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Empatheias Events ([personal profile] empevents) wrote in [community profile] memepatheias2019-04-18 08:52 am
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Test Drive: May

— TEST DRIVE: MAY —



Welcome to [community profile] 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.
heyweight: skye; dnt (Default)

Nero | Devil May Cry

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-20 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Prompt E

[Nero didn’t have to be asked twice to travel inland. Sure, searching for some fruit isn’t exactly his cup of tea, but dangerous situations certainly are. Plus, how could he possibly pass up an opportunity to see dinosaurs in the flesh? Demons are cool, but dinosaurs? That’s rad. They’re something straight out of history—something he never bothered to learn about. Whatever though, practical experience beats out visiting a museum any day.

And of course he made a beeline straight for the Tyrannosaur, not so much because of their mission, but because…c’mon, it’s a Tyrannosaur. He even let it corner him on purpose for a closer look, leaning in with an inquisitive hand under his chin; head titled and smiling far too giddily like one might do when approached by a kitten.

It roars, and Nero hoots and claps like nothing’s wrong here. He’s staring into a mouth full of jagged teeth like it’s just another Tuesday—same old, no biggie. He does wave a hand over his nose though, pinching it a moment later in disgust.]


Buddy, that’s cool and all but damn a little mint wouldn’t kill you.

[And in response the Tyrannosaur begins to back off, flailing its tiny little arms in distress. Nero quirks a brow, arms folded in confusion as the creature continues to gesture wildly to its arms with its arms, stubby and oh so threatening. It pulls a laugh out him, loud and sharp as he realizes the problem. Nero can relate, and with a quick, contemplative look at his now human arm, he reaches blindly toward his belt for one of his last remaining Devil Breakers. With Punchline now in hand, he gives it a fond once over and then holds it out.]

Need a hand? Looks like you might need this more than I do.

[Is giving a Tyrannosaur a weaponized grappling hook the smartest thing he’s ever done? Who knows—it might be? It’s oddly enough not the stupidest.]

Prompt F

[What’s that? The sound of a failing engine? It’s interesting enough to pull Nero out of his room and place him right in front of the sputtering machine and the crowd forming around it. He isn’t panicking like someone should be when faced with the possibility of a crash landing. He blows out a small whistle as he observes the chaos, arms folded casually against his chest. He hears a woman shouting about “emotions” and “steam generator” but that’s through one ear and out the other.]

Where’s Nico when you actually need her?

[Because honestly, he can’t fix this like she can. Annoying but gifted, that’s for damn sure.

So what’s his solution when machines stop working? Well, violence mainly. He pulls out Blue Rose, flicks the cylinder open to smirk at the ammunition, then aims it straight at the engine.]


Guess this’ll do.

[He’s carefully lining up a shot… someone should probably stop him.]
spardablood: spardablood. dnt. (pic#12982218)

dmc5 spoilers mentioned just in case also f

[personal profile] spardablood 2019-04-20 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Evidently, it would seem he does and who better to spark some form of emotion from the boy than his old man as some idiot brother takes delight in referring to him as? Ah yes, even this world has an odd sense of humor for the sons (and grandson) of Sparda. ]

If you're looking to make the situation worse, it will.

[ His tone is cool and calm much as his presence radiates as he more or less glides his way over to the boy, a look of fleeting disapproval given to the weapon which he so readily aims at the engine. Guns... honestly. A hand remains at his hip, gently touching the top of Yamato as always, taking a moment to inspect what all the fuss is about. ]

Not everything can be so easily resolved with a bullet, Nero.

