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

[forthelight]

[ Alignments... ah, yes. The ones in which they are connected to while here in this strange world. The Warrior looks to his amulet around his neck, reminding himself of who he happens to be sworn to in a sense: Peromei. ]

Yes, I am with Peromei and if you are as well, then it would make sense for my being able to see you.

[ Glancing to the child, he smiles a little, noting how bright he seems to be in a way. ]

Shall we face this endeavor together then?

[laodicean]

That might be it, yeah. But this will be easier - if you can see and hear me. So sure! We can do this together!

[He agrees, giving an enthusiastic nod as he clasps his hands in front of him at his chest. The air around him seems to brighten at his relief and enthusiasm, even. Seeming infectious as his ahoge shifts with the movement of his head at his nodding.]

[forthelight]

[ This world is a rather curious one that the Warrior is still coming to terms with and when the air seemingly brightens around the boy, he can't help but stare in wonder at such a thing happening. ]

Then, if we are set, shall we go forward?

[ With that being said, he keeps his shield at one side and his sword at the other, looking ahead to the ruin. ]

Tell me... do you know magic or wield some sort of weapon that I am not seeing?

[laodicean]

I'm ready! And ah, well, I have my artes. Which -- I mean, I guess other people could call it magic. I can heal too.

[His 'weapons' are literally strips of paper, fuda, they were called. But Laphicet doesn't really attack at close range. Or, at least, not normally, in doing physical damage and wielding something like a sword.

Maybe his fist, if the occasion called for it, but still.]

[forthelight]

[ Ah, a healer. That's most certainly good to know and even if Laphicet isn't one to do much physical damage at close range, that's simply what the Warrior here is for with his shield and sword at his side.

A nod to the boy, he moves towards the entrance of the ruin, keeping ahead a little ways so as to serve as a shield of sorts should anything unexpected pop out at them. ]

To know how to heal is very useful. Though I do not intend to have either of us need such magic.

[laodicean]

Well, hopefully not. But still. If something does happen, at least you know I can help.

[It's some reassurance, at least. If they needed it. Which, they might not, but still. Laphicet checks in his pockets for his papers, his fuda, and gives a nod as he the then steps forward to follow the other. To follow the Warrior inside. Though with his shorter legs, he's naturally slower, and used to taking more of a rear guard position of sorts, always at least letting Velvet take the lead.]

[forthelight]

[ The Warrior ensures that he isn't moving too quickly for Laphicet to keep up, the sound of armor rustling some as he goes being heard when they finally enter the ruin. ]

I am sure the talismans will not be so easy to locate this quickly and that we will need to venture further into this ruin.

[ As that's typically the way these types of things are laid out. ]

Do you wish to carry the lamp or would you prefer myself to?

[laodicean]

Probably, you're right. But ah, I can take it. You'd need your hands for the sword and all. If we do come across something, I mean.

[So it would make sense for him to carry it and just stay close to help light the way with it, bringing up the rear, in that case, wouldn't it? Or so he figures. Though whether any creatures might be deterred or curious on the sound of the armor, their voices and footsteps, is another story.]

[forthelight]

Very well then.

[ He nods in regards to Laphicet's offering to hold the lamp, ensuring that the boy has a good hold on it before they continue into the ruin a little more. The Warrior keeps to the front still as they move, preferring to serve as a shield, though he by no means considers the boy to be incapable of handling himself; he's learned to not simply judge on appearances alone. ]

Tell me, have you done something like this before?

[laodicean]

Hm. Sort of. Back home, I traveled a lot with my friends. And even before that, Lady Teresa took me on missions with her for the Exorcists.

[Not that Laphicet paid as much attention to his surroundings or the situation in general back then, without his will, with that being suppressed from him. Only obeying orders from her, only noticing what she brought to his attention. But this is different. Like this, free from her, he can help more. He is helping more.

He sort of explains in answer, anyway, as they walk, as he carries the lamp and keeps an eye on the rear while following the other.]