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

Darling Charming || Ever After High

[doesntdistress]

B: Silent Knight [GT1212]

Darling had seen the task about hunting for mushrooms for a student in need and was instantly reminded of Apple and how she might panic about studying. Of course, Apple would have managed her time better but that didn't change that a student needed help and Darling Charming was going to help.

Uuuunfortunately for Darling, she didn't have a hang of this emotion magic nor did she tend to feel "frantic." She also didn't really know her way around just yet. She turned to her partner and smiled.

"Thank you for your help regarding this task, I'm still learning my way around here."

C: Holy Knight

[Darling Charming may be a damsel, and she may be in a distressing situation, but that did not mean she is distressed. A new world wasn't wholly uncommon to her, but considering she tended to go to other worlds of her own volition, this was a bit... new.

Still! She wasn't going to let this worry her. First things first, introductions, reconnaissance, and secure shelter... She was rather glad she was brought in her white knight armor with sword. She just needed to make sure no one saw the armor...Just angle her viewing point just so.]

Hello, residents of this land, I am Princess Darling Charming, a student at Ever After High. It is a pleasure to meet you and make your acquaintance. [She didn't want to assume a kidnap scenario just yet.] If possible, I am looking for some information beyond what is provided at the Welcome Center. I am looking for anyone who has mentioned they also attend Ever After High? [She's tempted to provide a list of names, but for their safety, for now she'll just stick with the school.]

C

[unfairest_ofthemall]

[Well, Darling, you're about to get a taste of how the amulets, and how the emotions here at Empatheias, work. Because all of a sudden she is SLAMMED with joy, with light so bright it's almost blinding.

Apple is happy to see her, basically.]

DARLING! Darling Darling Darling Darling DARLING! It's you! It's really you! I can't believe it! Are you at the Welcome Center? I'll meet you at the Welcome Center! Yes, yes, yes, yes, finally!

[doesntdistress]

[GAH! Darling would have fallen over if she were the sort, but she keeps her composure, though she does grab onto a chair at the center just to be safe as Apple's joy figuratively slams into her. Still, her true love is here, and Darling lets out a small sigh of relief. Apple is safe, by the sounds of it. Thank goodness...

At Apple suddenly insisting to meet her at the center, she smiles and sends just as much warmth over the amulet.]

Yes, Apple, I am at the Welcome Center, they've been kind enough to provide me with reading material about this place and I've been given a warm meal as well. I'll wait for you.

[unfairest_ofthemall]

Good! Don't move a single solitary inch! I'll be there in two shakes of Big Bad's tail!

[How can someone run that fast in pumps? Magic, probably. And as usual, there's a choir of men sighing and birds singing which Apple promptly ignores or shoves out of her way, standing at the Welcome Center doorway, breathing hard, exhausted, but still looking impossibly perfect.]

Darling...!

[doesntdistress]

[Darling looked up from her reading when she heard the sighs and songs and smiled when she saw Apple, setting everything down and standing up. She had had plenty of time to neatly put her armor away in a closet until she was ready to leave. She offered a little wave.]

Apple did you run all the way here?

[unfairest_ofthemall]

Of course I did!

[Light brightens up the entire room. Apple jogs over, grabbing Darling's hand, bobbing up and down.]

You're the first person from Ever After High I've seen in months! I missed you all so much!

[doesntdistress]

[She allows Apple to take her hands because Apple has always been the physical sort.]

In... months? [Her brows furrow together.] Apple, I just saw you at school. What do you mean months?

C

[castrationfist]

[The voice that responds sounds rather exasperated.]

Geh... Another from that place? No, no thank you, please go back home now.

[doesntdistress]

[Rude. But Darling maintained her calm.]

My apologies if any other classmen from Ever After High have made a bad impression on you. [Honestly, it could be any number of things, it could be a villain in training just doing their job, an actual villain making a mess of things in a new world, one of the princesses being their overly-eager selves, one of the heroes insisting they could save and do everything, hard to say, the list was endless.]

