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memepatheias2019-01-19 07:15 am
empevents) wrote in memepatheias2019-01-19 07:15 am
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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).- 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!
- 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.
- 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?!- 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?
- 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.
- 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?- 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!
- 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?
- 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! - 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!
Roxanne Monroe | OC
[ After hearing about this part of Verens culture, Roxanne wanted to check it out and maybe, just maybe, find something she'll be willing to do. She wasn't much of a fighter, or even a daring person, so she could be found in front of the task board itself. Her eyes scan the various papers with potential jobs. This sounds more her speed. One-time favors with no commitment like her part-time jobs. That Empanyaki restaurant gig has her attention, taking the paper in her hand to carefully read what it entails. ]
Oh, sorry. Am I in your way?
[ She asks, immediately stepping back even if the other person has yet to respond. Her curiosity however, causes her stare to linger at the other person a little too long, trying to deduce whatever she could. She'll stammer and blush softly if she gets caught, hiding half of her face with the paper still in her grasp ]
C:
Hello. To everyone who might be listening or hearing this? I-I'm sorry. Telepathy is just a really new thing for me... And uhm, right. The point. Is there a place to get more modern clothes here, by any chance? It could be a long shot, but it can't hurt to try. This place looks about two hundred and fifty years ago in my world, so I'm hoping it's not just leather boots and frills for me from now on... No internet and no electricity is already driving me crazy. Blah...
D-2:
[ Roxanne wasn't much of an outdoor person, but this city is fascinatingly surreal that she couldn't help but want to see every nook and cranny of Verens and imagine herself in a video game. Her intense immersion even makes an augmented-reality-like display show up around her personal space. She thought to visit the park today when she heard about this card game. The display pops like a bubble when she snaps out of her reverie. Seeing the people who were in the park, running around with nets and chasing some moving toys, Roxanne finds herself with question marks appearing over her head, matching her puzzled expression ]
What the hell...
[ She utters and sighs, with her exasperation getting interrupted as some local gave her a net to help out. She walked all the way here, she's stuck in a new world with no internet, and she's hungry for some tacos. She's in a weird mood.
A toy doll started running towards her at great speed, scuttling near her legs and making Roxanne jump out with a loud yelp. The doll kept running around her, trapping Roxanne in the same spot as she awkwardly tries to catch it with the net. But it's too fast! ]
Gah! No, don't get your dirt on my Turbos!
[ Referring to her brand new-looking, flashy pair of pink running sneakers. Which she's more concerned about apparently ]
E-1:
[ Roxanne has been attending gatherings like the one at the park and these more often, in hopes of meeting more people and build a circle of trust. This keychain making fits pretty close to her arts and crafts hobby, so she couldn't resist making one to kind of show off a little. The crystals look pretty nice, much like the ones she's wearing on her left wrist. Roxanne can be seen with her eyes glued to her keychain, holding it in front of her and watching the light within it pulsate. She only glances briefly to see where her keychain seems to be leading her, focusing on the crystal as she kept walking... into a wall. The collision was light, but it was enough to snap her out of her intense focus. Her shoulders slump, groaning at how silly this quest is. Roxanne rests her head on the wall with her crystal keychain still glowing ]
Hey Wall, it looks like it's just you and me... New world, same life.
G:
[ Finding a cute baseball cap in the store earlier, Roxanne couldn't help but be enamored by how it looks. She's not a big fan of hats in general, but it's cute design and perfect fit made her want to wear it proudly in the streets of Verens. Eventually, she'll see a store front with a mirror big and clear enough to see her own reflection. In her elation, Roxanne couldn't contain her good mood with a simple grin and poses in front of the glass. Even doing a silly move of turning around and back again with an equally goofy sound effect
Ka-chow!
[ Sparkles and a wink of light from her glasses added to the effect, distracting her from the fact that someone is nearby as she could now see on the mirror. A trembling gasp leaves her lips, causing Roxanne to pull her arms tightly to her chest in surprise and shame ]
I was just- Aha... I should go.
[ She nods frantically, pointing at the direction she was headed to ]
-----
[ Or come up with your own! Roxanne is a new character for me, so please be gentle. I have a permissions post for Roxanne and can be contacted for plotting, questions, and concerns via PM or in Plurk @
B
Not at all! Your timing is perfect, actually.
[The blue haired girl looks upwards, gesturing at the task board.]
I need for someone to finish one of these for me.
no subject
There's so many. Which one of these do you want help with?
no subject
[Alyce lifts a finger to rest on her cheek, cyan gaze turned upward.]
Which one pays best..? I imagine I'll have a need for "money," correct? Do these give money?
no subject
[ Roxanne says under her breath, eyes narrowing slightly and lowering her bounty paper in her loosened grip, not knowing what to say to what this girl is asking for. Being an adult, Roxanne feels responsible for this girl, and being an easily swayed person, she couldn't find it in herself to say no to a plea for help. ]
Yeah, most of these pay money. Still getting used to the currency of this place, but-
[ Roxanne holds out the paper in her hand, showing the request for the Empanyaki Restaurant with the promise of 500 sylvs a night ]
-this one pays the most. I think...
no subject
She takes the request in eager little hands, reading it over.
Logic would like to step in here, and remind everyone that this is a terrible idea. Alyce can't serve her own meals, let alone make them, for herself or others. She certainly can't be expected to put on a cooking show, nor should she expect that of herself.
But she smiles an excited smile after reading it.]
How wonderful! Then, you'll be my partner. Grab your things, and let us be on our way.
1/2
[ Roxanne feels her stomach sink and the hairs of her skin stand, contrasting the forward slump of defeat her shoulders did when she sees that smile. ]
-Fine... Fine. Seeing as I don't have any things to grab, so let's just go. After you, uhm, miss.
[ She sighs. Roxanne has a terrible feeling about this. Not because of Alyce's youth and probable inexperience with cooking, but Roxanne in general just doesn't do well with people. If anything this girl's energy might be good with customers? That's about the only thought Roxanne holds to in hopes of soothing her anxiety. Muttering to herself, Roxanne lets Alyce lead while she follows slowly ]
Should've just picked the forest-and-beans one... Oh well, what's the worst that could happen?
2/2
From the manager feeling more like a drill sergeant, and the entire restaurant packed and full of hungry patrons wanting to eat now, Roxanne panics as she gets behind a counter to start cooking. People yelling left and right coupled by the hurried sounds of utensils clashing, scraping, and crashing made Roxanne feel she's in a warzone more than a restaurant. Finding it hard to hear, and her emotions manifesting and making the shrimps on the flat iron grill jump, Roxanne pats them back down with her dual-wielded spatulas while on the verge of tears. The patrons they're serving are either yelling at Roxanne's poor performance or wide-eyed with shock as if witnessing a murder at how badly this is going ]
Ahhhh! Please stop yelling at me! I'm really trying my best here!