(set: $score to 0)
"Merics Drag Race, start your pencils, Meric's Drag Race, may the best True Blue Win, Meric's Drag Race, May the best true blue/best true blue wi-in."
So goes the opening theme of Meric's Drag Race, a new show completely and legally dissimilar to any other existing tv programme. It is a drag competition comprised of ten enterprising University of Toronto students, competing to win free tuition and a coveted spot in Health and Wellness Services.
"I am always looking for ways to promote the University of Toronto, and this seemed like a natural fit!" says host Meric Gertler.
"I'm excited to be hosting this programme along with my dear friends The Brown Food Truck and Your Least Favorite TA."
"I hope these kids actually bring some decent drag." says the TA, irritatedly checking twitter. "I need to get back to my thesis."
The Brown Food Truck did not comment, but all present were convinced that it was emanating a positive and loving energy.
You submitted your audition tape weeks ago. Why did you decide to audition?
[[For the money]]
[[To get famous]]
[[To become an artist]]
[[To meet Meric]]
Free tuition and money for therapy? That's the dream of every student, right?
You check your email again and again, until-finally-you receieve the one you've been waiting for.
"Congratulations!" it chirps. "You've been selected to appear on Meric's Drag Race." It then outlines the rules, such as not posting about this on social media or using it as an excuse for an extension, and outlines the categories and challenges you will be expected to compete in.
You take a deep breath. You were born for this. You will be The True Blue.
(set: $variable to "money")
The [[day arrives]].You've already gained hundreds of likes on the meme groups and been featured in the Varsity. This is the next natural step.
You check your email again and again, until-finally-you receieve the one you've been waiting for.
"Congratulations!" it chirps. "You've been selected to appear on Meric's Drag Race." It then outlines the rules, such as not posting about this on social media or using it as an excuse for an extension, and outlines the categories and challenges you will be expected to compete in.
You take a deep breath. You were born for this. You will be The True Blue.
(set: $variable to "fame")
The [[day arrives]].You are a true creator, and no rejection from OCAD or campus art magazines will change that. You'll show them.
(set: $variable to "artist")
You check your email again and again, until-finally-you receieve the one you've been waiting for.
"Congratulations!" it chirps. "You've been selected to appear on Meric's Drag Race." It then outlines the rules, such as not posting about this on social media or using it as an excuse for an extension, and outlines the categories and challenges you will be expected to compete in.
You take a deep breath. You were born for this. You will be The True Blue.
The [[day arrives]].You tried to ask him for a selfie at frosh, but the man didn't even look at you. And now that he blocked you on Instagram, this is your only option.
(set: $variable to "Meric")
You check your email again and again, until-finally-you receieve the one you've been waiting for.
"Congratulations!" it chirps. "You've been selected to appear on Meric's Drag Race." It then outlines the rules, such as not posting about this on social media or using it as an excuse for an extension, and outlines the categories and challenges you will be expected to compete in.
You take a deep breath. You were born for this. You will be The True Blue.
The [[day arrives]].
Due to budget constraints, it turns out that the studio is acutally in the basement of Sid Smith, as it was the only location on campus which no outsider would ever be able to find. You are placed in an adjoning room,and given a video feed to watch the other contestants enter.
The first to enter is a tall drag king, who is clad in a somewhat unflattering gray outfit.
"Name's John Robhearts." he says gruffly. "I'm a recently graduated math major, and I'm here to get enough money to allow me to move out. My drag is to the point and in-your-face. I can be brutal, but brutalism is underrated."
John takes his place in the room, crouching in a vageuly birdlike fashion.
Next to enter is a sweet-looking queen, clad in a basic pink gown. "Hey!" she squeaks. "My name is Connie Hall, and I'm first-year humanities. I'm a performer, I just want to entertain. Some call me conventional, but they don't know what they're talking about."
She skips into the room,reaching to hug John. John moves away, raising and an already arched eyebrow.
"I'm not into cheerfulness." he declares. "It's unsettling."
Nex up, a strange frosh chant fills the workroom, and in sashays a queen in a blue dress. "I'm Hoe Kitty Choik," she purrs, and I'm here to choik the competition. When I'm not performing, I'm a Book and Media Studies Major at our dear St. Mikes'.
Hoe Kitty gives her hand to John, who kisses it gracefully, and allows herself to be hugged by a clearly overexcited Connie.
How are you feeling so far? Are you [[intimidated]], [[confident]] or [[unbothered]] by the competition?An intern ushers you into the entrance of the room, where you pose and announce yourself as:
[[InHis College]]
[[Sidney Smitten]]
[[Matt 157]]
[[Something else]]You've heard of John and Hoe Kitty, they're the closest thing the campus drag scene has to stars. And Connie may seem unthreatening, but she has potential. But you'll just have to be better than they are.
After Hoe Kitty enters a performer dressed in an outfit comprised of what looks like blown glass, which is actually really compelling.
"I'm Missy Auga." she declares. "And I'm here to show the children that you should never ignore UTM." She strikes a pose, and the other performers look skeptical.
"Her look is weird. "Connie declares in her confessional, while Hoe Kitty just rolls her eyes and says "Art freak".
"Some people call me weird, but they are just behind the times." Missy declares. "I'm the queen of the chem department, but I'm confined to no formula."
Missy settles herself on a chair, sharing stiff nods with the others present.
After her enters a performer wearing a gown which looks like it is soaked in oil, along with a flame-coloured wig.
"Name's Diana Vest, but you can call me Di for short." they say, smiling to the camera. "I'm a second-year double majoring in Equity Studies and Biology."
"I love it!" Missy exclaims. "They use their art to bring attention to things people never want to talk about."
"I admit, they are talented." John shrugs. "But sometimes they can lay it on a bit thick. I mean, oil? Really?"
Di hugs Missy, exchanges pleasantries with Connie and ignores John and Hoe Kitty. Suddenly, it's [[your turn]].
Really? Your competition is a first-year fresh out of high school, an over-it grad, and a queen who only has one outfit? You could beat these people in your sleep.
