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

[golisolation]

[Guzma shrugs with a short laugh, if this guy wanted to see his Pokèmon eat it, then far be it for him to stop him!]

It's your funeral. Golisopod!

[Hearing his name, Golisopod whips his attention to Guzma, his expression is uncertain and angry—the confusion still boggling him quite a bit.]

Snap outta it! Use liquidation on Tyranitar, don't let 'em take Vikavolt out!

[With a growl, Golisopod rampages forward, surrounding himself with water as he barrels forward towards Tyranitar. However, his anger is distracting him, and so he's just as likely to miss and hit a tree, than his target.]

You too, Scizor, use iron head!

[With being close proximity already to Tyranitar already, and keeping pace, Scizor basically aims to headbutt Tyranitar with his steel-coated head. However, this unfortunately seems to aid Tyranitar in getting close enough to chomp down on Vikavolt—the electric stag beetle crying out in a voice that sounds almost auto-tuned.

This likewise allows the Shadow Ball to hit its mark, leaving Vikavolt worse for wear and staggered.]

You're pretty decent yourself, but it won't change the outcome!

[cardshark]

[That Iron Head definitely landed, making Tyranitar let go of Vikavolt and stumble back. Tyranitar roared and charged Scizor, only for that Liquidation to sweep Tyranitar off his feet, knocking him down and out.] You may have taken out Tyranitar, but I won't give in!

[Houndoom bounds back onto the scene with an entire plant in her mouth.] Great, Houndoom! [And it clicks now, because he had sent Houndoom off during the scuffle, but Houndoom's fire might turn the tide. The only downside being that Houndoom was already pretty badly injured from that First Impression. Well, there was something he could do for that. Since they were pulling out all the stops...]

Houndoom, I'm tagging you in. [Grimsley puts his arm out to chip in his Houndoomite, and in a blast of light, Mega Houndoom stands before all of them, yet still just shy of Guzma's full height.] Fire Blast!

[Honchkrow flaps out of the way, but still manages to get a little singed in the tail by the huge flying 大. He craws indignantly, circling above as the flames hurtle towards Scizor.]

[golisolation]

[With Golisopod's attack landing, it seems to help him orient himself, but certainly doesn't calm his anger any. Vikavolt is at least grateful for the release, but he's certainly looking like the slightest hit could knock him down.]

You think that's gonna do much?

[As Guzma says that, soon Masquerain is bringing Pinsir back, his little stick arms full of fruits—a couple falling on the way to Pinsir's fanatic despair!! He at least drops them to the drop point as Masquerain flies over, and then circles back to go out for another round of berries. There's a couple minutes left, they have time!

With the attack launched, Guzma barks out:]

Bullet Punch!

[He knows that Scizor won't be able to dodge it, so instead he might as well make the best of his speed and retaliate. Aptly named as the move is, Scizor is in Houndoom's face as the fire attack goes off, aiming to deck him right in the snout as the attack engulfs him in flames. A noble sacrifice, truly.]

You're up Golisopod! Brick-break!

[After the Fire Blast clears, Golisopod rushes over, that swagger still boosting his attack as he brings his large claw down at Houndoom in an attempt to buggy-karate-chop him! Guzma then turns his attention to the Honchkrow with the singed tail, issuing his last order:]

Vikavolt, hit 'em with Thunderbolt!

[The cry is low and weak, but with a charge, he sends out another blast of electricity towards the flying type, but his aim is shaky at best, seeing as he can barely keep himself in the air as it is.]

[cardshark]

[Mega Houndoom takes the bullet punch right on the snout. It jumps backwards, only managing to dodge Golisopod's strike insofar that it wasn't critical, but it still landed, knocking Mega Houndoom out instantly.]

Damn! Honchkrow! Look out!

[And Honchkrow was so distracted by the commotion that the lightning bolt hits, even with Grimsley's warning.]

So that leaves me with one left. Well. To the end, I suppose. [He lets Sharpedo out.] Sharpedo, Crunch Vikavolt! Careful of its electricity!