[ Don't pay any mind to what Dante might have you think with his own pair he carries despite the fact that they go so well together; loud and obnoxious a good amount of time. At least there's Red Queen and so he'll give his son that. But as it would appear, it doesn't seem that either the dear Queen or even Yamato will be any of use for this and no, don't look to Vergil for manually repairing this thing. Slaughtering demons he'll do without a second thought. Fixing up an engine that's just gone kaputz? Not so much. ]
Edited 2019-04-20 23:52 (UTC)
heyweight: skye; dnt (2)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-21 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[That voice has his hair standing on end, and the little chill that radiates up and down his spine bothers him more than he cares to admit. It's all still far too bizarre and awkward for him to converse civilly with Vergil. Shoving the barrel of his gun down the man's throat just seems easier, albeit at the moment completely unwarranted.

It takes an inordinate amount of effort to keep the sneer off his face as he turns to regard his... father, wagging the gun at the engine in a flippant manner.]


Hey, I have a 100% track record with this. [... and he actually sort of does. Even in this instance, the few bystanders that caught sight of him aiming his gun at the engine seem to be angry enough to give the engine a little kick.

Nero doesn't notice, though. He's too busy mustering up the cockiest smirk he can manage, given the circumstances.]
You got any better ideas, Dad?

[Ugh, gross. That word tastes so funny on his tongue... suppressing the wince that nearly follows takes levels of willpower he didn't even know he had.]
spardablood: spardablood. dnt. (pic#13046510)

[personal profile] spardablood 2019-04-21 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, son, you're not the only one who's having to make an adjustment to the whole suddenly having family that isn't Dante thing and when he's referred to in that way, the look which he gives the boy is one that... while not of disdain, is still disapproving... most likely due to the sarcasm he can so very clearly hear laced within it. Watch your tone, kiddo.

But, alright, he'll try and play the father role here, even if his own son is that of a stranger to him... for the most part. ]


Considering we're in a world where ones emotions seem to play a rather significant part in things, my guess would be something along those lines might be how to handle this.

[ That, and, he'd heard the commotion about emotions and the like being needed to refuel the steam generator, something his son clearly missed with being so eager to put a bullet through the thing on the fly. Impulsive. ]
heyweight: skye; dnt (4)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-22 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero rolls his eyes, because of course it has something to do with emotions, and Vergil's reply is so on the nose and so god damn irritating. With a defeated huff and much reluctance, he holsters Blue Rose with a little twirl and folds his arms as defiantly as possible. He accepts your deduction pops, but that doesn't mean he has to like it.]

Okay, fine. Emotions. [He taps his foot, almost like a nervous twitch.] So what, are we gonna do the happy ones or the angry ones?

[AKA the ones where you attempt to act like a father that isn't a deadbeat, or... you know what? It's hard to say what type of response paternal love would elicit from Nero. Most likely anger on either side of the spectrum.

This is stupid...]
spardablood: spardablood. dnt. (pic#12995956)

[personal profile] spardablood 2019-04-22 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ This isn't easy for him either, Nero, so maybe you should cut your father some sla... actually, he sort of tore your arm off, yeah. He can definitely see where the aggravation stems from (among other reasons he's sure) and he can't really blame the kid for holding that against him in the form of a grudge that could very well last a lifetime; something the two of them seem to have in common.

However, attempts must be made should any sort of repair to a non-existent relationship thus far transpire between them and, while emotionally reserved in a thousand and one maddening ways, Vergil will make an attempt. ]


With the history of this family, the angry ones might be easiest to channel.

[ And it's with that, he twirls Yamato so gracefully in front of him, still sheathed but so very easy to draw out within a matter of seconds if he so desires. His attention on his son, he stares to him, Yamato tapped against the ground in front of him, folding both hands atop the legendary blade. ]

So take your best shot.
heyweight: skye; dnt (5)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-22 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Vergil would immediately lose all credibility if he criticized another for holding a grudge. Not being a hypocrite is far from a redeeming quality, but it is a respectable quality nevertheless.

His eyes narrow and he bares his teeth in a snarl at how easy it is for Vergil to resign himself to that fact. Nero is by no means emotionally stable, due in great part to the man standing before him, but he's known relative peace with his makeshift family--for a brief while, anyway. The fact that anger is easier to channel in this instance makes him, well... angry. So mission accomplished, Vergil.

