TEST DRIVE: MAY

[empevents]

— 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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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...

1. 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.
   
2. 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!

Comments

[novility]

[Her suspicions had been confirmed by Gundam, she felt so grateful for him that he was around, because she would have continued to be puzzled by this.

Despite her annoyance, she had to admit. Gundam's flames were pretty hella cool! She made a mental note to tell him that later once they claimed victory.]

How terrible of you to use spells in this game! Just how many poor people have you managed to scam?!

[The lack of a reaction was a little irritating and she felt like he was almost being condescending towards the both of them? Oooh... how dare he!! There was no way she was going to stand for that. Mess with her, but don't mess with her friend.

Although, Gundam's suggestion of protective wards gave her an idea. Two could play that game!]

Tanaka-san, I have a favor to ask of you! Would you be willing to lend me some of your magic or even just chant a spell for me?

[hamnation]

[The person running the shop does indeed seem condescending towards them, writing them off as some weirdo kids to scam. It does piss Gundam off. Not just causing the flames, he soon notices that the glass bottles seem to shake slightly in response to his anger... and that give him an idea.]

...Very well. [A smirk crosses his face just before he clasps his hands together, as if in prayer, and he then proceeds to chant.]

May the Lord of the underworld's blessing ride on the Dark Lady's bullet. Let all of her enemies shatter like the dreams of humanity... May the prophecy come to pass!

[A beat, and then he cracks open his eyes while parting his hands.]

It is complete. Your next shot will be pure... Without hesitation, you can now deliver the finishing blow!

[The game runner just rolls his eyes at the display and urges then to hurry up.

Gundam tries to focus his anger just right as she makes her next strike... When her next bullet hits a bottle, every single one of the bottles will shatter.]

[novility]

[When Gundam starts his chanting, Sonia closes her eyes and concentrates on the sound of his voice. If she was going to prevail over this scam artist, she needed to calm her anger and focus.]

You have my utmost gratitude, thank you! I can already feel your dark arts giving me the power I need to conquer this game.

[However, the game owner continues to roll his eyes. Kids these days and their "dark magic".

Once again, Sonia bends down, holding the gun into position and focuses on making the perfect shot. Gundam's spell was able to help her dissipate her annoyance and she was one hundred percent focused on the bottles in front of her. She exhales a deep breath and at the same time, a gust of breeze sweeps through the air. With her fingers wrapped around the trigger, she finally pulls it, all of her anger was channeled into that shot and a little spark of fire followed the cork as it reached the bottles, completely shattering every single one of them.

It was all thanks to Gundam's magic and she knew that she couldn't have done it without him.

Sonia lets out a gasp at the bottles shattering. She places the gun down and runs over to Gundam, looking beyond giddy. Sparkles were beginning to form in the air due to how happy she was.]

Tanaka-san! We did it!!! I knew that your magic would work!

[At this point, the game runner looks super annoyed at the pair of strange kids. First their edgey weird magic and now they break his bottles???]

[hamnation]

[Gundam folds his arms again with a newfound confidence that shines in his grin. In fact, it shines around him as well in the form of some sparkles of his own! The air around them also grows a bit warmer.]

Kehehe... Of course. Was there any doubt? This is the skill of the true warlock, the hand that reshapes the world! Yet in the end, it was your power that made this feat truly possible, Sonia...

[Whoops, they only had to knock the bottles down, didn't they... Regardless, Tanaka then turns his attention to the game runner with a harsh shout.]

You fiend! We've met your terms and exceeded them... Your game has been won! Now, surrender the hostage that you are holding. Let the boon be bestowed upon the victor! [He says with an affirmative glance towards Sonia.]

[novility]

[Minds well go big or go home! Besides, the game runner totally deserved it.

With a determined stare, she smiles back at Gundam and gives him a nod, before turning around over to the guy who ran the game.]

It is just as he said! We won fair and square. Even though we ought to report you for cheating, if you hand over the hostage, I suppose I'll let this slide. However... [She gives the game runner a firm glare.]

I swear on my honor as the Princess of Novoselic, if I hear about you scamming anyone else, you will face the wrath of both of us. The last thing you would want to do is make Tanaka-san the forbidden one and myself angry at you.

[The game runner is so sick and tired of staring at these weirdo kids that he doesn't even care anymore. With a huff, he hands over the alpaca plush to Sonia and gives them a look that basically reads "Get out." Not even minding the stare, Sonia happily takes the push off of his hands and walks over to Gundam, the fierce expression from earlier had completely melted and she was beyond happy. With a giggle, she brings the plush close to Gundam's face.]

Thank you so much for your kind words from earlier, Tanaka-san. But I know full well, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish that feat without you and we have gained a new companion because of it!

[hamnation]

[Tanaka stood in the background as Sonia made her declaration, trying to look intimidating to back up her claims. Although, a proud smile did cross his face in awe of how effective her talk-down of the game runner as.

Then, he blushes slightly as the alpaca is brought up to his face.]

Y-you're welcome.

[A beat.]

What name shall this new beast that you've encountered bear...?

[novility]

[Sonia giggles a little at his reaction but luckily, his question made her pull the plush away from his face. She holds it out and tilts her head to the side.]

That's a wonderful question! Hmm... what should we name it?

[She wanted to think of a name that would impress Gundam. The last thing she wanted was to think of something that wasn't worthy. He helped her out, so she had to think of something that was fitting for the dark lord, himself.]

Aha! I believe I have thought of a good title to bestow upon our companion.

[Drumroll please...!!!]

Alpacalypse.

