TEST DRIVE: January

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: JANUARY —

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 Monday, December 25 and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on January 1st. Apps will only be open for four days!
  
  
• 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: As the holiday festivities end, the expectation of charity and giving back will be rearing its ambivalent head. Namely, Verens' very own Community and Otherworlder Assistance Centre will be recruiting for its many charitable projects and drives! Like all non-profit organisations of that nature, the expectation is for people to contribute and give without expecting anything in return - so roll up those sleeves and pull out that wallet, because this is going to cost in both time, money, and dignity!

1. Mr. Top Hat J. Roomba: Looks like you're one-half of the lucky pair who got recruited to go door to door, selling chocolate bars and magazine subscriptions. The money earned doesn't go to you, of course. At the end of the salesmanship, it all goes right back to the charity foundation! Sounds easy, right? Well, not so much. You see, the foundation has had an undue number of thefts lately from its volunteers - and while they're no accusing you, of course! - they are no longer financially comfortable leaving the volunteers unsupervised. Each pair will be followed by a watchful roomba-like device that will belt out situation-sensitive commands deduced by careful monitoring of the situation. It also wears a snazzy top hat.
   
2. 100% Organic: The Community and Otherworlder Assistance Centre also spearheads an innovation of its very own making: the emotion-sharing program! There are two ways to participate. The first is assisting in imbuing donated cosmetic products with the very essence of happiness and cheer. Having trouble summoning that up on the spot? Not to worry, because you'll be doing it inside The Puppy Room! (Puppies 100% organic. Please, try to keep animal hair out of the bottles.) The second way involves randomly assigning two individuals together for a more traditional approach to emotion-sharing. In this, there's only one rule: don't make the other person cry. And yes, you may also have unrestricted access to The Puppy Room.
   
3. It’s The Furry Hour: Lastly, there is the culmination of giving back to the community by putting a smile on each and every child’s face. The best way to do that? Put on a costume, say, this one or this one or even this one, and wander through the streets! Be careful, though -- the costumes are sensitive to Dunamis and any symptoms of emotional distress, regardless of whether or not they’re highs or lows. There are strict fines levied to anyone who dares damage a costume, or you might just end up mopping floors for a month to pay it off.

• Prompt E: Dunamis magic, emotional effects, crystals... one can live in Empatheias without ever really understanding the basics of it. However, it's encouraged to take at least a few courses as it will make adjusting to this new world a lot easier. At the Welcome Center, an eccentric new instructor is offering advanced classes (with a twist!) to new and old attendants. Interested natives can also join the classes as well, and the ones that are available are:

1. Think Positive! One of the most common types of emotional effects comes in the form of flowers. The most simple example being if one feels overwhelmingly happy, then flowers will start to bloom around them. In this class, Otherworlders will be learning exactly that! To be precise, the class takes place inside a botanical garden, and the exercise is to think positively so that more flowers can bloom. Think negatively, and the flowers will die, or they'll entangle you, or grow poisonous. Easy, right? No! This is an advanced class and controlling one's own feelings is KEY. Because there's also a tiger on the loose. Wait, what? Don’t worry - it only preys on fear and anger, so remember your lessons!
   
2. Think Negative! It's also important to know how to harness one's negative emotions, because such feelings are just as valid and useful as the opposite. In this exercise, two students are locked in a meat freezer, and the way to pass the test is to make each other seethe with rage until their fiery emotions bring the place down to room temperature. Make sure to insult each other a lot, and don't hold back! Maybe talking about a painful past can help? Alternatively, what the instructor did not account for, is that passion can be fiery, too. Maybe a kiss will do the trick? Otherwise, somebody will get the students out of there in 40 minutes and give them a nice cup of hot chocolate along with an F.
   
3. Think… Neither! Lastly, apathy! It's just as important to know how to harness. This class is a little more traditional, in the sense that everyone is sitting at their desk and watching a slide show. Students can talk amongst themselves in class, but they must not show any emotion! It's a little difficult, however, as the slide show gets more and more outrageous the longer the class goes on. At first it's a series of tasty food, then it's cute animals, and then some scary monsters. After that it moves on to more provocative imagery, such as poverty, graveyards, and... male and female models posing naked. Close your eyes! Or leave the class with the person sitting next to you? Otherwise, just try not to react to anything that comes up on the screen. Knowing when to be apathetic can save your life in Empatheias, too!

• Prompt F: It's out with the old and in with the new! Winter— no— it's not winter that is coming, but rather, the Notus season. Which is winter, technically, but the lovely citizens of Verens and natives of Empatheias call it differently. The season brings about snowfall and occasional storms, which means activities outdoors are limited due to the weather. The various sports teams in Verens have become even more serious with their training. The coaches refuse to let their team members gain weight due to the cold, which is why they're opening their training sessions to the public. Challenge them and win a prize! Make sure these players are given hell, because they won't shape up otherwise.

