maskormenace | Entries tagged with † walter strickler

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.

goldtoxicity

Okay so like, I'm hoping this is just going to be old news but I just gotta say it, and you know what? The less people in the ER for dumb reasons the happier I am.

First things first: yeah, you can totally use duct tape to stop a wound from bleeding. But that's not going to fix the hole that's bleeding. So be sure to pay your friendly neighborhood hospital a visit before things get gross. Or just, change it? Please.

If you read something on Bwitter about some crazy health hack, it's probably not true. Also don't lie to your doctor if they can' literally sense whether or not all you've drank for the past week is cabbage brine juice. Also? Don't drink cabbage brine juice. I had one guy tell me that's how he got his toe back and he didn't believe me when I said I reattached it. Totally convinced it was a new toe he regrew like a lizard.

I really don't care why something is somewhere it shouldn't be, don't lie to me and tell me that it isn't there. Like, maybe that works on other doctors - but also don't lie to them, why do people lie? - but I can tell and it's less awkward for all of us if I don't have to point that out.

Anyway, PSA aside, I'm thinking about going out this weekend so, uh, any recommendations for clubs would be great.

fireandhoney

[Finn is standing outside Darin's workshop, a shit-eating grin on his face.]

So, I'm going to go in there and make the guy who works there think his work area is haunted. I've already taken a quick peek to see if he's in, and he is. This is going to be so much fun!

Feim Zii Gorn!

[Suddenly, Finn looks like a ghost. He's transparent, has a slight blue glow to him, and mist flows off his body. His voice also has a slight echo to it.

Wasting no time, he goes right through the open door. He scouted around in here while invisible earlier today to look for a good place to plant his device, and he props up the device so that it's got a good view, with the work station in full view. Darin's polishing a shield to mirror shine, and hasn't even seen Finn yet.

Finn puts on his spookiest voice and wiggles his fingers in the air.]

Darin...

[Darin screams and practically pitches the shield through the roof. He then launches himself behind the work bench and asks]

Who are you?

[Finn has a moment where he realizes he didn't plan ahead this far, but he's a quick thinker and he adopts that spooky voice again.]

I've come for you.

[Finn makes more spooky noises as Darin gets up and bolts off-camera. A crashing sound is heard, like a wall just broke, causing Finn to finally break character and laugh. He becomes solid again and he goes to get his device and turn it off.]

bodilesswarrior

[Barbara addresses the network with a rueful, aggravated smile.] Hello, network. I'm Barbara Gordon. I met some of you several months ago, before the Porter decided it would be hilarious to send me back home for five minutes. [That ought to be a contradiction, but her fellow ImPorts will know it isn't.]

I've changed jobs, apparently - now I'm a computer science teacher. [Which, frankly, is a little bit intimidating; she's been a tutor, been a mentor, but a whole class of teenagers? That's new.

It's invigorating, though, in a way that isn't tinged with weariness or frustration.]

I was wondering if any other ImPorts are teaching, in De Chima or otherwise.

On that note - [She holds up her hand, and a yellow canary flies over tho perch on it.] This is Charlie. He came with me, this time.

Anyone else have animal whispering powers?

pocketfulof

Would it be too much to ask people to not go into some maze literally called "The Minotaur's Maze"? Has...has no one read up on their mythology here or something?

Monsters like that are no joke. And I'm really hoping the locals aren't suddenly into a date-night destination that basically has them wandering a maze where death is lurking at every corner...

[A pause, a thought, and then a heavy sigh.]

I'm probably getting worked up over nothing, aren't I?

marxionette

What exactly does "home is where the heart is" mean to you? It sounds so simple, like... home is where you feel it is, but what really makes you feel like a place is 'home'?

Or - here's another one I've been thinking about - 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. I think that one's supposed to be reassuring, or encouraging because it sounds like things are different depending on who looks at it... but it also sounds a lot like the way other people look at you determines everything.

[ And this is how Xion asks for help with her homework and continuous existential crisis. ]

What do you all think?

maskormods

THE MAJORITY REPORT: MARCH 20TH, 2019Did you miss your Last Standing Ambassador speak?

OBJECTIFYING THE NEWS
As seen in an official government announcement issued to major networks and newspapers throughout the Porter cities:
Following the anomaly of numerous objects appearing in the Porter room without being accompanied by new imPorts, a team of government scientists and Porter technicians believe they have identified a common link between the owners of said items: all donated items from their home dimension to the charity auction held during February's swear-in. To further investigate this phenomenon, all imPorts are invited to make further donations. Those who are willing but have no possessions from home may donate a lock of hair, a fingernail clipping or similar material. Donated items will be returned following the investigation if possible. The government is also seeking the winning bidders of the charity items in order to look into all sides of this incident.

