TEST DRIVE: February

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: FEBRUARY —

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 25 January and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on February 1st. Apps will only be open for four days!
  
  
• OC Reminder! Just a quick reminder that original characters are allowed. Those interested can also use the test drive. OCs do not need to be reserved.
  
  
• 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!
  
  
• Transfer to in-game. If accepted, you can assume threads made on the Test Drive happen in-game if the scenario can reasonably fit. For new characters, these threads do not count for activity check. However, these can be supplementary threads for players already in-game.
  
  
  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?
  
  • 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. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.
  
  • 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: Years ago, there was a short lived collectible card game fad in Verens called Magical Arehtei EX, combining Empatheias lore, the Arehtei and a convoluted rulebook to bring joy and confusion to Otherworlders and locals alike (the convoluted rulebook might be a reason why it fell out of fashion). And the brains behind it have decided now's the perfect time to relaunch it, both bringing back the card game itself, as well as a bunch of merchandise to go with it since even if the card game's confusing, maybe people will buy cool looking toys of the Arehtei and other various fantastic creatures (most of which are basically two or more animals combined together such as a sharkraffe or crabbear).
  

  1. The Gathering: Like before, there will be demos of the game in the city's parks. Anyone around will be invited to try out the game with a partner. Marvel at the artwork, stare in confusion at the still confusing rulebook (simplifying things was not part of the relaunch), or just do whatever with the cards. The event runners want this to be a success so they're not going to frown on people for making up their own rules (it's possible they don't understand the rules either). So long as people are enjoying the game, it'll get people to buy cards and assorted trinkets or so they hope. Either way, emotions are sure to be all over the place as people try to figure this one out!
     
  2. Bug Catcher 1, 2, 3: As mentioned there are toys of the various creatures in the card game (with some artistic liberties taken to make sure the Arehtei aren't going to file suit about their likenesses used). And they've even partnered with a reputable Verens toy company, responsible for such hits as the FeelSpring and other toys from the city's past that had a habit of coming to life. And this is no exception as the toy creatures are now running amok through the city! Instead of being asked to continue playing cards, Otherworlders will be given nets and asked to go collect the wayward toys from all around the city.
     
  3. Pedometer GO: Once all the figures are collected, the event organizers realize they have a way bigger hit on their hands than their weird card game, releasing the creatures into the park again and branding it as their newest hit, Magical Arehtei EX Go! As in go out there and get them. Otherworlders will be paired into groups of two and given a time limit to recover as many of the toys roaming the park as possible and trade them in for fabulous prizes! Which turn out to be a bunch of unsold cards from the relaunch.
     

  
  
  
  • Prompt E: Arumon, a renowned keychain designer, has promised the public that he plans on releasing one more design before he retires for good. If anyone hasn't heard of him until recently, it's because he made that promise 3 years ago, and most of the public has either forgotten about him or just accepted the fact that the final keychain design is never going to be released. Now, after years of delays and being side tracked with other projects (he's also a zipper designer!), he's finally ready to unveil the ultimate keychain! Naturally, the hype train has started to pick up at full-pace again, making this an event not to be missed. All accessory enthusiasts as well as security detail have been invited to the keychain museum, where Arumon's final keychain design is going to be unveiled at 9 o'clock. Are you HYPED?!
  

  1. Passion: Although it's called a keychain museum, tonight it serves more as an event function, encouraging all guests to mingle with one another. Aside from having Arumon's previous keychains on display, there are also free snacks and drinks being served, as well as merchandise shops or even stations where one can create their own keychain using various arts and crafts. Those who arrive will also receive a free random keychain of their own - did you get one that you like? If not, trading with each other is encouraged! And that's not even the best part... the keychains are infused with special crystals, which supposedly act as a compass to your heart. If someone is at the party who is destined to be your friend (or more?), your respective keychains will react to each other by glowing. This is not scientifically proven and the glowing might just be the cause of something else... but hey, who doesn't believe in friendship?
     
  2. Face My Fears: Later in the evening, an unfortunate side effect is discovered from having all of these keychains infused with emotion crystals. Anyone who harbours any negativity in their hearts, be it malicious or the more personal kind (fear, anxiety, sadness, etc), that negativity is fed into the crystal of everyone's keychains. The more the negativity festers, it in turn begins to affect their owners, influencing their behaviour in an even more negative way. Eventually, some crystals become so full that they start to come to life on their own, which results in pet-sized shadow creatures running amok. They're not strong on their own, but a group of them can make them very dangerous! Only those who don't have malice in their hearts can defeat them - if someone doesn't fit the criteria, their options are to either run or hope someone with a good heart helps them.
     
