empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: MAY

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!mod,
*test drive

TEST DRIVE: MAY

— TEST DRIVE: MAY —

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 Monday, April 24th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on May 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: Elios’ land was a great place to hold this year’s festival, but it’s always best to leave a place as you found it. This is especially important for the surface, as there’s a lot of work put into trying to heal the different domains that span the land down below Verens. Anyone who volunteers for cleaning duty is getting paid, and vouchers to several of the cafes up in Verens as a reward! For anyone not interested in cleaning but interested in a new closing ceremony of sorts, they can instead attend a fireside dance that will be held for the next few nights at the site of the festival once things are tidied up.

Cleanup Ordeals. Not too much mess was left around luckily as most people who helped organize the Festival understand the importance of cleaning up the mess you make, but it looks like the tent areas have a lot left to clean up and take down. Removing flowers and string lights, packing up fabric and blankets, and generally picking up trash here and there left by festival goers is the main job. It’s a big job, and the festival organizers encourage anyone with special skills or dunamis practice to use whatever they have at their disposal to speed things along.
Fireside Dance.It’s a small, simple gathering done once the sun has gone down and the sky is dark. The fire is stoked hot, surrounded by worn black stones painted with Elios’ symbol in red and orange tones of paint. The dance is a quick one, requiring two circles, an inner and outer one. Partners on the outer circle travel the inner circle and wind up dancing with each person in turn. Luckily it’s pretty quick to learn and everyone spirits run warm to match flushed cheeks. At the end, each participant is asked to throw a small twig into the fire and express a moment of love or hate, in the pursuit of balance.

• Prompt E: During the festival this month there was a curious prize at one of the game booths. Some of the Elios plushes from the bobbing for ducks booth seem to not have been plushies at all! After a few days of having one in your possession, The plush will engulf in non spreading flames and burn completely out, revealing one small egg, white or black. Depending on your mood the past few days, the egg will either hatch a leathery or feathery winged creature. Hopefully you’ve been in a good mood! Luckily, the creatures are only around long enough to perform their duty before winking out of existence again.

Bad Egg. Negative emotions have lead to a sour and dark winged creature who is up to mischief. They will not listen to their “owner” and instead are quite often out to make things difficult for them. 3 misfortunes or specific instances of bad luck will happen over three days to their possessor while they run amok. A claw shaped trinket is left behind as a reminder to try and enjoy life and not get caught up in bad moods.
Good Egg. Positive emotions will lead to a happy, bright and angelic feather winged creature. They’re mischievous as well, but often in gentler ways, and sometimes try to play cupid for their owner. These playful creatures will grant 3 small wishes over three days for their owner, such as desires for better weather, tastier food or small trinkets. No wishing for a million sylvs here! Once it poofs out of existence in a puff of glitter it leaves behind a small pearl as a reminder to value the things they have and experiences they get that make live worth living.

• Prompt F: A small ring of Circus performers from Thesthai have traveled up to Verens and set up a tent out near lake Niras. It’s a small Circus performance, a prelude to something that might be bigger in the future. All performances are done by the Circus members themselves, from acrobatics and magic tricks, to displays of fearless daredevilry with the help of Verens steam-punk inspired vehicles. Overall it seems to be garnering a lot of attention, causing a several day repeat showing of the activities. Performancy plays a central role in some setups, and they seem to be the most popular...

Animal Experience.Enjoy the animal menagerie, all sorts of creatures are here. They’re all well taken care of, and seem to enjoy the food and pettings they’re getting from the attendees. Happy animals make for happy animal loving customers afterall! There IS one catch.. mischevious circus performers will cast performancy on those who aren't paying enough attention to their surroundings, and circus goers in the menagerie area may find something new if they look in a mirror. Animal ears and tails and a host of other features! Don’t worry. It’s temporary and all in good fun.
Carnival Games. Carnival type games have been set up outside the main tent, including a lot of familiar games that may have been seen during the Zephyras Flower Festival. Ring Toss, water laser races, darts, and the good old fashioned strong arm competition are all part of the setup. The prizes here range from simple small toys to bigger 4 foot tall plushies. Careful though, some of these setups might actually be rigged. The house has to have an advantage, in the end. Where would they make their money?

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include geese and/or potatoes.

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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Whoa! What a big duck!

[ he's standing in front of Robin with a big smile on his face, his ears wiggling as he moves around of the man in order to get a better look at the stuffed bird. his hands hover about, sizing it up, getting an idea of how big it might be. ]

I can't believe you won it... all I got are these necklaces.

