empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: February

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*test drive

TEST DRIVE: February

— TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY —

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 January 25th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on February 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: The trade agreement between Verens and Briarlan is in full swing, with the opening of Verens’ very first radio station! As an amplitude moderation (AM) only radio station, it will focus more on news and talk shows than music. That doesn’t mean it’ll lack for education or entertainment, as home radio sets begin to be sold throughout the city. Speaking of which, as a new entertainment business installed in the city’s economy, it can offer something else to the Otherworlders: employment! And a party! Enjoy.

Open Invitation: As soon as the new technology is installed and tested to perfection, the station organises a party to celebrate its grand opening. Invitations are distributed like fliers; in the eyes of the new station, the more party attendees, the better. Held both inside the station and on the block outside of it, there are tables upon tables of cake, cookies, passe horderves, and non-alcoholic beverages. Go ahead and mingle! Every half hour or so, the radio talk show hosts will invite someone on the outside podium to try and entertain the crowd.
What’s Your Favourite Colour?: So, you would like to work as a radio talk show host! It’s open auditions and you’re either the person demonstrating your interviewing acumen as a potential radio jockey, or you're the person being paid 50 sylvs to allow yourself to be interviews on-air. Either way, the day certainly won’t be wasted. Feel free to improvise to your heart’s content or use a handy list of interview questions and suggestions provided by the people proctoring the auditions. There’s also cookies and juice boxes available but try not to talk with your mouth full on air.
Five Nights at Radio Shack: Didn’t cut it as a potential radio personality? Not to worry, the station needs janitors too! Because they hire on week-long contracts, it can be considered more of a temp gig than anything--which is for the best, because the basement underneath the station is dark, vast and labyrinthine. The tasks required are mopping, dusting, taking out the garbage and bringing any equipment from the basement to the ground floor. If there are creaking noises, whispers, giggles, faint voices, all of it can be explained by natural phenomenon or radio interference piping through the walls. Those footsteps, on the other hand...

• Prompt E: A necessary industry of any society is beekeeping, and Verens is no different. Giant bee skeps for equally giant bees need their honey and comb collected, too. Typically, this task is handled by beekeepers and their assistants. It’s a little different this month, however; due to a significant increase in the amount of honey the bees are producing, they’ve recruited outside help. Volunteers get 70 sylvs per day of work as payment and a jar of honey as a goodwill gift.

Honey and Gather: Honey gathering! Due to the unorthodox bees, the skeps are the size of large houses with many twisting corridors and convenient openings for volunteers to enter. The task is simple: in groups of two, wander the hives, collect the comb, and let the honey drain into the buckets provided. Once the bucket is full, bring it back to the closest beekeeper’s household. Get a new bucket, rinse and repeat. Easy, right? A typical large bee is about the size of a person, with the queen being the size of a midsize car. They are friendly enough, although quite curious and prone to brief fits of territorial displays if they feel their home is being intruded upon. Good thing they’re susceptible to Dunamis!
A Queen Imperiled: Unfortunately, opening the skeps to volunteers also makes the beekeeping industry susceptible to mischief and theft. While the worker bees were distracted by the presence of people, a group of poachers managed to get in and steal away the queen bee. Getting her back before she’s sold is imperative, and the beekeepers are willing to pay a hefty reward. Track the poachers to their hideout several few miles away, dispatch them as best you can, and bring the queen back to her people. They need her.
Let Me Be Your Wings: Good news! Now that the queen has been rescued, she is grateful and accommodating to her saviours -- enough so that she is willing to give people a ride back to her home. There’s no need to be afraid, she’s twice as sturdy as a horse. The bad news? Her wing took an unfortunate hit during her capture and she can only make part of the journey. Hopefully whoever rescued her has a plan to transport her the rest of the way back. Ever gone bee walking? It’s a bit less agreeable than dog walking.

• Prompt F: Selenium, the holiday to commemorate and remember lost and loved ones is coming up soon. It will be held in Theasthai, which requires some travel for those in Verens, but with teleporters, it should be easy to get there and get back to the city. It's not the most cheerful of events, but it seems that some of the organisers are more eccentric than traditional. It must have been why they were hired!

