TEST DRIVE: April

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: APRIL —

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 March 25th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on April 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. These threads do not count toward AC.

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: The Verens Emergency Response Teams are running drills to make sure that the Verens populace, natives and Otherworlders alike, are prepared for any and all emergencies. This means large scale obstruction of public areas, traffic delays, businesses closing their doors temporarily in the name of professional cooperation... and, best of all, Otherworlder participation!

1. Alpha Lava: If you asked Team Alpha, they would say they drew the short straw. They are in charge of the volcanic eruption preparedness drill! This includes cordoning off sections of the merchant’s square and residential district to conduct the following tasks: evacuation drills, where random houses are the "willing participant" of loudspeaker announcements telling them they have thirty seconds to escape their homes before they die; dunamis training exercises, to determine who would be most able to hold back or freeze incoming pools of lava; and, most helpful, the role of victim mannequin. Posing still as a statue for several minutes at a time to simulate being encrusted by molten lava is a thankless job, but someone has to do it.
   
2. Epsilon Epidemic: Team Epsilon's emergency preparedness drill is outbreak of a deadly disease! For this simulation, they will be rounding up helpful Otherworlder volunteers and distributing signs for them to wear around their necks. Following that, instructions are varied. Perhaps some people end up in quarantine, informed that Team Epsilon will shoot to kill anyone who escaped. Perhaps some people are under strict instruction to act out their sign to the best of their ability, and will be penalised if they don't! (What's the penalty? It's quarantine, or no gift bag, or both.) Perhaps they are simply dead and have to lie in the street all day. Yes, that's very boring. No, they don't have a choice. At the end of the simulation, all participants are given a gift bag filled with handmade cookies (courtesy of Team Epsilon's very own multi-talented Agent N) and gift certificate for a spa day for two. Most importantly: have fun!
   
3. Gamma Grandstanding: Team Gamma ended up with the newest preparation drill. Its official title is "People With Indeterminate Motives" (PWIM for short) to keep from throwing a wrench in the Briarlan trade deal and offending sensibilities, but make no mistake: it is about knowing exactly what to do if pirates invade Verens and conduct a hostile takeover. Some Otherworlders will be placed specifically in local business - restaurants, independently owned shops, even the zoo - and trained how to protect them from PWIM. Some businesses will be targeted; others will be ignored entirely (hope you brought a deck of cards!). Other Otherworlders will be asked to play the pirates - sorry, PWIM - themselves, complete with lame costumes (eyepatches, fancy hats, fake parrots to sit on a shoulder, itchy peglegs) for the sake of immersion. Arr! Aye, avast!

• Prompt E: Despite the rain and everybody coming down with colds during the month, everyone in Verens is still doing their best to get ready for next month's Flower Festival. And Otherworlders are definitely expected to help with prep work. After all, it's everyone's festival, so everyone should help make it the best it can be! So here's a few ways to help!

1. Sign Me Up: The Festival needs signs! Lots of signs. And lots of signs need lots of painters! Or one incredibly overworked painter, but in this case, they've decided to go the teamwork route, pairing up Otherworlders and having them make signs advertising various games at the festival! Sounds easy, right? But with emotion based paints in play, be careful. Too much negativity between partners and the wording will change, the paint could run, go too far in the other directions and the signs will be practically glowing, but possibly lead to claims of false advertising!
   
2. Special Delivery Flower Festivals need lots of flowers, and people to transport those flowers! And thanks to handy tech exchange with Briarlan, this year there's some fancy containment units for transporting them. They're really just crates with some fancy looking meters attached, meant to open up when they reach the festival grounds. Unfortunately, these new inventions probably could've used some additional testing and are prone to opening randomly sending flowers all over the place! Try and collect as many as possible and bring them back to the grounds, the festival organizers would appreciate it.
   
3. Flower Round Up! Or maybe painting signs and boxing flowers aren't your thing, so how about...corralling them? With all the good vibes in the air, it seems some of the flower arrangements have literally pulled up roots and are running around the festival. And you can't have a flower festival without flowers, so do your best to try and get them back where they belong before they run off to start some sort of flower civilization in the woods*.
   
   *They probably will not form a flower civilization in the woods, but you never know.