In response to the presentation of the Yamato, his right arm glows an ethereal blue, the ghost of a clawed, demonic appendage forming over it. He closes his hand in a fist.]


My best shot would kill you.

[And he isn't fond of patricide.]
spardablood: spardablood. dnt. (pic#12995955)

[personal profile] spardablood 2019-04-22 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, the cockiness within his son... surely a Sparda trait considering how even he himself had been cocky to assume he could take the prince of darkness himself. Dante... well, Dante is Dante. What more is there to say there? However, it stirs a bit of a chuckle from the eldest son of Sparda, Vergil staring to his son as a sigh leaves his lips. They've done this song and dance prior but had to... cut it short due to certain disruptions that were happening from the underworld. ]

You think so?

[ And he grins to the boy, in a way which shows his amusement at how bold he is to make such a statement to him of all people; he's accustomed to Dante and his big mouth so he knows how to play this game. ]

Ah, you don't even know the things I've lived through. [ Mundus and his torture. ] But by all means, prove it if you're so sure of yourself.
heyweight: skye; dnt (8)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-24 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
[Things are getting a little steamy in this room--no seriously, that generator must be going into overdrive. Nero is a walking emotional battery even on his best days. And this? Well, it's decidedly a bad day now.

But he's trying so hard to keep his cool. So damn hard. He at least deserves a little credit for that, right...?

He flicks his gaze over to the bystanders, most of which having backed off into relative safety. There's even one scientist waving his hand in a "well get on with it" kind of motion... because there's a little life in the engine now. It's working.

Fuck, that's embarrassing.]


Lived through at what cost, huh? [Was it worth it, Vergil? Abandoning your family in pursuit of delusions?

He rears back his fist, far too telegraphed--far too raw, and with all the power he can muster aims straight for Vergil's shit-eating grin.]
I have nothing to prove to you!
spardablood: spardablood. dnt. (pic#12982236)

[personal profile] spardablood 2019-04-24 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ Is this payback for both he and Dante smacking Nero in the face with the backs of their fists? It certainly seems like it to a degree. However, this is also exactly what is needed in this engine predicament and so it's almost as if Nero has played right into his hand.

Unlike his twin, however, Vergil is not one to merely stand there and take it. Thus, he maneuvers in such a quick enough way that it almost appears as if he hasn't moved at all. Yamato is held out in such an angled way that, should Nero not be careful, he might end up tripping over the sheathed blade. ]


From the looks of it... it would appear you do. Such as not being so obvious with your attacks.

[ How's that for some fatherly advice, Nero? ]
ringthenoise: (And the Griffin moved his burden)

F

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-21 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Dante was sitting on a park bench reading --or, more accurately, napping with a newspaper over his face-- when the engine fell.

He sits up, yawns, and looks impassively out at the wreckage.]


Huh.

[Then he notices a stranger standing nearby, lining up a shot with a fairly impressive looking firearm.]

Hey, kid!

[Dante shouts from the bench.]

What exactly are ya plannin' to do there?
heyweight: skye; dnt (3)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-21 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[The familiar moniker catches his immediate attention, and he lowers the gun and peers over his shoulder in confusion. The man might look and sound a little off, but it's definitely Dante shouting at him. Without even a second thought he saunters over, a little aggression built into each step, and when he's close enough he scoffs in pure exasperation.]

What's it look like? [He gestures to Blue Rose then taps it against his own shoulder.] I was gonna give the engine a little kiss.

[And then he points an accusatory finger at the other hunter.]

You seriously just been sleeping there this whole time?

[Because while it honestly wouldn't surprise him, it's still frustrating enough to sour his mood.]
ringthenoise: (Myself I offered ready for his service)

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-21 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure I was.

[He stretches languidly.]

Takes a lotta beauty rest to be this good lookin', you know?

[And he steps closer to Nero.

