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

The way the steam formed into the images that her song was evoking was something that caught even her by surprise. neon hues of blue and purple began to permeate into that glow that surrounded them, as if trying to emphasize that imagery even further, get the crowd into the mindset of the song.

And Rabbit sure wasn't holding still as she sang; swaying along, dress swishing as she danced, enticing the crowd to join in. She could see a few people begin to dance, and on a couple occasions she pointed out to a couple of patrons, as if beckoning them in to be swept away by the lyrics themselves.

It would be hard not to get swept into the performance, if not by swaying and dancing then definitely with smiles and enthusiasm from the crowd.

A lot of their music was just made to be danced to, to get people feeling it all the way to their toes, and this song certainly was no different. He'd picked it for a reason, wanting to keep those good feelings going, to forget about the displacement even for a little while. What better way than testing out what he heard about emotions with something that brought him joy?

Joy that the crowd was definitely starting to share if the laughter as those who might have barely known each other started to dance together. Taking up the entire corner of the street, flower petals being kicked up and just catching in the air as if swept up in a breeze.

Might not ever be able to pull off a show like this again, but that was the furthest thing from his mind at the sight of the audience enjoying it. Rabbit enjoying herself. Definitely picked a good song.

Seeing people dancing together and laughing and having a good time, those flower petals kicking up... it unlike any of their previous shows, and Rabbit couldn't help the genuine beaming smile on her face plates. That joy was palpable and filled her right down to her core, and she was certain that same feeling was felt not only by herself and The Spine, but in everyone who was hearing the music.

The song soon ended, and she froze in spot as she normally did, which gave her a chance to watch as the crowd cheered and applauded their performance.

The Spine definitely picked a good song, that was undeniable.

The Spine knew how to work a crowd, it couldn't be denied, even if he at times wasn't so sure of himself. Right now the result was proof enough that he had known just what he was doing.

Even with the momentary 'freeze-frame', it gave him a chance to collect himself and see the effects of it all. Those smiling faces, and the crowd had gotten a good bit bigger than when he'd been here by himself; the music and over all feeling drawing folks who had just been passing by to stop and listen. Some children laughing and hugging onto a parent's arm. All of it was a sight he could never get tired of, and it made something in his boiler feel a bit warmer as well.

He rocked a little on his feet once the time had passed, steam puffing from vents as h tipped his hat with a warmer smile, "Think we found ourselves a good crowd today, Rabbit."

Rabbit jerks back to 'life' with a sharp twist and a hiss of steam, tipping her own hat to the cheering crowd before turning back to The Spine.

"Sure l-l-looks like it, Spine! Haven't had a busking show this p-popular in a few years!" It was downright hypnotic, the buzz that rose from the crowd. They were obviously having a good time, both young children and old grandparents and everyone in between. Had they ever seen a show like this and was excited? Or was it just the overall sense of wonder and fun that the performance gave? It was kind of hard to tell, but Rabbit kind of didn't care either way; whichever it was, it was still awesome.

"What d'ya think, buddy? Think they've b-been good boys a-a-and girls and earned ano-nother song?" She says it in a bit of a sing-song voice, the kind she would use during shows to entice the crowd into wanting an encore. Usually worked like a charm, and this crowd was no different, already letting up a few cheers.

He was taking this chance, the slight lull that could come between songs, to scoop up that bottle of water he had with him again. Looking rather thoughtful as his guitar hung from a shoulder, rocking a bit on his heels once he straightened right back up, "Well...

"Reckon it depends on if they're up for hearin' another one," Drinking down a bit of water, a fresh bout of steam curling from vents as it hit his boiler. Tongue clicking a bit, screwing the top back into place. "Gettin' awful late, isn't it? Got places to be..." There was a slight grin, it pretty dang clear he was just playing along, adding just that bit more to their little impromptu show that this had grown into. Back and forthing it.

"Think we ought to ask them, Rabbit." Get that crowd roaring, so to speak, for that encore. Keep that energy alive.

Rabbit's own lopsided grin only grew when the Spine started playing along, though the crowd was eating it up; a few of the smaller children even let out little 'aw!'s of protest against their potential ending of the show. She ponders, tapping her lip with a copper digit.

"Hmm, I think you're right, Th' Spine." She turns to the crowd suddenly, reaching up to readjust her head as it tilts to one side by the sudden movement. "Audience! Do you think we ha-have time for an-n-nother song??" And she leans forward and reaches up to cup a hand behind her ear as if to hear the crowd better. All playing up the performance and falling into all-familiar roles.

That was quite the booming reply, a bit of literal electricity in the air from the excitement. Harmless stuff, really. Close to static one might find in those electric balls some folks put in their rooms; not that anyone here would know about that, of course. It had been a long time since those simpler times with a familiar twist to technology for them-

He laughed, setting that near empty bottle back down, adjusting his hat once he was up straight again. Tuning his guitar a bit to make sure it would be just right, sometimes things did get a little loose when it was metal fingers plucking at strings after all.

