maskormenace | Entries tagged with † karla sofen

March 2021

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WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE WORLD?

Mask or Menace is a panfandom urban 'superhero' genre DWRP game, where heroes, villains, and everyone in between seek to survive and thrive in a world loosely parallel to our own.

foreshadower

[ When Shade flipped on the camera, those who'd seen him back in prison will be able to note how much better he looks. In good humor, even. Light spirits, no drab clothing, not even a foul brick in sight behind him. Instead, it's a dimly lit room, with a wallpaper that looks so painfully victorian it's almost stereotypical. Although next to Shade, it almost is, considering his clothing is back in order, the usual top hat, sunglasses, and even the edge of a cane, his fingers brush against a fine silvered eagle's head.

He's exuberant, and he's celebrating. ]

Isn't there a phrase about something being just in time for the holidays?

It was a long time since I'd been in prison, and I'll admit, the ones back home were much more accommodating to people of my...particular proclivities. [ They didn't get rid of his powers. ] They also didn't make an effort to try and...rehabilitate me. But perhaps that's where they went wrong, yes? An honest effort to making sure an old criminal like me will come back and never thieve again can make all the difference, can't it?

[ His smile is... strained. ]

I would suggest, for those of you thinking to commit crimes, that you don't. After all, you never know when you'll be caught -- or who will catch you doing it, yes?

agog

I apologize for my... absence as of late. I've been in the lab running tests on... well. I will get to that. [ She offers a smile before pulling the clipboard she has off camera, closer.] First of all, I wanted to thank Mr. Stark for allowing me to use his labs to run the tests. And I would also like thank all who donated blood samples.

Here are my findings as promised: [ She takes a breath, reminding herself to keep things in layman's terms.] Unfortunately, in regards to my own queries, the results were mostly inclusive. I did, indeed, find self-replicating nanties in the blood samples I took. But they seem to do nothing to affect bodily functions in a significant way.

Long story short--[ she winces because she prefers to babble about science rather than shorten an explanation.] after extensive testing, these nanites do not seem to be the source of our "powers". At least not on their own. [ oh, she wishes fitz was here, he'd probably be able to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle somehow.]

redhairring

[ at about noon today, Tattlecrime: Heropa is updated with a new article, titled "Secrets Revealed! Who's Really Protecting Our Country?" ]

( article under cut. spoilers it's the public files from the misfile plot. content warning for talks about drug use, mental illness )

[ ten minutes later, Freddie posts the link to the article to the network. Hey, at least she's warning people as she...drags them through the mud. ]

Everybody might want to check this out. I'm sure it'll prove to be VERY illuminating.

(also, does EVERYBODY in some sort of 'watch over the children' position do drugs? It's kind of worrying)

xoxo, Freddie

[ ooc: ALSO, I am super up for anybody deciding to take a potshot at Freddie if you want. shoot me a pm/plurk and we can work things out. c: ]

5055034455

Ladies, gentlemen, friends, Romans, countrymen:

Pleased to announce that the fruits of my and various folks' labor will be coming to a TV near you very soon. Stay tuned for more details as we move closer to the premiere, which should be sometime mid-month. Just in time for sweeps! ;)

smarterthandad

A question, which is only going to get philosophical if you insist on taking it there.

What are the methods by which someone returns from the dead in your home universe? (Neglecting trivial cases like reappearance after presumed death, resuscitation prior to brain death, etc.)

These are the ways I know it's happened in my universe. I've neglected to enumerate the examples of each or the list would be much longer:

Inadequately understood alien technology/biology
Inadequately understood future technology
Inadequately understood cosmic forces/natural laws
Consciousness/brain pattern transfer (technological, psychic, sorcerous)
Other sorcery
Demonic intervention
Divine intervention
Reality manipulation
Vampirism
"Zombie" infection leading to arrested post-mortem cell degradation and continued consciousness
Techno-organic infection
Resuscitation after cryonic or other stasis (intentional or accidental)*
Mutant or other superhuman ability (used on self or others)
Retrieval/voluntary return from alternate state of post-mortal existence
Alternate timeline collapse/intervention

*I strongly suspect the process used here falls under this category.

I'm interested in whether I've missed something, and in finding out which universes have which methods. For example, do some have purely mystical means vs. some purely technological?

[note that it hasn't occurred to Val that "people don't come back" is an option]

thebestseller

[When the feed clicks on, someone's obviously showing off. First, a blank notebook opens and turns a few pages of its own volition... before post-it notes stick on it out of nowhere, followed by a few splatters of ink. Castle then turns it on his smiling face.]

