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

rider | fate/zero voicetesting :3

[kataktitis]

(B.)

[A towering man stands with his chin between his thumb and forefinger. He isn't sure what to make of the situation, but since he does not have his army outside of his Noble Phantasm to plunder for money to eat or indulge in other pleasures, he must settle for these menial tasks until he's built his proper army. Waver isn't here to pay for his crap. Normally, he wouldn't really do this kind of thing, but...]

Now, this just won't do. You!

[He points to you, who is looking to do the same task (maybe, nor maybe not.)]

Come! A common thief is on the loose, and it shall but us who brings him in. [He's really only doing it for the money, and the entertainment.]


(D. 1 or 2)

A curious ring indeed. One can only wonder what kind of magic it uses to give the desired effect. Let us see...

[He's seven feet tall, burly with red hair and beard. And either you're gravitating towards him or he's approaching you. If it's the latter, suddenly-]

Greetings! I am Iskandar! How are you this...fine day?

[Take that any way you want.]


(F. 1)

[It's a fight and he's very excited about this]

IF IT'S A FIGHT YOU WANT, IT'S A FIGHT YOU'LL GET!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[Rider is in close quarters with multiple bandits that are trying to gang up on him, sword flashing to parry and thrust towards the enemies. Join him?]

D-1 -- I'm not sorry!

[ramblingly]

I'm telling ya, this isn't the thing I'm looking for!

[The tiny kid with the oversized sweatshirt and bushy hair that was nearly auburn in color waved her hand at the poor sales rep with a powerful frown on her face-- heedless of the burly man who approached from elsewhere in the vicinity.]

I came in here looking for a wrench to replace the one I broke-- don't ask how, it just--

[Her protests were suddenly cut off by the booming greeting that had her literally jumping in surprise. Thoroughly rattled now, she whirled on the stranger and--

Stared.

Up.....and up.....]

Not at the top of my game today, Big Guy. Iskandar. Whatever.

[She pouted as she looked up at the imposing man....and was suddenly struck by an idea.]

Though tell me, Big Guy. How good are you at haggling?

oh, i'm not either bwahaha

[kataktitis]

Haggling?

[It was an interesting question, as he folds his arms over his chest before letting loose a hearty laugh at what appears to him to be a small boy. Definitely not a small boy though.]

Haggling? Hahaha!!! Boy, there is no need for an action such as that. Tell me, what is it you seek?

[ramblingly]

[She jerked her thumb over her shoulder at the offending sales rep.]

Can you get this idiot to show me where they keep the tools in this place? My usual shop is closed so I had no choice to come here, but all they gave me was this dinky little piece of jewelry I don't need!

F-1

[a_noble_flame]

[It's mostly the shouting that draws her attention. He's a big brute of a guy, sure, but she's kind of learned by now that size means absolutely nothing.]

HEY!

[Her voice has a note of authority to it, the ring of a commander. And it's enough to draw the notice of at least one bandit.]

What do you all think you're doing here.

[kataktitis]

[A blade strikes against his own as the voice of one so assertive sounds out behind him. His head turns as he grins, eyes flashing in excitement. She doesn't seem to be an adversary. In fact, he's sure they stood on the same side.]

Their reasoning does not matter anymore- they besiege us, and they will know the consequences of attacking the wrong King of Conquerors today!

[He booms out towards Alice, not that anyone actually asked for his opinion.]

[a_noble_flame]

[Ah, the excitement is familiar. This is the first time she's had to do any real fighting as part of the Enforcers but she's no stranger to it. The majority of the bandits surrounding the man seem to be lacking the guns others have and that puts her at ease somewhat.

And in spite of the fact that he's handling them just fine, Alice is here to fulfill her capacity as an Enforcer. And it's not like she can leave someone in the midst of a fight all alone. So her shoulders square and she takes in a breath.]

Fine, then they're beyond questioning. Let's get this over with before they destroy the whole ship!

[She's all of five foot but that doesn't stop the blond from more or less picking one of the outliers of the group and coming at them full force. The man only notes her once she's close enough to drop down and sweep out a leg to take out the man's own. He falls backwards, landing on top of the man just in front of him.]

B

[foxtastic]

Hm? [ he perks up. ] Me?

[ and then points to himself as he approaches Iskandar, tail gently wafting behind him. he was about three seconds away from falling asleep while leaning against a nondescript wall, so this is great! finally, some action. ]

Well, a common thief should be pretty easy to find. Any clue to what they're stealing? Maybe we can catch them in the act with a trap or something!

[kataktitis]

They seem to be intrigued with...women's lingerie.

[A long hmmmmm from Rider proceeds his statement. What to do.]

Now, it is not for me to judge what one finds interesting in the bedroom, but to steal right from a clothesline is just simply detestable. A trap may be in order. And I've got just the idea for the bait.

[It's not a secret what the bait is, it really isn't.]

[foxtastic]

[ now his ears twitch. ]

Is that a normal thing to steal? [ with the tilt of his head, he crosses his arms. ] Sounds like more effort than it's worth!

[ IS IT A SECRET?! nah not really. still, it does beg the question, doesn't it? ]

... so are we going to steal some ourselves? That'd make the best bait, right?

[ this is fine. ]

D-1, I can't with D-2...he's like 9 million feet tall!

[failinglight]

[Oftentimes, Barriss wondered exactly how she got herself into these situations. She wasn't reckless, even if she was prone to impulsiveness from time to time. The ring was probably one of the more impulsive things she'd done lately, though. She couldn't rationally believe that a ring would pull her towards someone, find a 'soulmate' for her or whatever, but when she felt the tug towards the enormous man...she reconsidered that.