"Can't mistake that answer."

Well, that certainly was a response! Rabbit actually wobbles a bit, both from the response and the unexpected burst of harmless electricity. She blinks a few times, but that grin doesn't falter as she turns back to The Spine.

"Nope! I g-g-guess we can give 'em another song, s-s-since they're bein' such a l-lovely audience!" More cheers as Rabbit speaks just as much to The Spine as she does the crowd. While The Spine tunes up his guitar she'll sidle over to The Spine's side and reach down to snatch that water bottle.

"What s-song should we play for the nice folks?" she asks while drinking from the bottle. Looks like someone forgot hers elsewhere... oops?

Rabbit does get shot something of a flat look once he catches her with his water bottle, but soon enough he just rolls his eyes. She does always forget her bottle, he should have thought to check to see if she had it or not. Maybe he ought to strap it to her or something.

"That's somethin' of a hard decision if you ask me, we do got a lot of them." Not all of them worked without three of them, however "Maybe we should tell them a story instead? We got a few of those after all."

A story song could work.

Knowing her? She'd still somehow lose it even if it was attached to her. Might even misplace her hand if it was strapped to her wrist somehow because, knowing Rabbit, something like that was bound to happen.

She lets in a gasp of delight. "Oh, a story! I love stories! Do y-y-y-you guys want to hear a story??" Again, turning to the crowd to get their opinion on the matter.

Maybe even... sing a story? What a great idea she came up with!

They could always do Captain Albert Alexander, it had been a while.

Just the two of them would be fine, since it was mostly one singing as the other sort of acted out the parts. Rabbit always liked this song, too. That had to be a point in there, right? Even if they didn't have the captain hat she'd occasionally wear for it.

He huffed a bit, of course she'd take the idea. The audience seemed interested in the story, and more so the kids in the crowd, them being the loudest.

Of course she would. But it didn't matter, because the audience had taken to the idea so it was all good in the end!

"A-Alright! Well, I got the p-p-p-perfect story! How many of y-y-you like the ocean??" Falling into the routine fairly quickly. The two would be fine for Captain Albert Alexander; Rex Marksley needed a few extra hands, and she didn't have her accordion for Suspender Man. But pirates always made for an awesome story, and she could perform all the necessary parts while The Spine handled most of the singing.

Really, it was like being back in Balboa Park all over again.

... He almost forgot the puns that came with the song.

His guitar was already re-tuned and ready to go unfortunately, following right along with the little bit with a shake of his head. Eyes rolling at the puns that would come after fishing being boring and all that. A few changes to try and keep the attention of their audience; just a few little vernacular tweaks, Verens and all that so they could keep up with the bit.

What Spine had not been expecting? The sounds of the ocean once things got there once the song had started, okay then. Ambiance.

Ah yes, the glorious puns. Are you regretting your choices, The Spine? Well, too late to back out of it now!

She catches herself in time to refrain from the whole 'Hulk and Spider-Man' joke, instead swapping the figures to a more general terms of 'the strongest man alive and a giant spider' so that the Verens wouldn't be too lost with the pop culture reference. But the rest of the act goes smoothly enough, and soon she's waiting on The Spine to flow into the song.

The moment the song kicks in? Well, she's not expecting that ocean sound that plays as she does her act, but she goes along with it. A few other strange things pop up while she performs; the steam hissing from her vents coiling into the image of a steering wheel, or the sound of pirate skirmishes. The crowd seemed to be eating it all up, though.

It really was a good story, given life through a bit of mime and music, and the steam curling into various scenes to help Rabbit along was just.. Well, it was just plain weird but it helped capture the crowd even more. Keeping an eye on them just as well as he was keeping one on his sister as she danced about in front of him, just trying to make sure she didn't over work herself.

There were a few reasons they hadn't done story songs in a while, but maybe she could handle it fine with this little busking adventure.

Leaning in a little when it came towards the end, breaking through a bit of steam with that guitar of his to help shatter that visual in the closing. Making the end just a little more dramatic without much meaning to as that final note rang out-

... That was a steam whale more or less 'swimming' over the heads of the crowd at a leisurely pace. Alright then. Okay. There was applause, letting his guitar hang more to one side than in front of him as he leaned down to retrieve his bottle, and there were a good many slyvs being tossed into that box, a few children running up to drop money in from their parents. Smiling at those looking his way with a tip of his hat.

The weirdness could be ignored in the face of those smiles.

Normally Rabbit had to contend with just her miming skills and The Spine's description of the story to map out her story, but the way the steam helps convey that imagery? It was indeed strange, but at the same time had its own magic and wonder to it, so Rabbit welcomed it. And when that whale came by? Even Rabbit has to stop for a few moments and stare because wow.

The slyvs being dropped into the box catches her attention, and she curtsies as the crowd comes up to donate. Looks like with how weird everything was, they had put on a good show. Who cares if they hadn't anticipated a giant steam whale if it meant the crowds had eaten it up?

