safety first

[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 as if they have been refurbished in the past few months -- something happened in here some time ago. Something big.

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 and a pamphlet. 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 city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place. The locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to help cool you down in this awfully nauseating heat. Some of the locals might thank you for always lending your service to the nation and others might not say anything. In fact, some people might back away from any imPort who quite obviously looks like they aren't from around the neighborhood. Once in a while there's a look of disdain on someone's face and hushed voices. Something about "the outbreak" and "the government's gotta crack down on their medical files". "Some of them can't be right in the head" says another.

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 normally known for being a little more on the apathetic side, but there's been tension in the atmosphere lately. Nobody will outright state what it is that's rustled their jimmies, though you might find a newsstand with articles on recent and aggressive vigilante behavior within the city. "ImPorts: loyal to the cause of their own?" reads one newspaper article.

People are not as friendly in this city and go out of their way to avoid walking down the same sidewalk as the more obvious looking imPorts pass through. Local cops say nothing, but they scowl at those imPorts and utter something about "no badges" and "acting like authority figures".

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

[bindsthedead]

Yes- Charter magic, mage magic. I've always been able to use it. [Hopefully Elle won't find out that Sabriel can teach said magic to other imPorts...]

[elleacious]

I never heard about magic called that stuff before. Can you pull rabbits out of hats? Oh-! And make flowers and scarves and stuff? What else can you do? [entertain me i am eight] Can you saw people in half?!

[bindsthedead]

Oh- you mean like illusions and- no, not like that!

[Okay Elle, let Sabriel trace out a few symbols in the air- they quickly become sparkling lights that move in circles over Elle's head.]

That's- that's stage magic. Sleight of hand. I draw my power from symbols.

[elleacious]

[That's a pretty lightshow, but Elle's been traveling with Great Spirits and they show off all the dang time. So she looks up at it, faintly impressed, but...] So you can't pull a rabbit out of a hat? Or anything? [that's very important you see very]

[bindsthedead]

Not without some preparation at least. But I can do this.

[Sabriel traces out another symbol- and a pen that was in her pocket appears in midair, dropping into her palm.]

[elleacious]

Ah! [Elle points at the pen, mouth open, then up at Sabriel's pocket. Sorry Sabriel, looks like the slight of hand type of things are more impressive to this kid than actual magic.] What else can you do?

[bindsthedead]

Well... [Okay, what else does she have in her pockets? Sabriel puts her hand next to Elle's ear, repeating the trick with a quarter.]

You seem to have had something in your ear.

[elleacious]

What- Money?! [Elle grabs Sabriel's wrist and claps a hand behind her ear, like she's expecting to find a bank or something.] How'd you do that?! That's amazing!

[bindsthedead]

Didn't anyone tell you? Mages don't reveal their secrets. [Have a pat on the head, Elle.]

[elleacious]

[dang it that's true] But if you teach me your secrets I can also keep them secret. I wanna be a magician! [mage, kiddo]

[bindsthedead]

Well, I have taken on students, but for someone your age... I'd need permission from whoever's looking after you.

[Although hopefully Elle will remain interested in using magic for parlor tricks, rather than tossing fireballs around.]

[elleacious]

[Oh.

Elle deflates a little, clutching her backpack straps.] ...I don't have anybody here yet. Um- I mean I'm still looking. But they'd definitely say yes for sure.

[bindsthedead]

Well, I'll stick with you until you find them. And then when we do, I'll teach you magic.

[elleacious]

[Elle puts on a stubborn face about that, tugging at her backpack straps again.] Can you teach me on the way? While we look?

[bindsthedead]

No, I can't. Besides, I need you to get permission first. [Sabriel sighs.]

Besides, learning magic is something you need to sit down and read a book for.