empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: JUNE

— 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.

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.
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.

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?
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.
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…

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.
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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[you know, as much as law enforcement fills him with the chills of distrust, he can totally understand the use of picking up deduction, reasoning and observational skills from a detective. so. . .!]

Will you be my teacher, to make sure I do it right?

[yo Kirigiri what's your arcana]

I wouldn't say there's a "right" way to go about it, even if there are many wrong ways to interrogate people.

[ It's hard to say whether she approves or disapproves of the more questionable methods. Even when she unceremoniously hoists the thief upright by the shoulders with hands cold enough to make him shiver. ]

I'll stop you if I see a problem.

[ Can you handle a second High Priestess confidant? ]

[that familiar tug in the back of his mind is becoming quite common now. the voice-- no, that purr-- that follows comes from Cybele. My. . . are we making new vows already? he has to resist the urge to smile to himself. High Priestess]

[despite that smile, though, the temperature around them once again drops when she mentions "wrong ways to interrogate people"]

I'll try my best not to accidentally stumble on one of those "wrong ways."

[crouches down so he's on the thief's level, catching his gaze with his own]

Hey there. Enjoy your little heist? You really need to work on your delivery.

[is he critiquing the theft. . .]

[ even a detective can see this was a sloppy heist attempt, but despite looking mostly professional in part of a skirt suit (the blazer is missing) she might not be as by the book. She alternates between watching him and scanning the area for accomplices or anyone else who might put a stop to their little session.

The thief averts his gaze, angry and defiant.

Or, he bursts into tears, crying for their mama.

Or, he DOES meet Akira's gaze and falls instantly in love, flowers blooming around him as he proclaims his undying devotion.

Or some other option, helpful or unhelpful. ]

[you know what]

[we're going with CRYING FOR HIS MAMA]

[because it's the most hilarious]

Ah--

[what does he do with this???]

[ she presses her lips together, doing a fine job of concealing her laughter, except the air loses its chill, becoming warm and light. ]

He probably won't be very helpful in this state. We'll have to let the enforcers handle things from here.

What a wuss. . .

[he sighs and stands up, nodding at Kirigiri]

But thanks for trying. Maybe we can catch another criminal together and resume lessons then.

Most people in his situation tend to be distraught. Criminals usually don't plan on failing.

You're free to stop by the agency after we drop him off. Do you like coffee?

[he perks up immediately]

I do. I worked part-time at a cafe back home. Boss taught me plenty of his secret blends.

I don't know if I can compete with that, but I'll make some. After this, I'd rather avoid the chaos of the local Steambucks.

[rubs the back of his neck]

I can pass some of his knowledge onto you. How's that? As payment for your interrogation advice.

[ she raises an eyebrow and sighs as she starts nudging the thief to his feet and towards the nearest law enforcement HQ, simply expecting Akira to follow or get left behind. ]

We didn't get anything from him; that hardly warrants payment. Don't worry about it.

[lifts a hand and idly tugs at his bangs]

Only if you insist.

[he'll probably make her coffee anyway. because he's like that]

[ she doesn't insist, so much as give a serious look over her shoulder which is. Close enough.

Anyway perp is dropped off and they go to an apartment that has an office overlooking the steambucks. There's a desk by the window and perched on a chair is a mourning dove that burbles happily at the sight of her. ]

Hey, Makoto.

[ah?]

You named them Makoto?

[referring to her dove, of course. also he's casually glancing around the office, taking in the sights and the layout]

[ the office area is clean and sleek in design. High quality dark woods, a leather couch, a coffee and tea station with a hand-crank grinder. There isn't anything that would distinguish this place as a home; no photos (not that they're easy to take in this world), no pointless embellishments.

Anyway, the bird takes flight and lands on her head, but she goes about lighting candles and assessing the state of the office like it's her first time back in a while. ]

After someone important to me. Why?

[clean, put together, stylish. . . just like the woman who owns the office herself. impersonal, too. which, again, reflects what he knows of Kirigiri's personality so far pretty well]

I have a good friend named Makoto too, that's all. You just made me think of her.

TEST DRIVE: JUNE

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