[ and he points up at his neck, at several odd looking pieces of jewelry. round, circular discs hanging on a string of various pastel colors. they look a little powdery and dry, but still look pretty festive notwithstanding. ]

What game did you play?

[...It was hard to imagine someone like Panne wiggling her ears in delight like this man did. After the destruction of her Warren, Robin was almost certain that the stolid Taguel was as lonely as anyone else would be-- and his heart went out to her, even though the recent history of Ylisse and the surrounding kingdoms was still a subject that he was learning about on a daily basis.

Although this man's ears didn't resemble the Taguel's at all, it wasn't anything that Robin found terribly odd. If anything, they were more striking because so few others in this country had similar features.

That child-like smile, though, was nothing short of endearing.]

The shooting game on the other side of the plaza is where it came from, [Robin explained, helpfully motioning in that direction just in case the bubbly stranger wanted to investigate for himself.] But I can't believe I won it either-- I just went in to try something new.

Shooting game, huh? [ with a tilt of his head, he looks in the direction where he gestured, but can't really determine which one it is. after all, he's not really thinking about anything but bows or ballistas when it comes to shooting. ]

You don't look like an archer. Maybe you could show me where it is? [ he snaps his fingers. ] Ooh, I know. I'll give you one of these if you do it! They're so precious, you could probably give one to a friend or something.

[ he winks, his tail starting to get into it with a few quick swishes behind him. ]

What do you say?

[He had thought of arrows and ballistas as well with that game-- right up until the person hosting it placed a strange tool in his hands. Robin grinned, intrigued by this man's energy.]

That's right, a shooting game-- and no payment is necessary.

[He waved off one of those strange pendants with a gloved hand, that smile never flickering even once.]

Save them for someone you care about. Watching how you are at this game will be payment enough!

[Robin chuckled.]

I don't jape when I say it's probably beyond anything you can imagine.

[ starry-eyed, he bounces gently on the balls of his feet. what a kind human! still, he looks forward to paying him back somehow because no favor goes without a response from the eager-to-please Kitsune. ]

Huh... you sure? I mean, don't make me have to find a way to surprise you with something later! [ a grin, as he turns in that direction again and reaches out to take Robin's hand. ] Are you saying this is a game of skill? Or is it luck?... actually, we can look at it together.

[ now, he's more curious than ever. he has to see what's up, given how confident Robin is, and hopes that he will direct him to the specific place once they start going. ]

[There was no fighting the friendly gesture from the fox man, and Robin just laughed in responce to his infectious excitement. The air seemed to warm around them as Robin guided his new friend along, cloak swaying in a comfortable breeze of unknown origin.]

It takes a fair amount of skill. But, if you have the right strategy, a little luck might decide to take your side.

[He grinned playfully, bringing a gloved hand up to tap his forehead with a single finger while he explained.]

No worries, friend. I'll show you how it's done-- and you should have your own duck to bring home at the end of the day.

[ the warmth is comforting, just like the way Robin speaks. experienced. charming. it's hard for Kaden to put a finger (or tail) on it, but there's something oddly familiar about the way his voice resonates with him. ]

Well, kitsune are naturally lucky. Just a little bit of assistance should get mt he ducky I deserve!

[ though, after Robin touches his forehead, he puffs his cheeks out and half-heartedy pouts. ]

So what's your name, strategist?

[This Kitsune's confidence and manner were endearing-- quite different from the stoicism of the Taguel and the vibrant energy of the Manaketes. Rather than seeming eternally child-like in the manner that Nowi had, this man seemed to have the spirit of an excited puppy.

....Or, judging by the tail, a fox who was far too eager to jump into any silly game.]

Robin. Just Robin. [He replied, chuckling at the man's pouting.] And, does the Kitsune right here have a name as well?

Robin! That's definitely a friendly name, so it feels like I'm putting my trust in the right person.

[ his tail moved in wide, broad strokes as he spoke to Robin. he felt like he could talk to him for hours and tell him everything and anything! though, he's quick to chide himself before he went into anything unnecessary. ]

Yes. I am Kaden, the leader of the Kitsune from my home! [ and he's certainly proud of it. ] Though, we never had anything like these games...

[ he clapped his hands, then rubbed them together. ]

... but I'm sure you'll set me in the right direction!

Games like this aren't common in Ylisse, either.

[Robin replied, guiding them down the path toward the booth he had won the plush duck at. Around them passed other carnival goers, their arms laden with sundry items like toys and candy floss.....and yes, plush ducks in various sizes.

They were drawing near.]

But their strangeness just makes them more interesting, don't you agree?

Tell me, Kaden-- oh leader of the Kitsune-- how is your hand dexterity?

