communication came out drenched in sap and overly lovey-dovey overtones. It was, without a doubt, one of the company’s least successful product launches ever. And you would think that they would have learned. However, they decided to try again, and… well. It wasn’t exactly all that well thought out the second time around. But third time’s the charm, right? Wrong. Even if this time, it’s in the form of rings that will draw two people together in a “matched pair” rather than a string.

1. There’s not really anything wrong with believing in true love, but trying to formulate a product that can detect someone’s ideal mate is innately flawed. Which only means that no matter how many times the product is adjusted, it’s just not going to work. Those who wind up with the product shoved onto their fingers (by a sales rep or through actually purchasing the product) will find themselves, once again, pulled by an unseen force to the nearest person they are “compatible with”. Same height, same hair color, whatever. It’s not exactly discriminatory. …Unfortunately as poor a match as they may be, the two cannot be separated until they share a meaningful embrace. So settle in, you might be together for a while.


2. In certain pairs, normal conversation is often unintentionally made amorous, simply from inflection in voice, or perhaps a heightened affectionate emotion. Or, on the flip side, anger and aggression is increased ten fold, but it’s kind of 50-50 as to what effect will take place, all dependant on which hand they wear the ring. Left, romance, Right? Anger.

• Prompt E: The inexplicably cavernous sewers of Verens are no place for a sane individual, but here you are anyway—dropped there by some horrible emotional shift that made an entire section of street vanish and then reappear above your heads as if nothing had happened. You and the poor fool you’ve been dumped down here with need to find your way to the access tunnels and climb out, or perhaps go the other way and swim out through the Lake Niras outflow. Or just smash your way out, if you’re feeling destructive. But your own emotions will work against you, as you struggle against the terrible scent, the darkness, and the entirely-justified questioning of why your life has taken this horrible turn.

1. There’s something odd about the way the water and sewage is sloshing around your ankles, almost as if it’s rising. But wait, that can’t possibly be a pair of eyes you see under the oil slick surface… could it? You’ve heard rumors about all sorts of beasties down here but surely your mind is just playing tricks on you.


2. Remember that part about emotions turning against you? Maybe you’ve been trapped down here way too long with someone who’s just not living up to your expectations, or you’ve got something else on your minds—but the smell around you certainly seems to be growing thicker, the scent growing harder and harder to ignore. The water and grossness at your feet also seems to be growing thicker almost as though it’s curing like cement. The cause? Negative emotions. But are they yours or the person you’re stuck here with? Perhaps you should work through those post haste…


3. Escape! You’ve made it out, but not without a great amount of effort on both you and your partner’s parts. Did you manage to find a way out through the access tunnels? Or perhaps you really did travel through all that much to the Lake Niras outflow… whatever it is, You’re certainly stinky, and possibly tired and cranky too.

• Prompt F: Some bandits went and stole another airship, only this time the Enforcers are prepared with a few of their own. Join in for some intense air battles. Just don't make the ship explode—they'd like it back in one piece please. Unless you're actually on the bandit team, in which case you probably want to blow up the Enforcer ship.

1. What's an airship fight without some on deck action? Either the bandits are swinging over to the ship you're on, or maybe you're swinging over there. Whatever the case, it's a full on brawl. Just watch out—those bandits are well-armed with some interesting firearms and weapons. If hit, one of the following emotions will start to take over your senses: unquestionable rage, debilitating fear and panic, and sleepiness. Needless to say, these effects will hinder one's ability to fight.


2. Can you fly or are you okay with climbing up the full height of your airship? Then grab a few sleep and apathy grenades and throw them at the bandits. Just be careful not to accidentally hit your allies. Otherwise they will be the ones feeling sleepy and want to give up. Also watch out for flying nets and bullets. Those bandits will definitely try to bring you down.


3. While the enforcers are trying to maintain the integrity of the stolen ship, the bandits feel no such need to hold back and are freely unloading their weapons onto the Enforcer's ships, forcing them to defend themselves. Other than decapacitating the bandit behind the weapon, it's also possible to overload it with intense emotions. Explode it with rage or clog it with happy, loving flowers.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include bubblegum and/or toadstools.

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

[thatgoodnight]

[Noctis tenses when he sees Ravus grasp his sword, and he'll remain tense until such time as Ravus lets it go. Habit or threat, he'd rather not be caught off guard just in case.

He knows Ravus cares deeply about his sister, and it isn't that he's not grateful for the ways the man has ultimately helped, but respecting that doesn't mean that Noct has to like him or approve of everything he's done, so he can't quite help but scoff a little.]

As long as that means you won't try locking her up here, too.

[failinglight]

[The attack's blast (presumably all 72 pounds of it) smashes into the offending appendage like a wrecking ball. It sends the thing wide, tearing through flesh and shearing it off and into the water with a wet smack. Dark ichor oozes from the stump, and an ethereal shriek echos in the chamber.]

