PatientBean

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, On The Road
Skills: N/A

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Verity didn't want to think about how the military would handle this. There would surely be people, as Gus said, who would throw a fit over being told what to do. Just look at how people handled Covid. Told to wear a mask indoors and grown adults threw temper tantrums at the Wal-Mart. Verity was sure things would get worse before they ever got better.

Verity smiled at the thought of Flynn riding his bike, remembering that was how they met and now look at them. Simple times before.

The traffic piled on. Verity pulled out her phone when asked and sent a quick text to Trudy.

Text

"Hey, the route you gave is filled with traffic. Are yo uaware of any other routes? Be safe."

"I doubt it will be any better anywhere else, but let's see. People are going to be flocking to leave, just like us."

Welcome to Havenwood

@Mole I don't mind. Though 21 and 24 isn't a significant age difference.

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Strange Academy, Medical Examination Room
Skills: N/A
Fit Of The Day: Pink Fall Outfit

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Sabine didn't mind doctors. Some people hated them, she knew. A sterile, white room. Someone poking you, asking invasive questions. For a good cause, most of the time. She never minded it. As a young girl she was praised, by her mother mainly, whenever she went to the doctor and acted like an angel. After her mother died she still went and behaved, if for no other reason than to show that she was fine. Everything was normal. Look at me, at the doctor's like it is no big deal. So what if my mother died?

Panic attacks.

She actually admitted it out loud. Someone asked her if she had any health concerns they should be made aware of and she said: Panic attacks.

She half expected someone to pull her out of the room. Nope, this one is clearly broken. How can she be expected to act like a hero when she could be triggered at any time? Not even talking about the fact there was a homicidal maniac lurking around somewhere who actively threatened her life. Someone Leah, solid-as-a-rock Leah, feared.

Sabine grabbed her wrist but let it go quickly, hoping none of the staff examining her noticed. But of course they did. They had to. Watch the freak perform. Watch her freak out over some of the simplest things. Point and laugh. Hell, she could make everyone forget anyway, right? Twist people into who she wants them to be.

Sabine performed her physical to the best of her abilities. She remained still for the magic one. Then the science one. So far, so good.

I got this. i got this...i got...

Sabine felt her breath hitch in her throat as they prepared for the final test. What was that? A look. Sabine actually turned her head and stared at the team assembled in her room. They had performed the final test and were looking at the results. But their looks. Their faces. It was as if they stared at their worst fears manifested on the clipboard in front of them. Sabine sat up. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

Silence. Eerie silence as they just stared.

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After a little bit, someone came into the room and sat next to her. In their hand was a tome. It looked..weird. Mystical, but weird. She was asked to place her hand on the book and answer questions honestly. Like she was preparing for court.

Or getting ready for prison.

She did so, cautiously. But her palm was flat on the tome as she was asked.

"What is your name?"

"Sabine Bassard"

"Who are you?"

Sabine pondered a moment. To answer this question she wanted to..not lie, but truthfully, did she know herself?

"I am neither a hero nor a villain. I am uncertain who I am or who I will be. I am both proud and afraid of what I can do, but I also believe I can be the best version of me. I have people who need me." After she said that last part, her mind whipped to Leah. Dorian. Danni. Andy.

April.

"Do you want to compete in the Contest of Champions?"

"More than anything."

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The examination done but she was left with more questions. What was that look she saw? She moved along and felt her phone and took it out. Leah had admitted to April finally. Sabine prepared to text back and...paused. Just text them you want the best for them idiot. What harm could it do?"

But she put her phone away. She looked around, hoping to find Leah and see about telling Vision about what she saw. The Contest needed to go on, but they needed to protect everyone else too.

MARVELS: Streets of New York

@webboysurf ew go away

<3

Welcome to Havenwood

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Bronwyn

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"I’ve been walking through these empty streets,
Where the echoes of my mistakes still speak.
The weight of the world, it’s been on my chest,
But I’m done letting it define who I am.