A SERIOUS TURN ((Content Warning for Domestic Violence))
As seen in local Floridian news, various internet sites and Bwitter:
A man found guilty of domestic abuse despite his former partner denying any crime has dropped his appeal against his conviction. The defense accepted the jury's conclusion that the woman had been assaulted and that the appellant was responsible. Peter Randall was convicted of aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony.

When asked to comment, he answered: "Violence is a choice I make, for which I alone am responsible. I accept that my behaviour is unacceptable and hope that my sentence provides comfort and a life free of domination and control."

This all begs the question: can violent men ever change? The Heropa Women's Shelter - one of our local organisations offering domestic violence support – say it's natural to hope that your partner will change, but that the truth is it usually gets worse over time. But they accept change is possible and have offered Randall advice and support through one of their perpetrator programmes.

AN ARTFELT PSA ((Content Warning for NSFW language in image in link))
As seen in the local news in Maurtia Falls and social media:
Since Armitage Hux's arrest earlier this month, graffiti critical of Aegis Force has been on the rise around Maurtia Falls. The online group Shieldbreakers have officially disclaimed credit for the tags, but have stated they’re glad their message is being heard in the community.

Aegis Force Agents Darin Altway and Lester Papadopolous have been working to clean up tagging around the city, replacing the aggression with art and positivity. Their new street art includes messages such as “Everyone’s imPortant”.

“Art has a funny way of makin’ people feel things,” said Darin. “It’s a good way to get a message out, so if people want to try and bring people down and make people angry with their art, I’ll just turn it right around on them. No reason we can’t all feel good about the work we do!”

Lester agreed with the sentiment, noting, “Creative outlets like art and music are what connect us with the universe.”

In spirit of that connection, Lester, with support from Aegis, will begin an arts therapy program in the months to come.

“The general idea is that art, whether it’s painting or playing music, boosts self-esteem and creative expression and confidence. It’s pretty well-established in the literature, but more importantly, it’s art. Who wouldn’t want to express themselves and show the world what they’re capable of?”

Business owners hit by the tagging have welcomed the Agents' artwork, allowing the Force to give their storefronts a fresh lick of paint and new murals.

"It really brightens up the store without breaking the budget," one shopkeeper said.

(Newspaper articles are accompanied by photos of Darin and Lester posing with their handiwork, but on social media, a grainy photo of Cayde-6 in front of a tag clearly censored for language (OOC: NSFW text on image at link; censoring is only IC) is starting to pick up more engagement than the article itself. Said Agent Cayde-6: “I’m glad they got my good side.”)

A NEW HOPE
As seen in Heropa Daily (in print and online) and online forums:
Sharpen your pencils, because classes have begun for the Heropa Organization for Import Education! The newly remodeled school has been a hub of imPort activity recently. ImPorts of all ages are encouraged to join the student body... and the faculty. While the Swear-in was thankfully accident-free, H.O.P.E is not opening its doors unscathed.

A children’s rights group has been stirring up attention regarding one of the school’s teachers, a seven-year old imPort by the name of “Bean”. His employment is in clear violation of Florida's child labor laws. The headmaster of H.O.P.E. has been reached for comment, and claims that the matter has already been lawfully addressed. He was also cited saying that “exceptions should be expected of exceptional people.”

CODE SWITCH
The Homeland Security Advisory System has moved from CURRANT to SPRING HEELED GREEN, because it is spring and it's time to heal.

WANT TO SUBMIT TO THE MAJORITY REPORT?
The Majority Report comes out the 10th and 20th of every month. You may find details and submit here. The cut-off time is 12:01 AM PST on the 9th and the 19th for the corresponding dates.

heliophilic

[M gives a small wave to the camera as a white tiger with blue stripes yawns, disinterested, in the background. Barely visible on the coffee table in front of him is a pad and pen.]

It's been brought to my attention lately that people find my lack of pop culture knowledge disturbing.

Now, I'm not a total neanderthal. I've seen a few movies, musicals, and tv shows, listened to music, and have now even read a few books.

[He shrugs.]

So now I turn to you, friends and strangers of the Network alike: what kind of nonsense would you recommend I try next? No recommendation too stupid, except for the ones that are.

To give an idea of taste/what I've consumed:
- Pride and Prejudice - enjoyed the Zombie parts
- Sweeney Todd
- South Pacific
- The Twilight Zone

[A grin.]

