TEST DRIVE: AUGUST

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: 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 Tuesday, July 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on August 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!
  
  
• 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: The citizens of Verens are nothing if not opportunistic, and the new solid rock pillars jutting down to the surface have already had a few people wondering how to make a profit out of them. Luckily most of these entrepreneurs are having to go through copious amounts of red tape in order to ensure their use of the pillars does not endanger the island or the participants. That doesn’t mean these new businesses aren’t EXCITING, though!

1. Rock Climbing. Are you a thrill seeker? An all star athlete? Just looking for a good way to get yourself in shape? Well we’ve got something for you: EXXXXTREME ROCK CLIMBING XXVIV!!!!!!! Now open at the western Pillar nearest the city of Verens! Come one, come all to the most exciting and EXTREME climbing adventure. Dodge fiery and watery hazards while clinging to the cliffs of the pillars! The trip down to the surface is provided, and for those who can’t make it all the way up on their own a rescue trip up will only be 150 sylvs a trip! Take up the partner challenge and tie yourself together at the waist in order to gain extra challenge for your climbs up!
   
2. Tiered Romance. On the pillar nearest the Airship Docks, something much more calm has stakes it’s claim for business. Romantic Getaways, a company dedicated to dates and private moments for all has set up several decks built off the pillars in order to take advantage of the lovey dovey atmosphere the pillars provide. For a low fee you too could have a blind dinner date overlooking the planet’s healing surface. Also hiring waiters and waitresses to deliver food and other services to those who have rented out the decks!

• Prompt E: It’s not an old tradition by any means, but this summer the city of verens is looking for some lighthearted fun in order to help soothe everyone’s nerves after recent events. It seems like it’s working too, considering the turnout! All activities for these games are Arehtei themed, too! It’s all in good fun, and generating some nice peaceful emotions might just be what the doctor ordered for most of the Arehtei.

1. Wisp Capture. Arehtei themed artificial wisps have been set free across the island! Each one glows in the color of their respective Arehtei and the goal is to collect a certain amount in order to win the competition. Specially crafted nets and mesh bags are given to each pair participating before sending them out after the last bit of light in the sky has darkened. Depending on how many of what aligned Arehtei wisp gathered, the items you can win will change! But be careful, you have to catch at LEAST 100 wisps to qualify for a prize, and you only get one. Aiada, Piphron and Sosyne will give out small pouches of gems, while Elios, Peromei, Daimonia and Thras will give out sylvs. A single special silver wisp can be found, which will award both prizes on top of whatever color wisp has the majority!
   
2. Food Competition. Are you really, really, REALLY hungry? Come compete in an Arehtei themed team food eating competition in the name of your chosen Arehtei!!! But there’s one catch: this competition is ONLY done in pairs. One partner eats, the other must contribute by feeding them. Hopefully you’re not partnered up with someone you don’t get along with or you might get more food on your face than in your mouth. Participants are given small rings with gems themed around their chosen arehtei as a prize.
   
3. Ruin Race. In an attempt to boost everyone’s competitive side, the local Parks and Recreation department of Verens is holding a Test of Courage. Drop by the ruins in the outskirts of town to participate. Just remember - the prize of completing this task is coming out of this ~alive~. (So spooky!)
   
   
   1. Partner up. All participants are requested to find a partner to complete a task together. Partners can either be of the same alignment, or have different alignments. The task is to go into the ruins and look for coloured talismans that pertain to each member’s Arehtei. It might be best to screen your partner, because you wouldn’t want them running off on you as soon as you hear some thumping noises inside, right?
      
   2. Secret Ruins. These ruins are dark and like a maze - if you exit and enter again, the paths will be different compared to the last time. There doesn’t seem to be any threats, but there are croaking, flapping, and thumping noises that can be heard every now and then. The only source of light is the lamp that is given to you upon signing up, too. At some point, you might encounter dead end upon dead end. Remember what the organiser told you before entering: Compliments complement the forgotten past. Spread some positivity between you and your partner, and the walls will light up and show you the path to the talismans.
      
   3. Talis-MAAAAAAN! In the off-chance that you pick up the wrong talisman, you’ll start to feel different. Pessimism will seep through your veins, and so will anger and fear. It will deter you from making the right choices, following the right path, and working with your partner. Fortunately, the effects wear off in twenty minutes. You won’t be acting crazy all night!

• Prompt F: With all the trial and tribulation around Elios, the summer job boom was almost missed. But somehow, there just seems to be an overabundance of summer jobs this time around! From waterpark jobs to babysitting and dog walking to monster culling, there’s an abundance of jobs looking for anyone to take them. It’s created a worker’s market where pay is going through the roof!

