TEST DRIVE: JUNE

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: JUNE —

IMPORTANT! Applications will be CLOSED during JULY! They will reopen in AUGUST.

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 Thursday, May 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on June 1st. IMPORTANT! We are skipping the July application cycle. June applications will run through the 7th, apps are completely closed in July, and then reopen at normal schedule in August. There will be no July Test Drive, thus the next test drive is scheduled for the August cycle.
  
  
• 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!
  
  
• Transfer to in-game. If accepted, you can assume threads made on the Test Drive happen in-game if the scenario can reasonably fit. These threads do not count toward AC.

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: It's a clash of emotions, and it's all based on love. A special perfume is in the air and it's had a greater effect than intended. One whiff of the aroma will send you in a frenzy.

1. The sweltering heat and sparks of flame aren't from the usual culprits of anger or hatred. No, it's from the burning passion of love and desire, the intense need to prove one's worth to those whom they care about. Whether the flames of passion are coming from you or someone smitten by you, the fires need to be put out. Delicately or harshly, whatever works.
   
   
2. The other side of this is rather than the heart set on fire, there's a creepy chill in the air from an ever present cold shadow lurking nearby. But it's not just a shadow. It's a stalker. For whatever reason, there is something interesting about the target. Could be superficial or deep. Whatever it is, the stalker will want to keep that person all to themselves and the emotions will do the dirty work. Creating walls to block paths, shadowy ropes to keep them in place, even freezing or some sticky substance. A good dose of hatred (or punch to the face) will help escape. So are you the stalker or the target of their affections?

• Prompt E: There's been an uptick in crime and something fishy is definitely going on.

1. Crystal stores have been prime targets for thefts. It varies from sneaky break-ins at night to armed robberies during the day. Will greed cloud your judgement to ride on their tails and take some of the plunder, like the cash and other valuables left behind? Or are you one of the brave and righteous that happens to catch them in the act?
   
   
2. Airships are another prime target, and whether you are on one for basic travel or security, prepare to be boarded! Just beware, they have emotion bombs on hand. Physically they only do minor burn damage, but the smoke will cause you to feel various debilitating emotions such as fear, irrational anger toward allies, futility, and even charmed by the enemies to let them go. Otherwise it's a swashbuckling airship fight.
   
   
3. Your crystal amulet has been stolen and replaced with one that looks exactly like it. The problem? These amulets are either going to amplify all of your emotions or drain you to apathy. Feeling a little annoyed? Well now you're flame crazy mad and want everything to burn to the ground. Sad? Here comes a torrential downpour as you sink into full on despair. What about happy? Everyone is suddenly in technicolor and you're oblivious to anything wrong. Got a crush? Time to kick up lust and try to drag them to the bedroom. It's going from 0 to 100 fast, so hopefully those around you can help out.

• Prompt F: Plush slippers are all the rage right now, but the most popular product out in the market are those styled after the Arehtei. There are even matching pajamas and robes to go with them! Coordinated or mix and match, you can't go wrong with these adorable sleepwear. But of course, there is a catch…

1. Lucky (?) you, you get to help model one of three top selling styles: Peromei, Aiada, and Thras! Aren't you adorable with those fuzzy dragon slippers, unicorn pj's, and fluffy sprite hat. Despite how ridiculous you feel, you may also become appreciative of the hard work, brave the gawking crowds, andhope your hell ends soon. OR perhaps you'll become jealous of those who escaped this fate, fear showing your face anywhere ever again, and despair at your misfortune and suffering. Maybe it's a crazy mishmash. Anything goes when it comes to emotions.
   
   
2. However it happened, perhaps through a special promotion involving a lot of cash, you managed to procure a set of the Arehtei pajamas and spent the night in them. Or maybe you're lounging at home, chilling with roommates or friends. Maybe they want to try it on. Regardless, after a long period of time, your emotions are becoming more focused toward the Arehtei the pj's are based off—or more if they are mixed. Maybe...you're actually behaving more like the Arehtei's personality. Hope it's not Sosyne or you'll be one constantly pissed off not!whale.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include giant shrimp and/or angry flock of crows.

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

[fortunateflower]

[Gosh, this person looks so intimidating. Hinami flinches at being called a fiend and then looks up to the stranger with a blank look on her face upon hearing the question.]

W-what? [Stat boosts? Armor? Wait, was she suppose to know what she gained from wearing the pj?] I... Don't know? Sorry.

[hamnation]

You don't know?! [He asks incredulously.]

Then what is there to gain by wearing such an unusual garment? It may be cute, but that can't be the entire reason!

[fortunateflower]

I was forced into this- By the people inside.

[She fidgets a little before she adds:]

U-um. They said that I'm "too cute to pass up" and "could easily attract customers". Or something along those lines.

[She pulls the hoodie down to hide her bright red face.]

[hamnation]

Kehehe... I see. So this is not voluntary. You have been cursed to wear that enchanted clothing for the rest of your days!

[He folds his arms, with confidence in his conclusion.]

And so now your purpose to lure in customers your siren's songs, so that they may offer up their souls as well... How interesting!

[fortunateflower]

[Once again, she looks up at him with a blank stare. Shortly after, a small giggle escapes from her.]

You have a funny and strange way of talking, oniisan.

[hamnation]

Hmph... [He crosses his arms and looks away.] This is a proper way of speaking in the halls of the underworld. I wouldn't expect you to understand...

[fortunateflower]

Halls of the underworld?

