etcelsior | SLAY BELLS RING

Entry tags:

test drive

SLAY BELLS RING

T E S T D R I V E M E M E

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 ON THE TEST DRIVE MEME!

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.

Although even Florida can get chilly during the winter, they won't let that spoil the fun. It's not beach weather, but it's time for a palm tree decorating contest to bring everyone into the holiday spirit! Note that isn't technically Christmas decorating. Pick a theme, any theme, from holidays to puppies to capitalism and have at. The natives will judge and vote for their favorite- so really, there's nothing wrong with a little pandering. The winner will get both the honor of having defeated their rivals, and a free lifetime supply of Italian frozen ice and hot dogs from the sponsoring local stand.

Those who just aren't interested in competing might be called in to judge another competition down the beach: a youth sand-sculpting contest! Only one team can walk away with the grand prize of a laser tag package, but can you bring yourself to be harsh on those wide, hopeful eyes?

Speaking of that Italian ice, there are some free samples being offered to tempt you into competing for the prize. And, shocking to no experienced imPort, someone has meddled with it just a bit. Each of the three flavors will have a different effect and, fates help us, they can be stacked, though the effects only last about an hour. Strawberry with fill you with team spirit, encouraging you to decorate a tree in a group or spontaneously form a new rock group. Even those that usually Only Work Alone will want to form a team. Lemon will spike your competitive nature. You're not just going to win, you are going to wave the severed heads of your competitors before their weeping mothers-, er, that is, win by a lot. Finally, lime flavor with up your silliness factor. Everything's fun and happy at the Holiday season, right? Why not pull a prank or two while you're here, or just enjoy a nice knock-knock joke with friends. Hopefully you didn't get that lemon-lime mix and now must pull the most epic prank ever or show that you are the single happiest person on this or any other world. That could get complicated.

02. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, with large numbers of citizens waiting to be awed by your very presence. Look at you! Organic wonder! Synthetic wonder! Whatever you might be, those words have meaning here. 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 or recently published PLoS papers. 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.

With Christmas coming, the producers behind a guerilla new reality show are hard at work getting new footage—starring you! Areas of the city with the most foot traffic have been absolutely blanketed in mistletoe. If you happen to pass beneath a sprig, you might find a small camera crew jumping out of nowhere, urging you to give the person next to you a smooch—and thanks to the strange radio waves coming out of the unit on the executive producer's wrist, you'll feel a little compelled to do so!

...except the compulsion isn't that strong, so those who don't kiss on the first meet can easily break out of it. Your next choice: give the camera crew a piece of your mind, or ask the would-be kissee out for coffee? They are pretty cute...

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania has carried a reputation for ups and downs ever since imPorts began reappearing again, just those few years prior. Several imPort heroes have put focused efforts into cleaning up the streets of this somewhat infamous city, while a handful of others had 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. Everything from the classic bank heist to brutal bloodbaths can happen around the corner. You have to keep your eyes open and your mind sharp when you live in Maurtia Falls, and hostility against imPorts can spike. The emergence of locals with superpowers is hardly helping...

The downtown mall is tilting the balance solidly toward welcoming to imPorts with a Winter Welcome Festival. All the storefronts and many temporary kiosks occupied by local vendors are holding special sales, and newly arrived imPorts are given a coupon book to make the most of them. The food court has some free goodies for participants to mix and mingle.

Unfortunately, a local rogue with the alias of Klone Kringle is here to spoil the fun. After a small boom echoes throughout the mall, everything dissolves into chaos as dozens of copies of a man dressed in a polyester Santa Claus costume begin looting the retailers! The guns they wield that shoot snow and ice might not be lethal, but they can certainly slow you down (and give you a cold). Will you be the hero and help take down Kringle(s), or will you seize the opportunity to do some theft of your own?

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's always some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement.

Although Nonah sees milder winters than some imPort cities, it's strangely snowy today, with icicles hanging everywhere. They definitely weren't there this morning, and no storm has passed through, so what gives? A downtown disturbance makes it clear: a would-be supervillain calling himself THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN has attacked. Is he some kind of mutant, a scientifically modified human, or is there just a lot of arctic-tech stuffed into his snowsuit? Whatever its source, he's spraying ice and snow far and wide from his hands, turning the area into a winter wonderland and absolutely ruining sales for local businesses that depend on foot traffic! Also, some citizens have been frozen in blocks of ice. That's bad.

Come, heroes, and defeat this icy menace! That, or build a really cool snowman. It's your call.

05. Jeopardy, Nevada by all rights shouldn't exist. A glowing neon city smack in the middle of the desert, the only reason it's still here is that the central nuclear power plant has tapped half a mile down into a subterranean lake for its water supply. So though the desert around it may be barren, the occupants of this small city are happily self sufficient. Those weird figures you see out of the corner of your eyes? Don't worry too much. Probably just weird radiation after effects. Jeopardy has a lot of those.

