charles edward allan brock (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
frenchkissed) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
metalogs2022-07-20 07:50 am
frenchkissed) wrote in metalogs2022-07-20 07:50 am
Can You Do It In The Dark?
Who: Eddie Brock frenchkissed, Peter Parker tinglesense, and you!
What: Meddling kids lead to an entire city of people losing their powers.
When: Jul 20 — Jul 31
Where: Excelsior!
Content Warnings: Potential violence, identity issues
Opt-Out: Don’t be in Excelsior during this event!
RUMOR MILL —
Just as people are beginning to work through this city-wide blackout, the real trouble begins. Not long after this loss of power comes, well, a loss of powers. All the juice in the city has to be used to fuel up something. Instead of a super-mega death ray, or some other magnificent murder device, the machine in question sucks away superpowers.
Metahuman abilities, extraordinary talents, basically, anything that makes a metahuman different from their average human counterpart, is drained away and trapped within. Of all the devices for Spider-Man to stumble into...
AFTERMATH —
frenchkissed, Peter Parker tinglesense, and you!What: Meddling kids lead to an entire city of people losing their powers.
When: Jul 20 — Jul 31
Where: Excelsior!
Content Warnings: Potential violence, identity issues
Opt-Out: Don’t be in Excelsior during this event!
CAN YOU DO IT IN THE DARK?
An investigation headed by Eddie Brock and Peter Parker results in not only a city-wide blackout, but hundreds of metahumans losing their powers!
In the days that follow, those affected by the blast will be forced to contend with what it means to exist without their powers. All the while, bad guys will be looking to take advantage of the situation and move in on vulnerable areas within Excelsior. People who are used to relying on their abilities will need to find new ways to fight back.
In the end, all powers are restored, but not without some hijinks along the way.
In the days that follow, those affected by the blast will be forced to contend with what it means to exist without their powers. All the while, bad guys will be looking to take advantage of the situation and move in on vulnerable areas within Excelsior. People who are used to relying on their abilities will need to find new ways to fight back.
In the end, all powers are restored, but not without some hijinks along the way.
RUMOR MILL —
Everyone loves a good urban legend. There's the story of Bloody Mary, the vanishing hotel room, the one about the tall, slender man who dresses in a tuxedo, that story about the abandoned bunker beneath Excelsior that no one can get into, the one filled with untold riches and gold... Naturally, some stories are more far-fetched than others. Some die off as whispers in the night, while others get entire forums dedicated to them. Leave it to bored teens take it upon themselves to go urban exploring in the dead of night, or hokey paranormal YouTube reporters saying they've found the clue that everyone's been missing.
Maybe you even went poking around yourself, having caught wind of these rumors and wanting to see the land of legends for yourself.
Unfortunately, most hunts lead to dead ends and boring drives home. There's nothing to see, really. The bunker doesn't even exist. It's all just a thrilling goose chase to pass a boring evening.
...
Maybe you even went poking around yourself, having caught wind of these rumors and wanting to see the land of legends for yourself.
Unfortunately, most hunts lead to dead ends and boring drives home. There's nothing to see, really. The bunker doesn't even exist. It's all just a thrilling goose chase to pass a boring evening.
...
But if it did exist, shouldn't something more practical than a mountain of gold lie inside? Eddie Brock seemed to think so.
If nothing else, these rumors sure are a conversation starter.
If nothing else, these rumors sure are a conversation starter.
Stranger Than Fiction
Unsurprisingly, like most rumors, there's a hint of truth to this bunker of gold story. With Spider-Man's technomancy powers and Eddie's investigative prowess, the two are able to find the source of all these rumors. There's no untold riches, but there is a treasure trove of strange, old technology.
However, investigating this space quickly goes awry when Peter's technomancy accidentally brings something to life.
Upon being powered on, a machine rapidly begins draining the power from the city. One by one, skyscrapers flicker out, televisions go dark, refrigerators stop humming. The entire city is steadily plunged into darkness, silence. Like with most power outages, most wait for the lights to flick back to life. Here, there's no such luck. Waiting for things to right themselves won't yield any results.
Once that realization sets in, it might be best to help those who really need it. Beyond the crying, frightened children and the teens who can't bear to part with their computers, there are those for whom the darkness holds unseen terrors. Be there for those in need, for those afraid of the dark, for those who've gotten separated from their families and can't find their way back on their own.
No power also means no computer systems, which means no credit cards. And who carries cash these days? No, in times like this, it makes sense to go back to the old bartering system.
Someone on the street is hawking four flashlights and a can opener in exchange for some batteries. Someone else is looking for what he can get for two cans of tuna and a roll of dimes. Get in there and make a deal!
