HE TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES THAT HE DIDN'T LIKE MY KIND

[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. The city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place, where locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to welcome you to their fair city. 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.

An upset, deeply masculine voice wonders aloud: "More of them, when we already know they can't protect us? That's just painting a bigger target on the city's back!"

"That's just what Ronald Chump says!" Exclaims a young woman. She raises her fist in anger at the imPort-hating individual. "We're not going to tolerate bigots here!"

02. 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. Science and technology are the lifeblood of this city, so you're likely to come across a good many locals taking your picture with the newest of devices. Be forewarned: since FanPort happened, imPort fandom is at a new height. Don't be surprised if people start following you just to see if you'll do anything TMZ-worthy.

The trick is to stay calm, and don't wig out if someone asks what you think about imPort shipping.

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is having a rainy day. The streets seem to be running with water, the sky can't seem to stop crying. You might want to check out some consumerism-inclined shelter, be that a smoky and dart-eyed bar full of grumbling locals, or a grimy and industrial coffee shop (full of grumbling locals). Watch your step, newly minted imPort, because if you let on that you're fresh meat then you're likely to attract a posse of two or three sharp knuckled no-good-dooers. This is the criminally exciting part of town, so beware.

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. There's a baseball game going on in one of the parks amidst all those tall buildings, and you're welcome to watch! It's not an official game in the season, it's more like a friendly skirmish between local baseball teams. Midway through the game, the umpire might take note of you new imPorts -- assuming you're standing out in the crowd. He'll welcome you to throw a pitch if you'd like! Of course, the opposing team isn't too keen on the idea. Better look for more imPorts to play ball!

Comments

edmund pevensie | chronicles of narnia

[exonerated]

A — HEROPA.
[ The harsher whispers are easiest to ignore (for it would be shame, wouldn't it, if the once traitor of Narnia couldn't stomach the subtle insults thrown at his person), and the eyes that stray back and forth are deflected with a patient, curious smile. He delights in seeing others turn red with shame at being caught, although he doesn't do it quite that often. He makes careful note of the fact that not everyone is happy over the arrival of apparent imPorts, but that is, of course, something to be revisited for another day, when Edmund becomes far more aware what, exactly, he's managed to drag himself into.

It's been a confusing morning, all told. The last thing he remembers is Rabadash's trial, and the good night's sleep he had after it. Everything that had been told to him, the pamphlet that he's been given, they only confuse him more — oh, they are easy enough to understand. They are here to help the citizens fight in a war, somehow with 'powers' that Edmund did not even know manifested in him. He's been given the file and is walking around with it at hand, but is yet to read it.

Walking has him focused on his surroundings, and how different it is from home, that he stops at one point and sits down on an empty chair situated outside a quaint cafe at the end of the road. it'd be nice to take a break from all the walking, anyway. ]

Such stunning architecture — Oh! [ as he's musing out loud to himself, the cafe owner approaches him with a cup of coffee and an offer a plate of colorful looking sweets that are, apparently, called cupcakes. Edmund doesn't have the heart to tell the owner that he has no stomach for anything sweet any longer, and accepts the plate with a smile. ] Thank you very much.

[ After the man returned to his shop, Edmund turns to the person sitting close to him, whoever they are. ] Would you like some? I'm afraid I've lost my taste for sweets a long time ago.


B — DE CHIMA.
[ The quietness had been a welcome treat, after all the hassle that came with Heropa. He is kindly pointed to the library, a place that he would definitely frequent in the future, but not before being asked for a 'picture', whatever that is. The girls titter loudly when he asks, taking notice of the fact that he is new, and he smiles patiently as they explain it to him. Of course, he still doesn't understand (they don't quite explain it very well, seeing as a couple of them get flustered when he asks them directly) but he nods when prompted.

In the end, he ends up smiling confusedly at a box when they asked him to, but he didn't expect the flash off light it produced. ]

Oh, that's — the light, where did it come from?

[ Technology, man. ]

Heropaaa

[safelittlegreenmage]

[Here he is, just sitting here soaking up the sun and listening to the new green voices around him, trying to get a feel for this odd new world, and suddenly someone is handing him food.

