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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.
no subject
Six here. Good to hear from you, Doctor. What's your current position?
[No flirting. All business.]
no subject
It doesn't matter. I'm not sure. There's too many EVOs to count, all of them look botanic and deadly. There's some civilians on the ground here and I could use some help keeping them safe.
[ What even is flirting? She hasn't thought about Six that way in months. Too much going on. ]
no subject
[The "killer plants" thing...that's Excelsior. Damn. He's supposed to stay away from that area in case the nanites are triggered by them. But given the situation...]
Understood, but those aren't EVOs. I'll explain once I reach there. For the moment, do not let any of those plants touch you. We don't know if they can force nanite activation.
[Going to get into his shiny used truck and start heading towards the teleporter.]
no subject
[ At least he seemed to know where she was. Maybe this was some new Providence experiment gone wrong - courtesy of Caesar, no doubt. ]
I'll keep away, but I've only got so many bullets with me - so you'd better hurry up and get me out of here.
[ She was lucky to not be a target for the not-EVOs at that very moment, but Holiday was ready for anything. ]
no subject
[And pulling into the transporter. He absolutely hates this thing, but this is an emergency.]
I'll explain once I've extracted you.
no subject
[ She looked around, feeling nervous. She wasn't familiar with Excelsior, but Six clearly was so that eased some concern. But he hadn't mentioned Rex yet and she was starting to get a little worried - she needed to compartmentalize and focus on one thing at a time. ]
[ Holiday noted the biggest skyscraper in her general vicinity and started moving towards it. ]
Not far from a building that says Adaptech. It's huge - you won't be able to miss it.
no subject
[And through the teleporter he goes. As soon as he's out the other side and regained his bearings, he's hurrying towards Adaptech. He sends a quick message to the Alliance to alert them to a second nanite-infected person as per pre-arranged protocol for if anyone else from Six's world showed up.]
[He would've preferred Rex just in case his nanites activated, but Holiday at least knows what she's doing.]
no subject
[ Maybe it was new. She hoped they weren't allied with Providence somehow or she'd be making a mistake getting so close to their security cameras. ]
no subject
ETA five minutes. I'll be on a motorcycle. Be ready.
[As annoying as being a part of the Alliance is, at least he has access to equipment. It would've taken too long to drive his truck out here.]
no subject
[ She puts one of her guns away, hoping Six wouldn't be delayed and she wouldn't have to waste any bullets. ]
[ Only a few minutes later and she hears a motorcycle coming her way. On it she spies the familiar green of Six's suit. ]
[ ...wait, his suit? ]
[ As he pulls up, she puts the other gun away and looks at him like he's done something wrong. ]
What are you wearing that for? What's going on?
no subject
[He jerks his head to indicate she get on behind him as he draws a magna blade and slices neatly through one of the plant creatures.]
Right now, we need to leave.
no subject
Right, sorry. Let's go.
[ The suit was weird, though. Did he and Knight go to some kind of meeting without telling her? If Six had met with Providence, she'd kill him. Her anger towards Black Knight was still at the forefront of her mind, even with this strange situation around her. ]
Where's Rex?
no subject
[Six swerves around more of the plants, slashing through another as he passes it by before it can gobble up a family that's currently running for cover.]
The short version is we're not on our version of Earth. We're the only two on the planet infected with nanites. And if we turn, there's no cure to change us back.
no subject
[ Not too far away, she notices a child about to be attacked by one of the plants and quickly grabs her gun to fire off a shot of pristine accuracy. Plant goes down, kid runs off. That felt good - worth the bullet loss. ]
Our version of Earth?
[ She felt an urge to rant about how parallel worlds and interdimensional travel were just a theory - and a shaky one, at that. But she also knew Six didn't give a shit. ]
Where are we, then? How long have you been here?
no subject
Earth but a different version of it. No Nanite Event ever happened here among other changes.
[That last one is an odd question to ask...] Ten months. I was on my way to dinner when I ended up in the middle of a protest in Central.
no subject
[ Maybe this was all a dream. That would explain everything. ]
I saw you less than an hour ago, Six. If you're asking me to start accepting parallel worlds and alternate timelines, I'm going to need more proof than just your word.
[ Six's word meant a lot to her normally, but this was really weird. ]
no subject
I'm not sure how I could explain it to you, Doctor, without you finding some way to dismiss it outright. I'm not a scientist.
no subject
...alright, fine.
[ He was absolutely right. Whatever he said, she was definitely going to say 'that doesn't make sense' - because so far nothing he'd said was making much sense. ]
[ Instead, she just laid her cheek against his back and stared out at the horizon. ]
Where are we going?
no subject
[He raises his hand to his ear as his communicator goes off. There's a scowl of irritation.]
Understood. Six out.
[He ends the call.]
Change of plans: Central City. The higher-ups in both guilds agree that they need to test to see if your nanites behave the same way mine have been. Otherwise, you'll need to go into immediate quarantine.
no subject
Seems reasonable.
[ There was no underestimating the problems their nanites could cause, especially in a world without nanites or the level of nanotechnological research she'd worked on. Without herself or Caesar or Rex, going EVO would be even more of a death sentence than it used to be. ]
no subject
[Seriously, he hates it. At least he has some say in where he's going with this method.]
I have to go in for monthly testing to monitor my nanites. They'll likely put you through the same series of tests.
no subject
[ She hadn't ever been transported by Breach, though it helped that they hadn't seen Breach in over half a year. Holiday remembered the first times Six and Rex dealt with her, though, and they'd both described the sensations as nauseating. ]
'They' meaning the guild higher-ups, right? What kind of tests are they putting you through, labs and thyroid?
[ Those were the basic tests Providence had done on cured EVOs when she was working there, though if Providence didn't exist here, they might do things differently. ]
no subject
[Good thing, too.]
They basically throw everything they can think of at me. I'm usually there for all or most of the day.
no subject
[ Of course she didn't want to be tied up doing tests for an entire day, but it'd give her some time to sit and think. A break from the boys - even Six - would be a nice opportunity to clear her head. ]
no subject
I currently work for the Alliance. My skills don't exactly translate to anything useful outside of mercenary work. The Alliance seemed similar enough to Providence that if Rex or you showed up, you'd be likely to investigate it.
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Timeskip over lab work?
makes sense to me!
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