It's a great day for something new. As the sun climbs high in the sky on the morning of the first of October, Mayor Drake and her cohorts can be found standing in front of a particularly unimpressive-looking shop just outside of the university's scientific research wing. Should you happen to wander by, you'll have the pleasure of enjoying a first in Cadelle's recent history — a grand opening celebration! While the shop front itself is not much to write home about, the name alone implies what lies within is much more interesting.
METAMalt promises a wide variety of edible creations, ones sure to affect anyone who enjoys them. Yes, even you, new visitor with a metabolism enough for nearly a thousand tacos in one sitting. And yes, even you, strange new face with a penchant for chain-smoking to dull your senses. METAMalt's highly potent creations will be just right for those needing a little extra to get the job done.
Of course, those among you who find yourself leaning more on the side of statistically normal will appreciate the selection as well. Choose the neatly-labeled Standards and experience delicious, well-crafted drinks, sweets, and treats with no worries — the only side-effect you're likely to experience is a small hankering (some might call it a craving) for more. If you're feeling a bit braver, why not try the Enhanced options? While they're unlikely to cause any serious damage, you may find they offer a bit more than you were bargaining for...
▸ Vibrantly orange in color, The Emperor's New Brew tastes unsurprisingly of crisp, tart oranges with a hint of vanilla ice cream. It might remind you of a particularly refreshing summertime treat — and much like in the summer, less is certainly more when it comes to this brew. A warning statement is printed rather predominately on the label, as well, heeding potential drinkers to only enjoy this brew within the privacy of their own homes. Whether you choose to heed this warning or ignore it and take your first sip in the shop, each subsequent swallow will find the color draining from your clothes until they appear almost completely transparent... as if you're wearing nothing at all! The effects are (perhaps thankfully) short-lived, but who's to say you can't have more than one?
▸ METAMalt Lite's pale copper color might make it look a bit dull in comparison to its fellows on the shelf, but looks are often deceiving. With a floral aroma and a taste of freshly-picked raspberries, this particular brew might initially leave you wondering if you've perhaps picked up a bad batch. For the first few minutes, the only interesting side-effect is the fizz that lingers on your tongue and throat after each swallow, sharp and demanding; it's only when the clock strikes fifteen past that you'll find yourself feeling a little bit lighter. Look down, and you'll notice your feet slowly rising up, up, and away until you're (more than just a few) feet off the ground; test your limbs and you'll find you're practically weightless, as if gravity's been switched off only for you. Be careful, though — the effects only last a few hours, and what goes up must eventually come down!
▸ METAMalt Classic, with its faintly blue hue, is the flagship product of the shop, and the most prominently displayed. Designed with the recent crop of superpowered individuals in mind, this liquor is especially potent and highly concentrated. Unlike its first dozen or so incarnations during the testing phase, the finished product thankfully tastes less like pure rocket fuel and more like the fleeting memory of a good barrel-aged whiskey. While it's not particularly flavorful, a shot or two pairs well with a host of traditional mixers; if you heed the label's instructions, you'll enjoy a pleasant buzz regardless of your personal tolerance levels. Drink too much, and you might find yourself involuntarily taking a rather long nap... probably not anywhere too comfortable, either.
Beyond the allure of the glass beverages case and the neatly-arranged rows of pastry, snack bars, and other high-calorie and alternative-diet snacks, observant visitors may also notice a sign-up table near the back wall. Staffed by a rather uninterested looking woman in a lab coat, the table offers a selection of sign-up sheets for a variety of dates in the coming weeks, each described only by a particular color.
Should you ask more questions, you'll regrettably get no answers — "the details of each test will be revealed at that time," — and no real reassurance, either, beyond the simple fact that participants may opt out at any time. It's admittedly not a whole lot to go on, but maybe the promise of paid participation is enough to encourage you to sign up anyway.
