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

[saviorexe]

[Leadership is a weight that presses down heavy, the sense of responsibility to keep those around him safe not something that always treats Markus gently in quieter moments to himself. But a weight is not how he would describe it in this moment in time, exactly — no, it’s definitely a blaring alarm that’s currently sounding in his mind, fraught with the danger of a giant predator about to make its appearance directly behind them. Keeping both of them alive is more than just an obligation; it’s just dread instinct, his body moving automatically in a harried descent down the branches, practically shadowing Simon’s own movements.

Feet finally find purchase on the ground. His position is slipshod runner’s start before he bolts into a run proper, legs moving in hurried strides right behind Simon.

And, naturally, bursting through the trees behind them is the Tyrannosaur — huge, bulky, and with a roar that sends any wildlife nearby scattering. Its attentions hone in on the androids and it follows with its own thunderous strides, as Simon and Markus run through an uneven clearing where the trees are spread thinner than the way they’ve came.]

Don’t look back!

[jerichome]

[If there's anything he can say about Markus, no matter which version he's been with, it's that there's never really a dull moment with him. Sure, there are days when things are peaceful, almost quiet, but Simon wouldn't describe them as dull either. Maybe it's his bias showing now, but there's always something special about each day he has with the other android.

And right now, things are definitely the furthest away from dull that Simon could ever imagine. In fact, he'd like things to be less 'running away from a Tyrannosaur' next time.]

Can't imagine why!

[But hearing Markus call out to him is definitely helpful, it lets Simon know that he's still with him. Looking back is just unappealing right now, especially as they clear the woods and run into a more open field. Simon can only imagine his stress levels skyrocketing if he actually sees how close the Tyrannosaur is catching up to them. They may be androids, but...

Is there some cave they can hide in? Or they can possibly jump down a cliff, even if that is risky in its own way. Or something else entirely...]

[saviorexe]

[Duly noted. He won’t be putting ‘running away from a Tyrannosaur’ on the schedule for at least another month.

If they did turn to look (Markus almost does, despite his advice to Simon, wanting to judge just how much ground they’re gaining or losing), they would see the gigantic dinosaur thundering their way, its massive tail swaying with each impossibly large stride. It lets out another roar — or at least something like it — which sounds almost nearer than before. Generally speaking, not a good sign. Even less of a good sign is the sight before them: running through the clearing, they might pass another swath of trees and foliage, before the branches and leaves part to reveal their final destination to be the high top of a cliffside.

Should they skid to a halt so they don’t go careening over, heels digging stubbornly into the earth, a quick assessment of their situation reveals that far, far below them is a large body of water. The surface of the it glitters in the sunlight, a deep lake with no visible bottom. They’re at least 10 to 15 stories up, to make a more familiar comparison with the office buildings of Detroit.

If Markus still possessed his LED, it’d be flickering — running through their options, though in the end it’s almost obvious what they need to do. Behind them, the extra (and final layer) of trees begin to shudder; their last line of defense against the Tyrannosaur won’t buy them much more time.]

I think it’s time for another leap of faith. [—he says, almost breathless though he doesn’t need breath, tearing his eyes away from the sight below to look at Simon in confirmation.]

[jerichome]

[Thank Markus. Maybe they can put 'painting in the park' on the schedule soon. Something quiet. Until something else chases them. What's life otherwise

Simon may be an older model, but even his processor can relay that the T-REX is getting closer to them, judging by the fact that it sounds even louder than earlier. Or maybe it just decided to be an even louder boy? Simon isn't willing to be that optimistic, however, now when their lives are at stake. Worst possible scenario where both him and Markus end up getting stomped on or eaten-- that's definitely playing through his mind over and over.

Doesn't help when they finally reach the end of their pathway, the road ending at a steep cliff. Simon just barely manages to stop himself in time, balancing himself on the edge as he looks down at the water.

This is fine.]

Markus--

[He looks at the other android, meeting his mismatched eyes for a second before nodding. Figuring that they don't need any more confirmation than that, Simon gives himself one second of mental preparation before jumping off the cliff.]

[saviorexe]

[No time to question it, no time to hesitate, especially after Simon’s already made the leap. Markus makes the jump only a half-second behind him, just enough time to avoid the massive dinosaur that rushes out from the row of trees, snapping its jaws (and waving its tiny little arms around).

But they’re safe now — well, “safe” is likely a relative word. Now, they’re falling, falling, picking up velocity in a way that reminds Markus of jumping off of Stratford Tower, with a chill wind whipping past. It’s different this time, though; this time, he has only the water below to break his fall. This time, Simon is falling with him.

Time seems to stretch before they crash into the water. It’s all a rush of noise in his audio processing after he does, but an ingrained (programmed) sense of direction rights him so that he swims back up to where he sees fractals of sunlight shimmering above.

Breaking the surface of the water, the first thing he does is whip his head around to look for the other android.]

Simon?!

[jerichome]

[Simon has honestly never jumped off a place that's so high up, whether it be a cliff or a building. And after his body basically plummets through the air before hitting the water at a rather fast rate, it's not an experience he's looking forward to repeating again.

But it probably beats getting eaten by a dinosaur.

It takes Simon a little while to resurface, his HUD flashing a few warning signs about minor damage to one of his biocomponents in his right leg, but he still manages to keep his head above the water. H-he can survive, he has to!]

I-I'm here...! Are you okay?!

[saviorexe]

[The delay is worrisome, moments stretching long before Simon finally resurfaces just a handful of feet away. Relief unravels within Markus almost immediately, moving to swim towards him — thankfully, his own crash into the water was without injury — brow furrowed deep as he assesses his friend in a hurried manner.]

