Test Drive: May

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: MAY —

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 24th of April and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on May 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!
  
  
• For any concerns or questions, head over to this top level.
  
  
  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: Perhaps one may have heard that Verens used to be a floating island, and it was! When the island then ended up on the surface, creatures which explorers have called "Dinosaurs" (quotation marks included) were discovered inhabiting the plains and the mountains in a far off area. It's time to go back to the jurassic world for a very important mission: gather as many Amaranthus Rubus, red pearl-shaped fruits that heal any and all wounds on one's skin. The hospital needs it! As such, one needs to prepare.

Explorers do not wish to harm the "Dinosaurs", as they are afraid the "Dinosaurs" would go extinct should any danger be placed unto them. This means that one's option when encountering volatile and aggressive "Dinosaurs" is to run away. A fun run is now being held in Verens a few days prior to the trip to the "Dinosaur" plains, where 50 sylvs and a t-shirt that says "I successfully ran away from a 'Dinosaur'!". The colour of the shirt is random, though, but there are as many as the colours of the rainbow. Maybe trade with somebody else who's finished the run if you don't like yellow so much.


• PROMPT E: Once the preparations have been made, it's time to set forth into the land of the “Dinosaurs”. As you enter their domain, it may be difficult to resist the temptation to interact with these rare and unusual creatures, and some of the “dinosaurs” are indeed tranquil and herbivorous. Go ahead and feed the long-necks leafy branches and if you're feeling daring, climb up on their backs for a ride! However, many of the “dinosaurs” are quite a bit more dangerous, and they are very territorial. If you cross paths with the a pack of raptors, prepare to run, fight, or distract. All explorers have been supplied with strips of alluring jerky to placate the beasts. Who knows, you might even make a friend! Be careful not to lose and hand, though.

The Amaranthus Rubus is thickest near the home of the most terrifying “dinosaur” of all, the "Tyrannosaur", and if you are daring enough to approach the lair of this creature to reap the fruits, you may not even have the chance to run away before the creature corners you, roars, and...wiggles his sad, little arms. It seems poor old "Tyrannosaur" just wants some kind of tool to extend his reach! Help him out and he will let you go. Or refuse, and he'll eat you. Sounds reasonable, right?


• PROMPT F: It seems like the land of the "Dinosaurs" isn't so bad after all! Perhaps "Dinosaurs" and man can co-exist, but for that to happen, much research will have to be made regarding a "Dinosaur"'s way of life. Now aboard the ship to head back to the city, researchers are talking about another excursion in the future that's solely for researching on "Dinosaurs" - various species, what they eat, their excrement, and the like.

The trip back to Verens is a little long. Perhaps you're just resting in one of the rooms when there's an explosive sound that can be heard. Oh no! It looks like the engine's running out of steam! Luckily, there's a steam generator in the ship, but steam can only be made through cooperation, anger, and sadness. The entire ship needs your help to get back to the city safely, and if you have to hold someone's hand, slap them, and yell at them to get them to manifest their emotions tangibly, then do so!


• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include swords and/or stones.

Comments

Yagami Hikari ☼ Digimon Adventure Tri

[intothelens]

PROMPT A

[The 14-year-old quietly walked along the city streets, hands behind her back and eyes scanning the various shops she passed by. Much of the handcrafted work drew her attention best, but it wasn't until she came across a boutique of oil paintings that she gave pause.]

[For one, the quality was such that the painting looked more like a photograph; instinctively, her hand reached for the spot where her camera once hang. Missing her longtime hobby. Cameras were not so readily available in this world, or so she had thus far come to learn. But it wasn't just the photorealism that had drawn her interest. It was the subjects. A boy and a girl. Young, the girl slightly younger, happily playing in a field with a small group of puppies. One of them sitting on the boy's head as he looked up in badly feigned annoyance.]

[Hikari's expression notably softened at the sight, feeling a pang in her heart.]

[One which soon began to manifest...for once, not affecting the world around her, but triggering her latent power within. Leaving the young teen glowing a soft white light as she continued to stare at the painting with a nostalgic expression on her face.]

PROMPT B - ( GT0102 )

[Riding a horse was a lot like riding a digimon, she quickly learned. Really, the only differences besides an alternate means of communication needed, was that she was closer to the ground.]

[Which mean the only obstacle left in her mission that day--a dozen letters in all contained within the satchel she wore cross-body--was to figure each address to the locations indicated on the map of the city.]

Let's see... [This would be so much easier with Koushiro-san's GPS] ...I should turn right here...no, wait, it's the next street...

[For half a second, she very nearly considered asking the horse directions. Because at that point, why not?]

PROMPT C

Holding the amulet tightly in her hands, she closed her eyes and pushed back any potentially intrusive thoughts in favor of a clear and focused voice echoing out.]

Oniichan...Tailmon...Takeru-kun...anyone...

Can you hear me?

[Not so frightened as the last time she called for her brother and best friends, respectively, but...there was a hint of desperation behind her hopeful tone.]

PROMPT E

...oh, you poor thing...

