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

Helios | Sailor Moon

[helisyon]

[ D1 ]
[Helios had been quite stupefied by the card game, but had also found it charming and actually fun nonetheless as he had never experienced such a thing before. After pouring over the rulebook and studying the cards, Helios is about to put a card in play when SUDDENLY TOYS. And now he's joined the effort to try and capture these strange things.

However, although he could just run around, why do that when you can just transform into a Pegasus and fly around trying to capture the things that way? So don't mind a flying horse suddenly swoop in to try and slam a net over a toy—only to have it miss and he...nets someone over the head instead.

Oh dear.]

Ah, my apologies! This is a little more difficult than I expected— One moment—

[And he'll try to remove the net as quickly as possible, but that may not be the best course of action, either.]


----------------------
[ E1 ]
[The keychains are just fascinating! He actually can't help but marvel at their designs, his own looking like a pair of wings around a gold star. He can't really complain about that and there is a bright, yellow aura around him as he makes his way through the museum, his curiosity and admiration making him shine a bit. Given what's to come, it's probably a good thing his keychain is getting fueled by these more positive emotions.

But at some point he'll notice his keychain glowing along with this feeling of being drawn towards someone. Not unfamiliar with the sensation, he just allows himself to follow the sensation, and upon reaching a person, he gives a warm smile.]

It would appear that my keychain led me to you. I am Helios, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[He follows his polite greeting with a bow of his head, warmth just continually radiating from his being. He knows not who this new person is, but ever since arriving he's enjoyed meeting new people and hope they won't mind his sudden greeting.]


----------------------
[ E2 ]
[When the strange heartless shadow creatures begin to attack, Helios is quick to stand firm. Unfortunately he's not a fighter, but that doesn't stop him from trying to offer his own wards and prayers for support.]

Quickly, this way!

[And if someone is having trouble, Helios will try to reach them to guide them to safety, even transforming into Pegasus if necessary. So if you want a ride on a flying horse, totally an option.]

D1

[smallxlady]

[ They must have both been going for the same toy because one minute Chibiusa is about to bring her net down on it only to find herself trapped by someone else's. She hadn't even noticed anyone come up behind her so don't mind the small squeak in surprise.

It's the familiar voice that has Chibiusa spinning towards him, which isn't really going to help Helios get the net off of her as it tangles more around her body. A light blush spreads across her face and pink heart bubbles form above her head. ]

Helios!

[ Still, she laughs lightly and attempts to help him free her from the net. ]

Maybe we should work together to catch the toys next time.

[helisyon]

[AAHH]

Young maiden!! I'm so sorry, I was so focused on trying to catch that toy, I—

[He's so frazzled he lost some of his usual proper demeanor. Okay, trying to free her as a Pegasus is not going to work, so there's a flash of light and swirl of feathers as he changes back to his human for to try and untangle the young girl.]

You're not hurt are you?

[smallxlady]

[ For her part, Chibiusa feels a mix of embarrassed and amusement - not at all upset at being caught in Helios' net. ]

It's okay! We were both so focused on catching the toys that we weren't paying enough attention to others helping out.

[ While Pegasus is quite agile in many things, the form isn't great for extracting young girls from a criss-cross pattern of rope. Horses with wings don't have opposable thumbs. Chibiusa does like looking at his true face so seeing him transform back is especially nice.

A shake of her head and with both of them working together, she's soon free of the net. ] Not at all! [ One of her hands reaches out for his - a reassurance. ] See, I'm perfectly fine.

[helisyon]

[Once she's free, it's only when she reaches for his hand that he allows some relief—but he still looks down at her with some perplexed concern. Oooh, how could he have been so careless?? Not to mention it's a bit embarrassing to have that happen at all.]

If you're sure... I still should have been more careful. [A deep sigh.] Not only that, my error has allowed the toys more time to run free. We'll need to hurry to catch the ones that got away.

[smallxlady]

[ More than anything, Chibiusa had been surprised and the embarrassment only came because it was him who'd caught her. But that's all from being in an awkward position with the guy she likes. Still, they're not much either of them can do about it but move forward. ]

We'll both have to be more careful. [ It's true that she hadn't expected someone flying over head during this. ] Working together, we'll be able catch all the ones we let escape and probably a lot more.

[helisyon]

Of course, you're right. [Okay, Helios, she's fine! You're fine!! You can do this! ...Plus he's actually a bit happy that he will be able to work with her. (Okay he's a lot happy.) So after taking another breath, he allows himself to smile a bit.]

How should we do this?

[smallxlady]

[ His little smile is good, it assures her that he's not completely blaming himself.

Clearly he just has to make sure she doesn't get captured by anyone else. As much as Chibiusa wants to keep holding Helios' hand and work literally side-by-side with him, she knows there's a better way to catch the toys. ]

We should get a few of them going in the same direction, like herding so we can catch a bunch of them in one go.

[helisyon]

Herding... [He muses this for a moment.] Then I should transform again. As Pegasus I should be able to direct them to you.

E1

[notaratperson]

And why would it led you to a stranger?

[Huh...no, no, he doesn't recognise him, that was just a strange weird false deja vu...that wasn't true... at all..]

We... haven't met, have we?

[helisyon]

[There's just a long pause as Helios's eyes widen upon recognizing the man before him. It...couldn't be...could it?

The strong resonance he feels tells him it must be true, but he's also sensing a few other things that gives him pause, something clouding the truth. Perhaps he should take a little care just in case.]

It certainly feels that way. [A light but still warm smile.] Perhaps in another time and place.

[Not a complete lie.....]

But while we may be strangers now, we do not need to be. I am a bit curious as to why my keychain led me to you—aren't you?

