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

tsumugi shirogane | new danganronpa v3 | lemme know regarding spoilers!

[profiction]

[B: Task GT1204]

[What better way to utilize her skills as the Ultimate Cosplayer and make money than this? It's a little boring though, since it's just. Sewing patches.

She's taken to sitting in a public space, sewing patches into these christmas stockings at a good speed, her work, despite being very quick, not diminishing in quality whatsoever. She's a professional, after all!

She lets her eyes wander though-- there's all sorts of interesting characters wandering around, some of which she even recognizes from her favorite anime or manga, so it's hard not to stare... Which inevitable leads to a needle sticking into her fingers at some point.] Ouch! [A pained yelp and she's sticking her hurt finger in her mouth, frowning. And to make matters worse, there's a strong breeze that kicks up--possibly from someone else's strong eotions--that sends her patches and stockings scattering.

With a muffled cry she jumps up and gives chase. Help??]

[D-2]

Don't make them cry...? That sounds easy enough, I think.

[How hard can this be? Tsumugi tilts her head, staring off a moment in thought. Well, whoever she gets paired with, it'll probably be fine. She lets herself be shuffled into a room and--]

A-are those puppies!? [Oh my god?? Tsumugi drops to her knees immediately to be swarmed by happy puppies and she bursts out laughing, scratching and petting at every available ear.

Is this the best day ever or is this the best day ever.]

[E-1]

[Okay cool, she's got this. She can think positively! She wanders the garden, blissfully unaware of any dangerous tigers lurking around, except.... Except she's hearing some concerning whispers about it here and there.

But she can brush them off! Rumors are just rumors, right? No need to worry herself about something so ridiculous as tigers being left to run wil-- Was that the sound of something very large shuffling through the flowers not too far away?

Tsumugi jumps in alarm and turns anxiously to the nearest person.] H-hey, um... That stuff about the tiger... That was just a joke, right?

[WILDCARD]

[Throw a prompt out or hit me up if you want something else!

As an aside, due to Tsumugi's nature as the Ultimate/Super High School Level Cosplayer (I default to using Ultimate but I'll go w/whatever) she's very knowledgeable of anime and manga. Let me know not only if you're okay with spoilers for drv3 should they pop up, but if you're also okay with her knowing who your character is/the series they're from. She probably won't fourthwall out loud, but she might inwardly fangirl or smth.

Just let me know!]

E-1

[tofutti]

[ So much for thinking positively. Wow. Rise's been enjoying trying to make flowers grow and blossom, especially as this isn't something she's ever really done before. Her life with her grandmother was all about tofu, staying low and keeping out of things, then there'd been the showbiz, going from photoshoot to concert to interview that there was never really time for it.

Solving the murders made it even more hectic.

It's a pleasant feeling, that Tsumugi is now ruining. ]

Even if it wasn't, acting nervous like that is only going to cause problems. [ She pauses, trying to give her most encouraging smile, offering her a hand to take. ] Sometimes, even if we're really scared, we have to face our fears. We don't have to do it alone though, right?

[ MAYBE NOT WHEN THEY'RE TIGERS ]

[profiction]

[Tsumugi looks at the outstretched hand with a curious little noise that sounded like something right from a shonen manga or something. Still, she takes it with a nervous little smile.]

That sounds all well and good, but... It's still a wild animal wandering around, you know? It's plain to see we wouldn't really be a match against one!

Well, at least I wouldn't... For all I know you might be some kind of tiger fighting champion.

[tofutti]

[ More like the uplifting things an idol is expected to say, after all that's a part of her too. Shounen... idol... same thing, right? (Maybe not, but it's close enough). ]

Well, that might be right but I know someone super strong, so I'm sure if I scream for help he'll come running right away.

[profiction]

Just like that? Is he in the class too? [She looks a little relieved, looking around as if to spot him]

It must be nice having a prince to come dashing in for the rescue...

[tofutti]

In this class? I don't think so. We didn't come together, anyway. [ Which may not help Tsumugi's nerves. ]

But whenever I'm in trouble, Senpai'll come running. He's just that cool. [ Obviously!!! ]

B: Task GT1204 ( SPOILERS IN HERE )

[fabling]

[ Despite her being distracted and him having time to actually digest this, his emotions pick up anyway. He hasn't trained in Dunamis well enough, simply because trusting someone to teach him is hard work and he just can't bring himself to attend one when he'd rather just keep trying to do everything on his own.

