TEST DRIVE MEME: JULY

[simpathis]

— TEST DRIVE: JULY —

Welcome to empatheias' first ever 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 Friday, July 18th and Applications open Friday, July 25th. Game will begin Friday, August 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!

Now with that out of the way, here are some prompts you guys can work from!


PROMPTS

• Prompt A: Create any scenario that could cause your character to display some kind of emotion, be it big or small, and write out how it changes the immediate area. Are there literal sparkles everywhere because they're so happy? Or is the ground starting to twist and warp due to their anger or frustration? Things exploding? Rain clouds? Since this is a test drive, don't worry about any limitations on effects—just write whatever comes to mind!

• Prompt B: The following are generic task board prompts that characters could have taken up as a job.

1. You have to collect X number of materials. Find a partner to make it easier!
   
2. There's a hostile creature attacking some of the neighboring farms. If you got a weapon, they could definitely use your help!
   
3. How about helping around the town? Delivering something, helping patch up a sign, cleaning out some of those rusted gears—the locals would definitely warm up to everyone.
   
4. Make up your own task/quest!

• 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: With the influx of people suddenly appearing, the locals are a bit on edge. So rather than having your character’s emotions affecting the environment, someone else's is affecting them! Maybe they were just passing by and someone had an emotional outbreak of sorts. Now they have to figure out how to deal with the aftermath—or will their own emotions make it worse? Needless to say, NPC godmodding granted 100%.

• Prompt E: Make your own! It can even involve booze and/or cats.

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

[selfmotivations]

[she's being so positive. it's a nice change to see.]

Thanks.

[sharpintuition]

[She has to at some point, right?]

So where are we heading?

[selfmotivations]

To a farm up north. It's a half hour ride from here.

[small pause as he glances down at her as they continue to walk ever closer toward the city's northern gates.]

You've never really ridden a horse before, right? I can set up a wagon or ask someone to give us a lift over there.

[sharpintuition]

Oh! Is it fun?

[selfmotivations]

Well it's definitely better than a wyvern. [hah.

but there's a bit of an amused glint in his eye as a thought occurs to him.]

Do you want to try?

[sharpintuition]

C-Can I?

[selfmotivations]

Don't see why not. Unless you want to ride with me.

[wyvern all over again, only this time on land and with a lot more control. he's no professional, but he at least knows the basics.]

[sharpintuition]

I want to give it a try first.

[Although, She wouldn't mind that?]

[selfmotivations]

Fair enough. Let's see if we can find a pony fit for you.

[sharpintuition]

Okay!

[And now there's sparkles around her because she excited.]

[selfmotivations]

[Elize stop being so friggin adorable he chuckles as he can see the sparkles around her. it's still weird to see such effects, but he's slowly getting used to it. it does make it easier to read people, though.

and so they continue walking on until they get to the gate. from there he manages to acquire a horse and pony for themselves, a lead line also taken so that her pony can be attached to his. safety precautions and all that.]

All right, here we go. This little fella is called Snowball.

[which is weird because there is nothing white about the pony whatsoever. in fact he's an all dark brown pony. but Snowball is leaning its neck out toward Elize and then to Teepo. hm. maybe the pony thinks Teepo is a toy?]

[sharpintuition]

[Never. She will never stop being adorable.

Seeing the pony, she walked over to it cheerfully. She hesitantly pet Snowball's mane, trying not startle him.]

He's so cute.

[And then there's more sparkles than before, but that doesn't include Teepo. In fact... Teepo doesn't seem to be as amused.]

Why's he looking at me like that...?

[selfmotivations]

Probably thinks you're some kind of tasty treat.

[sharpintuition]

Wah! Don't get on that thing, Elize! It's dangerous!

It's okay, Teepo. I won't let him eat you.

[selfmotivations]

[laughs.]

So long as he stays behind the pony's head, I think he'll be fine.

[and after making sure all the tack is set—]

So, ready to hop on?

[sharpintuition]

Mhm!

[And she's certain to keep Teepo far enough away from Snowball's head because after all this time she still doesn't get when Alvin is just pulling their leg.]

[selfmotivations]

All right, come here—I'll help you up.

[and folding his hands together to give her a leg up.]

[sharpintuition]

[She walked over and got onto the pony with his help. She nearly lost her balance, but she caught herself.]

Woah. This is so different... and high.

[She's fascinated, really.]

[selfmotivations]

Aw come on—you rode on a wyvern and then a flying airship. This should be cake.

[sharpintuition]

What do I do now?

[selfmotivations]

All right, keep your feet on the stirrups and your hands on the reins. [he hands them to her.] Something like this. [and then he positions them into a basic form. eh, not like they're going for any actual professional style or anything so yeah, whatever.]

If you want him to move forward, just nudge him a little with your heels. If you want him to stop, just pull on the reins. That's pretty much it, really.

[sharpintuition]

Oh! That's it? That doesn't seem too hard.

[selfmotivations]

It's not too bad, but remember—horses are living animals, so it's not like you're trying to control a wagon. Just in case, I'm going to hook up this line so he doesn't spook and run off.

[sharpintuition]

Okay.

[She pet Snowball's mane gently before looking to him.]

Do they spook easily?

[selfmotivations]

Hmm, depends, really. Some are are hardier than others and Snowball here looks like a veteran. But just try to stay calm.

They pick up on emotions easily, but...not sure how that applies in this place.

[sense, you know. feelings are everywhere.]

Anyway, if you have any problems just let me know.