[Curious.]

Is that where you're from? What's it like there?

[hamnation]

Yes, I hail from the nether-realm...

You, a mere mortal wishes to know what it's like?! Imagine a physical depiction of eternal damnation, and that may help you form an idea of what such a life is like!

[fortunateflower]

[She couldn't hide the amazement on her face. No matter how many times she heard it before, it's always amazing to hear that most people here coming from different places. Places that she never heard of before.

Though... Was calling her a "mere mortal" necessary?]

Eternal damnation? [She certainly could imagine such a life. Her initial wonder is replaced by sadness.] It... sounds like a terrible place, oniisan.

[hamnation]

[It's always necessary for Gundam Tanaka, even if his words aren't necessarily true.]

Fuhahaha! Your sympathies are not needed. It is because I hail from such a place that I grew to be twisted and terrible myself! If you cursed my name, it would only make me glad!

[fortunateflower]

You don't seem like that at all.

[Hinami might be gullible enough to believe he's actually from a place called the "nether-world", but she's not gullible enough to believe that.]

And I don't want to curse your name. [Even though he said that it'll make him glad, she's far too nice to do that. Speaking of name, she realized that she haven't introduced herself yet nor does she know his name.]

My name is Hinami. What's yours?

[hamnation]

[He looks briefly flustered at her response.]

Hmph... You have just come into contact with me recently, so you may not yet be able to detect my evil intent...

As for my name? [He regains some more confidence as he goes on.] I have sealed part of my name away for the time being. You may know me as Tanaka the Forbidden One!

[fortunateflower]

[She doubts that he has any evil intent within him. He would've proven it otherwise by now, but she doesn't point that out. Instead, she focuses on his strange name. A mixture of confusion and curiosity washed over her as he looks up to him.]

Tanaka the Forbidden One? [She has to admit, that does sounds like a name an evil person would have.] I'm sorry but, um... That's a bit too long. Can I call you Tanaka-oniisan instead?

[She really hopes that she can.]

[hamnation]

That would be... acceptable. [He tries to make it look like he was really mulling it over, though it doesn't bother him that much.]

Even that name of mine is too long for the human tongue to keep up with. But you can also feel free to change the way to refer to me once you learn to fear me!

[fortunateflower]

Sure, I'll keep that in mind.

[Though, what he said earlier got her curious.]

Are you not a human, Tanaka-oniisan? [He doesn't smell any different than a normal human plus he also smells like... animals, even though there are none in her sight. Maybe he's something else entirely? He is from a different world than her own after all.] If you don't mind me asking, what are you?

[hamnation]

Fuhahaha! [He cackles diabolically, though the scents she picks up are not incorrect.] I will gladly answer your question and answer the shape of my impossible existence!

I am a warlock who stands besides humanity, a Supreme Overlord of Ice, the master of the undying purgatory... And beyond all of that, I am the cursed offpsring of an angel and a demon!

[fortunateflower]

Woah...

[Being the fourteen year old she is, Hinami easily believes him at his words. She has no reason to doubt him, she is in a world where magics are real after all. There's still the lingering curiosity as to why she picks up those scents on him, but she doesn't dare ask about it.]

Those titles sound amazing! And a cursed offspring too! [She looks at him with a beaming smile.] You're like someone who comes out of a fictional book. [Wait-!] A-ah! Not that I think that you really are.

[hamnation]

[The poor girl... Tanaka basks in her praise and grins proudly. In fact, a few sparkles twinkle around his face.]

Kehehe... I would not be offended if you thought such a thing. After all, I defy the very laws of reality itself! It seems that you know how to properly regard me... [As opposed to all of those foolish people who challenge his claims or try to change him.] This bodes well for you!

[fortunateflower]

[Well, she's glad that it didn't offend him. She wouldn't want to incur the wrath of a Supreme Overlord.

When his face sparkles, she breaks into a happy giggle. She then put a hand over her own mouth to stifle herself from further giggling.]

Does a terrible and twisted person like you sparkle?

[She's teasing of course.]

[hamnation]

[Tanaka quickly looks insecure and flustered at that remark; he looks away and tugs up his scarf to hide the blush that forms.]

I- I have no idea what you could be speaking of... A being with a soul of pure darkness never sparkles!

[fortunateflower]

[His flustered reaction reminds her of Touka in a way. She grins playfully as she continues to tease him.]

Oh, really? I saw sparkles around your face seconds ago. I'm sure that I was not imagining that.

[She's having a bit too much fun with this.]

[hamnation]

Hrngh-!

[He steps back, only looking more defensive and embarrassed.]

You may think that, but i-it was nothing more than a delusion! Your own human senses deceive you!

[fortunateflower]

[Wow, she's really getting quite a reaction out of him. She's not even sure if she should continue teasing.]

Hm, you're right. Maybe my senses did trick me.[Though she's not correcting him on her "human senses".] There's no way someone like you would sparkle. I'm sorry for doubting you earlier.

[hamnation]

[His eyes widen for a moment in surprise, and then he starts to lower his scarf in relief, though he still looks somewhat nervous.]

G-good... It would seem that you have come to your senses. Very good! I accept your apology and will not place even a single curse upon you!

[fortunateflower]

O-oh... That doesn't sound good.

[She's glad that he's quick to forgive her. She wouldn't want to know what curse would befall her if she continues. Though, that also got her curious...]

Say, can you show me your dark magic? Um... If you don't mind.