metamods: (Default)
meta moderators ([personal profile] metamods) wrote in [community profile] metamemes2022-03-04 04:33 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #02




TEST DRIVE MEME
Welcome to [community profile] metaheroes! As the game is invite-only, please bear in mind that new players must have an invitation from a current player to apply. Interested players who do not know anyone in the game can reach out to the mod team HERE to request an invite for the March app round. These invitations will be processed the day before reserves open. However, no invitation is necessary to play on the this test drive.

Threads from this post can be made game canon if players agree upon it. To facilitate this, this log has no new arrival prompt. Please see the PREVIOUS CONFLUENCES for general ideas as to how characters may have arrived. New characters will be arriving with the March 27th arrival log.

For players who do not want to thread out an arrival, they may backdate their characters' arrival to a previous Confluence. These characters were not picked up by the transportation spell used by the Alliance. These characters will have been living on their own for the last few months, so please address this in the 'Brainstorming' section of the application.


01. METASTRAVAGANZA — everywhere.
Things haven't been the same since Confluences started again. The last two months have been more exciting than the last twenty years! The skies are full of new heroes, the day is saved and threatened by unfamiliar faces, the media is having a field day trying to report on every single new face while companies try to snag them for brand deals.

But not everything in this world centers around costumed combat. Today is a perfectly normal day and you're tasked with the most dangerous mission of all - leading an every day life. Maybe you go to a perfectly normal job to maintain your secret identity - or maybe you've already abandoned that, living full time as your metahuman self.

The sun is shining, and even in the early hours of the morning, parties in the DOWNTOWN STREETS of those CITIES STRUCK BY THE RECENT CONFLUENCES are disrupting the reconstruction efforts that have gotten well underway. These parties celebrate meta efforts to save the day! The streets are full of booths selling food and hastily made knock-off toys of the newest heroes who haven't yet put a copyright on their costume.

But not everyone looks so thrilled about this celebration. Many people look disgusted at this celebration of metahumans interrupting their commute to work, muttering under their breath about what a pain in the ass metahumans are and how much destruction they've wrought in these few short months.

Meanwhile, school-aged metas board the bus to LOFTY HEIGHTS META SCHOOL, hidden somewhere in the sky. There, in-between learning about grammar and punctuation, they are trained to use their new abilities ... Notably, when powers training arrives, the new arrivals outshine the metas native to this world. Very few seem to have any powers on par with the new comers.

Later in the day, the Student Council holds an assembly dedicated to the responsible use of powers. They award any students who have helped save the day with accolades — as well as detention for skipping class to help out as an unlicensed hero. Whoops!

Maybe you should just skip today.


02. SEEDY UNDERBELLY — central city.
Central City is a hard place to live. The city is in almost constant peril, with constant power vacuums in organized crime and city government being filled by worse and worse people. Despite having the Guardian Alliance stationed at its center and doing their best to uplift the people and their citizens, the city suffers from a corruption so deep that it seems to be baked into the very concrete.

The Alliance does what it can to make the city a better place but it's a bandaid over a bigger wound. Because the nigh constant metahuman-centered destruction is the source of so many of Central City's problems - meta organizations are often the last resort for its people. Still, the Alliance makes sure to keep heroes on hand to punch muggers as well as run soup kitchens. Their healers provide healing free of charge, and many of their psychics are trained therapists who use their powers to soothe the citizens' many traumas.

But the real power in the city is held by people like FRANK KAFKA, a crime lord with a finger in every pie. Both guilds leave Kafka to his own devices because he officially possesses no metahuman abilities and he avoids any dealings with them. Tonight, his goons are running their favorite extortion scheme with a twist. A group of them marches through a run-down street, shaking down vulnerable families and businesses for protection money. If an individual resists, the gang threatens to bring the spectre of newly created metahumans down upon their head. Though Kafka himself is not present, his goons will give up his location under enough pressure.


03. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM — excelsior.
With how often the city is destroyed, one wouldn't expect the MUSEUM OF EXCELSIOR to get much in the way of priceless artifacts, but the museum's basement vault is one of the most well guarded facilities in all the country. Practically impenetrable, it stores every conceivable relic of value. But today, thanks to some villainous meddling, there's a lapse in their security that aligns perfectly with the planned time for the changeover of an art exhibit, affording some enterprising thieves a chance at millions of dollars in priceless artwork.

Heroes affiliated with the Guardian Alliance are asked to patrol and keep these relics safe, while the members of the Society of Villainous Reformation are called upon to pay favors forward by getting in their way. As the untested new kids on the block, player characters draw the short straw and are sent in pairs to complete their task, regardless of whether it's to steal these artifacts or guard them.

Villains, now's the chance to get rich quick! Heroes, protect these treasures from falling into the wrong hands!


