Test Drive: AUGUST

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: AUGUST —

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 25 July and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on August 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!
  
  
  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: Mystery boxes have begun to turn up not only on people’s doorsteps but also anywhere they go - at their workplaces, dropped off on their cafe tables, even falling out of trees or windows right in front of them. There is nothing special about the boxes themselves - nothing is written on them and they are made out of generic cardboard - but they may contain items such as a set of cute furry animal figurines, a ring of old tarnished keys, or a fancy but stained secondhand fedora. Others, however, have more sinister, mysterious contents, such as a black coat with a muddy hem, a blood-spattered kitchen knife or even what looks like a severed bloody finger. Ask around about who has been leaving these boxes all over the place, and you will get conflicting reports. Otherworlders lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a person suddenly in a hurry to leave the scene will learn that this person behind the mystery boxes can appear as a man, or a woman, or neither.

• Prompt E: Receiving a mystery box has its pros and cons. Some items give so much emotion and energy to a person, exaggerating everything they feel and think. It's a good thing at times, because when one is happy, they truly are HAPPY! When one feels like they're on top of the world, they may end up floating! However, there are instances in which the other person feels like they're drowning due to sadness, in which case, they may feel like they're underwater and need air to breathe. Don't worry! In times like these, all you need is a slap in the face to make you feel better! Or if that's too physically hurtful, others have discovered that crying stops the hyperbole of emotions, too.

• Prompt F: Investigations eventually lead to the founder of the cryptocurrency EmoGold who goes by the pseudonym "Sato" to be the one sending out mystery boxes to people. It seems the emotional currency has taken a dive in terms of exchange rate between EmoGold and Sylvs that he thought giving out mystery boxes to people would make them want to learn more about EmoGold and mining… sadly that didn't work and only proceeded to creep people out! "Sato" is now under custody of the Enforcers, and all the furniture in his house (strange and unique as they may be) is now up for auction! A lamp that looks like a cow and shoots light out of its eyes for 5,000 sylvs going once… going twice… SOLD!

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include forks and/or snow.

Comments

Yosuke Hanamura | Persona 4

[dj_jiraiya]

A - Emotions

[Anyone who knows one Yosuke Hanamura would also know he’s not at all good at keeping his emotions in check. That is... unless he has his music. And then, it’s a whole different issue all together. Although, it wasn’t really an issue so much that he could simply get lost in it. Upon his arrival here, he caused quite the windstorm. Which was weird because his Persona wasn’t out and so how the hell was he Garudyning everywhere?!

But eventually, he got away from the crowd, spent a few days at the Welcome Center to get his bearings, and then eventually to the park where he slapped on his headphones and pressed play, it didn’t matter what song came on. He just needed a place to think and music to help get him in the zone. So, if one were to look, Yosuke could be found in an isolated field of sunflowers, a summer breeze blowing through as he crouched amongst the flowers, eyes shut and his hands over the bright orange headphones. He was completely unaware the sunflowers and breeze were his doing too.

He was in another world, it wasn’t the TV World either, his cellphone was out of range of anyone, and he didn’t know what to do.]

What would partner do?

[It was mumbled into his knees, but with his ears covered in music, he wasn’t aware if anyone heard him. But it was a valid question, he figured. He’d know what to do, or at least have some idea. Yosuke was too out of sorts, but that’s what the music was for. He needed to calm down and think of a game plan.]

D - Mystery Boxes

[Part of that game plan was finding employment. If he was gonna be here for the long haul, may as well earn cash. So, he was currently hauling some boxes for one of the merchants in the marketplace. The guy wanted to set up a new, bigger stall, so the extra set of hands would help. Yosuke was also used to setting up displays and stocking items in an orderly fashion that it was easy for him to get lost in the grind.

That was, until a mysterious box appeared right at his feet and Yosuke had a box full of scrap he was taking to the trash blocking his view. Somehow, his foot smacking into the mystery box followed by an uncontrollable gust of wind had him not just tripping and falling. The box of trash landed and splattered its contents while Yosuke was quite literally flipped over and he landed with a loud cry and crash into yet another pile of trash!

At least it wasn’t a trash can?

There was a pitiful whine as he laid there, not at all sure how he went ass over end right then.]

Ow... that h-hurts...!

[His back was gonna feel that for a week.]

G - Wildcard

[ooc: Got something else in mind? Hit me up here, PM the journal, or my plurk at ravenclawed]

B

[sleepyhollowed]

[Kieran's from a time when slow-motion video isn't exactly a thing, what with end of 19th century technology and all, but that's exactly how he witnesses Yosuke's tumble, cringing as he watches the teenager land in a pile of trash. He can commiserate... probably a little too well.]

[He fights back a wince as he scurries on over and holds out a hand for Yosuke to grab. Least he could do, right?]

You alright, there?