  3. Don’t Think Twice: With the shadow creatures largely dealt with, it's now time to unveil Arumon's final keychain! It's been a long wait, with many years of speculating what it could look like. The crowd couldn't be more ready! Unfortunately, the shadow creatures have spooked Arumon's confidence in his design, not to mention it's infused with the same type of crystal as the one that feeds on negative energy. He can't in good conscience release this to the public, which means he just announced there is going to be another delay. Naturally, the crowd feels cheated and disappointed for letting themselves get hyped up over a keychain. The whole function now starts generating negative energy, which is all being channeled into the box that contains Arumon's final keychain. Anyone who realizes the real danger here is quickly called to the stage and put on a different show for the crowd. Can you dance? Tell jokes? Put on a two-man improv show? Anything will do as long as it keeps the negativity in check! And should you fail? A large shadow creature emerges from Arumon's box... it looks like his final keychain has taken on the form of a boss battle! Once again, rely on those who have good hearts if you plan on fighting it!
     

  
  
  
  • Prompt F: Yet another unusual craze is sweeping over the city of Verens this month, spawning from a popular play that has taken Theasthai by storm. It involves blindfolding oneself and trying to accomplish everyday tasks successfully, and, as usual, people are getting carried away with the idea, creating entire events and gatherings around the phenomenon as its popularity grows and spreads. Known colloquially as “The Puzzle Box Challenge”, everyone seems to be getting in on some of the action, whether that’s participating, or attempting to stop others from getting themselves killed stupidly. After all, this has the Enforcers quite concerned! Which side of the line will you fall on?
  

  1. Password, Please: In the city park, Puzzle Box Challengers have gathered to play an unusual game. Participants are, of course, blindfolded, and are then led at random around the crowded park by event organizers to stand somewhere well away from where they entered and told a secret codeword. Once the bell sounds, participants must find the one other person in the park who has the same codeword as them. Only then can they remove their blindfolds! To make this a bit more difficult, however, participants are only allowed to whisper. Move about carefully, find your partner, and win the game!
     
  2. Anything You Can Do: Certain groups of Puzzle Box Challengers have formed rivalries with one another and are mostly concerned with one-upmanship, to the point of putting themselves in extreme danger. At their next public demonstration of superiority, one group plans to fly an airship while blindfolded, while the other group is aiming to build a barn while blindfolded. Both ideas are ill-advised, of course, and the Enforcers plan to try and stop them, and in response, both groups are recruiting new members to help them complete their task efficiently. Where will you end up? Helping one of the rival groups, or putting a stop to all this nonsense with the Enforcers?
     
  3. Senseless: Yet another extreme group of Puzzle Box Challengers have decided that blindfolds alone are not enough. The real PBC endgame is wearing a blindfold and earmuffs at the same time. Of course, most people aren’t crazy enough to try this without some incentive, so the group is offering a thousand sylvs to anyone who spends a day with both their ears and their eyes covered. And it won’t count if you just stay home, either. Get out there, go grocery shopping, trip over everything and most of all, have fun! Assuming you don’t get yourself killed, anyway.
     

  
  
  
  
  • Prompt G: Make your own! It could include a baseball cap and/or getting the wrong order at a restaurant.
  
  
  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

Blue Oak | Pokémon HGSS

[blueser]

B. Task GT0103 - where's Misty when you need her

Huh? Talk to fish? ...Well, I don't know who can do something like that...

[Blue's frown curls into a smirk, reaching behind him to unclip a Pokéball from his belt.] But, I got a Super Rod and a pal that can! Alright, who else's up for some Surfing?


D. hey kid check out my first edition holographic Charizard

What the Furret is a "sharkraffe"? [Complains a very skeptical-looking Blue, eyes narrowed as he flips front and back of one of the cards he's recieved in this so-called "booster pack" he got talked into buying. Well, it has a long neck and a lot of teeth, apparently... And that's just one of the weird creatures amongst the stack he's got.]

Looks like some little kid's idea of making up a fantasy Pokémon. No real creatures look like that.

[Beside him, a seemingly sentient palm tree with legs nods all 3 of its coconut-heads and chitters in agreement. Simply ridiculous.]


G. IT HAD TO BE A BASEBALL CAP, HUH, MODS

[On the bustling street in the Market Square, something has stopped Blue dead in his tracks in front of a mens clothing and accessory store. A display of hats sits prominently in the front, and he's fixated on one in particular.]

