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[maskormods]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping into MASK OR MENACE? Want to dip your toes into the setting and get a feel of whether your character will fit into it? Or maybe you're just cruising and want to play around? Then you've come to the right place!

Pick any of the following scenarios below or feel free to make up your own, but don't be afraid to throw yourself at someone else's thread, either!

And remember to have fun!

01. Your memory might be a haze still and you might even feel frustrated or anxious by the sudden news that you are no longer in your own world and that the Porter scientists and military cannot send you back. You don't get a chance to linger long in the underground Porter lab, but something is clearly amiss; light patches on the floor indicate something else used to sit in that spot in the room. Parts of the wall, floor and the tables look recently refurbished -- something happened in here not too long ago.

You're ushered out quickly and then suddenly, you're enveloped in a faint blue blue light before you find yourself under the bright Floridian sun. Another soldier steps toward you with a smile, directing your attention to a car near a large gate. She mentions she'll be debriefing you soon, handing out a brown folder. You don't see the digital tattoo on your wrist, but it's quickly explained on your way over to the car as you realize there are other confused faces nearby, all holding files of their own.

02. The small, cheery city of Heropa is finishing some downtown construction work following an attack some months ago. There are enough construction crews still around and on break to wave and raise a cup of coffee in a salute to the most obvious imPorts. You might even be thanked for playing a role in saving the city from whatever happened.

Wherever you go, locals are pleasant and courteous enough, sometimes stepping forward to ask for a quick photo or autograph. Every now and then, however, anyone who is so obviously an imPort will find a local backing away from them nervously, pulling their child back with them before closing a door.

03. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, and though it's quieter, there are just as many citizens awed at your presence. Heavy winds have people grasping at their newspapers and constantly brushing hair out of their faces, but that doesn't distract them from crowding you in excitement if you're obviously from a different time or world, or just let it slip that you're a newcomer. Children and young teenagers are especially likely to ask for an autograph and a photo.

Some locals seem less enthused to see you. They never make an approach, but they can be overheard scoffing and muttering something about cameras. "Who do they think they are?" or "I don't like it... it reminds me of the government corruption back in the eighties." What could they be talking about?

04. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is just fine as always. Ask the residents about their opinions on the recent two-block space that burned in a fire or the imPorts mixed up in the incident, and the locals will shrug. They're just not interested in talking politics. Try asking the local imPort Ambassador. What's his name? Ryan? Revan? They don't offer any more information. Naturally for a big city, the people are somewhat aloof in nature. You might even notice the police are just the same, turning their heads the other way when two shady figures exchange fat wads of cash at the street corner. Did the police just drive away in their hovervehicle without bothering to observe what those two were up to? They sure did.

05. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities. It's loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. Anyone who they come to determine an imPort is bombarded with all sorts of offers; job offers, advertising gigs, spokesperson for advocating children stay in school, etc. Anything and everything! You name it. Shops offer discounts for food and clothing, whatever they need. People flock in droves with questions, but they all say the same thing. Thank you for your service to this country, Hero. You saved a lot of lives. Wow, feels great to be a hero, doesn't it?

Comments

[fadeling]

Oh. [Well now he feels a little bit bad. And backs down right along with her.]

Thank you, but I'm alright. I was...listening.

[deadtective]

To...the people cursing each other out over red lights? [her mouth twists into a baffled frown] You can do that pretty well from the sidewalk too, you know.

[fadeling]

No. To their hurts. I need to know how to help them before I can.

[deadtective]

[that is...really specific. and something she hopes he has to actually focus on intentionally, because Hazel does not want anyone near the roiling cauldron that is all of the issues she's keeping bottled up inside.]

Most people are pretty happy to tell you all about their problems if you just ask. No loitering required.

[fadeling]

No. That doesn't work. Not for these.

[deadtective]

[ugh. ugh ugh ugh ugh. she's going to have to ask, isn't she. Hazel tilts her head back for a moment, trying to wipe the frustrated look off her face.]

Ok, just so we're clear. This isn't some kind of qualifier for you being able to pass on, is it?

[fadeling]

I don't know what that means.

[deadtective]

I'm asking if you're dead!

[fadeling]

[Oh. Well, that's easy enough to answer.]

No.

[deadtective]

Good! That probably makes things a lot easier!

[she realizes she can probably stop shouting now, too, and quiets down with a shifty look around her. nobody heard that, right..?]

[fadeling]

Why? It shouldn't.

[deadtective]

For me, I mean. It's a hell of a lot easier for me.

[because this means she won't have to deal with vengeful spirits jealous of her 'second chance' at life, like she'd been warned about at home. thank god.]

[fadeling]

Oh. Then it is good, I suppose.

[deadtective]

It's fucking fantastic. I've got enough to deal with already, I don't need to start running errands for ghosts again.

[fadeling]

Oh. I won't ask you to.

[deadtective]

Who said you were going to ask?

[who said she was going to let him? she's said more than three words to him, there's basically no way around her sticking her nose into his business now.]

[fadeling]

I said I wasn't going to. [She did ask.]

[deadtective]

You said you weren't dead! That's different! [you're arguing circularly just to get out of this now, Hazel]

...but whatever. If you're not trying to pass on, why the hell do you care if someone's got issues?

[fadeling]

Because they need help. [The sky is blue, etc.] I can help them.

[deadtective]

That doesn't mean you have to.

[fadeling]

Yes I do. They need my help.

[deadtective]

[this is like engaging in conversation with a scrawny farmer-esque version of some of her more vulnerable qualities, and Hazel isn't sure how she feels about that.]

...you're going to be here a long time if you try and help everybody by yourself.

[fadeling]

That's fine. I don't mind. I like helping.

[deadtective]

You're going to like it a lot less here, trust me. [but she mumbles this, so it may be hard to catch]

Do you at least know where you live and all that crap?

[fadeling]

Why? The hurt is the same here as anywhere.

[Oh she said something else.]

No. Should I?