Now, as far as superpowers go, throwing ink and paper around isn't the worst thing someone could have. In fact, it's quite fitting for a writer and avid reader like myself. Just imagine all the possibilities... reading without needing to turn the pages, writing a grocery list with a few twists of the finger, putting up wallpaper... okay, maybe it's not THAT cool. But look what else I can do.

[Castle holds the phone up with one hand while writing WAFFLES in his notebook with the other. And lo and behold- a plate of waffles appears. Except one is still frozen and one is slightly burnt, and they only linger a few moments before vanishing.]

... I'm failing at demonstrating my abilities and looking halfway-competent at them, aren't I? Anybody willing to help a writer-turned-sudden-superhero out? You'd have my eternal gratitude as well as a dedication in my next novel.

[He then signs RICHARD CASTLE on the notebook page, and awaits replies.]

galvanist

[ second verse, same as the first. Whale looks annoyed at the fact that he's been thrown across worlds yet again, but he's taking it surprisingly well. If sulky. He's pretty sulky. And you can see the background of scenic De Chima government house walls behind him. He's making this video from his (currently fairly sparse) room like a goddamn teenager. ]

I've just got two questions about this whole thing. One, how do I remove these "powers?" I'm fine without any sort of magical power-granting nonsense and want to stay as far away from that mess as possible. [ because that 'machine' transported them between worlds, in Whale's mind it is totally magic and (say it with me now) all magic comes with a price. ] And two, has anybody figured out a way to get your credentials from another world? I'd like my doctorate to transcend dimensions so I can get back to some actual work and not the job the government assigned me. Somehow I've got a feeling that the hospitals here won't hire anybody off the street.

[ a pause, and then he adds, ] And before you ask, yes I did pay attention to that bit about how we're supposed to be "heroes." But I'm not doing any of that hero nonsense that the government wants us to do, so it doesn't really apply to me.

hydraated

[Ward's throat still feels like shit and a half, but he's managed to process the following. He's no longer in jail (that's a plus), he's got super powers (he's unsure if that's a plus or minus) but he arrived and avoided the network for a few days out of fear of breaking the damn thing. He's decided long since then that he can't let Skye intimidate him.

She's here. And she's been here for awhile. She has home team advantage.

The only problem is they have a record of him. This whole registering thing was crap - what was the point of being given a second chance if he really couldn't leave Grant Ward behind? For the first time he wants to.

So time to test the waters. He's been to the ceremony, he's been sworn in, he's had a dramatic reunion with the woman he'd thought he cared about.]

New arrival here. Roomba salesman and repairman. Anybody else get a completely shit job? I know nothing about Roomba's. Assuming Roombas here are the vaccuum robots. Y/N?

Also feel like shooting myself in the foot here, but is there some kind of a "so now you have super abilities" support group? Any help or advice appreciated.

[Reading over it two or three times he nods, satisfied that it's not incriminating, that it's blaise enough that even if people decide to ask him questions he can think up enough to talk about without screwing up.

He'd been in worse situations.

His roommates might have noticed that his doorknob on the outside was significantly bent and someone has been closing doors in their apartment very, very quietly.]

forsometimenow

[When the comm turns on, the face of a young blonde woman can be seen. She's visibly nervous, but her voice stays firm as she speaks.]

Okay. Uhm. Hello, everyone. I'm Dr. Jennifer Keller, and obviously I just arrived here... I'm glad there's such a comprehensive welcoming package, but I do have one problem. I never had superpowers when I was home. [Her eyes move down and the rustling of papers can be heard as she looks over the file she was given again.] Is there... I don't know... some kind of place I can go to or person I can ask for lessons? Advice? Anything?

[She swallows.] I can become intangible, but I have to say, the prospect of walking through something and getting stuck or falling through the Earth is... pretty terrifying. I'm not exactly eager to go down in history being known for that, you know?

Any help would be appreciated.

mattelrealist

[ The feed opens on an attractive woman sitting on a standard-issue Heropan Housing couch, smiling with friendly demeanor at the camera. She has long, shimmery blond hair tied up in a high ponytail, bright blue eyes, and eyelashes thick enough to smother a fire. She's definitely the type to know how to prepare to be on camera, because that makeup is flawless; you can't even see her pores. (If... she even has them... ?)

She waves at the camera. ]

Good evening, everyone! I'm Barbie. I arrived here a few weeks ago, but things have been so crazy, I haven't had a chance to talk to you all! I'm super excited to meet you.

Now, I'll admit, becoming a "Registered Hero" isn't what I had planned for this month... or this year! But I've heard about what sort of trouble this place is in, and there's no way I can turn down a request for help so dire. There are so many dangers here... like spies! And kidnappers! And, worst of all... undersized sunglasses!