The Ring: A few months ago, children (and people who looked like children) received unsigned letters and were found at a bottom of a well in the forest three days later. Investigations led Enforcers to believe that this strange phenomenon was caused by a girl named "Samantha" who passed away in the hospital years ago. In order to let Samantha's spirit enter the realm of the dead properly, the eccentric organiser for Selenium is hosting a wrestling competition at the city square. Samantha's dream was to be a pro-wrestler, and a small festival that shows sportsmanship and competition might help her find peace. Put on a body suit, enter the ring, and tackle your opponent to the ground! Of course, this may or may not be a voluntary thing. . . said organiser can be rather pushy and just shove the suit onto anybody nearby. It's for the sake of the spirits, she says!
Wishing Stairs: One of the temples in Verens has now become a festival attraction. Booths serving small Arehtei-related trinkets can be found at the top of the stairs, and they're lined up leading to the bell at the centre of the temple. Ringing the bell will send a message to the dead, wherever they may be. It's a calling of sorts to them—a means of telling them that Selenium is coming soon and that their loved ones will be connecting with them soon. There is a catch, though. . . going up the staircase up to the temple is a bit challenging. Salt is spread on each step with only two small circular spots for someone to step on. It's said that making it to the top of the staircase without getting any salt on one's shoes means that their wish will come true. Why don't you give it a try?
Shutter: Photographs in Empatheias are still sepia toned, compared to the more modern and futuristic worlds some Otherworlders are from. One of Selenium's organisers got wind of how photos are important to the dead—even more so to those of the living—as it's how they remain alive. One of the halls in the city is now occupied by some Thespian organisers and their Verens counterparts, and they are requesting for assistance in gluing, piecing together, and repairing photographs. The photos are scattered all over the tables in the hall: some are torn, some have ink blots or food stains which need to be cleaned, and some have been folded too much that the creases have deformed the faces in the photograph. Those who wish to assist in this endeavour will receive a plateful of warm butter cookies, hot chocolate, and 200 sylvs. Just watch out, though, because sometimes, the subjects of the photos seem to move when no one's looking.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include sunflowers and/or bear cubs.

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A soft laugh, and he spoke knowing Chuuya would be unimpressed with his answer.] It's a secret.

[He glanced at his bucket, and was pleased to find that the honey still seemed unaffected.

Dazai had a few ideas he'd first need to confirm. Of course, this whole situation was hypothetical: knowing how giant bees communicated and where they foraged was more of a good-to-know matter. Its place in the greater scheme of things remained to be seen.

If there was a greater scheme akin to what he was used to, at least. Moving in a world focused on rebuilding was different from working with conflict, but neither could he afford to truly relax and let his skills dull.

Chuuya faced a similar problem.

Dazai wondered if time here flowed differently, as it did in a certain story involving a fisherman and a turtle, but perhaps in reverse. Well. This was still rather problematic.]

[Chuuya rolls his eyes.]

So you don't have anything.

[Not that Dazai would tell him if he did, not anymore. And, to be honest, not back when they were partners either, unless Chuuya really needed to know. And the thing about Dazai was that even if he didn't have anything to work with, he'd still somehow come up with a plan that worked, every single time.

It was one of the most frustrating things about him.]

Heh, that's something I never thought I'd see: Dazai Osamu with no cards up his sleeve.

[That's an enjoyable thought.]

[Dazai merely smiled as Chuuya smugly dug up part of why he was off-kilter in this world: having information was a lifeline to action. This was true from when he started in the Mafia, where failure could cost them a squadron and profit loss, to when he was part of the Agency, where inaccuracies could result in civilian deaths.

Yokohama was a city he almost knew like the back of his hand. Verens was far from it.

Dazai hadn't felt this kind of frustration in years.]

Why, Chuuya. [The handle of his scoop began to darken as well. Dazai gave it a veiled look of disdain and casually adjusted his grip to conceal the discoloration.

Chuuya was not one he'd admit this sort of weakness to, even though his ex-partner had the unfortunate knack of spotting them. A result of familiarity from their younger years and all.] It seems you haven't learned to avoid premature celebrations. [He smirked and cocked his head, aware he was entering dangerous territory. Still, what he was about to say was the truth.] I don't need extra intel right to win. For example: you can't even fight me here, can you?

Edited 2018-01-31 14:54 (UTC)

Tch.

[Dazai was right. Never mind that they had a job to do, and that they were both dependent on making money to survive here, fighting in this location was just too risky. Chuuya didn't particularly enjoy the idea of being buried in honey, should he make the beehive collapse on top of them.

And - even once they were out, he didn't want to fight him. Because he was the closest thing to an ally he fucking had. He didn't want him out of commission, even if he couldn't actually trust him at all.]

