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

[ Oomph!! Eizen's face goes right into the dirt, still being trapped by Rokurou's dumb net as well. ]

Beat me to it? Hah, That's a laugh coming from you!

[ Eizen let out a frustrated sound and tries breaking the net since it was around him. ]

I'm not the one with a net still stuck over his head!

[...Granted he was the one who put that there but details. In any case, he's going to try and give Eizen another kick in an attempt to free himself so he can get back up.]

I bet you don't even know what kind of beetle that toy is!

[And you do why, Rokurou??]

Of course I know what kind it is! That's exactly why it has my name written all over it!

[ Rokurou manages to land a kick or two to Eizen's face which really gets him furious. The ground around them started rumbling loudly the more the Malak grew annoyed. ]

[...Wuh oh. Not only do we have emotions, but Eizen's a earth malak. This is only going to be doubly worse isn't it.]

Then you'd know it's the golden stag beetle! So hands off!

[But does he care about that. NO OF COURSE NOT. If anything there's going to be some flicks of flame and crackles of lightning as Rokurou's own emotions start kicking in. And if he's free, he's going to getting to his feet, wobbling only slightly as the earth rumbles.]

Are you blind? What kind of idiot would mistake that beauty as a stag beetle?

[ Luckily the rumbling seemed to take Rokurou off balance just a little, because it gave Eizen enough time to finally pull this stupid net off him, only for it to break in his hands... whoops. ]

[...Wow.]

The only blind one is you if you couldn't realize that. And now you don't even have a net anymore.

[WHICH WAS TECHNICALLY ROKUROU'S NET but details.]

I don't need a net. A real man can catch a beetle with his bare hands.

[ OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. Look, he wasn't about to let Rokurou beat him this easily. If he was going to win or lose, it was going to be with a fight to the bitter end! ]

Suit yourself. You still have to beat me to it!

[At that moment he hears the toy chittering again before it flees, and Rokurou isn't going to let the chance slip him by. HE'S RUNNING AFTER IT AND HE HAS THE REACH OF THE NET AS AN ADVANTAGE!!!]

H-Hey! Get back here!

[ Eizen gets back onto his feet and takes off running after the daemon. Every step he takes seems to make the ground around them rumble again until it even takes Eizen off balance. ]

What... the hell?!

[Whoa! Rokurou is pretty good on his feet and balance, but trying to keep his balance while running with unpredictable rumbling ground is pretty tough. There are several times when he stumbles and almost trips, and as it gets worse, he eventually has to stop and turn to the malak.]

Hey, can you knock it off with the earth shaking?? You could damage the beetle!

[...Priorities.]

You think I'm the one doing this?!

[ Probably because it was... unintentionally of course, but his fault all the same. ]

I'm not a child who can't control his own power!

[ As if on cue, an earthly spike shoots up and nearly hits Eizen. ]

[Sweet Empyreans.]

How about your own emotions??

[—Wait, maybe he shouldn't add fuel to this proverbial fire. ...Okay, it's a literal fire, actually, because his own irritation had sparked a few things nearby.

Whoops. Uh.]

Okay, let's just both stop and chill for a second!

There's no time to stop and chill, the beetle is getting away!

[ Did he notice the sparks appearing nearby? Yes, but did it seem as important at the time? Not in the slightest. He'd hate it if Rokurou caught the beetle before him, but he'd hate it even more if some stranger got it. ]

It's going to get crushed if you keep this up!

I'm going to crush you if you keep this up!

[ Usually Rokurou gives the dumb retorts back, but it was Eizen's turn today. More rumbling at their feet.]

Eizen, I'm not kidding around! Your emotions are—

[And he has to cut his words short as he tries to maintain his balance. At that moment he hears the chittering of the beetle and it seems to be caught in one of the newly formed cracks from the ground.]

My emotions are what? Completely annoyed and completely valid?

[ The cracks it found its way into start to slowly close on the chittering Beetle. ]

[WHY]

EIZEN!

[And Rokurou is just going to rush up to the malak, slam both his hands on either side of his face, and shove it in the direction of the beetle.

Man, there is one fiery storm brewing around them, as well, the winds kicking up and lightning crackling through the air, one actually striking the ground not too far from them.]

[ He was about to yell at Rokurou, maybe even sock him in the face, but he turned his head toward the beetle. His eyes widen, like he realized the grave danger that was happening! ]

Rokurou! You're going to hurt it!

[ As if he hasn't already done that. ]

That's not my doing, you dumbass, that's YOU!

I already told you, my powers are under control. And this isn't anything reaper related..!

[ Eizen feels so insulted right now. SO INSULTED. ]

Didn't you get the damn memo?? It's your emotions causing the ground to shake!

[ Sometimes Eizen is given far too much credit than he deserved. He wasn't going to sit still long enough for the people at the welcome center to explain things to him. Not when there was ADVENTURE to be had. ]

That's... entirely inconvenient.

[Eizen why]

You seriously didn't— [Arrrghhghgggggg just a deep sigh of aggravation, thunder rolling overhead before he releases Eizen and takes a breath. He's supposed to be the one lacking emotions yet here we are now almost a year later.] Well now that you know, we just need to step back and calm down before one of us really does kill that thing.

[At least he's (sort of) acknowledging that his emotions are posing a threat as well. Though it's funny he hasn't this kind of a blow up in a while. Beetles, man.]

[ Eizen let out a sound of annoyance, even going so far as to click his tongue in Rokurou's direction. His arms fold across his chest. ]

How is it, you're the one in the know?

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