He's never seen the younger man before, but there is still something...familiar about him. His eyes, hair, the shape of his face... Even aspects of his scent. It all reminds him of Vergil.

That's weird.]
heyweight: skye; dnt (2)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-22 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero deadpans hard at that reply. Typical. He lazily jabs his thumb over his shoulder, no real effort behind it because why bother.]

No point in lookin' good if you're missing the party.

[Sure it's not demons but at least it's better than doing nothing.

He involuntarily shrinks back under the scrutiny of the elder hunter's gaze, returning it with all the scrutiny he can muster in response. Something is definitely wrong here...]


What? Something on my face? [Stop being weird, dude.]
ringthenoise: (Show hatred for the one whom you devour)

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-22 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
Nope.

[He waves a gloved hand through the air dismissively.]

Sorry, you just remind me of someone, that's all.
heyweight: skye; dnt (Default)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-22 12:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Swallowing the "duh" that nearly bleeds out between his lips, Nero instead quirks a brow, head tilted to get a better look at... the old man? No, definitely not as old as he was before. Did Dante maybe hit his head too hard? Did someone spike his strawberry sundae? ... Did Hell age him back 20 years?

He realizes he's staring perhaps a little too hard, jaw agape and eyes squinted just so. He's not done pointing at things for emphasis, this time lifting the digit to hover it just over his own chest in disbelief.]


... You don't know who I am, do you?

[And if he sounds a little hurt at that, he doesn't realize it.]
ringthenoise: (Relighting by your brightness from above)

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-22 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
Sorry, dude.

[He folds his arms over his chest.

Saying he doesn't know who the young man is feels not entirely accurate. There is familiarity there, at a level that is almost cellular.

But Dante can't honestly say he's ever met the guy.]


Do I owe ya money or somethin'?
heyweight: skye; dnt (1)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-22 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[Part of him was expecting that answer, but despite that his eyes widen in a way that's far too vulnerable for his liking. Being written off, even if in this case it isn't intentional, and especially by someone like Dante, hurts more than he'd care to admit.

After a beat, a moment to find his voice, he speaks.]


You're my... [friend, mentor, family... but he bites his tongue.

He takes a step forward, hands clench into tight fists at his side, tone sharp and angry.]


Keep your damn money! You owe me a helluva lot more than that.

[But he knows that no one owes him anything; he doesn't expect and never has expected any favours from anyone. Damn it though, can he not catch a break. Pardon his very irrational, human outburst...]
ringthenoise: (Who lived a stranger in Italia’s land)

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-23 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Dante doesn't flinch, but the outburst does make him laugh.

The laughter is one of amusement, at least, not mockery.

Seeing someone who reminds him so much of his brother act so human is oddly refreshing.]


Yeah?

Enlighten me, then.
heyweight: skye; dnt (2)

[personal profile] heyweight 2019-04-24 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Ugh. Amusement might as well be mockery to Nero. Their relationship has gotten a lot stronger but Dante still manages to find ways to get under his skin. With skin this thin though, it's really no ones fault but his own.]

You're my uncle, jackass. [That bubbled out far too quickly... a hand very nearly goes flying over his mouth to conceal a gasp. Oops.

After an awkward pause, he backs off a bit. His glare rapidly changes to shock, then to slight embarrassment as he casts his eyes to the side.]
Except you're older than... this.

[Whatever "this" is. ...But run the point home! Reestablish eye contact!! Don't show weakness--]

Still a jackass though! [Nailed it.]
ringthenoise: (Thrones of Gazing-on-the-Godhead)

[personal profile] ringthenoise 2019-04-24 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
I am, am I?

Guess I owe you a few birthday gifts?

[He snorts, but the grass blossoming around his feet betrays the swell of joy in his heart.

It's a lot to take in, and hard to believe, but he does believe it... How else can he explain the familiarity?

And if it's true then he has a family. He's not the last one left...

But he can't get all schmaltzy about it.]


How old should I be?