empatheias_ooc | TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER

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!mod,
*test drive

TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER

— TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER —

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 Tuesday, August 25th and Applications open Tuesday, September 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. We have also 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!

PROMPTS

• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try? The following emotions will have more effect than usual: fear, bravery, grief, joy, anger, and calm.

• 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: (Taken from the Intro Log) Last month a giant tree overtook the clock tower in Merchant's Square, a place that's usually bustling with social activities and businesses. It still is, but this tree is more than just any normal tree.

HELP! Unfortunately for you, you've landed somewhere atop the leafy branches of the tree. If you can't fly or climb down yourself, you might want to call for help, be it shouting at the top of your lungs or accidentally shouting at the top of your mental lungs for all to hear telepathically. Just be careful not to fall—maybe someone will catch you but would you really want to take those chances?
Memory petal. Beautiful petals the size of one's palm continue to scatter about the city, most of them falling around the tower. These petals will start reflecting a memory of the individual closest to it. Memories are ranging from those that display one's greatest achievement to their greatest fears.
In the tower. Did you happen to wake up inside the tower instead? Bet you weren't expecting it to be dark and dreary with rustling vines that move on their own. There are some hostile creatures, ranging from giant insects and snakes, but easy to fend off. It's even easier if you think happy thoughts. However, if you succumb to your fears, then things will worsen.

• Prompt E: The long awaited tournament has finally arrived, and you can be a part of it!

In the Arena. Whether it was voluntarily or forced into it, you are now facing another Otherworlder to battle. Fortunately, it's not to the death. Unfortunately, how skilled either of you are is completely unknown. The biggest question of all is—can you even fight? But fear not, there's another secret weapon in your arsenal: your emotions. Whether it's striking fear into your opponent's heart with a bolt of courage, or making the ground break and crumble from the adrenaline, this battle will be unlike any have ever seen before!
Sparring match. Maybe you're not quite cut out for an actual bout in the ring. But how about a spar instead? Or maybe you accidentally walked in on someone's practice and are now the target.
Spectating. Shout louder! Let the stadium ring with your voice! Just try not to create too much excitement to actually cause the stadium to physically ring. Wouldn't want it to collapse on itself.

• Prompt F: The weather is a little hypersensitive at the moment, what with all the excitement in the air. Emotions are in full affect as people talk about the winners and losers of the matches. The results can be quite...interesting. For this in heated arguments, that is definitely a dangerous storm brewing around the area. Or maybe the air is getting so hot, things are starting to melt. Maybe it's the opposite—the air is ice cold and a blizzard might happen in the middle of summer! For those gossiping and squealing about their favorites, the sun seems to cast hotter and brighter rays upon them. The air just seems to be electrified! For those lamenting over losses, it just never stops wanting to rain.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include something that looks a lot like a vuvuzela and/or mirrors.

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

[For all his curiosity pulled him along, growing stronger and stronger as he realized the changes in the atmosphere could become so rapid here, that even the slightest change in his mood could alter the air around him, that's not what drove him to wander near the tree.

No, it was the darkness he smelled that pulled his curiosity this time. And when he found the source, well, to say he's mildly surprised would be an understatement. Of course, looks are always decieving. Zexion used to be a perfect example of such, and Ienzo still isn't quite sure if he's much better.

One arm folded over his chest to support the other under his chin, he merely observes the man stuck up in the tree for a moment.]

How in the world did you even get up there if you're afraid of heights?

[Ugh, it's one of those "goths" that seem to pop up in the mainstream now and then? Adachi was really hoping he'd flag down a hot chick (though THAT would have gone poorly) or at least someone fun. Nope, just some emo guy with too much hair. Tendrils of fog start rolling in around him- The atmosphere responding to his utter boredom with this place. His demeanor, though, stays somewhat scattered and likeable.]

Uh... Someone threw me up here. You know, thug stuff. People aren't big on music these days, I guess...? Haha...

Edited 2015-08-19 06:06 (UTC)

Music..?