[Sharpedo jettisons absurdly fast towards his target, bearing down with the fury that his species is known for.]

[golisolation]

[Scizor is subsequently returned to his ball, seeing as he's no longer good for battle. Still two remain to Grimsley's one—rather, four remain but the other two morons are busy collecting fruit. Or rather, there should be two remaining. However, with Sharpedo's assault, Vikavolt is down. Guzma seems unbothered, still casually squatting as he watches the battle unfold, that grin never leaving him even as he recalls his fallen beetle to his ball.]

Keep it up, Golisopod, take him out like you did that Houndoom! Give 'em another brick-break!

[First impression is off the table, the element of surprise isn't there, and wouldn't be unless Golisopod returned—but if those two dolts didn't get back soon he'd be left without any more Pokèmon to defend should Golisopod feel the need to rely on his emergency exit.

Taking the order, Golisopod rushes Sharpedo with vicious determination, aiming to strike the shark with those meat hook-like claws. Guzma doesn't expect Sharpedo to fall with the single hit, but he certainly wouldn't complain.]

[cardshark]

Sharpedo, watch it!

[At least Sharpedo was quick and smart, feinting out of the way and rolling against Golisopod's side. Ordinarily, Sharpedo's rough skin would leave abrasions against his opponent, but unless he connected with the underside...]

There's your opening, Poison Jab!

[Grimsley's pulse is hammering in his ears now. How intoxicating this battle was. There was certainly no way to win entirely when Pinsir and Masquerain came back, but that five minute time limit was coming on quick. If he could knock out Golisopod, he might be able to get a few more berries. Which, it was almost hard to remember that this was all about some berries in the first place. They probably would have collected way more if they just cooperated with all of their pokemon and then split the spoils.]

[morons.]

[golisolation]

[Morons indeed, but that was kinda Guzma's thing, yeah?

The poison jab hits, and Golisopod lets out a defiant growl. Taking advantage of the Sharpedo's proximity, he brings his claw down on it. Using Brick-break without an order from Guzma, not that his trainer seems to mind. He minds even less when he notices his two stooges on their return trip. They have decidedly less berries than the last trip, but that's fine.]

You got this Golisopod, just beat 'em down till he ain't moving no more!

[With a cry that sounds almost like a bug's equivalent to a roar, Golisopod readies himself, poised for whatever attack might follow—but there's certainly a noticeable weakness to his stance. The poison jab certainly left its mark, and Golisopod was definitely suffering from a lingering poison.

Guzma waves Masquerain and Pinsir over once they're within the area proper, and they've dropped their bounty off. Masquerain drops Pinsir besides him, the clumsy fuck just landing on his belly/face with an unceremonious thud, while Masquerain seems fit to land on Guzma's head. However, Guzma doesn't seem to be sending either of them out yet, allowing Golisopod to finish what he started.]

[cardshark]

[The brick break connects directly, sending Sharpedo into the ground. Also without command, Sharpedo makes for Golisopod's leg in one last attempt to deal some damage before going down for good. Grimsley makes a face. This is hard to watch, but he has to do something]

Ice Fang, now!

[Grimsley notices tweedle dee and tweedly dumb reenter. Even if he takes down this fearsome bug, Sharpedo isn't fresh enough to take down the others.]

[golisolation]

Sucker punch!

[Guzma calls it out the instance he notices Sharpedo's attempt to attack. With a startling quick reaction, Golisopod bashes Sharpedo right in the nose—but it's certainly not as effective as it would be to other types. It doesn't stop the Ice Fang from happening, and while it decidedly isn't what would make Golisopod faint, it does make him retreat. Between the damage he's suffered and the poison, he's done.

The red energy of what's recognizable of a pokè ball beam consumes Golisopod as he wills himself back into his ball. Guzma doesn't seem too surprised by this, and it's good fortunate that Pinsir was able to get himself up, and dusted off in time to jump in.]

Y'did good, buddy. [He says it quietly to the Pokè ball, before turning his attention right back to the battle]

Pinsir—wreck this guy! X-Scissors, now!

