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

[kataktitis]

Hm. I can imagine such a place. Continue.

[He gestures with his hand, anticipating a wonderful story from this alien woman.]

[failinglight]

Well.

[The model of patience...]

Now imagine that entire world is covered in a fungus that will kill you if you don't stay behind a protective barrier. Animals that are the size of an ox cart that want to eat you, and nobody lives there.

What would make you go to such a place? Is there anything at all that you can think of?

[kataktitis]

Of course.

[He answers plainly.]

Simply that it would be mine and mine alone. I'm sure we can make a use or two for animals with such ferocity.

[failinglight]

I...see. That's the wrong answer, unfortunately. There's no habitable land and no way to make it livable for more than a few months at a time before the fungus finds a way through the barrier. And taking the wildlife offworld will kill them. Believe me, more than a few have tried.

[But since this is meant to entertain...]

One more guess. Think strange. Really strange. Why would people ever want to go to this place?

[kataktitis]

I was unaware this was a guessing game. I thought you were merely asking my opinion.

[He also doesn't see how his answer was wrong, but according to her it was. So he thinks harder! There must be a correct answer to this.]

I still fail to see how conquering it is not good enough. But, I suppose if there is another reason, it would be to entertain, like a zoo of sorts.

[failinglight]

[She's not exactly the friendliest, unfortunately, especially with someone who'd been rude. But she's hardly vindictive. So, a small smile, a little laugh, but a shake of her head.

He is an admitted barbarian.]

Treasure, actually. Rare plants that can heal wounds, treat infections, and a host of other things. A zoo would be interesting, though. The creatures are magnificent.

[kataktitis]

Ah, a curative! It seems you have stumped me.

[And doesn't seem bothered by that in the least.]

Perhaps I've found a new use for this world you speak of then. Never could I have imagined such a place existing. I must see it.

[Lowkey asking to be taken there please Barriss please]

[failinglight]

Perhaps one day you will.

[That sounds almost Jedi-like, and internally she squeaks in delight. Yay! Managing the cryptic conversation, like Master Unduli.]

But, first we have to get off this rock. And...find a way to separate, since taking off the ring isn't going to work.

[kataktitis]

We will ask the shopkeep how the rings work!

[That's who gave them the rings, if they don't know how to undo the strange magic of them, then who will?]

Being trapped together will prove bothersome.

[It's only a minor inconvenience to him though. He can still conquer even if she has to ride in the chariot alongside him.]

[failinglight]

It will.

[He's too large. Also, he's...very loud. That doesn't seem ideal for getting anything done. So she turns to the shopkeeper and asks.]

How do we break the effect of your rings, please? I've got to be on my way.

[The owner blinks in surprise...]

Why, you are attached now. At least, until you show one another a little affection. You are soulmates, after all.

[kataktitis]

Have we not already done so? Or must it be of the romantic sense?

[He's not really into her like that though. And he's not about getting romantic or sexual with someone unless he actually is interested. He just met her.]

Hmmmmm. Perhaps a compliment is in order.

[failinglight]

[...Oh. Oh no, that's just gross. Not only has she just met him, and not only is she a Jedi Padawan that's sworn to eschew attachments, but he's also...human. And hairy. She cringes at the very thought!

So, if her compliment seems quick and forced that's because she very, very much wants to get the mental image of him shirtless out of her head.]

You're...very tell. And you have a good imagination.

[kataktitis]

[He seems satisfied with the compliment. It's not what he usually receives, but it's just as good as any other compliment, so he smiles and nods.]

And in turn, I much like the fire in your spirit! It takes a considerable amount of strength to be so unyielding, and hold such a sharp tongue at that.

[It's a compliment. Trust him.]

[failinglight]

[She honestly takes it at that, having gotten a sense for him. He's clearly some sort of warrior, and fiery spirit is never bad. At least, in a barbarian culture.]

Thank you, Iskandar. I'll take that.

[She tries stepping back and...thank the Stars it works! Plucking the ring off, she tosses it to the shopkeeper, and the air around them both seems to brighten a bit.

Thank. The. Stars.]

Quite nice to meet you. I should be going though.

[kataktitis]

[Well that was quick. He expected something a bit longer than a short talk, but he also isn't bothered either. He'll just have to track her down again and ask her more about the tales of the universe he so desperately would love to conquer one day.]

Of course. Until our paths cross again!

[He grins, taking the ring off. That was great and all but maybe he'll pass on more uses of the magic ring.]