I know her. I haven't seen her do the ribbon trick yet, but if you're talking costuming as a superpower, including Mistress of Genderflip, Torrey Stenmark has it. There have been a good handful of times when it's taken me several minutes to figure out who she was... the Goblin King, Hermione Granger, and the best one of'em... backstory. The hotel where Norwescon is held is right across from SeaTac. They're the hotel of choice for a LOT of airline crew. What I see is a woman in a pinstriped skirt-suit and heels, with a security badge, looking for all the world like she just got off crewing a flight from Chicago, talking to one of the fen in the coffee bar... then I got a doubletake on the security badge. STARK INDUSTRIES. TONI STARK. "Oh, HI, Torrey!"
True that!! Although silk can cut if it's moving fast enough. But I'd guess that's surprise she holds back for only direst of situations, preferring non-violent solutions.
So, she's Feminine, both in biology and mentally... Hmm..
Something about all those ribbons also says Asian to me, or Asian-American anyway. Umm, I'd have to research it, but I think there is traditional style of dance for somewhere that uses ribbons or long bits of cloth... maybe.. or who knows, maybe she came up with the idea herself.
>> True that!! Although silk can cut if it's moving fast enough. <<
Certainly, but you usually have to mean it.
>> But I'd guess that's surprise she holds back for only direst of situations, preferring non-violent solutions.<<
Agreed.
>> So, she's Feminine, both in biology and mentally... Hmm..<<
\o/
>>Something about all those ribbons also says Asian to me, or Asian-American anyway. Umm, I'd have to research it, but I think there is traditional style of dance for somewhere that uses ribbons or long bits of cloth... maybe.. or who knows, maybe she came up with the idea herself.<<
Ribbon dance appears in performance and martial arts. While usually just swirled artfully in the air nowadays, they can be used to confuse or trip people, or snatch away a weapon.
Agreed, I can't see her using a blade. But, a baton with a long ribbon attached? Or a set of ribbons with weights, metal balls say, at the ends? Come to think of it, weighted ribbons are an actual martial arts weapon I seem to recall.
Hee.. With all those ribbons and cloths wound around her. I'm wondering if there's an actual dress under them all! Or just a set of underwear. [gotta give the girl a spark of rebellion somewhere.]
>> Agreed, I can't see her using a blade. But, a baton with a long ribbon attached? Or a set of ribbons with weights, metal balls say, at the ends? Come to think of it, weighted ribbons are an actual martial arts weapon I seem to recall. <<
Good ideas.
>> Hee.. With all those ribbons and cloths wound around her. I'm wondering if there's an actual dress under them all! Or just a set of underwear. [gotta give the girl a spark of rebellion somewhere.] <<
Could be either, or both on different occasions. I would expect a dexflan unitard underneath the silk or capery ribbons and cloths. As much as some people gripe about what superheras wear in comics ... have you seen modern biking or exercise clothes? They don't exactly leave a lot to the imagination.
Come to think of it, weren't a lot of Golden Age super-hero costumes based on exercise wear of the day? I mean, Superman's outfit [with the pants on the outside] is a straight up copy of a circus strongman's costume.
and when you consider what exercise clothing is designed for, it makes sense. [That said, I swear some exercise gear draws inspiration from modern super-hero costumes too, boob windows and all!]
So, our hypothetical superhera is all about quick flowing movement, ergo, she would wear something under all those wrappings that allows for ease of movement without the risk of catching or getting tangled.
>> Come to think of it, weren't a lot of Golden Age super-hero costumes based on exercise wear of the day? I mean, Superman's outfit [with the pants on the outside] is a straight up copy of a circus strongman's costume. <<
Yes, exactly. The circus and other performing arts have a lot of influence, but many underlying features -- especially in the best designed costumes -- rely on ease of movement, which is exercise related.
>> and when you consider what exercise clothing is designed for, it makes sense. [That said, I swear some exercise gear draws inspiration from modern super-hero costumes too, boob windows and all!] <<
It's a circle. But superhero comics didn't invent the boob window. That's been around forever. The earliest version I know of, the keyhole bodice, actually lifts and exposes the boobs. Patriarchal societies found this a little too hard to handle, and put blouses under it.
You can also find commonly mocked superhera outfit features, such as the boob window and the plunging neckline, in formal wear.
It took me over 350 pages of notes to hit the first boob window in a T-American superhera costume, but they do exist. Dvorak uses hers to stun heterosexual men into a pause which gives her an advantage.
