maskormenace | Entries tagged with † gregor vorbarra

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.

dendarii

[ Well. That happened. Miles' expectations of the election had gone south as soon as he'd seen how many other people he'd been competing with - how many damn good candidates he'd been competing with - and yet here he is. He should probably feel proud of himself. He mostly just feels terrified.

He looks a bit terrified too when he turns on his comm, the terror mingling with a very humbled (if still bright) smile. Okay, he's managed to get the thing he wanted. Now what on earth does he do with it? ]

First of all, I'm deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen as Nonah's ambassador. I shall endeavor to consider the concerns of all the imPorts in my city, not just the ones who chose me specifically. There is a lot of work to do - [ oh god, there's too much work to do ] - and I look forward to tackling it.

[ A pause. Now for more practical concerns. ]

Secondly, can anyone recommend a good place to set up in Nonah? I'm interested in renting an office and an apartment. Preferably close to each other.

And ... er, I would very much appreciate the guidance of our current ambassadors as well. Difficulties you've had, pitfalls I could avoid, that sort of thing.

[ Because really, he's fucking terrified. ]

wordaday

[Try as she might, Sookie can't figure out how to do this anonymously, so at the very least she won't show her face. It's too damn embarrassing.]

does anyone have good tips on faking powers? i need to know in the next few days. thanks!

danceofcurse

[When the broadcast begins, the center of attention is a young man's gloved hands and the toy figure they hold, approximately thirteen centimeters tall and brushed with shining metallic white paint. Protruding from large armored shoulders embedded with green gems is a leathery-looking vinyl cape that hangs low enough to reach adjustable feet. When pressed, a switch resting behind a horned helmet triggers movement of the arms: a rigid up-and-down chopping motion.]

I was alright with building these things when I first got here, but now that they've started to model them after Escaflowne...

[To say Van sounds exasperated is an understatement, but even so, he doesn't appear to be in any hurry to dispose of the figure. Rather than treat it with any sort of disrespect, the toy is set aside in favor of collecting the phone, the camera positioned in his hands to capture his disapproving frown, no doubt expected by those who have come to know him.]

What I'm trying to say is that I'm looking for new work. I'm good with a bow and arrow, better with a sword, and if there are people who want to learn or need protecting...

[He doesn't feel good about suggesting they pay him for any of that, but he can't very well live off the generosity of others, now can he? And he's not happy at present doing something he feels serves no greater purpose. This is really the only option he has.]

I'm also looking for an armorer. And someone who knows their way around large... [He pauses, clearly searching for the right word, his face screwing up with concentration before, albeit with obvious dissatisfaction, he settles upon the only commonly accepted descriptor he knows.] ...large robots.

Mine needs some repairs. Potentially some improvements.

[That's it. As abruptly as his broadcast began, it ends.]

learntofly

Hey, I know it's late but thanks to the seven people who knew I deserved to beat Ikki-kun in the election. I can't blame anyone who didn't vote for me either. Who the hell really wants some teenager speaking for them, right?

Anyway. I've been thinking about something for a while. About what I want to do here. How...do people decide that?

I guess I would have tried if I got elected. I would have done my best, but I don't think it would've made me happy. I guess I don't know if anything here really will... I mean, not like a job or whatever is supposed to. It's not like I'm depressed or anything. Training and learning about my powers is still fun, but I don't know what I'll do with it once I've got them all figured out. But it isn't that way for everyone here, is it?

So...I want to know how all of you did it—if you did. How did you figure out what you really wanted to do? Was it an accident? Did you just know? Did you have to try different things until you figured it out? I just... I don't know where to start, and I'm tired of just feeling frustrated with things all the time.

grumbling

[ there are a string of short, aborted videos on the network, most of which contain a blurred image of a strange blue uniform and a series of creative, mumbled expletives. when the video finally stabilises, an agitated man in his mid-thirties leans back in his chair. there are some childish drawings pinned against a whiteboard over his right shoulder but, other than that, it's hard to discern his precise location until a woman wearing brightly coloured scrubs walks past and gives him a funny look.

arms crossed over his chest and a scowl fixed upon his face that can only mean he's new here, dr. leonard mccoy is not happy with his current situation. prime directive be damned, they've dropped him back into the medical equivalent of dark ages and he's going to let everyone know how he feels about this. ]

Now this damn thing has finally decided to work, the name's Leonard McCoy. I'm your new local paediatrician. It's a pleasure. [ the corner of his lips twitch in what might be considered a smile. ] Now before you start asking: I don't practice the dark arts these doctors of yours call medical treatment, I don't make house calls, and I don't do any of this mumbo-jumbo magic crap either.