Saturnalia is just around the corner and Jeopardy is in full festive swing! The seven-day marathon of festivities includes a parade, with a ((cw: arachnophobia)) very special float from the Web Mistress's church; a day long city-wide paintball game; an attempt to break the world record for largest bingo game with everyone playing in dead silence; and a feast!

Usually the feast focuses on the symbolic ritual sacrifice of a giant chocolate Santa Claus, but this year is a little different. In an effort to display their gratitude for imPorts keeping their city from being ground zero of the apocalypse, they are making an entirely different set of effigies: you! Instead of one Big Chocolate Santa there are over a hundred 1/6th scale chocolate humans, each lovingly recreated in the visage of their favourite imports. Whether or not that loving visage is accurate may be up for debate, but... Hey, want to eat a chocolate rendition of your own head? Now you can!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Kenzi hasn't bothered to look back. People don't usually bother to follow in pursuit of imPorts if they most quickly enough. Though there was the very real possibility of the cops showing up because of the explosions. They were small, harmless! But still.

It's only after they arrive at the store and Kenzi has shoved him off to the men's department that she finally lets him go. ]

First off, that's a bit more than I wanted to know but...okay. And second, it's short for Renaissance Faire. Where people go and dressed up in clothing from [ she motions at him ] whatever century you're from. Like you'd fit right in there but outside of such, you stand out. Which means you need some new threads, my dude.

Luckily for you, I happen to be quite the fashion expert. [ She claims while dressed up almost entirely in black. Outfit consisting of tightly fitted plants, a corset top, a leather jacket, and boots with heels that would certainly leave one to wonder how she manages to run in them without breaking an ankle. ]

[ He's not entirely sure what a men's department is, but he's not liking the look of this. Far too many racks of items and not enough talented seamstresses and tailors for his liking. Once released, Jaskier is left to stand there awkwardly, fiddling with the leather strap of his cased lute while he peers around hesitantly, and then back at Kenzi. ]

Yes, well, there does appear to be a slight discrepancy between what you and I would call "fashion".

[ Although with a huffed sigh, he relents. ] But so be it. If I am to be harangued and pursued solely on sight of my current attire, then perhaps something of a disguise is in order. Now, where is this tailor?

[ She's assuming it's the men's section considering the lack of skirts and dresses. Though if he'd be more comfortable in such she won't judge. ]

Exactly. If you look like you fit in people are less likely to shove you in front of a camera and expect you to dance like a monkey.

[ There's a pause as she glances around. ]

A tailor...right. [ Of course that's something he'd be more accustomed to. ] Okay, tell you what. You look at what's on the racks and find something you like and I'll go see if they have a tailor here.

It's a smaller store, surely they do. [ She murmurs to herself. ]

The... racks? Ah.

[ Considering the entire context, he can only assume she means racks of clothing. It's hard being a clueless boy in a strange new world. But he does as told, curiosity spurring him to look through what's on offer while his nose crinkles in not-so subtle disdain.

How is he meant to peacock in most of this shit? Where's the high waisted breeches? The open chested shirts? The intricately embroidered jackets?! ]

Don't leave me for long. [ He begs after her as she moves away. ]

Edited 2020-01-06 00:46 (UTC)

[ Kenzi has to wonder what she's gotten herself into by helping this very helpless man. She doesn't respond, too busy looking for someone that appears to work in the store. Luckily the place isn't particularly busy and within five minutes she returns alone but with answers. ]

You want the good news or the bad news first?

I could really do with some good news, I am having quite the day.

[ Hopeful 'til the last! Maybe if the good news comes first, the bad news won't happen. Or it'll be forgotten. Or it'll just stop existing. ]

[ Too bad, she's going with the bad new first. ]

Okay so they don't have a tailor here today BUT we can get a discount on clothing and take it to another tailor in the city. Actually got a good suggestion.

[ She moves over next to him to start picking through clothing. ] So let's find you some stuff, hmm?

Oh! [ A pout at the lack of any talents maker, but then again, he's used to far more custom clothing than picking off a rack. Jaskier wouldn't be satisfied with just about any modern stores. ]

Is this really the state of clothing in this world? All seems rather drab...

Pretty much. There's a few shops that sell clothing that I'm more familiar with but you'd probably feel even less comfortable wearing.

[ She pulls a shirt off the rack and looks at him then back at it before putting it back. ]

A button-up shirt and some slacks should do for blending in. Maybe a jacket. Oh! Maybe a nice brocade vest.

[ She moves to another rack, one with a bit more variation in colored shirts. ]

[ He trails along without much involvement, not even attempting to aid in her searching because he's already signed all this off as boring clothing, even though he's barely looked.

But there is one word that catches his interest. ]

Ooh, brocade?! I vote for that one.

[ She figured he'd like that though she doesn't yet go looking to see if this particular store has any such items. Instead, she pulls a few shirts from the rack in different colors, holding them up to see how they look with his skin tone before either putting them back or draping them over her arm. ]

Let's worry about the base first. Besides, that might be something we need to go a tailor for, these stores tend to focus on less [ a pause as she thinks of the word ] flashy items.