After Hoe Kitty enters a performer dressed in an outfit comprised of what looks like blown glass, which is actually really compelling.
"I'm Missy Auga." she declares. "And I'm here to show the children that you should never sleep on UTM." She strikes a pose, and the other performers look skeptical.
"Her look is weird. " Connie declares in her confessional, while Hoe Kitty just rolls her eyes and says "Art freak".
"Some people call me weird, but they are just behind the times." Missy declares. "I'm the queen of the chem department, but I'm confined to no formula."
Missy settles herself on a chair, sharing stiff nods with the others present.
After her enters a performer wearing a gown which looks like it is soaked in oil, along with a flame-coloured wig.
"Name's Diana Vest, but you can call me Di for short." they say, smiling to the camera. "I'm a second-year double majoring in Equity Studies and Biology."
"I love it!" Missy exclaims. "They use their art to bring attention to things people never want to talk about."
"I admit, they are talented." John shrugs. "But sometimes they can lay it on a bit thick. I mean, oil? Really?"
Di hugs Missy, exchanges pleasantries with Connie and ignores John and Hoe Kitty. Suddenly, it's [[your turn]].In the end, it doesn't matter who your competition is. You know you're good enough to beat any of these people.
After Hoe Kitty enters a performer dressed in an outfit comprised of what looks like blown glass, which is actually really compelling.
"I'm Missy Auga." she declares. "And I'm here to show the children that you should never sleep on UTM." She strikes a pose, and the other performers look skeptical.
"Her look is weird. "Connie declares in her confessional, while Hoe Kitty just rolls her eyes and says "Art freak".
"Some people call me weird, but they are just behind the times." Missy declares. "I'm the queen of the chem department, but I'm confined to no formula."
Missy settles themself on a chair, sharing stiff nods with the others present.
After her enters a performer wearing a gown which looks like it is soaked in oil, along with a flame-coloured wig.
"Name's Diana Vest, but you can call me Di for short." they say, smiling to the camera. "I'm a second-year double majoring in Equity Studies and Biology."
"I love it!" Missy exclaims. "They use their art to bring attention to things people never want to talk about."
"I admit, they are talented." John shrugs. "But sometimes they can lay it on a bit thick. I mean, oil? Really?"
Di hugs Missy, exchanges pleasantries with Connie and ignores John and Hoe Kitty. Suddenly, it's [[your turn]].(set: $name to "InHis College")
"I'm InHis College" you smile, "and Innis loves you."
The other performers look at you with interest, but it's clear that they don't consider you too much competition. But you'll show them. What's your secret weapon?
[[My gorgeous looks]]
[[My sense of humour]]
[[My performance ability]]
[[My reality tv chops]](set: $name to 'iconic name')
You utter a name and entrance line so iconic that it will be remembered forever.
The other performers look at you with interest, but it's clear that they don't consider you too much competition. But you'll show them. What's your secret weapon?
[[My gorgeous looks]]
[[My sense of humour]]
[[My performance ability]]
[[My reality tv chops]]Your makeup is incomparable and original. You'll outshine all of these amateurs.
There's four more to go after you. The next two are mostly forgettable-some girl who is semi-famous on Instagram and mostly here for exposure, and a Philosopy major who alternates between mansplaining Plato and showing his abs.
You have almost tuned out when two performers come out together and pose in unision. One is dressed impeccably in a sumptuous suit, while the other is wearing a glitter-encrusted military uniform.
"I'm Lady Law." says the glamorous one to the camera. "I'm sophisticated, classy, and expensive-the real monarch of the Journalism Department."
"True that!" exclaims their partner. "I'm the Major-Major MinorSpecialist, if you're my PoliSci prof. Me and the Lady have been performing together for years. We're a package deal-comedy and glamour, all together."
The other performers look flummoxed, and some confusedly hug the Lady while others accept flowers from the Major.
"Having a partner has got to be against the rules." Instagram girl complains. "I'm calling my agent."
"I like the Lady, but I'm not such a fan of the military motif." offers up Di. "Specially for a comedy act."
Suddenly, you see Meric come up on the room's tv screen. Everyone screams.
"Greetings, Basic Income Units-er, performers. I'm so glad to see you all. I will meet you at Bader in ten minutes."
It's almost impossible to get there that fast. Do you [[sprint]], take the [[TTC]], or [[take a secret route]]?
(set: $talent to "looks") You may not always look perfect, but you could amuse even someone who's just seen their marks on Acorn.
There's four more to go after you. The next two are mostly forgettable-some girl who is semi-famous on Instagram and mostly here for exposure, and a Philosopy major who alternates between mansplaining Plato and showing his abs.
You have almost tuned out when two performers come out together and pose in unision. One is dressed impeccably in a sumptuous suit, while the other is wearing a glitter-encrusted military uniform.
"I'm Lady Law." says the glamorous one to the camera. "I'm sophisticated, classy, and expensive-the real monarch of the Journalism Department."
"True that!" exclaims their partner. "I'm the Major-Major MinorSpecialist, if you're my PoliSci prof. Me and the Lady have been performing together for years. We're a package deal-comedy and glamour, all together."
The other performers look flummoxed, and some confusedly hug the Lady while others accept flowers from the Major.
"Having a partner has got to be against the rules." Instagram girl complains. "I'm calling my agent."
"I like the Lady, but I'm not such a fan of the military motif." offers up Di. "Specially for a comedy act."
Suddenly, you see Meric come up on the room's tv screen. Everyone screams.
"Greetings, Basic Income Units-er, performers. I'm so glad to see you all. I will meet you at Bader in ten minutes."
It's almost impossible to get there that fast. Do you [[sprint]], take the [[TTC]], or [[take a secret route]]?
(set: $talent to "humour")You captivate any crowd you're put in front of. You own the stage.
There's four more to go after you. The next two are mostly forgettable-some girl who is semi-famous on Instagram and mostly here for exposure, and a Philosopy major who alternates between mansplaining Plato and showing his abs.