[notaratperson]

Another time and place....

[Hmmm...]

I think... I might ask Lord Kunzite about it, when he comes here.

[Of course he will. Or Zoisite will go back home. Either, or, Zoi doesn't doubt it, for the moment.]

Anyway. My name is Zoisite, and I'm one of the great Four of the Dark Kingdom, and, if I ever knew yours, I forgot it. Care to remind me?

[helisyon]

[Lord Kunzite... And Lord Zoisite. His smile falters a fraction at hearing mention of the "Dark Kingdom," thoughts slowly falling into place as the faces of the other former generals flash through his mind. But he still maintains his calm, friendly smile.]

I am Helios, a humble priest. [How he wished he could tell Zoisite the truth, yet there is still much he is uncertain about and it would be better if he consulted the princesses first. But he will continue to try and learn more.] This Dark Kingdom...what is it like?

[Of course he knew—how could he forget? But he maintains a more innocent facade, not wishing to shy away of the man he once knew so long ago.]

[notaratperson]

If you introduce yourself as humble, somebody might step on you. Just a friendly advice, dear priest.

Dark Kingdom is... it's a dull place, if you haven't got the right company. Only that can make it worthwhile, you see.

[helisyon]

[That is—rather odd advice, but it just makes Helios all the more curious about him.]

That would be their fault for assuming they could. [Hey, he can throw out some wit and retort when he wants to, but his smile turns a little amused before it fades.]

A dull place, hmm. I assume you are a warrior—why do you serve it?

[notaratperson]

I serve Lord Kunzite, who serves the Queen of Dark Kingdom, Queen Beryl, who serves our Great Ruler.

[Logical, right?]

[notaratperson]

And before you ask, nobody and nothing can tear me apart from my Lord.

[helisyon]

...I see. [He again feels that unease before, and his keychain actually dims a bit in response.] You are truly quite loyal to your Lord—that's admirable, really.

[Even if he's with the Dark Kingdom right now, he cannot deny that aspect as worth respect. After all, under different circumstances...]

Who is your Great Ruler?

E2

[keyofchronos]

[When the shadow figures had appeared, Setsuna had slipped out of sight long enough to have checked on Usagi and then transform in Sailor Pluto. Alighting just between the child and the shadows, Pluto looked over her shoulder for a moment to ensure the two would be alright before turning her attention to the shadows. Holding the garnet rod she took a small step forward, her voice coming out little more than a whisper as she rushed forward.]

Dead Scream.

[Pink energy erupted from the garnet orb, the shadow figures dissipating as they were struck. At least the few that were there right at that moment. There were plenty more around, likely waiting for their chance. Pluto walked back over to where Helios and the child were, kneeling in front of the little one but looking over them both.]

Are you alright?

[helisyon]

[The moment Sailor Pluto around, Helios breathed a sigh of relief and focus his efforts in protecting the child and try to reassure and calm them as best as one can in such a situation. With the shadows dealt with, he gives Pluto an appreciative smile.]

Yes, thank you. But I'm afraid this child has been separated from her parents. We need to reunite them, quickly.

[The young girl clings onto the front of Helios's shirt, sobbing as she is understandably still shaken and scared by everything. Even so, Helios remains calm, emitting a soft warmth that is likely the only reason why she's not screaming in hysterics instead.]

[keyofchronos]

[Pluto nods her head.]

They will likely head somewhere safe, either their home or towards the Enforcers who should be mobilizing to subdue this issue. Though they may have more to deal with if people continue to get worked up.

[There was already electricity buzzing in the air from the panic, and some places were starting to cloud over seeming to make the creatures even larger and stronger. As Setsuna drew in a breath and focused the area around them seemed to calm, the noise of their surroundings dampening a little, the air cooling a little.]

Keep her safe, I'll deal with the enemy as they appear. We'll head towards the welcome center, it should be secure.

[helisyon]

[Helios gave a firm nod of his head. Since he was still fairly new and Pluto knew more about this world than he did, he is willing to follow her lead.]

Understood.

[He then turned back to the child and lightly brushed the top of her head, giving her a warm smile. He asks if she can stand and walk, and although she tries, her legs give out from the shock and fear. Without any further question he gathers her into his arms and picks her up, holding her close to his chest. It may limit his movements a little, but he would be able to shield her like this.]

My powers are limited here now that I am no longer connected to Elysion, but I'll do what I can. Lead the way.

[keyofchronos]

Mine have been as well, at least those tied to the gates of time have been sealed it seems. Though the garnet rod doesn't seem affected.

Luckily I don't believe these enemies pose much of a real threat.

[At least not compared to some of the challenges that she had seen in the time she had been here. They had certainly been much easier to dispatch than many of the dummies in the previous attacks. But it was always wise to err on the side of caution.]

Remaining calm and keeping the child calm will be enough to help. Emotions are a powerful source of energy here, and it is likely that these shadows feed off of the negative energies rather than positive or neutral ones.

[helisyon]

[He nods, listening attentively. Emotions...keeping calm... These are things the priest is well practiced in at least. But hearing that the creatures may be feeding off the negative energies... It does bring unpleasant memories of the Dead Moon Circus and their lemures.]

Leave it to me. If I'm good for anything, it's remaining calm and encouraging others to look past the darkness. [A light grin as he turns to the child, his expression softening as he holds her close. He can at least feel her breathing starting to even a bit more, and her trembling has lessened.

But now they'll really be put to the test when a small number of those shadow creatures suddenly appear in front of them.]

[keyofchronos]

I know.

[It was one of the reasons why Setsuna would entrust the small lady to him without question. But there was no time to reminisce or regret things that occurred in another time or world as more of the shadows appeared before them.]

Do you know the way?