I don't know! Some sort of local thing, maybe?!

[Barriss skips backwards, that cylinder appearing in her hand and igniting in a flash of blue, an electric hiss nearly drowned out by the monster's screams. It thrums in her hand and she swipes it down, rending the tentacle a snapping pop. It drops to the ground, severed cleanly, hissing as it burns through the stone. More tentacles start flailing around in the water, churning and spiraling together as they prepare to attack...]

Move! Now, this way!

[Barriss leaps over the fallen bit of creature and starts running, trying to get some distance. The air around her heats up as adrenaline starts to flow, steam rising from her emotions. They really don't want to get caught in that attack...]

[used_realtears]

Don't worry! I have just the thing! And it's even better than a launcher! [He pulls out a somewhat worn bamboo propellor.] Take-copter! [A brief bit a music plays here and I would link the Doraemon theme song if I wasn't so tired.] Just stick it to your head and push the button! It should let you fly over there really easily! [Well, Nobita's used it multiple times now, and the very first time it did he kind of crashed...then again, he's 10 and incompetent.]

[arcadianvampire]

I suppose a bit of wickedness is involved in handling Prinnies. But it's for their own good. It's the only way their souls can be purified and their sins forgiven. In the end, it sets them free to start a new life through reincarnation with a blank slate.

Personally, I think it's worth it. And though they are the ones that do all the work in their atonement, I can't help but feel a little proud of them when they finally manage to succeed.

[He may be a demon, but it does sound like he cares for his charges in his own way. It was often a thankless job, but an important one, and one he found some actual meaning in.]

And I suppose I will. If death scarcely even exists here, there can be no Prinnies to instruct. ...If they can even be formed here to begin with. I suppose I'll have to find another job.

D!

[sacredrites]

[ She hears Ravus before actually spotting him, her own emotions stilling as his panic takes over. Without thinking she rushes to his side, both dogs quick on her heels as she encloses his hand in hers. There'd be time to take in the fact that he has a prosthetic where his left arm used to be, considering the last time she'd seen him had been when he'd been writhing on the floor as the ring destroyed his arm.

To say she understands the possible source of his panic is an understatement given she'd used that same destructive force to drive a man to destroy himself in a quest for unattainable power. Her thoughts don't linger on that or the choice she'd made when she saw him in pain before. Luna projects as much of a calming aura as she can, having had some time to practice centering her emotions enough to begin controlling them, not interested in a repeat with the storms. ]

Please, Ravus. It will be alright.

B

[lukeim_yurlin]

[Taking up jobs from the Task Board is not something Dezel does with regularity for two reasons. One, he has a paying full time job with the Enforcers. And two, he typically requires at least one other person he can work with, if just for communication with clients since the whole seraphim invisibility thing is a major issue with the locals. Still, once in a while he'll wander on down to the Task Center and check the board out, then perhaps make a call to a a friend and see if they want to join him on a job if the seraph notes one worth taking.]

[Upon reaching the Task Center today, though, Dezel almost turns right around and leaves. He's not sure he wants to deal with Zaveid, largely because the other wind seraph has no memory of being in Verens before. Everything they discussed after Dezel's forced trip back to Glenwood and that terrible night in Pendrago, the agreement they reached, the understanding they started to have... It's gone. And quite frankly, Dezel being the way that he is, he's not sure he's ready to discuss things all over again just yet. Words and emotions are tough, okay? Especially where Zaveid is concerned.]

[But the mention of the panty thief and Zaveid's potential interest in that particular task... Against his better judgement, Dezel doesn't retreat and instead grudgingly approaches to stand nearby with his arms folded over his chest. Fleeing probably wouldn't have looked too great, anyway, given Zaveid probably noticed via the wind that the other seraph was present as soon as he arrived within the general area.]

Tch, that assumes the thief can even win over any woman's heart. It's probably just some idiot pervert with issues.

D-1 and I'm so, so sorry... also working with the idea that Dezel is visible to Zelgadis

[lukeim_yurlin]

Dezel was minding his own business, standing near the opening of an alleyway and feeding some biscuits from his jacket pockets to a couple of stray dogs when he suddenly had the sense that something was wrong. Being a wind seraph with the ability to read the air currents, Dezel was often far more aware of his surroundings than most, but this... This had that awful accompanying sensation of something, somewhere being out of control.

Straightening up, Dezel turned away from his two canine buddies just in time to see someone come stumbling out of the nearby crowd on the street, one hand thrust weirdly forward as though it or something on it (the glove, maybe? no...) was yanking him about. The frown of confusion on Dezel's face then rapidly pulled into a expression of aggravation and even alarm when he realized that individual was, for some reason, headed right for him. The dogs turned tail and retreated into the alley as the seraph backed up, trying to get away from this nutball who was suddenly trying to get up around his personal space. Could this weirdo even see him?