You have almost tuned out when two performers come out together and pose in unision. One is dressed impeccably in a sumptuous suit, while the other is wearing a glitter-encrusted military uniform.
"I'm Lady Law." says the glamorous one to the camera. "I'm sophisticated, classy, and expensive-the real monarch of the Journalism Department."
"True that!" exclaims their partner. "I'm the Major-Major MinorSpecialist, if you're my PoliSci prof. Me and the Lady have been performing together for years. We're a package deal-comedy and glamour, all together."
The other performers look flummoxed, and some confusedly hug the Lady while others accept flowers from the Major.
"Having a partner has got to be against the rules." Instagram girl complains. "I'm calling my agent."
"I like the Lady, but I'm not such a fan of the military motif." offers up Di. "Specially for a comedy act."
Suddenly, you see Meric come up on the room's tv screen. Everyone screams.
"Greetings, Basic Income Units-er, performers. I'm so glad to see you all. I will meet you at Bader in ten minutes."
It's almost impossible to get there that fast. Do you [[sprint]], take the [[TTC]], or [[take a secret route]]?
(set: $talent to "performer")This may be a drag competition, but it's also a reality show. Admittedly, one only hosted on youtube and the U of T homepage, but still. If you can't captivate the people with a witty catchphrase or well-timed fight, you won't last.
There's four more to go after you. The next two are mostly forgettable-some girl who is semi-famous on Instagram and mostly here for exposure, and a Philosopy major who alternates between mansplaining Plato and showing his abs.
You have almost tuned out when two performers come out together and pose in unision. One is dressed impeccably in a sumptuous suit, while the other is wearing a glitter-encrusted military uniform.
"I'm Lady Law." says the glamorous one to the camera. "I'm sophisticated, classy, and expensive-the real monarch of the Journalism Department."
"True that!" exclaims their partner. "I'm the Major-Major MinorSpecialist, if you're my PoliSci prof. Me and the Lady have been performing together for years. We're a package deal-comedy and glamour, all together."
The other performers look flummoxed, and some confusedly hug the Lady while others accept flowers from the Major.
"Having a partner has got to be against the rules." Instagram girl complains. "I'm calling my agent."
"I like the Lady, but I'm not such a fan of the military motif." offers up Di. "Specially for a comedy act."
Suddenly, you see Meric come up on the room's tv screen. Everyone screams.
"Greetings, Basic Income Units-er, performers. I'm so glad to see you all. I will meet you at Bader in ten minutes."
It's almost impossible to get there that fast. Do you [[sprint]], take the [[TTC]], or [[take a secret route]]?
(set: $talent to "wit")You make a run for it, pushing aside unfortunate tour groups and slow classmates in the process. You can see that most of your competitors have chosen the same approach.
"My heels!" cries Connie, stopping to take off some 2-inch pumps.
The Lady and the Major, however, are making good time-with the Major carrying the Lady while they shout at reverent passerby to move out of the way.
You make it to Bader a respectable fourth, after only one fall. It seems that Hoe Kitty Choik arrived first, after pretending to be someone else and stealing their Uber.
Meric calmly enters the building wearing a blue suit.
"Welcome to Meric's Drag Race!" he says happily. "You should know that this will be a gruelling experience, and that only one person can walk away with free tuition and basic medical services."
"Your first challenge, as is traditional, will be a design challenge. The theme for this week will be "Exam Jam", and you will be tasked with creating a look created from things left before midterms in Gerstein. As the winner, Hoe Kitty will get to assign items.
Hoe Kitty picks a set of discarded scarves for herself, and assigns the rest of the items seemingly at random. You end up with a stack of BIO120 practice exams. Worst off is John, who gets only four whiteout wands.
"Be the most, and don't miss that POST!" cries Meric, who glides out of the room and leaves you to [[make your look]]. You run to St. George, feeling grateful that you brought your Presto card. You end up arriving at Bader seventh, after making the unfortunate mistake of exiting on the wrong side of Museum. However, you still did better than John Robhearts, who arrives dead last after crashing into a car while trying to enter Queen's Park. It seems that Hoe Kitty arrived first, apparently via segway.
Meric calmly enters the building wearing a blue suit.
"Welcome to Meric's Drag Race!" he says happily. "You should know that this will be a gruelling experience, and that only one person can walk away with free tuition and basic medical services."
"Your first challenge, as is traditional, will be a design challenge. The theme for this week will be "Exam Jam", and you will be tasked with creating a look created from things left before midterms in Gerstein. As the winner, Hoe Kitty will get to assign items.
Hoe Kitty picks a set of discarded scarves for herself, and assigns the rest of the items seemingly at random. You end up with a stack of BIO120 practice exams. Worst off is John, who gets only four whiteout wands.
"Be the most, and don't miss that POST!" cries Meric, who glides out of the room and leaves you to [[make your look]]. Luckily, you know about the secret tunnels which run under the University. You sprint through the tunnels, arriving second-only after Hoe Kitty, who stole the signs of anti-abortion protestors to hit people in her way.
Meric calmly enters the building wearing a blue suit.
"Welcome to Meric's Drag Race!" he says happily. "You should know that this will be a gruelling experience, and that only one person can walk away with free tuition and basic medical services."
"Your first challenge, as is traditional, will be a design challenge. The theme for this week will be "Exam Jam", and you will be tasked with creating a look created from things left right before midterms in Gerstein. As the winner, Hoe Kitty will get to assign items.
Hoe Kitty picks a set of discarded scarves for herself, and assigns the rest of the items seemingly at random. You end up with a stack of BIO120 practice exams. Worst off is John, who gets only four whiteout wands.
"Be the most, and don't miss that POST!" cries Meric, who glides out of the room and leaves you to [[make your look]]. Most of the performers seem a little daunted by this challenge-with the exception of Di and Missy, who are eagerly discussing whether red or blue would go better with purple boba straws.
How are you going to approach this? Do you want to make:
[[A traditional gown or suit, made out of shredded paper?]]