▸ The gold test, scheduled for later in the afternoon on the very same day, has room for five guinea pigs participants. For those of you who were brave enough to attend the Energy Festival and request an extra-special drink from the bartenders, you may remember the small drops of golden liquid that were tipped into your cup. Attend the first test, and you'll have opportunity to be the first to experience the concentrated version of this liquor. The test itself is only an hour, but the effects are said to last twenty-four — just how lucky will you be?
▸ Held first thing Monday morning, the silver test has slots for up to ten early birds. In fact, it's so early that you might not have time to pick up your morning cup of joe before you swing by, but don't worry — you'll get plenty of caffeine when you try this new energy drink. While the can itself is traditionally silver, the stuff inside is anything but. Once you've taken that last fateful sip, you'll find yourself really ready to move — like, really ready. For the next few hours after the test concludes, once the staff has ensured your heart rate and blood pressure haven't skyrocketed too, you'll enjoy a period of extremely high productivity thanks to a burst of superspeed. Of course, if you already had superspeed, you might not be so lucky... maybe it's time for you to slow down for a change?
▸ Last but certainly not least, the bronze test — not to be missed and hopefully not to be forgotten, especially given its particularly late scheduling in the twilight hours of Friday night — has room for up to twenty-five eager, sober participants. The cup of chamomile tea offered to you is not exactly the most interesting drink in the world, but it tastes decent, and the follow-up questions posed by the researchers are fairly innocuous, if not completely unrelated to the flavor or other details of what you've drank. Strange as it may seem, for whatever reason, you feel particularly encouraged to be honest about said questions. Maybe you're just in a helpful mood. They are paying you, after all. Of course, being cooperative for monetary compensation is all well and good, but what about afterwards? For the next twenty-four hours, you'll find yourself compelled to continue that cooperative streak, agreeing to requests and answering honestly to anything that comes your way — however will you manage? Will you stay home, or will you venture to take advantage and learn a little more about your fellow participants in the process?
Feel free to come in, explore, and pick up a few treats (or maybe some tricks, too) while you're here. You never know what might happen!
Greetings, cuddlers, and welcome to October! As the start of our super spooky month of tricks and treats, we hope you enjoy this special event at our newest retail location, METAMalt. The shop is home to a variety of edible creations, from calorie-dense bars perfect for speedsters to synthetic blood in trendy flavors, as well as a selection of enhanced beers and liquors like the ones noted above.
Much like the treats offered during our Energy Festival, the Enhanced line of drinks and food will all have plentiful labels and signage available so characters can make informed decisions about their purchases and consumptions. Of course, not all characters are the "look before you leap" type, so whether your character abides or even notices said labels is up to you.
In regards to the testing sessions offered by METAMalt's research division, we'd like to remind you of a few important notes. Characters will be asked to sign a waiver, in which they release the testers and shop from any liability, and will be asked to arrive to the test fully sober and unaffected by any other influences. While they will know the color designation and scheduled time of their test in advance, they will not be given any information regarding what type of drink or the effects expected prior to the test itself. The effects are described for the benefits of our players, and should be a surprise to each character experiencing them.
As always, your mod team is here for you with answers to any questions you might have, whether related specifically to this event or the game in general. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST.
We hope you have tons of fun out there this month, cuddlers, and we'll see ya around! |
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cuddlecity2017-10-01 02:36 pm
no subject
Sure, you're the lucky one, here.
[ She waves a hand, motioning towards the buildings in which the starter apartments can be found. She has no idea if Thor wants her to help with whatever experimenting he's thinking of doing, and if she should even be mentioning it, but here she is, probably making a fool of herself. ]
Well, my apartment's just a few blocks away. [ She flushes. ] Yours probably is too, actually, right? You could experiment... there...
[ The man - no, God - is so earnest, she can't imagine he's actually flirting with her, or even attempting it. She needs to get a grip, and talking about the battle is an excellent way to do so. ]
Yes. I mean I'm not a doctor, but I'm a nurse. I think it counts.
no subject
I do not quite think it appropriate of me to say you're welcome. My ego isn't that big.
