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

amara sigatar khura'in | aa : soj

[benignantly]

c — the disney princess life

[ it is the first time she tries to truly address everyone through this remarkable telepathy, and yet the voice that reaches you flows as naturally as a river, with no discomfort or misplaced words. ]

I turn to you, good people of Verens, with a plea for assistance. It would seem I have gathered a following of our animal friends, but many of them are not at home in the city, and are scaring the fine citizens. I would wish for them to be returned to their natural habitat peacefully, but for I am only one person, I cannot help them alone. [ for a moment, it seems that is the entire message... but no, there is more. ]

Those who should try to harm these innocent creatures, be warned, the Holy Mother does not look kindly upon those with malice in their hearts, and Her retribution shall be swift and unforgiving.

[ read: don't even think of hurting the animals. seriously, don't do it.

anyone who comes to investigate will find Amara in the town square, surrounded by what seems to be an entire zoo... ]

d;1 — the holy mother frowns upon blind dating

[ she had no intention of purchasing the ring the salesman was so eager to praise in his speech; perhaps for this reason, he forgoes the entire idea of gaining money and quite simply sticks the ring on her finger.

such insolence, she won't stand for it — though after the salesman has been scared away by what seems to be a lightning-strike from a clear sky, illuminating her in a completely different light for that second (but that is long enough, the salesman seems to think, running away while pleading for mercy), Amara is... stuck with the ring, it seems.

moreover, she is stuck with something even stranger: her feet walking fast towards someone in the crowd, without a single command from her mind to even start walking. ]

You shall cease this at once! [ she commands, but her feet ignore her and keep on walking. finally they stop, and Amara tries to see who it is she has been brought to — in the crowd, with people moving back and forth, it is hard to see who this accursed ring has decided as her so-called perfect match.

at least she can get this over with politely. ]

It is my unfortunate duty to impart this information to you... but I most certainly am not looking for a "matched pair". I shall pray the Holy Mother grants you Her blessings so that you may find one better matched to you than my humble self. [ because obviously whoever she is talking to has gotten into this out of their own free will... ]

g — wildcard

[ hmu with whatever floats your boat! also maybe... don't look here if you want to avoid spoilers from aa:soj, just saying. ]

yells!!!! also c

[ephemerous]

[Nahyuta is no stranger to being followed around by animals, most typically when he meditates, or when he attracts Khura'inese butterflies to him. Even he hasn't had quite the affinity for animals that his mother does, though; something no doubt attributable to her enormous spiritual power.

Still, perhaps he may be able to assist in his own way. When he offers a reply, it's with a mixture of bemusement and concern.]

Are you all right, Mother? I can aid you in guiding them from the city and back to their homes, if you tell me where you are at present.

gently slams into

[benignantly]

Nahyuta, [ she responds, her voice calm and composed as ever, but with that special warmth that no one else but the loved members of her family receive from her. ]

Yes, you need not worry for me. Spare your concern for these poor creatures that I have thoughtlessly distressed by my ill-chosen place for prayer. I thought that by standing on the plaza, the grace of Her Holiness would reach everyone in this city... but it did not go as I had thought. [ what follows is that amused laugh of hers... ]

gently topples over...! HELLO

[ephemerous]

[Nahyuta is reassured by that reply, and that she seems to be taking things in good humour, so when he responds it's with equal warmth.]

Do not blame yourself. Had the citizens known your identity, I am certain all would understand that there is nothing to fear from your animal companions, and they in turn would not have caused the animals such distress.

[Even tigers are harmless cubs when Amara is around, a fact understandable well enough in Khura'in. Other worlds... not so much.]

I will hurry there at once.

shyly waves at HELLO!!

[benignantly]

[ what doesn't she take in good humour, most of the time anyway... granted, the situation is rather strange and unfortunate, but she has faith it will soon be resolved with her son's help — there is nothing to fret over, then. ]

I fear this must make a strange sight for the good people of this city.

[ after all, this kind of thing clearly isn't the norm around here, though what with all the emotions around, surely friendly animals cannot be the strangest occurrence... ]

We shall await your arrival. [ "we" as in her and the animals... no royal "we" to be found here. ]

i've never threaded with an amara before so i'm super stoked ;w;

[ephemerous]

[Nahyuta takes a little longer than he would if he'd headed directly there, if only because he stops along the way to get a few bags full of food that might help entice the animals back to where they came from.

Unfortunately, Amara's continued presence with Nahyuta's added only means that when he arrives, it's with a few rabbits and squirrels close on his heels. He looks apologetic when he spots Amara.]

I am afraid I have brought more creatures to you, Mother, instead of driving them away. Let us begin leading them back to the forest, before more are drawn here.

