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

[accelon]

[ Silke couldn't hear what Michelle said right before she asked the android that question of concern. Silke looks over her shoulder to see the blonde woman dressed in pink so she can answer the stranger's question ]

Yes, I-I'm fine. There is no need for concern, ma'am.

[ Even if she's programmed to be a master of social cues, Silke looks like she's never lied in her life with the way she answered that question. The shaky eye contact and the immediate lowering of her head was all too obvious. But she at least remembers to turn the spotlight to the other person ]

Were you the one calling out to me earlier?

[pseudobelle]

Oooh.

[Michelle has her doubts just how 'fine' Silke is actually feeling, and while there is the urge to press the issue due to her friend Eleanor's mastery of shifting the conversation, she resist it.]

Oh! Yes it most certainly was; my name is Michelle and I'm training to become an Action Photogradventurer! [Her eyes are practically sparkling, with her free hand clenched in a fist. But then she rubs the back of her head with a weaker smile.] .. Well, that's the working title at least.

[accelon]

Yes. It's... quite the mouthful.

[ Silke laughs sheepishly, glad to have diverted the attention successfully away from her. Silke reclines her back against the chair she's sitting on, easing a little around this strange woman's presence ]

Silke. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Michelle - future... photoventurer?

[ It's still long, but at least Silke manages to knock a syllable off ]

[pseudobelle]

[Her eyes light up once again, clearly impressed by her company's talent to shorten words.]

... Oooh, I like photoventurer! Would you mind if I use that instead? And there's no need to be so formal with me, Michelle is fine.

[A firm nod follows.]

As for the reason why I called, well, I was just wandering along when all of a sudden I saw you. Then, I was overcome with an intense desire to take a picture of you and your lovely outfit!

Not very adventurous, I know, but..

[she raises her hand to her cheek with a dreamy sigh.]

I absolutely adore fashion! Seeing people from all kinds of worlds and countries show up here in absolutely adorable and unique outfits is like a dream come true!

[Ok well, in actuality Michelle wants to wear them but she'll keep that to herself.]

[accelon]

You're a funny one.

[ Michelle's arrival and distraction proved to be the cure to what loneliness Silke was feeling just seconds ago. This woman's energetic nature, and her cuteness has fully captured Silke's attention.
With an amused huff, Silke stands up to face Michelle ]

Alright, I got some time to kill so I'll humor you. Wanna go else where?

[ Silke flashes a suggestive wink at Michelle before motioning with her head for them to leave the cafe's outdoor seats and be someplace else for the pictures. Posing on some landmarks sounds like a good idea ]

[pseudobelle]

I am? Thank you! .. I... Think?

[Michelle feels like she's heard that often, but it's actually more the looks she receives than anything verbal. But then she's so delighted that Silke agrees to her request that, once again, her eyes sparkle.]

Oooh! thank you so much! Actually a canal bridge isn't far from here; they're one of my favorite spots to take pictures. It's right this way!

[She hoists her case a bit, then takes the lead once they've left the café.]

Have you been here long? In this world, I mean.

[accelon]

[ Silke hums thoughtfully, imagining to herself what that bridge looks like. The lack of satellite feed and maps of this place in her database leaves everything about this world in a fog of war. She'll have to explore every nook and cranny of this city to form a map in her mind. ]

No. Been here for 3 days, 8 hours, and 6 minutes. Everything is still... new, and overwhelming - I admit.

[ Silke puts her hands together behind her back, looking down and away while she walks next to Michelle ]

It's the lack of technology that's on my level that I find pretty jarring. I was meant to be able to use them, but the absence of them here is like taking away a big comfort for me.

[ Silke sighs quietly, forcing a smile ]

But! I'm alive, and that's what matters, right? How about you, Michelle?

[pseudobelle]

[A blank stare is given for a moment, but it quickly becomes a smile accompanied by a delighted laugh.]

Wow, that's very precise, and you didn't even look at a clock! Are you a stopwatch come to life?

[She's.. Half-kidding, when her eyes sparkle.]

And yes, life is wonderful!

I've been here a little more than a year now. When I first arrived I had a great friend that came from very far in the future; she carried really amazing guns! What kind of technology are you used to?

[accelon]

[ Silke laughs, making a glow appear around her face like a halo that disappears a few seconds after. ]

You know, it's kinda funny how someone like you would be impressed with guns. You just seem so... peaceful.

[ Silke quips, putting her hands on her hips as she walks. Michelle's outfit and demeanor just doesn't seem to be the type of person to say that about such lethal weapons. But Silke pauses, reminiscing about her world and the saturation of the colors of her entire self grows slightly brighter as she speaks: ]

I came from a world with flying cars in every city, and luxury resorts on the moon. And I support the men and women who keep that world peaceful.

[pseudobelle]

Aww, you think so?

[With a hand to her cheek, Michelle seems incredibly flattered. Of course 'peaceful' is what she's going for, but she apparently hadn't made the connection before.]

Well, the way I see it, a photoventurer needs a means of defending herself, right? But to be more specific, she could pull one right out from under her apron. It was amazing! And not only that, people look so cool posing with them!

[Following that, her jaw drops.]

Flying cars? How does that wo- OH!!!

[And the last part hits her hardest of all. At this point she's so excited to the point that a *FOOMP* and a flash of light comes from her long case.]

You come from the moon!! Are you neighbors with Cybertron?!?

[accelon]

[ Silke was startled from Michelle's sudden burst of enthusiasm. Question marks started appearing above her head and a cartoonish "hologram" of sweat. She didn't even get a chance to respond to Michelle's first statements. But somehow, this is fun. ]

Cyber...tron?

[ She knows of a place like that, in a cartoon. After all she often makes jokes and references to it ]

No, I came from Earth, but I have been to the moon. Once...?

[pseudobelle]

Yes! I have a friend from there; he says it's just beyond the moon.

['Just' being a complete understatement. And Michelle's enthusiasm certainly isn't going to be the last; and she isn't just excitable, she can be a complete blabbermouth as Silke may quickly come to find at the rate things are going. Actually, take that back as Silke's words do eventually bring Michelle to a complete halt.]

...

[She taps her cheek as she glances up to the sky. Then bops that hand into her opposite palm.]

Using flying cars! Of course!! We don't have anything like that where I'm from; that must be so much fun driving to a completely different planet!

[accelon]

Ah, must an interesting guy...

[ Silke replies, both dry and playful in her tone. The red-head just watches Michelle stop and smack herself with her own palm. It was amusing, she wasn't gonna lie ]

My world have access to space-fairing ships that takes people to and from the moon for a hefty price. But the journey is always worth it. For now. I'm sure in a decade, it's going to get old.

[pseudobelle]

Oh he really is! He can turn into a car, and he can turn into a girl! He's so talented! That said, I'm not so sure I'm ready to visit the moon just yet.

[As for the second part, she can't help but seem a little doubtful. On the other hand, it isn't like she's been running around for ten years yet. she'll try to keep an open mind on the suggestion of anything 'getting old'. Once at the bridge, which curves over the canal and even has a nearby stairwell for boats.] Ah! Here we are! Ok, just stand on the bridge, and I'll take the shot from the stairs! [Michelle nods then proceeds to opens up her case. She withdraws a camera, roughly the size of a cake box, with all manner of gears and widgets protruding from it. It doesn't take long for her to set up the tripod.]