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!
no subject
I haven't even been here a month, and I like him a lot already. He's... different, but he's still Eddie Brock, and Venom's still Venom.
But I don't think there's any kind of standard etiquette on how you're supposed to interact with your dad in an alternate timeline who doesn't have a kid, so it's been kind of awkward, too. We're still trying to figure it out as we go.
no subject
[Mostly, everybody thinks he's some sort of homicidal nutcase. Which would've been fair, if he'd been brought here even twenty-four hours earlier, but as things are it just gets a little tiring. But he's never met anyone who seemed to even be on good terms with some other Otto, much less an unexpected family member.]
This way. [He indicates as they reach an intersection.] My universe was very...ordinary, compared to some of the stories I hear. And that's coming from me.
[The robot tentacle guy!]
no subject
You know, there's an Otto Octavius where I come from, too. Robot arms and all. He's... well, he's not ordinary, but pretty low on the weirdness scale compared to some of the stuff that happens where I come from.
no subject
[He sounds mildly annoyed about this! The part about Venom and Spider-Man definitely gets his interest, though.]
Really? My world had Spider-Man...and the Green Goblin, several years ago. [:(] And then myself. I'd never heard of anything like Venom before arriving here. I was one of the stranger things in that world...though I've certainly gained a new perspective since.
no subject
Green Goblin... Norman Osborn, right? I met him once. Kind of. Would very much like to never meet him again.
Dylan decides that was a bad subject to dwell on. ]
I haven't met Otto Octavius, though. I mean, the other one. From my world.
But from what I've seen, you seem like a way better version of him. I'm... really glad you found me down here.
no subject
[He can't say what else Peter ended up facing, of course. Maybe some of these other foes he's seen or heard about ended up appearing later on. What's important is really that Otto knows, no matter what he faced, the boy survived it.
He can't quite suppress an eyeroll at the mention of the Sinister Six. God, his counterpart is embarrassing. Norman, though...]
I'm sorry you had to see him like that. The Norman Osborn I knew was a good man. The Goblin was the product of a stupid, reckless decision - but I can't really throw stones there.
[No matter how he is now, after all, everyone knows him as the monster from their own worlds because of the actuators. And that's exactly what they are: a black mark. The best possible version of him simply wouldn't have them, would have been smart or prudent enough to avoid it all.
But hey - no reason to linger on any of that.]
Well. I'm glad to have met you, too. [He smiles.] These tunnels are much more bearable with a little company.
no subject
...Or the mutant rights movement.
But his expression sobers a little when his thoughts shift to a more serious subject. ]
Yeah... It sucks how easy it is to screw everything up with one mistake. Even when you've got people who love and support you, if you're not careful, you can drag 'em down with you.
Norman... kept hurting people, over and over, even the ones who tried to help him.
Norman's grandson is a friend of mine. Me and dad lived with him and his parents for a while when we were homeless. I mean, I don't really know a lot of the details, but... even as an outsider, I could feel how badly the goblin stuff affected the family.
I guess what I'm getting at is... you're doing better. If you're trying to turn it around only two years into Spider-Man's career, you've got a better spot for stone-throwing than you think.
no subject
His grandson!
[Hm! Good for Harry - nice to hear one version of the boy has settled down.]
My version of Norman passed away after only a month or two of the Goblin. No one even knew it was him - I only found out for certain later on. [He'd formed some theories shortly after, but...well, what would the point have been in sharing those?] I like to think it would have been different, if he'd had the time. But I suppose we'll never really know.
[Peter could've helped him, maybe. They did it once. But...well, bygones. This is getting a little grim anyway.]
I have heard some stories about my other self. Remarkably long career.
[His tone is not impressed. It's more "how is that man not dead several times over"]
no subject
But yeah, you're not wrong about Doc Ock back home. His career is older than I am. Like I said, I've never met the guy, although...
In another universe I visited, I do know our counterparts worked pretty closely together.
no subject
I'd ask "on what", but I'm sure I've got the idea.
[The sample set he's managed to collect is very small, from a statistical perspective. From a human one? Yeah, of course, obviously he's evil in that universe too.]