Entertain me, imPorts.

janus_scholar

[Walter is doing the walk-and-talk method of recording himself. Based on the cityscape around him, it looks like he's walking through Heropa.]

I have come to learn that there was once an institute in this world designed specifically by and for imPorts. Those who were heading the project have since returned to their own worlds, but what of us? I think it could be of great use. That's why I'm working to reestablish this institution, but I will need some assistance to make that happen.

The same original opportunities would apply as before: classes for people of all ages and education levels, teaching positions for those hoping to change careers, and dorm housing for both Registered and Unregistered imports. There will also be practice spaces geared for honing one's own powers, and classes for learning self-defense.

I know that there are already a variety of combat instructors among us, but I think it would be beneficial to have as many as possible under one roof. I will be offering competitive pay and better resources to anyone who chooses to join the faculty. I have a comprehensive background in education, and am currently in the midst of getting additional government funding. I will do everything I can to get you what you need... Within reason and safety standards.

Not all of the import-taught classes would have to be about self defense, of course. Even if you have no experience with teaching in a formal setting, I would welcome your involvement nonetheless. There are so many among us with unique skills and experiences. If you would be interested in sharing your expertise, I can work with you to find the teaching methods that suit you best.

[He takes a turn, and now he's near a property that looks a little more forested than the rest of the city. He turns the camera around to face the school itself. It looks overgrown, even a bit dilapidated. There’s a large hole in the roof, a few broken windows, and an overgrowth of plants on the property.]

But before we get that far, the building itself is in need of a little... elbow grease. It will require a large amount work, but I truly think it will be worth it.

[His hand reaches into view, wiping some overgrown brush off of a placard that declares “Heropa Organization of Porter Education”.]

So. Would anyone be interested in rekindling H.O.P.E.?

plentystrong

[ The video opens on a scene of Catra sitting in an elegant-looking armchair, legs crossed, arms on the armrests, posture and expression confident. In the background, you may hear the sounds of people talking and tableware clanking. ]

Greetings, Earthlings! It is I, the Goddess Catra of Eternia, and I have come to Earth to grace you with my presence.

[ A cat walks through the screen in front of Catra, its tail held high. ]

If you wish to meet me, I can be found at Royal Purrincess Cat Café.

[ From off the camera, a voice that’s considerably louder than the other ones filters in. ]

What are you doing there? You’re here to work, not goof off!

[ Catra hisses quietly and turns toward her left, where the voice is ostensibly coming from, and shakes her fist at whoever it belongs to. ]

I’m giving you publicity! That is work! Just let me finish-- [ She turns back toward the camera. ] Wait, is this thing still on?

[ She gets up, walks a few steps toward the camera, and then reaches forward until her hand and arm obscure most of the picture. Then the screen goes black and the video ends. ]

(OOC: SO. This is the combined result of this and this and a whole lot of boredom. :'D HAVE AT.)

worthit

Soooooo.... hi. I'm new here, annnnd... I still have a lot of questions about what exactly is going on! Ha! Ha ha... I don't know how any of these things in this building work and I can't ask anyone outside for help because every time I try they just keep flashing me with bright lights on their little magic boxes and it's all really starting to kind of freak me out.

[ Great idea opening with run on sentences instead of an introduction, right? The nervous blonde on the other side of the video swipes at her forehead with the back of her free arm, revealing soot smudges on her fingers and palm, the other held up to record her video at a suspiciously low angle looking up. There's a kitchen towel over her shoulder and in the background, if you squint REALLY hard you can see a portion of wall peeking out that looks slightly charred and dripping wet. The top of a plastic pitcher, probably empty of its contents sits a little to the other side. The story tells itself almost.

She takes a deep breath, looking towards the ceiling while she takes a second to compose herself, because it's OBVIOUS she's ten seconds away from freaking out. ]

Also-

[ There is some lip biting and rubbing at the back of her neck ~~No Rapunzel that's the sooty hand!!!~~ going on here for a second, as Rapunzel is a little embarrassed to be admitting this on the open network- but it's necessary so DOING IT ANYWAY.]

I... ah... I might have had a little mishap. I don't really know how it happened. I was reading and suddenly the book caught fire. Is that normal around here?