[ they seem to be a bit of a sore subject for the doctor. ]

If you need any medical assistance, I suggest you ask for me specifically, unless you want holes drilled in your head. God help me, I'll be here all day.

vorbarra

[ There's a moment of brief silence before he speaks, his voice even-toned and Russian-accented. ]

Some of you might know me as one of the candidates for De Chima Ambassador. Some of you have probably missed my involvement altogether, as it has been unfortunately minor. I'm announcing that I'm stepping down from candidacy, in an effort not to fracture the vote. If my opinion means anything to you, I'd like to encourage you to vote for Queen Lucy or Ms. Yayoi in my place, as both seem estimable, forthright women to me who will keep your best interests at heart.

Thank you.

[ And... that's it. He ends the transmission. Gregor really does hate public speaking, even if he's not bad at it. He's also lying completely about his reasons for stepping down, but none of the truth is a matter for the public. ]

lightinside

[It was only on her second day here that Laurel decided to address the network at large, figuring it was the best way to gain some vital insight. She had read the file that was given to her upon her arrival several times, taking a special interest in the abilities that had been supposedly given to her. Not only did Laurel have extra powers but she also had her weapons and vigilante outfit (neither of which she had put to use yet)

When the video feed comes on, Laurel flashes a smile before getting to her point. She's friendly, but on her guard at the same time.]

Hi. I just have a few questions.

[She was used to speaking in public, given her career path. But there was something different about this, reaching out to virtual strangers over a device.]

First question - Does Star City or Central City mean anything to anyone here?

Second question - Where is a good place for coffee? I need caffeine.

And finally - Anyone have any experience with flower arranging? I can't say that I'm an expert and they didn't teach that in law school. [A wince.] But I really don't want to get fired from my job so any tips would be great.

Thanks.

drazhada

[ hello, network. gray-skinned, pointy-eared person in the feed today, draped casually in enough opals and diamonds to probably be pretty alarming. with the addition of the elaborate clothing and hair, though, it's probably apparent that he's not just some joe schmoe where he comes from. honestly, maia's aching to remove all the heavy jewelry and unpin his hair, but it doesn't seem appropriate to appear on this network in that state of undress. certainly, no one here knows who he is, but.. what if someone else from his world does show up? the emperor of the elflands should represent his people well.. especially given the discomfort many still have with having a half-goblin on the throne.

he offers a small, cautious smile, and though his gray eyes are clearly a little nervous, they're just as clearly curious and determined. ]

Good day. We are-- [ a beat, then a small breath. ] We are Edrehasivar the Seventh, Emperor of the Elflands. We have been fortunate enough to have already met fellow imPorts that answered some of our questions, but.. we do not wish to put all the burden of our ignorance on those same people. [ he glances down, and papers shuffle. he lifts the pamphlet and folder he was given on arrival, opening the paper and tapping it with a lacquered nail. his ears flatten back slightly, earrings chiming with the motion. ] We did not.. have magical gifts before arriving here, and we must admit that we are.. concerned. [ he flips another page with the smallest of worried frowns. ] They seem.. invasive. [ though gods know they would have come in handy at home. one isn't supposed to lie to the emperor in the first place, but that doesn't mean that people don't do it. as evidenced by the two attempts on his life thus far.

he lifts his eyes again, politely inquiring. ] We would be glad to know your opinions on the best way to.. control one's new abilities? There were some options offered, but.. [ the small tilt of his mouth becomes wry. ] .. we might know better than many that the choices encouraged by a nation's government are not always the best. [ maia's pinch of salt about his council of corazhas isn't showing at all.

he flips the page once more, then sets it down on the desk and smooths it out. ] We would also be interested to speak to those who have chosen to register or remain unsettled. Our first loyalty is of course always to our empire and to our people, but we would like to better understand what vows this nation expects of those that register. We would also appreciate knowing what benefits or difficulties the unsettled have experienced.

[ he hesitates, ears drooping slightly before he forces them up again. ] .. We have many, many other questions, but we suppose this is a good place to begin. [ he hesitates, then offers another of those tiny, worried smiles. ] You have our thanks for any assistance you may provide.

dendarii

[ Today on the network, there are two Miles: one grinning his head off like a goddamn loon while the other glowers, clearly not happy (or particularly willing) to be in the frame. Not that this stops happy!Miles, oh no. If anything, the more his double glowers, the brighter his own smile becomes. ]

I have an announcement to make. You may have seen a few others here with this particular face - hello in advance, Dr. Gottlieb - but this is a special case. I am delighted to introduce my twin brother, Mark Pierre Vorkosigan.