[[An odd costume, made out of rolled-up exams?]]
[[A flirty number made out of paper cutouts?]]
Or are you just going to do the [[least]] work you can, and hope one of the filler performers goes home?(set: $score to $score+1 )(set: $look to "trad")
Your outfit isn't exactly original, but it is impeccably tailored. It fits you like a glove.
"I'm surprised by $name." says Lady Law, who has created an stunning bodysuit from Starbucks lids."I didn't expect such sophistication from another contender."
You put on your outfit, and head to [[the runway]].(set: $score to $score+1) (set: $look to "odd")
You make a eye-catching outfit, which weighs about ten pounds but is certainly memorable. You catch John side-eyeing you.
"All that material to work with, and $name comes up with that? If I had what they did, I could do better." he complains in a confessional. His own outfit appears to be a suit with a whiteout wand bowtie.
You put on your outfit, and head to [[the runway]].(set: $score to $score+1)(set: $look to "cut")
You make a fun number with cut-out stars and hearts which you arrange on yourself.
"So derivative." Hoe Kitty scoffs in confessional. "I did better my first time in drag." You notice, though, that she appears to be having trouble knotting her scarves.
You put on your outfit, and head over to [[the runway]].You paste the papers into a passable leotard. It's not your best, but this is only epsiode one, right? It's not like you're going to be sent home before Ab Boy, who still has nothing in front of him.
(set: $look to "least")
"Too bad!" declares the Major in confessional. "Seems like we won't be getting to know $name too well, if that's the best they got."
You put on your outfit, and head over to [[the runway]].You see Meric, Your Least Favorite TA, and the Brown Food Truck sitting in front of you.
First up is John, whose suit isn't exactly bad but fails to incorporate his assigned material beyond his bowtie. The TA rolls his eyes.
"Better blot that one from your memory." he drawls.
Next up is the Lady and the Major. The Lady has made a stunning bodysuit just from coffee cup lids, while the Major has constructed...something else. The Brown Food truck emanates an air of strong approval towards Lady Law, but not towards the Major.
Third is Hoe Kitty Choik, who despite choosing the scarves, seems to have gotten lost-producing some sort of tangled corset.
"That's not saintly." says Meric sadly.
(if: $look is "trad") [Now it's your turn.
You come out and show off your well-tailord Bio120 look, and Meric looks impressed.
"Now that's evolved!" he says.
"Meh." interjects the TA. "I've seen this before."]
(if: $look is "odd")[Now it's your turn.
You wander out in your unconventional BIO120 look, and Meric looks impressed.
"Now that's evolved!" he exclaims.
"Being different isn't always a good thing." the TA sighs. "I want to see something interesting, not just weird."]
(if: $look is "cut")[You saunter out onto the runway, and Meric looks impressed.
"Now that's evolved!" he exclaims.
"Cutouts? Really?" says the TA. "It's fine, but we need more for Meric's Drag Race."]
(if: $look is "least")[You sell your outfit the best you can, but the judges seem a little bored.
"I'd give it a B." offers Meric.
The TA looks at him askance. "C- at best. What school do you think this is?" ] You leave the stage, to [[watch the others]].After you comes Connie Hall, who is in a skirt and halter top made out of transfers which is coming apart at the seams.
Missy stuns everybody when she enters in a bodysuit constructed completely out of boba straws.
"That's actually..really good." says the TA, apparently unable to criticize.
Di takes it even further when they comes in wearing a cape made out of program brochures, with their makeup giving them a pained expression.
"I was hoping it would represent the undue stress of program selection." they explain. "There's no reason why people need to be put under so much duress after being accepted already."
Meric slowly sinks in his seat, pretending to not be there.
Instagram Girl is forgettable, having just made some shorts and a T-Shirt from spoons, and last up is Ab Boy, who-wait a minute.
He's wearing your entrance look. Oh, sure, he put some charging cords on it.But it's unmistakeably the same design you just showed, if less polished. The judges don't seem to notice. Are you going to [[keep quiet]], [[call him out]], or look for a way to [[sabotage him later]]?It wouldn't do to make enemies so early in the game. And, anyways, it's not like he's a big threat. You make a vague confessional noting the similarity but saying that it was likely just a mistake.
"I've made some decisions." says Meric. "John Robhearts, Major MinorSpecialist, Hoe Kitty Choik, $name, and Ab Boy(apparently that's his real name), you're safe. You may leave the stage."
You wander off to the side. You aren't in the bottom, but you could have made a better first impression.
"Diana Vest, we gave your look priority. Missy Sauga,we want to see your boba-inspired outfit all the Chatime. Lady Law, your lidded outfit is worth many Starbucks."says Meric.
"Diana Vest, you are the winner of this week's challenge."
Diana celebrates, and all of the other top competitors come join you.
It turns out that Connie and Instagirl will be in the bottom, lipsyncing to "True Blue" by Madonna. Instagirl loses, mostly because she does not know the words, and is promptly sent packing. She implores everyone to follow her when she leaves.
Week 1 is over. And Meric's Drag Race is so much more than you thought it would be. You collapse onto your residence room bed(which, by the way, you have to pay for) and get ready for [[Week 2]]."That's my look!" you cry..
"He's just wearing a worse version of what I wore earlier. It's messed up."
Ab Boy vehemently denies it, but you can tell everyone has noticed the similarity now.
"That's enough of that." says Meric. You make an angry confessional, as does Ab Boy. This isn't over.
"I've made some decisions." says Meric. "John Robhearts, Major MinorSpecialist, Hoe Kitty Choik, $name, and Ab Boy(apparently that's his real name), you're safe. You may leave the stage."
You wander off to the side. You aren't in the bottom, but you could have made a better first impression.
"Diana Vest, we gave your look priority. Missy Sauga,we want to see your boba-inspired outfit all the Chatime. Lady Law, your lidded outfit is worth many Starbucks."says Meric.
"Diana Vest, you are the winner of this week's challenge."
Diana celebrates, and all of the other top competitors come join you.