[ Wow that sounds dumb. She is getting flustered which is evidenced by the nervous darting of her eyes and her pulling the towel off her shoulder to fidgit with before remembering that her other hand is the one holding the "magic box"- the moment the feed dips there's more evidence of the extent of the damage, briefly, before it returns to its previous position. She looks considerably more flustered now, laughing nervously at her own blunder. ] Sorry! Soanywaythethingis- I don't know if there's anyone here who has experience with, um... suddenly catching fire?? But I don't suppose there's someone here willing and able to teach me how to control it? PLEASE?? I-

[ Something off screen just caught her eyes, which widen in alarm. She lets out a startled shriek ("OH! No! Nononononononono!!!") and drops her phone, showing the dish towel on the floor now also ON FIRE. Thankfully, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, the feed cuts out abruptly. ]

maskormods

THE MAJORITY REPORT: JANUARY 10TH, 2019New imPorts are once again arriving into this world, as sure as spring comes after winter. Jeopardy has taken up housing some of these fresh faced individuals, even after the imPort Housing Redistribution. Gotta keep those budget cuts in mind!

CODEBREAKING THE BARRIER
As seen in As seen in local Maurtia Falls police blotter:
EVERY OUTCOME HAS ITS CAUSE, AND EVERY PREDICAMENT HAS ITS SOLUTION.

This message was found in two different buildings through the city. 2011 Townscourt and 211 Parkroad, both had their basements and first floors intentionally flooded, just like it had happened back in May of last year. Townscourt and Parkroad are both private residences and none of the residents were at home during the crimes.

Police currently has no leads but will continue to investigate.

TOYING WITH OUR HEARTS
As seen During the slow news cycle that is the holidays, this was likely picked up by several newspapers looking to fill columns, but it was all over Bwitter, BlueTube and other click-baity sites:
With the holidays behind us, civilians and fans of the imPort community find themselves in the grip of a new struggle. Over the holiday season, photos depicting imPort peacekeeper and fandom darling Lucina have surfaced depicting her caught up in some holiday magic with Blacksmith Bachelor Darin Altway. After a riot broke out, in which the brazen blue-haired blacksmith was caught accidentally destroying the last must-have holiday toy at a De Chima shopping center, some fans were lucky to spy the two huddling behind a map of the mall. Dozens of photos have circulated around Bwitter and keen-eyed internet sleuths have engaged in bitter wars over the authenticity of the photos. The biggest debate seems to circulate around some dark pixels above the pair, which some have speculated to be mistletoe. Ardent fans of Lucina, who have rallied under the banner of the "Lucina Legion of Love" refuse to accept the photos as truth, citing such arguments as 'she's too pure to get involved with that idiot' and 'she would never betray us this way!' Another faction, going by the name of "Blue Believers" have risen against the Legion, proclaiming their support for the couple. Amazingly, a third faction has risen up in all of this tumult. Refusing a moniker, they simply ask "Why should we care? Leave these people alone." The resulting fallout has led to a mass banning of Bwitter accounts that have violated the company's Terms of Service citing instances of harassment. For the time being, it seems most discourse, along with analysis videos of the photos, have begun appearing on, ironically, BlueTube.

NOT THE INTERWEBS
As heard on the AM radio airwaves of Jeopardy:

"Welcome to Foxtrot Uniform Xray station.

Please enjoy your stay.

20;8;5;0;23;5;2; ;20;8;5;0;23;5;2; ;9;20;0;8;21;7;19;0;21;19;0;1;12;12; ;20;8;5;0;23;5;2; ;19;8;5;0;19;1;9;4; ;8;5;18;5;0;3;15;13;5;19;0;25;15;21;18;0;6;1;12;12;0!"

DROPPING A DOOKU ON THE FRONT PORCH
As seen around Maurtia Falls:
The image of the late and great Count Dooku has been reappearing around the city of Maurtia Falls. Often in quick stencil-and-spray-paint fashion, ala Banksy, with succinct slogans like I'VE WARNED YOU, I'VE WARNED YOU ALL and YOU DIDN'T LISTEN TO MY PODCAST DID YOU? and COUNTING DOWN TO WHEN THE GOVT SEIZES YOUR MEANS OF PRODUCTION AND ENSLAVES YOU.

It is unclear what this graffiti means.

CODE SWITCH
The Homeland Security Advisory System has moved from JUNIPER LATTE TO THE PARTY to ELECTRIC SLIDE BLUE. Boogie woogie woogie.

WANT TO SUBMIT TO THE MAJORITY REPORT?
The Majority Report comes out the 10th and 20th of every month. You may find details and submit here. The cut-off time is 12:01 AM PST on the 9th and the 19th for the corresponding dates.

ghoulking

[ Kaneki comes to video wearing heavy dark clothes as usual, but his face marks seem to be looking a bit better since his last video. ] Hello new imPorts. I hope things haven't been rough on you since your arrival. I'm Ken Kaneki and I've been in this world for 4 and half years, and I'm part of Aegis Force.

