TEST DRIVE: March

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: MARCH —

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 22 February and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on March 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.
  
  
• 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!
  
  
  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: Self-proclaimed knight (and actual millionaire) Vermouth Pennybags has heard a local legend about a the infamous Chalice of Wisdom, an ancient relic said to be hidden somewhere within the city and only attainable by the most valiant and quick-witted in all the land. Of course, Vermouth Pennybags is not valiant or quick-witted, but he is very rich, and so he has enlisted the help of the Otherworlders in following the clues to find the Chalice. If you are successful, you will be rewarded handsomely...but only if you find the Chalice.

1. The Knights Who Say...: The first task that Mr. Pennybags sets forth is for you to find a...shrubbery. Yes, a shrubbery, that supposedly, when its leaves are used to make tea, will leave behind dregs with another clue once the tea is drunk. As such, not just any shrubbery will do. You will need to fetch a shrubbery from a certain glade in the Ferril Mountains, where you will find a number of nice-looking and not-too-expensive shrubberies. The question is, which is the one the legend speaks of? One has golden leaves near the base, and that’s the one you’re looking for. However, it may take some time to find it! Did you bring your garden shears?
   
2. A Vicious Streak A Mile Wide: Once the shrubbery is obtained and Mr. Pennybags drinks the magic tea, his next clue will lead him to conclude that you need to capture a...deadly bunny rabbit. What exactly makes a bunny deadly remains to be seen, but fortunately for you, there are plenty of farms nearby that keep bunnies around. There is indeed one very violent one among the bunch, but it won’t be so easy to find it. You will have to focus your own feelings of anger and hate to find the bunny in question, and even then, you will need to be careful. Once it’s been found out, the bunny will attack! Defend yourself against nibbles and wrestle the unruly beast into submission. The Chalice is on the line.
   
3. What is Your Quest: Mr. Pennybags decides that what he must do with the rabbit to determine his next steps are to...set it free, because it keeps biting him, the little bugger. Instead, he conveniently finds a map at the local library that purportedly leads to the Chalice’s location! Following the map will take you deep into the woods on the far side of Lake Niras, where you will find a bridge across a ravine. The bridge is rickety and old, and a fall from this height will surely kill you. If you dare to cross, only bolstering feelings of confidence and courage will see you safely across. And should you make it to the other side...you will find Vermouth Pennybags himself there, snapping a picture of you and informing you that this was all just an elaborate set-up for a story in tomorrow’s newspaper. What a con. Well, enjoy those fifteen minutes of fame!

• Prompt E: An engineering society in Briarlan named The Beta Alpha Engineering Society or B.A.E.S. recently developed a new entertainment system called Crystal Simulation. The Crystal Simulation is a means to create a four-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with on a seemingly real or physical way by a person using a specific equipment: a pair of bulky transparent rimmed eyeglasses made from the same crystals that can be found in the mines. This is a huge step in forwarding technology in all of Empatheias, and Verens is more than lucky for the B.A.E.S. to have decided to use the city as their testing grounds. Put a pair on and let the B.A.E.S. teleport you into an alternate reality through telepathy.

1. Tutorial: The moment you open your eyes after putting the Simulation Glasses on, you find yourself in a desert. There's sand everywhere, even in your shoes. At least, it definitely feels real. Even the heat of the sun is scorching hot despite it being winter in Empatheias right now. You find that your clothes have changed, and you feel like such a beginner with your light clothes and small dagger. A long rectangular white box floats in front of you, and above it reads: ENTER YOUR NAME. The first word or name that you think of ends up being your name in this reality. You think of your actual skills from your home world, and these thoughts are transmitted to the B.A.E. in charge of your simulation. They sent you a mental image of a row of empty boxes in front of you, and on top of it reads: LVL 1, AMATEUR. At the very least, there seem to be other amateurs around you - in fact, all their names are floating above their heads!
   
2. Level Up!: After finding out that this 4D reality is something similar to a "game", you find that in this reality, there are missions to accomplish. Unfortunately, you cannot accomplish anything while you're still an Amateur. Thanks to your trusty dagger (which needs to be re-sharpened every time you kill a monster), you can chop up the many cacti all around, kill Fluffy Bunnies, or head to the nearby oasis and make a fishing rod and catch fish. Doing these tasks add to your EXP, and once you reach level 5, you'll be prompted to change your class. You've been promoted, and it comes with new skills and a neat costume change! Although… if your B.A.E. thinks you're amusing in a bunny costume, then they won't hesitate to put you in one, instead. Nobody said this simulation was perfect!
   