"Hey, back off! The hell do you think you're doing?!"

Padmé Amidala | Star Wars

[nabooangel]

Prompt A.

[Emotions were a funny thing when one was a politician. Back home she always had to hold back on her emotions on some instances. Especially in her case where her marriage had to be hidden from the rest of the world. While others she could easily show. But this wasn't back home, this was a world that she was still trying to grow accustomed to. And yet as the Senator touched her amulet she couldn't help but feel confused and lost as the skies above her turned grey the signs of an early rain were slowly starting to rear its head.]

E1; /SLAMS IN HERE

[shadowsthedawn]

[Well on a scale of one to ten, being magically dropped into the Verens' sewers rates about three in weirdness. Barely even enough to make Riku blink. But that doesn't mean he's happy.

He had been on his way home after a particularly grueling task job and the last thing he wants to deal with is navigating himself out of the sewers. But since when has this place ever cared about the wants of others?

So he sloshes through the water, not wanting to even think about what else could be mixed in with it, with grim determination.

...Is it his imagination or is the water rising?

He hears splashing water sounding behind him and a voice-a familiar voice.]

Kairi? [He turns, seeing her figure ahead. The light is dim down here but he can just make her out. He slogs forward through the water.]

Kairi! Are you okay?

[notsolomon]

And that takes us back to the original problem which is that I do not wish to owe you.

[And now he pulls a face the comment about manners and is that stench around them getting stronger, as if to mirror his disgust?]

Dead men stop being Barons. Especially dead French barons.

[Why are the French like this? And why does he have to deal with one.]

A mission that has taken you into the sewers.

[He says it flatly. Sytry's Uncle is a weird, weird man.]

[glaivekeeper]

[Ravus is on the verge of an angry response: what would Noctis understand of any of the choices he made in how he was towards Lunafreya, with both of them under the thumb of the Empire? How could he possibly understand when he had not lived such a life?

He takes a deep breath, visibly struggling to keep his composure, before dropping his hand from his sword.]

I understand full well that my sister's will is her own, and I erred in the past to think I could sway it. What she does and where she goes is her own choice.

[glaivekeeper]

[Part of Ravus knows he's being irrational to get this worked up over what is probably just an emotion-fuelled trinket, and yet one powerful ring is enough for him to want nothing to do with any other rings exhibiting any kind of power ever again. The memory of the last, of the agony it brought, is still too fresh in his mind.

And yet all thought even of that is banished when Ravus feels that warm hand on his, and that familiar voice. His eyes -- now a mismatched blue and violet, a side-effect of the magitek -- widen in disbelief as he seeks out his sister's face.]

Lunafreya? This cannot be...

[And yet he knows it can. In fact, he knows better than anyone that time and death mean very little to a place like this.]

[softariel]

[ I have only ever read about quicksand, never about escaping it! ...is not what he says aloud, but hey, magic telepathy is a thing. His mental voice is much more fussed than what he actually says aloud, though; he's less concerned about what the people around them think, and more about that whole being stuck to a complete stranger sort of thing.

But he does take a couple of deep breaths, trying to forcibly calm himself. It takes half a minute, but he does eventually manage. ]

--Right. You're right. My apologies, this is just...

[ Extremely odd, terribly embarrassing, not at all how he likes meeting new people -- any of those. All of those, at once. ]

[glaivekeeper]

[That voice is enough to stop his frantic scrabbling at the blasted thing, and he shoots a glare at Aranea. Though he's less irritated at her offer, and moreso to be caught in such a compromising situation.]

I do not need a knife, nor your mockery.

[If even his magitek hand can't pull it off, there's obviously some kind of emotion magic at work here that's keeping it stuck until it does... whatever it's supposed to. He very strongly doubted it had the capacity to fulfil its claimed purpose, but he's not about to try anything more drastic to be rid of it until it proves actively harmful.]

[a_noble_flame]

[Most likely exactly where they want them. It's also somewhat where Alice wants them too, of course. She can't help the grin that rises up, even if she's a little out of breath.]

It's been a bit since I've had such a workout.

[She points her sword at the nearest encroaching bandit. Then she asks the man behind her pointedly:]

How good would you say you are at sweeping up messes like this?

[He's a big man, he has a large sword. They're right near one side of the airship as well with nothing but the short side of one wall keeping them on the deck itself. And they could take out a lot of their problems very quickly.]

[glaivekeeper]

[Positive thoughts do not come especially easily to Ravus, but at least his sister is one of them. Even if those thoughts are tinged with their own sadness, he won't dwell on that aspect, not now.]

