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

[hopesearching]

[How bothersome. Not only is he being trailed by a walking (sliding?) statement of robophobia, but he has also been paired with a strangely-dressed robophobe. There's no way this thing is anywhere above him in terms of being a robot. Sure, it's already gotten ahead of him by attaining a career as a robot supervisor, but give him enough time and he will definitely surpass it.]

Krgh...! Don't compare me with this simple machine. I am far more sophisticated than any kind of vacuum-cleaning device!

[hamnation]

[Gundam shakes his head in response.]

How pitiful... It seems that you bear a deep prejudice against other machines!

[He knew that this would be entertaining! He goes on in a condescending manner.]

To think that you would judge so swiftly and underestimate the power and rank of Top Hat J. Roomba the Damned! [While the roomba seems to be trying to urge them to focus on the task at hand!]

[hopesearching]

[Did he just accuse him of robophobia?]

Please stop! If you continue slandering me, I will have no choice but to take you to court!

[He's completely serious about that threat. Most of them are successful, or at least... that's what the professor tells him. The roomba is threatening the two of them in a similar manner, but it goes ignored as Keebo continues.]

I am 100% certain that you are exaggerating this machine's capabilities. I saw multiple identical models lined up on a shelf earlier, which suggests it is not that special.

[hamnation]

[Yes, yes he did. And Gundam also does not care so much about staying on task, as he muses onward!]

How little you know, you mechanical fiend. You could say the same of humanity, but even they bear chosen ones among their numbers! Such is the nature of this roomba... Its powers of suction apply not only to dust, but also to malevolent spirits!

[He poses ominously, surrounded by a dark aura, ignoring the roomba's own comments.]

Truly, this machine must be an exorcist-class roomba!

[hopesearching]

[What a vexing personality. Everything he just said is completely ridiculous. This person has clearly been reading too much manga.

He will admit that a suction function capable of capturing malevolent spirits sounds attractive. People will definitely look up to a ghost-busting robot who sucks up ghost villains before they can bring harm to small children. He will have to consult with Korekiyo on this matter.

That's not what's important right now, though. He has to deal with this inflammatory person first.]

...You're definitely embellishing its backstory. There's no way any of that is true.

[Another concerning thing, that he hasn't noticed until now, is how little progress they've made in their sales. In fact, they're still within view of the charity's building.]

Also, we are getting distracted from the task at hand. The charity will be disappointed if we return without making any sales, so let's move forward.

[hamnation]

[The robot's rebuttal is like a record scratch on his dramatic scene, and his dark aura dies down as he crosses his arms with a huff.]

I see. None of your artificial senses are capable of truly comprehending the truest truths of this situation... How lamentable.

[Then, he cracks a smile as he glances around them, even as the roomba tries to agree with Keebo's point.]

I could care less about the charity's feelings... but I am interested in seeing how far two machines can get on this foolish human errand. So by all means, proceed forward!

[hopesearching]

[Perhaps, by showcasing his marketing skills, his partner's robophobic views can be swayed. Confident in his logic, he dons a determined expression and flares his arms.]

Very well. I can't speak for the roomba, but my salesman skills will certainly impress you! Let's make haste!

[He walks around Gundam, over to a trolley cart carrying a crate of chocolate bars and magazine order forms. After a few tugs, he pulls it off the soil and trudges to the nearest house. The roomba trails closely behind.]

[hamnation]

[Gundam watches the robot man's movements curiously and then gives a slight nod.]

That was a good move... [He half-mutters that and then watches him as he tugs at the trolley cart. Gundam follows in their shadows, waiting a few yards away as they arrive at the door.]

Kehehe... It's time I witnessed your limits!

[hopesearching]

...Please don't treat me like I'm still in testing. I am well beyond the beta stages of development. Now, leave it to me!

[He negotiates the squeaky trolley cart next to the door, swaying it a bit until it's aligned correctly. After a few moments of hesitation, he knocks on the door, which opens to the sight of a disheveled local.]

H-Hello! We are volunteers from the Community and Otherworlder Assistance Center. Would you like to contribute to our fundraising initiative by purchasing a chocolate bar or a magazine subscription?

[The guy leans over, looking at the contents of the trolley cart, then beyond Keebo. He narrows his eyes at Gundam.]

All proceeds will go to charity. So please, tell me if you are interested in making a purchase, or if you have any questions, or... [He gives Keebo the stink-eye.] ...or not, if you don't want to.

...Yeah, no, I think I'll pass.

W-Wait, hold on! Perhaps my partner will be able to convince you. Please, listen to what he has to say.

[He turns around and looks at Gundam, twiddling his fingers. Usually, he'd rely on his inner voice to push him through this, but it hasn't been eager to speak up recently. It looks like this is where his limit is.]

[hamnation]

[Gundam doesn't seem to think much of the robot boy's retort and just crosses his arms as he watches the sales pitch crass and burn. He then proceeds to chortle.]

How pitiful... You'll call upon my power this quickly? So be it!

[With that, he marches forward and dramatically sweeps an arm outwards.]

Mortal being. Did you see how pathetic that sales pitch was? Therein is the point of this charity... You see, these two cyborgs are displaced from a faraway world. They are separated from the upgrades needed to make them into effective sales machines! By donating to this charity, some of these proceeds will go into making their existences less miserable!

[He focuses, and a dark aura surrounds him.]

Now tell me, will you present your coins as offerings to the gods of this world, or should I cast you into the dark vortex?!

[hopesearching]

[The man gives Gundam a glazed, half-lidded look. He glances at Keebo and the roomba when they're mentioned, before looking off into the distance, probably recounting his groceries. It doesn't seem like he's at all impressed or intimidated by the chuuni rambling at him.

As soon as Gundam finishes talking, he pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs.]

Look, I'm sure your charity's for a good cause or whatever, but I'm really not interested. Can you... can you go bother somebody else now? Thanks.

[He closes the door on them. Keebo turns to face Gundam, his irritation apparent.]

Kh...! Don't call me outdated in front of our customers! They will be less inclined to purchase our goods if we appear disharmonious.

[The roomba more or less repeats what Keebo just said, adding: 'Don't try to steal my job, tin-can! You're not the supervisor, I am. Got it?']

[hamnation]

[As the door slams shut, Gundam flares with anger! There are even hints of flames flaring in the air!]

Hmph... What a fool! He is not even worth damnation!

[Then, he glances towards Keebo with a glare.]

You would do well to listen to your superior. All I thought was that the customer's fickle human heart could be swayed by pity for a faulty robot child! If you're suggesting that we need to join together in harmony, know that this is completely impossible!

[hopesearching]

[He heats up in frustration. That thing's not his superior, okay?

His ahoge bends in a sharp angle as his face shifts into a determined expression. He points a finger at Gundam in a condemning gesture.]

No, that's wrong! It's not impossible for you to re-examine your prejudiced behavior. Please, just treat me like any other person, and we will able to conduct our sales more smoothly!