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etcelsior2016-12-17 12:15 am
maskormods) wrote in etcelsior2016-12-17 12:15 am
Entry tags:
PRESENT TIME, IT'S A TDM
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, whatever the last year has brought, the holidays and the New Year has come and with it a renewed (if possibly temporary) sense of generosity towards the displaced imPorts. Part of this includes a special second ball drop in Heropa on New Year’s Eve, including festivities such as local bands performing, an ice sculpting competition, free food and hourly fireworks display over the water. Some people mutter it’s all being done to keep the imPorts away from real Americans at the Times Square ball drop, but surely that’s just a nasty rumor.
But when a small gang led by one of the new superpowered natives tries to steal this ‘imPort’ ball at 11:30pm, one has to wonder if keeping the powered community away from native crowds wasn’t a good idea. The (uncreatively) self-named ‘Ice Boy’ has ice powers and five non-powered followers trying to steal the New Year’s ball as their powered leader provides a distraction. They are going out of their way to not hurt any natives, but clearly have something to say about the government using up public funds for imPort events.
Enjoy the festivities, then stand and watch the newest native supervillain steal the ball or slip into your spandex and try and stop him. Or, if you’re the type, go and help him out. Whatever you pick, it’s going to be a New Years to remember.
02. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, and though it's quieter than Heropa, there are still large numbers of citizens to be 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 remains high here, and you may find yourself cornered by overzealous imPort fans, media wannabes and opportunists alike, shoving cameras in your face.
Their questions are likely to be fairly mundane, however; get ready for an interview about your taste in romantic partners, personal underwear choices, favorite foods, and more!
Given the rock star status of imPorts, it’s no surprise you’re especially big commodities around the holidays. Action figures, wrapping paper, it seems everywhere you turn there are products with imPort’s faces appearing on it. Not to mention the made for TV movie of ‘ImPorts and Santa Save Christmas.’ No one really knows why the Russians are riding pterodactyls to ruin Christmas, but does it really matter? Watch the show in a store window long enough and you just may see a (similar but legally distinct) version of someone you know riding Rudolph to help save the day.
Ah, the wonders of capitalism.
03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania has had its ups and downs since imPorts started reappearing. Several imPort heroes have put focused efforts into cleaning up the streets of this somewhat infamous city, while others have swooped in to help the criminal industry thrive. More so here than the streets of any other imPort city, the battle between good and evil looks more like a war of escalation than a heroic tale. That might make the less than warm welcome imPorts are given in the city a little more understandable. The emergence of locals with superpowers is hardly helping. While some of these individuals have turned to crime, many locals seem more inclined to defend their native powered drug dealer than help the non-native hero bring them to justice. Who are you to tell them how to live?
So while that Salvation Army Santa on the corner might seem to be more serving as a look out for the shady bar behind him than collecting donations, is it really worth trying to sneak in and see what’s happening inside?
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. More so than any other city, Nonah has embraced every holiday available to celebrate this time of year. To be American is to be part of a melting pot, and that there’s more money to be made by the thriving local industries hardly hurts. Today is a large winter market place. Streets have been closed off and local merchants big and small have set up booths throughout the city to sell their holiday (and normal, who doesn’t need a new pair of wingtips for the New Year?) wares. While outdoors, there are enough heaters scattered around that you’d hardly notice it. Any imPort willing to say they bought their menorah, kinara, Saturnalia wine, or whatever else at a specific booth is in for a big discount from the managers!
Go wander and get your shopping in, folks. Any imPort willing to be interviewed about how they celebrate in December back on their home world is instantly surrounded by a small gaggle of people. Any jokesters out there should be careful to not make up too many fake holidays. The people here might just take it to heart this time next year.
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Until he speaks. It's like throwing a red cape in a bull's face: instant and immediate, the boy's glare snaps back onto the Batman.
He's found a new mark. ]
Good. It'll make a half-decent flail to beat you with, wannabe.
[ Please direct any and all concerns about who decided to make the son of Satan Robin to Dick Grayson, ex-Batman.