[It's red and white. It didn't have quite the same design-- no... of course it wouldn't, Pokéballs didn't exist in this world. And yet, with that round shape on the front, it looked almost exactly like...]

[Eevee, the vulpine-like creature hanging over Blue's shoulder, perks up its long ears as it notices a passerby, and calls out to you--] Vuu vuii? [Hey, you. Come and distract his trainer out of his angsty stupor, will you?]

G

[dragonshores]

[Spyro, and Sparx by association, is the type to mind his business until somebody makes their business his. It just so happens that as Blue becomes enmeshed in a display of hats, the dragon and his pal are cruising by with a purpose. When Eevee calls out to him, Spyro's first reaction is to refuse to involve himself. Who does this creature think he is, giving strangers directions? But then he wonders if ignoring this guy and his human might cause a problem down the line, and it's much more sensible to solve a problem sooner rather than let that problem blow up down the line.

So it is with a sigh and soft puff of smoke through his nostrils that Spyro, with Sparx, approaches Blue from opposite the shop's window.]

Uh... Hey.

[blueser]

[Luckily for Spyro it doesn't take much effort to pull him out of it. Blue jolts as he realizes he's being spoken to, half-noticing the dragon's reflection in the windowpane before he wheels around to confirm he's not hallucinating. A Dragon-type that can speak? That's... unusual... Maybe he hasn't totally grasped the different-universes aspect of this whole situation just yet, because he seems to glance around Spyro for something before settling his stare back onto him.]

No trainer? ...This'll take some getting used to.. [He half-mumbles under his breath] Um... what is it?

[Eevee, to the side of Blue's face, gives a puff of sighed relief and a thankful grin.]

[dragonshores]

[Though he gives Eevee a funny look, Eevee's expression opens Spyro's heart to his and Blue's plight. He trains his dark purple eyes on Blue once again, and speaks in a much friendlier tone than before. Meanwhile, Sparx indifferently buzzes around the dragon's wings. If anyone is the trainer around here, it's Sparx...]

What are you doing?

[blueser]

[Blue looks confused by the question at first- maybe even balks a little.] What's it to you? I was just doing a little shopping around, and--

[He suddenly seems to realize he was caught out in his staring and flushes pink for a moment, stuttering mid-sentence as he defensively tries to redirect the course of the conversation.] --and so anyway, don't worry about it! Just ...looking at hats, that's all!

[A dry sniff, and he looks Spyro up and down again.] I guess a dragon can't really find stuff that fits around here, huh?

[dragonshores]

[Despite his four-legged frame, Spyro is more than capable of shrugging his shoulders. In response to Blue's question, he does just that.]

Eh, I'm not into clothes much anyway. It gets in the way of kicking butt. Except...

[Spyro's eyes narrow and he gestures toward his face with one paw.]

I do like a cool pair of shades! I left mine at home, but I'll find something around here someday.

[blueser]

I guess it would. Or just get burnt up with your attacks. Pretty pointless, huh? [Blue raises an eyebrow. He always thought trussing Pokémon up was kind of strange anyway, but Coordinators did it plenty...]

[The last comment gets him to crack a grin, straightening up a little.] Hah! Can't argue with that. Not that I have any, either...

They don't make any around here? This place is kinda... [Blue rolls his eyes a little.] Ancient. Ish.

d

[broceanic]

Looks a bit like a Girafarig that had some kinda accident while evolvin', doesn't it? [archie comments lightly, holding up his own card. it's the same as blue's, but this one is HOLOGRAPHIC and INFINITELY COOLER. get dunked on, kid.

archie's crobat is with him-- it's sitting next to him and looking over the cards itself. exeggutor gets a chitter of greeting, long ears tilting towards it.] They had a couple in a circus a while ago that were like these but real. It was like a Safari Zone horror movie, I tell ya what.

[blueser]

[What!! Why is this guy's card holographic? That's not fair, Blue thinks, with a scrunch of his nose. Tiny blades of green grass start to pop up all around his feet as he glares at it before realizing himself and trying to stomp out the grass casually.] Y-yeah, whatever, I guess! The teeth are in the back of it, though...

[More important was that this guy had Pokémon with him- the first Blue's seen while arriving, certainly, so Blue's brief jolt of envy is quickly overtaken anyway by a swell of excitement as he fixates on Crobat. The grass, despite his efforts, begins to sprout tiny flowers, instead.] A Crobat, huh... [Looking Archie up and down, he immediately decides the other man must be a Hiker.] What city're you from? Pewter? Violet?