Or... you could get in with the good crowd and begin looting stores. But, no, you're heroes! You should stop the looters! Ignore that little voice telling you otherwise. Instead, join up with those organizing shelters for everyone and working to get people out of the city as quickly as possible.
However, investigating this space quickly goes awry when Peter's technomancy accidentally brings something to life.
Upon being powered on, a machine rapidly begins draining the power from the city. One by one, skyscrapers flicker out, televisions go dark, refrigerators stop humming. The entire city is steadily plunged into darkness, silence. Like with most power outages, most wait for the lights to flick back to life. Here, there's no such luck. Waiting for things to right themselves won't yield any results.
Once that realization sets in, it might be best to help those who really need it. Beyond the crying, frightened children and the teens who can't bear to part with their computers, there are those for whom the darkness holds unseen terrors. Be there for those in need, for those afraid of the dark, for those who've gotten separated from their families and can't find their way back on their own.
No power also means no computer systems, which means no credit cards. And who carries cash these days? No, in times like this, it makes sense to go back to the old bartering system.
Someone on the street is hawking four flashlights and a can opener in exchange for some batteries. Someone else is looking for what he can get for two cans of tuna and a roll of dimes. Get in there and make a deal!
Or... you could get in with the good crowd and begin looting stores. But, no, you're heroes! You should stop the looters! Ignore that little voice telling you otherwise. Instead, join up with those organizing shelters for everyone and working to get people out of the city as quickly as possible.
I Don't Want To Be You...
Just as people are beginning to work through this city-wide blackout, the real trouble begins. Not long after this loss of power comes, well, a loss of powers. All the juice in the city has to be used to fuel up something. Instead of a super-mega death ray, or some other magnificent murder device, the machine in question sucks away superpowers.
Metahuman abilities, extraordinary talents, basically, anything that makes a metahuman different from their average human counterpart, is drained away and trapped within. Of all the devices for Spider-Man to stumble into...
How this power loss manifests varies from person to person.
A keen observer might notice the correlation between someone's emotional attachment to their powers and just how difficult it is for them to be taken away. Someone who has a strong connection to their powers, for example, might go through immense pain when it comes to losing them. On the other hand, someone who never wanted powers in the first place might not even realize they've lost their abilities until it's too late.
A keen observer might notice the correlation between someone's emotional attachment to their powers and just how difficult it is for them to be taken away. Someone who has a strong connection to their powers, for example, might go through immense pain when it comes to losing them. On the other hand, someone who never wanted powers in the first place might not even realize they've lost their abilities until it's too late.
Like the power outage before it, simply waiting for your abilities to return to you won't be enough. Even if you leave the city premises, your powers won't return to you. For all intents and purposes, this is who you are now.
Punch, Kick, Bite... Fight!
What better time to contemplate your identity without your powers than in the face of danger? Ne'er-do-wellers exist in all shapes and sizes, and some take it upon themselves to take advantage of this chaos. While powers might have been the preferred method for taking care of trouble, knives, fists, and guns still work just fine. Hoodlums and robbers roam the streets, wielding all sorts of makeshift weapons. They'll corner anyone in an attempt to see what they can get.
Even if you don't encounter them, there's no telling what number of con artists, thieves, jokers, and jesters you'll encounter. Be sure to keep your wits about you!
Chief among these miscreants are Lola and the Gang, a once quiet gang of Pink Lady and Greaser-types armed with brass knuckles, switchblades, and cigarettes.
Chances are you'll smell their brand of smokes before you see them rolling up six deep and ready to brawl. Hand over everything you own and they'll leave you be, but put up any resistance and it's time to scrap.
Of course, you could try to talk your way out of this, but their patience for talking is small enough to flip your lid. So make like a tree, and get to fightin'.
Chances are you'll smell their brand of smokes before you see them rolling up six deep and ready to brawl. Hand over everything you own and they'll leave you be, but put up any resistance and it's time to scrap.
Of course, you could try to talk your way out of this, but their patience for talking is small enough to flip your lid. So make like a tree, and get to fightin'.
Even if you don't encounter them, there's no telling what number of con artists, thieves, jokers, and jesters you'll encounter. Be sure to keep your wits about you!
Topsy-Turvy
With the recent spur of Confluences, more metas have made their home in this world than those who crafted this device had ever accounted for.
Eventually, both in part to a team of dedicated scientists and due to the device's own shortcomings, the device containing all of the powers in Excelsior will combust. Powers, neatly contained like orbs, are sent bursting through the sky on their hunt for their rightful owners.
These orbs, somehow, know where they're meant to go. They're far from sentient, but they know their homes and they know they're meant to be there.