[It's hard to bullshit a teen who can not only smell the darkness in someone's heart, but also already has an idea of how the world around him works. It's something he wants to study, to experiment with, and perhaps.... No, experimenting on people isn't something he should dabble into again. It didn't end so well last time, even if this man is already raising annoyance he hasn't honestly felt in so long.

That aside, the man's performance otherwise along with his appearance could easily fool many. A smart strategy, though for what purpose he doesn't even know. And as for himself, well... His white lab coat is honestly the only thing that separates him from goths though, his bangs have always been a ridulous mess but he likes it that way. "Goth" or "emo" would come before "scientist apprentice" in many people's minds. Even if he doesn't even know the meaning of the words.]

If someone put you up there, surely they had their reasons. And what incentive is there to help you down, if you may have deserved such a thing in the first place?

[... It's a good question, honestly. Adachi would probably ask the same if he wasn't on duty. Not a lot of reason to be altruistic, yeah? You push that too hard and you end up running around department stores with a sword trying to play the big dumb hero.

But for now, well, even if some of that fog is starting to look a bit... menacing... he's gonna play the fool a bit longer.]

... I dunno, goodness of your heart? Whoa, geez, blood's rushing to my head...

[There's a snort, almost amused even, that comes with that answer.]

I've done far worse in my past than you have, so I wouldn't count on that.

[Because only someone who's done terrible things could have such darkness in their hearts, but honestly, it only makes him all the more curious. More than the average person, certainly, but not nearly as dark as it could be. As dark as he and the others allowed themselves to fall.]

However, I have my own reasons.

[With a wave of his hand, a ladder appears seemingly from no where to help this man down from the tree. Even if he refuses to use the power of the darkness for the most part, his illusions are still powerful enough to come in handy when necessary. Better to use them now to help the man, rather than allow his annoyance to push him to harm instead. He's not like that any longer, he's not Zexion. But as he's not quite the child he once was either, Ienzo is still trying to piece together exactly who he is now. A conundrum of his existence he had previously ignored in favor of research and organizing the sad excuse for an office left behind in the castle.]

Well, I mean, I'm a cop, so I haven't... done much... bad... [... did he just conjure a ladder--]

Whoa-- What, are you some kinda magician or something?! [Some of the fog gives way. Not all of it, but... a bit. ... Maybe this'll be interesting enough to stave off his boredom for a few minutes, at least. He dislodges himself from the tree and climbs down the ladder, not hiding his mild amazement- just blowing it out of proportion on his face. That wasn't Persona magic, whatever it was...]

Or, like, a wizard? A carpenter wizard? Man, where were you when my porch rail broke last fall?

[Honestly, Ienzo would almost prefer to see this man's true colors than the idiocy he's portraying. Or perhaps it's not all an act, and the man really is just an annoyance. Somewhere between Braig and Demyx.. and he really doesn't want to think of that. But the moment the man's feet touch the ground, the ladder is gone as if it was never there to begin with.]

I'm a scientist with special talents, that's all. Where I'm from, magic is hardly rare to come by.

[There's a pause, because no. As he debates over his current options and theories, there's no reason for him to hide who he is.]

The only thing unique to me are my illusions, and the ability to sense the darkness in one's heart.

[The look he gives at that is almost pointed, an acknowledgement he's sure whatever is going on is an act, but at the same time, he couldn't care less. It's curiosity that keeps him around, that kept him from simply leaving this man up there in the tree.]

Darkness, huh...? Look, thanks for getting me out of the tree and all, but that roleplaying stuff never goes anywhere good. Get yourself a girlfriend or something, you know?

[Adachi can't help but roll his eyes a bit, putting on the fool act or not. Sure, sure, he's seen enough supernatural shit in his life now to not really doubt anything people tell him now, but "darkness in one's heart"? Bullshit. Adachi doesn't really think of himself as evil, anyway- just smart. Doesn't really bug him if people see it different.]

Still, thanks, and all. I'll put in a good word for you if the time ever comes up.

