TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER

[simpathis]

— 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.

1. 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?
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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!

1. 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!
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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!

Comments

[kamikazeblossom]

Helping those in need, that's what it means to be a hero, right?

[ Yuna pumps her fist into the air as if she has to volunteer. ]

I'm in!

[girlpower101]

All right! I knew I could count on you.

[Asking was just a formality anyway.]

Follow me!

[Fu spins on her heel and takes two steps before pausing. Her voice drops to a whisper.]

H-Hey Yuna, do you know the way to this place?

[kamikazeblossom]

[ Yuna's hand slowly drops like a deflating ballon. ]

N-No, I didn't think that far...

[ Impulse heroism? ]

Maybe there's directions on the request?

[girlpower101]

[Fu checks the page again, more thoroughly this time.]

It's kind of vague, but I think we can find it.

[You're likely to succeed if you try! And they do... About eighty minutes later. The doll hanging from the tree confirms that they are in the right place.]

We've arrived at the demon's lair...

[Fu says with an ominous tone.]

[kamikazeblossom]

[ A shiver runs down Yuna's back. ]

Why do you say it like that, Fu-Senpai?

You don't think he's really a demon, do you?

[ Because one : Who would be so morbid to hang a poor teddy bear outside? And Two : Who's to say it wasn't a demon? There were other weird creatures in the world. }

[girlpower101]

[Fu laughs and waves a hand dismissively.]

Of course not! There's no way a real life demon would steal a wagon.

[What would he use it for?]

This is probably just some little brat who gets a kick out of taking stuff from kids smaller than he is.

[Fu places a hand atop her brow, as if she's surveying a distant location.]

If we attack now, he won't see it coming!

[The most extreme option.]

[kamikazeblossom]

[ Yuna frantically waves in protest. ]

Uhhh!!! maybe we should ask him if he can give back the teddy bear and the wagon first?

[girlpower101]

[That seems like a more sensible thing to do.]

Well... All right, we can try that. But we're going to lose the element of surprise.

[Fu starts toward the tree house.]

Excuse me! Is anyone up there? We're from the Hero Club. Our friend said you took her wagon and her teddy bear. Could you please give them back?

[Maybe this would be easy after all.]

[kamikazeblossom]

[ Yuna follows suit. ]

I'm sure it was all just a misunderstanding. It'd be really nice if you could let us-

Senpai, look out!

[ Quick to react, Yuna pushes Fu aside. Only to get the taste knocked out of her by a water balloon to the face. It's something for the slow motion hall of fame. But it doesn't stop with that. No, there's probably another one headed Fu's way. ]

[girlpower101]

[What the heck just happened? Yuna had shoved her and was hit by something. And it looked painful!]

Yuna are you--!

[The second projectile hits Fu in the soldier. It explodes and soaks her jersey. That little punk is throwing water balloons at them!

Regaining her footing, Fu grabs Yuna by the arm and attempts to drag her to cover.]

Retreat!

[kamikazeblossom]

[ There's no time to look for the direction of the attacker. Let alone see after that whopper. ]

Ouweeee...

[ Yuna lets Fu guide her to safety, where ever that may be. Her life is in your hands, Captain Inubozaki.]

[girlpower101]

[Fu drags Yuna behind a fence and ducks down.]

Yuna are you all right?

[She fishes a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabs at Yuna's face while looking back in the direction of the tree house.]

He's got the high ground, as soon as we step out we'll be easy targets. Damn! I knew we should have struck first!

[kamikazeblossom]

[ Her face stings a little, but she'll live. ]

I'm okay.

[ Finally getting the excess water out of her eyes, her vision returns. ]

I'm sorry Senpai, You were right. That kid really is a bully!

[girlpower101]

Well there's no use in getting hung up on it now. We just need to come up with a new plan.

[This area seems relatively safe and Fu doesn't think the bully will leave his position either so that gives them some time.]

[kamikazeblossom]

[ She really wishes Togo were here to think up a strategy. But in her absence, Yuna tries her hardest to think up a plan. She has her thinking face on and everything. ]

hmmmmm!!!

[ Click! ]

Hey, Senpai.

There's only one bully, right?

But there's two of us.

What if we attack from two different sides? Would that work?

[girlpower101]

A pincer attack! Nice one, Yuna!

[Fu peaks around the fence.]

The wagon must be around here on the ground floor.

[She glances up at the bear being held hostage.]

I don't think I'm tall enough to reach Captain Snuffles though.

[kamikazeblossom]

[ We can't leave her best friend behind...]

[ Yuna looks over at the tree with a determined expression. A small light sparks around the young hero. It's not obvious if you aren't paying attention though. ]

I'll get Captain Snuffles.

I can climb up when he's not paying attention.

[girlpower101]

I guess I'll have to sacrifice myself for the sake of the mission!

[Meaning she'd draw his fire to buy Yuna some time.]

He might catch on to what we're up to so be careful.

[Fu takes a deep breath before rounding the corner and heading for the base of the tree.]

Let's go!

[Now where is that wagon?]

[kamikazeblossom]

Good luck!

[ Yuna does a semi-circle sprint around the tree, she looks for a way up. Maybe some planks nailed on the tree? or a low branch? ]

[ Meanwhile, the bully sees Fu coming and shoots another water balloon at her. ]

[girlpower101]

I'm ready for you this time!

[Fu deftly dodges the balloon and it splatters on the ground. Thinking that the best cover is at the base of the tree Fu heads that way, but then realizes that the bully might notice Yuna if he can't see her.

With that in mind Fu darts out of cover again, pulling faces at the bully as she does so.]

I guess you can only hit people when they don't know you're throwing stuff at them!

[She cast a glance in Yuna's direction to check her progress. Even if Fu managed to get the wagon she couldn't leave without her friend.]

[kamikazeblossom]

[ There doesn't seem to be a simple way up, but Yuna is determined to rescue Captain Snuffles. ]

Only one thing to do...

[ Yuna hugs the tree and beings to slide herself up, hoping to get high enough to grab a branch. ]

[ The bully is getting frustrated at Fu's taunting. He grabs a handful of water balloons and shoots it from a slingshot. ]