But it is my hope and intention to return to my home, if you have the means for my return and the return of my classmates or fellow citizens I am willing to listen.

[castrationfist]

Please tell your "Apple" that time travel is always, always a mistake.

[she's not giving you any more context than that...]

I can't say I have the means, exactly... But I'm sure someone as bright and cheery as you two could handle that.

[doesntdistress]

[She does smile at the "your" Apple part. Has Apple been telling people about her? Wait... but how did Apple even know? The brief moment of happiness is promptly filled with understanding. Raven couldn't always handle Apple's enthusiasm either and Apple had a stubbornness streak as wide as Wonderland.]

I see. [Darling, however, isn't about to promise anything to anyone regarding Apple mostly because she doesn't know the whole story. Why forever after was Apple trying to use time travel? More context was certainly needed and this woman's skewed perspective would not really be helpful for the situation.]

If you do not have the exact means, then please refrain from insisting people who did not come of their own volition leave as if they have the means to do so. [She offers in her polite if distant tone.]

[castrationfist]

[The irritation comes through the link strong- Caster doesn't like Apple, at all.]

Don't be ridiculous. You know that Apple girl, don't you? So you should know how to get home easily.

[doesntdistress]

It was my understanding provided by the reading material at the Welcome Center that we are unable to control our comings and goings from this world.

What makes you believe I am capable of such a sudden feat purely by knowing Apple?

C

[riderfist]

Ah, hello. I hope you've had some luck in finding your schoolmates. That's quite a ... specialized school, right?

[doesntdistress]

Indeed it is, we are training to take the place of fairytale characters. I am the daughter of King Charming, my brothers are both Prince Charmings. Though, whether we choose to fulfill the role destined for us is for us to decide.

[riderfist]

Yes, of course. Honestly I don't see why you wouldn't have a choice, but that might just be some sort of rebellion talking.

[doesntdistress]

It's a bit of a rebellion in thought, yes. There is a book that up until very recently, mandated our fates, we were to sign it and then fulfill it.

[riderfist]

Th-that's ... awful. And more than a little terrifying.

C

[riddlingual]

Oooh Oooh~! Pick me! I know all about the wonders and magic that go on in Ever After High~!

[doesntdistress]

Maddie! [Darling lets out a sigh of relief, happy to hear from one of the girls.] Maddie, are you safe? [Asking if she was sound could get a bit of a mad answer.]

[riddlingual]

[ Maddie lets out a delightful laugh at the sound of a friend from home. ]

Safe? Why wouldn't I be safe? Unless someone mistook me for a princess, but that would be just mad, don't you think?

[doesntdistress]

Not at all Maddie, I think you could be quite an amazing princess, maybe the princess of tea and hats, you're certainly the authority of them in my eyes.

[riddlingual]

Who ever heard of a hatter with a tiara? Where would I even keep my tea?

[ Maddie lets out another laugh, just excited to finally find someone she knew, even if she was talking crazy talk. ]

B

[magicmirror_onthewall]

[No one does "frantic" like Apple but Raven will always try to help out a friend when they need it. Between the two of them they can certainly accomplish this task.]

You're welcome, Darling, though I haven't been here much longer than you. [At least with her magic she can always teleport them back out of the woods if they end up lost.] It shouldn't be too hard to find some glowing mushrooms in the dark, right?

[doesntdistress]

[She smiled over to the other girl, her sword on her hip and a lantern in the other. While it was just collecting mushrooms, Darling was not so foolish as to go into a dark forest unprotected.]

Perhaps not, but only one of us has transportation magic. [She teased gently.]

According to the task, the mushrooms only glow at frantic feelings. So we'll walk in a bit and then try and think of something to make one of us frantic. [Darling had an idea of a topic that always sent Raven into a panic as well as a situation that would make herself go into a panic.] We should just stick to one of us getting frantic, though, lest we do the worse thing possible and panic in a dark forest.