>>So, our hypothetical superhera is all about quick flowing movement, ergo, she would wear something under all those wrappings that allows for ease of movement without the risk of catching or getting tangled.<<
Don't think 'set boobs to stun' is going to work for Silk.
I'm going to make up a character sheet for her tonight. I have some ideas...
Question, do we want her to actually encounter Shiv? Say at the club, [she likes jazz]... there are enough similarities between her's and Shiv's powers that they would 'chime' once in proximity. [and she's mad for Frozen too.]
>> Don't think 'set boobs to stun' is going to work for Silk. <<
I agree, but it's a useful comparison. She probably made that decision deliberately. Do consider whether she has a very curvy or relatively slender physique. Asians tend to run sleek, until you get into the branches that became Polynesian.
>> I'm going to make up a character sheet for her tonight. I have some ideas... <<
Yay! :D I'd love to see an illustration of that too.
>> Question, do we want her to actually encounter Shiv? Say at the club, [she likes jazz]... <<
I am open to that possibility. Blues Moon does bring in guest performers regularly. The weeknights are often casual performances by locals with an occasional outsider; Friday and Saturday nights usually have more important folks on tour. Obviously, it's a soup-friendly venue, but there aren't a lot of superpowered performers so seeing one is a rare treat.
>> there are enough similarities between her's and Shiv's powers that they would 'chime' once in proximity. <<
That makes sense. Given the right setup, they could probably jam, working their abilities in concert. But that would take a lot of practice to do well. Shiv is still learning what he can do on his own. Tandem work is worth considering for the future, though. While silk itself is too soft for Shiv to manipulate, metal weights would do the trick quite nicely. With two people controlling different aspects of the costume, greater variety and complexity of motion could be achieved. And he has a sense of jazz music, so he could move to the beat, with practice.
>> [and she's mad for Frozen too.] <<
*laugh* Snake with a diamond ring in its mouth. I think the only other person who knows about his fascination with that movie is his former cellmate Largo. Well, and Jaxon, but that was an accidental discovery rather than sitting down to watch it together. I wouldn't expect Shiv to confess this bit of common ground early in their acquaintance, but it might come out later.
*ponder* They could totally re-enact key scenes together. Shiv's ability could manipulate glass to simulate the ice, and is more stable to control than frozen water; and Silk could do the dress, dancing, and singing. <3 cosplay for the WIN.
Well, he might not admit to his secret love of Frozen at first... but Silk would openly admit to it [she's more out-going then he is after all]... I can see her singing one of the songs, with him singing alone under his breath, and she stops, and he doesn't. And her going Squee!!
and he'd probably think it was a trick. As usual. But she'd be delighted to find a fellow fan.
And yes, they would work together! I'm not sure she'd be comfortable at first with him reshaping her metal weights into sharp things, she uses blunt force for a reason... but I can see her weaving metal thread through her silks to give him something to 'grab'.
and the idea of the pair of the cosplaying scenes is hilarious, and so adorable! She has the singing range for it too.
>> Well, he might not admit to his secret love of Frozen at first... but Silk would openly admit to it [she's more out-going then he is after all]... <<
In this regard, I think they will be good for each other. Also, Boss White is seriously inclusive about race, so there's no problem with an Asian woman singing jazz -- whether in English, Asian languages, African ones, or a mix.
>> I can see her singing one of the songs, with him singing alone under his breath, and she stops, and he doesn't. And her going Squee!! <<
LOL yes, I love that for the big reveal. I know that Shiv's favorite version is "Fuck It All," but he knows the original lyrics too. I would bet that Silk's is the polyglot version.
>> and he'd probably think it was a trick. As usual. But she'd be delighted to find a fellow fan. <<
:D
I would say, set up the first meeting with Shiv tentatively intrigued, but afraid to approach too closely. He has so little experience with actually making friends, it's very hard for him, and he always worries that people will pick on him because historically they have. Over time, though, he warms up to people if they're reliable and treat him decently.
It will be fun to watch this develop, and in fact, it makes a good storyline to follow through the months when Shiv is stuck at Blues Moon because Boss White wants him to keep his nose clean until the six-month mark. Take a look at the timeline of poems thus far and see where you want to drop in the first meeting. Also, with "Rare Orientations" in the February Fishbowl and "Valentines Day" on allbingo, next month looks promising should you wish me to write an installment from Shiv's perspective.