It turns out that Connie and Instagirl will be in the bottom, lipsyncing to "True Blue" by Madonna. Instagirl loses, mostly because she does not know the words, and is promptly sent packing. She implores everyone to follow her when she leaves.
Week 1 is over. And Meric's Drag Race is so much more than you thought it would be. You collapse onto your residence room bed(which, by the way, you have to pay for) and get ready for [[Week 2]].You don't want to make a bad first impression in front of the judges.But this will not go unpunished. You make a sarcastic confessional about it, and make a note to mess with him on another challenge.
"I've made some decisions." says Meric. "John Robhearts, Major MinorSpecialist, Hoe Kitty Choik, $name, and Ab Boy(apparently that's his real name), you're safe. You may leave the stage."
You wander off to the side. You aren't in the bottom, but you could have made a better first impression.
"Diana Vest, we gave your look priority. Missy Sauga,we want to see your boba-inspired outfit all the Chatime. Lady Law, your lidded outfit is worth many Starbucks."says Meric.
"Diana Vest, you are the winner of this week's challenge."
Diana celebrates, and all of the other top competitors come join you.
It turns out that Connie and Instagirl will be in the bottom, lipsyncing to "True Blue" by Madonna. Instagirl loses, mostly because she does not know the words, and is promptly sent packing. She implores everyone to follow her when she leaves.
Week 1 is over. And Meric's Drag Race is so much more than you thought it would be. You collapse onto your residence room bed(which, by the way, you have to pay for) and get ready for [[Week 2]].The next week(which is really the next day) you are all shuffled into the Querc Room.
"So, Connie." asks Di, with absolutely no prompting from the cameraperson. "How are you feeling now?
"This is so much harder than I realized." says Connie gloomily. "Back in my home town, I was the best around."
John rolls his eyes, and Di then turns at Ab Boy. "So-your outfit was rather similar to the one made by $name. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Ab Boy scoffs. "There's no such thing as originality, Diana. We are all merely putting twists on existing tropes. Now, you may not know this, but-"
Before he can finish, Your Least Favorite TA glides into the room.
"It's seven minutes after the hour so we will begin!" he announces. "You've made it through the welcome session, so we will now be moving onto an event even more anticipated-frosh. A wonderful time of celebration, education,and spending hours with people you will never see again. You will all be tasked with creating an event for frosh, in teams. Divide yourselves up."
The Lady and the Major immediately team up, and Missy and Di find eachother as well. Connie grabs onto John, who seems unhappy but resigned. That leaves you with Hoe Kitty and Ab Boy.
There's nothing else to do but to [[get to work]]."I think we should work via the Socratic method." offers Ab Boy.
"Can you shut up?" offers Hoe Kitty.
"What, no, that's not-"
"I say we should do an [[open mic]]." argues Hoe Kitty. "Humiliation brings people together."
"You can do that anytime." sysa Ab Boy." We should do a [[scavenger hunt]] or something that uses the campus. "
You can go with one of those ideas, or suggest your own idea: [[an event promoting other universities]].An open mic lets the incoming students take center stage, and is also less work to put together. You are also happy to see Ab Boy's irriated look when you point this out.
"Perfect." says Hoe Kitty. "I will find a space and set up a Google doc for performers."
Ab Boy scowls. You are assigned to write the opening statement and ending remarks.
(set: $score to $score+1) (set: $event to "open")
You organize the event, and hold it that night with the judges in attendance.
Despite the short notice, you are able to attract a full slate of perfomers. Most of the students seem to receive the event enthusiatically, although you can tell that some tune out after a while.
The TA performs a confusing but stirring slam poem, and The Brown Food Truck is bombarded with requests for selfies.
The event ends, and you return to the Querc Room to watch [[footage of the others]]' events.You hate to admit it, but the last thing most people want to do is perform in front of a judgemental room of strangers. A scavenger hunt is less stressful and more interactive.
Hoe Kitty rolls her eyes when you point this out, but seems resigned to the idea. You and her come up with clues, with Ab Boy contributing the odd idea which you quickly reject.
(set: $score to $score+1) (set: $event to "scavenger")
That afternoon, you get a small but dedicated group of frosh attendees to race across the campus looking for clues. One group quits in frustration after not being able to find the JCR, but the rest are enthusiastic after finally reaching steins and finishing the hunt.
The Judges also participate, although Meric spends most of the time reading a new report ranking U of T #5 among all universities with an o in their name.
That evening, you go to the Querc Room to watch [[footage of the others]]' events.First up is video of Missy and Di's event, which is a panel on finding community and connection at university.
"That's an immediate no." says John. "Who wants to sit through a lecture at frosh?"
However, both Di and Missy are quite funny, and you can't deny that it is useful. You can tell that the judges are impressed.
Next you see footage of the event put together by the Lady and the Major. It is a good old-fashioned party held on a floating boat, with a DJ, food, and cool visuals. Yet, you can tell that it was mostly the Lady's idea: in the video, the Major seems uncomfortable and distant.
"I can see someone's angling for a self-confidence arc." snarks Hoe Kitty.
The judges seem satisfied with the event, but the TA makes an awful lot of notes in red pen.
Last up is Connie and John, whose event is honestly just a mess.The first-years are invited to paint themselves blue, and then...dance? Make a cheer routine? Connie seems hopelessly over her head, and John is irritable and short-tempered. You can tell Meric is not into it, though the TA seems to revel in the chaos.
Finally, it's [[your video]].
(if: $event is "open")[The editors roll the footage of the open mic, which cuts footage of the more amateur performers. Meric seems excited.
"We have such a talented community here!" he squeaks. "I must send this to the U of T News people." Even the TA keeps his snark to a minimum.
"It was a rather low-effort event." complains Connie. "But it looked fun, I will admit that."]
(if: $event is "scavenger")[The editors show their video of the scavenger hunt, which makes it look more compelling than it actually is.
"I wouldn't have liked it, but I suppose it was adequate for impressionable teenagers." says the TA, after which both Meric and the Brown Food Truck stare at him disappointedly.