"Thank you, l-l-ladies and gentleman!" Really, seeing the crowd so happy was even better than the donations they were leaving.

"Thank you, and thank you-" Everyone who dropped a donated was given a smile and thanks, because in a place like this? Well, seeing as their needs were a tad different from the more squishy and organic Otherworlders and just about everyone else, every bit helped. If all of that weirdness, created by all of the joy and cheer, helped people give a little more than they might normally have?

It was welcomed. Right along with simply being able to spread it around to those who were now dispersing, since it looked like the end of the show, with an extra bounce in there step or a brighter smile on their face.

The Spine did kneel down once most were gone, any folks left were those passing by on their way somewhere, to safely tuck his guitar away into the case he'd picked up some weeks ago. Made it easier to carry safely on these sorts of outings. "Come on, Rabbit. Think it's time to head back, one bottle alone can't keep the both of us goin' all afternoon."

Rabbit tilts her hat and even agrees to shake the hands of the few people in the crowd brave enough to approach the robot, all with a wide smile on her face. She knew that their continued success with these busking adventures was on their good rapport with the crowds, so any bit of positive interaction helped. But soon the crowds thinned and she turned back to The Spine as he spoke up.

"Well, ya shoulda brought more than one bottle!" Not gonna say that she should have remembered to bring her own, but it's easier to pass the blame. "Aw, this one wa-was a fun time out! Got a real good crowd goin'!"

There was a roll of eyes- "You should have remembered to bring your own," of course he was going to say it. Spine always remembered his after all, with all the movement involved and how it could work their boilers a little harder than normal it was just smart to have some water source on hand.

The donation box was closed up and lifted, easily carried under one arm as he made sure he had everything just before. Even that water bottle of his was clipped to a belt to keep one hand freed up; the guitar case strap let it be carried over a shoulder, it was convenient. Also figured he'd end up carrying everything anyway. "Yeah, it was a really good crowd today.

"Good take from what I could see, might be able to afford some of the tools we've been needin'. Along with oil and some other fluids."

"Hey, usually there's so-someone else worryin' about the water." Though she had her own water bottle, it was usually one of the Walter Workers or assistants who would provide water for the robots. She could bring her own, sure, but whenever someone else could bring water she usually conveniently forgot.

"Ooh, could we get that fa-fancy oil that comes in the l-l-little green bottles? That stuff was awesome!" While usually against heavy maintenance even Rabbit was aware that some upkeep was necessary, especially since they were basically on their own out in this city. Didn't make her optics stop wandering to the fancy products, though.

Edited 2015-08-28 04:44 (UTC)

"There ain't someone else here, and eventually we're goin' to have to ask about mechanics." He wasn't all that sure the ones in the city would know what to do outside of the clockwork things of Verens. Robotics was a little different, event if Rabbit still had her original clockwork parts. "We can only do so much for each other."

Boy-scout over here.

The box was secured shut before he started on his way, at that easy pace Rabbit could keep up with easily. He had the longer stride out of the two of them, after all. "We'll see. Gotta count this up first, along with what else we've got saved up."

That just earns The Spine one of Rabbit's well-known pouts, her shoulders slumping a bit. "Yeah, well, maybe so-some of these folks c-c-c-could offer up us some wa-water sometime." She knew he was right, but of course she's going to complain about it. Easier to complain about it than to admit that things were much different here than back home.

She's able to keep pace with him easy enough as they walk, watching the people's curious glances as they walked further away from their performance spot. "And if there's en-n-nough, I wanna see about gettin' a new sunhat. I s-s-saw some real cute ones in a chop o-on the way down here."

Could pout all she wanted, it wouldn't change anything. "Maybe if we had a regular spot by some place that had runnin' water, and they liked us playin' by there." Otherwise? Well, never should expect stuff like that who just stop by to listen while probably trying to get elsewhere.

"We'll see Rabbit, like I said we gotta count up what we got," and he'd have to try and tuck some away for emergency funds. Busking alone wouldn't really do it for them, he'd have to start visiting the task board a bit more often.

"Well why wouldn't they l-l-l-like us playin' there? We got good music! Better'n so-some of the other entertainers 'round here." Even if it's Not Very Effective, she's still gonna pout. This was kind of like when they'd started busking back home, how hard it was to garner up that fanbase and start making a stable income from their performances. Being successful over the years had gotten her used to the perks of being considered a special guest at certain events and conventions.

She let out a small huff which was punctuated by a small bit of steam. He was right, she knew that; busking was hardly a practical means of making a living, and they didn't even have the Walter budget to help fill the gaps in their income. But it still was nice to imagine what they would do when they got successful here.

"Yanno, i-i-if we get enough money, you s-should get some new clothes too. Yanno, to make ya look spiffy."

TEST DRIVE: SEPTEMBER

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