1. Hit 'Em High. One of the less formidable teams who play Verens Hoop Ball (patent pending) are the Champsters. Nobody truly knows how the Champsters are in the league when their plays are so awful. The sport itself, the Empatheias equivalent of what Earthlings would call basketball, had only been founded close to ten years ago. There aren't any "legends" yet, but the Champsters are players who will likely never be found in the hall of fame. In any case, they've opened their gym to any contenders who wish to take them on; 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3, or even a full-on game. The sad excuse of Hoop Ball players are a sad excuse, needless to say. They play and cry like newborn fawn, and their coach will give anybody who makes them cry a heavy slap on the back and a 500 sylvs gift cheque at Steambucks. Thanks for showing the Champsters how much they suck - maybe they'll get motivated to do better because of this!
   
2. There's No Crying in... The managers of the Verens Football (soccer) team are inviting everyone to enter their gym and join their training for the day. All participants receive a 500 sylvs gift cheque to be used at Steambucks! And as soon as one enters the indoor pitch, they will hear the coach of the team screaming his lungs out. "THERE'S NO CRYING IN FOOTBALL!" - and the phrase might strike you as odd. Isn't it supposed to be baseball? And then you hear the muffled sobs of some people at the end of the goal line. . . wait, what? Anybody nearby is going to get yelled at, as well. "Fall in line and add some emotion to each kick!" the coach shouts. And with the intensity of each kick and the added emotions to it, it's no wonder the goalkeepers are getting beaten up. The coach doesn't seem to care, though…
   
3. You're on Ice. Apart from the indoor sports being promoted even though it's winter, some Verens officials have frozen the lake just by the outskirts of town for ice hockey and ice skating purposes. There are even cones and other obstacles lined on the ice for people to pass, and the officials are giving out a 500 sylvs gift cheque at Steambucks (AGAIN?!) to anybody who can clear the obstacles. Just watch out for the pucks that are flying every so often. If it hits your head, don't worry! Be comforted by the knowledge that the ice hockey team is doing their best and are making sure they're strong enough for the next tournament.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include crayons and/or pompoms.

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

[profiction]

Boring as me? Ouch... Even if it's true, still... [How mean! Sheesh, he acts like she deserves this or something.

When Kokichi's hand closes around he wrist, though her expression just looks baffled-but-open again, inside she's got alarm bells ringing. She didn't get as far as she did through being stupid, after all, and there's a feeling of danger that has her heart pounding and her mind suspicious.

But Kokichi was a pacifist, wasn't he? More or less. But despair and the right motivation could drive anyone to go back on their convictions... Tsumugi finds herself curious, a deep thrill worming its way through her uncertainty.]

Th-that's awfully nice of you, Ouma-kun... [Said like she's aware that's strange for him and figures he's up to something. But what that something is--] This isn't going to be some kind of weird prank, is it? [Well. She's not about to spill the beans and let it be known just like that that she suspects anything out of the ordinary. So Tsumugi lets him tug her along for now.]

Ouma-kun, are you... really okay? The last time I saw you-- Well. You were... ["Doing a real good impression of a pancake." She trails off uncertainly though.]]

[fabling]

[ She deserves worse than this tbh, but he isn't letting on his thoughts on that just yet. His hold isn't too tight, at least, just enough to be encouraging. He's trying to pull her, after all, it wouldn't do if it's weak either. ]

Huh? Would I lie to you, Shirogane-chan? [ Y e s ] Anyway, if you're new here it's only fair you get some explanations! Especially as half the info in the welcome centre is boring to read. I even saw a girl asleep on the chair once, y'know? You don't wanna be her, do you? You never know, someone might draw all over your face.

[ Once she's walking though, he starts heading towards the direction of one of the parks/gardens. ]

Why wouldn't I be okay?

[profiction]

You're always lying, Ouma-kun...

Anyway, I think most people would ignore plain ol' me even if I did fall asleep. Most people tend to just forget I'm around. I'm just plain forgettable. [Creating 'plain' as a catchphrase was the actual worst idea. It's like when you start using a slang term ironically but then suddenly can't stop saying it. God damn it.

At least the parks area is still out in public, so she lets herself relax a little bit. Kokichi isn't stupid enough to attack her outright in a public area with a lot of witnesses. She's aware Shuichi's here, and she's also aware of what Shuichi knows--and she certainly isn't stupid enough to assume Shuichi said absolutely nothing to him.