"Ok, well, I guess it could be fun." he concedes. ]
(if: $event is "cry")[The editors roll their video of your event, and it is clear that they are trying to give you a bad edit. They interview several attendees who are unimpressed with you, and feature a close-up of Meric looking sad.
John, though, seems to enjoy it.
"This is exactly the kind of thing we need more of at this university. I love it."]
The judges confer, and then it's time for this week's runway-with the theme of [[College Couture]].
(if: $event is "open")["Diana Vest and Missy Sauga, your event was the talk of the town. $name, Hoe Kitty Choik, Ab Boy, your open mic connected us all. Step forward."
You all do so, and Meric smiles.
"Congratulations, you are our top competitors this week.
Ab Boy shrugs in his confessional. "Of course we won. I was on the team."
Then, Meric sighs. "That takes us to the bottom competitors of the week. Lady Law and Major MinorSpecialist, your event was rocking, but you went over like a stone. Connie Hall and John Robhearts, your event was meant to be a splash of colour, but simply was a stain. Therefore, we have decided-"
"Don't punish the Lady!" cries the Major. "It was my fault, not theirs. They did everything right, and their look was the best out of everyone's."
The TA looks suspicious. "This won't save you, you know."
The Brown Food Truck, though, appears genuinely moved. The judges whisper with eachother, and then Meric nods.
"Taking outfits into consideration, we agree. Thus, Connie Hall and Major MinorSpecialist, you are in the bottom this week."
John seems surprised, while the Lady scowls.
"It seems rather arbitrary." they say in confessional. "Winners are judged by team, so should losers not be as well?"
Meric continues."Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync to "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Be the most, and don't miss that POST!"
They [[begin]].]
(if: $event is "scavenger")["Diana Vest and Missy Sauga, your event was the talk of the town. $name, Hoe Kitty Choik, Ab Boy, you found the clue to success. Step forward."
You all do so, and Meric smiles.
"Congratulations, you are our top competitors this week.
Ab Boy shrugs in confessional. "Of course we won.My idea was genius."
Then, Meric sighs. "That takes us to the bottoms of the week. Lady Law and Major MinorSpecialist, your event was rocking, but you went over like a stone. Connie Hall and John Robhearts, your event was meant to be a splash of colour, but simply was a stain. Therefore, we have decided-"
"Don't punish the Lady!" cries the Major. "It was my fault, not theirs. They did everything right, and their look was the best out of everyone's."
The TA looks suspicious. "This won't save you, you know."
The Brown Food Truck, though, appears genuinely moved. The judges whisper with eachother, and then Meric nods.
"Taking outfits into consideration, we agree. Thus, Connie Hall and Major MinorSpecialist, you are in the bottom this week."
John seems surprised, while the Lady scowls.
"It seems rather arbitrary." they say in confessional. "Winners are judged by team, so should losers not be as well?"
Meric continues."Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync to "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Be the most, and don't miss that POST!"
They [[begin]].]
(if: $event is "cry")["Diana Vest and Missy Sauga, your event was the talk of the town." meric smiles. "Congratulations, you are our top competitors this week.
They celebrate, and step to the back of the stage.
Then, Meric sighs. "That takes us to the bottoms of the week. The Lady and the Major, your event was rocking, but you went over like a stone. Connie and John, your event was meant to be a splash of colour, but simply was a stain. Hoe Kitty, Ab Boy,$name, you are McGillty of promoting other universities over our own." He pauses. "But taking outfits into considertaion, Hoe Kitty Choik, $name, Ab Boy, Lady Law, and John Robhearts- you are all safe."
You sigh, and walk to the back of the stage. That was close. Connie and the Major step forward.
Meric continues."Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync to "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Be the most, and don't miss that POST!"]]
And, as soon as they begin, you wish that they hadn't. The Major looks like he has already given up, and Connie's dance moves are uninspiring at best and cringeworthy at worst. Halfway through, the Brown Food Truck puts up a sunshade so it does not have to see what's going on. Finally, it ends, and Meric addresses the duo.
"Major MinorSpecialist, Connie Hall, your renditions were less Earth, Wind, and Fire and more Earth, Bored, and Tired. You are both eliminated from Meric's Drag Race."
Both of them look stunned.
"This isn't how it was supposed to be." says Connie in confessional. "I want a re-do!"
The Major sighs. "We probably deserve this. I just hope I didn't let the Lady down."
The two of them exit disconsolately, and the rest of you return to your dorm rooms.
It seems like no one is safe on Meric's Drag Race. How are you feeling about the double elimination?
[[Shocked]]
[[Unmoved]]
[[Joyful]]You knew it was a possibility, but you weren't prepared for how harsh these judges were going to be. You're just going to have to bring your A-game in the future.
You break, and return for the so-called [[Week 3]].They were both terrible, and deserved to go. You would never put in such a poor performance.
You break for a few days, and return for the so-called [[Week 3]].You come to the Querc Room to see the TA worriedly looking at Acorn.
"I had planned something else, but this is urgent. I need you all to figure out how I can afford to live on my new OSAP grants.The person who makes the best plan gets an advantage this week."
You take a look at the financial printout going around, and you can see why he was worried. You are able to create a plan where the TA is able to afford food and tuition but has to live on the 6th floor of Robarts. Unfortunately, it seems like Diana's plan would allow him to live in an apartment with four roommates if he subsists off of Caffiends coffee and Vic's free soup, so you fail to win. However, you avoid losing face like Missy, who just gives up halfway through and advises him to go to school in Nova Scotia.
After the TA goes home to evaluate his life choices, Meric enters.
"Greetings, finanically solvent friends!" he says cheerfully. "As you all should know, U of T has many illustrious alumni. Today, you will be tasked with making these luminaries light up the drag stage in a makeover challenge!"
"Can anyone truly be made over?" Ab Boy asks Meric. "Are humans truly capable of change?"
Meric looks confused, then decides to ignore that.