[hamnation]

[It's one of the worthiest names that could ever be conceived. Gundam gasps and leans back, while a few tiny sparkles radiate around him.]

You'll unleash that name?!

[Then he simmers down with a confident grin.]

Kehehe... I see. That's truly a bold move, one that could easily ring in the end times. You've chosen well, Sonia.

[novility]

[Sonia's beaming herself at the acknowledgement and she begins to radiate with sparkles, herself.]

I feel so honored to hear you say that, Tanaka-san!

[There's a tiny hint of a blush forming on her cheeks from the praise. It always made her happy when she could impress him, since he always managed to amaze her.]

The Four Dark Devas are more than welcomed to play with Alpacalypse, if they please. [She suddenly starts to giggle as a thought crosses her mind.] Together, I'm sure they will be an indestructible team! No one will be able to stand up to their might.

[The cutest and most deadly team in Verens!]

[hamnation]

[He looks away with a cool grin.]

Is that so? Kehehe... [The hamsters pop up, perched mischievously on his shoulders.] Now that is an opportunity that they will relish!

...We should be careful, however. Combining the five of their powers could bring about the collapse of this entire dimension!

[novility]

[Seeing the cute hamsters causes Sonia to let out a delighted squeal, she even waves at them to send them a greeting. Now she was radiating with sparkles from the adorable devas.]

Ah, you're right and I would feel dreadful this wonderful place collapsed.

[Sonia glances back at Alpacalypse before looking over at the hamsters, she's wanting to hold out the plush towards them but she didn't want to take the chance of causing a calamity.]

Then, let us cast a protective spell before we have them meet! Like a barrier of sorts? Your powers are so grand, I believe that you could stop a whole dimension from falling.

[hamnation]

[Now he blushes further at that flattery.]

Good instincts... You know the proper provisions to be undertaken. One of us must carve a magic circle into the ground, and then the ritual will be complete in no time at all!

This world's stability shall be ensured.

[novility]

It's only because I learned from watching you and your marvelous dark arts, after all!

[Sonia carefully listens to his instructions with glee and determination. She was also totally excited at the idea of making real life magic circle.]

Okay, understood! With our powers combined, we will make the most powerful magical circle that will keep the Four Dark Devas and Alpacalypse from destroying the dimension. Please let me know if there's ever anything I can aid you with, Tanaka-san! I wouldn't want you to bear the responsibility of the world's stability all by yourself.

[hamnation]

Kehehe... Y-you do good to learn from my example...

Very well. To inscribe the magic circle, we need but a tool of some sort, even one as unrefined as a wooden stick! Otherwise, I could use my own blood...

[novility]

While I'm sure your blood is very powerful, I would hate for you to use it right now! We should only save it for a last resort. I shall go acquire us a tool to use,

[In actuality, she didn't want Gundam to accidentally hurt himself in this process. She knew that he was a professional when it comes to dark spells, but she still didn't want to take that chance.

Her eyes glances around, looking for some kind of branch or stick to use. When she turns and glances at a souvenir shop, a bunny shaped wand catches her attention.]

Tanaka-san, what if we used that rabbit wand?

[hamnation]

[She does bring up a good point. His blood is powerful enough that it shouldn't be used to so easily...

But then he follows her eye and looks towards that wand.]

Hm... That may suffice in granting us the power we need! That of a rabbit... Hopefully it is not connected to that accursed rabbit! [He does recall Monomi liked to talk about her Magic Stick.]

[novility]

All right! I will venture on to buy it for us [She pauses.] Let's hope not, the last thing we need to worry about is Monomi. If she does happen to pop up, we'll just have to defeat her, no?

[She quickly makes her way to the stand, buying the wand and returning back to Gundam while waving it in the air. Her eyes were shimmering with sparkles, excited at the idea of helping Gundam perform a spell.]

Shall we start the ritual? I'm ready whenever you are.

[They are probably getting some weird stares from people right about now, but that doesn't bother Sonia in the slightest.]

[hamnation]

We will. [He confirms with a nod.] In this world, my power is no longer bound. I can run rampant if I needed to!

[And then once she brings the wand back, he nods with a light blush.]

Th-thanks... With this, the ceremony can truly commence!

[He then traces a magic circle in the ground and raises the wand to the sky.]

Now! Quickly. place the catalyst into the magic circle, so that he may receive hell's truest blessing!

[The crowd is probably assuming that they're some eccentric street performers, but Gundam ignores their existence in general.]

[novility]

[The whole time he was tracing the magic circle in the ground, Sonia was watching every single bit of his movements in awe. Gundam was truly the coolest!]

Right-O, Tanaka-san!

[She carefully steps over to the magic circle and places Alpacalypse in the middle of it before stepping back.]

The task is complete. Would you like my help in spell chants? With our powers combined, it'll be like Alpacalypse just returned from his journey through hell.

["Seriously, street performers these days..." "Are they sacrificing that plush?" A few of the people in the crowd begin to talk among themselves, but they continue to watch the two strange edgy kids and their weird hell chants. Sonia also decides to ignore them. They were in the middle of something super important, after all!]

[hamnation]

Well done. [He grins at her action and at her resolve. Truly, she proves herself worthy of being the Dark Queen.]

Kehehe... You make a good point. Let us combine our powers and create a barrier for this dimensional life like no other!

Now... Just follow my lead...!

[He waves his hands around, occasionally making Narutoesque hand symbols as he chants. The chants are mostly occult-sounding sayings, both from actual occult practice and lines ripped from shounen manga.

He ends the spectacle by clapping his hands together, alchemy-style, and with the focus of his dunamis, the circle actually lights up!]