To start this video, a lot of people have been ported-out recently. Currently my coffee shop is looking for workers, so if anyone wishes to give a hand, that would be great. We serve Japanese home made pastries and snacks, specialize in coffee, and we also provide exotic foods for imPorts. [ he is not going to outright say what that means... ] If you want to apply to the job, let me know.

To the newcomers, I've been keeping a Frequently Asked Questions, which you can read on the link that follows- [ kaneki will write the link for the F.A.Q, if anyone is curious ] and I'm also one of the people keeping extensive notes on everything that has happened since 2015. [ there is a for the NOTES, if you want really heavy reading ] If you don't want to read any of that, it's fine. I can still answer any question you might have, regardless if you've read the documents on not. [ he knows it's A LOT... ]

Finally, US government and New Zealand Government have both agreed on building a memorial on Death Island for those imPorts who died in 2008. The memorial will be joint with this month's Swear-in, it seems. It's now out of my hands, honestly, all I did was bring the idea to them, but I'm glad we will have this chance.

janus_scholar

[The video feed presents an older british gentleman at his desk, surrounded by stacks of history books. He looks up into the camera and smiles warmly.]

Good evening, my name is Walter Strickler. I'm a new arrival here, and I thought it best that I introduce myself. More than that, actually, I was hoping to ask a question.

I am in the midst of familiarizing myself with the history of this world, and how it differs from my own... Most of the discrepancies have been fairly minute, others less so, but it lead me to wondering about other worlds. Your worlds, and the histories theirin; if you care to share them. I suppose I'm just curious, is it common for most of us... "imports" to be from worlds that are similar, or ones that are vastly different? Is there anything here that has struck you as odd?

[There's a small pause, an aside glance, as he arranges the wording of his next question carefully.]

And, are 'powers' common where you're from? Whether it be mutations, magic, or anything of the sort. Are these things familiar to you?

Please do forgive me if I take a moment to understand anything you have to share. I must admit, I am still attempting to process all of this... But I would not want to have anyone feeling put-out for my misgivings. Thank you. I look forward to getting to know you all better.

plentystrong

[ The feed clicks on, showing a very disgruntled Catra.]

Hey, network or whatever. Here's a little PSA for everyone in this city. No, scratch that, everyone in this whole entire place:

My ears? [ With one hand, she points at one of the large cat ears protruding from behind the mask framing her face. ] My tail? Are NOT to be touched. And I better not catch you gawking at me or [ she punctuates the following words with by moving her index finger in a jabbing motion toward the camera ] you. will. regret it.

I get it, you've never seen a person with a tail before - great, now get over it and mind your business. Am I making myself clear?

justlittle

[ Bean hadn't intended to use the Nets under his default assigned profile so soon, but he doesn't think this complaint will give any insight to his actual mindset or any important work.

The video opens up on a scene of a suburban desert street. The device is clearly fastened to the handlebars of a bike. There's a basket of newspapers and a little bell visible. The person riding the bike isn't visible, but when he speaks, his voice is the small, high pitched time of a child. ]

Print media is a dead industry! Or, I'm sorry, in this time period I suppose it's still dying, not dead yet. [ He pauses to throw a newspaper in the general direction of a front porch. ] Still, there's absolutely no reason these people can't get their news from the Nets like any sane informed citizen! This job is greeyaz! Worthless! Complete waste of time.

[ And yet, here he is doing it anyway. He turns into a driveway, coming to a stop outside a building some might recognize as one of the imPort housing abodes, number 002 to be precise. He gets off his bike and comes around to grab the camera from the front. He really is a small bit. Doesn't look more than five years old. ]

I don't expect them to put me in charge of anyone, but I'm wasted like this. Currently taking ideas for something, anything better to do.

Also, if there's anyone here who can teach me Greek? Call me. [ He pauses, considering something. ] ...Or Russian. That might come in handy.

MASK OR MENACE

NETWORK COMMUNITY

Entries tagged with † walter strickler | stricklander

March 2021

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WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE WORLD?

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THE MAJORITY REPORT: MARCH 20TH, 2019

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[VIDEO] | A Proposal

002. video | crossposted to BlueTube

♫ •||• First Verse [video]

THE MAJORITY REPORT: JANUARY 10TH, 2019

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video; un: Julian Delphiki | Bean