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

[vorbarra]

[ Oh-- he hadn't meant to shame him at all. Damn. Nonetheless Gregor isn't hasty with his words as he tries to backtrack, notices him looking down at a ring. Guesses it is his engagement ring, thinks with a startled wistful pang about having one of his own with Miles one day... ]

We don't mean to impugn your situation. If you can find satisfaction in your arrangement, we are honestly glad for you. It is the one place we have remained obstinate on, the one... thing I am taking for myself. [ A conscious shift this time in his pronouns, as he lets out a slow breath. ] There is no one else who may rule in our place without violence over it, so at the least we demand we are allowed to choose our own spouse.

[ Marriage is such a predominant topic for Gregor, especially right now with Miles, for all that he's been putting off that discussion and leaving it to ferment in the back of his brain. But he too understands it as fraught and tries to shift himself to listen intently, instead, to the latter half of this.

He tries to push past the sadness at the end, imagines himself knowing that his guards will die when he does and has to suppress a shiver. Gregor, too, is soft-hearted that way. ] It must be profoundly strange to be here without them, [ he says with sympathy. ] Perhaps a relief to have that privacy, God knows, but strange.

[drazhada]

[ he shakes his head immediately at the backtracking, jewelry chiming with the movement, smile returning for a moment. ] We did not feel offended. We simply.. [ he hesitates for a few quiet moments, searching for the words to explain. ] We wished to caveat that.. though we make strides toward change, it is sometimes slow-going. As in the case of our-- our impending marriage. [ his small smile widens by degrees, warming. ] Though we are heartened to hear that you will choose your own partner. We dearly hope that it will be someone you love.

[ he's not sure if he and csethiro will ever be in love in the way of a husband and wife, but he thinks that at the least, they can be friends. he thinks they'll be able to at least love one another that way. .. it would be good to feel that close to her. and he certainly intends for their relationship to lack the restrictions of his father's relationships with his empresses. he wants csethiro to be happy.

his expression smooths again at the sentiment, faintly puzzled and a little concerned. ] Truthfully.. we are somewhat embarrassed to say that we have grown so accustomed to them already that it is quite strange-- [ lonely, actually. ] --to be here alone. We think of them as friends. [ and he has precious few of those. ]

[vorbarra]

[ Gregor smiles back more openly, suddenly looking very casual indeed; he's able to turn his Imperial bearing on and off like a light switch, and without it, he could be just about anyone. It's hard not to with Edrehasivar looking increasingly relaxed in turn. ] They will be. I'm one of those unfortunate romantics, I'm afraid. And you're right-- change is very slow. [ Shaking his head slightly, he goes on, ] To tell the truth, our empire is experiencing a time of radical upheaval as it is; we do not wish to shock her overmuch.

There's nothing embarrassing about that. Although not the same, Armsmen are considered part of the family and we confess we are unused to going without ours. You turn around and expect them to be there, or your secretary, at least, scolding you for ducking your schedule, and... [ Ruefully, ] They're not.

[drazhada]

[ there's a pause, then a little tiredly: ] Yes, we understand completely. [ he's fought tooth and claw for every little change he's made. and gods, don't get him started on his bridge.

the mention of a secretary earns a slightly wistful look. it's true, isn't it? he's grown so accustomed to csevet, and to his nohecharei and edocharei, this household he'd sworn he'd never take for granted-- but has he? he's allowed them to do so much for him for so long.. especially csevet.

when he gets home--whenever that might be--he really must reward him somehow. ]

We truly would be quite lost without our secretary. Our first months in our capital were only manageable due to his great assistance. [ it's probably apparent how fond of csevet he is, but he doesn't care. gregor certainly doesn't seem inclined to judge him for such things, especially given that the other man considers his armsmen family. ]

[vorbarra]

We're sorry. We seem to have diverted us onto a depressing topic of conversation. We could discuss what we have changed, as victories.

[ Indeed, Gregor smiles a little, warm and sincere. ] We can imagine. We had the benefit of many years of training, though we didn't see it as a benefit at the time, [ he says dryly. ] Your secretary is your first line of defense for your schedule. If they're not on your side, you'll just get run ragged with presumptuous demands-- [ A shrewd look. ] Especially if they think you're easily taken advantage of.