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

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[ 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.

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.

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. ]

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! ]

[ Oh, Gregor recognizes that look, and shoots him a glance of faint amusement. It reminds him of Miles immediately. It'd made complete sense that he'd be here. ]

Yes, I think it's safe to count myself in that number. She was gifted with healing upon arrival, and has come to our aid selflessly many times. She has a stable she's allowing us to board a horse at as well.

We are all fond of animals. [ Understatement of the year. ] And she is kind, sir, sometime frightfully so. I'm glad to see that she has friends here.

[ Seeing as this is her brother-- who Gregor knows she is well-disposed toward, more importantly-- he adds, ] She's had a bit of a hard time of it lately. There were a few guards that swore to her, and they've gone. We've no control over who arrives and leaves.

It'll be a great comfort to her that you're here.

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

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