Only as long as you're useful to me.

[If Dazai wasn't, he could freely smash his face in, as long as he was careful about collateral damage. But for now, he hated every aspect of this situation, hated being dependent on his ex-partner for anything. Hated it enough that he didn't even notice that the honey in the bucket he was holding was heating up and bubbling until it had already burned his hands.

He pulled off, hissing in sudden pain.]

Dammit. Dammit, Dazai.

[Dazai chuckled, a cynical smile on his lips. Useful. What a flimsy excuse.

If Chuuya wanted to, he was always free to leave and gain new connections. He didn't have to stick to Dazai with the excuse that Dazai was merely the only person around he knew from their Yokohama, didn't have to effect that this was some sort of coping mechanism to replace the sudden loss of connection to those he was loyal to.

No, Chuuya stuck around because some part of him still trusted Dazai, and he was torn up about it.

That knowledge and Dazai's own murky, tangled feelings on the matter didn't stop the savage curl of satisfaction when Chuuya's honey boiled over. It was petty revenge, making sure his ex-partner was as miserable as him, the unpredictable environment aside.]

Not so good now, are you? [He huffed and leaned over to examine the potential damage. Well. He's had his fun. It wouldn't do for Chuuya to be physically disabled at this point.] Ah, that doesn't look nice. Maybe you should take off the gloves. They're made to be resistant against cuts and abrasions, not high temperatures.

Edited 2018-01-31 16:36 (UTC)

I know that!

[Chuuya was too angry now to want advice, no matter how necessary. Stubbornly? He studied his gloves first, checking for damage - thankfully there wasn’t any. He had no idea how he’d replace them in this place.

Only then did he pull them off, checking his palms for any damage there. They were red, and a few small blisters were forming. That was going to hurt.

Whatever. He’d had worse, and he wasn’t going to look weak in front of Dazai.]

It’s nothing. Stop staring.

[The time Chuuya took to fuss over his gloves was typical. 'Skin can heal, but these are now irreplaceable,' or something to that effect.

Vain idiot.

To each, his own.]

I guess some of the honey might've affected your eyes as well.

[Dazai whistled as he considered the blisters, making a mental rundown of what they had on-hand. A few more empty pails, gathering utensils, Chuuya's knife, a water bottle, the honey -

There was something he came across when he was looking up the bees, about honey and first aid treatment. And while Chuuya was likely to ride out the pain for now and head to a medic after they finish the job, it was unnecessary in this case. This wasn't a mission for the Mafia, it wasn't worth the risk of infection and other nasty complications should the blisters break, and his stubborn pride could take a few more hits.]

Well, hat rack, congratulations. Your hand's never reminded me more of cooked lobster than it has now, and it will continue doing so when it swells. [He pointed at Chuuya's hand for emphasis.] Might as well find a new pair of gloves that'll suit your skin - or not if we treat that now, before you even have the chance to clumsily spill what you've gathered. You could also head to one of the assistants, but who knows if they'll let us back in.

Your choice.

Edited 2018-02-01 05:16 (UTC)

I don't need your help, asshole.

[Dazai has a point, but Chuuya is too busy bristling at the insults to want to listen. He's not going to give him any goddamn credit now. Besides, he knows first aid. He doesn't need the advice, he can handle this. Dazai is also right, though (dammit), in assuming Chuuya doesn't want to leave the job to seek treatment.

He grabs the water bottle and a bucket, and pours the water in.]

Get back to work! Useless waste of bandages.

[He lowers his hands into the water and ohhhhh, that feels nice. Swirling his hands around makes the water feel even cooler, easing the pain of the burns. Not that he's going to admit that it hurts.

It hurt a lot, actually.]

[As work consisted of just making sure honey dripped into the pails for collection, Dazai picked one of the lower combs, positioned his pail appropriately, and fiddled on the surface with his still functional scooper. The golden liquid dribbled where it was supposed to go, and now all he had to do was relax and wait.

Better than having to hold it up to one of the higher spots until it was full and his muscles hurt.]

All done~ [That was said with a light singsong.] And you? Is your head cooler than your hand now?

[Chuuya hates sitting still, and hates being useless (even though making Dazai do all the work is satisfying). But for once he's stayed put, hands still in the bucket, crouched down in a position that makes it obvious he's trying to avoid having his clothes touch the ground.]

I'd like to set your head on fire.

[That's a yes. Sort of. Be careful, Dazai, he's grumpy when he's in pain and can't work.]