[#disneyprincessproblems]

well i've never threaded with a nahyuta so the feeling is 1000% mutual ;u;

[benignantly]

[ even though Nahyuta's presence immediately works against solving the problem rather than towards it, Amara still greets him with a smile. ]

That they are drawn to you like this is a sign of spiritual fortitude, a sign of your devotion to the Holy Mother. [ the greater the spiritual power, the more animals are drawn to you... it is something only few of the servants of Her Holiness truly ever accomplish. she doesn't put it in words, but there's an undercurrent of pride in her tone — truly, her son has inherited the best from both his parents. ]

May the blessings of the Holy Mother go with you, [ she says serenely, smiling at the rabbits and squirrels before they join the zoo of animals that's gathered there around them. ]

Yes, we should not linger here any longer. Come, let us go. [ the words are directed at the animals... who, strangely enough, seem to turn to follow the two of them without much trouble. ]

c~

[magicpanchira]

[ Ah, there's a familiar voice -- vaguely familiar, but she knows who that voice belongs to indeed. She's been rather pleased, honestly, that the little family from Khura'in is complete. Verens is a new start for them, after all. ]

Good afternoon, Queen Amara! If it's help you need, it's help you've got. You can count on me! Is there anything you'd like for me to bring?

[benignantly]

[ there is a difference between knowing someone and knowing of someone — as it stands, Trucy Wright falls into the latter category. she has heard of her as her children filled in everything she had missed, but her voice is unknown to her. ]

I thank you, good child. [ she recognizes her, clearly, but Amara is only faintly curious — after all, back in Khura'in, there is scarcely a person who would not... this could be any one of them. ]

Perhaps some food, to nourish these animals, and to serve as an offering to guide them back to their home.

d-1

[bewrightback]

[Phoenix had been thinking about entering the dating ring... but not like this!! He had been conned into trying on the ring, but the horror of its effect only paled in comparison to that of seeing who it was pulling him towards. And so he ended up skidding to a halt directly in front of the queen of Khu'rain.

Internally, he started preparing his own funeral, sure that either Amara or Dhurke would strike him down any moment where he stood.]

Y-YOUR MERCIFULNESS!! [He cries out her name and practically flails as he tries to pull away from her, but to no avail. He sweats nervously, which is reflected in droplets of water dropping down around him.]

I - I know exactly what you mean! And I promise... I don't want this any more than you do! It's these rings... something's up with these rings!

[benignantly]

[ the former queen, please.

when she sees who it is, her small, polite smile seems to brighten up just a fraction... followed up by that distinctive laugh of hers. ]

You say you do not wish this. Am I to understand the grand priestess of Khura'inism is deemed too lowly for a grand lawyer such as yourself, Barbed-Headed One?

[ she's. she's teasing him, poor Phoenix. she is indeed a grand priestess, wise and kind and benevolent, but she is also Rayfa and Nahyuta's mother... clearly they've inherited some traits from her. ]

[bewrightback]

[Right. Former queen, current supermom.

Phoenix's face goes paler at her reply, and he frantically waves his hands to dismiss the idea.]

N-no no no, it's not like that! You're not lowly at all. You're a beautiful person... Too beautiful for someone like me! That's the truth, and, um...

Please don't destroy me.

[benignantly]

[ if anything, that only seems to amuse her more, even though her smile still remains serene. ]

As the grand priestess, it falls on me not to impart judgement upon others, but to guide them towards the glory of Her Holiness... who, then, will judge your sins and the impurity of your soul. You have nothing to fear from me, lawyer.

[ maybe. probably.

(she could also call him Mr. Wright but where's the fun in that...) ]

[bewrightback]

[He calms down slightly, especially with no signs of stormy weather, and he chuckles nervously.]

Well, I'm glad to hear that! Trust me, I'll... I'll be begging her forgiveness like never before!

Really, the sooner this whole misunderstanding is cleared up, the better!

[benignantly]

Ah, so you have had cause to beg for Her mercy before this?

[ ... is this what she was aiming at, or is she just naturally gifted at making others put feet in their mouths? both, probably. ]

... I admit I, too, am disposed towards putting an end to this — after all, it is hardly proper for a married woman to be made to search for a partner, would you not say?

[ please don't point out she's actually a widow, that might not be a smart idea. ]

I've been so undecided how to tag this, but some variation of D

[unyieldingdragon]

[A boisterous bit of laughter answers her declaration in return. Had she look to see who the ring had gravitated towards, she'd realized it managed to find her late husband in the crowd. Somehow it actually worked??]

Well that's a shame, because I can't think of anyone more suited to be with me than you.