1. MANY MONSTERS. The Yekar Wobbler population is OUT OF CONTROL! The strangely cooler air during the last couple of months has prompted a more active than usual breeding season. The small cotton ball looking creatures look quite similar to Aiada’s sprites, but they prey on farmer’s crops! You can either rush in and help bag them up immediately, or you could be one of the lucky group to go down to Elios’ Domain to gather the Lalri Flower. This flower has strong attracting properties that the Yekar Wobblers are especially weak to. It’ll make bagging them up a lot easier! And it’ll keep them from swarming you—or your partner and chomping down into your arms and legs! (Don’t worry, their mouths are too small to do too much damage, but boy does it smart like a bee sting!)
   
2. Babysitting Blues. There’s a definite shortage of babysitters, though for some reason the families that need sitters need at least two for their troublesome tots. No two sitters will have only ONE child to look after but at least 3 troublesome, toddling, terrifying children to look after. Keep them out of danger, and do your best with feedings, and good luck if you decide to go out to the park!
   
3. Waterpark Angels. A waterpark has opened up outside of the city to take advantage of the warming temperatures and it needs many hands on deck. Check for swimsuit appropriateness, lost items,and make sure people are queueing properly. Bonus? On your time off you get admission to the park and rides FOR FREE! Bust out some suntan lotion cause you’re going to need it.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include talking frogs and/or bubblegum flavoured pizza.

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

[noharu]

[ Oh, something she didn't consider. The consistency. She's been so focussed on flavour. She would need to take that into consideration next time. ]

I have heard of sweet pizzas back at home. Usually with chocolate and marshmallows. This would be my first time seeing it with bubblegum. It is very intriguing. Does the bubblegum stretch with the melted cheese?

[riderfist]

I don't think anyone could fault you for that. That's their business. And the customers must be relieved to know that you're making sure it won't last long.

[super serious learning time]

Ah... there's so much to take into account. It sounds complicated, honestly. Acidity, nutrients, light, water, and then tending? You're amazing.

[she'd have listened! and asked nice, thoughtful questions. she is a good learner. but she is also happy to get Haru out of here for an hour to recharge]

It's possible that you're helping. Our emotions do seem to change everything around here, so why not the flowers too?

[therevolutionarygirl]

Oh no way! My bad!

[She grins anyway.]

I'd be interested though! As long as you'd have me. I'm having a lot of fun, Teach!

[therevolutionarygirl]

Well uh...if you don't mind then.

Yooouuu've always had ice powers then?

[therevolutionarygirl]

[Woah! This guy is intense! Not that she minds; all the more challenge.

Utena does her best to duck out of his way to get around him toward the net.]

tamamon ... ;w;

[faxcaelestis]

[ As blinding as the sun is, Nero does not avert her eyes. For some reason, its solitary light reminds her of the very last sunset she saw as a human being, The beautiful glow sinking behind her beloved Rome, it was breathtaking, but it was also a lonesome sight to behold.

That, and she feels as though Tamamo no Mae has finally revealed her core. As her rival for Hakuno's affection, she shall witness the vixen's raw passion, resentment or not. Pour out everything you have in your heart and let her see what lies within. ]

So you show your true colors at last, Castor! It is as you as say, I have ruled, and I was loved. The gods blessed me. No matter how my end unfolded, my life was full of splendor!

[ Her uncle's assassination, her mother's manipulation, and her master's suicide - ... Yes, they were painful. They still are painful. But Nero remembers the cheer of her citizens, the grand parades, and flurry of rose petals. ]

And what of it? I shall not forgo my love because your fate was crueler than my own. Doing so not only makes light of Hakuno, but love itself! [ Since Praetor is precious, beautiful girl. She wants to be chosen, Nero wants to be with her forever. But she does not want to make her into an object to hand over. ]

Tamamo no Mae. What is happiness to you? You who can only lament.

[endingpoint]

Because I love you. Because you're my brother.

[ It should have lways been that simple. ]

Remi was...a soldier. She was willing to do anything Shepherd said for the Plan. Look at everything I let her talk me into doing, so how could I be anything but what I was? I love you, and I know I always did. But Shepherd trained me to love the mission more. And I'm sorry, I can't change that, I can't...make that better.

[ But she can't blame everything on that, on the past, and she knows it. ]

Erasing your memories was wrong, and I'm sorry. Roman, I am. I never wanted to hurt you. I wanted to give you the same freedom erasing mine gave me.

2

[spellswords]

[Don't quit your day job, Thancred.]

I fear the only artist I'm familiar with has misplaced himself and any attempt on my part would look all the worse. I daresay even worse than what you've done.

[She's smiling with amusement. Okay they aren't terrible or anything but she can't really tell what story he's telling.

She taps her finger over the lopsided sea serpent.] Is this suppose to be a primal?