[broceanic]

[you know what, he'll take it. it's a weird feeling not being recognised, but not a bad one.]

Wrong region. Pacfidlog, Hoenn. You're journeying in Kanto, huh?

[blueser]

Hoenn....? [Blue's face falls, then sours.] Well no wonder, if you're from all the way down there.... News doesn't travel fast there, or something?

[Unlike Mr. former team leader here, Blue doesn't take kindly to being unrecognized and underestimated. He opens his jacket lapel to show the Earthbadge pinned inside of it.]

Show some respect when you're talking to a Gym Leader, pal.

[broceanic]

[he squints at the earthbadge, then, finally recognition flashes across his face.]

Ah! Blue Oak, right? [he grins-- happy to meet him regardless.] Nah-- we get news. I've just been... busy.

[he glances over to exeggutor-- crobat hops towards it, too. looking to make a friend.......... even if it's a little wary of the typing.]

Shoulda figured you'd show up eventually. Seems the only people showing up here are champs. [...] And, uh, me.

[blueser]

That's right! [Blue's grin grows, tugging his jacket smugly.] And don't forget it, Hoenn-guy. I'm the strongest there is in Kanto.

Exegg! [The Grass-type coos happily as Crobat draws near, nodding his heads hello. His heads squabble over each other, each wanting to ask Crobat a question at once- were there other Pokémon here? What about Grass-types? How did they all get here, anyway??]

That so. [Blue goes quiet for a moment, keeping his eyes fixated on the Pokémon as they interact.] Anyone else from Kanto?

[It couldn't be...]

G! ...as tempting as D was

[ulaulakahuna]

[Who just so happens to be passing by than someone who actually recognizes an Eevee? Nanu had actually spotted the pokémon from afar; as much as he hates to mingle with people, anyone from any world with pokémon is like an automatic magnet. It isn't until the Eevee starts calling out to him that he realizes its owner is in some sort of fugue.]

[The boy isn't the only one out and about with a partner, either. Nanu's Alolan Persian is sauntering along with him, taking just as much interest as her trainer. The pair quietly make their way over, Nanu giving the Eevee a nod as both a greeting and acknowledgement of whatever distress it's in, and come to a stop about a two feet behind the boy.]

[And if they had gone unnoticed by the boy, then of course Nanu will take the opportunity to spook him.]

Think your Eevee's sending out an S.O.S., kid.

[blueser]

[Blue jumps with a yelp at the sudden voice from behind, his surprise causing a tiny crack to form in the window in front of him. Oops.]

[Wheeling around, Blue's depression is replaced by fluster, and he sends a tiny frown to his companion Pokémon before he turns it on Nanu instead.]

What's it to you!? [He can try to posture all he wants, but with his cheeks this red, it's hard to be in denial. The Alolan Persian takes his notice after a moment, staring at her instead. What a strange-looking Persian. Where had he seen one like this before...?]

[ulaulakahuna]

[Wonderful. He loves children with an attitude. The posturing means nothing to him, after years of dealing with Team Skull. His dry, deadpan gaze doesn't waver, except to glance to the Eevee again.]

Don't see a lot of pokémon around here. I tend to notice when one calls for attention.

[And if their owner is a part of the interaction then he just has to deal with it, unfortunately...]

[Persian looks quite smug in comparison, raising her inexplicably fluffy head to get a better look at Eevee and its owner. Her tail flutters back and forth with interest.]

[blueser]

I'd heard that was the case, but... [He keeps looking at Persian for a long moment before he kneels down to her height. Reaching behind him into his bag, he pulls his Pokédex out and flips it open, holding it out between himself and Persian to give her a scan.]

No existing data. What kind of Persian is this? [He asks, glancing expectantly up to Nanu again for an answer.]

[Sitting up on Blue's shoulder and at a better height for greetings, Eevee reaches a paw out towards Persian and gives a trill hello.]

[ulaulakahuna]

[Soaking up any kind of attention, Persian stares as the pokédex is raised toward her. Although she is offended when it comes up empty - something that makes Nanu raise a brow.]

Nothing? Hmh... [It's odd that it has no data whatsoever, but he's not about to start asking a new arrival things like "what timeline are you from?"] She's an Alolan variant. Dark-type.

[Persian stands a little straighter. Ah, yes, talk about her more! Though she seems like one to snub, the large feline looks up at Eevee when 'spoken' to and acknowledges him with an exaggerated tilt of her head.]

