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

[morelowlythanhumans]

[upon hearing that voice, Envy's blood ran cold - or would, if it weren't a chemical element made from transmuting the living souls of others.]

Pride...?! Is that you?!

[shadowofpride]

My, it must have been a while if you don't even recognize your own big brother. [The shadow's frowns became toothy grins as hands lingered along Envy's shadow.]

I'm further down. The pathway should be clear enough for you to find me.

[morelowlythanhumans]

[Envy had to bite back the urge to curse, but nonetheless, they heeded Pride's orders. Cursing mentally, they charged down the hallway, in the direction Pride's shadows were coming from]

[shadowofpride]

[Pride was poking at a vine in the way when Envy came into view of his physical form.]

Have you calmed down? We don't want to cause the tower to collapse on us.

[morelowlythanhumans]

[Envy is a combination of relieved and angry when they finally see Pride]

That's it? That's all you have to say to me? No "what's going on, Envy?"

[shadowofpride]

I rather we concern ourselves with getting out. [They were here already, no point figuring out the how and the when.]

I have a feeling we've been brought inside the clock tower somehow. Are you familiar with this tower? [Cause he hadn't been in here since his arrival.]

[morelowlythanhumans]

You don't care about where here even is?! You're not going to ask me where the hell we even are?!

[... Envy sighs, and slumps a bit, shaking their head]

Not really, no. I've seen it, but only from the outside...

[shadowofpride]

We're still on this wretched island, Envy. [Some of loose rubble along the walls started to fall. He shouldn't let Envy get on his nerves so easily, but one more question from It...well maybe answering Envy will at least keep It from getting more riled up.]

So we're both without knowledge of this tower...but at least it looks like a straight path down.

[morelowlythanhumans]

[okay, so Pride knew more than Envy thought. They scoffed, before replying]

You want me to smash through it then?

[shadowofpride]

Well I suppose that would make this go more quickly. [At first, it sounded like Pride gave the ok, but then-]

But that might bring too much attention to us. And there may be others who have been brought in here against their own will as well. [Sorry Envy. Much as he wouldn't mind some chaos, he's not ready for their secrets to be known.]

[morelowlythanhumans]

[Envy scowled. Of course Pride shut down their plans. They never thought Envy had good ideas...]

Fine then. How do YOU suggest we get out of here?