I doubt I would need the word of someone like you. Idiots are hardly reliable after all.

[Because no, Ienzo does not care who this man is, what he believes or what he's done. The simple fact of the matter is that he's an annoyance, a fool, and someone he shouldn't have even wasted his time with.

Though, this has proven to be of some interest to him. Things he needs to note down later, feelings that he knows he had to have felt as Zexion, despite not having a heart to feel with at the time. Yes, he knows this. He remembers such feelings, ones he's not supposed to have. And this man is reminding him far too much of Axel for him to play nice much longer either.]

My name is Ienzo, and though I doubt it was honestly appreciated, you're welcome for the assistance. [Because despite his annoyance, politeness is important. It's a calm that holds him together, that keeps the anger at bay. Conflicting and balancing emotions, another thing to note for later. Such things people take forgranted.]

Whoa, harsh... [Adachi rubs the back of his head, looking a bit hurt. And, yep, there's that fog again... And some rolling thunder? Man, guess you hit a sore spot there, gothic roleplayer.]

Oh? Uh-- No, really! I was stuck in a pretty bad jam there, it was really helpful. And, uh- Adachi! Detective Adachi, if you want to get technical. Officer? Man, I don't really know what rank I am anymore. [you are no rank, adachi, you were a murderer]

Does rank really matter? If we're getting technical, I was merely the apprentice of a scientist. However, when it comes down to it rank is nothing more than a title, or a number, which puts you in line with others. And those who may be above you aren't always better than you, likely not in most cases, and those below aren't always worse. While it's true ranks exist for a reason, there are many cases when it's mere chance or luck that puts one above or below others.

[He's rambling, he knows. It's a bad habit to over analyze things presented to him, and the mention of rank had him thinking back to his own experiences. Both as a child, and as a member of the organization.

And yet, the thunder and fog are of higher interest to him and he can't help but wonder which emotions are the cause of such. So for the moment, his attention is more on the weather changes around them than the man himself causing them.]

H-huh? Yeah, haha, I guess that makes sense... [Oh my god, does this kid ever shut up? Adachi's getting kind of ticked off, now. He was just bored at first, but now it's like this guy is being aggressively dull. The clouds are definitely starting to darken overhead a bit, and that thunder is getting closer, though Adachi's not pissed off enough to actually break character yet...]

I mean, in my case, it's just because I'm still new to the force, you know? Dojima-san's been on the squad for years, so it makes sense I'm his subordinate...

[No, unfortunately he doesn't. Even when he's not doing things on purpose, which after observing the worsening weather changes around them, he is. This is far too intriguing of an experiment to let go to waste.]

Being newer also doesn't necessarily mean better or worse, in any sense of the words. For those that are intelligent or driven enough, surpassing a senior member of whatever you happen to be a part of can happen in weeks, or even less. Even if you still have a lower rank than them, when done correctly, there is always the ability to surpass them in skills, knowledge and performance. As such, with police forces if I'm remembering correctly, it is usually the ones on the bottom rungs who do much more work than the ones at the top, who while assigned their jobs for a reason, aren't always aware of exactly what is going on around them. It's not epxerience that makes a person good at what they do, not entirely despite it playing a large role, but what one choses to do with that experience.

[He should stop himself before he gets too carried away, he knows, as this is venturing far too close to things he had decided against doing. But when presented with such an opportunity for experimentation, how can he resist? Perhaps he is still a child in some ways. Whatever the reason, Ienzo is now curious just what lengths the emotions can go to, if they can attack or defend on instinct alone, or if it's merely a subconscious change that cannot be controlled at will.]

Tch... Yeah, yeah, I get it. You don't have to lecture me, you know, I was a straight-A student.

[Adachi's... well, he's not really showing he's mad yet, but he's definitely grumbling a little. There's some pretty ominous noise coming from those clouds- Some combination of the emotions and Adachi's own lightning-themed tendencies are probably drawing the storm faster than usual. He's noticed himself, though, and is trying to calm down-- There's no need to break his facade now, over this useless kid. ... Unless he can take him out? There's always that juncture. No one would suspect the idiot with a gun if he didn't go down from a gunshot...]