Which is probably the only reason she's avoiding bringing up the mastermind stuff right now anyhow.]

Well... [She pauses with feigned awkwardness.] If you don't know, it might be best not to tell you, but... But Ouma-kun, when I last saw you, you were... You were dead. ["Might be best not to tell you," she says, before totally telling him.]

[fabling]

[ He just laughs in response to that, playing it off. ] You got me! That's actually true, I am always lying. But people here are different, you know? I've met someone who knows a person who can shoot lasers, some people have magic abilities... and we can even learn how to control the emotions magic that they have here.

[ She's naive to think that's all this is though. Ouma has learned most of the backstreets and alleys by now after needing safe escape routes. Playing hide and seek with Aoi had helped with that too, even if he'd almost injured himself trying to parkour a bit too far down a set of levels. ]

Oh, really? I had no idea, Shirogane-chan! What a surprise. Did you kill me?

[ The tone of voice he gives her should tell her he already knows the truth and that she doesn't have to answer. ]

Buuuut, didn't you know, it's really fun here!

[ In fact, Shirogane shouldn't catch on until he takes a sharp turn though, using the grip on her wrist to fling her into the alley like a yoyo being set loose. Just like that, the air seems to shift drastically. She won't be hurt even if she tumbles a bit, but it's enough for her to probably know.

Besides the look on his face, that is. ]

Shirogane-chan, if you don't know, it might be best not to tell you, but... [ He repeats the words back at her. ] I've been here two months already, it might be best not to cross me if you don't want me to make your life here hell. Then again, that may be the least of what you deserve.

[profiction]

[There's a lot to process here. Despite the fact she doesn't need to answer, she feels the need to anyhow, making a noise of protest at his question.] O-of course I didn't! It's plain to see I'm not capable of something like that!

[Tsumugi? Murdering someone?? Just look at her! Who could expect a plain jane nobody like her capable of doing anything that horrible?

But it's also because of her protest that she's unaware of the sharp turn this'll take until it literally becomes a sharp turn. She stumbles forward with a cry of alarm as she's suddenly flung ahead of Kokichi, her hands slamming against the walls of the alley to keep herself from falling flat on the floor.

Since her back is to Kokichi she allows her frustration to show momentarily. Once again he's gotten one over on her, but that's fine. There's still nothing he could really do to her that wouldn't have severe consequences for himself too, but... Then again, this was the guy who let himself get killed in an attempt to stop the True Mastermind and all.

When she turns back to face him, her expression is the picture of confused fear, cowering against the wall] Wh-what are you talking about? You know... You know we figured out you weren't really the Mastermind, so... So you don't have to keep up this sort of act anymore!

[Is she really someone who should be talking about acts??]

[fabling]

Oh, I know you figured out it wasn't me. [ His eyes narrow, sharp and tense as he stares at her. Only a second passes before his hand reaches up, pressing tight against her throat hard enough to be uncomfortable but it shouldn't cut off her air or hurt, nor will it leave a mark. He's being careful about that, because even with her he wouldn't actually want to kill her nor does he want this coming back to him. ]

But we aren't really talking about me are we, Shirogane-chan...? Or should I even call you that now? [ He leans up, having to push onto the balls of his feet but you know what? Who gives a fuck. It's just so he can whisper the rest, making sure it sounds as promising as he intends. ] I know people who work with the Enforcers, y'know? I'm sure they'll be very interested to know what you've done.

1/2

[profiction]

[Tsumugi inhales sharply, eyes going wide in alarm. She doesn't move, arms dropping down at her side as her fingers clench and unclench into fists, but the fearful confusion has disappeared from her face, replaced instead with a wary irritation.

Once again things were falling apart at her fingertips. In a way it's as much of a thrill, watching it all unravel and feeling the despair of it blooming up inside of her, as it is extremely annoying. Why did Kokichi Ouma have to be here? If he wasn't, things would have gone much more smoothly for her in all ways.

Her eyes narrow a she glares at him and finally one hand moves to wrap loosely around his wrist, more a warding gesture in case he decides to start squeezing, and the corner of her mouth twists into a sort of smirk.]

Heh... Isn't this situation usually reversed for you? Now I know how it feels... You keep exceeding all my expectations, Ouma-kun. For a creation to out-maneuver their creator...Several times, even-- Haha! [She laughs, unable to help it.] I can hardly be that mad at that!

[profiction]

[And then the smile is dropped, her eyes narrowing knowingly]

But isn't that a lie? It'd be your word against mine, you know. And why would the Enforcers care about what I used to do, when I haven't done anything worth being locked up for here?

