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TEST DRIVE MEME: MAY EDITION
TEST DRIVE MEME
A Confluence, capitalized, is the converging of one or more supernatural forces. Typically, a Confluence only occurs in one place at any given time. Typically.
These are not typical times.
Most of the Starfallen will arrive in Excelsior, Washington, slipping from the sky one by one, needing to be helped as they come floating down. To many citizens in Excelsior – individuals who are far from fond of metahumans – their arrival is a sign of bad things to come. It’s always a sign of bad things to come. This time, however, the bad things don’t come in the typical sequence. Instead, they’re dealing with a problem when the Starfallen begin to unwittingly arrive. What’s that problem? Plants with a rather problematic taste for flesh.
While Excelsior is hoping for spring to actually stick on the horizon, they’re warding off plants left and right. At least none of the plants seem to be able to spit fire – uh, yet?
In the midwestern part of the country, a huge barrage of rain has begun to settle over the land. Rain like this isn’t normal. Stormfronts usually keep moving forward, but this isn’t. And while rain isn’t a bad thing, this rain … is a deluge. A flood upon floods. Some Starfallen individuals will be showing up in the middle of this, arriving in both Little Love and Central City. Hope they can keep their heads above water!
Making matters worse is that everything seems a bit – planned? No, that’s not the right word. Like it’s all happened before. Or happening again. People all over are definitely noticing a strange uptick in déjà vu. Most worrying is how it seems to be happening everywhere.
These are not typical times.
Most of the Starfallen will arrive in Excelsior, Washington, slipping from the sky one by one, needing to be helped as they come floating down. To many citizens in Excelsior – individuals who are far from fond of metahumans – their arrival is a sign of bad things to come. It’s always a sign of bad things to come. This time, however, the bad things don’t come in the typical sequence. Instead, they’re dealing with a problem when the Starfallen begin to unwittingly arrive. What’s that problem? Plants with a rather problematic taste for flesh.
While Excelsior is hoping for spring to actually stick on the horizon, they’re warding off plants left and right. At least none of the plants seem to be able to spit fire – uh, yet?
In the midwestern part of the country, a huge barrage of rain has begun to settle over the land. Rain like this isn’t normal. Stormfronts usually keep moving forward, but this isn’t. And while rain isn’t a bad thing, this rain … is a deluge. A flood upon floods. Some Starfallen individuals will be showing up in the middle of this, arriving in both Little Love and Central City. Hope they can keep their heads above water!
Making matters worse is that everything seems a bit – planned? No, that’s not the right word. Like it’s all happened before. Or happening again. People all over are definitely noticing a strange uptick in déjà vu. Most worrying is how it seems to be happening everywhere.
EXCELSIOR
Ah, Excelsior – the city that doesn’t ask “why” something should be explored, but how quickly it can be explored. If only someone there had developed a swift measure to deal with a sudden influx of killer plants! The good news is that these plants haven’t killed anyone – not yet, anyway – but there is all the time in the world for that to change.
As the Starfallen arrive, they’re unlikely to notice the plants, and instead will see technological marvels all around them. Although Excelsior isn’t fond of Starfallen, they like the idea of welcoming them and getting them the hell out as quickly as possible. This philosophy results in all of the Starfallen being guided down to the ground, with further instructions awaiting them once they’re on two feet. (Or four. No one’s judging!) But once they land, they’re likely to notice that things aren’t the way they’re meant to be.
After all, someone in Excelsior failed to ask “why it’s bad to create an incredibly unlikely strain of plants that is genetically inspired by snapdragons, the flowers from those plumber games, and piranhas,” and instead went ahead with “how quickly can I do it?” Their experiment proved to be far too successful, aided by cutting-edge bioengineering technology.
Even though all Starfallen are encouraged to depart for the Midwest after they receive their teleportation devices, it’s apparent that the people of Excelsior need help. Right now, their chilly reception can easily be written off as a symptom of what’s happening. Dealing with newcomers at a time like this? Preposterous! People are injured from wild, flesh-eating plants. Obviously!
So, kind Starfallen – whether you’ve just arrived or came by when you heard word of the Confluence of trouble – will you give these dour folk the hand they so desperately need?
As the Starfallen arrive, they’re unlikely to notice the plants, and instead will see technological marvels all around them. Although Excelsior isn’t fond of Starfallen, they like the idea of welcoming them and getting them the hell out as quickly as possible. This philosophy results in all of the Starfallen being guided down to the ground, with further instructions awaiting them once they’re on two feet. (Or four. No one’s judging!) But once they land, they’re likely to notice that things aren’t the way they’re meant to be.