[keyofchronos]

[When she heard Hotaru cough and take a deep breath, Setsuna finally remembered to take one herself and let out a sigh of relief and she rubbed the other's back.]

Take a smaller bite in the future if you're not sure. There are a lot of strange foods here.

[Now that she'd been scared half to death, it seemed that they'd turned a beautiful day into one that was overcast and considerably windier. Still Setsuna had to fight back the urge to hug Hotaru so that she'd be able to catch her breath.]

Do you want some water?

[purrtagonist]

[oh my god. he almost chokes when she reminds him of their elephant coffee bean adventures]

They do, but I have yet to come across any beans that are harvested from the wrong end of a large animal.

[he says with a bit of wry amusement in his voice. silently, he thinks: thank goodness]

i hope you are okay with this level of drama sob

[castrationfist]

[The words pierce her. Her facade, her act, everything she uses to protect herself has been stripped away by this short conversation.

She can practically see Nero's life. Surrounded in gold and crimson, showered in gold petals, cheers and love wherever she showed herself. The only records that remain showed her as a tyrant and a despot... But only because the only remaining records were written by her political enemies.

It's all too easy for her to draw a contrast to her own life. She, who wanted nothing but love and acceptance, found it in Emperor Toba, and then was hunted down at his orders. The 'truth' of her story, the story that was passed down, was the one Abe no Seimei told. (The difference between them was that after her time as Daji, and her fight against the army... Tamamo had actually done more than enough to be condemned as a monster.)

So Caster listens to Nero's words. What is happiness? Of course, beauty and pleasure. Being more beautiful than any other, drowning in pleasures, ignoring the inevitable separation in the future... But those are the thoughts of Daji, not Tamamo. Those are the thoughts of Harlot Mode, which she's sworn off. What is happiness, right down at her core?

To serve another. That is the deepest impulse, her greatest desire, the very essence of her soul, the purpose of her creation by Amaterasu. But is that all?]

... So what if I can only lament and regret? If I am to be an Evil of Man, then I will be one. If I am doomed to be the Beast of Regret, then let me be it. What else do I have?

Happiness, you ask? It is to love... And to be loved. And Hakuno is the only one who has ever given me that love... Hakuno is the only one who has ever seen me for me! Not the monster of legend, not the goddess I once was.

[Her voice cracks, and the sun flares.]

But even I know that's not possible. I've never been chosen... Nor will I ever be chosen. If the only way I can obtain that happiness is to drive off all rivals and to keep her at my side through force, then so be it! Even if she comes to hate me, as long as I can have that love, then nothing else matters. Since... any other option is nothing more than a fantasy...

[Hakuno could never choose her. Not when Nero is an option. If you could have literally anyone else, then who would ever choose someone like her?

no one does marital strife like tamamo
no one is as good a wife as tamamo
no one is as good at ruining her own life as tamamo]

[keyofchronos]

Yes, and it's bound to be rather warm given how fired up people will be with the competitions.

[Setsuna just sipped her tea, it was pretty much the best way she could think to convey it; even if it did sound like an awful pun.]

Maybe a warrior monk, like the Yamabushi. After all Rei isn't here to do something like that.

[oathkeeper]

Before he knows it he's free from the tidal wave of little wisps. Sora blinks rapidly up at the sky and then looks at Sakura with a wide-eyed and confused expression.

"Whoa, what just happened?" He asks. Sora stays sprawled out like a starfish right where he is.

He swears he can feel the remnants of powerful magic and more strikingly-- light. A warm vibrant light that's much like his own or Usagi's. It tingles in the air.

"Was that you, Sakura?" He notices the staff in her hands and sits up rapidly. "Wow!"

He seems to have forgotten about the wisps for now.

[eventuallea]

[ Axel's eyes may have rolled a bit at that answer. ]

Go figure.

[ He's not even surprised. Don't get him wrong, they're friends; and perhaps that's why he's not taken aback. He's spent enough time around Minnie by now to expect certain things.

...However odd that whole notion sounds. It's actually twice as odd to see in practice. ]

But ya haven't seen him yet, right?

[oathkeeper]

[The ball will react much like a water balloon might. Slightly squishy but firm enough to hold shape. The warmth glows brighter as it's moved and shimmers a slight blue color.]

Everyone's dunamis magic comes out differently. It all depends on who they are and what kind of emotions they feel easier than others.

[Which would explain why Sora's magic comes out as flashy bright fireworks and as light or wind reactions. It reflects his personality. Sometimes things glow blue because Sora is aligned to the Trust Arehtei.]

So if we find out what emotions you feel better than others, I can teach you to do things like that light orb or even make buffs for your weapons.

[He grins.] But! That'll have to wait for now!