G

[sithkabobed]

[Qui-Gon is a naturally private man, and because of that, he doesn’t tend to pry too deeply into the lives of others... unless they’re particularly interesting, then all bets are off. That being said, he’s also not the type to turn down a plea for help, no matter who it comes from.]

[At the sound of a tiny fuzzy creature trying to get his attention, his brow furrows and he walks over. After a quick glance into the window, he turns down to look at both Blue and Eevee.]

Your friend here seems a bit concerned about you.

[blueser]

[Blue seems to be so drawn in by... whatever it is he’s staring at, that at first he almost doesn’t even hear Qui-Gon behind him. It isn’t until a few seconds later, as the words percolate through, that he snaps out of his daze to whip his head around in surprise at the older gentleman behind him.]

[For just a moment he gapes, caught out and off-guard, before his expression hardens into a sour pout. Before addressing the man, he turns instead to said friend on his shoulder and gives a quiet but slightly whiny] What was that for...!?

...Um, I’m fine, really, pops. Eevee here is a bit of a worrywart sometimes, that’s all. [It probably didn’t take a Jedi to call BS here, with how Blue is radiating gloom and sullenness after being caught, but he tries to straighten himself up with some amount of fake confidence besides.] See? I’m peachy!

[sithkabobed]

[Iiiiiit definitely doesn't take a Jedi to call BS on that one, enough that Qui-Gon raises an eyebrow in Eevee's direction as if to say 'is your dude for real?']

[But he doesn't make an issue of it, and instead responds a well-practiced lie of his own.]

I'll take your word for it.

[He focuses his attention once more to the window.]

Did something catch your eye?

[blueser]

[Qui-Gon's immediate sure Jan earns him a frustrated noise from the boy, but he's quickly distracted enough by the question as he tries to think of another convenient lie to excuse his behavior.]

--Not really. I mean, I'm just shopping around. The fashion here is weird. [He makes another childish, sour face as he glances back into the window, full of laces and leathers and buckles, probably.]

[There's a brief pause of hesitation before he lets a small truth slip out.] I guess there are familiar things, too.

Sorry he bothered you. [Eevee's ears pin back indignantly as he's apologized for, but Blue just shoots him another look.]

[sithkabobed]

He hasn't been a bother at all.

[Qui-Gon smiles and dips his head respectfully in Eevee's direction. Clearly that little fuzzy creature is more than just a pet and deserved his own recognition.]

[He straightens up and casts another glance to the window before addressing Blue directly.]

A good start to appreciating another culture is to find the similarities between it and your own. It'll grow from there. At the very least, it won't seem 'weird' anymore.

[He pauses.]

And it can help ease homesickness.

sorry it took me so long! i've been sick! ANYWAY, i'm sorry also G because fav mon 8(

[latiosite]

[ She's used to getting lost in the city by now, taking her time on the streets, window shopping, and simply enjoying the atmosphere even though the weather is a little blustery and cool. Lucario joins her as he so often does when she's out shopping, happy to help carry any groceries or other items she might pick up along the way, though she has nothing in her arms as of now.

The sound of the Eevee is caught long before she notices it, crouching when she hears the familiar sound. ]

Why, hello, there. Would you like me to follow you? [ Lucario chatters with it in that rough growl-bark way he does and nods at his trainer. To which, of course, she follows the other dogmon. ] Hello?

NO WORRIES I’m a bit slow rn anyway

[blueser]

[Eevee is beyond delighted to find another Pokémon in the midst of his exploration, so it’s no wonder that he pounces upon the trainer in an effort to lead her on the short journey through a crowded street towards his own. It’s there, across the cobbles, that Blue can be spotted staring scornfully into a shop window, hands shoved in his pockets. Maybe the young trainer isn’t quite recognizable from afar as the energetic young man now co-heading the Battle Tree as Anabel knows it, but the moment he hears Eevee’s cry as the evolution Pokémon bounds towards his feet, he turns around to face them.]

[No mistaking it, that was Blue Oak. Just... significantly younger.] Eevee! Where have you been, I was looking for you! [He scolds, bending so that the vulpine Pokémon can leap up to his usual perch on his shoulder. Maybe the claim is half-true; he sure was absorbed in whatever it was he was staring at.]

[It takes him a moment to notice Anabel following shortly behind, but she’s only spared a moment’s glance as Blue’s eyes settle more fully on the Lucario instead. His eyes widen, then narrow. He recognized that species well from books of Pokémon in far-away regions...] You found a trainer...?