[ Conspiratorial, with her hand near her mouth for a secret: ] That's a fashion misdemeanor in Malibu. [ And with that out of the way, she straightens back up, her expression warm and welcoming. For someone that looks like she walked out of a makeup commercial (or maybe one for shampoo?), her friendliness and bubbly mood both seem very sincere. ]

While I'm here, I'm going to do everything I can to help. I may only be a toothpaste spokesmodel right now—

[ In what is clearly a practiced gesture, Barbie slips an object out of her purse without looking away from the camera, and for a short, smiling pose brandishes a tube of Gum Belle^® brand toothpaste—and did her teeth just sparkle on cue? That had to be a trick of the light, right?—before slipping it out of sight as if the whole promo never happened. ]

—But if you need a doctor, or a gymnastics coach, or an engineer, or a fashion designer, or a life guard, or an astronaut, or a dolphin trainer... well, you get the idea! Or even if you just need a friend to talk to, I'll be right here in Heropa.

I hope we can all be great friends.

liverletdie

You know, we have a lot of really talented people here. Not that we didn't before -- us imports have always been pretty on top of things, but I think it goes without saying that without the talent and skill of everyone, there'd probably be a few of us that would be dead right about now. Or at least we'd have died. So, I don't think anyone's said it yet, but thanks, to everyone who helped get us out of there.

[ And there's a pause there, he's trying to be nice, and his ego is suffering. ]

I'd like to say we could have done it ourselves, but... well, you can't always predict for unpredictability, and getting us quickly could have been what saved our lives.

But, that's not the only reason I'm here. It's been a busy couple of weeks, not just from our unfortunate attempt to go to space, but for me personally. [ He indicates behind him, it's obviously an office, more strewn with metal and wires and parts than anything else. It's, frankly, an absolute mess. ] I got the loan a few weeks ago, but other than a few people I've gotten in on the ground floor, we haven't had much opportunity for hiring. Startups are always complicated.

But I'm happy to say, that if you want to work in tech and R&D, you should probably come talk to me. I can't promise high wages -- yet -- but I take care of my people, and with a few choice inventions, we'll be able to hit the ground running, and I'd like to see anyone with talent come talk to me. I promise, you won't regret it.

At least, you won't if you don't mind working for me.

slightlyoffchilt

Our designation is "hero", isn't it? And while a clamorous number of you may resist this government-mandated labeling, such is nevertheless the social stratification that we find ourselves bound against. [He clears his throat -- there's a clink of glass, a murmured slosh of liquid.] It almost seems a touch Promethean. [A beat.] And, ah, we the imPorts, pitted against universal disparity, well. Haven't we noticed a few universal constants?

[The archetype talk. Chilton may be more Freudian in practice and provocation, but not even he can resist a little symbolic Jungian theory.]

If you're so inclined to understand my meaning, then let's begin: list three desires, or goals if you will, that you possess. I'll take it from there.

[It's an invitation for a quickie analysis. Careful, though, because the psyche can be quite a... Jungle.]

ostentiferous

[This wasn't exactly a welcomed trip. Usually when he took a holiday, he put great thought into what location he wanted to be in, when he wanted to take it and what sort of environment he was committing to for that time. This was a rude intrusion on his life, something he had little control over and hadn't been asked to do. And that frustrated him. Not that he's showing it. Like most his emotions, they remain internal, nothing showing but vague bemusement as he prepares to test out this new phone he'd been given

Time to see just what sort of people he was working with now.]

I always find it's so unfortunate to have to introduce yourself when the circumstances are not of your choosing. It detracts from the more social element and it never comes out as you'd want it to. Can seem forced, even. So you'll have to forgive me for being a little glib, I'm still finding my feet.

[He clears his throat, a half sincere smile on his face, trying not to seem too controlled about his emotions, that'd make him stick out as much as a man panicking to an unsettling degree. He seems almost genuinely bewildered, though in relatively good spirits about it.]

I'm Doctor Hannibal Lecter, for those wondering, and I'm sure it's fairly obvious by now I haven't been here long. So if you'll humour me, I have a few questions. I'm sure that given the situation, the same questions are asked almost endlessly so I'll try to avoid the cliché.

[Which was complicated given that he wasn't entirely sure what the cliché was yet. He had a few theories, given what the most common questions would be from any confused and concerned person, lost in a new world.]

I'd like to know if there's any definitive way to get information here. Something that new arrivals could browse to answer all the easier questions. I imagine it'd save a lot of time for both parties.

