memepatheias | TEST DRIVE: February

Entry tags:

*test drive

TEST DRIVE: February

— 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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[Collecting toys doesn't seem too hard. With a partner it should go by even faster. It's like collecting the 1/35 Toy Soldier back home even if Cloud never collected all 12 of them. These toys were unique in that they were roaming around like strange little robots. It should be easy to collect them...]

We need a bag. [Or two.

If he manages to collect enough toys, and receives a prize... they're going to be handed to the first person who wants them even if Cloud secretly wants to keep them. They look interesting, but he's an adult.]

Here. Don't want them.

E-1
[The keychain collection is both impressive and really confusing for Cloud. What was the point of all this? Did someone really go out of their way to do this? He's not one to judge hobbies, but...

At least he's gotten a keychain out of it that looks rather like a chocobo feather. He'll take it and be happy with it until it starts glowing. Was there a light in it? Cloud looks around to see if anyone else has a glowing one or if his is just a little more special.]

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[Whisper. All Cloud is allowed to do is whisper and hope he finds the other person with the codeword before this being blindfolded thing makes him go crazy. It's not fun to walk around without knowing if he was about to run into someone, or worse, off a cliff or something. He carefully feels around and hopes he doesn't grab something he shouldn't if someone is indeed bumped into. At least he won't apologize unless he has to because there are risks to this game being played, so getting right to the point.]

Codeword?

Wildcard
[Hit me with your best shot!]

[ It's no big secret that Lunafreya enjoys cute things -- she'd spent twelve years sending notes back and forth with Noctis, decorating each page with cute little stickers. Different things like Chocobos, Cactuars, Moogles... hearts and rainbows and everything adorable under the sun. So this keychain thing is right up her alley -- if Noctis wasn't busy at work today, she may have asked him to come along with her, but alas.

She's been given a keychain, one in the shape of a little white dog. It glows faintly, though she's not particularly paying attention to it. She's busy looking at all the displays, the various shapes and sizes of each little keychain and she's half wondering if there is a gift shop so that she can purchase one for each member of her household.

Except as she gets closer to Cloud, the keychain in her possession begins to glow brighter and brighter, and it's almost a little startling. She takes a moment to pause and look at it, and then up -- she's directly across from a guy who looks suspiciously like Prompto. ]

Oh, hello. It would seem that you also have a special keychain.

[Ah. So there is someone with a glowing keychain as well. Except it's so bright Cloud can't tell what it's supposed to be. A literal eyesore as he blinks a few times to look up at the owner of it.

First thought he has? This lady was giving off the same kind of energy that Aerith does. Here's to hoping that this one doesn't need a bodyguard.]

Seems so. There's no button on it, so I don't know how it started or how to stop it. [Should he pocket his to make the glow stop?

Running his thumb along it just to double-check indeed tells him that there isn't any button. Was this some kind of magic?]

Ah... forgive me.

[ She didn't mean to blind him, and so she quickly holds the glowing keychain within her palm to keep from shining it into the poor man's eyes again. ]

I would imagine it has something to do with emotions. Much like everything else seems to be. Stopping it, however... I'm afraid I am at a loss as well.

[ Either or, she thinks they're both lit up for a reason, so she offers Cloud a small bow in greeting. ]

I must ask your forgiveness, I'm being rude. My name is Lunafreya, and it is a pleasure to meet you. What do you think of the museum thus far?

it's okay, he can do it himself. spare your hand, luna

actuallyadork - 2019-01-20 03:57 (UTC) - Expand

[ How absurd. Not only at being handed this so-called prize which he has absolutely no desire to keep for himself, but for blondie here to assume that he of all people would even entertain the thought of being gifted with such a thing... outrageous. Preposterous. Madness.

And it will certainly show with the way the former prince stares to this man. ]

And you think that I do? What use do I have for this nonsense?

[Wooow. Cloud was only trying to be polite. Fine. Cards are withdrawn as the blond shrugs.]

Suit yourself. [He'll figure out what to do with them. Maybe collect more, figure out the game behind it.] Don't come crying to me if you want them later.

[ The truth of the matter is: Cloud does not deserve this and Ravus Nox Fleuret shall be Ravus Nox Fleuret.

Nevertheless, there is a scoff that can be heard falling from the lips of the quite clearly disgruntled man at such a... notion. Either this man truly believes such a ridiculous thing possible or is simply trying to make light of the situation. Regardless, the former prince finds it all asinine. ]

I assure you there will be no crying over such childish things.

[ Honestly, how he ended up in this situation to begin with is a mystery to him still. Collecting toys and stuffing them in bags. Ludicrous. ]

Keep them as a souvenir of your time within this world, boy.

Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy VII

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luna will slap the shit out of ravus for u cloud

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