>> And yes, they would work together! I'm not sure she'd be comfortable at first with him reshaping her metal weights into sharp things, she uses blunt force for a reason... <<
Probably not, but Shiv is adept at explaining the usefulness of sharp things. With an edge on the end of a line, you can cut something without needing to get close to it, such as a rope around a hostage or one holding a heavy weight. Look at scenes of swashbuckling fights and you'll see many examples, just usually cut with a sword or thrown dagger. One piece of entertainment that Shiv will admit to enjoying is Foibles and Fortes, set in 17th century France. It is a Baroque comedy of manners with a lot of swordfighting. Pain's Gray loves this show, and got Shiv into it too.
>> but I can see her weaving metal thread through her silks to give him something to 'grab'. <<
That works too.
>> and the idea of the pair of the cosplaying scenes is hilarious, and so adorable! She has the singing range for it too. <<
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2018-01-21 01:20 pm
no subject
no subject
here's a variant in a tweed suit...
And I *know* she uses Arduino to control some of her costumes (including the Avatar one)... So, yeah.
"And remember. There are such things!"
-- Closing lines of "Dracula" the stage play
Wow!
So. Much. Win.
Re: Wow!
Well ...
Re: Well ...
Hmm, now I'm wondering what Shiv's opposite-but-similar counterpart would be like...
Gah, like I need another plot bunny!!
Re: Well ...
Re: Well ...
So, she's Feminine, both in biology and mentally... Hmm..
Something about all those ribbons also says Asian to me, or Asian-American anyway. Umm, I'd have to research it, but I think there is traditional style of dance for somewhere that uses ribbons or long bits of cloth... maybe.. or who knows, maybe she came up with the idea herself.
Re: Well ...
Certainly, but you usually have to mean it.
>> But I'd guess that's surprise she holds back for only direst of situations, preferring non-violent solutions.<<
Agreed.
>> So, she's Feminine, both in biology and mentally... Hmm..<<
\o/
>>Something about all those ribbons also says Asian to me, or Asian-American anyway. Umm, I'd have to research it, but I think there is traditional style of dance for somewhere that uses ribbons or long bits of cloth... maybe.. or who knows, maybe she came up with the idea herself.<<
Ribbon dance appears in performance and martial arts. While usually just swirled artfully in the air nowadays, they can be used to confuse or trip people, or snatch away a weapon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42OS-HHz1As
Also, Asian cultures often use tassels or cloths to obscure the movement of weapons. Consider a nightstick instead of a blade.
Re: Well ...
Hee.. With all those ribbons and cloths wound around her. I'm wondering if there's an actual dress under them all! Or just a set of underwear. [gotta give the girl a spark of rebellion somewhere.]
Re: Well ...
Good ideas.
>> Hee.. With all those ribbons and cloths wound around her. I'm wondering if there's an actual dress under them all! Or just a set of underwear. [gotta give the girl a spark of rebellion somewhere.] <<
Could be either, or both on different occasions. I would expect a dexflan unitard underneath the silk or capery ribbons and cloths. As much as some people gripe about what superheras wear in comics ... have you seen modern biking or exercise clothes? They don't exactly leave a lot to the imagination.
https://coresites-cdn.factorymedia.com/twc/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-10-282.jpg
https://nelasportswear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/protokolo-bra051-capri2674-set.jpg
https://nelasportswear.com/wp-content/uploads/imported/equilibrium-set-top401.jpg
Re: Well ...
and when you consider what exercise clothing is designed for, it makes sense. [That said, I swear some exercise gear draws inspiration from modern super-hero costumes too, boob windows and all!]
So, our hypothetical superhera is all about quick flowing movement, ergo, she would wear something under all those wrappings that allows for ease of movement without the risk of catching or getting tangled.
Re: Well ...
Yes, exactly. The circus and other performing arts have a lot of influence, but many underlying features -- especially in the best designed costumes -- rely on ease of movement, which is exercise related.
>> and when you consider what exercise clothing is designed for, it makes sense. [That said, I swear some exercise gear draws inspiration from modern super-hero costumes too, boob windows and all!] <<
It's a circle. But superhero comics didn't invent the boob window. That's been around forever. The earliest version I know of, the keyhole bodice, actually lifts and exposes the boobs. Patriarchal societies found this a little too hard to handle, and put blouses under it.
You can also find commonly mocked superhera outfit features, such as the boob window and the plunging neckline, in formal wear.
It took me over 350 pages of notes to hit the first boob window in a T-American superhera costume, but they do exist. Dvorak uses hers to stun heterosexual men into a pause which gives her an advantage.
>>So, our hypothetical superhera is all about quick flowing movement, ergo, she would wear something under all those wrappings that allows for ease of movement without the risk of catching or getting tangled.<<
Well reasoned.
Re: Well ...
I'm going to make up a character sheet for her tonight. I have some ideas...