Bronwyn strummed the guitar in her hands that was older than she was, allowing the melody flow through the somewhat sparse cafe. She recognized a few faces in the crowd; regulars she was on a first-name basis with but who always forgot what her name was. Expected in a town like this. People had it wrong about small towns, she realized. The sepia-toned image of people who called out in passing, who kept their doors unlocked, who allowd their kids to just run around without fear. It wasn't here.

No, there were too many shadows in this town.

"I’ve seen the darkness, it tried to hold me tight,
But the light is breaking through tonight.

Music was a ground for her. It kept her in the moment. Despite the uneasiness of her situation it was music that always reminded her that things could be better. If music still sounded then the future was not set in stone. Not yet.

"I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

Bronwyn scanned the crowd and thought she caught something in the corner. A little movement, but no, no one was there. She saw her boss behind the counter, watching her. Bronwyn was thankful for any opportunity to sing. Her boss knew she had nothing to call home and was living paycheck to paycheck, tip to tip, to make ends meet and become something more. So she looked the other way when Bronwyn helped herself to a pastry that was meant to be thrown out the next day or taking home a small coffee or water bottle if she needed it. And then there were moments like this where she was allowed to play and any money spent, a portion was given to her.

It didn't get her any closer to New York, but it was something.

"I’ve been searching for a place to breathe,
Where the chains of the past don’t follow me.
I’m learning to forgive, I’m learning to let go,
I’m not the person I was, and it’s time to show."

Bronwyn enjoyed songwriting too. She found herself with moments of inspiration jotting down lyrics that swept her up. Conversations surrounding her could be moments of beauty with the pen in hand. This was one of her most recent inspirations, though she never stated why.

"The ghosts are fading, they’re lost in the breeze,
Now I’m walking toward the sun through the trees.

I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

Bronwyn felt her true self when performing. She enjoyed the stage, the spotlight. She never felt more free than when she was singing. The room melted away and she was bathed in afterglow, the vibrations resonating within her, in her skin. She hoped she showed this in her performances, though she never had a complaint.

"It’s a new dawn, a new day,
I won’t let the past steal my way.
I’m rising up, and I’m gonna fly,
With no chains to keep me tied.

I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

I’m free, I’m free,
And the past can’t hold me…
No, the past can’t hold me."

At the last words the crowd applauded lightly. She stood a moment before standing from her stool and bowing slightly.

"Thank you. That was an original song called 'Escaping Shadows'. I hope you enjoyed it." She bowed again before making her way off the stage towards the counter. She hoped she earned enough for a sandwich. She hadn't eaten since this morning.

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Bedroom -> Hallway -> Ballroom -> Bedroom -> 1st Floor
Skills: N/A

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As she exited her room she overhear a conversation. From the sounds of it, they were workers in the estate as they were discussing bringing their bags to their respective rooms. Millicent was about to not bother when her name was mentioned and how she was being confused with someone named Miguel. Was this how workers acted? Two names starting with M produced this much confusion.

Millienct resumed exiting her room as someone else did. The woman looks innocent, sweet-as-pie, which instanly brought Millicent's heckles up. In her experience, the buttery sweet-looking people were often the most ruthless. She had grabbed her own bag, leaving Millicent alone with the two maids. One of them carried a bag, held out to her. Millicent didn't recognize the bag but she sure knew it wasn't her's. Wasn't this supposed to be a relaxing trip for her?

"Ok, so that is not my bag. I do not have time to play musical bags right now, but can you ensure my correct luggage goes to my room by the end of the day? Preferably before nightfall so I can have a clean change of clothes for later?" The one maid with the bag looked crestfallen but, honestly, Millicent gave no damns. If you couldn't do your job correctly you should expect to hear about it. She ignored the other's made angry look towards her and Millicent proceeded out of the hallway. As she was leaving she overheard the maid speak to the other, "I told you that was for Miguel. Quick go get the boards before we get in serious trouble. This would be the dumbest way to get fired ever."

Millicent exited the hallway into the second floor entrance. She noted the door across from her, one she hadn't paid much attention to on her trek up. There was a code pad, presumambly then locked. Not out of the ordinary. This was a home, after all. She assumed areas were off limits to them. Deciding to see more of the upper floor Millicent proceeded to the other door and into was looked to be a ballroom.