Dojima-san's pretty experienced, though. ... Maybe wouldn't handle himself as well in a fight as me, but what can I say? I've got specialties.

[The small smile that comes to his face is soft, inexperienced, and isn't at all fake. No, he's genuinely feeling amusement from prodding at this one, watching the storm grow larger and wondering how long before the lightning strikes. If at all, of course. There's so many theories running through his head at the potential behind emotions here, there's that excitment of discovering the unknown that he can't push aside.

But, he'd also felt the same when they were experimenting with the darkness, and that turned out so well... But he's not thinking of that now, because he feels he's close to either driving this fool away or pushing him past the brink. Both would be wins in his book.]

My apologies if I sound a bit forward, it's not intended to be a lecture. However, if it were I doubt you'd be getting A's at the moment, since you've clearly not been listening. The fact that you brag about your score could just as easily be placed in the same category as one who brags about rank. Which, need I remind you, this entire conversation has been about. And you yourself clearly seeing where I'm coming from, if you can understand that you had a possible advantage over a senior officer. Letters, ranks, numbers, they're all rather meaningless, aren't they? In the end, it's actions that speak louder than anything else possibly could.

[Adachi's tuned him out at this point. He promised he'd play by the rules of the world, but-- He's not in that world any more, is he? What rules are there here? If he can make this clean, he can move on and maybe do everyone a favor by shutting this guy up.

His mind's racing, though. There's no way the Midnight Channel would work here. No, he'd have to do something more creative... The lightning. His lip twitches a bit, in both irritation with Ienzo and a slight amount of pleasure at coming up with this plan, the stormclouds rumbling overhead as Adachi reaches into his mind, trying to conjure up that power, trying to remember how it feels...]

Hey. Don't mean to interrupt, but... This storm's getting pretty intense. You think it's a good idea to be out here in this...?

[His smile widens a fraction, covered by the hand once again close to his chin, and his attention turns more obviously towards the storm. Yes, it's exactly as he had hoped. With those words, there's no doubt. He's going to try to use the storm as a weapon, and Ienzo can't wait to see the results of this. Of course, he may have to tap into the darkness in order to dodge, but the payout is worth it to him.]

It is getting rather violent, isn't it? However, I wouldn't be too concerned. I've noticed that this place has such unusual weather patterns, they tend to pass fairly quickly. It's so intriguing, how quickly the climate can change here. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, and considering my previous line of work I believe that's a feat in itself.

[Adachi just shrugs, and brings a hand to his face. He can't exactly go all out here, but just a touch of Zio in the clouds ought to do it... He calmly whispers a single word into his hand.]

Persona.

[The fog cloaking him mostly hides it, but there's... definitely a shape, there, behind him, for a brief moment, before static erupts from the ground into the sky, crackling and roaring, before IMPACTING back down towards the ground, a giant bolt of lightning flying right towards Ienzo, Adachi casually backstepping and watching the fireworks]

[That shape is what gets his attention, his calm demeanor not breaking even at the sight of it and the static warning. Damn. This one can use some sort of ability to control the elements, which is as no more impressive as a Thundaga spell.

When the sparks clear, Ienzo is no where to be found. At least, not where he was a moment ago. No, he's standing a few feet behind Adachi, in the same position, only he looks disappointed.]

So, the experiment was a failure then. I had been hoping you'd attempt to use merely the storm itself to attack, but it seems as though you had other assistance.

[The fact that someone just tried to kill him doesn't even seem to bother him whatsoever.]

...

[Adachi just turns around, shaking his head a bit and grinning. He clutches his head again, his Persona manifesting fully now, standing behind him twitching with... rage? Who knows? That storm's not going anywhere, for sure, though that fog is starting to get pretty thick again too...]

Man, you just couldn't even die without being annoying, could you...? Ugh, this is gonna take way more work than I wanted it to...