3. The Desert Dragon: Once enough players have reached level 5 and have changed classes, the desert will suddenly get dark. Winds will blow and howl until the sandstorm blinds everyone temporarily. Then, a roar. Once everyone's regained their sight, they'll find a white dragon with eyes glowing. It reeks of hatred and anger, and each claw is gripping a large gold ball with a giant star emblem on it. The dragon flies around the desert wreaking havoc and destroying the settlements in the oasis. Your job is to defeat this creature. Use your skills, your emotions (perhaps love and happiness will counter the dragon?), and try to pop those balls. They seem to be giving him power! Once the dragon has been defeated, the simulation is over and everyone who participated will be given 100 sylvs for their trouble. Thank you!
   

• Prompt F: Every year at Lake Niras, a group of fishing enthusiasts host the annual Iron Fish Tournament, in which everyone can compete as individuals or as a team in order to catch the rarest fish. A winner is determined by the size and rarity of the fish, but most of the veterans are here for only one prize: to catch the legendary Demon of the Lake. What is the Demon of the Lake? Well, nobody has really seen it with their own eyes, but there is definitely something in the water, but those who managed to get it to nibble have never been able to reel it out. Maybe this is the year that the demon is conquered?

1. Fishing 101: The nice thing about this competition is that everyone can borrow their own gear and boats, which is welcoming even for those who just want to have a relaxing day fishing. There is an instructor teaching a class the basics of fishing just near the water, but if someone already knows their way with a fishing pole is encouraged to take a novice on board and teach them the ways. Who knows, whether you're both beginners or one teaching the other, you might just make a great team!
   
2. The Game is On: Once people are out on their boats, they'll quickly learn that Empatheias isn't your typical world and conventional fishing wisdom may not apply here. For example, aside from using the correct lure and bait, one must be in a right emotional state in order to attract the fish they want. This is all explained to any of the newcomers, of course. Talking about happy things will attract small exotic flying fish, while experiencing negative emotions will attract the heavier fish, although they're not as rare as the former. Remember, winning results are based on both size and rarity! There is also a third type of fish, although they're not attracted to any strong emotions nor are they part of the competition. Why is that? Well... that's because these ones explode if they're not thrown back into the lake quick enough. They can be identified by a small unicorn-like horn on their foreheads, so watch out!
   
3. Catch Me If You Can: Those who are persistent enough will eventually feel a strong bite, although most attempts at trying to reel their prize will end in their rods being yanked out of their hand. Those who are less fortunate will probably fall into the water, too! Perhaps this is a two-person job. Those who are strong enough to actually hold on to their rod will only have it be broken, too. Surely this is the legendary Demon of the Lake! Unfortunately, there is no way to catch it... but hey, the fish is the friends we made along the way, right? As for those who are frustrated enough to dive into the water, it'll be too hard to see the figure of the demon, but a giant tentacle will catch them and their partner and throw them out of the lake!
   

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include goldfish and/or carrots.

Comments

[lightthedarkness]

"We could get you your own, Michiru-san," Usagi made more than enough money to get a violin for the older woman, and it would make her happy to get Michiru something that would be so important to her. "That is, I could get you one, I don't mind!" she offered in a different way, wanting to help the violinist as much as Michiru had helped her.

At the mention of playing for her any time, she blushed.

"I've always loved your music, you know? It always draws me in no matter what. It's like... what are those things... It's like that's your siren song."

[aqua_mirror]

"That would be wonderful, though luckily the shop's owner has agreed to provide me with one should I find a few patrons and bring in business to the shop."

Walking over Michiru took Usagi's hand in her own.

"I'm honored that you enjoy it and that you feel that way. Though there is no deceit or false promise in the notes that I play, only the truth of what lies in my heart."

[lightthedarkness]

"Well, maybe if they have something like a microphone, you can bring Mina-chan there! She wants to start performing so she can become a real idol here! So that's some business, right? This is like one of your patrons back home, right?"

She squeezed Michiru's hand, instantly feeling that connection she had with all the girls and it washed over her and filled that chasm that was in her heart that had been there for three long years with the absence of the Senshi in her life.

"Oh! Oh! Ah... no no, I didn't- sorry, no I never meant-" good going, Usagi. She blushed and squeezed Michiru's hand. "No, I know you would never do anything like that."

[aqua_mirror]

"I know you wouldn't. That's why I said thank you, I understand that it was a compliment. It's just that sirens often have a very bad reputation."

And there had been a certain which who had very much used her position as an idol to sing a siren's song. But that was something that was not of importance in this world, at least not at this point in time.

"Something similar, yes. And if that is what she wants, she should have mentioned it, I know quite a few music producers back home who could have helped her. I have already spoken to several who work with the radio here as well, and other live performances. I would be happy to introduce her, and maybe even have her accompany me for a performance."

