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empatheias_ooc2015-05-18 12:36 am
simpathis) wrote in empatheias_ooc2015-05-18 12:36 am
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TEST DRIVE: JUNE
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, May 25th and Applications open Monday, June 1st.
- 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.
- IMPORTANT! We have made a change to our sample requirements, so look over the Applications page!
Now with that out of the way, here are some prompts you guys can work from!
• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try? The following emotions will have more effect than usual: hope, despair, fear, and bravery.
• 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.
• 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 latest entry in the hot 'Forgefires' series is about to come out, and lines in front of bookstores are blocking the streets! How will you get to your destination when your path is full of frenzied cosplayers who don't dare move lest they lose their spot in line? You might want to be careful, too—some fans are getting into heated arguments about their favorite characters so things might start literally flying if left unchecked!
• Prompt E: Things have been getting a little gloomy lately, so a group of youths have designed the first ever Verens Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament. Somehow you've won through the lower ranks, and are now a finalist. The state of the city is riding on you (or so they claim), so face your opponent and somehow manage to make this farce exciting enough to lift the moods of the spectators (mostly kids). Just be careful. If you do poorly, you might find a tomato or two thrown at you.
• Prompt F: Welcome to FEAR FACTOR! An exciting new brand of entertainment where contestants participate in various challenges that touch home to the most innate fears humans share. Lying in a pit of creepy crawlies; climb up high, precarious structures; go one-on-one with wild animals—can you handle it? Are you brave enough to go for the 1 million sylv prize? Or will fear cripple you and leave you with nothing!? Only one way to find out! Oh, and one more thing—your emotions will definitely effect everything, so if you're climbing up that rusty, half broken steel tower and it starts shaking, that's probably because you're scared out of your wits. Don't let it crumble!
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include giant cheese wheels and/or bucket of nails.
• 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.
• 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 latest entry in the hot 'Forgefires' series is about to come out, and lines in front of bookstores are blocking the streets! How will you get to your destination when your path is full of frenzied cosplayers who don't dare move lest they lose their spot in line? You might want to be careful, too—some fans are getting into heated arguments about their favorite characters so things might start literally flying if left unchecked!
• Prompt E: Things have been getting a little gloomy lately, so a group of youths have designed the first ever Verens Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament. Somehow you've won through the lower ranks, and are now a finalist. The state of the city is riding on you (or so they claim), so face your opponent and somehow manage to make this farce exciting enough to lift the moods of the spectators (mostly kids). Just be careful. If you do poorly, you might find a tomato or two thrown at you.
• Prompt F: Welcome to FEAR FACTOR! An exciting new brand of entertainment where contestants participate in various challenges that touch home to the most innate fears humans share. Lying in a pit of creepy crawlies; climb up high, precarious structures; go one-on-one with wild animals—can you handle it? Are you brave enough to go for the 1 million sylv prize? Or will fear cripple you and leave you with nothing!? Only one way to find out! Oh, and one more thing—your emotions will definitely effect everything, so if you're climbing up that rusty, half broken steel tower and it starts shaking, that's probably because you're scared out of your wits. Don't let it crumble!
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include giant cheese wheels and/or bucket of nails.
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!
Oswald Baskerville | Pandora Hearts
Excuse me--
[Oswald wasn't complete sure what he was looking at, and wasn't completely sure how he had gotten muddled up and wrapped into one of the lines. Any time he tried to step out or even escape the mass of people someone either got in the way or talked about some series he never heard of nor was interested in.
Anyone looking closely might notice black feathers appearing in the air around him, falling to the ground and blowing away nearly as soon as they landed. Lips pressed into a line and brow furrowed in mild confusion.
Why won't they let him leave?]
G
[What does one normally do when having been in a new world for a while?
Nap in the park, back rested against a tree, and cloak folded somewhere beside them, that's what. Or at least that was what the former Baskerville Duke was doing, it was a nice day and some things could be pretty exhausting. He even had a few little friends, a bird perched on his head with a few others pecking around him and minding their own business. Breathing softly as he dozed--
Not even paying any mind to the giant cheesewheels suddenly loosed upon the area, a cart transporting them having over-turned due to something upsetting one of the horses pulling it. One hitting the tree any inch to his left and toppling over onto the grass, another narrowly missing him at all.]
Ohohoho, G! Assuming they've met already. o/
A better man than he would call out at the sight of those cheesewheels barreling towards an innocent and oblivious bystander, or perhaps even jump in the way and do something about it. Instead, Kevin just stands there and watches, because let's face it; there's something satisfying about the idea of somebody most everyone in your world is scared of getting creamed by a giant hunk of cheese. Alas, they miss. Chance, or weird former Baskerville Duke powers...?
Once the hubbub dies own, Oswald failing to react the entire time, Kevin stalks closer and reaches out to prod at his leg with one foot. Nudge, nudge, nudge. Kevin still isn't sure exactly how dumb this guy is. Now seems like a good enough time to investigate.
Kevin's pet squirrel is perched under his ponytail as usual, cleaning her ears. Everyone here is a magical princess.]
o7
Untill Kevin came by, then the only bird that remained was the one perched happily on Oswald's head, ruffling a bit in a feathery poofball as if to try and ward the other man away. Chirping angrily at his prodding.
