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

[helisyon]

[Mamoru can practically feel the warmth and light radiating from Helios right now. ...See it, too. There may be some sparkles of light dancing around him in his joy of being able to serve his prince, no matter the capacity.]

It would be an honor. I don't know if they'll have exactly the same thing since the technology isn't as advanced, but surely they should have some kind of place for games.

[mamorus]

[ It's odd, having the memories of his past life while living in his current life. In one existence, he's the prince of a planet. In another, he's only started studying in university. Mamoru only hopes that he and Helios can add 'friends' onto their list of relationships.

Besides, there's no doubt Helios will be very helpful. ]

The technology does seem to be at a lot lower level than Tokyo.

[ He's noticed that as well. ]

But they seem to supplement a lot of technology with magic. I'm not familiar enough with the city to say that hasn't happened with video games, either.

[ Though it feels like Usagi would have found it, if there were such a place. ]

[helisyon]

I haven't been here for too long so there are many places I have yet to explore. There are the other cities as well, and I believe Briarlan has more technology. ...But it's also mostly filled with pirates, so perhaps not.

[Either way, sticking local is probably for the best.]

But shall we try near the Merchant's Square? It seems to have the most businesses.

[mamorus]

Let's avoid the pirates.

[ You have met Usagi. You have seen her penchant for trouble. She literally cannot join an activity that doesn't result in a new evil emerging. ]

But the Merchant Square is a better idea. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly explore other towns, either. It would be a good idea to do it together.

[ Sticking with the two heads theory, it only makes sense. Beyond that, it's a rare situation that allows the pair to even interact on this level.

So, while they travel, why not converse? ]

This world is different than anything you know. Are you settling in?

[ Finding new hobbies? Meeting new people? ]

[helisyon]

[Hope Mamoru enjoys the warm sun, because that's how it's going to feel like while walking next to Helios. He may appear like his usual calm, composed self, but he truly is happy and honored to not only be able to walk alongside his Prince, but also helping in some way.

So he is very happy to converse with him.]

It is—I've only seen places like this through visions and dreams. [There's a bit of a wistful gaze as he looks at the buildings they pass.] And it's taken some adjusting, but I think I'm starting to settle in. I've met many wonderful and interesting people, and more opportunities than I could ever imagine.

[mamorus]

[ Helios is both sweet and gentle, qualities Mamoru is grateful for. It's so easy for warriors, even those who fight with prayer, to become hardened and cold. In a world that seems to encourage men toward strength and aggression, he would want someone so connected to Earth to look at the world with a kinder eye.

Especially if that eye also looks at his future daughter. ]

Even our modern world isn't anything like this. It looks a lot older, like something out of a fantasy novel.

[ As a reader, Mamoru can appreciate that as well. ]

And it doesn't have the Senshi or any other kind of warrior, from what I've been able to discover. It's like a completely different world.

[ His words are thoughtful. Mamoru likes to be prepared, and this is throwing him off. ]

But it has benefits, too. Talking with you like this isn't something I could do before.

[helisyon]

[Look. At least this eye is pure and innocent by nature. It's not his fault that Mamoru's future daughter has such a beautiful heart filled with beautiful dreams and really is just beautiful both inside and out—]

It makes you realize that our world—no, our universe is actually part of something much larger. Something that encompasses not only differences in time, but space and realities.

And I agree. [Helios gives his prince a warm smile.] In the past I watched over you from a distance, and in the present we were only able to speak for but a short time. But even though brief, my heart was filled with so much joy in finally able to meet and speak with you.

Now, here, I can do much more than that. It's like one of my own dreams finally being realized.

[He had always been content with his station and how he would serve Mamoru, both in the past, present, and future. But it would be a lie to say that he sometimes never wished he could do more for him as well as get to know him better. And now he has that chance—and not just with Mamoru. With everyone.

For a priest who has always served in relative solitude and away from everyone, being able to stay within their presence and actually seeing their smiles in person is a true gift, one he'll always treasure now matter how long or brief.]

I hope to continue to grow and experience more, not only with you and the Senshi, but of all the people here.

[mamorus]

[ Once, such devotion was always precious but it was also more common than the Mamoru Chiba he is now had experienced. Having lost his parents so young, he had been alone for much of his life. Then, he met Usagi and the others. From there, he remembered the Generals and now Helios. Really, he's luckier than he expresses.

Helios was largely alone too, wasn't he? ]

Before, I wasn't able to thank you properly. Between being sick and the worries for what was happening with Sailor Moon and the other Senshi, I was too distracted. Your job was done in secret, meaning it was done without recognition or thanks. There's no need for you to continue your duties here, and I've been told we don't remember things when we go back. But while we're here, I want to let you know I'm grateful to have you and all the others on my side. On Earth's side. Without everyone fighting together, the Earth would be a lot weaker.