It felt a bit like being caught in a gravity well, pulling her inexorably towards the man, and dropping her off right in front of him. His introduction had her awkwardly looking to one side, unsure of how to take that. A gigantic human? Really?]

I'm...alright I guess. [She tries to force a smile, but it comes out looking kind of distracted, much like her greeting.] I'm Barriss. Barriss Offee. It's nice to meet you, Iskandar.

[Can she escape now? An attempt at a step back is foiled by some unseen hand, and now she seems confused.]

Oh...it...worked?

9 MILLION, NO MORE, NO LESS

[kataktitis]

[He peers past her when she's halted from retreating. It must of worked. What a weird little device these rings are.]

So it seems! However, I must say, you might possibly be the strangest being I've come across in all my travels around the world. Tell me, what are you?

[Rider that is rude]

At least he's over 9000

[failinglight]

[Well. That's certainly not polite. Being called the strangest anything doesn't exactly sit well with her. And by a human well above average height no less.]

I'm a Mirialan, from a planet of the same name. And you are a human, from some barbaric world that's yet to discover space travel, no doubt. Especially if I'm the strangest thing you've seen in your entire life.

[Rudeness meet...well...rudeness. Also truth. She's just green.]

B

[dragonsinmy]

[Someone maybe didn't recognize a certain King of Knights with her hair down. (She was told to give it a shot.)

Also the fact she is wearing neither her armor or that suit she had back in the 4th war.

Then again... there is that hair on top...]

... Rider.

[Good lord why is this a situation she is in.]

[kataktitis]

King of Knights, what a delight to see you here as well.

[He's cordial with her, of course. A fellow hero is welcome in his presence.]

Have you also come to apprehend the perpetrator?

[dragonsinmy]

For me, I am rather surprised to see the King of Conquerors trying to find a job.

[But she closes in on the board.]

I had come to see what there is, yet... [she just heaves a heavy sigh.] Is that the thief you wishes to go after? The one who aims for underwear and has a physical description that makes me dread that people will suspect me?

D-1

[invigorates]

[ How a 4'11" dark elf is compatible with a giant beast of a man is far beyond anyone here, but maybe it's because they're both wearing red? maybe it's because they're both willing to talk to strangers they are somehow drawn to at random? Whatever the case, when Iskandar appears at her side unexpectedly, Lioriley blinks up at him — and then smiles after a moment of thought. ]

Hello, ser. I am well. [ How polite of him to ask. ] Is there something you need help with?

[kataktitis]

Well, I am testing out this new trinket I've acquired.

[He shows her his new, shiny ring. Isn't it neat?]

And, as it so happens, it's brought me to your side. Something about those being worthy, I suppose.

[invigorates]

Oh? [ Oh. She recognizes that particular style of ring instantly, having seen them sold in nearby stalls. ]

I see. I am honored to be so worthy of your company, then. [ She sounds pretty sincere about it, too, even if the circumstances aren't currently ideal for first meetings. ] I suspect we will be spending some time together, then, hm? My name is Lioriley. [ She bows her head politely. ]

F1!!

[fairbrook]

( And as if from a round of no context theater, Integra spots Rider from afar, approaching them quickly and reaches for her blade. )

Are these men giving you trouble, sir?

( Well, she's trying to be helpful... )

SO IT SHALL BE

[kataktitis]

Trouble? Hardly.

[The giant man baps a bandit away with the back of his hand. It's nearly cartoon-like. They'll get him back eventually, though. Maybe.]

Why, I'd hardly call them adversaries at all. Some of them are a sneaky bunch, though.

[One of them stabbed him from behind in another thread. Jerks.]

F-1

[raisdiant]

[In a shocking twist that no one could possibly have predicted, the nephilim Gilles de Rais has ended up on the side of the bandits instead of on the side of the Enforcers. Look, he needed some entertainment.

When he finds himself facing the large challenge from the very large man, it's with laughter. He loves a good fight. This might actually be fun! Rising up into midair, he crackles with blue electricity.]

I do want a fight, as it so happens! Let's see if you can manage to give me one!

[And he throws down a bolt of demonic energy, heedless of everyone's personal safety.]

oh my god caster from another canon

[kataktitis]

[It's almost as if Rider has run into this man somewhere before but where

The lightning strikes down upon friend and foe. The airship rocks with its power, threatening to send it down as it ripples across the deck with curiosity to where it could start a fire that would seal the fate of all aboard.]

So be it then!

[His sword swings, and with it the very sky itself rumbles with a terrible might. Lightning flashes, but none of which is directed or even controlled- instead, one large bolt strikes down and a grand chariot appears with two magnificent bulls hitched to it. Rider leaps in, and points his sword at Gilles de Rais.

His chariot is really almost too big for the deck of this ship. It looks ridiculous in this setting.]

Now you face Iskandar! King of Conquerors! Let's see how you handle this!

[He begins to charge at his new opponent, ready with his sword!]

B - 99% rusty but I will try

[flicked]

[As it happens, what if Waver was there but he was equally broke and looking for something he could do to earn a few sylvs. Maybe with his alchemy, so it could move more quickly.]

Eh? [He turns around from where he was browsing the task board and points to one of the tasks.] You mean this one? With the...panty thief??

[Why this, Rider.]

hey, i'm voicetesting so we're in this together

[kataktitis]

Because, boy! It fetches a good amount of spoils, and we can teach him a lesson or two.

[It's no heated battle or anything like that, but what he really means is...is...]

HAHAHAHA!!! It will be fun!