[The area she found herself in was quiet. Seemingly isolated, especially from the more carnivorous group. Which was perhaps why the young Dracorex seemed to be alone. Neither foe nor friend in sight as it hobbled along, favoring its left leg considerably.]

[As Hikari slowly approached, making certain to remain in the herbivore's line of vision so as not to startle or frighten, she saw it finally collapse to the ground. A low cry of pain emitted from its beak. Energy drained to the point where, when Hikari reached it and tentatively placed a hand on its side, the creature could do little more than give a half roar, half squeak in acknowledgment. Allowing the gentle contact.]

You're hurt. We need to find you someone who can help.

E

[hamnation]

[Gundam Tanaka had wandered off to do his own exploration of the area, in search of beasts to possibly befriend. The edgily-dressed young man soon came to a stop as he came across a girl looking after a dinosaur... one that seemed to be wounded.]

...What has transpired? [He glances about as he speaks, to make ensure that there has been no wrongdoing.]

[intothelens]

[Hikari glanced up at the new voice. Her eyes were glassy but did not yet show signs of tears. She allowed a moment of inner contemplation as she took in the man's presence before coming to a decision.]

He's hurt. [Stating the obvious to start, before turning back to indicate the precise wound.] Something sharp must have cut him. Or bit him.

[hamnation]

[As she states that, he starts to look less severe and more worried. He steps forward to get a closer look at the wound.]

Tragedy... Even the noblest of beasts may be pierced in their pursuits. [He speaks only respectfully of the dinosaur.] His wound must be treated as soon as possible, or he will not be able to evade his foes.

[intothelens]

[There was a moment of hesitation before Hikari shifted to one side, allowing him a better view. Her left hand lingered on the creature's skin, lightly stroking the leathery surface in an attempt to soothe him. It was difficult to say whether or not it had the intended ameliorating effect, as the poor dinosaur looked too tired to protest much anyway.]

Do you know how? I've never give first aid to a dinosaur before.

I don't even have a kit with me. But...there might be one on the boat we came here on.

[hamnation]

I admit that in my many quests, I have yet to perform this precise action... but I have dealt with a variety of reptiles. The same may apply to our friend.

[He frowns thoughtfully as he focuses and grips his own amulet.]

Now, I am deploying a telepathic message! Someone from the ship will bring us the kit we require. With it, we shall begin to heal this mighty beast's wound!

[intothelens]

[It wasn't an entirely comforting thought--there was still the uncertainty of dinosaur first aid--she literally had no idea if "reptile" was a warranted comparison, considering this was her first non-digital dinosaur encounter--but...Hikari managed a faint smile anyway.]

Thank you.

[Nodding in gratitude, she turned back to the creature, who seemed to be struggling to keep its eyes open. A few more gentle strokes and her voice came out softer than before:]

Hear that? Help is on the way. You'll be alright.

[hamnation]

[Gundam's not entirely sure about his chances, but he's hopeful. And beyond that, he can often see to various animals' needs in intuitive ways.]

That is correct. Just rest for now, noble beast. You may be on your way back to your full power soon enough...!

[He glances towards the girl.]

By looking after him, you have proven yourself to be on a higher level than many other humans. Well done.

[intothelens]

[A modest smile, lightly shaking her head at the praise.]

That's very kind of you to say. But...if you think of it that way, the same could be said for yourself.

You saw we needed help, and you came to help us.

[hamnation]

[He folds his arms and looks away self-consciously.]

Hrgh...! You should not accuse a master of darkness of being any sort of a 'kind' presence. I... I merely sought to have mercy on that glorious creature, from the shadows!

[intothelens]

[For a split second--notably at the mentioning darkness, a flicker of worry flashed in her eyes. But it was soon overshadowed by a confused look, which she turned to him with.]

You don't...seem like a being of darkness to me. Your heart is too kind.

[hamnation]

[He seems a bit embarrassed as he responds.]

Y-your senses must be off! I know nothing of such a disease as kindness! The only language I am fluent in... is that of pure evil!

[intothelens]

[It was the hints of embarrassment that indicated to Hikari she had been on the right track. Still...he was so insistent, she had to wonder why.]

I don't think kindness is a disease at all.

[hamnation]

Hmph. [He looks off to the side, while trying to hide part of his expression beneath his scarf.]

That is because you are speaking from a mortal perspective. To... to a truly demonic being, such a thing is akin to a pathogen! [A beat, then he adds more non-chalantly.] Unless it is being applied to demon beasts. Only then is it acceptable!

C.

[noodlesandsleepingbags]

WHAAAAAAAA WHO'S THERE!? Oh wait, it's the amulet thingy.

[Nadeshiko curiously picks her amulet to "talk" to whoever was on the other side, whoever it was it sounds like they're a year or two younger than she is.]

Hello? You sound lost.]

[intothelens]

[She jumped at the sudden response, to the point where, if she hadn't been wearing her amulet at that moment, she would have dropped it out.]

Oh! It...really works.

[noodlesandsleepingbags]

I know right? Who knew magic stuff like this really existed? It sounds like you're new here too, are you?

[intothelens]

That's right. Although, I'm still not entirely sure exactly where 'here' is. Or how I got 'here'