[ he's surprised at the number of duck prizes that have been given out. did he miss the memo that this was a day of celebration for quacking water fowl? if there was, he definitely didn't know because when one spends most of their time brushing and preening, looks take priority. ]

They do! Still, human machines can be a little dangerous, and I'd hate to get unnecessarily messy. Takes a lot of time to look good, especially with all this fur!

Hand dexterity? Hm... I guess I do! More in this form than my other one. [ wiggling his fingers, the kitsune shrugged with his shoulders and his tail. ]

Is it that important?

[Another laugh of amusement-- and the warmth in the breeze picked up enough to chase away any lingering notes of winter's chill and leave a pleasant air in it's wake.]

With all the brushing you do, I apologize for having my doubts. Mantaining that tail must be quite a task in the forests and the weather in this country.

[Because, despite having only spent a short while in Verens so far, he had indeed noticed how rapidly the environment changed in reflection of the people who passed through. It was curious to watch, and even more curious to experience...]

You'll see when we arrive. They placed this game at the edge of the carnival for 'safety reasons'-- at least, that's what the proprietor said.

Which is strange, because it didn't seem that dangerous to me.

[ he's incredibly astute too! and flattering, to boot. he has a unique charm that he's unsure that anyone he knows could easily match... it begs a few questions, like what he does and where he's from? no doubt he HAS to be someone important to a lot of people. ]

Safety reasons? [ his tail started to slow down, the energetic wagging becoming a more cautioned and confused swaying. the excitement that he had felt prior also diminished, but still... he could still trust Robin to lead him in the right direction, after all it's not him that made it unsafe. ]

Well... what do you consider dangerous?

[He's merely a simple man who was found lying asleep in a field. No one of any import, except to the people he's crossed paths with since that time. A leader of the Kitsune would surely have more clout-- and this man's personable nature was the sort that would definitly catch the attention of passersby who didn't know any better.]

Hm...

[Robin mulled over this, pursing his lips and cupping his chin as he thought this question over-- realizing then that his own definition of 'dangerous' likely differed from the rest.]

Frankly, I would worry over anything that posed a legitimate danger to my comrades and their brethren. Not a mere tool-- after all, a sword is only dangerous to those who don't respect it or wield it with ill intent.

[He offered a reassuring smile, accompanied by a spray of flower petals that had caught on the breeze.]

This? Is child's play. If you're careful.

Oh? I'm very careful. I might be the most careful out of everyone I know! [ actually, he had the best posture in the army, but that's a minor detail compared to his knowledge of fur care. ] So this sounds pretty easy, as long as I have an idea of what I'm doing!

[ except nothing's probably quite like this game, and most of Kaden's attempts of using other weapons had ended in anywhere from complete ineffectiveness to disaster. definitely far from anyone with relative skill, because he had no time to learn a new weapon or how to read from a tome! that's silly stuff.

some of the petals find themselves stuck in his fur, his tail and ears, and he assumed it only improved his visage. it'd be impossible for him to look any other way. something to thank Robin for later, even if he didn't directly control it. ]

I'll take it that you might think I'm not dangerous, which would be a wise decision!

Good.

[He said with noted assuredness and an odd spark in his gaze that hinted at thoughts left unsaid. The wind kicked up momentarily, whipping his thick hair and heavy cloak out about him in a means that seemed to suggest that there was indeed more to come in their future together.

Much more.]

You'll be needing that, because I do wonder if you'll be more nervous about this game than I am of you.

[The crowd thinned some at this point, as the carnival stands were spaced further apart the more they walked down the path leading to this mysterious shooting game that Robin had spoken of at the end of the lane. Glittering lights and bright signs announced the presence of the booth as they drew near-- and the shelves, stacked tall and piled high with plush toys, was visible behind the wooden countertop where the attendant waited.]

Five rounds.

[Robin made the request casually, holding up a gloved hand with his fingers displayed before tossing the attendant a coin. An annoyed smile crossed the carnie's face at the sight of Robin, but they accepted the payment and offered up the tool of choice with a faint electrostatic charge that snapped at Robin's fingers when he took it up.]

Let's make this quick, [he added with noted chagrin, winking at Kaden with the boyish manner of a child who had been caught making mischief a few too many times.] I may not be welcome in this part of the festival any longer...

[With that warning out of the way, Robin offered an apologetic smile at the attendant before turning fully to Kaden.

--He offered up the item with both hands, and regarded Kaden with the solemn trust of a man who was offering up his own life.]

They call this a 'gun.' Did you want a quick lesson?