[ His manic grin softens to something rather fond before he directs his gaze back to the camera. ]

Yes, he was Peter Kane previously. And yes, I had no idea he was my actual twin until a few weeks ago. We've since made up splendidly. I very much advise against trying to harm him in any capacity unless you want the rest of the family on your doorstep as well.

Any other questions? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

baetiful

[ The video begins with a man dressed in a fancy black and gold trimmed tunic, a mockingbird pin adorning his collar and a Narnia hunting pin in bird form adorning his sleeve. ]

Greetings to my fellow imPorts.

[ Petyr Baelish inclines his head in a completely formally informal greeting. It's strange to him, after all, to address people at large through something as tiny as this communicator. And he does seem a bit awkward using the device. ]

My name is Petyr Baelish -- once Lord now turned imPort. As you can probably tell, I am not from a world that is anything like the one we currently reside within. I have been here for approximately two months by your calendar, and have used that time to learn the land, its systems, the customs, the technology -- all the things that may have made for irritating or repetitive questions had I chosen to address the network immediately.

So given this passage of time, I feel I can come to you with better questions. Or rather, I am curious about your opinions on matters I do not see so often discussed. People often ask for the factual information, but rarely the opinions of others. So allow me this moment to pick your minds in what I hope will be a fine discussion. What are your thoughts on this war we have found ourselves in? Do you think it pointless? Do you wish it were over? How would you end it, if you could?

[ A beat. ]

I also find myself curious about how you perceive our ambassadors? This is the only position offered to imPorts currently that puts them in close contact with this country's government. Do you feel as though they are doing all they can to make a difference? What positive things can you attribute to them? And subsequently, are there things you believe they can improve? Perhaps most importantly of all, do you believe we have the right men for the task at hand?

I believe all of these topics are fair to discuss, given the nature of this world's democracy. We would not run the risk of any unwarranted beheadings for saying something someone dislikes. [ He flashes the briefest of smiles. He's joking. Totally. Such things are so archaic and can totally be laughed about, right? ] But I also believe discussion to be the key toward improvement, toward seeing change. Something as simple as one single thought or idea can be planted and grow exponentially. Like seed to a field of crops or perhaps ash to a wildfire.

Should there be any questions you wish to ask of me as well, please by all means, I am open to discussion. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions.

inmyothertights

[Here is Billy Kaplan. Here is Billy Kaplan in what looks like a small bookstore, which he pans. Quickly there is Richard Campbell Gansey the Third, thumbing through a book and looking very dapper, but the camera pans away from him after a moment. Basically, here is Billy Kaplan again.]

In a move that I hope does not go down in "poorly and hastily planned decisions" I'm opening a shop in De Chima. It's um, Enchantments, Rare Books, and Tea Room-

[No tea is actually being served. They don't have a license for tea. Or food of any kind.]

-and it's a magic shop of the consulting and advising kind, not the selling magical items kind. Though the books, we'll sell those. Well. I'll sell those. I don't actually have a staff.

But the point is, drop in, come by, take a look.

rathercommon

[ On the screen is a magnificent tiger with golden eyes, regarding the camera with quite a bit of what looks to be amusement, if you're prone to anthropomorphizing animals. After a moment, that tiger speaks - and speaks with a very human voice, a light and girlish voice with a South London accent. And who else speaks like that? This is, of course, one Kitty Jones, living up to her name. ]

Hullo, all. Happy - slightly belated - Earth Day. I hadn't known about that holiday last year, so I didn't do a thing for it, but it's really a lovely thing, isn't it? So, a day, late, I'm doing a little charity drive, and I need all of you to participate. Proceeds going to the protection of the leaf-scaled sea snake, because no one ever bloody donates money to help species that aren't cute.

[ The leaf-scaled sea snake is also quite venomous. Y'know. Whatever. ]

So what this consists of is this. I want you to volunteer here, in this post, to answer questions from fans on rumblr. Give me a list of topics you're not willing to talk about, as well as how many questions you're willing to answer. Then your rumblr fans - or enemies, I suppose, maybe some of them will want to trap you in a lie or something - will bid on the opportunity to ask you questions. Whichever fan puts in the highest bid gets the right to ask the first question, then the second-highest bid gets second question, all down until you don't want to answer any more stupid questions. And then all the proceeds go to the sea snakes.