After all, someone in Excelsior failed to ask “why it’s bad to create an incredibly unlikely strain of plants that is genetically inspired by snapdragons, the flowers from those plumber games, and piranhas,” and instead went ahead with “how quickly can I do it?” Their experiment proved to be far too successful, aided by cutting-edge bioengineering technology.
Even though all Starfallen are encouraged to depart for the Midwest after they receive their teleportation devices, it’s apparent that the people of Excelsior need help. Right now, their chilly reception can easily be written off as a symptom of what’s happening. Dealing with newcomers at a time like this? Preposterous! People are injured from wild, flesh-eating plants. Obviously!
So, kind Starfallen – whether you’ve just arrived or came by when you heard word of the Confluence of trouble – will you give these dour folk the hand they so desperately need?
THE MIDWEST
Elsewhere, both Little Love and Central City are experiencing a flood of problems. Most of the problems are the result of the flood. While Little Love is known to be the quieter of the cities in this Confluence-ridden world, it finds itself dealing with a torrential downpour that it’s never seen before. Meteorologists quickly note that this is unnatural. All the way from Kansas to Illinois to Michigan there is rain, rain for as far as the eye can see. Flood warnings have no end in sight, and the people in these cities have asked for help from outside. If this rain doesn’t stop, all summer crops will be at risk!
The source of these problems? A Confluence. More specifically: a five-year-old girl who was born in Little Love just got news that her father died in an accident. Combine that with the incoming Confluence and the girl unwittingly unleashed her sadness upon the land.
Anyone investigating would learn that the rain began in Little Love, right before it began to spread upward and outward from the little town. Soon, Kansas, and then the entire Midwest, would feel the impact of her grief. Even when she sleeps, it doesn’t go away – her pain is a constant, after all. Finding her is key. No one can truly prevent a child’s grief, but perhaps they can help her realize her impact on the world and get her newly-arrived power under control.
The source of these problems? A Confluence. More specifically: a five-year-old girl who was born in Little Love just got news that her father died in an accident. Combine that with the incoming Confluence and the girl unwittingly unleashed her sadness upon the land.
Anyone investigating would learn that the rain began in Little Love, right before it began to spread upward and outward from the little town. Soon, Kansas, and then the entire Midwest, would feel the impact of her grief. Even when she sleeps, it doesn’t go away – her pain is a constant, after all. Finding her is key. No one can truly prevent a child’s grief, but perhaps they can help her realize her impact on the world and get her newly-arrived power under control.
DIADEM HOTEL
Whether you’ve gone to investigate the rather moist trouble or you’re just looking for some shut-eye, you’ve got a place that’s waiting for you. Need to clean up some plant-induced wounds? It’s time to hit the LUXURY HOTEL to ease any concerns.
The DIADEM HOTEL is usually reserved for the obscenely wealthy. Its rooms are enormous, the beds quite literally enchanted to offer the perfect night's sleep, and the food would usually cost your life savings for just a small taste. But given the circumstances, the Guilds feel its the least they can do to aid your transition into this world. EVERYTHING is complimentary, and everyone gets an ALLIANCE CREDIT CARD to spend on entertainment, clothing, and whatever other necessities they might need. The cards have an obscenely high limit and there doesn't seem to be an expectation for you to pay it back... though if they catch you abusing it, their accountant will be coming for your head.
There's a shopping center immediately across the street. It has an impressive array of outlet shops that cater to your every need. Food, clothing... and swords? If you can think of it, it's for sale. Although anything clearly supernatural or metahuman seems to be at a minimum and offered under the table. You can grab clothing made to withstand any superpower and a surprisingly mediocre Taco Bell order while you're at it. There's a Super Cinema in the shopping complex across the street that's showing a film called BARKS OF THE DEAD, a story about a zombified dog who protects a small family during the zombie apocalypse. Despite its taste for other dogs’ brains, this dog is fiercely loyal and will do anything for its owners.
The DIADEM HOTEL is usually reserved for the obscenely wealthy. Its rooms are enormous, the beds quite literally enchanted to offer the perfect night's sleep, and the food would usually cost your life savings for just a small taste. But given the circumstances, the Guilds feel its the least they can do to aid your transition into this world. EVERYTHING is complimentary, and everyone gets an ALLIANCE CREDIT CARD to spend on entertainment, clothing, and whatever other necessities they might need. The cards have an obscenely high limit and there doesn't seem to be an expectation for you to pay it back... though if they catch you abusing it, their accountant will be coming for your head.