Things rarely go as planned, however, and these power orbs are eager to get into anybody, or any body, they see. Once they're free, chances are you won't make it far without taking an orb straight to the chest. Within moments, the new power is absorbed into your body and, congrats, you're now capable of super sonic hearing! Or acid spit! Or the ability to have pockets that never get full! Who knows what you might end up with.
Along with the new dose of powers comes an image of their rightful owner, something that the orbs brings along with them—a mental portrait of someone you may or may not have met before. You could do the right thing and help these wayward powers get to the right person, or you can take your new abilities for a spin and try your hand at being a god for a day.
Be careful, however, because these powers won't stick around for long. They've got a home to get to! The last thing someone needs is to try out their new flight abilities only to lose them mid-air.
Eventually, both in part to a team of dedicated scientists and due to the device's own shortcomings, the device containing all of the powers in Excelsior will combust. Powers, neatly contained like orbs, are sent bursting through the sky on their hunt for their rightful owners.
These orbs, somehow, know where they're meant to go. They're far from sentient, but they know their homes and they know they're meant to be there.
Things rarely go as planned, however, and these power orbs are eager to get into anybody, or any body, they see. Once they're free, chances are you won't make it far without taking an orb straight to the chest. Within moments, the new power is absorbed into your body and, congrats, you're now capable of super sonic hearing! Or acid spit! Or the ability to have pockets that never get full! Who knows what you might end up with.
Along with the new dose of powers comes an image of their rightful owner, something that the orbs brings along with them—a mental portrait of someone you may or may not have met before. You could do the right thing and help these wayward powers get to the right person, or you can take your new abilities for a spin and try your hand at being a god for a day.
Be careful, however, because these powers won't stick around for long. They've got a home to get to! The last thing someone needs is to try out their new flight abilities only to lose them mid-air.
AFTERMATH —
With the device in shambles, power steadily returns to the city and, though it may take some time, all superpowers end up returning to the right people. There's no clear indication of who this technology belonged to or what its original purpose was, but surely Reddit, Facebook, and Conspiracy!YouTube will be in a tizzy trying to figure it out.
IN SUMMARY...
- Peter and Eddie stumble onto a device that wipes the city of its power and all metaheroes within it of their superhero abilities.
- During the blackout, gangs attempt to take hold of the city.
- Those who leave the city will not regain their powers, but those who enter the city will lose them. Eddie and Peter will also be asking for help from any mech-heads, scientists, tech specialists, and anyone else who might know how to turn off the machine.
- When the machine is destroyed, powers don't immediately go to their rightful owner. Characters might cycle through as many as ten different powers before their rightful abilities are returned to them.
- Ask any questions here!
Balthier | Final Fantasy XII | OTA
[ Balthier has more or less been dealing with power loss since he got here. It’s been months since he grabbed for the Mist, but the sense that he’s something less here has never entirely left him. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t notice the last of his powers slipping away, especially since the dull headache that sits in their place could just as easily been from staying up all night to maintain a concealing illusion on the shop. The last thing he needs after the cauldron situation is thieves and idiot kids getting ahold of a storeroom of magical goods.
Then, somewhere around dawn, the illusions starts to flicker. He can tell because people start trying the door again. He tries calling it back up, but when he reaches into the place he finds his magic there's just -- nothing. Just to be sure, he attempts to throw his headache onto one of them. Nothing.
There are a few things he needs to see to, but after he heads home to regroup and eat, he'll emerge with a good-old-fashioned pirate gun from home and potions in his side bags. He's back in his outfit from home, something he's never worn here, but he could sure use the boost of confidence at skills he hasn't touched in months.
It doesn't take long before he comes on a gang of three or four assailants mugging someone. ]
Less than a day and the whole city thinks it's ready to play miscreant and rogue. The worst kind of theater.
II. ~Magical~ Dumpster Fire
[ No one from the guild ever came despite the plea he fired off before his phone died. Before he left, he did think to take magical items with him as a defense, but they were rapidly losing their powers too.
Still, pirate is as pirate does, and Balthier wasn't going to leave a room of formerly magical and alien items unguarded. Using good old-fashioned locks then a barricade of as much furniture as he could push in front of the door, he sealed the entrance to the storeroom before heading out.
In retrospect maybe not the best move, as he's now frantically trying to get the doors clear while dozens of power orbs swirl around. Some are impatient and going into the wrong objects, while others are flying in and out of him and whoever is trying to help.
He's successfully moving a heavy chest when an orb enters his chest from the back. ]
Scions, hells, and skies above, not now.