[ He gave a nod, and while Thor and flirting at not quite mutually exclusive, in this case he's not doing it intentionally. He enjoys meeting new people, especially the scientifically minded. ]
Yes, it is. I am in the Alpha building. Not quite Asgard, but it's still comfortable. I would be happy to walk with you, despite my appearance.
[ And maybe he should at least try and take his jacket off. See if it doesn't cover him up. Or he could call Mjolnir. The hammer might provide some cover... ]
It does indeed count. You are no less a healer than a doctor. I think it's very important work.
no subject
Still, she nods, and holds out a hand towards the buildings, starting to walk. ]
Let's go. I imagine that these little apartments must be quite a change from whatever palace you're used to.
[ She smiles at his words, shrugging. ]
Thanks. I do think it's pretty important too, but doctors would probably disagree with you.
no subject
It's not as if I have never stayed somewhere on Midguard. If this even is Midguard. But Asgard is indeed very different. Beautiful.
[ Somewhere everyone should have a chance to see but it wasn't so easy. ]
Is there rivalry between you? I would have thought the patient's care was more important.
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[ A part of her wants to defend Earth's beauty, but she can tell that it's not how Thor meant it - at least, so she hopes.
She shrugs when he asks about doctors and nurses, the grocery bag rustling with her steps as it dangles by her side. ]
You'd think. And it is, most of the time, but doctors like to remind nurses that they're above them on the food chain, so to speak. They can be very arrogant, or treat us like we're merely the help. Not all of them do.
no subject
Ah, it is... I suppose in a lot of ways it is closer to Midguard that was. Not so much skyscrapers and roads. Beautiful lakes, and forests. The city looks like your fairytales. Golden.
[ Thor's eyebrows went up a bit before he frowned. ]
I do not think that's how nurses should be treated. I hope there are more good doctors than arrogant.
[ He still had mixed feelings about doctors. His first experience at a hospital was not a welcome one. ]
no subject
Sounds nice.
[ She shrugs, looking at the buildings they're approaching. ]
There are plenty excellent doctors, for sure. And there are shitty nurses, too. We need a bit of everything to balance it out. Hey, that's my building. Do you want to try out some experimenting with your current status there?
no subject
It is, but then so is this place for different reasons. I do not need a palace to be happy.
[ It was a slight jab at himself, he knew most assumed that he could never be content with 'ordinary' things after Asgard. ]
As it is in any place. There are excellent warriors and then there are 'shitty' ones. [ He frowned a little as he repeated her phrasing, but he understood the use. ] Yes, I do. This is still quite a mystery to me. Are you sure I would not be keeping you from anything?
no subject
What do you need to be happy?
[ One has to wonder. He is a God, after all; would it be power? Or respect? Or love, maybe?
She can't help but think him absolutely fascinating.
When he asks about bothering her, she waves the grocery bag in her hand. ]
Nothing I can't just do with you around. Do you like ice-cream, Thor?
[ After asking, she leads the way inside her building, and up the stairs to her apartment. ]
no subject
Not a lot, to be honest. Good food, good drink, good company. A battle. A worthy opponent.
[ He shrugged one of his shoulders, managing to look thoughtful despite his current appearance. Love was perhaps in there too, but he wasn't about to mention that. It became all sorts of complicated with his family. ]
Ice-cream has been a wonderful discovery. Midguardian sweets are something to be proud of.
[ Thor continued to follow, only slightly distracted as he once more tested the fact that he could feel his clothes but not see them. ]
no subject
They get to her door, and she unlocks it, opening it for Thor to walk in. Damn. She's got a God in her apartment, and she hasn't tidied up the basket of clean laundry off of the couch - shirts and underwear dangling from the sides of it. She flushes, chuckling, before grabbing it quickly, the door slamming behind her. ]
Sorry about the mess. Why don't you try taking off your jacket to start with, and we can see if it reappears once it's not in contact with you anymore? I'll get a blanket, as well, we can see if wrapping you around something that you weren't wearing when you drank works.
no subject
[ His smile was playful as he indicated himself. She had just met him for the first time while he was seemingly naked. He really wasn't going to judge her for a messy apartment. Although he didn't consider it to be all that messy.
