Test Drive: NOVEMBER

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: NOVEMBER —

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:

• Threads can carry over into the game. The setting of this TDM will be adapted and continue into the official Intro Log after apps, so players who intend to app into the game can take advantage and use the TDM as a "pre-intro log" to get the "first arrival" scenarios out of the way. This means those participating in the TDM can have both "this the character's first day" scenes as well as scenes assuming the character has been in the game for a little bit; whichever works best. Just keep in mind that TDM threads may need to be tweaked to fit proper continuity once in game, but at least you can keep the CR and most of what happens.
  
  Important: Although not explicit in the prompts, TDM participants can play it as if their character was dropped into the current setting: the deserts of Shaarnath (information on the city can be read here for those interested). Current players can just conveniently have their own character already nearby, or could have been informed of lost new arrivals and went out to help.
  
  
• Date reminders. Reserves open October 25th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on November 1st. Apps will only be open for four days! Because we're on a bi-monthly schedule, the next app cycle after this is January.
  
  
• Emotions are key! Empatheias's 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. 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 to collect their emotions and serves as the network device. Remember, communication is telepathic, but it works basically the same as most other network devices.
  
  
• First or third person allowed. Your threads can be in either first or third, but we'd advise being flexible about it. If you have a preference, be sure to specify. 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.
  
  
• For your threads, put the Character Name and the Canon in the subject line to help readily identify them. You're 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!

PROMPTS

• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try? Is your character feeling particularly wound up upon finding themselves in a new place? Or perhaps they're finally getting to live out the fantasy dream and are overjoyed! Or they just stubbed their toe and are in a lot of pain. Whatever it may be, this prompt is your catchall "let's try these emotion effects out" for any miscellaneous situation you may think up.

• 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. (Note: this should be used under the assumption that the character has been in the game for a little while)

• 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: The desert outside of Shaarnath is a harsh, hot wasteland complete with rocks and dry skeletal remains of wyverns. A nearby research group is out working, and however it happens, they will rope anyone who passes through to help them with a little "project" of theirs. Despite its arid appearance, the desert is not all sand and heat. There are small oases with pools of cool water, palm trees and fruit-bearing cacti and shrubs that can withstand the hostile environment scattered throughout - but there’s a catch. While one or two are permanent, many of these oases will only appear and become accessible to those who can muster enough courage to make the trek through the desert. Otherwise, they will disappear and be nothing more than mirages. The researchers want to try "restoring" the area by channeling as much emotions bravery and sympathy to the desert sands to help produce these oases to make them last longer. Either imagining, thinking, or performing acts that elicit these emotions will work. Whether it's around the established oases or while trekking through the desert, if they are successful they should see some kind of growth. As a desert it won't be too much, but even the creation of small pools, plant life, cooler air, or even more cacti will be considered a success. Fear and apathy, however, may cause the area to worsen or even attract hostile creatures, so they should take care.

• Prompt E: Some of the cacti in the area will suddenly sprout arms and legs, and while a good number rush toward the Otherworlders to fight and defend their territory, others instead break down and...cry? That’s right, many of the cactus monsters are just going to bawl their eyes out in front of you and tell you about all their problems. They may be voicing the problems of long-dead Shaarnath travelers, but a good number are sobbing and ranting about your problems or another Otherworlder’s problems as if those were their own! These cactus monsters have to be calmed down so they can let you move forward. Try giving them advice, or calm their emotions down; sympathy may go a long way. Don’t get pricked! (Nothing will happen if you get pricked though, apart from a world of pain.)

• Prompt F: The city of Shaarnath itself is bustling about, and those who have never been to the city before (or literally dropped into it) may want to try and explore. Those looking for a meal can sample the city's cuisine, which consists of various meats, some of which came from creatures like the wyverns and wurms spotted on the way to town. Be careful of the Dragon Kebabs—they are infamous for their fiery spices (consumption may actually induce fire breath). For those who just want to unwind, Arcadia offers what looks an awful lot like classic video games projected on water screens for people to play. Then there is the special technique Shaarnathians use called Dunamis. It's the ability to control one's emotions and harness the energy similar to ki or mana. Perhaps the more daring may want to try it. And watch out for the young wyvern riders! They tend to swoop in a little too low. Maybe some might want to try one for themselves.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include tumbleweeds and/or popcorn balls.