Oswald, however, didn't appear disturbed and continued napping on.]
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This being the case, he elects to poke the bird instead. Kevin often likes animals better than people, and for the moment, the bird is way more amusing than Oswald is.]
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It's almost as if the very grumpy fweeze of a twitter was what finally roused Oswald from his nap.
Or close to it, as Kevin would suddenly be squinted at from underneath that set of bangs, brow slightly furrowed. More or less due to the fact of how close this man was. The head-bird remained puffed up, hopping backwards away from the finger, and Oswald didn't say a word.
What do you say when there is a child of misfortune poking at somethin on your head?]
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...it's sort of dumb to sleep out in public like this, right?
[And a good morning to you, too.]
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It can be, yes. I'd not come out here planning to sleep. [Which was the truth, he looked almost a little bewildered at the fact he was sleeping at all. He'd come to enjoy a little quiet and the park had seemed to be the perfect place for that.
Oops.]
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D. Assuming he's already been there a while!
[One of the things Lacie had learned, early in life is that, when you are a little short and slight of form, people will assume you are a petite princess, and take you about as seriously as one. She had also learned the benefits of fighting dirty. The people of the crowd fall victim to this lesson, now, as the red-eyed woman forges a path through them with sharp elbows and kicked shins, when they don't get out of her way.]
[She doesn't even realize Oswald has been swallowed by them until she nearly aims a kick at him. She looks up, a scathing reprimand on the tip of her tongue. Then, recognizing him, her expression turns to one of mild incredulity.]
Brother! Don't tell me you're trying to get that dumb book!
[The exclamation earns more insulted looks than her means of forcing her way through the crowd had. She pays them no mind.]
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[Well, that was one way for Lacie to get her answer. He hadn't really been sure what sort of series these people had been goin on about. He'd almost thought it was meant to be some sort of play with some of their talk of it, but it did nearly sound like--]
I suppose that answers as to why it sounds like something Levi may have written. [That was a bit flatly before Lacie was given a brief sort of pleading look.] I've been having trouble getting out of this crowd, sister.
[Plz halp.]
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The great Duke of Baskerville can't get through a crowd!
[Reaching out, she grabs his hand and proceeds to drag him along with her.]
Come on! If anyone won't let you pass, hit them!
[She declares this loudly enough that a few people who'd seen her arrival move out of the way before she has a chance to demonstrate.]
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Oswald is moved easily enough once Lacie has hold of him, those drifting feathers growing smaller until they simply no longer fell in his bit of discomfert. Really, he didn't feel imposing half the time--]
I don't believe I have any claim upon that title anymore. [A simple statement really. He didn't, after fighting to keep hold for something he'd let go of a lot.]
... Hit them.
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It's probably for the best. I don't think I ever would've gotten used to calling you Glen. Oswald suits you better, anyway.
[A particularly stubborn young dandy lets out an undignified squawk, as she delivers a bruising blow via her elbow to his ribs.]
Just do it! Seems to be the only thing they respond to!
[Riot?]
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He wasn't Glen, no. He'd given up that right the moment he took control of Leo, knowing full well what would become of him once his final act as 'Glen' had ended. An act he let go of, instead trusting Oz to do what needed to be done.
There was a strange look shot the dandy's way, the man shivering as hands clapped over his mouth before Oswald's attention was back on his younger sister.]
Are you sure it's the only thing, or is it something you enjoy doing when they don't listen the first time?
[riot riot riot, he might have stepped on someone's toes by mistake. Apparently they had worked weeks on getting their shoes just right.]
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DUN DUN DUN
So no, it was not an accident. And no, he doesn't care that Oswald is mildly confused. Because he has no real reason not to reach out and try to form a positive relationship, with what he knows about the future now. And Oswald likes books, doesn't he? Ergo...
Basically, this is the Oswald Friendship Project.]
They really like to dress up here, huh? [He notes cheerfully, like they don't cover themselves in ribbons and bows and ruffles all the time.] This series must be really popular, I wonder what it's about!
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Which is nothing new to anyone who truly knew the man, really. Sometimes things really did go right over his head. As it was he was still standing there, a few feathers settling at his feet as the cloak he did still wear kept the wind from blowing those away.
Feathers literally ruffled? Even if it they were conjured by some emotion he was not really showing on the outside. This was unsettling--]
As well as gather in number. [A great number. Did they do this a lot?] 'Forgefires' doesn't give much of a clue.
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But while Oz doesn't know his name predecessor all that well, he does know enough. His face betrays nothing but innocent curiosity and thoughtfulness, as he looks at the costumes around them. What a distinct lack of belts... how odd.]
It sounds dramatic, doesn't it? [Come on, Oswald, play along...] I wish they had Holy Knight here... but maybe it's about knights, too! [Oz, stop sparkling.]
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At least Oz doesn't make his skin crawl the way Jack did when looking at him, but there was certainly something devilish about the Chain-boy. More like his sister than Jack in that way, even if no where near the extent that Lacie was. A comparison that was frightening in its own way--]
Dramatic. [Play along, right. It sounded like something Levi might come up with.] You've an interest in knights?