[lightthedarkness]

"Hee," she smiled as Michiru, as always, graciously eased the situation, soothing over the matter like she always did. She nodded. She was always so elegant!

Usagi listened and then her smile turned into her grin.

"This is great! If you mention it to Mina-chan, I bet she'll take you up on it immediately both here and back home! You remember Mimi from the Witches 5? Oh, she just seriously couldn't stand the way she used music to hurt people! She was so pissed!" Or so Minako said, she hadn't been there initially. "But wouldn't it be amazing if you and Minako could perform together?" She wasn't sure it would entirely work since Minako tended more towards pop-idol songs but maybe it could be like how Michiru and Haruka did a duel concert with Seiya-kun and the Starlights.

"I'll get front row seats! I'm already her number one fan and you're number two fan!" Cause they both knew Haruka took the #1 spot.

[aqua_mirror]

"I will make sure that you have tickets for any performances that I have. Minako will probably do it too, after all having someone special to perform for always helps. Especially when you are just starting out."

It was true that Haruka would always be the first of her fans, and the closet of them, because the two of them knew all that there was about the other. And no matter how much they care for the princess and were bonded to her, their bonds with one another were just as deep. In so many ways they were connected, and even with distance between them, they could sense the other.

"I wonder if she would be ready for all of the extra attention that comes with it? Boys and girls both will certainly fall for someone like her once they hear her sing."

There were a number of confessions that Michiru had turned away, and it would have likely been far more had Haruka not cut most of them off at the pass. Intercepting flower bouquets, handshakes, and even just stepping into the middle of a conversation to keep them at bay.

[lightthedarkness]

"If anyone is ready to be world famous, Minako-chan is!" Usagi pumped her fist. "She's always wanted to be an idol! And I want her to be able to achieve her dreams! Both here and back home! Who says a senshi can't be an idol!" Just look at the Starlights, Michiru, and Haruka!

She grinned.

"I'm so excited! I wanna help anyway I can! Just let me know if there's something I can do! Ah! Maybe I can even help set up your first concert or something! I mean, I've never planned a concert before but I've planned weddings and carnivals and all sorts of parties." Her party and wedding planning agency was doing incredibly well for itself, all things considered.

[aqua_mirror]

"It's a hard life, being an idol, as well as being a Senshi. It will require dedication and a lot of practice. But I'm sure that she will shine brightly as well."

After all, from what Michiru had seen Venus was one that would do well in the spotlight, and she would certainly be able to hold her own against pushy managers and bossy venue representatives.

"I think you would be better suited to handle something like a meet and greet, or perhaps an after-show reception."

And actual concert required a lot of equipment, some of which she wasn't entirely certain was available in this world. Then again they did have a lot of things that served similar purposes.

"Let's talk to Minako and see when she would like to get started."

[lightthedarkness]

"Well, we never stop being a senshi here buuut it's not as needed as back home, so there's that, at least," though they could be nearly monthly if Minako went on as many monster hunts as Sora did.

"I'll take your word for it," she had no idea in what went into setting up a concert, but hey, if she really, truly needed to, she'd learn. She'd lean on Michiru's knowledge regarding this.

"Hee, pretty sure she'd say 'Two years ago' once she hears your offer to help."

[aqua_mirror]

It was true there would always be another mission, but if they were going to be effective as Senshi they also had to chase after their other dreams. Otherwise, they would lose sight of what they were fighting for.

"You'd have to convince Pluto to let us borrow the key for that. Though if you or small lady asked she would probably do it."

Seeing that there probably wasn't much more practice that she would get done, Michiru went ahead and put the violin away in the case, loosening the bow so the hairs wouldn't get stretched or frayed. Then she linked arms with Usagi.

"Why don't we get some breakfast and we can plan out a big celebration for after her first concert."

[lightthedarkness]

Usagi was quick to squeeze onto Michiru's arm, the connection she felt with all of the senshi feeling soothed since it had been so long since she had been around Michiru and her connection with her was doing everything it could to soothe the ache.

"Yes yes breakfast! Oh! We can go to this great little cafe near my office! You'd love it! The walls are covered in sheet music and they hand musical instruments from the ceiling! It's called 'Rest Awhile Cafe' but it's got that squiggle symbol in front of 'Awhile.' For the longest time I thought it was just called Awhile Cafe which I thought was the weirdest name. Like maybe it was the name of the owner or something."

[aqua_mirror]

"That does sound nice. It might be interesting to talk with the person who named it as well, since they must be a music lover."

It was always nice to speak to others who had an interest in music, as well as possibly getting to learn a little about the music of this world. What cultural difference would there be?

"Should we invite the others?"

[lightthedarkness]

"Always! We'll invite the whole household!"