And then he gave a nod as he started to remove his jacket, the entire act looking more than a little strange while his clothes were translucent. He held the jacket before placing it across a nearby surface, trusting that he would be able to find it again should it stay invisible.
There seemed to be a little more hint of its blue colour than there had been on his body. ]
They really do make potent drinks here, don't they?
no subject
She laughs at his comment, nodding as she hands him a soft grey blanket, eyeing it critically. ]
They sure do. I didn't actually expect to be faced with that much nakedness on one of my first nights here, that's for sure. I guess the city's government is in a hurry to get people 'closer'.
[ She does the air quotes as she speaks, observing the jacket slowly coming back to its colors. Strange. ]
Would you like a drink? Some ice cream?
no subject
[ He took the blanket and unfolded it. So far holding it didn't seem to result in any changes. After a moment he pulled it around his shoulders like a cape or a cloak.
Nothing seemed to change still, but his own clothing was still transparent. ] There do seem to be quite a few things designed for that purpose. The city is quite determined. Huh, well... at least you may not have to worry about my being naked while I'm here.
[ He shifted the blanket once more, tying it around his waist like a towel. He looked at her for approval ]
no subject
[ It isn't a come-on, and it isn't self-deprecating, either. Claire just knows, from the news and the interviews and the fan recounting meeting him, back home, that Thor is an earnest, honest kind of guy. She's pretty sure if he was interested in getting her clothes off, he would be straightforward with it. He seems like the kind of guy to be very earnest.
And then she grins, looking at his chest, and then her blanket wrapped around his waist. ]
If you think your nakedness was bothering me, I guess my game is way off. By all means, your naked body is actually a nice change of pace for me. I'm used to bullet holes and splintered bones. You're very - [ She gestures at the whole of him with both hands. ] - unblemished. And big. And you look so... smooth.
[ Quite the change from, say, Matthew Murdock. She bites her lip, turning back towards the kitchen to get drinks and the ice-cream, before she can embarrass herself further.]
At least this drink label says the effects are short-lived, so your clothes should be starting to come back soon.
no subject
I suppose I'm just used to things being a little more modest on Earth. [ Thor shrugged a shoulder as he glanced around the apartment, trying to look for the little knick-knacks and touches that made it Claire's home and not just somewhere to sleep.
He was still working on his own apartment. It had been a while since he properly lived anywhere but Asgard. Mjolnir at least had its own little place. ] Clothing... a respect for privacy. Banner had no choice in the matter. He is quite naked when he changes back from Hulk.
[ He looked back at her and then down at himself. ] It's not always the case. I can be hurt, but there are no fights to be had here. No battles. No immediate danger.
[ His eyebrows shifted again, both rising a little as that friendly smile remained. It was nice to know he hadn't offended her, and certainly even more of a pleasure to find out she didn't mind. ]
That is reassuring. This place certainly is curious.
no subject
[ Claire was also working on the apartment. She had not yet decided whether or not if she was to stay here for long, so it was sparsely decorated - there was a family photo on the mantelpiece, a few books on the coffee table - she'd been re-reading 1984 lately, for ironic reasons - but mainly, it was pretty plain, while she settled down. She wasn't much of a materialistic person anyway, and treasured memories in her head more than belongings. ]
But don't you heal very fast? Isn't that part of Asgardian physiology? I'm pretty sure I read a few medical journals about it before.
[ She swallows, before handing him a drink - bourbon, her favorite - and a bowl of vanilla ice cream. She is a lady with simple desires. ] And the lack of battles or danger, I should be happy about it, right? But I feel... pretty useless, around here. No one needs a nurse - let alone two - when the worst that can happen to you is a cut while cooking.
no subject
[ Whichever was the correct tense. Especially since his break-up with Jane. It may have been a contributing factor but he's choosing not to think of it that way. He just wasn't tied to Earth as the others were. Especially not when he'd been seeking answers regarding the Infinity Stones.
