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

[highondeath]

I don't know. I get angry at a lot of things. It's not so hard.

[Does he really, though? His anger generally falls quickly into misery that he either wallows in or more commonly numbs away through any means necessary. So when was the last time he actually felt real anger instead of despair?]

...Okay, so we do happy or cheerful or something.

[Has he felt truly happy since he'd gone sober? Those times with Ben discovering his powers, maybe. This shouldn't be so difficult.]

How do I do this without feeling ridiculous? Does ridiculous count as an emotion?

[dnaofahalfa]

Angry is also different than hate. [She thinks.]

[She honestly doesn't think she hates anything? She's been mad, but it kind of burns out in face of misery or just plain old focusing on not dying and hate SOUNDS like it's a lasting thing.]

Probably? Ridiculous sounds like it should be an emotion. But when it's emotion based power, the more you're feeling, probably the better.

What do you like doing usually? We can find something.

[highondeath]

[What does he like doing usually? Well that's a loaded question, isn't it?]

Uh... I do... lots of things. [Give him a moment here.] Parties! Parties are fun. Not so many here, but I can always do my backup hobby. You know. Knitting.

[He can just leave out what he'd love to do at those parties. Life is hard without drugs, kid. So hard. His potential for better powers is the only thing that's keeping him out of the pharmacy.]

I'm not sure how I can pretend to be having a good time standing on a street corner. Unless I'm offering to give others a good time, if you know what I mean.

[dnaofahalfa]

I've snuck into a few parties. The ones with all the glowsticks, right? And loud music? Those were pretty fun. [She rubs her chin thoughtfully.] The question is where....the best ones were usually on the outskirts of towns or in a basement. [She stuck out too much in proper clubs. Still stuck out in less official venues, but most of those people were some level of not sober, at least.] What's knitting like?

....no, I don't. What DOES that mean? Everytime I ask, they always say I wouldn't enjoy it very much and give me money to go get a snack somewhere. I don't get why people are so secretive about a game that means you're underdressed for the cold and standing on a street corner.

[She's gotten reeeeeeal lucky living on the streets.]

[highondeath]

I'm not explaining knitting. It's like sculpting, except a lot slower and involving a ton of yarn. Anyway, how old are you?

[Sometimes it's hard to tell with kids. Usually he wouldn't care about exposing an innocent child to some saucy knowledge as long as they weren't actually being involved in it, but things aren't exactly usual anymore.]

You're right, it's a game. A grown-up game that you'd probably find very boring, so don't worry about it. [He doesn't know how much she knows about the birds and the bees and no one wants him explaining how sex works. He'll totally do it if she wants, though. Might get him the laughs needed for the whole emotional thing.]

But we're off topic. I need to make sparks of a different sort happen. Can you do it?

[dnaofahalfa]

[What's sculpting? He acted like that was an obvious thing. So she shouldn't ask. Darn it. Okay, sculpting is another thing to figure out.]

Me? [Less than a year old. Clone life, yo.] Twelve. How old are you?

You know, when adults say 'don't worry about it,' pretty sure that just means 'I don't want to tell you.' [Pause.] Is it 'cause kids get cold faster than adults? [Her knowledge is extremely lopsided.]

[She rubs her chin, tilting her head, humming thoughtfully.] Oh! Maybe that will work....come on, this way. [She motions for him to follow and she starts walking.]

[highondeath]

Me? ...Twenty-two. [He's thirty.]

And you are very bright. Good job explaining everything so I don't have to.

[Anything to avoid lengthy explanations. Allison would be a great person to approach about that, even without her voice. She could write it all down. Maybe he'll point this kid in her direction if she ever shows up. She'd love him for it.

As he's about to follow the girl, he takes a step off the curb and his ankle twists up in a most uncomfortable manner. His foot erupts into fiery pain and he falls flat on his face. He lays there a moment before groaning and letting out a belated:] OW.

[Another moment and he's pushing himself up on his elbows, wincing. He grips some of his hair in both hands and just lays there in pain.]

I hate sobriety.

[This can hardly be blamed for his current predicament, but it does mean he doesn't feel like he can laugh it off as easily. Right after he grates this out in frustration, a street light that hadn't even been lit above him bursts, bits of glass raining down on him. He tilts his head upward and stares at its remains.]

...Well shit, I did it.

[dnaofahalfa]

[So he's what a twentyish year old looks like. She's been trying to figure out ages. Its hard when she can't usually ask.]

Well, I am pretty clever. [A pretty proud grin here. She likes when she can figure things out.]

[Dani starts to lead the way, before whipping around as she hears him fall. She grimaced as she saw him on the ground.] Looks like it hurt. [She muttered in agreement, moving over to help.]

[Though she pauses at that particular word. She's heard it off and on, gotten a general idea, and there's worry until the sound of shattered glass and she yelped, looking up.]

....yeah. At least the basic stuff. [She looked down at the glass. Trying to play off phasing as magic she picked up here is certainly doable, but what bits she knows about sobriety issues is any sudden, weird motions never went over well.]

[She pulls off her hat.] Don't move a minute. [And she's gonna start picking up the worse of these glass pieces so he doesn't get himself hurt more, putting them in the beanie.] That'll happen a lot. Affecting things. It's tier one stuff, but you can kind of guess what will happen after a bit. [At least she thinks so? Some stuff has been kind of consistent for her, but maybe that is just her.]

[highondeath]

Tier one is better than tier zero.

[Klaus isn't at all bothered by the glass as he pushes himself up from the ground. His ankle hurts, but he doesn't think he's sprained it - just twisted it up a little. It'll get better after some walking around.

He makes a shooing motion with one hand at the girl, hoping to get her to back away from the rest of the glass. She doesn't need to risk cutting herself on his behalf. If he gets a few glass splinters in his hands he'll pick them out as they go. It'll keep his fingers occupied.]

It's fine, I'm not made of paper.

[Though it seems like it sometimes when it comes to certain things.]