WAKE UP IN THE MORNING FEELING LIKE

[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 there's only one rule in Test Drive Meme Club: 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, while others might not say anything -- but if you have something nasty to say, better not say anything at all, right? But on closer inspection of these Silent Stanleys and Stellas, you might notice that some people actually back away from any imPort who quite obviously looks like they aren't "from around the neighborhood". Once in a while, you may hear a voice raised:

"Did you see how visible their elections have become? They're just trying to grab power! Have you seen the homes they live in?

Of course, for every claim, there's a rebuttal; you may well hear a competing voice arguing, "They deserve to have a say in things too! You know it's different for them!"

ImPorts are a divisive issues, even in pretty Heropa.

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 very presence. Look at you! Organic wonder! 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. The imPort craze is at an all-time high, and considering the ambition of many of De Chima's residents, you may find yourself cornered by overzealous imPort fans, media wannabes and opportunists alike, shoving cameras in your face.

Their questions are less politically charged than they are mundane, however; get ready for an interview about your taste in romantic partners, personal underwear choices, favourite foods, and more!

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 bound to find a few people who decide that the only proper welcome for an imPort is a nice set of knuckles to the face.

One or two more cowardly locals may hesitate before giving you such a greeting, however, with a muttered, "Wonder if the new guy in office is gonna do more than the last one."

Ouch. Look at the political savvy on this guy!

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. You may find yourself in the midst of a few closed-off streets for some occasion or another - whether it be a food cart festival, no-car day, or something else! - and surrounded by the hum of people, the waft of food being served on the street, and plenty of attention

Look there -- someone's demoing a VR roller coaster! Won't you give it a shot?

Comments

[bindsthedead]

[Unfortunately, Sabriel has had prior experience with talking cats- or rather, something that talks and looks like a cat most of the time.. She jumps to her feet, spilling what's left of her coffee over her newspaper.

The Charter mark on her forehead is suddenly blazing as she looks for any sign of a collar- then her eyes move not just over the cat, but its shadow.]

No, I'm not. [And despite her sudden wariness, there's just a trace of sarcasm, even as Charter Marks collect at her fingertips.]

[catcursed]

[ despite her shock, graves remains seated, ears pricking up in interest at the sudden sense of.. is it magic? it feels different from what he's accustomed to-- but then, that's probably only to be expected. ]

So I can see now. [ he shifts, sprawling out on his side, tail swishing faintly as he makes himself as harmless-looking as possible. ] My apologies. I was under the impression that my appearance would not particularly be notable. [ given all the stranger import abilities, that is. ]

[bindsthedead]

[Oh it's magic- powerful but carefully controlled... and Sabriel's letting it disperse, even though her expression is still wary.

There's no stench of Free Magic, and it's not Dead, but- she peers at the cat, reaching out with her less mundane senses.]

Talking animals aren't that common.

[catcursed]

[ cats can't smile, of course, but graves manages to convey humour anyway. ] Well, I'm only technically a cat. Perhaps you'd be more comfortable in my proper shape. [ he rises to his paws, stretching languidly, before leaping off the top of the table.

between one blink and the next, there's a tall, slender, elegant man in his--perhaps--late thirties or early forties, with the same vivid eyes as the cat. though it's impossible to visually follow the change, the burst of energy is definitely magic-- though also just as foreign to her, no doubt, as she is to him. --he's a witch, and a strong one, so that's doubtlessly obvious to someone with the proper senses.

he seats himself neatly, leaning a cane up against the table and then straightening the cuffs of his sweater. ]

There we are. Truly, I apologize for the scare. It was impolite of me, and I do try not to be impolite. [ he laces his fingers together across the top of the table, offering a small smile. ] Please, call me Graves.

[bindsthedead]

Call me- [Sabriel hesitates for a moment, then settles on her title.] Abhorsen. [Another magic-user then- one with both experience and strength, judging by his apparent age and what she can sense.

She watches him with caution, but no hostility. When she speaks, her tone is courteous, and somewhat welcoming, if subdued.]

I take it you're new to this world?

[catcursed]

Abhorsen. [ the title earns a curious, interested glance, but no further question. it's her business what she introduces herself as, after all, and if it's important, he supposes she'll explain. ] It's a pleasure to meet you. [ a beat, smile taking on a slightly worn note. ] And yes, I'm afraid that I am.

[ new, worried about the cafe and the young men and women that work there. .. avery. it was a damned inconvenient time to be dragged into another world. ]

Hence why I was reading your newspaper. I've been trying to learn what I can of this place, and no one really pays much mind to a cat.

[bindsthedead]

Most of the time. Just don't try that in Maurtia Falls, they'd probably throw rocks if they realized you were an imPort.

[But enough complaints about the shadiest Porter city.]

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Newspapers can tell you about the state of the world, but not the particular situation with imPorts.