• Prompt F: With Verens trading with more and more cities out there, some shopkeepers have gotten an idea to try and increase sales by encouraging both citizens and Otherworlders to shop local by promoting a tour of various business in the merchant district! Though the crystal has been a little negative, they're still hoping the tour goes off without a hitch! After all, it's too late to postpone it.

1. On the Clock: The first stop is Click, Clack, Clock, a clock shop that offers delivery to anywhere on the island! Unfortunately, due to the poor weather, all of the delivery staff are out with colds, so they're looking for volunteers! And yes, you're on this walking tour, but don't be surprised if you're handed a bicycle and a clock and sent on your way to deliver a clock. Hopefully they remembered to tell you where to go before shoving you out the door.
   
2. Shine On: Assuming you haven't been conscripted into the clock store's delivery force, the next stop is at Verens' very own Restoration Works, an establishment for restoring old antiques and making them look good as new. They've set up an interactive demo for everybody, so partner up and practice using your emotions to bring some shine back to some dull scraps of metal! Sorry guys, they're not going to let you work on anything really valuable during the tour, but if you show some promise, maybe they’ll hire you on in the future!
   
3. Polg-Oh No: Finally, the tour will end with a nice relaxing meal at the Sweethearts Cafe. Or it was intended to be relaxing, anyway (who would've thought the antique store would be the calmest part of the tour?), but it seems no place is safe from the Polgo plague. Better keep an eye on your plates, otherwise the second you’re distracted, the small kitten-sized blue bugs might scurry up the table and try and run off with your food!
   
   Even if you’re paying attention, they might give it a shot anyways. So be on your guard and ready to give chase if it happens!

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include blueberries and/or buckets.

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!

Comments

robin hood | fate/

[robindarich]

E. 1

[As someone who generally likes festivals and is drawn to celebrations, Robin naturally helps with the prep work. Lazy ass he may be, making a sign is somewhat enjoyable for him.

That's important. He's in a decent enough mood, so his paints have been... cooperating. For the most part. He's almost done with a flower he's been painting. Everything is going great. It looks like an actual flower. Who knew he was an actual halfway decent artist?? He has spent enough time around nature he better be good at drawing flowers.

He chances a glance next to him, to see what someone else has been working on.

Whether it's good or bad, he comments,]

Aaah, hah, not bad. Even Da Vinci might be jealous.

F. 1

[Everyone earns money in their own way. As a delivery boy or as a clock-maker. Robin has been stuck with the prior. At least his bike is green, whether by his own green-affinity touch or just fate(/).

He's riding his bike through town, splashing through puddles. His mantle waving around behind him and a bundle clocks in the basket at the front, ready to be delivered. His route is simple and he planned it in his head before kicking off.

He just didn't plan for the crosswalk, or the people walking across right just as he's pedaling through the rain to get his deliveries done ASAP. The quicker he's finished, the quicker he's paid. The faster he can wander to that pub he frequents.

Tires + rain never equals anything good. He skids around as he attempts to avoid a collision. Ringing his little bell at the handle bars, furiously.

RING RING RING RINGRINGRINGRIGNRIGNR]

G

[No blueberries. No buckets. Yet.

He's used to sleeping in trees, out in nature. He's used to being on his own. Having a roommate is what he's decidedly NOT used to. He's a terrible roommate, by the way, if you've chosen this prompt. I'm sorry.

While he cooks and he's pretty cleanly on his own, when it comes to paying rent? Yeah, good luck. And when he's told to do something, he fights it.

There's a schedule for chores and Robin always. ALWAYS!!!!!! Misses it. Either because he's missing or he shirks his duties. It might be time to confront him about it.

It's one of those rare times when he's actually around to be yelled at as he hangs out, smoking a cigarette and studying his amulet.]

ANYTHING ELSE

[If you have something else you've been dreaming of playing, hit me up. I'll oblige. Otherwise, you can contact me on plurk (starchii)]

F-1

[irishfriskey]

[Honestly. He's just here crossing he street, he didn't expect to be bothered like this. With the ringing of the bell. Rubbing his head and sighing.]

Archer.

[He grumbles and moves to pick up the things he's dropped because of that repeated ringing.]

Please stop.

[robindarich]

[It's supposed to be used as a warning. To be fair, he was very late in using it.