[Pinsir looks like he's done a goddamn line of coke with how excited he is to jump into the fray, running in as quickly as his stumpy legs allow so that he can clamp his pincers down on Sharpedo!]

[cardshark]

[That strike is too much for poor Sharpedo. He struggles before he faints, and Grimsley recalls him to his pokeball.]

Well, well. You've won the battle, but who has more berries? Time's up. [He gestures to the single plant Houndoom was able to bring. And sure, it's lush with berries, but are there more there? Anger flashes on Grimsley's face.]

I may have lost that battle, but there will be a next time. There can be only one winner, and whoever isn't the winner has lost. So let's find out together, shall we?

[golisolation]

[Pinsir is left jumping up and down in excitement, before he poses like he's flexing. Except he's a bug, so it's not like he could actually flex anything. Also his arms are basically sticks, so it's really not that impressive.]

Considerin' you wasted all your Pokèmon tryin' to fight a fruitless battle, it's clear who won that too.

[He didn't even mean that pun, but it's there. However, when Grimsley goes on with his weird... whatever that is, Guzma just stares at him a little bewildered.]

Uh, yeah that's the point? What the hell are you goin' on about..?

[He stands up, heading over to the pile to make sure he doesn't cheat him on the count. Not that Guzma's great at math as it is, but look. He can count at the very least.]

Go on then, get counting. [He notices how Pinsir is eyeing the pile with fixated interest.] Before Pinsir takes his reward, yo.

[cardshark]

[Grimsley recollects himself, rubbing his temples as he crouches down to the berries.]

[The way he counts is frankly impressive. His fingers deftly pull them into fives, and aside from needing to pull a few from the branches, he has them counted up quickly.]

[Fuck.]

You have thirty-five. I have thirty-one.

[golisolation]

Lost the battle and the war then, eh?

[Guzma seems so proud of himself. He's not actually, not that he's ashamed either. Just, he knew the outcome would be this, and to be proven correct by reality was just its own sweet reward.]

A'iight, Pinsir, you can have one—Dammit Pinsir!

[Pinsir barely lets him finish before the greedy goblin is over there, and Guzma doesn't react fast enough. Not till Pinsir's eaten six. Returned to his ball, Guzma lets out an annoyed groan, before he grabs one of the bags he had on Golisopod earlier and drags it over.]

So—did you get off or whatever?

[An odd question, but he can't imagine why else this weird man was so adamant on making a wager if it wasn't something... y'know...]

[cardshark]

I wouldn't expect a silly Team Skull gangster to understand the honor and importance of finishing what you start, even if it means losing. Only through losing can we truly learn something.

[Grimsley looks at the Masquerain fondly as he continues]

I won't lose to you again, you can be sure of that. Even if the odds are stacked against me, I've overcome worse.

I'll leave you to your victory now, but we'll meet again, I'm sure. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Grimsley.

[golisolation]

[Guzma just stares at Grimsley as he talks, looking thoroughly annoyed by the way he's yammering on. However, that bit about Team Skull certainly irritates him, but less so because of what Grimsley actually said, but rather because Team Skull is in the past.

Noticing Grimsley is looking at him, Masquerain sweetly does a little spin in the air, accompanied by some happy buzzing. Yes, look upon his glory!]

Yeah, whatever man. I ain't part of Team Skull no more, maybe you oughta get with the times before you start talkin' like you know anything.

[When Grimsley introduces himself, Guzma just shrugs his shoulders.]

Don't care about your manners, don't care about you.

[It's pointless to introduce himself, since clearly this guy knows him. As everyone should, really.]

But if you wanna come to me for more beat downs, well, I ain't against dishin' 'em.

[cardshark]

A bit of unsolicited advice, but maybe you should start acting like it, and I wouldn't have been so mistaken.

[He gives Guzma a wink.]

The outfit doesn't help either.

[Then he leans down and starts collecting unclaimed berries, tucking them into his sleeves. He could use these to heal his Pokemon, couldn't he?]

Very well.

[He then puts his hand out for Masquerain, offering a berry. He had said farewell, but this cute little pokemon was here trying to entertain him... so.]