Thor picked up 1984, his reading of certain Midguardian literature fairly limited. ]
Yes, that still doesn't mean I do not have injuries for a time, however limited before I am smooth again. [ He grinned a little at using her description of his body.
He set the book down and took the offerings. He was familiar with bourbon from Stark's parties. He sipped at it. ] Here's to new friendship. As should I, but I fear we are both feeling a little useless. I heard there was an earthquake before we arrived so I would not be concerned about your skills going to waste.
no subject
So do you think you're here to stay, then? If you feel useless, I mean. Do you think this is the right place for you?
[ She digs her spoon into her ice-cream, swirling it around before eating some. She's not actually all that hungry, with the events of the evening having put her mind to other tasks than just relaxing for now. It was weird, how not weird having Thor standing naked in her living space was. She should be freaked out, probably, but it actually felt comfortable. She went to sit on the couch, pulling her legs under her. ]
Are you doing the whole 'physical intimacy' thing, or do you find it strange?
no subject
[ He gave her a pointed look. Hadn't she just said how she did not think there was a need for her skills here. Thor finished his drink, never one to really sip and savour. He glanced down, relieved at least to see the beginnings of his clothing revealed. He had shoes and the cuffs of his pants. An odd look given the rest of him was still naked. ]
It's hard to know where is the right place if you have never been there before. Perhaps I chose a poor use of words. I do not feel useless, just that my skills which have been honed over centuries do not seem applicable here. Even more so than your healing talents.
It merely requires me to adjust and to seek new experiences. And no, I do not find it odd though I do still prefer to care for someone.
[ Thor raised his eyebrows and grinned a little. ]
I am an old man like that.
no subject
[ It's no accusation. She's only curious, but there's nothing forcing him to answer if he doesn't feel like it. ]
Yeah, I guess I need to find other ways to make myself useful. It's just that my wish - it's something I really want to see fulfilled, so even if I feel out of place, I want to work for it.
[ She looks up at Thor again, smiling. ]
Don't you have a girlfriend, on Earth? Is she here?
no subject
He clenched his jaw at the mention of Jane and busied himself with his ice cream for a moment. ]
How would you know about her? And no, she is not here.
[ He cleared his throat and returned to a more comfortable topic. ]
I would think that if you're that determined to see your wish fulfilled then you will no issue finding a way. You strike me as very capable.
no subject
It's one of these things - you're a public figure, since the Battle of New York. You get papped with her, when you're here. Sorry if it's - I didn't mean to overstep.
[ She didn't really want to sour things from the get-go, thinking the question innocent enough. Maybe they were in a rough patch, or they'd broken up.
None of her business.
She can't help the startled laugh that escapes her when he speaks next. ]
Yeah, sure, I am capable. It's just that this place seems to really want people to get close and that requires willing participants. [ Waving a hand in front of her, she dismisses the subject. ] I'm sure if I'm meant to get my wish fulfilled, I'll meet someone at some point.
no subject
Then again, the events in London hadn't exactly been secret though he had thought Jane had stayed out of the footage for the most part. Maybe it was why they had broken up. Thor wasn't even convincing himself though, he knew it was because of the distance. He couldn't be on Earth as often as she liked.
Such irony that he found himself stuck now without her here. ]
It's not overstepping. I just never considered that people other than my friends would know about her. Perhaps I was ignorant to all the ways of your realm.
[ Thor raised his bowl of ice cream as if toasting her again. ] I have no doubt that you will meet someone. It will not take long at all. You're attractive, smart, and yes, capable. This city seems just as willing to accept good deeds as it does the more physical aspect. There is no point in doing something if you are not comfortable with the idea.
no subject
[ She shrugs, biting the inside of her lip. ]
It's like - I think people want to feel a connection, you know? Even if it's fabricated by the press. They just want to feel like... like they know you.
[ Sighing, she puts her bowl down, keeping her drink in hand. She's not looking at him - no idea how this conversation shifted so drastically. ]
I don't know that it's not going to take me long. Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I wouldn't count on me finding myself someone any time soon.