In this case, he uses it more as a declaration of his irritation of nearly running someone over.

He stops. Not because he was told, but because it looks like Lancer is on his own delivery quest. He crosses his arms over the handlebars and leans against it.]

Isn't there a rule about looking both ways before you cross the street?

[irishfriskey]

I know there's a rule about running someone over.

[He narrows his gaze as he looks up at him with a sigh.]

You could help, maybe.

[robindarich]

[Why do that? (Yet)]

You're right, maybe I could. There's a rule about cleaning up after yourself, too.

[G E S T U R E S]

e-1!!

[hoasen]

[It was at that very same time that she was looking over at his work, and saw the flower.]

Oh! That's a beautiful flower--

[And she spoke over him, so immediately waves her hands...after she puts the brush down.]

Ah, my apologies! And surely not, I do not paint often.

[robindarich]

[What.

It's not that good....

ANYWAY.]

Could've fooled me. [He steps a bit closer to get a better look at what she's done with her sign so far. Have her paints been cooperating, too?]

Whoever you're making this sign for will be happy.

[hoasen]

[LOOK, she's got no artistic eye okay, it looks good to her.

Either way, she blushes?! Dude.]

I-I hope so, after all, this will represent them. They need these for people to read as clearly as possible, or be inviting to the eye!

[IT'S ALL BUSINESS.]

So, I can only hope I did well enough. Yours have lovely colour.

[robindarich]

[Dude.

She's taking this seriously.

He looks toward his canvas again.]

Ah, yeah. Thanks. [His painting gets... a little pink as his hand scratches at the back of his neck.]

It doesn't really matter what colors I choose though, does it? It'll change depending on everyone's mood.

g...... i'm so sorry

[worldcup]

What do you think you're doing, slacking around?!

[ Not that Illya herself is any better as a roommate considering that she doesn't cook at all but she can at least clean her own messes. And pay for things.

But look, she doesn't want to do the chores on her own so she's got to yell at somebody.


And this is what's apparently happening now. ]

LMFAFLDKJ THANK U

[robindarich]

[Robin roomed with her likely because he felt bad a kid was on her own, and had to pay for things on her own. He's a pushover.

It wasn't long before he realized she's a SPOILED BRAT but definitely more of a responsible adult than he is.

He sinks in his spot and wishes he could use Faceless King to disappear.]

I'm not slacking. I'm taking a break.

[For months.]

[worldcup]

[ It's true that she's a spoiled brat, but hey, that's what you get being idolized as the heir of the Einzbern family and a precious treasure by both of her fellow homunculi. She's never really interacted with many people. At all, actually. Besides like, Shirou, Rin, Sakura... and Saber that one time. ] Oh, really? [ She says that as if she hasn't already caught on, giving him a rather curious look until it fades into a mischievous smile. ] Then you don't mind getting off your break, do you?

[robindarich]

[Okay, princess.

HE DOESN'T LIKE THAT LOOK.]

For you to start yours?

E.1

[sovereignpc]

[Hakuno's been looking for ways to occupy her idle time when Tamamo isn't monopolizing her, so painting some signs has been a good little outlet for her. She's not particularly great - the rose she's been working on so meticulously kind of looks more like a red lily, to be honest. But the sakura tree next to it looks pretty good, in a way that of course it'd look good because it's a much simpler shape. She didn't really realize anyone else was paying attention to her, though, so when Robin speaks up next to her, she flinches a bit.]

Oh! Thanks. It's kind of fun, but I don't have much practice with it. I was hoping to-... Oh.

[She makes a face. Yeah, no, sorry Robin, you can compliment her painting all you want and it won't make up for insulting Caster back in the War. She may not hate you like Tamamo does but you're definitely not the kind of guy she can get along with easily.]

[OOC: Sorry, reconsidered the timeline. If it's a test drive it's better to make it as if he's been in the game a while I guess. I'm still new to this myself!]

DONT WORRY i could have gone either way!!

[robindarich]

[Of course, as soon as she turns towards him and he sees her face, he recognizes who it is.

The young lady who bested Dan. The chick who grew well into a formidable Master. He's silent, too, but his paints don't change color. He flicks his gaze towards her flower, briefly, as it changes.

Her emotions were strong enough to do that, huh? Robin remains casual, aloof as ever. As she remembers him.]