"Please give a warm welcome to Margaret Atwood, Donald Sutherland, Adrienne Clarkson,Measha Bruggergosman, Roberta Bondar, Rohinton Mistry and Marshall McLuhan!"
They saunter in, waving and smiling.
"Marshall McLuhan?" asks Missy in her confessional. "He taught at the university, but he didn't even go here. Also I think he died?"
Marshall McLuhan clears his throat. "I know many of you may be confused to see me, given the rumours of my death. But what actually happened is that, after a long night of lecturing, my students didn't like the medium. So they had gutted me and set me on fire. But you know I didn't die-"
"Perhaps another time, Marshall." says Meric pleasantly."Diana Vest, as
the winner of the mini-challenge, you can pick who works with who."
Diana shrugs. "Well, I want to makeover Adrienne Clarkson, and I know John is a huge //Hunger Games// fan, so I'll give Sutherland to him. Missy can have Roberta Bondar, and I know Hoe Kitty loves Measha Bruggergosman. The Lady and Rohinton Mistry can work together. She turns to you.
"You can have either have[[Margaret Atwood]] or [[Marshall McLuhan]]. Whoever you don't want goes to Ab Boy."Each perfomer has been assigned to create a look representing their college or faculty.
First up is Hoe Kitty, who comes out in a St Mikes-themed crop top and shorts. It's cute, but not exactly innovative.
Next up is Missy, who is repping Missisauga with a beautiful look featuring flowers and wildlife motifs.
"I wanted to represent the natural beauty of the campus." she explains, while the judges glow behind her.
After her are the Major and the Lady, who come in outfits featuring pictures and papers of events going on at Scarborough campus.
"Our campus is constantly underappreciated, and so we wanted to show some of the wonderful things going on in Scarborough." explains the Lady. The Lady has arranged their pictures into a gorgeous prom dress, but the Major has only managed to fit them into a basic ensemble of a t-shirt and shorts.
"I think I have that outfit." observes the TA.
Waltzing in after them is Diana Vest, from Vic, who is dressed in a feline suit.
"I wanted to represent the Cat's Eye pub, which has supported drag so much on campus." they explain, their yellow contacts glittering.
The Brown Food Truck give them a drink in approval.
John and Connie are both from UC, and so come out together as well. John is dressed as a construction worker, in a well-put-together ensemble. Connie, though, is dressed in a Diabolos apron with what looks to be an everyday outfit underneath.
Last up is Ab Boy, representing Woodsworth, who is dressed as a...sexy pancake?
You try to wipe it from your memory.
You are the final act, and so you [[enter the stage]].
Who are you representing?
[[Innis]]
[[Vic]]
[[Scarborough]]
[[St Mikes]]
[[Mississauga]]
[[Trinity]]
[[Woodsworth]]
[[New]]
[[KPE]]
[[Daniels]]
[[Eng]]
[[Music]]
(set: $college to "innis")
Your look proves to everyone that you exist.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "vic")
You are a Caffiend of fashion.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "scarborough")
You come out, and you know they'll remember what they have UTSC-een for a long while.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "st mikes")
Your college is by Museum station, so it's only fitting that your look belongs in a gallery.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "mississauga")
Your look is one that is worth taking any shuttle for.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "trin")
Your college is tops in prestige, and your look is too.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "woodsworth")
Your look ensures that they won't be underestimating you ever again.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "new")
Your college may be new, but you're a seasoned professional-and it shows.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "kpe")
Whoever said sports and fashion don't mix? Not you, that's for sure.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "daniels")
They may not know who Daniel is, but they'll remember you.
After your entrance, Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].(set: $college to "eng")
You can design a bridge or a chemical formula, but you can also put together a killer look.
Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].The sooner your other competitors go, the better.
You take a few days break, and return for the so-called [[Week 3]].You tell Diana that you'd like to work with the author of //The Handmaid's Tale//, //Cat's Eye//, and other notable novels. She consents, and you and Margaret head off to the side.
"You made the right decision." Margaret says. "As such an influential commentator on gender, I will be able to navigate this performance with ease."
You ask her if she has ever actually done drag or public performance. "I have five Booker nominations." Margaret responds.
You decide not to challenge that, and start discussing a concept. You come up with several options. You suggest a [[post-apocalyptic look]], building off of Atwood's //Oryx and Crake// series, or a take on her [[AngelCatbird]] superhero.
Margaret, however, suggests a [[handmaid outfit]] which reveals into a leotard which reveals into an ad for her new book.
Which do you pick?
(set: $margaret to true)You tell Diana you'd like to work with the influential media theorist, whatever his current state of life. She shrugs and you two go over to your station to begin working.
"Capital!" he remarks. "I don't actually know what drag is, but I'm always excited to explore a new medium. Would you say that this kind of performance has a hot or cold effect on the psyche?"
You surmise that you will have to do most of the work here.
You try to remember what you know of McLuhan's work, and come up with two options: either a [[mechanical look]] involving wires to represent the concept of the global village, or some [[spy outfits]] to reference McLuhan's writings on espionage and surveillance. Marshall, though, suggests that you both wear [[sweater vests]] to disrupt the program's norms.
(set: $margaret to false)You run into some initial challenges, given that AngelCatbird wears no shirt and Margaret insists that the world is not ready for her jacked abs.
(set: $score to $score+1)
Eventually, however, you decide to make variant outfits inspired by the comic's general aesthetic, and you come up with two strong looks.
Margaret looks pleased.
"I hope this will get me a Marvel deal." she says happily.
You two are going first, and so you saunter over to the runway. When you walk out, the judges seem impressed.
"That's the cat's-er, bird's pyjamas?" Meric says.
You then head to the [[back of the stage]].
(set: $makeover to true) Your teammates seem doubtful, but you convince them that the audacity and of this idea will impress everybody.
At the event, you tell a worried group of first-years about every concievable disadvantage associated with U of T, and end by delivering an interprative dance imploring everyone to go to McGill instead.
The judges, who are also in attendance, seem shocked. Meric sheds a single tear.