The room was spacious if a bit empty. Though someone else was in the room with her. She was an older woman and was presently putting up decorations. Not wanting to be awkward and just stand there, Millicent called out. "The decorations are beautiful. This whole estate is."

The woman startled a bit, obviously not expecting her, but she recovered quickly and gave her a warm smile. "Ah thank you dear Millicent. We've put a lot of work into it all. I hope you enjoy yourself. We've got some lovely things planned."

"She knows my name. Not unexpected either given the photos and room assignments." Millicent returned the woman's warm affect. "Hope you don't mind I am just stretching my legs. Been sitting down for so long it's nice to walk around. Is there anything you recommend I see before the events are underway?"

"Of course, please feel free to explore any of the public areas of the house. We keep our rooms private, but otherwise the estate is free for you to explore. To your right there is a lovely lounge. Or you can head down to the Rec room for a drink before dinner if that interests you. I cannot recommend the gardens enough though. One of my favorite places to go for an evening walk."

Leave it to the hostess to offer wonderful suggestions. "Thank you, I think I will check out those gardens." As she turned, she heard the woman call out. "Oh Millicent, before I forget, do make sure you get your dinner preference in before 4:30. The card should be in your room if you have not been there yet."

Millicnet waved goodbye and made her way back into the hallway. She entered her room again and made her way to the desk.

Millicent reached for the card and read it to herself, jotting down she preferred the steak for dinner. The other information on the desk was sueful, but not as of yet. She made a mental note to skim the histoy of the place more. She had heard rumors and wondered if they proved true.

Before she left she noticed something else on the desk. Something that looked off compared to the others. It was a newspaper clipping. She picked it up and read it. The title spoke about a robbery at a magic shop. She recognized he name of the shop and felt her fingers clutch the paper in her hand, crinkling it somewhat. Attached was a note. She read it. Then read it again as she dropped it to the ground. Millicent felt her heart race. What the hell was going on here?

She sat on the edge of the bed and took a minute. How did someone know this information? Who here did? Was this whole award a trap to get her here? Or was it one of the other guests who came across her name? There were too many coincidences. She didn't beleive in those anyway. Millicent strode over to the door that led to the bathroom and locked it. She thought she heard something from the other side but didn't bother to check. It was clear now she couldn't trust anyone.

Millicnet collected herself and left her room and made her way downstairs. She would check out the gardens, like she said. Perhaps the change of scenery would clear her mind a bit. And she could do some thinking.

The Neighborhood Watch

Cool, thought we were pausing for others. I should have my sheet done soon.

MARVELS: Streets of New York

I mean I definitely am inspired by the Jessica Jones show on Netflix as well as the Defenders. Pretty much what put me on to her as a character and she's been in the top 5 favorite Marvel characters for me ever since.

Do You Have RP Pet Peeves?

When there is clear favoritism from GMs towards certain players.

You may have a character you really like. Maybe the player consistently has phenomenal posts. Maybe they posted something so funny you want to honor them in some way. But when it is evident that a GM has players they prefer over others and then it infects the roleplay experience, both IC and OOC, that can ruin an experience.

Part of this, I believe, stems from something happening outside of the roleplay. Instead of discussing the ordeal and seeing if it can be resolved, the players or GMs decide to ostracize that player or make the experience unenjoyable. Whether that's not letting them participate in a story arc or ignoring them, targeting their character in some way repeatedly, or giving spotlights to the same people over and over again.

I am not advocating for you to not have a character you like over another. I am saying that all your players should be given opportunities to shine and collaborate in the story in some way. We are here to write stories that are fun and enjoyable for everyone, but that's hard to do when it seems that one player is given more opportunities over another.

And please, resolve issues and do not let them fester. That kills RPs just as much as people not posting or updating on their own status as to whether they want to continue or not. And, as stated above, do so in private unless it is a group issue and then maybe do so in a group DM and not in the OOC or on the status bar.

The Neighborhood Watch

@Tally Dor Yep! I use this religiously because you CAN use actual color names, but I like fine tuning what color I choose.

Just use the [.color=inserthexnumberhere] and you'll be golden! (minus the period, of course)