It's a mistake though, at least it seems so when the breeze picks up speed, twisting in the air until it could be decribed as a light, mini tornado.

Anger fills him up before he can stop himself, the tornado crashing into the building opposite and rattling the windows. A sign falls off the wall, hits a man standing underneath and knocks him unconscious. He'd feel guilty for that, if he weren't so focused on Shirogane standing in front of him.

His hand twitches, like he's reaching for the pocket knife he'd once had yet at the same time not wanting to go that far.

Not when she might not know he knows.

He's fast enough to catch some of the pieces of fabric, especially now the wind has died down. He holds them up by the corner, looking her in the eye when she raises herself up after picking up the last from the floor. ]

Shirogane-chan... Did'ya miss me?

[ He gives her the signature smile, but inside just... tbh ]

[profiction]

[What the fuck where did this tornado come from. She winces as the sign hits the guy (it's not the same, but her mind flashes briefly to falling rubble and momentarily she feels ill), before her attention is focused on someone actually speaking to her.

Oh.

Her eyes widen with the appropriate amount of shock, even if deep down she's not really that surprised. Of course the guy who'd almost unraveled everything was here too, why should her despairing torment end with a crushing rock? She's not sure if she loves it or hates it.

Still, she has to admire the level of cunning that went into that whole plot of his. She's almost a little proud too. It's a strange ix of emotions, but on the surface none of that shows, just a pleasant surprise.]

Ouma-kun! [She claps her hands together, then looks a bit conflicted, as if she can't decide if she's happy to see him or not. It's Kokichi, after all.] You--You're alive! And here! Thank goodness... [She doesn't know what he might know, after all, but likewise she knows that means that he doesn't know if she knows. Hopefully she can use that to her advantage a little while longer.]

I don't know what to say... [Which is true enough.]

[fabling]

[ From the depths of his hollow soul.

Either way, he can't tell if she's lying about this now, given that she'd hidden herself away so well to begin with. And to think, he'd even called her nicer than Iruma once. Even Iruma wouldn't deserve that kind of insult. It's sickening watching her pretend even more to his face, but for now he bites back the bile in his throat, fights back against the twitch of his hand that oddly feels compelled to wrap around her throat.

He hates murder, but maybe in her case it would be better. ]

Yup! What a surprise, right? Everyone here is so nice too, so even someone as boring as you will fit right in! Shirogane-chan, I'll even show you around, so you can put those things away for now. Come on, come on--!

[ He reaches out, skin itching and burning where he grabs her wrist, and tries to pull her along. ]

[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?

E-1 | spoilers are fine!

[sobored]

[Junko's not really here for the lesson, at least not in a normal sense. If anything she's here to see if she can make things worse. A little negativity here and there would do wonders to make the learning curve a little steeper. But as for that tiger...]

I'd say it could go either way, but...

[She'll think about that one, looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of it. Nothing she can see, but that doesn't mean it's not out there.]

It's probably out there. It's a little too much to be made up. Plus, I've found that when it come to things that sound completely unbelievable here, they usually turn out to be pretty believable pretty quickly.

spoooilleerrsss

[profiction]

[She's seen Junko around a tie or two, but it doesn't make Tsumugi fangirl any less intensely. It's one thing to admire your absolute favorite from afar, it's another for them to be there talking to you.

What does she say? What does she do? Does her hair look okay? She should've worn make-up, she should've tried to look less plain even if it was part of her character and all, but-- But... She can barely hear what Junko's saying, honestly. She's just sort of staring, hands clasped in front of her. Is she drooling? She hopes she's not drooling.

Oh wait, shit she should say something, right? Something cool and intelligent!]

C-can I have your autograph?!

[Nailed it.]

there's bound to be so many spoilers

[sobored]

[She can honestly say this is a first. Which is impressive given how long she's been here and how many people she's met during that time. A bit of a strong reaction sure, but hey, she's used to a very different reaction when people recognize her. In fact, maybe she should've spoken to her before, but no, she just wasn't really on her radar at the time, sorry.]

Yeah, sure, anything for a fan. I mean it's not everyday I get recognized by someone. And you must be a really big fan since it seems like this is way more important than that tiger.

[Just pointing that out. But at the same time, getting mauled by a tiger while trying to get an autograph does sound awfully despair inducing, doesn't it?]

So which one of my shoots was your favorite?