[From another perspective, the honey was doing all the work, and Dazai just poked a hole to help it along.

Dazai smiled at the threat, aware that Chuuya did have a lighter on him, and swapped the pail in front of his comb for an empty one.

And stink up the hive?

[He crouched and placed the newly harvested batch next to the shorter man.]

Though if you do, I suppose they'd have to recover from the losses by selling caramel-based products.

You're already stinking up the hive.

[What a comeback. Although Dazai really does need a shower, or ten. Or to be drowned in the ocean. Chuuya splashes a bit with his hands in the bucket, although takes care not to actually spill anything on himself.]

They could make a honey-caramel latte. Honey-caramel pancakes. Or donuts. That sort of western food is always really sweet.

[And Chuuya loves it.]

Funny, I thought that was the leather.

[A trade of lazy replies. And Chuuya forgot to dress the burn. Hunger, clearly, did things to people.]

What an endorsement. I can hear you whinging already once they run out of stock for the season.

No, it's your filthy hair.

[Nope, no plans to dress these burns. He's just going to keep soaking them until Dazai has done absolutely all of the work now.]

I didn't say I'd buy it.

[Liar.]

My scalp's not the one freshly boiled.

[Dazai makes himself comfortable on the floor: that is, sitting down, away from Chuuya's reach.]

The latte was rather specific.

[Indeed.]

It should be boiled. It's the only way to cleanse it.

[He could kick things at him. He's not, but it's an option for later.]

It would need some cinnamon at least.

On the eleventh day of Endeca, year eight hundred and seventeen, Nakahara Chuuya announced he prefers cleansing his hand in a boiling bath of honey, since nothing short of a third degree burn can get rid of the germs clinging to his skin.

[Is later, by any chance, now? Even if Dazai decided to not mention fungi like he was going to?]

Don't tell me star anise is next on that list.

If you don't shut up I really will get this honey boiling again. And then I'll dump it over your head.

[Tempting. Or he could dump some unboiled honey on him.]

That's disgusting, Dazai.

How mean. If you do, that's one less pail to show the assistants! Either way, we'll have to tell them it cooked a little.

[And he'd smear some of it on Chuuya's coat. Maybe the hat, depending on what else happens, but Chuuya being pissy over the damn thing was annoying.]

Chocolate and nutmeg are too typical.

I'll blame you for it, and you're the one they'll pay less.

[Getting it in his hair would be worse. Don't get it in his hair, he'll kill you.]

Don't overcomplicate it! It's just supposed to be a sweet drink.

An angry scowl is that convincing, and once upon a time people believed the seas were milky white. Of course.

[What, not enough nutrition for his hair follicles? Did he want beeswax, too?]

Star anise is a bit sweet. Toasted sesame?

The waves get white during a storm, asshole.

[Or the crest of a wave does. Is this relevant? Not at all.]

This is why I'm never letting you mix a drink for me.

The crests do. Unless you like mould with your milk? [He snickered. Yes, it was relevant to this turn of the conversation, as was the separate description of the sea as whitish green from afar.] No wonder your breath is weird.

[Chuuya's wording begged to be reversed and questioned. Should he even prod that possible can of worms at this moment in time? He'd remember, if it was impractical to mention it.

Dazai glanced at the pail still lined at the wall and noted it still wasn't full.]

Just as well, when you're likely to rush about in mornings with some sort of breakfast substitute. Someone who didn't know any better would question if the stress of earning for expensive tastes dulls one's sense of flavor.

Edited 2018-02-14 00:10 (UTC)

Says the walking mould himself.

[This is turning into a very mature argument. Not that it ever was mature - he's already forgotten what set it off this time. It's just habit. Dazai's ugly face brings it out of him like a reflex.

(He's not even angry anymore. The familiarity is almost comforting.)]

Like you're much better. At least I try to get the right amount of nutrients. [With supplements.] Do you even pay attention to what you put in you?

[Dazai placed one hand on his hip as he touched his temple with the other, made an exaggerated twist of his torso, and tossed Chuuya a cocky smirk.]

I'd be a great model for some school's science department!

[And as for the latter, well.] Of course, if I don't want to get poisoned.

[Sometimes sleeping through meals? Foregoing them in the rare occasion something Important and Interesting pops up? Remembering it was lunch only because it was an actual break and the other people in the Agency ate regularly?

At least he didn't get sick often, and it wasn't as bad as he was before in the middle of high pressure stakeouts.]

♡!

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