[With the experiment failed, his interest is waning as well. There's an exasperated sigh as he takes a few steps back. Though it's interesting enough to see what creature is behind him, but it's ridiculous.]

I would prefer not to fight, but if you insist, I won't have a choice. However, killing you would accomplish nothing so there's no reason for me to go that far.

[In a flurry of pages and shadows, a large book appears in his hands. It's weight is familiar, comforting in a strange way. He hadn't planned to use his powers carelessly, not like Lea had been doing, because there's no way of telling what using the darkness in their completed forms could do to them. But this was an inevitable result on his part. Experiments rarely go as planned.]

What, you're going to fight me with a book? Geez, and I thought the chair was ridiculous...

[He shrugs and reaches to his waist, drawing his gun. He doesn't even pause for a moment before straightening up, aiming, and firing.]

Get out of my way, idiot.

[A gun. Even more of a disappointment. Ienzo's body is engulfed in shadows before the bullet gets close, and he reappears behind Adachi once more, annoyed, but not enough to do too much damage. No, fire would have the potential to kill, he doesn't know how strong this man is physically, so disarming him would be best.

A wave of his hand and ice shoots out, his Blizzara spell aimed to freeze the gun. If Adachi isn't smart or fast enough to dodge and save his hand from freezing, that's not Ienzo's problem.]

You talk big, for someone who was begging for help down from a tree.

[Adachi may not react that fast, but Magatsu-Izanagi does- the Persona easily blocks the ice spell, Adachi turning around and slowly golf clapping.]

What, you think that was something I needed? Look, you might not know this, since you're trapped in your awkward teenage stupid shitty goth phase and all. But sometimes it's more fun to treat people how they expect to be treated than how you want to, you know? Get better reactions that way.

But in your case... Well, I just want you to die, so sorry about that! [Adachi just snaps his fingers at his Persona, stretching a bit. He really doesn't feel cornered at all right now, so he's super nonchalant, that fog starting to roll in enough to become slightly problematic for vision.]

Magatsu-Izanagi? Kill him.

[He casually steps backwards, using the fog to try to vanish- he really has no idea if this guy can see him in the fog or not, but he also figures his Persona will dispatch him, so why worry? Magatsu-Izanagi responds in turn, swinging his massive blade down at the former Nobody, lightning crackling around every inch of the corrupt sword.]

[As Zexion, this wouldn't have been a problem. He wouldn't have even needed the dusks to help him dispose of one annoyance. It's easy to get inside someone's mind, to tear them apart from the inside out. Use their own demons and memories against them. But now... Ienzo can't bring himself to fight dirty like that. It's a weakness, he's aware, and for a moment he finds himself concerned. But no. He has faced worse, and come over it. But then... Then he was a Nobody, he had full cover of darkness to keep him safe, to escape if needed. And he knows he could run now, but there's a small bit of him that refuses to give up without trying. A lingering bit of pride, a part of Zexion, a part of him that refuses to allow himself to be taken down by such a worthless fool.

But the fear of death is back as he almost doesn't dodge fast enough, and that chill returns. The thick ice in the air, the temperature dropping so fast he can see his breath in front of him even as there's a flurry of pages creating copies of himself. Illusions, each with a weapon that matches the blade wielded by the creature.

He himself stays in the shadows, focusing on his Lexicon and on keeping up the illusions, hoping it buys him some time. But as before, the chill in the air is both a sign of fear, and a sign of comfort. One of the only father figures he'd known, and at one point respected, becoming so associated with cold helped. But despite his abilities, he's no where near as confident as Adachi now. It's frustrating, but the memory of his last death, and the one before that... He can't see Adachi, but he doesn't need to. He can smell him, that's enough, and he keeps his distance while letting the illusions keep the creature distracted enough for him to think up a plan.]

TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER

D-1

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he'd never crack this fast in game but i'm laughing at how petty they're both being

Having a heart apparently just makes Ienzo even more of a little shit

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