[WHEN YOU APP THIS GAMMMMEMEEEE]

[oathkeeper]

[firion please calm down Sora glances at the mold as it stops in its tracks and he lets out a relieved breath. Phew!!

He's not perfect at dunamis magic yet but he's developed his skill well enough to be able to transfer small bouts of positive emotions into others. He's so glad it worked.]

Just used a little dunamis magic. Is your head feeling okay? Feel a bit better?

[oathkeeper]

[That was Sora's plan all~ along~ ... He just wants to see Ventus do cool things.

And he's rewarded! Sora lets out a happy woop and the light around him crackles and snaps with his delight.]

Awesome! Wow! Ventus, you did it!

[mysticadventure]

Sakura blinked a bit at Sora and then smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. She nodded. "Mmhm! I asked Windy to help you."

She looked behind her and there, Sora would see the pale yellow woman smiling serenely at her Mistress and Sora, the wisps still held gently in the air by streams of wind that come from her hair, hands, and body. From here, she sent half over to Sakura to place in her bag and once done, she did the same for Sora.

Sakura looked bashfully at Sora. "I'm the Mistress of the Cards, the Sakura cards to be precise. It's kind of a long story," She ended with an embarrassed laugh. "I can tell you more about it later."

Once they both had their wisps, Sakura stood and turned to Windy with a bright smile. "Thank you, Windy!"

Windy nodded and with a soft glow and a gentle breeze, returned to Sakura in her card form in the girl's hand.

[sparkstrikes]

[It's the pause that makes Lightning look to him again with an intense gaze. It all hits closer to home than she imagined it would when she asked and the similarities of his story to her own are so striking that she finds herself sliding along the bench closer to him, perhaps to reach out to him? To comfort him? She doesn't really know -- she was never good at these things. So she hesitates and falls back but her hard stare remains.]

I'm... sorry.

[It doesn't matter what dimension this was or when. This is one more person that Lightning couldn't help.]

I know how it feels... To feel like you failed to protect something. You fight and fight, and for what? [Etro, Caius, Valhalla... Serah...] Maybe that's why people like you and me were brought here. To make up for it... a second chance to make things right.

[seasaltkeys]

Actually, yeah. It does.

More of a home than anywhere else anyway.

[Since he doesn't really come from anywhere. And while Twilight Town could be a place of origin, the Twilight Town he knew isn't exactly a real thing.]

[forthelight]

[ Despite how entranced he is with the shimmering ball of light he holds within his hands, Sora's words are heard and he glances over to the boy once more when he mentions creating 'buffs' for his weapons. Ah, for Braveheart and the Shield of Light... that could be useful should conflict occur where weapons are needed to settle it. ]

I would like to learn that very much if you are willing to teach me.

[ He nods, smile careful on his lips, holding out the ball of light towards the bright boy who▬ oh, it dawns on him suddenly that he... doesn't know his name yet. Although, to ask for his name would require him giving his own which... he has none, at least that he recalls.

There's a pause that comes from the Warrior, his gaze drifting downwards for a moment before he lifts it back up to meet Sora's. ]

Your kindness is as bright as the light that burns within you. It's comforting to be around. [ A brief pause ] I have no doubt that there are others who think the same of you.

[ NO PRESSURE OR ANYTHING. ]

[forthelight]

[ There are those that he's lost▬ Lightning being one of them while another... a smile he can't seem to fully remember but he feels that they were someone close to him... someone he shed tears for.

The images of Chaos looming over Cosmos with those wings sprouting from his back and large horns that curled towards the sky... it causes him to squeeze his eyes shut a little tighter, thinking that perhaps he can somehow will the images away and yet... all they seem to do is make the grass around his feet turn into a puddle of quicksand, feet sinking slowly into it much as before; his despair swallowing him.

But it's only for a moment, the Warrior lifting his feet out of the mess before he glances to Lightning▬ he doesn't say anything, not for the moment but does allow his gaze to drop as he mulls over her words. ]

I couldn't save you either. [ He mutters then, strands of silver-white gently blowing around his neck as another breeze drifts by. ] I'm sorry for that. I will not let it happen again here.

[lipsteeler]

If you mean me, kicking your ass, can it wait until we're not surrounded by lovey-dovey couples?

!

[thancredible]

[Thancred's smirk becomes a grimace as she points out the... less than perfect Leviathan.]

Aye. Leviathan. Perhaps a bit of color would render him more recognizable?

[His eye slides from the picture to Alisaie herself.]

How is your eye for shading?

[mysticadventure]

Sakura gazed up at the dangling Wobbler and she couldn't help but giggle.

"Definitely hardheaded!" She nodded, holding out her bag for him to deposit the stubborn creature into.