So who's in? Talk about yourself, help the environment. What's not to like?

[ That's all said very, very cheerfully. Then, in a flippant post-script, she adds: ]

Oh, yeah, I'm not dead, by the way.

[ Which is so nice! so kind! such a good way to announce that! a month and a half after she already came back from the dead! nice. ]

[ ooc: this post is just like what it says! You can comment here to have your character get asked dumb questions by rumblr fans. Please tell me the questions you want asked in notes in your comments!! Or I will be making up terrible questions. Fair warning.

edited to add: also if your character would bid to ask other characters shitty questions, feel free to threadjump their thread ]

idontwanttoknow

[A new world, a whole new populace to meet. As long as they don't expect him to do anything other than woo them, Ivan thinks he'll get on with these people quite well.

Time to introduce himself, then. He takes as much time as necessary to figure out the (frankly archaic) video capture equipment. His first call needs to show his good side, after all.]

Hello, De Chima. I've recently been ImPorted to your beautiful city, and I'm looking for an equally beautiful guide to introduce me to my new home. Would any of you ladies out there care to oblige me?

I also thought I would introduce myself for those of you who aren't sure whether or not to help me: My name is Ivan Vorpatril, and I am your galactic dream come true. Respond to me on this channel, and I can happily repay you with a night that is truly out of this world.

heart_wrenching

[ Even after the video starts, the image is mostly obscured, the figure still way too close and fiddling with her device. ]

Is this really broadcasting now? Amaaaaazing. I can't even see the microphone or camera! It's almost unbelievable.

[ When she finally sits back the area around her is a mess. The tables are strewn with tools and machine parts, knobs, springs, coils, piping. If one looks carefully, one may be able to spot a number of control panels suggesting she has possibly dismantled every major appliance in the home. Like ya do. ]

Well, hello! I'm a new imPort, my name's Winry. Winry Rockbell. And . . . does anyone out there know how to build a "microwave"? Well, rebuild, technically. The locks and turntables are pretty straightforward, but then there's all these wires . . . who knew electricity was going to be such a big deal, anyway?

fullmetalbrat

[The video feed cuts in on a blond teenager squinting dubiously at the camera. His eyes widen a moment later when he notices the video display on the screen.] —Is it working?

Uh—hey. Can people really see this? If there is anyone watching, I'm looking for a guy in a huge suit of armor. Goes by the name Alphonse. [He leans closer to the camera, pointing emphatically.] If you see him, tell him his big brother's looking for him!

Now that I've got that out of the way, I got some more questions for all of you. Someone told me that when people leave this world they forget everything about it, but they might remember if they come back. Is that really true? Is there anyone who's left and come back that I could talk to?

I want to know more about this registration scheme they've got here too. I heard plenty about what you get for it, but what's the catch?

And, [he starts, pausing to glance at something laying just below the camera's field of view], what's a "pop star"?

dendarii

[ The viewscreen shows an absolutely tiny dark-haired child in a wing-backed chair, trying his very best to look properly imperial. The image is perhaps helped by the armored woman backing him up with her arms crossed over her chest ... and ruined by the fact that said imperial child can't sit still for more than two seconds. ]

Something weird's going on here. Everybody's got their ages all scrambled up and I know there's something causing it.

I'm Emperor Gregor's Imperial Auditor, Lord Miles Vorkosigan. An' I'm gonna investigate everyone 'til I figured out who did this. [ He bobs again in his chair, swinging his small legs over the side of it. ] So does anyone have any ideas? Or'd they see anyone setting this up? There's gotta be some reason out there and I'm gonna find it.

EDIT

[ The camera flicks back on at some point so that Miles can show off a plastic ring wrapped in tinfoil and covered in glitter. There are vague leaf patterns drawn into it as well. ]

Oh, right! I've got an Auditor's Seal too, so that's your proof. Gregor put his sigil on it an' everything.

puppydoctor

So. Anyone know of a therapist who isn't a psychopath?

[Hey, it's a legitimate concern here.]

dendarii

[ Naismith's beaming face is not a terribly unusual sight on the network. Still, something seems ... a bit different today. The camera angle is wider, framing him seated in a chair rather expansively, leaning on one elbow in a manner that is both relaxed and confident. Those who know him well - or have seen him in person and have a keen eye for this sort of thing - may notice what the change is: he's taller today, not dwarfed by his chair for once in his life. Perhaps the most obvious indication is a flicker of Gregor next to him, who is decidedly much smaller than Miles at the moment. They've swapped their heights thanks to Haen, and Miles mostly couldn't be happier.