There's a shopping center immediately across the street. It has an impressive array of outlet shops that cater to your every need. Food, clothing... and swords? If you can think of it, it's for sale. Although anything clearly supernatural or metahuman seems to be at a minimum and offered under the table. You can grab clothing made to withstand any superpower and a surprisingly mediocre Taco Bell order while you're at it. There's a Super Cinema in the shopping complex across the street that's showing a film called BARKS OF THE DEAD, a story about a zombified dog who protects a small family during the zombie apocalypse. Despite its taste for other dogs’ brains, this dog is fiercely loyal and will do anything for its owners.
EVERYWHERE: DÉJÀ VU
Less obvious and more innocuous are the strange stints of déjà vu all over. At first, it might seem like it’s a familiar thing you’ve seen before, but then you’re certain that you’ve ordered those chicken tenders before. Wait, you haven’t even been to this city before, much less this restaurant.
The feeling of déjà vu isn’t just that. Whole days will begin to feel like they’re repeating – surely they’ve solved that rain problem? Or the plant problem? Didn’t you hear that it happened?
Anyone keen to take notes might want to – assuming you haven’t just gotten that you did and they’ve been lost to time.
The feeling of déjà vu isn’t just that. Whole days will begin to feel like they’re repeating – surely they’ve solved that rain problem? Or the plant problem? Didn’t you hear that it happened?
Anyone keen to take notes might want to – assuming you haven’t just gotten that you did and they’ve been lost to time.
CLIFF NOTES.
➢ New arrivals will be appearing in Excelsior, Little Love, or Central City – with the bulk of them arriving in Excelsior. Their arrival will be expected and handled by a number of odd pieces of technology that help them as they fall from the sky itself. None of the locals will be happy to see the arrivals, but they’ll be so frazzled that they won’t be able to give them their usual chilly welcome. Vicious plants are on the loose and it’s not a meta’s fault. This might be meaningless to newcomers, but anyone who’s old hat at this will know that Excelsior can cause its own problems just fine, thank you.
➢ Arrivals who land in Little Love or Central City will arrive to a lot of rain. This much rainfall can impact the climate, daily life, crops – you name it. Arrivals will also be very, very soggy. If they’d like, they can ignore the trouble in favor of getting answers or heading to the hotel. No one’s obligated to lend a hand.
➢ Current Players are welcome to treat this as a bonus event. These events are canonically happening within the game but can be largely ignored if you'd prefer to use the month for personal plots. You can tag into the TDM, reference these prompts in network posts, or use them in your own logs.
➢ As for the time stuff, feel free to treat it as a wobbly time event! Mess with memories, get a character caught in the same day, or even just make someone feel like they’ve suddenly acquired precognition as a power. The sky’s the limit!
WILDCARD.
Metaheroes takes inspiration from all walks of comics. Take a look at the CITIES to get an idea as to what day to day life is like in the other cities. Perhaps you've encountered a supervillain (or hero) who needs to be thwarted, or a metahuman with unusual powers creating bizarre effects.
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[And going to reach up to itch at his back.]
He definitely does. He's a Dalmatian, and they're pretty willful. A lot of them have hearing problems, but Pongo doesn't according to the vet. He definitely has selective hearing sometimes.
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[He's not exclusively familiar with how any of the legalese works here, he kind of skipped a few steps.
As Archie scratches at his back, Donnie arches a brow.]
I've never had a dog but I know a guy who has a whole puppy rescue place and they were more than a handful.
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[More Cursed memories, of course, but he honestly doesn't know where Pongo originally came from. (Can Pongo talk like other magical animals now? How much did the Curse breaking change things?)]
I figured having a therapy dog would help when my patients were having a difficult time talking things through. [He gives a little shrug.] I work in a small town, so I run double duty as a psychologist. Having the medical degree is mostly so that if medicine is needed to help manage problems outside of just having somewhere safe to talk, I can prescribe it instead of having to send them to another specialist.
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Jack of all trades, huh? That's cool. Where're you from?
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Only in a particular field. Other trades, not so much.
You probably haven't heard of it: Storybrooke, Maine.