Perhaps this place has its charms.

Briar happily accepts the plate of cupcakes, and holds one high as if in a toast]

I feel bad for your stomach, but I won't say no.

[exonerated]

[ Edmund only grins back. ]

Bad memories of indigestion as a child. I'm afraid I've been put off forever.

[ God, what a fucking liar, but it's better than telling a stranger the alternative. ]

I have three siblings, of course. They're happy to fight over my share for themselves.

[safelittlegreenmage]

[Well that's enough of a clue that this man has certainly never been on the streets.

Remembering his table manners, Briar doesn't down the cupcake in two bites as much as he wants to. He isn't sure of when he last ate, the porter has made time all wobbly.

No, he downs it in three bites]

I'm sure they thanked you plenty for it. At least if your house had anything like these.

[exonerated]

[ If Edmund notices the speed in which the cupcakes were eaten, he says nothing of it. He's seen plenty of Talking Beasts eat their entire meal whole — fucking snakes, man — and there was always that one dignitary (or twenty) from another country that ate up everything offered to them because they could. ]

Sometimes. [ There are always sweets of different kinds, especially when requested by one of the others. The cooks enjoyed preparing meals for their monarchs, of course, including sickeningly sugary desserts. But Edmund not here to wave that particular line of thought over someone's head. He's not even certain if that's a great idea here, in a place so far away from home. ] And they'd thank me, if they remember to. Usually, it's best left implied.

[ He shrugs to himself, then looks at his companion. ] I'm guessing the taste is to your liking, then? It would've been terrible of me to offer you something distasteful.

[safelittlegreenmage]

[Briar flashes him another grin]

I'd say you'd have less to apologize for than the poor sap who brought them out here.

[exonerated]

[ Edmund chuckles, holding up both hands in lieu of a white flag. ]

And yet, my guilt and shame would have eaten away at me regardless, if worst came to worst.

[safelittlegreenmage]

[Briar's eyes flick to his wrists, checking for the tell-tale sign.

Ah-ha. Must be why he's feeling easier with this man than most of the people around him]

Been brought a long way from home, have you?

B

[illuminescent]

[ Lucy, meanwhile, is so used to it at this point that she barely looks at the group of girls as she heads past the group. She's not wearing anything particularly Narnian, although the dress she is wearing isn't precisely something that blends in perfectly well, either - - instead she looks a bit like a hybrid, as usual for her.

She spares a look up for the man - my, doesn't he look like-

-no, but-

She freezes in the street a moment. ]

Edmund?

[ Speaking of lights, it looks like she's surrounded by fritzing cameras herself, her light creation power going slightly out of her control as she stares at him. ]

[exonerated]

[ It's a whirlwind of voices trying to one-up one another. Edmund is studiously patient in his state of perpetual confusion, but even his sharp mind can quite possibly follow a seemingly half-decent explanation. The words 'camera' and 'photos' grab his attention, because he's sure that he's heard it before, he's just not quite sure.

Nevertheless, that train of thoughts ends there, when he hears a familiar voice say his name.

He turns around, and — ] Lucy?

[ He turns back to the girls, murmurs a quiet apology, before running to his sister, looking at her up and down quickly in an attempt to see if she's alright. His eyebrows are doubly raised as he takes in the fact that she's — ]

Are you glowing?

[ Which is, of course, a stupid question, in retrospect, but it had to be asked. ]

[illuminescent]

[She gasps as he says her name and he's not the only one running because she is too, and just after he asks his relatively obvious question she's flinging herself into his arms with all the force that only Lucy could manage.]

Edmund-

[She is clinging to him then. As though they were small still, in a way she almost doesn't do anymore. She buries her face in his shoulder and he smells like home, the smell of Cair Paravel hasn't faded from his shirt or his skin.]

Edmund, Edmund, Edmund.

[There is a slight desperation in her tone, like maybe she was never expecting to see him again.]

Oh-

[She leans back a little and she's not quite crying but there are definitely tears in her eyes.]

Yes, it is likely I am, a little.