That was in the past, in an entirely different world... I could bring up the things you did too. In the end, isn't it better to just keep your mouth shut for once?

[fabling]

[ He doesn't even blink as she seems to shift through emotions for a second, though it's harder to tell what is even real or unreal with her now. He hadn't really noticed her all that much either, K1-BO taking the brunt of the blame for the most part. Harukawa the rest.

He doesn't know what she thought of him, had Saihara hadn't been that specific with that either--or if she'd even said. The way she reacts to it though.




It makes him feel sick to his stomach. It twists tight, like an elastic band rolled up so it coils around itself. His hand clenches against her throat, taut, but still not tight. ]

It isn't. Saihara-chan works for a detective as well, and as far as I'm aware Kirigiri-chan has been here a long time. People will trust her word if he tells her. [ This time, the grip does tighten. ] Besides, what would it matter if it were my word against yours? You'd be surprised what a few months here can do. Not to worry, I can find plenty of other ways to make you suffer for it, y'know? I hope you're ready.

[ r i fucking p ]

[profiction]

Kirigiri...? [There's a name she recognizes, undoubtedly though not for reason Kokichi would be able to correctly guess; she actually winces a little, both at the recognition and his hand clenching. Her stomach flutters with unease and panic-- Shuichi she hardly sees as a threat anymore, hardly saw him as one through the entire last trial even as he'd unraveled all her work and laid it bare. She doesn't think Shuichi has much of an interest in turning her into authorities either so much as he's just going to keep an eye on her himself, but to get Kirigiri involved... That could certainly pose an actual problem.

She swallows hard around the hand cutting off her air supply a little--it's not enough to maybe actually be choking her, but it makes breathing painful and difficult.]

Haha... Are you going to actually kill me, Ouma-kun? [Her expression flattens though, and she just looks tired. Is it an act too?] Hey... Are you?

[fabling]

Mmm, Mom's a pretty good friend of mine as well, so I don't know why she wouldn't believe me with something like this. [ Okay, that might be pushing it a bit, but he doesn't seem to let on that it isn't true either. He just wants to make sure she's aware he's completely serious, if the hand around her throat doesn't say that enough. ]

Nope. [ He says it softly though, even if the look on his face is still harsh. ] Even if I killed you, you'd still come back and... [ A pause. ] You already know I'm against all that, right? But, there are things worse than death, y'know?

[profiction]

[The fact he calls her 'Mom' kind of ruins this a little, but Tsumugi'll laugh about it alter when she's not in danger of getting her windpipe crushed.]

That's a little too bad. It would've been interesting to see if this is what it took to break you of that, to finally motivate you to actually kill instead of manipulating others itno doing it for you. [You know, like Gonta. And Kaito, if you think about it. Jeez, Kokichi, you've got your fingers in so many pies, huh?]

It's not like you really have to worry. It's not like I can start up a killing game here so easily--And it's not like I have an interest in doing it again anyhow. [She gives a soft 'heh' and a careless shrug.] I already told Saihara-kun--I'm hardly a threat anymore. He won, I lost. I don't have any intention of screwing you guys over.

[So, you know. Get over it?? It was just a game.]

[fabling]

[ He has no idea of how far the connection goes though, only that she and Saihara know each other and work together. He figured it was some weird detective thing but... Well.

He's too distracted by what she says next, heart plummeting into his stomach, feeling like the acid eats it up anyway. It feels enough like it. ]

You didn't... give me much of a choice.

[ His head is lowered as he says that, but his expression on his face is still flat, trying hard to keep very little show. ]

And if it turns out you're lying to me, Shirogane-chan, I won't let you off so easy next time. You know that, right?

[profiction]

Is that-- a joke? [She makes a strangled noise, like a laugh bordering on something hysterical] Don't you dare blame me for your choices. I didn't force you to do anything.

If Saihara-kun taught me nothing else, it's that the best way to win a game sometimes is to not play at all. You made the choice to play, I just laid out the pieces.

Are you trying to side-step responsibility that much? [She ignores his question in favor of this, because yeah, she knows. She knows Kokichi will make her life hell at worst and inconvenient at best. It can go without confirmation.]

[fabling]

[ Despite having years (?) of experience keeping his emotions under wraps, it's definitely not quite the case right now. Just like after Gonta's execution, it cracks at the seams. Only, it's worse here. The ground under his feet cracks, rising up to the wall she's pressed against. His hand shakes, breathing heavy from his lungs like he wants to choke on his own breath.

She isn't wrong, but... ]

Maybe you're right. What I did was wrong, but starting the killing game is on you. You made us do it.

[ He... doesn't know about the audition tapes and all that hot mess, so... ]