That must have been a strange visit. I know I don't much like the idea of meeting my own counterparts.
[It's something he's considered; there's no reason more of him couldn't end up here too, after all. He doesn't see many scenarios where it doesn't end in a fight.]
no subject
It was... weird. We didn't really have time to make conversation or anything, since we had to fight him. It was a grown-up version of me who'd gone down a... dark path. One I managed to avoid.
You know, I don't ever talk about this. I'm not sure why I did just now. I guess it's probably because you get the weird discomfort of knowing you're a supervillain in an Alternate Universe.
no subject
Trust me, I understand. I've heard about three of them so far. And one was a talking cat!
[He's deliberately trying to lighten the mood a little. Really, his situation's one thing; literally fighting an evil adult version of yourself as a young teen is quite another.]
It's...disconcerting, isn't it?
haha whoops it's been almost a month
You have something against talking cats? My sibling is a talking cat.
[ His "accusational" tone is clearly facetious. He's not actually angry, and is in fact very grateful for the opening to change the subject. ]
RIP
[Otto grins - it's? So stupid??? But - they turn a corner and oh, yes, that is a bunker door all right. He sobers, gesturing for Dylan to stay as he himself moves forward.]
Let me. We don't know what might be in there.
no subject
HA!
[ He let's out a bark of a laugh that echoes through the tunnels, followed up by a fit of laughter that makes it hard to breathe for a second. ]
Oh my god, that's — I'm so sorry but that's hilarious. My condolences.
[ He wipes a tear from his eye as he gets his breathing back, just as they round the corner. Any trace of his laughter stops as he gazes up at the door. ]
Okay.
no subject
They're not here.
[That machine is clearly active, but it doesn't appear dangerous inside. He opens the door properly to reveal the empty room, and steps in to look around. No sign of damage, save what's clearly old wear and tear on the machine itself. Despite what's happening up on the surface, it doesn't look like much of anything happened in here. He sidesteps some tracks in the dust - proof that others were at least here recently.]
We must have missed them...
[He narrows his eyes up at the machine. No obvious way to shut it down...it's not something that should be messed with lightly, he thinks, and probably not at all when his only company is a kid. Better to round up some other engineers and come back down later.]
no subject
[ Dylan steps in after Otto, looking around — seeing the same empty room he does.
Empty.
Dylan had been on his feet all day trying to find this place in hopes of finding Eddie here, and now...
He tries to hide the devastation he's feeling, but it's plain as day on his face.
He's exhausted, and with the hope of finding Eddie suddenly out of reach, Dylan feels the weight of it all at once. His shoulders sag, and he leans back against the doorframe, sinking to the floor. Dylan stares forward, but his gaze is distant as his exhausted mind tries to process the disappointment. ]
Okay... okay.
[ he's not okay]
I don't think I can keep walking. But at least if I camp out down here, I'll be safe from muggers or something wandering around up top. I can work with this. And who knows, maybe he'll come back here.
no subject
[Otto is not leaving Dylan down here by himself! And he's certainly not staying down here with him - he has enough back problems without sleeping on the ground. So:]
Let's go back. You can crash on my couch for the night, and if they don't show up there, we'll come back down in the morning.
[It's hardly giving up! Peter's quite likely to have gone back home and brought Eddie with him. And if he didn't, well, they'll come at this again once they've eaten and slept. Otto is worried, but he does know that those two can take care of themselves.]
no subject
I mean, I'm pretty used to getting comfortable in underground bunkers.
But... a couch sounds nice.
no subject
[He says, like it's sweetening the deal. It's annoying to remember that everything in his fridge is probably a lost cause, but they'll be fine; there's nonperishables.
Dylan looks like he's having some trouble. He has been on his feet all day - unlike Otto, who was mostly using the actuators until they met up. Unfortunately, the kid does know him mostly as a supervillain. He probably doesn't seem the most trustworthy type.
Still, after a moment's hesitation, he extends an actuator.]
Do you want a lift?
no subject
[ Dylan regards the actuator with interest for a moment, then nods, leaning against it. He's not sure if Otto was offering to let him sit on it or what — best not to presume. ]
Thanks.
no subject
Of course.