Any help is appreciated and I'd be willing to return the favour. Working together seems to be the best way to navigate this kind of situation.

walkingballpit

[A young man is seated at a table when the video feed turns on. His head is propped up by a hand on his forehead. He looks beyond exhausted, but he's forcing a smile for this.]

Florida. Great. Why can't I ever get teleported somewhere fun, like Tokyo? It's always somewhere crazy and/or boring. I'm not even in Orlando. I can't even sing bienvenido a Miami.

[Yes, those last three words are spoken like the lyrics from Will Smith's Miami. There's a brief pause, and then he shrugs.]

Too dated? Florida's not my strong suit. We can call that objection one. Two, I'd like to have some say over any ink I get in the future. They could've at least put a dragon on it.

Three is a waste of breath, because it's about how I didn't sign up for this and because I've already tried shouting about it. Nobody cares. So for now, can someone point me in the direction of a 7-11? I'm hoping that this is all heat stroke. If I give myself brain freeze with a Slurpee, maybe I'll wake up back in Mount Wundagore.

[He sighs before continuing.]

If there's anyone on this thing that isn't suffering sun-induced delusions and suddenly in the army, my name's Robbie. I don't like pina coladas, I do like long walks in the rain, and I'm terrible at yoga.

transuniversal

Although I’ve been on Earth for several years, this is my first time visiting Florida, and so far I think it fails to live up to its hype. I have seen no alligators, no out of control students on spring break (or the required breaking of things), escaped exotic animals, giant mice, or the Man-Thing. Although there are plenty of flipflops, so at least I was not misled on that point.

Disappointment aside, in an effort to get into the Florida spirit I have uncovered several examples of what I believe to be native Florida and beach music. At least that’s the claim my research uncovered, in regards to Jimmy Buffett. I can sort of appreciate his aesthetic, I guess. He has a distinctive sound. Given that there is no tectonic activity anywhere along the Atlantic coast of Florida or in the Gulf, I am not sure where volcanoes came into anything, but I can see why if you lived on a tiny island you might take to drinking excessive amounts of margaritas, so I have decided to give it a pass for now.

However, it seems objectively obvious that the Beach Boys do it better. All the songs don't sound the same and feature something beyond what I assume is a midlife crisis based around drinking and wishing you could sit on a beach all day. Presume I am not wrong about what a mid-life crisis is. They actually celebrate a party beach spirit and attempt to actually vary tempo at times, which I did not realize would be so appreciated until I sat through someone's interpretation of Jimmy Buffet's Best Hits.

See attached short playlists for comparison.

While I finish going through their complete repertoire, I'm taking suggestions for new music. I've hit all the major artists in blues, country, current pop, rap, and R&B, and the beginnings and basics of classic rock, but primarily all produced by the United States and Britain. Suggestions for variety would be appreciated.

wasting away again.rar
1. Margaritaville
2. Fins
3. Boat Drinks
4. Volcano
5. Cheeseburger in Paradise

wouldn't it be nice.rar
1. Barbara Ann
2. Wouldn't It Be Nice
3. Sufin' USA
4. Kokomo
5. Sail On Sailor

motherflocker

[ The communicator switches on to an unusual sight, a rather busy, bustling large room. Decor is still being set up, but it looks like it's on the verge of being finished. Most of the decor is blue, blue curtains, backdrops, the lights are pristine, like glass or crystal, with bright lights that almost seem to sway with the jazz band practicing in the background, some sort of soft jazz -- the type that was perfect for either dancing or the kind that would be in a prestigious nightclub.

Which, what do you know, it actually is. Or rather, the proprietor thinks it will be. He's settled right off to the side, very obviously showing off the rest of the club, from the blue decor, to the jazz band the one or two staff that were there, in outfits that obviously said they were nearly ready to open. Although there were no patrons in the place.

Still, the owner -- supposedly the owner -- in his top hat, bowtie, monocle, and even with the lit cigarette held by an expensive holder, everything about him was pride, especially when he spoke. ]

Now then. This is much more like it, isn't it? For our fine, new partners in captivity, I suppose introductions are in order. I am Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot. The third. [ Tacked on, and very obviously important. ] I'm yet another of the imports that was transferred from one cage to another, to join the rest of you in this fine new volary that they've pressed us into.

And with this new change of scenery is a new clientèle, and I have to say, it's refreshing to start things over. [ It's a little sour, when he says that. Very obviously lip service. ]

But with our new jobs, comes new money to spend, and as a welcome to all our new friends, myself, and the newly established Iceberg Lounge -- [ he laughed. ] or perhaps I should call it the Twiceberge lounge -- here in Heropa, to any imports who attend will find themselves with a night of fine dining, dancing, and entertainment, all for half cover, and half drinks, for the next week.

