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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.
Excelsior
Don't suppose you got a bigger weedwacker.
[Jason slices at an approach vine with his combat knife]
no subject
Sorry, Hood. Closest I got is a makeshift machete.
[The benefits of his adapted escrima is that they hack just as well as they bludgeon. He shows it with a quick slash to stop another thread of vine from wrapping around his leg. The plants really don't like that.]
But I don't want to cut it to pieces. We need to find a way to dig out the roots and move it.
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Unless Ivy's around and is feeling nice today, we gotta make a path ourselves.
[Jason swats at another vine that got too close to him]
Find the weakest roots and hope that's enough.
[He'll have to compare notes with Duke later. At the moment, Jason's in no mood in seeing if there's an Audrey II around]
no subject
The roots are pretty deep, but you're right. We'll worry about conservation later.
[He's not dressed the exact same as what Duke remembers Jason's current look to be, but he's not thinking too much about it while dealing with the very displeased plant currently trying to turn him into a late night snack.
Suddenly, there's a shout of alarm and he knows someone definitely did not respect the perimeter like he warned. This is why he likes working during the day. Things are always crazier at night.
Looks like some kid--may even be his age--thought they could get some extreme selfies. Great.]
no subject
Jason jogs over to try and pry the vine's grip open to get the kid free]
Pics later. Freedom first.
[Jason looks over at Duke]
Don't suppose you ran into the others from our flock yet?
no subject
Uh...you're the first one I've run into. Who else is around? Orphan? Spoiler? Red Robin? Nightwing? Batwing? Bluebird? [Yeah the names just rattle off and don't distract him at all while he cuts the last of the plants holding the kid in the worst group hug ever.] Don't tell me Robin's around. B would lose it.
no subject
Red Robin, Robin, and Nightwing are around and probably back in Central City.
[Though not the Robin Duke's thinking of. Jason slices away another vine]
no subject
[Teamwork! Duke rarely ever gets to go on missions with Jason, so maybe this isn't such a bad thing? Surely, they'll be getting back home eventually so enjoy the uncommon bat-team-ups while he can.
After ripping through the last vine holding the kid, they flail and hit the ground, but thankfully gets moving at the same time, quickly crawling out of the radius of the plants' reach. One last vine tries to make a grab for them, but Duke stabs it with the end of his escrima.]
Okay, so one problem solved!
[A dozen more to go, right?]
You know, for being stuck in an alternate universe where we probably don't exist, this feels very familiar.
no subject
I blame it on the plants. Ivy's a very memorable eco-terrorist. We're just lucky there aren't pheromones involved this time.
no subject
[Not that she ever did anything with pheromones...besides that lipstick he read about in the files. Duke is back to hacking and cutting down the vines trying to get closer to the base of the plant. He ducks and dodges two vines and blinks, letting the colors around him shift briefly--he's still getting used to doing this while on the job--and yells out.]
Check your ten o'clock. The vine is getting feisty--uh, er.
[Before that thorny vine stabs him in the back. Thanks to the light shifting he knows he's given him at least ten seconds.]
no subject
Good eye.
[Interesting that Duke said Ivy isn't really an eco-terrorist anymore. It's weird to imagine but that's one more question on top of some other things Jason wants to ask about]
We're gonna need to compare notes after this. Like you wearing the bat.
no subject
Notes like why you don't wear a bat?
[Because he knows there was a Time when things were really Not Great between Jason and the family. Is this Jason going through that right now?]
no subject
[Swats away another vine that was about to get too close]
no subject
Gonna need a whole string theory for this place at this point.
[Red strings everywhere.]
Hey, if I create an opening, you think you could slide in near the roots and cut them out?
no subject
[Plus, Jason wants to see more of how Duke works. Everyone in the family has some kind of gimmick]
no subject
[His gimmick makes no sense outside of Gotham, really. But he's been watching the vines and seeing how they move, looking for the most effective route. And then he sees it. The light shimmers and refracts around him and he can see what he hadn't seen before. Like watching a video on rewind.
He'd been going about this all wrong. Cutting the vines only made the plant wild, they needed to aim for just the right spot.
And that right spot happened to be higher up on the plant closer to its toothy flowers. He knows he can't get closer enough to cut it off--nor does he want to, it's almost like Ivy is somewhere Judging him--but he aims and fires. Throws his escrima with enough force at the exact right time and angle so the butt of his escrima slams hard into the stem close to the flower, which is enough to send the vines into a frenzy. Sure it means they are going after him, but that leaves Jason just the opening he might need.]
no subject
With his knife still out just in case, Jason waves his arm to the civilians before leading the way out]
Come on, folks! We'll back to civilization soon.
no subject
[While Jason is getting out the civilians, Duke is going to take the chance to go the other direction. He wants the plant to stay focused on him and now that it's angry, it's definitely paying attention to him over the people they were trying to save.
He has a limited timespan before those vines finally catch him, but he ducks and weaves and slashes with his escrima while hoping maybe he gets closer to those roots.
Then one of those vines trips him up and gets up around his ankle. Maybe he does not got this.]
no subject
Not bad but gotta look low too.
no subject
Hey, there's a lot to be looking at right now, okay? I'm working on it.
[And he has to do a quick flip to avoid yet another vine all while looking for another weak spot. It takes time to focus on the light trails when he's moving.]
no subject
Trying to find another good spot?
no subject
Yeah, I've only got one shot. [Since he only has one escrima left unless he can find the other one.]
I thought about tasing it, but I don't want to accidentally set it on fire.
no subject
[The combat knife doesn't seem to be enough now so out of thin air, Jason summons two double-edged swords]
Hack and slash it is then.
no subject
You know...I'm gonna add that to the list.
[Hack and slash it is. Duke is doing his best right now, but they're going to get tired eventually. They'll need to figure out a way to calm it down.]
You wouldn't happen to have any ice grenades or frost bombs hidden somewhere? Maybe if we make it cold it'll slow down!
no subject
[The plant visible winces and recoils when Jason strikes near the flower]
Are we sure Ivy isn't messing around again?
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