[exonerated]

[ the magnitude of lucy's emotions isn't lost on him — it seems fraught with desperation, like meeting an old friend she hasn't seen a long time, though edmund could swear that they've seen each other only hours ago — but he remains a rock for her to hold on to even in his puzzlement. ]

A little. [ he echoes. ] A little is a bit more than not at all, Lu. When did that happen? Is it — did this place do that to you?

[ although, she does seem — fine, in general. they've spoken a little of powers and such. edmund has yet to read up much on his own. some of the words they use are a little beyond his knowledge. too scientific, if you will. ]

[illuminescent]

[She runs her hand over his hair, her thumbs at his temples for a moment. Oh.

She missed him so much.]

Yes, I suppose I could glow more, it is only a little bit of the magic I do here, but Edmund, I have missed you so.

[She says it so fondly, and presses a quick kiss to his cheek, just like that.]

I did not think you would come at all. I did not think anyone else would come, that I would be here alone and without any company.

[exonerated]

Well, I'm here. [ After all these years, Edmund is wouldn't know how to comfort his sister. It borders on uncomfortable, but he remains still under her hands, only briefly making a face when she drops a kiss on his cheek, because — well, siblings! ] Not out of my own volition, of course, though I suspect the same could be said about your own experience here.

It reminds me — [ Reminds him of what? Edmund pauses, thinking it through, though nothing really comes to him immediately. ] Never mind.

So, you glow. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it does suit you, Lucy.

[ She has always been the brightest light in Narnia, Aslan's greatest believer. ]

B

[vorbarra]

[ Gregor has been despairing of mass media ever since its first encroachment on Barrayar, and seeing someone else deal with it is no different. Especially someone who clearly has no idea they're being photographed.

Since he lives in De Chima, it's no coincidence that he's there to step smoothly up by this obviously newly arrived imPort and level a placid, unimpressed stare at the tittering girls. He also despairs of those, possibly moreso than the media. There's a certain regal expectation to his bearing as he says, firmly if neutrally, ] No pictures, please. It's rude to photograph someone who doesn't realize what they're getting themselves into.

[ That being rumblr posts and fan comics, oh God... Fortunately Gregor is not all that popular (yet, anyway). He's a little too political and quiet, not to mention his polished Russian accent is off-putting for the local populace. Sure enough, the local girls appear a bit uncertain what to do with him. He's perfectly handsome-- but... ]

[exonerated]

Ah, photographs! [ The word rings a bell in Edmund's head, as if he'd seen one before. A split-second image of his parents come to mind, but he's forgotten what they look like anymore. He's forgotten a lot of things in his youth past his first arrival in Narnia. Sometimes, a word is said and a reminder pops up unexpectedly, though Edmund can't quite explain where in the world he's heard that before. ] I suppose that is — a camera?

[ It doesn't answer his question, not really, although he doesn't mind. It's not an inquiry of utmost importance in the end, especially when the girls decide to drop the small boxes in their hands, only mildly apologetic. They do linger, however; curious, perhaps. Or stunned?

Edmund turns to the man that approaches him and the group, and recognizes a certain unflappable composure in the one. It reminds him of Peter, when he's in the mood to strut around with dignitaries and other nobles, playing his part as the High King. The smile that Edmund gives him is borne out of lessons in propriety, but no less sincere. ]

You have my thanks, of course. The flashing light was especially a little surprising.

[vorbarra]

[ So he's not so far back as Keladry, then. Good. That makes this much simpler for him. Gregor truthfully feels badly for Keladry, and how much she has to adjust to; surely someone should make some sort of guide or class to modern life...

In any case, he nods at the question on whether it's a camera. This isn't the first time he's been compared to Peter-- Lucy's done the same-- and it's not inaccurate. He has an answering slight smile, equally courteous and equally sincere. Gregor just has a grave cast about him; cheerful expressions don't settle quite naturally on him.

He gestures once up the road and turns to walk, inviting him to join him and leave the girls behind. Gregor is not keen on having audiences of any kind if he doesn't have to, and it's perhaps a little telling that he doesn't offer explanation to them past a short acknowledging nod. He's not apologetic about escaping at all. ]

Technology takes many people by surprise here-- in either direction. [ Too advanced or not advanced enough. ] I take it that you're a new arrival? We have a bit of celebrity status, I'm afraid.