04. DINOTOPIA — excelsior.
Confluences are back.

And that means new unaffiliated supervillains are running rampant in the streets, causing the kind of directionless, clumsy chaos that the Guild typically frowns at. A little mischief is good if it serves as distraction for a heist, but this is...

Well...

This a very large velociraptor with human arms standing in the middle of Excelsior. If anyone asks, he calls himself DINO DAN. But why would you ask when he's busy transforming people into dinosaurs - or partially into dinosaurs - using his aptly named Dino-Ray? The people of Excelsior are used to a lot of chaotic shenanigans, but this is a little much even for them. The newly transformed dinosaur-people are losing themselves to their instincts and charging at bystanders. Of those that retain (or regain) their senses, some appear strangely delighted to have this new experience, while others wail in horror at their lost humanity.

As heroes line up to stop him, he'll tell anyone who listens about his displaced rage and the revenge he seeks on an unfair world that let him turn himself into a dinosaur. Not surprising, out of an Excelsior local. However, confronted by metas who can stop him, Dino Dan hooks the Dino-Ray on his belt and grabs a second ray-gun. Anyone he shoots with this one disappears with a comical POP!

Those unfortunate enough to be hit by this ray will find themselves standing in a land before time, right beside a research station. Those clever enough to pull out their cell phones will notice that they still have reception, and rule out time travel.

In addition to clippings of ancient and extinct plants, characters who venture inside will find a half dozen prehistoric humans have apparently been displaced through time and held captive in Dino Dan's remote island research station. If that wasn't obvious enough, his research notes suggest the use of time travel — though like all other dimensional travel, it stopped working in January.

Characters may trigger a trap in the research station and find themselves also temporarily transformed into reptiles, or they may take it upon themselves to rescue the poor folks this mesozoic maniac has been holding hostage! Whatever the plan: if he's causing havoc in the city, that has to mean there's there's a teleporter in his lab to get back. But there's no shortage of Guard T-Rexes blocking the path.
whocares: (from cold blood and bruises)

[personal profile] whocares 2022-04-12 01:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ up go the eyebrows in a really sort of way, but this kids got an asshole smile and he can appreciate that so he'll let it slide ]

What do I want with a coat? If I want to look ancient I'll draw wrinkles on my face and talk about the fucking economy.
mostdangerousbird: (007 where’s your life gone?)

[personal profile] mostdangerousbird 2022-04-12 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Gee, I dunno. I hear they’re great for preventing hypothermia.

[ Really, it’s not that warm where a coat is unheard of. Tim’s not prepared to die on the hill of coats aren’t cool. ]

Leather jacket then. Something that doesn’t make me look like I just rolled out of gym class.
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2022-04-12 03:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Nah, people in specialist industries still do it, they just include their social media on the cards.

[Best of both words?]
robintohood: ([RH] First mistake)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jason stands and keeps one boot on top of the thug's back as he hears Bruce. Jason knew there was a chance Bruce was going to swoop in to try and stop him tonight]

Like I was gonna stand here and wait to see what else they could take.

[Jason's voice is cold as he steels himself for a more challenging fight. He then stomps on the thug's shoulder. The thug cries out in pain while the grocer and his terrified family flee back inside the store]

I'll be on my way as soon as I get some info.

[Meanwhile, the other two goons are scared and seem torn between retreating or fighting]
robintohood: (I am lost)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Ha. I guess that's true. Business cards must look busy with all that text and all those logos these days.
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2022-04-12 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[He laughs and shakes his head.]

It's usually a company name, a person's name and roll, a phone number, and one social media account because that can lead to others. Maybe a website too.
the_caped_crusader: (pic#15390954)

[personal profile] the_caped_crusader 2022-04-12 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Do I look like I'm about to scold you about your clothes?

[ 5 o'clock shadow, leather jacket, t-shirt, worn jeans... bruce doesn't look any better (he just gets away with it because he's handsome). ]

Banana muffin.
the_caped_crusader: (pic#15391027)

[personal profile] the_caped_crusader 2022-04-12 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
You're impatient. Follow them, get the money back later. You put all of these people at risk.

[ his cowled face betrays no emotion, though his mouth is pressed into a firm line. he glances over at the other two. ]

This is what happens now to people like you. Change your life and get out of here.
robintohood: ([RH] Haven't lost the touch)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jason gives the thug he's standing on one last kick before letting him go join his fleeing comrades. He then turns to Bruce]

There. Happy now? They don't even need to be in traction.

[As much as Jason wants to fight Bruce right there and then, there are too many civilians around. He doesn't want to risk getting them caught in the crossfire.]
the_caped_crusader: (pic#15390916)

[personal profile] the_caped_crusader 2022-04-12 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a start.

[ he looks towards the window at the still cowering family, further back in the safety of their store. ]

I'm hungry and not really in the mood to fight. Come on. There's a cart that serves some pretty good Carne Asada not that far from here.

