memepatheias | TEST DRIVE: March

— 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.

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?
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.
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.

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!
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!
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?

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!
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!
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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

🌟 01. GO FISH

[ it’s hardly a surprise that a well-renowned olympic skater such as himself would have never held a fishing pole in his life. there’s, of course, the fact that his grandfather had gone ice-fishing, but that’s hardly the point. The point is that viktor nikiforov is holding a fishing pole all wrong, hands positioned in all the wrong ways, eyebrows furrowed, and lips pulled into a taut half-pout. ]

Hmmm… something must be wrong.

[ it sounds strangely pensive, one hand climbing up to clasp at his chin. ]

Perhaps with more feeling? More gusto?

[ he’s narrating it aloud, very cognizant of the fact others are around. purposefully, he drops his hand from his face to rest it on his hip. ]

You seem like the local expert. [ and now he’s turned to you, a charming smile sprawled across his face, blue eyes sparkling with flecks of mischief. ]

🌟 02. ALL THAT GLITTERS… IS PROBABLY GOLD

[ despite the oddities that this new world brings, viktor seems as happy as a clam to be crouched over, garbed in an oversized but stylish coat and scarf combination, rummaging through the underbrush. his expression remains stern and focused, hands pushing aside branches. ]

Gold, gold, gold, where are you …. [ the words almost have a lilting characteristic to them, the irony of it indeed amusing the hell out of him. occasionally, the light catches his right hand in such a way that it sparkles, effervescent, gold like the branches and berries he seeks.

does it catch your eye? do you think you’ve finally tracked down the elusive berries? ]

[A local stranger might have been afluttered by Viktor's display and charming smile, but Yuuri was not a local, nor a fishing expert. Why are you doing this in front of everyone?]

I-I think you should look at how you're holding the rod first... [He had more to say, but he's a bit flustered with people whispering around them at Viktor being....Viktor.]

[ listen, don't be hating. ]

Oh? Really?

[ his tone remains light, amused if anything, and he casually drops his gaze down to the rod itself. it sure looks ... decently held. perhaps he should readjust his hands-- ]

Would you like to show me, Yuuri?

[ is this a trap. ]

[He doesn't suspect a thing.]

Well...I'll try. At least, I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to be holding a fishing rod like a sword. [He's also just going to point to where his hand should be.] One hand should be gripping the rod here, by the reel. Your other hand will hold onto the handle.

[ When fishing, Noctis likes silence so he can concentrate on the fish. The world around him vanishes, leaving only him and the water that houses his enemies. That's why it takes him a few seconds too long to realize Viktor is speaking to him. ]

Huh? Yeah... Where'd you learn to hold a pole?

[ oh good, this stranger is friendly. this makes this much easier. there’s a chuckle, a practiced smile, and viktor turns entirely towards noctis. ]

I admit I haven’t really tried before. The opportunity hadn’t presented itself.

[ he gives it a half-twirl. that probably is a not-so-great idea. ]

It's not a wand.

[ Noctis holds up his own rod, which thankfully has no bite at the moment. He nods toward his hands. ]

You hold it like this, your hands more on end and less in the middle. They have to stay together so they can pull together when you get a bite.

Hmmmm.

[ viktor is very intensely observing noctic as he instructs him. when he directs him where to put his hands, viktor nods with vigor, tiny little sparks of “determination” appearing around him. ]

All right! I think I have it.

[ he’s moving his hands into the proper position now. neeeeext step? ]

Edited 2019-02-22 02:05 (UTC)

Yeah, that's a lot closer. Next, you raise the pole over your shoulder and cast. Think about where you want it to land -- further away, you need a harder whip. Some fish live closer to shore so if you're going after them, you give it a softer cast.

[ This is his passion so he has some skill in it, and Noctis isn't ashamed to show it. ]

[ well, viktor can definitely tell. noctis’ passion is fairly obvious to him, given the ease and grace of his movements. even if it’s an unconventional activity to be passionate about, viktor still appreciates it. ]

I see. And they’re not at all concerned with an intruder?

[ he means the bait, of course, eyes flitting back to the water. ]

That's why the bait's designed to look and act like something else. A lot of people use real bait - worms or even smaller fish. If you wiggle your line a little, they think it's still moving prey and bite your line. If it was just a hook, they probably wouldn't bite. If you act too fast, that'll scare them off, too.

Fish aren't dumb.

[ hm hm hmmmm. viktor looks so very intrigued as he regards the pole and then the water. calmly, viktor approaches the edge and kneels down so he can better inspect the surface. ]

You seem like you’ve been doing this awhile. Do you fish competitively?

They're not like pets, they're not going to come to you.

[ Idly, he paces a bit closer, as if wondering if Viktor sees something in the water other than his own reflection. ]

No. I wouldn't want to do it for a job. I like it too much. I've only been fishing seriously for a couple of years now, one of those years being here. This is your first time.

[ It's not a question. ]

[ there’s a soft hum that follows at first. viktor reaches out to let his fingers touch the water, amused as the ripples turn colors when a blip of happiness rushes through him. this place is so unique! ]

I’ve had other things to keep me busy. But it seems like a very captivating hobby.

[ fish are pets!! sometimes? and then it registers — ]

You’ve been here a year? [ the ripples turn black. ]

Yeah? Almost. It's been a while.

[ The water darkens. Noctis guesses that it can only mean that his words bother Viktor. It probably does seem disconcerting to a lot of people. Not to him. This was his second chance. ]

It's been a good year. A lot of people want to go back, but until you can, this place has a lot to offer.

[ Quite honestly, Todoroki is participating out of curiosity, but more so simply for something different to do. He likes to think he's rather perceptive, while plenty logical, as well. Maybe that will help?

It clearly has him commenting on how this man seems to be going about the search. ]

We aren't looking for a sentient being, so calling for it like that won't work.

[ Yes. He's serious. HOWEVER, he then feels a little pensive. Hm. ]

—Ah. Or maybe it is, knowing this place.

TEST DRIVE: March

viktor (yoi!!!)

1

no subject

no subject

<3 Viktor

a good boy, it’s true

a good boy indeed

as is noctis tho

he is. now, if only he'd figure skate

mutual exchange of teaching hMMm

i'd watch that show

hold on lemme call up crunchyroll

already have them on the phone

tell them i say hi

they said stop running away and get back to skating so they can do sequels

2 (HEY, YOU ♥)