![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
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.
Carol Danvers | Marvel Comics
[Somehow it's the gently floating down from the sky that really grates on Carol's nerves, not the fact that she's once again found herself in some other new world or universe. As a frequent flyer, there's something about the gentle slow fall that has her giving a metaphorical side eye to the universe.
She lights up her fist the tiniest amount to make sure this wasn't some weird manifestation of a powerless world and relaxes a bit as she slowly descends taking in the city. It looked, somewhat closer to Earth then many of the other alien planets she'd been to but it wasn't really like anywhere on her birth planet she'd been to either.
Yeah so maybe those communicators that Tony had been suggesting at the last meeting might have come in handy after all.]
Oh, come on... Plants?
[Her feet have barely hit the ground when the large plants with teeth are snapping at some passers-by or at least who she assumed to be so. She starts to charge up a blast before remembering she has no idea where she is or who anyone is and glances around to see if there's anyone else who might be dealing with this.]
.: Diadem Hotel :.
[Getting cleaned up from the mess of the plants was the top priority at the hotel to start out with. Who would have thought that those plants exploded green ooze, it was strange but at least it wasn't going to stain her costume given the quick amount of time she'd gotten back to clean up.
The hotel was nice, fancier then anywhere she was used to staying anyways after being on a military salary for way too long. Hell, the last time she'd stayed somewhere so nice it had involved an intergalactic wedding so the simplicity of this, with an unlimited charge card, well, that was nice. She didn't want to think too much about what sort of catch might be involved in all this and instead decides to take herself downstairs for a bit of time, picking out some clothing that will surely come in handy.
Then she sees it, and knows exactly what she's going to go for. Taco Bell. Her secret weakness and first thing she'd order whenever she gets back from space. Maybe this world would be okay after all, until...]
No nacho fries? Man where I came from it was nacho fry season... I hope I don't have to wait a year for them.
.: OURPOWERS | un: spaceface :.
So what gives is it not nacho fries season here? Can someone clue me in as to when nacho fry season may be here? Do I have to wait a long time?
Also you know, if someone could let me know where here is, that would also be some welcome information.
xo Carol
diadem-ish
Then someone who looks familiar comes out of the Taco Bell. She blinks. ]
Carol Danvers?
[ A sadly nacho fry-less Carol Danvers. ]
no subject
Or maybe Natasha she thinks as she's reminded of the last time she ended up in a strange world it was actually Natasha's daughter. That was weird though and this seems much more like a normal society then that had been. Of course there was always that universe she'd been a space pirate in too. She doesn't want to get too ahead of herself.]
Is that you Natasha? I wasn't expecting to run into anyone I knew given the state of faces around here...
[A big smile crosses her face, almost enough to make up for the fact that she'd struck out on food.
It was always better to be a position where the person you knew was an ally. ]
no subject
[ Natasha's voice is clipped, matter-of-fact. She's still trying to suss out the parameters. She doesn't immediately consider that this might be an alternate universe Carol, instead her mind searches for something that might explain why they're both here. Sure, she's heard the story about confluences, but she doesn't trust the Guilds or their explanations. And she doesn't believe in coincidence. ]
How long have you been here?
no subject
[Carol shrugs a little bit at the bad joke and glances down at her shopping bags before back up at Natasha.]
Like really, my Natasha? The one who was there when Stephen and I got body swapped?
[She asks after straining her mind to come up with the last time she's actually seen Natasha in her mind -- she probably could do a better job with that in the future and it's a note.]
I'm just asking because the last couple universes I was in one you were a space pirate named Widower and the other you were dead but I met your daughter you'd had with Clint... [She cuts off talking because she realizes this may be potentially alienating if this is indeed a different universe Natasha and well, she really should stop rambling.]
no subject
But then Carol says something about a daughter, and she freezes, cold, even though every nerve of hers is suddenly on fire. She thinks of Stevie, and James, and the things she cannot have, and cannot even name, and holds herself very still, as her thoughts race.
Of course, Carol didn't say anything about them. Carol doesn't even know they exist. And she plans to keep it that way. ]
I can't have children, Carol. [ Maybe some other Natasha, in some other life. But it does no good to dwell. ] And I'm not a space pirate.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
What is one supposed to do to get a fix of food that is horrible for you but tastes like magic?
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
diadem hotel
Later, he'll blame the hunger for how long he spends staring up at the menu before a disappointed voice filters through his stasis and jerks him back into the moment. He doesn't register a word about nacho fries and immediately dismisses the differences in her uniform; there is enough familiarity to suggest that this is still Carol Danvers, one of the few people otherwordly enough to perhaps explain what's going on, standing in front of him. ]
Carol?
no subject
Just like that her eyes zoom out about 50 percent and she takes in what he's wearing, and the shield. She sighs a little bit in relief, well that makes it more obvious.]
Yeah, I'm Carol. Do you happen to be Steve Rogers by any chance?
[She then motions to the shield, just to cover herself on that one. There's probably some universes out there where other handsome blondes are Captain America as well, hell she'd met new fewer then three Caps on her time in the Avengers herself.
She swallows her distaste at the lack of nacho fries and sucks it up to ask Steve if he wants to catch up, one military person to another. ]
Want to grab some tacos and debrief?
no subject
Sounds like a plan.
[ He means to get down to business right away, but once they are seated with their food, his hunger hits with a vengeance. He makes quick work of his first two tacos before he speaks again. ]
So, at minimum it would appear we're from different timelines. [ The statement has the air of a question, as if Steve is leaving room to be corrected. This is far from his area of expertise. ]
no subject
I'd assume that assessment is correct. Unless you've been caught in a shrink ray recently, Soldier.
[She says it with a smile that shows she's teasing. She's not exactly sure that technology exists on Earth, but they're not on Earth so there's maybe that kind of possibility. ]
From what I've gathered from talking to a couple people apparently sometimes this just happens? And a bunch of heroes rain from the sky, but it's as of yet unclear if the carnivorous plants are related.
How about you?
no subject
If nothing else, it helps to put matters into perspective. Sure, Steve is well out of his depth here but at least he hasn't been shrunken down to a fraction of his regular size. ]
My guess is unrelated. There's infrastructure in place to deal with the people raining from the sky but they didn't seem as prepared for carnivorous plants.
So what do you make of the place? It bears some similarities to my Earth, but there are some big differences, too.
no subject
The only way it wouldn't be the case is if the plants were there to test the heroes they were collecting. If that's what's going on though, the scale of it doesn't really make sense....
[She takes a sip of her drink looking at him, like she's trying to gauge his reactions to her words and make sure they're on the same page.]
It's absolutely not my Earth, nor anything like any of the other planets I've been to. If I had to take a guess, we're probably in some alternate universe.
There's something very uneasy about the idea of them collecting all these people with powers though, what's the purpose of it all? How are they doing it?