[She's just assuming it's about the modeling thing, not the whole despair thing. Not that she'd mind giving an autograph for that too, it's just one seems way more likely than the other.]

i heard you like spoilers so i put spoilers in your spoilers... memes never die, right

[profiction]

So much more important than a tiger! [As long as she gets that autograph, that tiger could chew on her face all it wants. But after she gets the autograph. If it interupts her before or during, she's not going to be happy. She might even.

Gasp.

Despair.

So maybe it wouldn't actually be so bad? Damn, that's confusing. Better to focus on one thing at a time, like finding paper and a pen.]

Shoot? [She pats down the pockets of her skirt, distracted. Oh, right, the whole model thing too, duh.]

Not for that! You're the embodiment of Despair and everything it stands for! I've been a huge fan since the first broadcasted killing game! [She won't go too ahead of herself and declare Junko fictional or anything, not yet, but it's not technically a lie either.] The drama, the despair... It was almost perfect!

like Junko, they pop up long after they're supposed to be dead and gone

[sobored]

[All right, consider her surprised. Usually the people who are aware of that aren't exactly thrilled about it. And that also rules out her being some sort of reserve course zombie or something, she looks plain and interchangeable enough, but they definitely didn't sound like that and there wouldn't be any of them around for the first broadcast anyway. So then, a genuine fan. Somebody who really enjoyed all the horrible shit she put the world and her classmates through. Definitely rarer and definitely messed up.

Not that she minds, the world, this one in particular could use more messed up people. How despairingly refreshing though, this isn't a dynamic she's gotten to experience here yet. She'll probably get tired of it eventually, that's just how she is, but for now, it's something different and new!]

Oh. That. It was almost perfect, wasn't it?

[She grins, proud of her own work. But there's also a decent amount of despair here as well because of course there is. Which causes some of the plants around Junko to wither, but that's nothing new. Her and plants don't really get along here.

But going back to the killing game, it wasn't perfect, and that's okay. It was despairingly close, but also despairingly far from it. And that's the kind of thing she strives for.]

I mean sure there's some things you could nitpick, and I just know the critical reception had to have been pretty mixed, but hey, I'm glad somebody out there enjoyed it.

E-1! Spoil as you'd like, of course!

[hamnation]

[The person nearby, despite his edgy attire, is grinning confidently in contrast, with his arms folded.]

Kehehe... Humanity's hubris is the only joke that I know. As for the tiger? I can sense its raw power, and the eternal hunger that guides its hunt!

[profiction]

[Oh boy.

Tsumugi tilts her head, looking concerned still.] Eternal hunger? That doesn't sound good... I-if it's hunting, doesn't that mean it's hunting us?

[hamnation]

A true demon beasts hunts those who bear fear in their hearts. I know nothing of fear... and yet it seems that it may be different for you!

[profiction]

Of course I'm fearful! It could eat us!

But, it's pretty plain to see... You know what you're talking about, right? [If she had to be stuck here with someone against a tiger, she probably couldn't be much safer than with the guy who's all about animals.]

And if we stay calm it should be okay. Right? That's what this class is kind of all about? [She doesn't sound too certain though.]

[hamnation]

Your senses do not deceive you. [He folds his arms as he examines their surroundings.] My affinity for demon beasts and their ways knows no bounds! You're lucky to team up with someone of my power ranking!

It is true that calm and positive emotions shall carry us away from the tiger's jaws and towards this trial's completion. Tell me, are you equal to the task?

E-1

[worldcup]

Even if it isn't a joke, it's not that difficult to defeat a tiger.

[ Illya can't help but grin wide as she just looks with a bit of amusement, not even the slightest bit concerned that there might be a tiger heading there way. ]

But if you're scared, maybe you should just stand behind me and I'll take care of it.

[profiction]

Huh? But-- [She's like, Himiko's size or something??]

Are you some kind of martial artist that spent their time in the wild punching tigers to hone their skills or something? [This wouldn't be the craziest thing she's heard, so she's willing to roll with it.]

[worldcup]

Martial arts? Well, that's something that barbarian would probably know, but, I don't need martial arts to defeat a tiger like that.

[ In fact, she'll show that off right now, taking strands of her hair to form four birds. ]

After all, a magus doesn't need something like that.

[profiction]

[Holy shit. First off: This is animal in real life and she can't handle it.
Secondly: Those are really pretty birds]

Is-- Is that magic? Real magic!? [Play it cool Tsumugi, act like you haven't seen this stuff in your animu before you're a normal girl not an otaku.

God Himiko would be so jealous.] What can they do? Do they explode? Or bind your enemies up and suck out their life energy?