But that's not what he's here to talk about. He clears his throat and brightens still further as he starts to lay out his proposal. ]

I'm happy to announce that the Dendarii Security Corporation is officially accepting new members. Our primary service is to provide protection to both natives and imPorts alike. Because quite frankly, things get entirely too exciting around here on entirely too frequent of a basis.

Currently we're looking for - well, just about anyone really. But we really need an in-house healer or medico, and at least a few who are more technically inclined. And of course we'll need plenty of muscle. Former soldiers, apocalypse survivors, et cetera and so forth.

[ A pause. He spreads his hands expansively. ]

What we are not is some sort of private army. Protection only, and I hope to funnel our resources into providing this protection to imPorts free of charge. It really is terrible that the only option for many of us is to register, if only for practical purposes. We ought to have a choice, yes? Especially in these troubled times.

Anyway. Contact Greg or myself if you are interested - and I do hope that many of you are. Naismith, out.

[ He also helpfully provides a link to this page, which has further information on applying and contracting the Dendarii. ]

burnseternal

[Hello, imPorts! Today, when Saint Walker takes to the network, there is a certain solemnity to his perpetually cheerful features, though that in no way overrides the pleasantness in his voice. It is out of acknowledgment of their current predicament; nothing more.]

Good afternoon. To say that the past few months have been trying would, I think, be something of an understatement. I am unable to make any grandiose statements that alleviate this tension, nor am I able to offer any suggestions on what one may do on the macro scale. What I would like to offer, however, is my personal help to any of you who may be feeling the strain of these trying times.

Where I am from, I often guided those in need of assistance in sorting out complicated feelings, and guided others in the art of meditation. Whether one is facing great problems or small - and I assure you, I have provided my help to people who fit both of these categories - meditation can help with that, whether it is to assist in bringing about even temporary inner peace and calm, or bringing clarity to matters that need addressing.

If you require another to speak to, or wish to learn more of meditation, please contact me - privately or otherwise.

[He inclines his head towards the camera.]

Thank you for your time, and may you all find your own sense of peace.

[OOC: An open log for meditation sessions has gone up HERE!]

angelfire

Warnings for graphic violence under the cut

[ Light hits the camera at an odd angle as it’s switched on, the low, shaded fluorescents providing little, but odd illumination. As the view is corrected, what is clearly one of the massage rooms at the Royal Mansions Resort comes into view, with all its spa resort accouterments lining the walls and countertops. Several scented candles add to the general reassuring aura of the room, which would make the whole scene seem like it were almost romantic if not for the fact that Kitty, bound to the massage table with electrical power cords, is absolutely not there by her own volition.

Kitty doesn’t seem at all relaxed--but then this isn’t your typical spa day. She’s bruised and bleeding, with what looks like edged burns on her hands. There’s sweat plastered in her hair, the best indication that she’s been here long enough for her pain to actually wear her down, and she’s clearly been crying, even though she’s swallowing it back now. As the camera is laid to rest, a figure steps into view, appearing first with his back to the camera before his face comes into shot. It’s Lucifer; Lucifer with his eyes catching red in the candlelight, as he comes to stand behind the table. Like this, the massage table’s similarity to a sacrificial altar is undeniable. Symbols are painted in what looks like blood around it, but they look black in the dull light. ]

The red light means we’re on air--which is just fine with me. Our Soviet friends should see what I’m going to do to you, Kitty. You’re a traitor. [ He gestures to the room, but he’s really gesturing to the facility and more besides. ] You’ve been playing our Russian hosts this whole time, making them think that you’re on their side just so you can undermine their work--just so you can steal from them. You shouldn’t have done that.

( Again, warnings for violence, blood, gore and character death under the cut. )

[ooc: Details of the mission to get Kitty's information is being discussed at the ooc post here, while Lucifer will be going into Russian custody. Apparently the Soviets don't think killing traitors is a proportionate response, go figure.

Please use this post for reactions as well as chatting on the network! Lucifer will be around to respond for a short while, before he goes to let the Russians in, and characters are welcome to organize their response in the hotel/resistance here. Please feel free to threadjack with each other and go wild, arrange to hunt Lucifer down or whatever else jumps to mind!]

MASK OR MENACE

NETWORK COMMUNITY

Entries tagged with † gregor vorbarra | greg vorthys

March 2021

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WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE WORLD?

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