Not that there's time. Robin may not have the same level of flight capability as Terry's suit with its futuristic technology, but he doesn't need it -- the kid is scary-fast at scaling those verticals, sure-footed and confident, and ready to bring it for the worst game of rooftop tag in Terry's recent history, probably. ]
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He at least manages to make it to the roof in one piece, though if he doesn't do something he knows it won't be for much longer.]
I think the word you're looking for is Batman.
[Timing his movement as best he can, he pulls bolas from a hidden compartment of the batsuit and tosses them at the kids legs once the terrifying Robin is clear on the roof.]
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[ Robin's no amateur. He dodges the bolas with a sharp twist and a hand-spring, reflexes precise, automatic. Just him and Terry on the rooftop now, and the boy doesn't even bother going for his own belt or batarangs -- confident he doesn't need the usual tricks.
Fists will do just fine. ]
I am Robin, son of Batman, and I dare you to prove your claim.
[ That grim scowl, the curled lip, the flash of teeth and the squared jaw -- it's a perfect, miniature echo of Bruce himself, mismatched with Robin's bright colors. The boy throws out an arm in challenge, vehement. ]
Fight me!
[ This strange, small maniac child has no. Chill. ]
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It's just as well he's not attacking (for Terry's sake), as it takes him a moment to recover from the whole "son of Batman" declaration. This must be a the other guy, the guy here, situation, because there was no way his Bruce had a kid. He squints a bit to finally get a good look at the kid who just chased him up here.]
You definitely have the old man's.... intense thing down, I'll give you that.
[Not to mention the facial expressions. He's half tempted to grimace an apology at the kid's scowl despite the fact he knows he hasn't actually done anything wrong. With his expression unreadable beneath the cowl, he instead holds up his arms in mock surrender and swallows back a deep sigh.]
In case you haven't noticed, I have no desire to fight you! Newsflash: we're on the same side!
i'm so sorry terry, this robin is an awful, awful boy
He may be a child, but he's no idiot. He knows who Terry's referring to, knows that somehow a boy calling himself Batman knows his father. The multiverse, too, isn't a secret to him: he's met his half-sister, Helena, and understands there are worlds out there where he's not, but--
Batman is his. His bloodright. His to win after years of trial by fire, after years of proving himself worthy. And a stranger, a weakling who won't even face him in battle, dares to claim it.
It's a Highlander moment: there can only be one. ]
So? That is my inheritance you're flaunting! Who are you to have any right to it?
[ In retrospect, this could be considered an improvement. The last time he threw down over inheritance, Tim got thrown off a dinosaur. Considering Terry's still on the rooftop, this could almost be a civil conversation. ]
no he's perfect. just... bitey.
And now that he's actually standing still, Terry's beginning to realize for the first time just how young this Robin is. Sure, he looked older thanks to the costume, but now that Terry's starting to look past all that, he couldn't be more than a few years older than Matt.
Just what was this kid's story, and why did Mr. Wayne think letting someone this young be Robin was a good idea? ...Even if this Robin was probably a better fighter than he was.
Still, knowing that even though he's a ninja master or something, it's still a kid, helps Terry to relax somewhat.]
Not where I'm from it's not. Up until about 5 seconds ago I didn't even know you existed. In my world there was 2 Robins and 1 Batgirl, and they've all long since retired.
bitey and a brat. as if terry don't already gotta live with one of those psht
Annoying. It leaves him with very little to work from, save for the tenuous connection of his father. ]
Retired?
[ Perhaps Terry shouldn't let his guard down just yet. Sure, Damian doesn't seem like he's about to lunge at him for a surprise tigerfist to the face -- shifting gears away from outright hostility -- but he's still stalking forward, half-circling around Terry with a critical stare, expression scrunching in a mix between grudging interest and outright disdain.
Poor reflexes in a fight, which reeks of inexperience. Build too slim -- even Grayson had more muscle, though he did have to pad the suit to make a passable attempt at his father's build. Negligible armor. No cape.
He frowns. ]
-Tt.- You look better suited to Nightwing than Batman.
[ Finishing his inspections, he comes to a stop in front of Terry, arms crossed. ]
--or perhaps Batgirl?