The light at the end of the tunnel, then. [He remarks drily -- the meaning here both literal and metaphorical.] To think something as trifling as emotion would have power would be absurd, in my own world.

[And from what he understands of other worlds, most of them are the same. Yet despite their progress through the tunnel, even the thought of his own world, Eos, is enough to slow Ravus's progress again, the filth around his feet feeling like it's beginning to grow heavier once more.

This might take some practice, before he's able to fuel his emotions consistently.]

[foxtastic]

Tracer? [ definitely a unique name, too? honestly he'd be more surprised and curious if the exhaustion hadn't hit him so hard. just like that weird projectile, only it disappeared before it struck him? the connection is there, he just isn't grasping it.

until she brings up his stone. a spark ignites in his eyes and clarity returns. ]

Yes! Without it, I can't transform. I can't fight like this.

[ he gestures to his full self excitedly, but that energy fades again leaving him sullen. the air around him turns cold for a moment, until suddenly his eyes widen and he points across--- ]

... actually, it's right there. It's rolling off?!

[ no way he's going to catch it in time. ]

[doesactivities]

I-I don't know! They're sneaky little things... 'bout the size of a hand, maybe??

[Sokka jumps right back with Sora, maybe sliding in behind him.]

My friends and I convinced everyone they stuck on you and gave you pentapox, and now... now they're going to be a pox on us for real!

Re: C/B

[luftgitarre]

That makes two of us, but I am told that is what I'm holding. It looks like... hmm. It's difficult to describe but it is small and green and I'm not sure it's not a plant.

[ Klavier's not sure if this mental network is purely text-only or if mental images work too, but he's doing his very best to send a picture of what he's talking about it. How unfortunate that he seems to have gotten another new arrival, but he appreciates the help nonetheless! ]

such enthusiasm! i'm sorry for the delay!!

[luftgitarre]

[ Sure, Klavier could mope or freak out about being stuck in some alien universe far away from everything he's ever known, but the universe he left behind was taking on a lot of those characteristics too so why not at least try to enjoy what he has, ja?

Hearing a familiar voice gets him to look up and he grins up at Trucy--oh, and look, another little purple flower. The one he picks to offer her is white, however, to better match what she's wearing. ]

Ahh, but for you, Fräulein, how could I possibly charge? Good afternoon. I'm sorry for causing such an obstruction--are you all right?

[raisdiant]

I don't see why that's a problem—you already owe me.

[Gilles' lip curls. Ugh, it is getting rank down here. But he's enjoying their chat enough that he lingers.]

Now you're just being contrary. It's not as if you call your kings "Henry the no-longer-a-king-because-he's-dead." and "Charles previously-a-king-but-now-deceased". It's an ancestral title!

[He shakes his head and wags his finger.]

I think you'll find that the history books remember me as a baron, among other things.

[Gilles shrugs at the flatness in William's tone. He doesn't owe him any explanation.]

That's correct. I was still under orders when I came here. I'd tell you about it, but—no, wait, I'd never tell you about it under any circumstances.

[luftgitarre]

[ For his part, Klavier is also not nearly as Apollo-proof as he would normally be. Spending even this long in a world governed by emotions has proven to be taxing on Klavier's defenses and the current situation is pushing them to their limit, if his own outburst wasn't proof enough.

Klavier makes a little half circle looks up at the stones above them, doing his best to remember the scene before he and Apollo got flushed. ]

If we assume these follow the layout of the streets then if we go this way we will start to move away from the city. I would say we are more likely to find a way out by going that way.

F2

[becomeashield]

[The grenade almost hits Zeno, but he had managed to dodge it in time and make it bounce on a bandit's head. Unfortunately, as he's busy with that guy, a second bandit manages to hit him in the head with a bat from behind. He falls to the wooden floor, momentarily unconscious. There are some drops of blood around.

Just give him a short time and he'll wake up with a healed head. But being one of his brothers, Ryokuryuu will likely forget about his powers again and fret.]

sorry for the hold up!

[luftgitarre]

[ Klavier only has an instant to be aware of someone approaching before he sees the sandals trampling on the little blooms around his feet. He's disappointed but only momentarily--it's not as though he cannot apparently make more grow, and besides, he recognizes the voice belonging to those sandals. He takes a moment to pick up her map and a purple crocus with it before standing. ]

Then hopefully they will still be impressed even if the Gavinners are no more. Would you be my litmus test, Fräulein?

[gymnasty]

Huh. Why didn't ya say so? Could've helped us out a lot when we were back at the island.

[ Or is it a simulation thing... Ugh, just thinking too much about it makes Akane's head hurt. She drops the bandit like a sack of hot potatoes and dusts her hands. ]

Magic's okay, but nothing beats the good old fisticuffs, in my opinion! Gets your blood runnin'!