I’m fine, don’t worry— [Droplets gem across his face, the both of them (obviously) soaked to the not-bone. A quick glance upwards at the cliff they had just thrown themselves off of, though there’s no hide nor hair of their pursuer.]

Come on, let’s get out of the water.

[Another lingering look at Simon, making sure he’s really in one piece as he says, before making towards the shore. Once there, and if Simon has little trouble following, Markus hefts himself up on land, clothes sticking to his form. He offers Simon a hand up, shaking his head slightly.]

Not the most graceful escape, but definitely one of the swiftest I’ve ever made. Giant dinosaurs will do that.

[jerichome]

[As long as Markus is fine, Simon can endure it. Sure, death doesn't last in this world, but it doesn't make it any easier to see his leader injured. Besides, he doesn't know how this world would restore androids like them. Maybe they'll come back with the same damages, unable to be fully repaired.

...If that ever happens, Simon will gladly give any of his parts to ensure that Markus can continue on. HE'LL RIP OUT HIS HEART--

But at this time, it's not something he needs to worry about. With Markus leading the way, Simon was able to assess that he truly is fine. No notable damage, unless he's just powering through it like him. A definite possibility, but he's trying to be optimistic for once. He's learning!

Of course, he still has his own leg to worry about. That dampens things a little.

Simon's notably slower when returning to shore, and he takes the offered hand as he gets himself onto dry land. Well, they're alive at least and as such, he's going to lie on the sand for a moment, just looking up at Markus as he responds.]

You've always been graceful, just like how you landed in Jericho. [Simon still considers him to be amazing tho.]

[saviorexe]

[THEIR HEARTS ARE COMPATIBLE simon please keep your heart no

He stands over Simon, watching as the other android sprawls in the sand for a moment, with Markus’ shadow gently sliding over his form. He nearly laughs at that referenced memory, despite himself — right, a very graceful introduction to all of the androids of Jericho: the way the flooring of a catwalk practically crumbled under his feet, the crash into a large metal beam, and landing face-down on the ground, briefly stunned and disoriented. He is beauty, he is grace.]

And I was soaking wet then, too.

[Another leap of faith into deep water to break his fall. His life seems to be running on repeated themes if he were to examine it closely.

But for now, eyes sweep over Simon. The humor lingers for a moment more, then dissolves in the sun; Markus had noticed his friend’s flagging in the water, the delay in reaching him, and now his choice to lie in the sand. His brows knit together.]

...You’re not broken anywhere, are you? [—he asks, practically a half-second away from scanning Simon himself to confirm.]

[jerichome]

[YOU'LL TAKE AND YOU'LL LIKE IT MARKUS.

Despite the damage he's currently sustaining, Simon's eyes seem to glint as he smiles, both from Markus's comment and their shared memory. Who knew that Mr. Grace himself would end up leading the android revolution and bring hope to thousands everywhere? Perhaps it's something that Markus didn't even know himself... he usually tends to see something and just go for it.

But Simon's willing to give him some credit, he normally plans things out too.]

Soaking wet and loud, almost like you wanted everyone to know you were here. A simple greeting would've worked.

[But much of the humor leaves Simon when Markus begins to look him over. There's no way he can lie to him, even if he wanted to. The last thing he wants to do is make Markus worry, but... he really can't move that well. Simon is slightly annoyed at himself for always getting injured like this, especially with Markus around, and thus his eyes turn slightly away from the other android.

Maybe looking at his own leg will seem natural at least.]

My leg's damaged, but nothing major.

[Not like Stratford Tower-- or at least, the damage is different. It's not a time he likes to think about much.]

[saviorexe]

[Worry from Markus is just something that Simon will have to accept — maybe especially after Stratford Tower, having been forced to leave the other android to fend for himself. Injury is always going to require a certain amount of fretting to make up for it, by varying degrees.

Simon’s particular injury (a precursory scan does confirm it, a biocomponent potentially cracked under the pressure of slamming into the surface of the water) isn’t greivous, which is something to be thankful for, and certainly not as bad as what he incurred on that broadcast tower. But Markus’ brow is still knotted together, he’s still frowning, as he crouches down low to offer both Simon and arm and a shoulder.]

Lean on me, I’ll help you up. Can’t just lay there forever; we’ll have to get you somewhere safe.

[And see to that leg, if at all possible.]

[jerichome]

[It's almost the opposite end of Stratford Tower. This time he jumps with Markus, instead of being left alone, and the other android isn't leaving him behind either. Simon still doesn't hold that against him-- how could he? There was no way that they would be able to escape on time with him slowing them down.

Still, it wasn't a good feeling to be left behind, eventually hiding in that storage unit, just hoping that no one would discover him. In his case, he lucked out, but Simon knows that in a couple of timelines, he didn't get so lucky. Connor discovered him, and...]

...So, somewhere away from dinosaurs. Hopefully that won't be hard here.

[But he takes the offered help, leaning against Markus as he looks on ahead. He already feels a lot safer now, but getting out in the open is probably important.] We agreed to no more tyrannosaurs, right?

[saviorexe]

[Markus keeps an arm around Simon, making certain that the lion's share of the other android's balance is situation against himself. There's no reason to put weight on an injured leg, and now that they're out of danger's way, there's equally no reason to hurry. Their footsteps sink into the moist ground of the nearby shore as Markus leads them away from the body of water.]

Are you saying you didn't enjoy yourself just now?

[-he glances at Simon with a small grin, though it's still difficult to push away every modicum of concern from his eyes.]