[Regardless of whatever Amara felt between them, Dhurke just kept a smile on his face, more than happy to be able to see his wife once again.]

that's fine because i'm a) internally keysmashing and b) floundering w her voice so you know

[benignantly]

[ in hindsight, it is a wonder how she missed him in the crowd — perhaps something is to be said for not seeing what you do not expect, and for all the people she expected to see, her husband surely is not among them. ]

... Dhurke —

[ — is about all she manages at first, looking both rather shocked and faint at the same time. there'd been a time when she had believed fully in her sister, believed the cold, harsh story of her husband trying to kill her and then fleeing the palace. there'd been a time she thought Ga'ran was only protecting her, when she'd thought of her sister solely with trust and affection.

and no matter how much she'd wanted to keep believing... the events that had unfolded had made one thing clear — Dhurke had always told her the truth. before, she'd had only his word; now, she had evidence. a cruel twist of fate that had both given her the certainty she'd always wanted and, at the same time, taken away the one who had never done anything but loved her. ]

... Has my soul finally traveled to the Twilight Realm? Is is the will of Her Holiness to once more both reunite and divide? [ for before, she had been reunited with her children but parted from her husband; is she now reunited with him, but at the cost of leaving her children behind, Rayfa without her guidance? ]

The feeling's mutual, so it's going to be fine, right? 8')

[unyieldingdragon]

No, we're among the living, just in another world. Both our children are here as well. [He was quick to assure her this wasn't the Twilight Realm, even if his presence doesn't make sense. He shifts slightly where he stood, in case she looses her footing.]

Welcome to Empatheias.

absolutely............ ;n;

[benignantly]

[ we, he says, and her lungs constrict painfully. what strange manner of a dream must this be, for she hadn't thought they would meet until she, too, passed into the Twilight Realm. ]

Nahyuta, Rayfa... [ it is their children that occupy her thoughts, then, a relieved breath escaping her. they are not alone. she needs not fret. ] I see. I had been told this was a world full of miraculous phenomena, some of which I have had the privilege to witness... yet it all pales in comparison to what I now hear and see.

Had I known of this... [ this, her family being here as well — upon arrival, she had been so confused, still in the midst of recovering from the gunshot wound, that looking for those she knew had not been possible. and yet —

she would have looked for them. her husband, her children. can they truly be together again? is this a blessing from the Holy Mother? ]

[unyieldingdragon]

[Dhurke remains silent, a rare feat for a man who constantly calls for attention to himself. He could see Amara needed some time to process the information he had given to her, and so he would wait. It was an opportunity for him to come to grips in silence that his wife was indeed here, standing in front of him. Fourteen years since he was last standing in her presence like this, and he wanted nothing more than to embrace her right now. With the recent events back home though, he isn't sure he'd get a warm reception at this juncture.

And so instead, he finds her hand and holds it in both of his. It's more assurance for her that he's here, and something for him to grasp onto than just her appearance and words.] Don't worry too much about it. You're here now and that's what matters. [He puts on his biggest, warmest smile, even the area seems to brighten for them.] We can finally be together as a family.

wwwildcard!!

[divinable]

[ with the success of wilhelm w.'s gobstopper that changes flavour depending on one's emotions, he's also released an emotion-flavoured bubblegum! it's a lot different than gobstoppers as you can actually chew this piece of candy, and you can even blow it into a bubble!

it's why rayfa excitedly runs to where amara is, two pieces of bubblegum in her hand. ]

Mother, I would like you to try this with me.

why?? is she so cute someone send help

[benignantly]

[ she hums thoughtfully, turning to see what her daughter is bringing her with such excitement — it is good to see Rayfa like this, she thinks. ]

What is it you have brought with you?

[ look, Rayfa, you can actually teach your mother something for once! ]

ah u///u i wish i knew tbh

[divinable]

A piece of candy. Its taste depends on the emotion you are feeling the moment it is in your mouth.

[ isn't it exciting?! she thinks it is. and she also thinks amara's said yes despite only asking what it is rayfa has. ]

Is it not clever?

[benignantly]

[ at least this time, Rayfa is right to assume, as it's not like her mother really is going to refuse a piece of candy, especially one Rayfa is so excited about. it'll be a shared experience! ]

Yes, very much so. The blessing granted this land is impressive in its versatility.

[ she holds out her hand, palm slightly cupped, for her daughter to hand her one of these candies so they may try them together. ] Though it may not be something to be eaten when one does not feel one's best. [ that laugh of hers again... can you imagine what it would taste like when she is angry? actually, better not imagine it. ]

[divinable]

Oh! I beg your pardon.

[ she doesn't give the piece of candy to amara just yet. instead, she takes a step back and lowers her head for a few good seconds as a sign of respect. ]

How are you feeling, mother?