maskormenace | Entries tagged with takashi shirogane

March 2021

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

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.

onederfulhero

[Toshinori's had this post percolating in his head for a while, but he's been hesitant to talk about it, not in the least because he's sure Midoriya, Momoyao and Present Mic would know right away that it was him and would (rightfully) be upset he didn't talk to them first. Heck, anyone he's told his story to might be able to piece it together.

But he has to know, and wants to hear the perspectives of people for whom he isn't All Might. So here he goes.]

I know there are some people here who come from worlds where superheroes are common, so you may know best how to answer this, but then again anybody from any world might have some insight.

Say that, back in your world, you were a great hero. Your life was dedicated to saving people, you loved to do it, and it was all you could ever see yourself doing.

Except something happens, your body just isn't strong enough to support your heroism any longer, and then you have to retire.

What do you do? How do you spend your time when you didn't plan on giving up the proverbial cape so soon? How do you still feel useful?

pidgewidgeon

[ Pidge’s shoulders and face take up the majority of the feed as she addresses the network. As she speaks sparkles of multicolored lights appear to almost shine from her skin, throwing light and colors everywhere. ]

Hey, so I had been worried that this [ She gestures to her face ] was localized only to my house but I see it’s just more typical bullshit for this world. That said, before it inevitably blows up in our face we should get some entertainment from this whole thing.

So for your enjoyment, [ She smiles and there's an obviously devious tilt to it ] I present Shiro the Amazing Rainbow Dragon! [ Her arm sweeps out and she turns to the side, showing the rest of her house to the camera and revealing the dragon that stands in the middle of her living room.

The dragon raises his angular head and sighs. He takes up a good portion of the living room and has to bend down to look into the comm. He has his own comm device held very carefully between his long sharp claws.] At least all of this seems harmless.

[He spreads his feathered wings and rainbow is an apt word. His scales keep changing colors and his feathers take on the opposite color. It’s like being in the middle of a really festive party.] Except for anyone who really hates eye searing colors. Exactly how many different things are happening right now? Just curious.

[Shiro snaps his wings shut. It somewhat mutes the rainbow dance party effect he’s giving off.

Pidge’s voice comes from off screen as she yells,]

Oh shit, Shiro! Shiro! Look at Green!

((OOC: If you'd prefer only one answering instead of both just let us know in the subject line. ))

h2no

so what the fuck is up with that persistent urge to ruin your own life?

myburningsoul

Right! I know memories are floating around and that's pretty concerning! But--

[The camera had been focused on Galo, looking a little singed and shirtless. But there's that fire in his eyes and a manic grin playing on his features--this is the face of a man in his element. He moves the camera behind him, to focus now on a building bursting with pink and green flames.]

Lots of things are up in flames here in Heropa--I heard it might be spreading too. Governors are calling for us imPorts to help out local firefighters but these aren't normal flames. You can't just expect water to douse 'em!

They're from where I'm from, Promare. And they are fiesty.

[He sets his recorder up on a steady surface, whipping out a poster he's somehow had time to make up himself. Where was he hiding it? Why make it at all? Who knows!]

They're living flames so they respond differently. Your best bet is ice, it contains it better. Now--looks like most of these buildings are abandoned, but if we keep letting these things burn, they won't burn out--they'll just find something else. So! You got powers that can help? Come out. You'll find me pretty easy. Just look for the blue-hair and the matoi! [And--yeah, no he made a matoi too, and he's waving it around pretty eagerly.]

lonered

[Keith isn't really one to talk about his feelings. But he's been thinking about this a lot recently, and somehow putting it in writing is easier than saying it out loud. So have a text post.]

Weird shit happens so regularly here that hearing about it feels like checking the weather forecast. But actual people are getting hurt, imPort and civilians. It's a mess. And we're always caught just reacting.

I realize there's not much we can do except be ready to react. But I hate not being able to get ahead of it.

[And that's the frustrating thing here. Back home it was always one battle to the next, one catastrophe after another, but it felt like there was at least some things they could control. They knew what they were facing. The threat was Zarkon and the Galra Empire, later Lotor. They could have strategies. Make plans. Proactively attack instead of just defensively reacting. Here... the dangers come out of left field with no way to predict them until they're already happening.

And Keith isn't the type to enjoy having so much out of his control. What's more...]

And then the in between time is so normal, somehow that's even weirder. Some days the world is ending. Some days monsters are eating people in the city parks. Some days I'm doing laundry and worrying about what to get my boyfriend for his birthday.