Well, if it isn't the young miss. [It's okay. Very few people actually get along with Robin if they actually know him. Hakuno knows him better than most.]

What's that look for?

WE'LL SAVE THAT FOR LATER, hopefully!

[sovereignpc]

[Well, at least the flower looks like a real lily now, as most of the color drained out of it. Maybe she could just say the tree's a dogwood or something. She grimaces and puts her brush away so she can sit up and cross her arms properly.]

What look? This is how I always look.

[No, that's actually a look as opposed to her usual resting NPC face. At this point her paintings look less pale and more frozen over. She feigns confidence because she knows Tamamo's around somewhere, and there's no ongoing Grail War, but she also pretty clearly remembers how little Robin cares about rules like that.]

I just wouldn't have figured you for the artistic type.

fingers!! crossed!!!!

[robindarich]

[It's not! She's normally much more blank-faced. That was definitely a look that said "great, you're here" or something along those lines.

But she doesn't give him a chance to retort.

As much as he doesn't care about rules and wouldn't forgo the chance to shoot Tamamo where she stood because she's HIS RIVAL, he's not about to start a fight here either. Unless provoked. A lot.]

Yeah? I wouldn't have figured you for one, either. People who are artistic are usually a bit more-- [He looks at her painting again, pauses. Hm.

Maybe she's more emotional than he thought.]

Let's just agree that looks are deceiving.

e-1... ish?

[castrationfist]

[Hakuno's the one painting, Tamamo was doing nothing of the sort. But when she sensed a Servant, and furthermore, right on top of where Hakuno was... She couldn't help but fly over at a Servant's max speed, materializing out of the air between them.]

The beautiful Caster crosses space and time to make an express love delivery! Who is this fool who would dare try to get close to my Husband?! Shrink and hide away before the radiance of my love!!

omfg

[robindarich]

[He's HARMLESS!!!

Mostly.

Tamamo's sudden appearance has Robin jumping out of the way, the paints on his canvas suddenly brighter with his shock.

Then, they turn darker and gloomier.]

I'm not trying to get close to anyone. [PLEASE. AS IF.] I should've known you'd turn up wherever your Master is. Maybe you should have dog ears instead of those freakin' huge fox ones.

i'm a little sorry

[castrationfist]

Hm? Hmmmm?

[She squints, looking Robin over.]

I was wondering who it was, but it's just a trash mob... Such a weak presence and unmanly personality could only belong to an Assassin, yes? Not to mention such terrible taste!

you're not but don't be

[robindarich]

Hah! I'd be happy to remind you of who I am.

[Dan isn't here to hold him back. Nobody is. It's weird.

He's tempted to aim his crossbow at her face. He's EXTREMELY tempted, but they're not really enemies here, are they? If anything, they have to work together.

Unfortunately. Fox hunting sounded nice.]

But that's an insult towards your Master. For such big ears, you're incapable of listening. I just said her painting looks good. Are you saying it's bad?

G for good roomies (not really)

[painalty]

[Sanson really didn't have much of a choice. There aren't a lot of people he knows in this place. May as well room with a familiar face, even if that face is one he would like to punch. (Too bad his strength comes up at only a paltry D.)

So surprise surprise, Sanson is going to just step into view and stand in front of Robin, arms folded sternly across his chest, over his tie.]

Surely you don't expect me to pay the entire rent this month.

[No yelling, but his voice is extremely deadpan.]

it's a new show, one and a half men

[robindarich]

[Robin agreed because he knew he wouldn't be around much anyway. Sanson basically has the place to himself.

Other than now. Plus, he had probably been drinking when he agreed.

Only Robin's eyes move, looking up at Sanson's face as the amulet sits in his palm. He drops it and it settles just below his other necklace, arms coming up to rest on the back of the couch.]

No, of course not the entire rent. [wait for it] But maaaybe about three-quarters of it.

But which one of them is the half

[painalty]

[Typical. TYPICAL. Sanson stares down his nose in disdain at Robin, and very slowly lifts one of his eyebrows.]

Is that so. And why should I shoulder three-quarters of the rent? [Go ahead, make his day.]

robin. LETS BE REAL

[robindarich]

You spend your time here much, much more often than I do, right?

[See where he's going with this?]

About three times as much.