Question, do we want her to actually encounter Shiv? Say at the club, [she likes jazz]... there are enough similarities between her's and Shiv's powers that they would 'chime' once in proximity. [and she's mad for Frozen too.]
Re: Well ...
I agree, but it's a useful comparison. She probably made that decision deliberately. Do consider whether she has a very curvy or relatively slender physique. Asians tend to run sleek, until you get into the branches that became Polynesian.
>> I'm going to make up a character sheet for her tonight. I have some ideas... <<
Yay! :D I'd love to see an illustration of that too.
>> Question, do we want her to actually encounter Shiv? Say at the club, [she likes jazz]... <<
I am open to that possibility. Blues Moon does bring in guest performers regularly. The weeknights are often casual performances by locals with an occasional outsider; Friday and Saturday nights usually have more important folks on tour. Obviously, it's a soup-friendly venue, but there aren't a lot of superpowered performers so seeing one is a rare treat.
>> there are enough similarities between her's and Shiv's powers that they would 'chime' once in proximity. <<
That makes sense. Given the right setup, they could probably jam, working their abilities in concert. But that would take a lot of practice to do well. Shiv is still learning what he can do on his own. Tandem work is worth considering for the future, though. While silk itself is too soft for Shiv to manipulate, metal weights would do the trick quite nicely. With two people controlling different aspects of the costume, greater variety and complexity of motion could be achieved. And he has a sense of jazz music, so he could move to the beat, with practice.
>> [and she's mad for Frozen too.] <<
*laugh* Snake with a diamond ring in its mouth. I think the only other person who knows about his fascination with that movie is his former cellmate Largo. Well, and Jaxon, but that was an accidental discovery rather than sitting down to watch it together. I wouldn't expect Shiv to confess this bit of common ground early in their acquaintance, but it might come out later.
*ponder* They could totally re-enact key scenes together. Shiv's ability could manipulate glass to simulate the ice, and is more stable to control than frozen water; and Silk could do the dress, dancing, and singing. <3 cosplay for the WIN.
Re: Well ...
and he'd probably think it was a trick. As usual. But she'd be delighted to find a fellow fan.
And yes, they would work together! I'm not sure she'd be comfortable at first with him reshaping her metal weights into sharp things, she uses blunt force for a reason... but I can see her weaving metal thread through her silks to give him something to 'grab'.
and the idea of the pair of the cosplaying scenes is hilarious, and so adorable! She has the singing range for it too.
Re: Well ...
In this regard, I think they will be good for each other. Also, Boss White is seriously inclusive about race, so there's no problem with an Asian woman singing jazz -- whether in English, Asian languages, African ones, or a mix.
>> I can see her singing one of the songs, with him singing alone under his breath, and she stops, and he doesn't. And her going Squee!! <<
LOL yes, I love that for the big reveal. I know that Shiv's favorite version is "Fuck It All," but he knows the original lyrics too. I would bet that Silk's is the polyglot version.
>> and he'd probably think it was a trick. As usual. But she'd be delighted to find a fellow fan. <<
:D
I would say, set up the first meeting with Shiv tentatively intrigued, but afraid to approach too closely. He has so little experience with actually making friends, it's very hard for him, and he always worries that people will pick on him because historically they have. Over time, though, he warms up to people if they're reliable and treat him decently.
It will be fun to watch this develop, and in fact, it makes a good storyline to follow through the months when Shiv is stuck at Blues Moon because Boss White wants him to keep his nose clean until the six-month mark. Take a look at the timeline of poems thus far and see where you want to drop in the first meeting. Also, with "Rare Orientations" in the February Fishbowl and "Valentines Day" on
>> And yes, they would work together! I'm not sure she'd be comfortable at first with him reshaping her metal weights into sharp things, she uses blunt force for a reason... <<
Probably not, but Shiv is adept at explaining the usefulness of sharp things. With an edge on the end of a line, you can cut something without needing to get close to it, such as a rope around a hostage or one holding a heavy weight. Look at scenes of swashbuckling fights and you'll see many examples, just usually cut with a sword or thrown dagger. One piece of entertainment that Shiv will admit to enjoying is Foibles and Fortes, set in 17th century France. It is a Baroque comedy of manners with a lot of swordfighting. Pain's Gray loves this show, and got Shiv into it too.
>> but I can see her weaving metal thread through her silks to give him something to 'grab'. <<
That works too.
>> and the idea of the pair of the cosplaying scenes is hilarious, and so adorable! She has the singing range for it too. <<
This is going to be so much fun.