For the record, the last one is somehow the hardest.

[World ends and monsters he can usually swing a sword at. Birthday shopping? Brutally difficult when he wants to do this right and not screw it up and-- Anyway..]

I don't suppose anyone has any advice.

For dealing with the whiplash, I mean, not the birthday present part.

...

Actually I'd probably take that sort of advice too.

forgeabettertomorrow

[As the feed switches on, it's clear from the sounds and the open sky that this communication is coming from the deck of a ship. It's a warm day in Heropa and the skies are clear. There's the sound of movement off camera, and Darin wanders on deck, carrying some crates of supplies.]

[He sets them down and sits on them, wiping some sweat from his brow before clearing his throat.]

Hey guys. Bet a lot of you have noticed that I haven't been around for awhile now. Well...a lot's happened. Not gonna go too into the details here, but the long and short of it is...well...

I'm gonna be leaving for awhile.

Now before y'all get all riled up, I'm not getting Ported out or anything like that. I'm staying in this world, but I need some time to figure some stuff out. Which is why I'm gonna take this here ship of mine and go on a bit of a world tour.

Well...maybe not a world tour but...whatever! I'll figure it out as I go!

I'm not resigning my post from Aegis, but I know you guys can handle my work while I get myself sorted. Pidge? Peridot? The Forge is all yours. Allura has the keys and will be by to work there too. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

... ... ...

Nah, nevermind, we all know there's nothing I wouldn't try. Go nuts! Have fun!

Anyway...I know this is sudden, but I really feel like this is something I've gotta do. For the sake of myself and for everyone I care about.

I'll be leaving in about a day or two so...if anyone wants to swing by the docks...

Look for the ship called the Far Off Promise.

And for everyone else? This ain't a good bye! Just keep your eyes peeled on the horizon and I'll be back in no time!

[He steps forward to shut off the recording but pauses.]

Oh, and Guzma? Don't think I've forgotten. If you're ready to finish this, you know where to find me.

[And with that, the feed cuts.]

a_gaggle_of_ghosties

[It's not exactly common for Nox to address the network mid-evening stroll through Maurtia Falls, mostly because 1. he's usually on said walks to restrain the seedier elements of the city via methods not typically approved of, and 2. he still hates most of you. But. Tonight was a little different.

Mostly because there's weird shit going on (again) and for all his unpleasantness he is nothing if not civic-minded. So once he'd finished dealing with the bulk of it, it's time to see if anyone else has been dealing with this problem.]

Has anyone else noticed anything strange lately? And I do mean aside from delusional old fools and their theatrics.

Specifically, what exactly is this...thing?

[At which point he helpfully turns the camera to show...well, something with bright yellow eyes trapped in a swirling whirlwind of dark side energy. Understandably confused by its own predicament, though unable to do much of anything about it. It couldn't even retreat into a shadow due to being suspended well off the ground and spinning helplessly.]

They seem to be quite fond of traveling in packs, and exactly nothing else. There were more of them, but- honestly, it's probably better just to show you.

[Meaning, of course, he's going to do the probably not terribly advisable thing and release it with a wave of his hand. And no sooner had the whirlwind vanished and the strange creature landed back on its feet did it turn its attention back to the Sith and try to resume its attack. And, despite being able to manage quite the lunge, Nox's saberstaff was already ignited and waiting by the time it reached him. Being mid-leap, it had no real way to change direction and promptly bisected head-to-toe by the bright orange blade.

But rather than treating the network to a splattering of gore, both halves of the strange creature just sort of...dissolved and vanished midair.]

They do that when they die. Honestly, I feel a little cheated.

patchricide

[(OOC: Thanks to Elle for the artwork!)]

[As the video feed turns on, it shows Princess Allura all dressed up in an exquisite silk dress, but not the style that you would normally expect from her. No long sleeves this time, and her hair is pinned up with ornamental hairpins. Also, no pastels for once, as she's instead wearing a vividly red garment with a delicate pattern of flower petals.]

[But she's not the only star of this video feed. No, her mice are climbing all over at her, striking their cutest poses for the camera as she speaks.]

Happy New Year!

... no, I know that's late. But from what I've heard, the new year actually started a little more than a week ago, even though we were celebrating it a month ago. At this point, there's only two things I understand about Earth's dating system, and the first is that it is extremely confusing.

But the second is that this is a special year for rodents! The people have been calling it the Year of the Rat! And these rodents couldn't be more excited about it.

[Well, they certainly do seem excited, but it could just be the attention. One of them is waving a paw like "Look, I'm on camera!"]

You can look forward to seeing more of them, all year long. I've started posting pictures of them online! They're going to be the smallest celebrities of the year!

[And sure enough, there's a link shared with the video post, where she's set up an account on an Instagram-style website — all mice pictures, all the time. Some of them even look like one mouse was taking pictures of the others.]

continuousgroaning

[When the feed turns on, Tina lets out one of her famous groaning noises before shutting her mouth. She keeps glancing down as she speaks, and her rather stilted delivery makes it clear she's reading from a script and hasn't practiced much beforehand.]

Uhhhhh, uhm, h-hi, everyone. I know we've all had a rough time lately, but, uh, I have something that might help. I was approached by this really neat company, and they're wanting me to tell you all about their new app. It's, uh, it's called Love Has A-Rose-en, and they hope to make it fun and convenient to order flowers and gifts for people. Because it's almost Valentine's Day, and what better way to, uh, show your friends and loved ones you care than during the month of love?

[She gives a cheesy, lopsided smile.]

Use the promo code TINA- that's T-I-N-A - and you can get 10 percent off your first purchase. Hope you all enjoy!

[Her camera drops, her finger moving over the lens, and she's heard letting out a deep sigh and muttering:]

How did I get talked into this? I'm so bad at promo... and is it really a good time for this?

justlittle

[ Bean hasn't made a video post to the Nets in a while. Not since last July, when he first started his growth spurt. And now here he is, having returned from a universe where that growth had gotten much farther out of hand.

He knows what awaits him now. It scares him. Maybe someday, he'll ask for help on the Nets for it. But for now, he's here with a different question. ]

Just got back from... Well, from that other universe, and from a brief trip back home. But the point is, I have a new power and I want to put it to use.

[ He cups his hands together within view of the camera and they spontaneously begin filling with... beans. Pinto beans, to be exact. ]

It's a bit on the nose, but I figured I could at least help feed people who are hungry. Food like this would have saved my life when I was younger. Does anyone know of any soup kitchens in need of a volunteer?

[ He dumps the beans into a jar that's already half full of more pinto beans, then reaches to turn off the camera. ]

myburningsoul

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEY! What gives?! Who do I talk to about this job assignment? YOU CAN'T TAKE A FIRE-FIGHTER OUT OF THE FLAMES!

[Apologies to anyone in hearing range. And to anyone that turned on their devices to hear this idiot yelling at an unholy hour of the morning. Really, government agents might want to look into just when they unleash these hellions onto an unsuspecting world. At any rate, Galo doesn't look mad so much as he looks put-out.]

I mean my world is literally on fire, and that's kind of important. But what bastard decided that someone with a burning soul set on extinguishing every flame across the world should be anything BUT a fire-fighter? Seriously, who do I talk to about that? Or about getting home--oh man I hope this isn't where Kray was taking everyone.

[And now that slightly put-out look is a bit frantic.] Ah hell. Did we FAIL???

gloves

This might sound strange. But...

From what I've seen so far, there are a lot of people here with superpowers.

[ She doesn’t want to go ahead and say the M word, especially since she’s already seen some people who aren’t so fond of ImPorts. And she’s already harboring a bit of resentment over how many people have an anti-mutant stance back home. ]

Did you all have these powers before you got here? And has anyone had their powers, I don't know, change on them?

[ Rogue isn't big on asking about power dampeners or dampening collars, given how they’re beginning to be used in her world, but something like that would be helpful at this point. At least if she doesn't want to electrocute another dumpster or accidentally start a fire. Even if the idea of one of those things doesn’t sit entirely well with her.

She's also not in any hurry to disclose specific details about her own abilities. There might be other people from home she knows here, but she's not sure yet. And telling a perfect stranger that she has "deadly skin" doesn't seem like a great start. An ice breaker, sure, just not the best one.

And she can’t even begin to imagine how it’ll turn out if she says her powers seem to be working without her even touching anyone. ]

And, maybe, are there training centers for people with unusual powers? I'm not saying I'd want to go to one, but it'd be nice to know the options there.

lonered

I realize there's a lot going on right now with the weird cryptic messages and everything, but has ANYONE figured out a way to stop the whole bursting into song and dance thing?

I really need it to stop. Now.

[So there's a reason Keith is doing this post as a text post. But given the way all of this has been going, is it any wonder that his video flips on to show him, very dramatically silhouetted in a window, back lit and, well, let's just call it so emo. Music begins in the background, soft at first, but it slowly crescendos and Keith starts singing,]

On my own, pretending he's beside--

[And the look of horror on his face is the last thing the camera sees as he grabs for it and turns it back to text. He's still singing, dramatically, but at least it's not being broadcast anymore. Back to text. Nice, safe, un-mortifying text.]

I don't even know Les Mis.

This has to stop. I really need to go grocery shopping.

[Instead he's holed up in his room trying to smother himself with a pillow to make the singing stop. Why. Him.]

viciousmaukery

Anyone else find it a little unsettling that someone sent every single one of us a bizarrely cryptic puzzle?

[Molly is definitely unsettled. His hand's shaking as he pushes it through his hair.]

I mean, the bizarre messages are one thing, but whoever they are, they somehow got their hands on everyone's numbers. And by everyone, I mean specifically imPorts, I showed this to a local and she thought I was fucking with her somehow. So it's just us.

It's creepy, right? I'm well aware everyone's excited over the chance to solve a puzzle, but this wasn't just a network post, this was a personal message. That's the strangest part about all this: why not just use the network? Why go through every single one of us, one by one, and send a private message?

[He scrubs his tattooed hand over his face, and lets out a mirthless chuckle.]

I hope I'm overthinking this. I really do hope I'm overthinking this. But I just—I feel like this is cursed, somehow.

lonered

[This is new for Keith. He monitors the network, of course, too paranoid not to pay attention to everything that's going on around him, but actually posting something? It's out of his comfort zone. ~~It's the vlog all over again.~~

So he looks awkward, like he can't believe he's actually doing this. But he is. He's still wearing the green apron that makes up his uniform (the Moonbucks logo just barely visible in frame), mullet tamed back into a little ponytail. He's got a coffee in his hands, and he's tucked himself at a table back in the far corner of the cafe he works in. He's on break.]

Is it really that bad if someone spells your name wrong on a coffee cup? I mean, the drink's right. I always get the drink right. Isn't that the important part?

[Someone has had a few complaints apparently.] It's loud and busy in here. How am I supposed to hear the difference between Bob and Bog? ...Bog could be a name. I know I've met a Bog.

[They were an alien, but that is not the point. He spreads his hands in a "see? a point!" gesture. And in this gesture he uncovers his own name written on his cup. Somehow he's left off the "h" and and scrawled the "t" in such a way that it looks more like a "f" and anyway, he's currently drinking a coffee that belongs to "Keif."

This problem goes deep.

Anyway.]

Sometimes I think this job isn't a great fit. Also I'm pretty sure I'm going to smell like pumpkin spice for the rest of my life. There's not even any pumpkin in it.

[Keith's having that kind of day.

Anyone who wants to catch him in person at work, feel free to find him brooding into his coffee on his break. And feel free to have been personally victimized by Keith's inability to get names right on coffee orders.]

tricksterofasgard

[ Gold. Hopefully you like gold, because you will see a lot of it. Heavy golden walls behind a large golden throne. Comfortably seated within? A potentially new face, looking pleased and overall just friendly enough despite being clad in full armor, complete with large, horned helmet and holding a golden spear in his hand.

Can you possibly see through illusions? Then enjoy Loki occupying a regular living room while casually holding a broom. He's just here to deliver a show, really. The armor and helmet are real, however.

After permitting the image to settle for a moment, he finally speaks. Loki's initial words are measured carefully. ]

Mortals of this realm.

[ He raises from his throne and takes a step forward before settling into a meaningful pose. ]

You have earned yourself the protection of a god.

[ You get another moment to take this in. Or just enjoy looking at this god. Then, all of Loki's dignified behavior and display slips away in favor of a wide, open grin and his unoccupied hand gestures lightly. ]

They could have just asked, though. You know? Instead of just pulling me here and--

[ He lets that trail off with a dismissive wave of his hand. Let's not talk about that, okay? ]

I am Loki. Rightful King of Asgard.

[ That same hand that has just been gesturing dismissively is now placed over his own chest as Loki offers a bow to his audience. ]

And I look forward to serving you.

[ For his roommates at Nonah #004: Your living room is currently stuck under an illusion. You will find yourself stepping right into Asgard's throne room. It's painfully golden. Enjoy your new Asgardian pest. ]

arithmethodical

Do these people look at what we can actually do before they give us jobs? Is it just me?

[ There's a certain false bravado in the words, like someone clinging on to the one thing that might be at least somewhat within her control. ]

I'm a bus driver. I should at least be in engineering, if they're not going to give me something with wings. The company I'm supposed to work for won't even let me get a look at the guts of the bus. They want me to drive that thing every day but they won't even let me see what it's made of.

bookshopped

[By now Aziraphale has totally figured out this whole technology thing! Super expert at it. The video is right side up. He's in frame. The sound is on. Total success. Anyway, here is the angel, hands folded primly in front of him, expression a friendly but gentle smile as he begins, rather like a very British Mr. Rogers,]

Hello fellow...imPorts.

[Nailed it.]

It seems that we -- that is my lover, the very clever child we're looking after, said child's also-clever dog, and myself -- may be outgrowing our current living situation. It's not that our flatmates aren't lovely, of course. But a bit more space is probably in order.

So, given all this, does anyone have recommendations for neighborhoods good for raising children? ...for that matter, there are probably certain things young humans need in a home, aren't there? Or not need? Honestly any advice on the whole process would appreciated.

[He's never actually looked for a home for anything other than his books before, so this is new. Also how do human children work? Adam seems so self sufficient sometimes! And he did save the entire world! But he probably needs certain things! A garden? Safe neighborhood? Bunk beds? What do children like? He should probably ask Adam.]

...incidentally, I think De Chima may be off the list currently. Hideous and horrifying monsters aren't exactly child friendly.

I do hope everyone is managing all right there. [And he does hope they are. He'd be rubbish at monster fighting, but fretting about monsters? Right up his alley. Speaking of.] Jane, dear. Are you keeping safe? [Please no getting eaten.]

adultwonder

[Dick gives a half smile and a little wave to the camera. To those who know him well, he looks a little flustered. But this has been a weird week]

Hey, everyone. Dick Grayson, here, I'm a new guy. And I've got a question. Is there any way to practice or tamp down a power that’s… kind of passive?

[There’s a light growling sound, Dick turns and raises a hand.]

Just a minute! [He looks back at the camera.] This is just getting a little--

[Before he can finish his sentence, there’s another growl and a blur of sandy colored fur tackles Dick. A very large blur of sandy colored fur. It is, in fact, a lion. But he’s not trying to hurt Dick. He’s just licking his face and looking very happy with himself. Dick laughs and rubs the lion’s face, then looks upside-down at the camera.]

This is the second time Chewie’s escaped from the zoo and followed me home. I’m pretty sure the neighbors are gonna start complaining soon. So, any thoughts?

[Sorry residents of Nonah #004, this is happening in your living room.]

spaceforged

[There's a click as the video turns on and the faint recording light reflects on the visor of a helmet beside a calm looking man. He pushes it out of the way with his metal right hand and nods to the screen.] Hello, I've heard I've been here before. Sorry to anyone who knew me, I came back without those memories. I don't foresee them coming back. To those who have never seen me before, I'm Shiro. A pleasure to meet you, despite the circumstances behind it.

[He leans back in his seat and it makes the scar across the bridge of his nose stand out. His hair is cut short except for a shock of white in the front. He glances to the side briefly and back into at the viewers. He's clearly used to speaking for an audience.] But that's not why I turned this on. ...I have a few questions and hopefully, someone has an answer.

First, I'd like to know what we've found out so far about these rocks coming from space. Do we even know where they're coming from? I've seen a few types and have an idea what they do but comparing experiences and confirming it would be better than going on an assumption.

[The man pauses here, and says a little less formally. His voice a little quieter.]

And I'd like to ask how often people from the same universe arrive here from different points in time. Do we ever gain the time that we're missing? I'd just like to know what to expect. Thank you.

MASK OR MENACE

NETWORK COMMUNITY

Entries tagged with takashi shirogane | black paladin

March 2021

Links

WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE WORLD?

1. Delaware Smash [anonymous text]

005; Video; Joint post with Shiro

text - be gay do crimes

video;

[text]

010 - [VIDEO]

video

VIDEO | 09

24. Loaf Will Keep Us Together (served on artisan bread)

video; un: Julian Delphiki | Bean

Video;

text; un: rogue

text

five ☾ video

[Video]

video || action available to residents of Nonah #004

video;

[Video]

video } where it's covered in all the colored lights where the runaways are runnin' the night

[Video] 001