[dj_jiraiya]

[He opens an eye to find the hand out, the other eye opening as well when he heard the voice attached to the hand. He groans, mostly in embarrassment this time. Great, someone saw him. But at least they weren't walking passed him, so that's a good thing.]

Yeah. [It comes out like a wheeze but he finally reaches out and takes the offered hand, getting his feet under him so he could pull himself up and out of the trash pile. Seriously, he was glad it wasn't a trash can this time. Partner wasn't exactly here to pull his ass outta that again.] Thanks.

[He swiped at his backside and his shirt. At least the trash wasn't old food and stuff. Just dusty and dirty things that also hurt a bit more than old food. He sighed and then looked for the offending object.]

Geez, who puts a box in the middle of the road?

[sleepyhollowed]

Sure, friend. No problem.

[While Yosuke pats himself clean, Kieran makes sure to stand close by. Not because he has any particularly valuable skills to fit the situation (outside of the most basic of basic first aid), but hey, a little moral support never hurt anyone.]

[Yosuke's question inspires Kieran to glance at the box as well, lips pressed together and brow furrowed as he studies it from afar.]

I haven't the slightest.

Maybe someone dropped it?

[He's decidedly not making any movement whatsoever to walk over and it up. Who the hell knows what's in that thing? It could be dangerous!]

[dj_jiraiya]

[Well, Yosuke will inspect it then! Because opening boxes in weird places is kind of normal for him. Don't ask.

He approaches it and give the box a hesitant push with his foot. It doesn't move so he crouches down. While no one was any the wiser, Yosuke did have a kunai in his apron so he slips that out of the front pocket.

Because he's totally a normal teenager, right?

He flips the lip open and...]

...seriously?!

[The hand without the weapon pulls out a cat figurine, holding it up towards Kieran.]

It's full of these animal figurines. No wonder the box was heavy enough to trip me, but if they wanted to get rid of so many of these, why not just dump them at the Welcome Center or something? These are in awfully good condition to be put near a trash pile.

[sleepyhollowed]

[That tiny weirdly-shaped knife does draw a bit of a side-eye from Kieran, but truth be told, he's seen kids Yosuke's age with full-on rifles before, so he's not about to ask any questions. Just as long as the kunai isn't pointed at him, everything's good.]

[He finally steps closer when Yosuke mentions something along the lines of animal figurines and holds out the tiny cat toy, his interest immediately piqued by the prospects of seeing someone else's handiwork.]

They really are in good condition. Cute, too.

[He holds out a hand, wordlessly asking for permission to take a closer look at the figure.]

Makes you wonder if they really did just drop it by accident.

[dj_jiraiya]

[A friend of his wields a pistol, so it wouldn't be that out of the ordinary either. Too bad Naoto wasn't here. Yosuke slips the kunai back in the apron pocket and hands Kieran the cat figure.]

Looks like something a friend of mine would have.

[A couple friends, actually. He wasn't one to collect these sorts of things himself, but Kanji and Partner? Right up their alley. He sighed and shifted to pick up the box, getting it in his arms and standing up without bending his back because early back injuries were so not his style. Also he's worked at Junes long enough that it just became second nature.]

Well, accident or no, I don't see anyone rushing to claim 'em. Guess we could try the Welcome Center? Ah... wait.

[He glanced at the mess he made and sighed, shoulders drooping.]

I should probably clean that up first. Dammit. Wanna take these for me and I'll meet you there once I get this all squared away?

[sleepyhollowed]

[A+ box-lifting technique, Yosuke! Your manager would be proud!]

I don't mind taking the box, but, uh...

[Kieran peers at the mess. That's a lot of trash, friend.]

...You sure you don't want help fixing this up? S'up to you. I don't mind either way.

[dj_jiraiya]

[He's just kinda used to not expecting much help when it comes to people working in any sort of setting like this. So, he's a little surprised at the offer.]

Well, I mean, sure... but you didn't make the mess, you shouldn't have to do that.

[sleepyhollowed]

[Kieran just smiles in understanding. He's been in Yosuke's shoes plenty of times before in his teenage years, and that hasn't really changed much now that he's in his 20s.]

Doesn't matter who made the mess. It's just, y'know, the right thing to do to help clean it up.

[And with that, he clasps Yosuke on the shoulder and holds out a hand.]

Name's Kieran. Kieran Duffy.

[dj_jiraiya]

Well, I... um, well, thanks.

[He can't help the bright smile on his face at that and he takes Kieran's hand.]

Yosuke Hanamura. And uh, thanks again.

[sleepyhollowed]

[Yosuke’s name isn’t like anything he’s ever heard before, what with limited experiences with people who weren’t American in one way or another, but Kieran gives it due diligence, repeating it in his head over and over until he’s pretty sure he’s got it.]

Y-Yeah! Don’t mention it.