[Guess who missed a glare from some costumed young woman to his left at the question of knights being in the book? This guy.]
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But seeing as Lacie and Alice were the first two human beings he was ever exposed to, probably this makes a lot of sense. He's not nearly as bad as Lacie, no, but that's because he's much better at being discreet.
...Most of the time. Except now, because Oswald has made the fatal mistake of encouraging this line of discussion. Oh Oswald.
Oz's whole face lights up in a way Jack's never did at this age, and he rises to the balls of his feet, like he wants to start bouncing.] That's right, you wouldn't know it! The knight--that's Edwin--he's pretty cool, yes, but Edgar is so much better--
[It's... really not the same, rambling about this without Elliot around. The fact that he isn't glowing and sparkling brightly enough to match his expression would give him away to his closest friends. But Oswald doesn't know him that well, yet, and he might not care even if he did.]
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Better to be more like Lacie and Alice than Jack if you asked him, something he possibly wouldn't say out loud unless ever somehow asked directly about it.
He did notice how Oz changed with the sudden subject direction, taking a moment to glance around and - Hm, a few around them looked rather angry, not that he took long to wonder why as Oz soon enough had his attention again. Holy Knight... Hadn't he heard of the title before? Sometime with Leo--]
Hm. [At least letting it be known he was listening, the fall of feathers slowly before simply stopping. For what reason who knew, even if he was no longer so ruffled by the crowd anymore.
One day he might notice, he was important to Alice after all, and he had trusted that this boy of a Chain could handle what was to come.]
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ELECTRIC SLIDES IN HERE YODELING LOUDLY
And Jack sure is here, because wherever a sleeping dingus is, the wakeful dingus will follow. The park is one of his favorite places to be, anyway. Even if the city center is interesting in its own right, he's always preferred the open freshness of fields and trees and quaint little babbling brooks. This park isn't exactly perfection, but it sure comes close...!
Except today there's more than just the crazy bloodthirsty heathen birds to deal with, oops. He watches as a cheese wheel goes whizzing past, donuting into the nearest pond with an audible thunk and sinking down into the silt. Bye, cheese wheel... You hardly had a chance to live. And oh-- there's sleeping beauty now! About to be pulverized by some dairy...! He may be a rude shanking mess, but he's not about to let Oswald get megamurdered by a wayward ingredient on a party platter either. Just as another wheel comes whizzing from the sky with murderous intent, he reaches out to snatch it up with both hands, spinning on his heel and neatly dropping it on the ground beside him.]
You know, this might just be an even worse idea than falling asleep near a pond.
\o/
At least the cheese wheel is free, as free as anything could be at the bottom of a pond. They all did try to make a break for it as soon as that cart had been over-turned by an unhappy horse--
It's difficult to tell when exactly Oswald woke, between the wheel coming for him or Jack intercepting and dropping it to the ground.Was it telling that he didn't rise up to his feet and instead settled for sitting and staring at Jack? At the very least he wasn't moving to just leave or making motion as if he still held a need to attack. There was still something there, but Oswald was as ever difficult for most to read.
Lacie would be unhappy if he did much.]
Is the attack of cheese-wheels a common occurence then?
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But so many hurdles left to go, goodness. If they could actually handle their problems like healthy individuals, maybe their world wouldn't have gone to shit about fifty times over, but alas... At least they're not deciding to tango right into death's arms immediately, which is a dang miracle considering how vitriolic their meetings have been for the past... while. ...Long while.
Well!
If Oswald will keep the peace, Jack has no reason not to. Lacie would be unhappy with him too, if he acted too far out of line.]
Not as far as I'm aware! Oh, but you should watch out for the birds.
[They carried some sad sap away by her hair, okay. Alfred Hitchcock's got nothin on this.]
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Oh, there was still anger towards Jack, of things he was not yet ready to let go of when it concerned his best friend. A tired sort of wariness due to those past encounters, and here he only had his own abilities to use without ties to any Chain. He was just Oswald, for better or worse, and this was Jack. So many things Jack.]
The larger ones? [He'd seen those, at least. Birds.] I suppose I should thank you, Jack.
[Hey, he said the name without anger or bitterness. It's a step.]
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Not that it shows, because of course it doesn't. Even the space around him remains the same, more or less. His emotions aren't generally large enough to cause significant shifts.]
It's something you would have learned on your own in due time even if I hadn't said anything, I'm sure. Aggressive things... [RUDEASS BIRDS taking his bread and nearly getting him arrested, gosh.]
But the smaller ones are fine? [A nod toward the one that has decided to use Oswald as its sleeping perch.] That one's already warmed up to you!
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So for now? For now he still simply was too tired to be angry, for the moment at least.]
Birds can be strange and tempermental things. [He would know, right.]
The smaller ones are fine, yes. [Headbird is still staring at Jack, feathers slightly ruffled. Of course Oswald glanced upwards, even if he wouldn't even see said bird.] At least they are fine so long as not bothered, I would assume.
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