bad rap

[insertusername]

bad rap

The things we become known for aren’t always what we’d like to be known for. Reputations are hard to run from. Sometimes they’re not even deserved. So here’s your chance to set the record straight. Clear up some misplaced assumptions, debunk any rumours about yourself and defy your stereotypes.

how to play:

Top level with something(s) your character is tired of people assuming about them, blaming them for, or pigeonholing them about, etc. Say it in person or over text.

Comment on any surprising, or not so surprising declarations.

Comments

[wwrench]

I'm not doubting you, but we only just met and you've already admitted you're an immortal military experiment with radiation poisoning.

Makes a guy wonder what the real secret is.

Feel about the same as always. So what's that tell you? Here we are having a chat, and there's no immediate threat of me dropping dead.

[horticulturalist]

This might surprise you, but my appearance raises a lot of questions. The answers to which aren't worth the effort to hide.
You think there's something I'm not telling you?

It tells me this outfit is working like it's supposed to.

[wwrench]

I think there's got to be, if that's what you call your terrible secret.

So wear the outfit and go wherever the hell you want, right? Why not? Unless you prefer being a lifelong hermit.

[horticulturalist]

You don't think all this is terrible enough?

Because I literally can't take it off anywhere. Except in the bunker.
And like I said. The other guy has a say too.

[wwrench]

No, I really can't imagine it. But like you said, it's no secret. It's written all over you.

That's okay, I wasn't asking you to take your clothes off. Not yet at least, but I'll keep that under advisement.

What's the other guy like?

[horticulturalist]

It didn't used to be. Some of us don't get to pretend to be normal forever.

Opinionated for a quiet guy.

[wwrench]

What do you mean, it didn't used to be? You can't say your terrible secret is the thing that makes you look the way you do, and say your terrible secret wasn't always obvious.

You're hiding something else, right?

Well, that I can relate to.

[horticulturalist]

It's always been there. It just wasn't always on the outside.
I ruin people.

[wwrench]

So what, you're saying you're cursed? Doomed to be alone?

[horticulturalist]

You might say that. If superstition does it for you.

[wwrench]

For me? Not particularly. Guess the question I'm asking is whether you take that for a problem of your own making, or something the universe has put on you.

[horticulturalist]

It's mine.

[wwrench]

Then it doesn't have to be the way it is, does it?

Of course, you can't be 40 years old again. Who knows what plastic surgery could do. But it's not all or nothing either, is it?

[horticulturalist]

It does.
And it is.

We can change some things about ourselves. We can't change everything.

[wwrench]

I'm in no position to say, really. I just get the sense you're resigned, rather than resolved.

[horticulturalist]

I guess that depends on what you think I've subscribed to. Resignation and resolve might look the same.

[wwrench]

I get the feeling you won't crucify me if I say it's hard to tell by looks.

You seem like a friendly guy. You like talking to people?

[horticulturalist]

You're right. I won't. But between that and what little else you know about me I have to wonder what your assumptions are if they're enough to give you that impression.

I wouldn't go that far. I've never been very chatty.
But it's nice. To get out. Meet people.

[wwrench]

Think they call it "projecting." Or maybe I'm fishing. I'm not saying I'm right. Just counting on you to set me straight if I say something outrageous.

Good practice, I'll bet. You seem pretty decent at it.

[horticulturalist]

I can live with that.
Maybe I'm undecided anyway.

Thanks.

[wwrench]

Good. I'm not that committed to being right. Guess that's a misconception about me. I like to argue, but mostly because it's a surefire way of keeping the conversation going.

It's not flattery. Most people lose their patience by now, talking to someone like this.

[horticulturalist]

Doesn't it get tiresome?

I'm not exactly overwhelmed with things I need to be getting around to. My life slowed down a lot in the 60's.

[wwrench]

What part of it? Scrounging for scraps of conversation?

It's not just a matter of how long it takes. A lot of people think it feels inauthentic.

[horticulturalist]

No. Arguing.

Don't most people text these days anyway?

[wwrench]

Not really. I don't think about it like that. If someone wants to argue with you, then you must be worth their time, right?

You'd think so. Maybe I ought to use more emojis.