[No, seriously, don’t. He’s not the best at taking compliments.]

So, uh, let’s get started!

[With that, Kieran releases Yosuke’s hand and gets to work clearing up some of that trash!]

[dj_jiraiya]

[If asked, Yosuke could help him! He's pretty aware he's speaking to someone from a Western country, so it's not unheard of that they can't pronounce Japanese names very well. Regardless, the whole thing warms the area around them a little with his bright smile.]

Okay, uh... [There's a brief moment where he's has to locate the box he was originally carrying, and when he does he grabs it and brings it upright again. The air cools again.] There we go. Just put it all in here.

[It's then just a matter of time to clear the area up, the other shoppers keeping out of their way.]

A

[yuzanagi]

[It was a series of unfortunately events that caused Yu to completely miss Yosuke when he passed by the Welcome Center. It was only a few days later when he hears the voice of his friend and...sunflowers? A lot of sunflowers.

Immediately the air around them become a little warmer as he does the very reasonable thing...purposefully walk away then take the path along Yosuke's view so he can see him as he walks around and pretends he hasn't spotted him yet.]

[dj_jiraiya]

[It took a moment, his eyes too focused on his knees and his music to realize someone was in his line of sight. When he did notice, Yosuke couldn't help his eyes widening and the grin following suit. Geez, Yu must have a sixth sense or something.

He pushed his headphones down as he stood up from his crouched position, waving to get his friend's attention.]

Partner! You're here too?! Oh, what a relief. What about the others?

[yuzanagi]

[Oh wow Yosuke, he hadn't noticed you at all. What a strange miracle of life that was. He gives him a small smile but then looks a little crestfallen.]

You're the only one I saw so far. I haven't seen anyone else.

[dj_jiraiya]

[Yu, pls.

Yosuke blinked at that answer though.]

Oh. So, just us two?

[It could have been worse, he could have been all by himself. Or stuck with Teddie. He scratched the back of his head, letting his hand rest there for a moment before dropping with.]

So, what do we do? The people told a bit about this place and I got some of the pamphlets and stuff but... it's a lot, y'know?

[Does Yu have a game plan or are they just gonna wing it?]

[yuzanagi]

Yeah. Just the two of us for now.

[For now. Yu was hope , after all. It's Yu, Yosuke. He's used to being moved around and landing in unfamiliar places. This places does lack TVs but it's got plenty of magic for it.]

I thought we were back in the TV world for a bit...but it's not like that all.

[He crosses his arms and looks over at the horizon.]

We make with what we have. They pay for places to stay for a bit, and we can find small jobs to earn money. Then....we do what the Investigation Team does best, figure out how we can help.

[dj_jiraiya]

[Yu is used to it, but Yosuke only did it the one time. TV World notwithstanding. Still, it was reassuring to have his partner here and to help him get his head back on straight.

Appreciative was definitely him, even if he wasn't totally understanding it right now.]

Well, I guess I can't complain too much about that. Be nice havin' you around again, partner.

[He scrunched his nose a little as he grinned, but his face turned a little more serious even with the smile as he nodded.]

Sounds like a good plan to me. So h- whoa, what the-?!

[Guess who just noticed all the sunflowers that he didn't remember being in the park before.

! - literally above his head for a brief moment.]

Where did all this come from?

[yuzanagi]

With at least one of you around, I know I can continue to be a proper Leader. I'm sure we'll be able to do something here together, Yosuke.

[At the sunflower comment, Yu just puts a hand on Yosuke's elbow.]

Congratulations, Partner. You've discovered a new talent for yourself...two green thumbs. It works well with your healing magic, doesn't it?

[dj_jiraiya]

You make it sound like we're gonna change the world. I don't even know what world this is.

[Yosuke just gave him a incredulous look at the green thumb comment.]

I have no idea what you're talking about, dude. Sunflowers don't have anything to do with my healing!

Wait, are you saying I did this? I was doing some funky garudyne stuff earlier and now this? I don't get it.

[yuzanagi]

Well we already changed one world for the better. Why not one more?

[It just makes Yu smile even more.]

Well one of the leaflets mentions emotion affecting things around you...if they weren't there before you got here, by logic it means you caused them, right?

[dj_jiraiya]

[You make it sound so easy, Partner. But he just scoffs with a laugh, shaking his head. Can't they just be normal for once?]

But I don't wanna cause flowers! One, that's incredibly girly! And two, what if it happens when I'm in the shower or something? Or accidentally using garudyne again?

[And they both knew how accident prone he could be.]

[yuzanagi]

I don't know Yosuke, that type of flower can be very sunny. Enlightening, if you will.

[Yu. No.]

In that case you just have to hope you don't blow the walls down, right? I won't look if it happens.

[dj_jiraiya]

[He's shoving you away. Some friend you are!]

Dude! You're not helping!