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To be fair, the medical field has many branches. You still need to learn specific things, even if there's some overlap, so I wouldn't sell yourself short.
[Spinning around again, Donnie cocks his head as though running through a mental map. Which he probably is.]
Huh. Can't say I have. Maybe it's a your-Earth-specific place?
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[A town where time basically stopped for twenty-eight years because it was living under a Curse seems pretty unique at least.]
It's a nice place to live but pretty isolated.
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Sounds like one of those really tiny towns out in the middle of nowhere.
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[And that stupid itching isn't helping.]
It is. We're on the coast, but Maine isn't exactly a heavily-populated state to begin with.
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[With all the trees and stuff, spotty internet and phone reception... Bleh.]
Hey look, we're almost there.
Um. So if they do push guild membership on you, just...be careful. But hey, maybe you can avoid it if you don't have powers like you said, right?
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[As Archie reaches up to scratch, he freezes at the feel of something Not Right. All the color drains from his face, yet somehow he's managing to keep himself from having an all-out panic attack in the middle of the sidewalk.]
...There's something on my back.
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[Donnie pauses then, turning and looking at Archie. The expression says enough, really.]
Er... [He glances around before tugging Archie between another set of buildings.]
Okay, okay- calm down. Um. Let's...have a look, shall we?
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[Umbrella has to close up so he can use his hands to remove his jacket and lift up the sweater vest and shirt so Donnie can see. He's getting soaked, but he doesn't care at this point.]
What is it?
[Donnie will see the beginnings of a pair of insectoid wings sprouting from between his shoulder blades, the wings still slowly growing out of his back. They twitch a little in Archie's anxiety.]
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He gives the man as much space as he can before finally being able to have a glimpse of whatever had alarmed Archie. It's...probably better that he's facing Archie's back as he grimaces.]
Ah... [Oh, that is all sorts of disturbing even if it is slightly fascinating. He squints.]
Soooo... What are your feelings on orthoptera..?
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I appreciate you trying to keep me from panicking, but my specialty is humans, not animals, and right now I'm a bit too keyed up to try and remember what that is. What is on my back?
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[He's just trying not to panic about potentially making this other guy panic, no big deal...]
Well, you are apparently sprouting a pair of insect wings, sir.
Here, um, not sure if this will make things better but...
[Donnie pulls out his phone to snap a picture before holding it over Archie's shoulder for him to see for himself.]
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[Archie stares at the photo for a moment.]
Why would...? [He puts a hand to his head.] Blue's spell. Dammit.
[He starts fixing his shirt, vest, and jacket.]
We need to get to the hotel. If I'm turning back into a cricket, I don't want to do it in the middle of the street, especially if I end up being human-sized in the end. [He casts Donnie an apologetic look.] You know how I said that I'd already had a long day? This is why.
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Donnie blinks as he pulls his phone back, brow arching.]
Wait, what? Spell?
[Ugh, more magic? He makes a slight face.]
A cricket? [Nice to know he'd gotten his general identification right at least.] Iiii have a feeling there is a lot going on there but either way, got it. I mean, mutant turtle, remember?
[He slinks back over to the edge of the street, glancing up and down before jerking his head.]
Come on.
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It's complicated, and I'm still trying to square it up in my head, but the short version is twenty-eight years ago someone cast a Curse over my home, the Enchanted Forest. We were all pulled from there into a World Without Magic because the caster wanted to take away everyone's happy endings in retaliation for what she saw as unfair slights against her. For twenty-eight years, we were all held prisoner in Storybrooke which is pretty much cut off from the rest of the world, basically living the same year over and over with very little changing. Our memories were all overwritten with versions that better fit the world we were in. Some of us who weren't human were turned into humans...or back into a human in my case. Earlier today, before I ended up here, the Curse was broken and all my true memories came rushing back. Maybe breaking the Curse also allowed Blue's spell to kick back in.
Do you remember Disney's animated Pinocchio from the 40's?
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[Donnie glances back at Archie, briefly baffled by this question.]
Well no, but I am familiar with the story.
....
Are you saying...
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I'm the original Jiminy Cricket.
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The turtle teen nearly stumbles as he's still half-turned, processing this strange revelation.]
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[He rubs his temples.]
This is giving me a massive headache.
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[Donnie shakes his head. Sure, Jiminy Cricket. Why not?]
Soooo the wings are a normal thing then? Except you are usually more...cricket-sized? Is what I'm getting.
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[Do you see why he hesitated earlier?]
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