[ he laughed, a bubbly and excited sound that warmed him up considerably to the challenge ahead. for all that Robin said about the test of skill ahead, he wasn't worried in the slightest--- even as he compared confidence levels. he is sure that he would do anything for the ducky, and maybe even try to get two so that his housemate wouldn't be without one. sharing could be caring, but when one has a penchant of dirtying anything he touched, it means doubles would be fine too.

but he wasn't expecting this. a booth with lights and sounds, colors that made his eyes ache, and the prizes. all of the prizes. his eyes widened when he saw them, he couldn't believe it! his tail started to go from regular-speed to turbo, frenzied whipping that would smack the back of his legs as they approached.

he stood silent as Robin was offered the weapon, albeit under some sort of duress from the attendant, and Kaden's ears immediately perked up. the device looks... not dangerous. the rounds, capped and made of some kind of wood that didn't seem like they could do any permanent damage. in short: a non-lethal weapon. ]

... a quick lesson? [ it might even provide him a chance to see Robin wield such a weird object. ] Sure. Show me what it can do! [ and he clapped excitedly. ]

....A hand's on approach might be the easiest method here.

[Robin chuckled, already suspecting that this was a person who might understand better by doing rather than watching.]

You hold it like this in your hands, [he explained, hefting the cork gun in his hands into the appropriate position before once more holding it out to Kaden.]

Now, I'm going to step behind you and guide you through the rest f it. Is that all right?

Hm... like that...

[ he mimicked Robin's stance and the way he held it with ease and authority easily, keeping his eyes fixated on him. ]

Okay. [ taking the gun, he nodded, though he did so more eagerly with the prospect of getting additional guidance. ]

Yeah, of course! Watch out for the tail, though.

[ and he went up to the booth, holding the gun forward, and prepared to receive Robin's support. ]

Of course! It would be nothing short of criminal to ruin your fine grooming.

[A chuckle bubbled out of him as he carefully got into position, mindful of Kaden's tail as he stepped around and placed his hands over top of the kitsune's.]

You hold the trigger with this hand-- like so

[He said, guiding Kaden's hands into postion.]

While you use the other to help you adjust your balance and aim. There's some recoil on this device, not unlike a bow after you've released the line. But, this recoil can affect the way the cork flies, so you need care while using it.

...Which toy are you looking at in particular?

[ it made sense to him, to an extent. in essence, he had to control the gun when firing it so that he could maintain his aim. despite not having a good point of reference, he could have a better idea when he eventually fires his first shot. ]

... right, right. Oh! I know which one I want. I want the... err...

[ he's stared at the many ducks, but what caught his attention sat on the adjacent set of shelves. a tan animal, with long ears and a blunt muzzle, holding a stuffed carrot in between its two paws. it stared into his psyche with glossy black button eyes, causing him to stare back with a slowly opening mouth and wide eyes. ]

I want that one.

[ and he motioned with the gun, pointing it a few times at it. something about it has his full attention. ]

... it's perfect! [ then, breaking out of his trance: ] What do I need to do? Shoot it? I'll do it one better, I'll...!!!

[ and he reached back, prepared to throw the gun (and Robin) at it if that's what he had to do for the bunny. ]

Whoa! hold on--!!

[It was too late. Robin's hands released their grip on the cork gun the moment Kaden shifted position, and there was no stopping the momentum once the kitsune started moving. Robin stared in stunned surprise as the gun arched through the air with an odd grace-- aimed directly for the rabbit-like plush sitting on the highest shelf.]

[ with a loud THUNK! and thud, the rabbit did indeed fall off and onto the ground, thanks to the physical effort of the kitsune and the guidance of the tactician behind him.

for a second, he stared at what he just did. the gun, clattering to the ground, remained without being shot. and with a sheepish grin, he turned to look at Robin, ears slightly splayed outward. ]

... did I do it?

More successfully than you realize,

[Robin said, passing a chagrinned look at the booth attendant before leaning in close to Kaden.]

Tell me, Kaden. [He said sotto voce, cupping his hand around his mouth just in case the attendant could read his lips.] How fast are you in a footrace?

Oh, I'm faster than most! [ he winks, completely oblivious to the slowly growing tension in the air. ] I'll be happy to show you, but I gotta get my bunny first.

[ waving at the attendant, he's coming to realize that the person behind the booth's face is turning red. bright red. smoke might as well be coming out of their ears, and they're holding the stuffed animal in their hands. ]

Can... can I have it?

[ and he's immediately smacked in the face by a giant stuffed bunny, catching it clumsily. ]

... hey, uh. [ to Robin: ] Should we...???

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strategyguide - 2017-05-01 02:29 (UTC) - Expand

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foxtastic - 2017-05-01 21:58 (UTC) - Expand

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TEST DRIVE: MAY

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