[ Bratty smirk. Taunting sense of humor aimed specifically to get a rise. Despite his bearing, language, and skills, Robin is confirmed for child. ]
luckily for him it's given him lots of big brother experience
[A speech he's gotten from both Gordon and Drake, and something tells him if he ever meets Dick Grayson back home he's going to get some variation of the same speech from him too. Given everything they've been through, though, he can't say he blames them. They made the choice that was best for them.
He, on the other hand, had no intention of ever leaving the cave behind for good.
The inspection snaps him back to the kid practically circling him like some kind of judge on one of those fashion shows Dana made him watch (on days he was actually available). He almost laughs.
Almost. He still remembers how scary the kid could be.
Rather than be angry at the comment said so obviously to get a rise out of him, he smiles. Had Terry no doubt this kid not capable of removing his arms, he might even mess with the kid's hair a little. After all, it's nice to know there's a kid underneath all of that... Bruceness.]
You wish you were as cool as Batgirl, twip.
[He's seen Gordon up close as commissioner and vids of her as Batgirl. That's one lady he'd never mess with.]
/he will need it, godspeed/
The thought is an uncomfortable one. Not just for himself, but considering his father retiring, or if Grayson had chosen to put Nightwing aside... it feels like a betrayal. Like abandonment, going somewhere where he couldn't follow, didn't belong. That is more easily imagined, and he's quick to leave the thought behind.
He tuts, taking a lofty tone. ]
Wrong. As the son of Batman--
[ Just in case, you know, you missed it. He understands repetition is key in learning. ]
--I have reached a pinnacle of achievement and admirability that she can only hopelessly aspire to someday match.
[ There's a reason Damian rarely sees company. The things that come out of his mouth sometimes are truly astonishing, and usually tempt perfectly reasonable people into wanting to punch a twelve-year-old in his smug little face. ]
he hasn't been punched yet. That has to count for something?
Funny, considering I've never heard of you and yet we both seem to have heard of her.
[Terry suppresses yet again the urge to ruffle the Robin's hair. This kid's so full of himself it's almost adorable.
For now.]
it'll happen. give it time. he suckerpunches every batman at some point
[ That crisp denunciation is ripped straight from Alfred, as is the raise of his eyebrow, as if Terry should be well aware of this. ]
We've already established I didn't exist in your universe. Which is all the poorer for it.
[ A small lie. He's well aware he brings very little good into the world, bad blood he can never fully shake, but his point here is that Batgirl can eat his dust. He takes care to adjust his gloves, expression settling into a determination that bodes well for no one. ]
Because had I existed, you can be sure you wouldn't have been allowed to get away with calling yourself Batman so easily. But I'm here now.
[ This bodes well for no one. ]
when that happens Damian should sleep with one eye open because payback will be terrible
...Okay you know what, this kid's going to punch him anyway. He finally gives into the temptation and ruffles the kid's hair. This will at least make whatever pain he's about to experience worth it in the long run.]
I've got no doubt your tough, Robin, but the old man gave the suit himself.
[Sure, that's mostly a lie, he originally stole the suit. But Old Man Wayne totally let him keep it afterwards so it counts!]
Surely you wouldn't go against your dad's wishes?
[Something told him the answer to that question was "of course I would, stupid," but he's hoping this at least delays the face punching he's sensing is coming soon.]
bring it mcginnis he's a ninja u ain't getting the drop on HIM!!
A logical compromise--
--Hand. Messing his hair. There is literally only one other person in his world who ever made a habit of it and survived, and for a moment, his reflexes fail him -- thrown off-guard, mouth clicked shut, and staring in utter consternation at Terry as if he can't quite believe he would dare.
It's a brief victory on Terry's part, but a victory nonetheless.
He kicks back into gear with a growl. roughly swatting Terry's hand away and back-stepping out of reach, though he has half a mind to throw reason to the wind and lunge for a swift and brutal tackle. ]
Don't patronize me!
[ It's official: Drake has lost his title for Most Offensively Annoying Person. Upstaged, once again. But, though flustered, speech thrown awry by what was surely a deliberate attack of distraction--
(hair mussed, cowlicks going every which way)
--he will not be deterred. ]
My father isn't infallible, and I don't blindly obey. You need to be better. And I will help you.