I say we could all use some relaxation, yes?

hackitude

Sup peeps! Lol total noob here, so bear with me. Let me see if I've got my facts straight:

1. The streams are crossing and we're all now in some alternate-reality pseudo-America. And we can't get home. And apparently the Cold War is still on?? Yikes!
2. We're all here to... be superheroes? For some... totally unclear, not at ALL nefarious reason.
3. By default, as superheroes we're all working for the government. Because... the police/FBI/CIA/SHIELD/whatever enforcement agencies they have here weren't enough, they need a whole cadre of superheroes?? (For real??? I mean, six was enough for the Avengers and they managed to repel an entire ALIEN INVASION, guys! What do they need with a whole army??? SLIGHTLY DISTURBING.)
4. If you refuse to work for the system, you get your special privileges taken away. Wheeeeee. Also not at all disconcerting.
5. They have files on us. Like, serious files. With all our information. I don't even live here! And then they've tagged us with (totally ugly) tattoos to keep track of us like we're stray dogs?? They're probably reading this right now. I mean, I joked a lot about Big Brother back home but this is taking it to a whole new level.
6. Super powers. Like for-real super powers. We all have them now. And somehow this place isn't an anarchist wasteland yet and nobody's succeeded in over-throwing the (clearly super corrupt) system??
7. And people are okay with all of this????????????

Correct me if I'm wrong. It happens occasionally.

Anyhoo, hey I'm Skye. Contact me if you need tech support. That's about it! Peace out.

bulwank

[Standing, somewhere- high up? Probably on a building. A nice, drastic slight upwards angle, not that he needs to be given the extra height for intimidation's sake. And he's holding what appears to be a whip, in both hands, held tight between them.]

Registered imPorts! I am Gamagori Ira, and this is official imPort business!

We are all aware of our rights here, aware of the dos and don'ts as far as that's concerned, and talk of how we feel by that should be left to another time. [Referring to most of the topics on the network here, which seem to be around that main concern. But this is BUSINESS, and the network is very useful in getting people's attention-

Not that he need helps. With Gamagori's power Attention!, your character might find it really hard not to focus on what he's saying, as if compelled to do so.]

But as registered imports we have made an agreement and must follow through!

I speak of course, about the monorail and the footage shown to us of it's destructors! [Flings his hand out, pointing, body turning and using his other hand to to firmly crack the whip he was holding, it sounds out loud over the network.] Do you hear me, lawbreakers?! Offenders to society and ORDER! We will find you if your morality does not lead you to succumb to justice first! Step forward or feel the sting of something more painful than any whip. True sting and pain of punishment awaits you should you hide like rats!

Registered imPorts, I trust your eyes are peeled, and if you have any information, or a means to get it, now is the time to let it be known!

And to those of you who aren't useful as far as information's concerned, do not fret, the city still needs plenty of help with cleanup after the sabotage. You are expected to assist and I suggest you do so immediately!

sofentheblow

[ The last thing Karla Sofen remembers before coming here is not, in fact, home -- or, rather, not the home of her time.. More specifically, the last thing she remembers is being captured by an alternate future reality’s clone equivalent to her home world’s Doctor Strange.

She remembers the revolting sensation of another’s will probing into her mind and grasping hold like so many intrusive, slithering psychic tentacles.

And being dressed up like Carol Danvers. (Of fucking course. And that’s how she came in -- red, blue, gold, sash and all -- though she’s back to her own white and gold now.)

It’s an awful lot of reality-hopping in quite a short span of time, but this one’s already vastly preferable to the last. Full control of her own mental faculties. She remembers again, then stops herself -- she’ll be too angry to do what she needs to do now if she dwells on it.

Her video switches on; Karla’s looking much calmer than she feels, her expression neutral. ]

Hello, everyone, I--

[ She pauses like she’s thought of something; before she says another word, she reaches up, peels the white mask from her face. It’s a completely surface gesture -- she certainly won’t be doing its metaphorical equivalent on here. ]

I’m sure everyone does this, when they’re new here? The… “does anyone know me, is anyone here from home?”... thing? I’m Karla Sofen, I’m on Luke Cage’s Thunderbolts team back home--

[ Hell no, she’s not above a well-placed name-drop! ]

--And. You know the drill, I’m sure. Is anyone here from my home world?

MASK OR MENACE

NETWORK COMMUNITY

Entries tagged with † karla sofen | moonstone

March 2021

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WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE WORLD?

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Chapter One [Video]

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First Gate [video]

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