[exonerated]

I am, yes. Wandering around was perhaps a terrible decision on hindsight, but one's curiosity can't be shaken off sometimes, I suppose.

[ He follows the man, walking away from the crowd easily. It'd been difficult to shake them off earlier, but this man does it with ease. With practice, perhaps Edmund would be able to as well. Not that it's a particularly comforting thought. ]

In any case, may I learn the name of my apparent saviour? [ He says all this with a wry sort of smile. ] Mine is Edmund. Edmund Pevensie.

[vorbarra]

Oh, I can't blame you for that at all, [ he says ruefully. ] I wandered around in a fascinated daze for at least a week.

Gregor Vorbarra. You aren't one of Lucy's sibs, are you? I recognize the name.

[ Gregor is also not coincidentally subtly more relaxed and casual upon learning this. He has a public persona and an among-friends persona and they appear similar at first glance, but really are not at all, and his trust and respect for Lucy is immense. It's an easy in with him. ]

[exonerated]

Lucy! [ That is a resounding yes. Edmund's smile widens, but it also becomes more exasperated, an expression mastered only by a fond older brother. ] Unfortunately, yes, I am indeed one of her older brothers. If you know her, then she's here. Of course.

[ Since when does Lucy not get into trouble, really. And since when does Edmund not follow her? It's the natural order of things. ]

I take that you are a friend of hers?

[ The body language did not go unnoticed, but such is the effect Lucy has on plenty others. She is kind and trustworthy, and a delightful person all around. Edmund teases her, but only out of love, honestly! ]

A

[dreamkid]

[ The person closest would be this kid, who has probably never turned down an offer of food in his life. He turns to Edmund with an incredibly pleasant smile, his eyes widening with enthusiasm when he sees the colorful cupcakes. ]

Really? You don't want them? Thanks!

[ He's a little over-eager, perhaps, but in a very charming, boyish kind of way, and his gratitude is sincere. He takes one of the cupcakes and happily bites into it, getting an accidental smudge of icing on the corner of his mouth in the process, which he wipes away without embarrassment. ]

Mm-- You sure you don't want them? These are real good.

[ Losing one's taste for any kind of food is not something he understands. ]

[exonerated]

I — I'm quite sure, but thank you.

[ FRYSQUINTS. That face is weirdly familiar, but maybe he's imagining things? ]

You seem to enjoy them quite a lot. I won't rob you of them. [ Besides, it looks as though he wouldn't have a chance to grab even one, if he did want to. Honestly kind of cute, anyway. ] There should be other kinds of food for me to enjoy here, eventually.

[dreamkid]

[ Oh right, the face. Lucy told him once that he reminded her of one of her brothers at first, but that she didn't think it so much anymore. Which may be due to the fact that Peter was already high king of Narnia at Matthew's age, and Matthew is a boy who on any given day might or might not be able to find his way out from under a tarp without assistance.

Similar faces, but they leave wildly different impressions, is the point. But both of them hard-working and good. ]

Okay, if you're sure. But it's too bad you don't like sweets.

[ He takes another bite and hopefully Edmund wanted some conversation with his coffee because Matthew now rotates his chair to face the direction of Edmund's table, though he doesn't actually scoot closer. He's friendly, without being exceedingly pushy. ]

Are you new here, then? [ He lowers his voice just a little. ] An imPort?

[exonerated]

[ Which is why Edmund himself drops the issue this time, although he might revisit it a bit with Lucy later on. ]

Yes, I am, and very new. Mere hours. [ He smiles, wry. ] Walking around this place has been - interesting, to say the least.

[dreamkid]

[ Hours? Matthew looks at him, a bit in awe, and then laughs a little, putting his chin in his non-cupcake-holding hand. ]

You're handling it way better than I did.

[ There's something pulling at the airy threads of his thoughts the more he talks to Edmund, something about the way he speaks, but Matthew doesn't pay it enough attention. ]

I'm Matthew, by the way, Matthew Lynch. I'm an imPort, too.

[ He says it like he doesn't realize such a thing is already obvious, after his first comment. ]