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

Chii | Chobits

[apersonjustforme]

Prompt C
Did Chii get this right? Has Chii managed to figure this out? Chii is hoping to learn lots of things here, even if Hideki isn't here to help Chii understand.

So I hope whoever is listening can help Chii.

Prompt D - The Knights Who Say...
[Chii had been told to look for some shrubbery but as Chii went out on the search it slowly dawned on her that honestly. She had no idea as to what exactly she was meant to be looking for. So whenever she came across a plant of some kind, be it a flower or just a branch Chii managed to turn her head excitedly pointing it out, hoping that someone might have some idea if this was the right thing. After all from what was said, she was pretty certain.]

Chii thinks Chii found it! Is it what we are meant to be looking for? [She asked, tilting her head slightly.]

C

[ninjabanish]

[... what is she listening to. There's confusion, but at least she sends out a reply.]

Is "Chii" your name, then?

C

[apersonjustforme]

Chii is Chii's name. Hideki gave Chii, Chii's name.

[Because that makes it so much easier.]

Did Chii not get this right after all?

[ninjabanish]

[that explains nothing, but ok. Alice is just going to assume she's talking to like, a four-year-old.]

No, you did it right. I can hear you, after all. What do you need help with?

[apersonjustforme]

Chii needs help with understanding how Chii is able to speak to people like this. Chii couldn't do it before, but now Chii can. Chii also doesn't know how Chii got here.

[ninjabanish]

[Oh, this is going to get confusing fast.]

You couldn't do it before, because it is these strange amulets we have been given that allow us these powers. Is that what you mean?

[apersonjustforme]

So Strange amulets are the reason Chii can do this one? Chii understands. It is what Chii meant, thank you.

Chii still has a lot to learn about this place without Hideki. Will you help Chii learn?

[ninjabanish]

[making a note to teach this child (more like chiild, heyoooo) about pronouns first.]

That is correct. I know not what power brought us here, but it is a magic likely beyond any we know.

I will help you to the limits of my ability. My name is Alice. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Chii.

[apersonjustforme]

Chii does not know what magic is. But if it is what brought us here Chii needs to learn about magic.

[Not that she could ever learn t use it for anything. it's just a good idea to learn about it.]

It's nice to meet you Alice, but you can call Chii, Chii.

[ninjabanish]

Magic is... a difficult topic. I can tell you what I know, but on the subject of magic, you could not ask for a poorer teacher than I.

Just "Chii", then? May I ask more about you?

[apersonjustforme]

Then Chii should find someone who can, correct?

[Ask more about her? Chii paused as she thought over what that might mean.]

Chii doesn't know a lot about Chii. When Chii woke up Chii had no data. Hideki is the person who found Chii and was teaching Chii plenty of things.

[brotrips]

Is Chii your friend? Or you?

[ He's a bit confused. ]

If you're Chii and trying to reach out, yeah, it worked.

[apersonjustforme]

Chii is Chii. Chii is not the name of Chii's friend.

[She will probably only get more confusing. But she soon does sound happy.]

Chii is just figuring this out, so if that is what reaching out is, then yes Chii is doing that.

[brotrips]

[ Noctis is pretty sure that he gets it. ]

Yeah, you're.. Chii's...figuring it out. I guess that means you're pretty new here.

[apersonjustforme]

Yes, Chii is new. So Chii doesn't understand a lot. but Chii can learn whatever people teach me.

[It's how she pretty much learns most things.]

What is your name? So Chii can know.

[brotrips]

It gets easier. When I first got here, talking in my head was weird, but it's pretty normal now. If anybody you know is here, it'll go faster.

I'm Noctis. I already know you're Chii.

[apersonjustforme]

Then Chii will keep an ear out for people Chii knows.

[Which is really...limited to around five people.]

Noctis... Your name is Noctis. Chii will remember. [She went quiet if only to figure out what to say next.]

How long has Noctis been here?

[brotrips]

[ He can't just leave it at that. Unskilled in socialization as he may be, it feels like leaving a child to fend for themselves. ]

Remember it. You can use it if nobody from your world is here. I'll try to help you get settled in. How old are you?

And I've been here almost a year now, I guess. More or less.

[ He won't get into the other Noctis who was here before him. That will only add to the confusion. ]

[apersonjustforme]

[Chii nodded slightly, making sure that she learned to do that. She figured she at least knew how to anyway.]

A year... That is a long time, correct? Chii wonders if that makes you sad? Being away from home?

[Chii herself didn't understand how she felt really, but she did sort of miss Hideki at least.]

[brotrips]

Some people probably think it is, but some people think it's kind of a second chance.

[ Noctis doesn't want to dump his trauma on a poor, unsuspecting newcomer so he tries his best to be vague. Or, mention facts not directly related to him. ]

Some people who come here have even died in their own worlds so it's a literal second life.

Which one are you?

D

[winterblossom]

[Ai had not wanted to do this job alone: It would likely require a lot of time and many pairs of eyes to examine each possible shubbery. At least he knows what a shubbery is, though.

He gives Chii a disapproving look when he realizes she does not know.]

No, it's not. [Ai shakes his head in further disapproval,] Were you not paying attention to the request?

D

[apersonjustforme]

[Chii turned her head and nodded slightly. She had been paying attention.]

Chii paid a lot of attention, but Chii has never really seen shrubbery before. They all look the same, so it's hard.

[winterblossom]

[Ai is still relatively unimpressed. Then again, he's rarely impressed. He kneels down by own of the shubbery and holds up the leaves for Chii to see.]

If they're for tea, the leaves must be what is important. We should split up and determine which ones have different leaves.

[apersonjustforme]

[She nodded slightly, a little more confident than before.]

Okay, Chii understands a little more about what Chii needs to find.

[And off she goes to find various plants with different leaves and then brining them back.]

Chii found a lot.

c. let me know if you want a hiyori translation.

[bubblings]

Oh y3ah, Hiy0ri can def1n1tely help u. F1rst, in th1st world the w0rd 4 "thank u" is "fuck".