[ follow him or don't. ]
robintohood: ([RH] You and your toys)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's a weird offer but better that than a fight for now, especially with where they are. Truthfully, Jason was still getting settled into Central City. As much as he hates to admit to himself and despite the considerable emotional baggage, Bruce is probably his best source for information for now]

... Fine.

[Jason will follow for now]
robintohood: (I'm a poet)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Right. Makes a little more sense.

[Jason then laughs and acts more sheepishly than he feels]

Sorry about this but your company wouldn't have any openings, would they?

[Even if the answer is no, it was still worth asking. Maybe it could lead to someone else]
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Marvel Comics (Waiting For Results (Patience))

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2022-04-12 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[David's good with body language, but that doesn't mean he's going to push too hard when someone is trying to present in a certain way. More polite to assume good intentions for now.]

Yes, we do, but one would have to wonder what your experience with building and programming robotics is. Or your PR background. I suppose there's other departments but I'm not aware of how many positions there are to fill.
robintohood: (To lose this higher)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jason chuckles]

Ah well. Was worth a shot, unless you know someone who could use a grease monkey.
mostdangerousbird: (Default)

[personal profile] mostdangerousbird 2022-04-12 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I meant for buying figures instead of buying clothes.

[ Tim shrugs and taps the card payment, then takes the bag (now with ridiculous Batman figure - thanks Bruce. ]

Sounds good. I could go for a cheese danish myself.

[ He will try to make this sound like a normal conversation. ]
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2022-04-12 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Not at the moment. I don't have a car, see. But if you give me a contact number or something, I'll send you information if I find it.
whocares: (and innocent surrender)

[personal profile] whocares 2022-04-12 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he gives the guy a deliberately unimpressed once-over ]

You're gonna need more than fancy threads for that kinda clout, kid.
whocares: (and innocent surrender)

2

[personal profile] whocares 2022-04-12 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the bunch of thugs either jump in on the newcomer or scatter. but there's a kid left after everyone who had fled or wants a fight has gotten one what they want (what mr red outfit wants). he was clearly with the group, but he's sat himself on a stack of boxes just down the way a little and is lighting a cigarette and watching him thoughtfully like he might try to join in next.

maybe Kripe was right. Maybe he ain't got the sense god gave a pigeon. But this has got to be another of these hero types brought in here and given powers like he was supposed to-- and if that doesn't make him all curious like ]


Nice pyjamas.
mostdangerousbird: (Default)

[personal profile] mostdangerousbird 2022-04-12 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
You're not that older than me. You’re what, 19? Twenty’s a big stretch.

[ Tim gives him an appraising look, but doesn’t give away what the verdict is. ]

Why do you care what I’m wearing or buying?
whocares: (keep your chin up)

[personal profile] whocares 2022-04-12 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he's eighteen, but he stands just a little taller at being taken for older. good. ]

You ask my opinion, I'm gonna give it.

[ he reaches over to run a finger over the figurines the guy's holding. he'll even take it out of his hands for a closer inspection if there's no resistance. ]

Like no amounts of leather's gonna to save you from this mistake.
mostdangerousbird: (Default)

[personal profile] mostdangerousbird 2022-04-12 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ With the way he’s been calling Tim “kid”, Tim’s assumed a chip on his shoulder about being firmly clear of “school-aged”. ]

Nah, you had an opinion about my hobby before you said hi. Hi, by the way, I’m Tim.

[ And he’s not about to give the figures up to bully. He’s not even invested in them; it’s the principle. ]
whocares: (of something broken)

[personal profile] whocares 2022-04-12 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Riff tugs on the figurine a little, then pulls his hand back and holds it up all casual like he didn't really want it anyway. But he grins, wide-mouthed and clearly pleased to find the guy calling him out on his bullshit. ]

I did? That sure was rude of me, huh? Riff.
tochnyy: (fVwq5Rf)

01.

[personal profile] tochnyy 2022-04-12 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[there's so much food here. mal's enjoying what he's learned is called a hamburger, standing right on the sidewalk next to the booth he bought it in when he hears someone call out to him.

he stops mid bite, lowering the meal.]
Hello? [he raises a brow at the other man, who he recognizes from the hotel they'd been ushered into. a meta too? or maybe like mal, out of place.] You ok? [mal's a stick to the familiar and do things alone kind of guy, lately, so hasn't been mingling.]
robintohood: (And a soldier)

[personal profile] robintohood 2022-04-12 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a start. I got a number you can use.
mostdangerousbird: (013)

[personal profile] mostdangerousbird 2022-04-12 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Water under the bridge.

[ It’s a little soon, being new and knowing no one, to make a wiseacre joke like “where’s Raff?” with someone so mercurial. Tim doesn’t feel right ending the conversation too abruptly and getting followed around the market by his own personal heckler. ]

So what’re you looking for, Riff who’s not into coats or doll collecting?