[ A lofty declaration, though the threat in his glare says that if Terry tries that again, he will make sure no one ever finds his body. ]
you may be a ninja but he's got 8 years of big brother terrorizing experience!
[That's when it hits him that this whole.... everything wasn't the bravado of a kid who desperately wanted to be taken seriously as Robin. This was the kid 100% of the time. He was always this tightly wound.]
I'm teasing you? You know, it's a friendly thing? That human beings do?
[Terry almost laughs at himself, because he remembers whose kid it is (really, it's Robin's fault for not reminding him for the 500th time). Sometimes--okay, a lot of the time--Terry's often wondered just how much "normal" stuff Bruce was genuinely capable of doing before slipping into approaching it like Batman. Like father, like son he guessed.]
You're going to help me?
[Thankfully that doesn't manage to come out condescendingly; if anything it comes out with a tone of surprise. He was certain the kid was finally going to snap and punch him, certainly not... "help?" (Though who only knows what this kid's definition of "help" is.).]
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No teasing, only vengeance. ]
I don't have friends.
[ Blunt, and dismissive, as if a life nearly void of such an essential facet of humanity is just fine by him. No friends, no friendly overtures allowed. He crosses his arms, confident. ]
Yes, and you'll thank me for it. It'd be an embarrassment to the legacy if you got killed during amateur hour.
[ Put gently. Kindly. Damian is a master of tact. ]
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[The statement doesn't come out as harshly as it could have. This kid is absolutely driving him batty (no pun intended), but part of him felt sorry for Robin. He can't imagine going through life without friends. Not that Terry McGinnis is the most popular kid in school, but he's always believed in quality over quantity, and the friends he has--well, had he supposed, as long as he was stuck here--kept him sane when this job threatened to push him over the edge. How could someone go through life without that kind of support?]
I've been Batman for nearly two years thank you very much. I've even defeated the Joker.
[Terry's grateful for the mask, because it hides the wince he gives at the thought of that fight. Poor Mr. Drake.]
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Terry's defense doesn't seem to impress him. If anything, he looks like it's just confirmed everything he suspects. He cuts a hand through the air, emphatic. Certain. ]
Are Gotham's freaks really the worst you think you'll face?
[ The clown was human. Aggravating, a monster, persistent and wily and just wouldn't die, but a human. He thinks of his father, of Darkseid and Apokolips. Of worlds colliding, of waking to life and to news of Grayson's death in the same breath. The Joker seems like an annoying footnote in comparison. ]
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I also stopped Superman after he got possessed by an evil alien starfish.
[Which doesn't sound nearly as impressive out loud than it did in his head. It was a giant, purple, psychic alien starfish! It was evil!
...Ok, the point is he knocked out Superman and as huge of a Supes fan as he is, it was still kind of awesome.]
And helped the Justice League prevent the rest of them from taking over the world.
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[ Hold on. He needs to process this. No, it's not on Darkseid's level, but the idea of Superman being possessed by the space equivalent of a crawling sea creature--
He snickers. Snorts. Barks out a laugh, then another, and the kid laughs mean, harsh, like he's not used to laughing at all, but it's a sign of some sense of humor.
A dark one. ]
Ha! And then you somehow beat him?
[ WOW IF THIS ISN'T A DIG AT SUPERMAN AND TERRY ]
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Something wrong with your hearing?
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It's fine, thank you.
[ Ah, yes, the only time this kid says thanks is when it's completely, primly insincere. ]
I suppose I shall-- [ Barely keeping a straight face. ] --have to warn Father, about the starfish--
[ There goes every semblance of composure, all over again. ]
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(Except he totally will, if not because of that whole nagging "hero" thing then because this kid possessed by that starfish would not end well for anyone).]
I don't have to prove myself to a shrimp like you.
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You will, or I'll take Batman from you. Unless you think you can best me now?
[ Cocky brat honest-to-god looks like he'd prefer an all-out fight right here. He is probably always ready -- anytime, anyplace, and against anyone. The challenge to throw down is near-constant. ]
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You really don't think the whole "hero fighting hero" thing isn't super cliche?
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[ It is amazing how one small boy can project such bullheaded, stubborn disregard. ]
It sounds more and more like you're afraid of taking up the challenge, Batman.
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