III. Wildcard
[ Feel free to throw something else at me, including power swap with Balthier, or hit me up on plurk if you want to discuss.
shop
There's a distant thudding noise as he makes his way down the street - something that Balthier may recognize after seeing Otto fight. He pauses outside where he knows the shop is, and peers up at what appears to be a completely unremarkable abandoned building.]
Balthier?
[He remembers the illusion powers, but where exactly was the door...? He reaches out to touch the wall, halfway just curious to see what that's like.]
Re: shop
He feels the now-familiar sensation of the weird light sliding into him, making him feel too-full. His grip slips and he knows the illusion flickers as he does, not dropping entirely but certainly not fully doing its job. At the same time, he hears Otto's voice. ]
In here [ he calls. Except he doesn't realize it comes out in another language. ] He also doesn't realize the illusion is still hiding the door.
no subject
[It's not at all surprising to hear Balthier's voice speaking another tongue. Frankly it's remarkable that they all get by without some kind of magical translation system. But that's just not very helpful right now.
There's several tapping sounds as he stretches the actuators out along the wall, feeling along for the door. He's not sure if he'd be able to perceive it through the illusion. Even if he couldn't, though, maybe it affects them differently.]
no subject
Magick isn't quite working yet [ he says in way of greeting, unaware it's still not coming out in English. ]
no subject
Are you aware - [YIKES a light orb! He lifts up on the actuators to dodge it.] - you're not speaking English right now?
no subject
He waves Otto in, then goes to a shelf to pick up an object. He accidentally discovered it'll shake magic loose, but the problem is keeping his own powers in. He fusses with it, holds his breath, and does his best to push out anything that isn't anchored. It's a few moments before the light orb leaves him and he's ducking out if the path of it and another. ]
The orbs are trying to get home, and I have the door blocked. Lend me a hand?
no subject
Oh - yes, of course, several.
[lol. He contributes all four of his extras to the task, the actuators reaching out to help even before he himself can make his way to the shelves to pick up something with his hands.]
he really is collecting worst days at work
He jumps back in to help dislodge more furniture from in front of the door. He dodges another few orbs, calling for Otto to avoid one too, but it's only a matter of time before another hits him.
It's hard not to notice this time, as he's suddenly an inch tall. Which is a problem. There's no way he can get to the device that pulls the orbs out in any reasonable amount of time, and try as he might to shout, it's barely any noise.
And Otto is now huge and Balthier is very squishable.
He hastily takes cover in the base of the furniture, grappling for an illusion. That too is small, and he has to focus to cast something that, compared to himself, is proportionally huge. To Otto, once he notices it, there's a little flame like the beginning of a grill fire pointing to where Balthier is. For Balthier, it's multiple times his current size. ]
no subject
For a little while, the work goes quickly. The actuators tend to make most physical labor a lot easier. They're hindered slightly by the fact that Otto ends up keeping the lower pair on the ground; that's the easiest way for him to dodge the orbs. But he does dodge them. It's fine.
Then Balthier is just...gone.]
...Balthier?
[What the hell? It's rare for Otto to entirely miss something happening around him, but he did this time: all four of the actuators were occupied, and he himself had his back turned.
He looks around, the actuators abandoning their previous jobs. Obviously it must have been one of the power orbs, but that could encompass nearly anything. Has he teleported away somewhere? Become intangible?
Once again, it's fortunate that he can see through the actuators. With his dark glasses, the little pilot light of Balthier's illusion doesn't register. But once one of the arms notices and focuses on it, Otto pretty quickly goes over to investigate. Faster than he would have, if he'd realized the problem - but then an enormous claw spins and tilts down at Balthier.]
Oh, god.
[Otto...does not bend over easily anymore. He does sort of lean.]
Are you okay?
no subject
But he knows enough to understand his voice isn't going to be audible, and how in Ivalice is he going to communicate he needs the device by the door to get rid of this?
If he has a shrink power, surely he should be able to change his size back?
What a headache.
He gives a thumbs up then makes a shooing motion. If he DOES succeed he probably shouldn't be under a piece of furniture.
It takes a minute. He looks for where his magic usually is, which sort of works. It's slippery though, and he only gets to be about a foot tall, but at least he has some voice. ]
Can you carry me over there?
[ Scions this is weird, and he probably has to repeat it a few times for Otto to hear, but he can't seem to get any bigger. ]
no subject
Ugh.
[He looks himself over. Nothing...seems immediately amiss? Maybe it was only some minor power he won't know how to activate anyway. Balthier needs his help right now anyway - he's gotten a little bigger.]
Yes, of course -
[He takes a step forward, and then his legs become intangible and he falls halfway through the floor!]