Right now, you just need an outfit to help you blend in.

[ Seeminly satisfied with a few shirts that look like they might fit him she moves onto find the rest of his outfit. ]

Which would you prefer neutral or earth tones?

Ugh, neither. Do I look like a neutral or earthly man to you? These options are far too unremarkable to truly let my creative light shine. I would rather suffer the crashing waves of a thousand accosters than tolerate a moment of mundanity.

[ Perhaps a little over dramatic, but he's all about getting his feelings heard.]

Well! If you're going to be a drama queen about me helping you. [ She returns to the shirt rack and puts them all back in a messy clump. Two can play the drama game. ] You can just deal with the masses.

This is what I get for trying to help a newbie! [ She huffs while tossing some of her hair back over her shoulder. ]

I was going to introduce you to a friend of mine that can get you clothing that isn't so mundane. All you had to do was work with me on this one. Little. Thing. [ There's an edge coming into her tone. ] Because, while yes, I do enjoy a fair bit of attention I much prefer to be able to make it down the street without being bothered for being an imPort.

[ She turns, waving hand back at him that appears to have a few colorful sparks coming from her glowing fingertips. ] Have fun figuring out things for yourself!

[ He truly does enjoy the theatrics, even if her inevitable goal appears to be leading to abandoning him. And so as she goes to leave, he takes a small step forward, reaching a hand forth to paw pathetically at the air. ]

You can't leave me, sorceress! I still have so many questions! [ Sounding far more self-pitying than demanding, at least. ]

[ Sorceress? She's no sorceress but she likes the sound of it.

She does come to a stop after a few steps, grinning to herself. Though that grin is replaced by a look of mild annoyance as she turns back to face him. ]

I suppose I can answer questions. But if you're not going to get a change of clothes we may as well find a cafe or something.

Yes, well...

[ Jaskier's gaze briefly flicks down to himself, his fancy red outfit a little on the grubby side but he decides it's still more tolerable than the sight of all the clothing surrounding them. ]

So be it! Let us find this café. [ Whatever the fuck one of those is. ]

And on the way you shall answer me this: The title of "imPort" that they have branded us with, does it come with fame? Why does it earn such bother?

[ She motions for him to follow before leading the way to a place she hopes won't be too busy. ]

In this world, being an imPort comes with a degree of fame. Most people in this world like us and look at us like we're some kind of fucking celebrities. And naturally, the more different you are the more you stand out.

[ Most of the time she hides what makes her stand out. ]

[ He nods along like he understands, making light noises of "mm-hmm" in confirmation before realising that she's finished speaking.

Wait. Where's the bother in all of that? ]

And earning this renown iiiiis... a negative thing? I'm not quite sure I quite follow.

[ Kenzi pauses to look at him before sighing and continuing on to their intended destination. ]

Maybe for you, bard. But in my line of work, too much attention can be a hindrance.

[ If he's particularly observant he would notice the way she moves through the crowd is fluid and occasionally a hand might drag out to brush over the pockets of someone she passes by as if searching them. Though it doesn't seem she ever actually takes anything. ]

By the way, I'm Kenzi.

And I'm Jaskier, the greatest and most humble of bards around.

[ Although apparently an idiot, Jaskier does have a talent for picking up on some of the more subtle sights, so he can't help but watch those drifting hands. He's seen that act plenty of times, even in some of the performing troupes he's hung around with. ]

I'm sorry, but what is your line of work?

Jaskier.

[ Kenzi's quick with her actions, any poor sap she targets is highly unlikely to take notice in the moment. She glances over and gives him a little grin in response to the question. ]

I'm just a humble pub owner. [ Nevermind that the place isn't even open yet. ]

Ah, we're here. [ She stops at the door, pulling it open and waiting for Jaskier to enter. ]

[ He's pretty sure he should be holding the door open for the lady, but he won't argue it, stepping inside but still lingering near the door for her because how does modern cafes?! ]

A humble pub owner with very deft fingers. Do you tend to fleece your customers or is that more of a side hobby?

[ Once he's inside she slips in behind him, inhaling deeply to take in the strong smell of coffee. ]

Caught that did you? [ He has a better eye than she judged him for. ]

Let's call it a side hustle.

Ah, I understand. We all have our hobbies.

[ There seems to be a distinct lack of moral concern at her thieving attempts, he's not exactly an angel himself. Sometimes needs must.

The smell of coffee is unfamiliar to him but he lets the scent fill his nostrils, peering around curiously at the patrons sat around, many with laptops and phones that are entirely perplexing to him. ]

Is this an inn, of sorts?

[ At this point in her life it isn't even because she needs to, it's simply because she can. It's also become a bit of a habit, her stealing because she's done it so long. ]

Does inn mean there are rooms to stay in as well as food? Because if so, no. But you can get drinks like coffee and tea and little pastry treats.

[ She moves toward one of the glass displays to point out what's avaliable. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

SLAY BELLS RING

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject