2 >> TEST DRIVE MEME!

[calling_mods]

TEST DRIVE MEME

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NETWORK

So you've just found your CALL device and you're not quite ready to see what hitting the [TRANSPORT] button does. Instead, you start looking around on the messaging apps to see who you can talk to: the HERO Network for heroes, the CAD network for villains, and the CALL network if curious to see who might answer. Need advice? Want to see what other people feel about an issue? Go for it...



CITY OF NIGHTMARE

So you actually hit that [TRANSPORT] button and while you can't say that the City of Tomorrow where you started at isn't neat and all but there's just so much to explore. But as you make your way across the bridge, a sudden rainstorm begins. Through the gloom and the lightning, you can make out a single building in the distance. It's not particularly welcoming, of course, but it does at least look dry and reasonably sturdy. What could go wrong here? Hopefully, someone in there has an idea of when the rain might stop. Or... someone will come soon?



CITY OF ROMANCE

It is a singularly beautiful night out in the City of Romance, even more singularly beautiful than most of the nights there, which are usually pretty nice. The sky is clear and dark, and it's just the right temperature out for a late picnic or a night of stargazing. It appears that some enterprising soul has put out a number of blankets in the park, though there are a limited number of them so you may have to share...



CITY OF ADVENTURE

You've been in the wilds of the City here for the last few hours. Hot, sweaty, and more than a little uncomfortable given the number of mosquito, you would almost think that someone heard your silent prayers as you come through the trees and spy the most amazing looking waterfall. Obviously, you've learned that many things are not as they seem in this City and that the beautiful can hide all manner of mysteries... but damn if that pool doesn't look like it'd feel amazing to dive into.



WILDCARD!

Go wherever your heart leads you!

[questions, comments, etc. can go to the_calling_rp or the appropriate FAQs!]

Comments

Harry Osborn › Spider-Man

[goblinjr]

( network | CALL | un: h.osborn )

Okay.

So.

Apparently the 'City of Sorcery' isn't just some cute name for a glorified ren fair. Got it. I just saw someone toast a giant rat with a fireball.

( network | CAD | un: goblin )

[If you couldn't guess, Harry isn't so great with original usernames, but hey. It gets the point across, doesn't it?]

I've got a little infestation problem back home with a problematic freak who calls himself Spider-Man. Anyone got any experience squashing bugs?

( city of nightmare )

[When Harry hits the [TRANSPORT] to the City of Nightmare, he isn't sure what to expect, precisely. Gnarled ruins, dead trees, shadows constantly flitting out of the corner of your eye... that sounds about right. What he actually gets isn't too far off. Seeking to escape the dark and the rain, Harry bolts (without actually making it seem like he's bolting) for the nearest building: the Kingsport University.]

A school. Great. This is a nightmare, [he complains with a roll of his eyes, but he keeps venturing in anyway. In fact, he's not too far into the depth of the university when his attention seems to be snared by a particularly imposing gargoyle statue.

Just looking at it makes the hair on the back of his neck stands on end, his shoulders tense in some nebulous feeling of fear... And yet he seems rooted in place. Staring.]

It's almost like it could reach out and grab me any second. Ugh...

CAD | un: the_main_man

[the_main_man]

I do extermination on all kinds of scales. The question is what you're willing to pay for it.

[goblinjr]

And that depends on what you want. Got money, tech, loads of resources. Any of those grab your interest?

[the_main_man]

Depends on how much money, what kind of tech, and what those 'resources' are.

Tell me about your bug problem.

[goblinjr]

Millions. Biochem & weaponry. I own the leading business corporation in science and development back home.

The bug murdered my father. [He debates mentioning that he knows who Spider-Man is personally, then decides against it for now, skipping around the subject after a pause.] He waltzes around, pretending he's some hero, and the city plays right into his hands.

I'm sure you can probably guess his superpowers from the name.

[the_main_man]

Sticks to walls, makes silk out of his backside, eight arms?

Though it sounds like you might be up to covering my fee. So how about we meet somewhere in the City. Me, I'm a big fan of this one place in Romance. Like the scenery. I'll shoot you the address.

When can I expect you?

[goblinjr]

Close, except the webs shoot from his wrists and replace 'eight arms' with 'super strength'.

Might be. Depends on how worth my while you are. [Harry is side-eyeing the screen so hard right now.] You want to talk murder in the City of Romance? Seriously?

[the_main_man]

You notice a City of Murder? Besides, people mind their business around here. Figure they're trying not to interrupt all the sweet nothings. Or, you know, most people don't expect a meeting about a job like this in the City of Romance.

This your first time, cowboy?

And don't worry about the super strength. I've gone up against Big Blue more than a couple times. I can handle it.

[goblinjr]

The City of Shadow is pretty much the same thing, isn't it? But whatever, fine, I'll meet you there. Where do I go when I'm in the city?

No, it's not. [Liar, liar, pants on fire.]

Big Blue?

[the_main_man]

Madame Lulu's. It's a few streets over from all the shopping.

The Big Blue Boyscout? The Man of Steel? Last Son of Krypton? Irritating @#$%# !#%%#er who likes to punch me through buildings while I'm trying to get shit done.

You're telling me there's no Superman where you're from?

[goblinjr]

Should I wear a rose so you know who I am, too? ;)

Wait, seriously? You're not just trying to yank my chain, are you? We've got Superman, but he's just a story.

[the_main_man]

If you wanna look like a pansy, sure.

And Superman is real enough where I come from. My jaw'll tell you twice.

[goblinjr]

Wow. Harsh.

Boy oh boy. Hope he didn't manage to follow you here.

city of nightmare

[granularity]

I could [ says a voice from not too far behind him ] and it would probably be a real gas, but then I'd drop my coffee and that's just a loss for everyone.

[ Said gentleman is dressed almost like he fits with the rest of the building, a wide-brimmed hat covering his head that'd kept him relatively dry along with the long coat. As he'd mentioned, he's holding coffee, three of them in a foam rack held in both hands. He tips his chin towards the nearest door. ]

If you open the door for me, I'll think about donating some of this hot caffeine your way. Warm you up a little.

[goblinjr]

[Yep, that's enough to give Harry a start. He whips around - and not nearly as nonchalant as he wanted - to face the source of the voice. This place is spooky enough as it is without strangers creeping up on him. His fault for letting his guard down, honestly, and he's torn between bristling and being relieved.

The latter wins out, giving way to a good-humored smile and slacked shoulders.]

Geez, pal. No need to try, you already just about gave me a heart attack. [He gives the guy a quick look-over, like he's expecting to see him decked out in creepy tentacles or foreboding weapons or something. Doesn't mean he's any less dangerous without 'em, nor does it make Harry any less wary, but he's trying not to be too obvious about it.]

Sure. I'm not heartless. [And the potential of coffee sounds pretty nice, too. So Harry tears himself away from the gargoyle in time to avoid a headache and pulls open the door to let the stranger pass.]

[granularity]

[ He can't help a faint, wry smile. Oh, this was so not him trying. Him trying involved a mask that would give Geiger a chill, a voice that itched at the base of the spine and told the lizard brain to run, and the ability to crawl out of one of those gargoyles. But he's not on the clock at the moment, so coffee it is. ]

Much obliged.

[ Through that particular door is the library, which is as imposing and full of shadows as the rest of the place. A small island of light near the door holds a single half-awake librarian who would probably miss it if they came in with a freight train. That's why Sandy decides to chat.]

Coming in for a little late night research or just trying to get out of the rain?

[goblinjr]

[Suffice it to say, Harry would prefer not to see this guy legitimately trying. Coffee is a much, much better alternative. He has enough problems where seeing and hearing things that shouldn't be there are concerned.

He only moseys along after the stranger has traveled safely through the doorway. Blame the horror flicks he's watched, but he still finds himself creeped out - unnerved - by the librarian. Like it's all an act, and if he was too loud, she'd burst into some amalgamation of horrific things and lunge at them. This place is already getting to him, and in the back of his mind, his father's voice harps at him not to be weak. Suppressing a shudder, he manages a chuckle for the guy's comment.]

The second one. Pretty sure there's nothing for me here except shelter. [He spares a glance at the stranger's handfuls of coffee.] Is research why you're here? Can't imagine anyone needing that much coffee unless it's to stay awake.

[granularity]

Got it in one.

[ And there's a stack of books in one corner that have clearly been somewhat curated. If Harry decides to look at the spines, he'll see that almost all of them have to do with dreams and a place called the Dreamlands. ]

Though to be fair, I'm usually trying to stay awake.

[ He holds out a hand to the other man once the coffee is on the table. ]

Sanderson Hawkins. And you would be?

[goblinjr]

Well... [A short, airy laugh.] No one can blame you if you're spending a lot of time in a place called 'City of Nightmare'. Kind of plants the idea that you're gonna have a bad time if you fall asleep.

[Harry just kind of... assumes that whatever this guy is researching probably wouldn't interest him, so he doesn't bother looking. He exchanges a handshake with him though, and he doesn't have to fake the friendly smile.]

Harry Osborn.

Are you a resident or...?

[granularity]

[ That gets a snort out of him and he shakes his head firmly. ]

I'm from Brooklyn. Born and raised.

[ And he does in fact look like he doesn't sleep much. ]

Though I've spent enough time in nightmares even back home that I think I might have dual status or something. New to the City?

[goblinjr]

No kidding? I'm from Manhattan, myself. Small world, I guess. [He rubs his neck a bit.] I'll admit, I didn't actually expect to meet anyone with... y'know. [Vague hand gesturing as he tries to form words.] Common ground?

[Harry can sympathize with the guy, though. He's not sure if their experiences compare, but he does spend large chunks of his time warring with himself these days. Sleepless nights are a common occurrence for him, too.]

Sorry to hear that, man. [Not gonna pry, though.] New? Heh— yeah, big time. Just kinda... decided to explore to see what I was getting myself into. Haven't been mauled by the Wolfman or anything yet, so I guess I'm not doing too bad.

[granularity]

I hear he's got a schedule for that thing nowadays. Just too many helpless victims, not enough time.

[ He's kidding. It's a little dry, but he's clearly kidding. He reaches over then to take up one of the coffees, popping the opening to take a long sip. ]

Though I dunno about common ground. Manhattan? Go across that bridge and it's like a whole other country over there.

[ More mild, dry teasing. ]

I should know, since I live there now. What made you decide to head over into Nightmare anyway? Plenty of wonders to see just in Tomorrow, after all.

[goblinjr]

Wow, poor guy. Must be ruff.

[Harry, no.]

Can't argue with you there. New York just kind of takes a bunch of different worlds and slaps 'em together, doesn't it?

[His smile falters a little.] Morbid curiosity, I suppose. [There's truth there, but it's a little more personal than that. Anymore, he's plagued with nightmares, grappling with demons and conflicts that he's left scrambling to wrap his head around. Maybe there's something ironically therapeutic to be had here. He shrugs.] Guess I am doing a little research of my own. Just - [He gestures to Sanderson's pile of books.] - not the same kind you are.

[granularity]

[ Sand actually puts a hand to his heart. Ow. That was just... ow. But he's smiling. After he hears he answer, though, he tilts his head at the books thoughtfully. ]

Yeah, I'm working on something. Nightmares are, uh, a very literal reality for me whether I'm here or back home. I'm looking to see if anything in here might help me control them better.

And what's better than getting a lay of the land, eh?

[goblinjr]

[Sorry, man. Even when Harry's a villain, he's a dork. The smile is encouraging enough, though. Or... it is before Sanderson describes the details of his research. Harry's brows furrow to match his frown.]

Whoa...

So, like... nightmares are real for you? You can get hurt from 'em?