The event ends, and you return to the Querc Room to watch [[footage of the others]]' events.
(set: $event to "cry")You gently insist that an //Oryx and Crake// look is the right choice, and Margaret eventually gives in. You build two outfits inspired by elements from Atwood's horrific future, complete with custom wigs.
(set: $score to $score+1)
When it's done, even Margaret looks impressed.
"I must say, your talent astounds me." she remarks."You cannnot match my greatness, of course, but you come respectably close."
You two are first up on the runway this week. You and Margaret sashay down the stage, and the judges look impressed.
"That's Marga-right!" says Meric.
Even the TA gives you slight nod of approval.
You finish, and head to the [[back of the stage]].
(set: $makeover to true) You decide to just go with Margaret's idea, given how insistently she claims that it's a genius plan.
You quickly face difficulties, however-such as Margaret refusing to reveal any details about the new book she wants to promote, or the fact that the two of you spend 45 minutes arguing about the accuracy of the handmaid bonnets you have made. Your time runs out all too fast.
You are told that you are going first this week. You walk out in your handmaid costumes, at which the TA sighs.
"Of course." he sneers.
Then, though, you strip off the costumes to reveal sparkle-encrusted leotards, and then unfurl a cape which states "Buy //The Testaments// now."
All of the judges look confused.
"I thought this was Intro to Canadian Lit, not Reveal 101." remarks Meric.
Even the Brown Food Truck seems worried.
You step to the [[back of the stage]] to wait for the others.
(set: $makeover to false) You create an innovative look which binds you two together with wires. Marshall seems unimpressed.
(set: $score to $score+1)
"This child's craft does not reflect my theories." he complains.
You ignore him, and go over to the runway.
You both have to walk somewhat stiffly due to being stuck together, but the judges don't seem to care.
"Plug me into this look!" says Meric happily.
You go the [[back of the stage]] to wait for the others.
(set: $makeover to true) You dress him up as a dapper agent, while you make yourself into a tech person. Marshall seems doubtful.
(set: $score to $score+1)
"I am a professor, not a writer of cheap Hollywood thrillers." he complains.
You ignore him, and saunter over to the runway.
You walk down the stage, incorporating the hatography which you two had practised.
The Brown Food Truck and Meric both put on hats in support, and the TA is distracted enough by your outfit to not even criticize their fashion choices.
You finish, and go to the [[back of the stage]] to wait for the others.
(set: $makeover to true) You are doubtful, but you are not up to arguing with Marshall McLuhan today. You make two patterned sweater vests, and have Marshall prepare a speech about the scholarly reasons for this decision.
Hoping that it's enough, you head over to the runway. You sell the outfit as best you can while Marshall delivers a lecture on the human sensorium. Meric and the Brown Food Truck seems lost, and the TA is cackling and doing a snarky Instagram live of the whole thing.
You head to the [[back of the stage]] and hope the others do poorly.
(set: $makeover to false) After you is Missy and Roberta Bondar, Canada's first female astronaut, who both come out in 80s glam spacesuits encrusted in diamonds.
"I love space!" enthuses Missy. "And I think anything is better with stones."
The judges look like they approve, and both parties are clearly matching.
"Ground Control to Major Tom." sings Meric, with dubious vocals. "You really made the grade!"
Next is John, with actor Donald Sutherland. They are wearing two Capitol-inspired suits, complete with blue hair and beards. You understand where John was coming from, but the looks have ended up mismatched and uncoordinated.
"I do not volunteer as tribute." says the TA.
Then Hoe Kitty walks out, with soprano Measha Brueggergosman by her side. The two are dressed in sumptous clothes reminiscent of opera, but you're not sure if they agreed on any specific theme.
"That's not Elektra-fying." offers the TA.
The penultimate act is Diana, along with former governor general Adrienne Clarkson. Diana is wearing a suit inside a cardboard tv screen, in reference to Clarkson's long career with the CBC. Adrienne Clarkson herself, however, is wearing a mishmash of fabrics with incongruous jewellery. Diana gives a convoluted explanation about how the look is supposed to interrogate the role of the monarchy, but it is clear that they threw it together at the last minute.
The Brown Food Truck raises its prices in disappointment.
Last is Lady Law, with celebrated author Rohinton Mistry. The Lady has elected to have him just dress in a simple suit, with them as a representative of a literary prize committee coming to give Mistry another award. It's clever, although the effect is lessened by Margaret Atwood scoffing loudly throughout the entire presentation.
(if: $margaret is true)[Last up is Ab Boy, who was beyond excited to work with Marshall McLuhan. Ab Boy is dressed in a blingy red suit, while Marshall is attired in a simple blue one.
"Obviously, this represents the concept of hot and cold media." he explains in confessional. "The glitter on my suit show how hot media delivers more detail and mental stimulation, while Marshall's suit demonstrates how one must work harder to interpret cold media." He looks surprised."What, you're telling me you haven't read McLuhan? What nonsense courses have you been taking?"
You hate to admit it, but the outfits are actually really good. The TA snaps a picture of it to put on his academic blog.]
(if: $margaret is false)[Last up is Ab Boy, who was not pleased at being stuck with Margaret Atwood. However, he appears to have risen to the occasion. Building off of Atwood's re-interpretation of the Odyssey, //The Penelopiad//, he has dressed Margaret and him in ancient Greek fashion.
"Obviously, I wanted to pay homage to the great Greek philosophers." explains Ab Boy."I haven't really read Atwood, it's not worth my time, but I can make a good toga."
You hate to admit it, but the outfits are rather good. The TA takes a picture to be cover art on his next Classics essay.]
Meric then claps his hands.
"Quiet please! We have made our [[choice]]."(if: $makeover is true)["$name, your look wrote the book on fashion. Ab Boy, your piece let you Caesar the spotlight." says Meric.
AB Boy starts to protest that Caesar was Roman, but Meric continues.
"You are our top performers of the week."
You are delighted, if a little miffed that you have to share this with Ab Boy.
Meric pauses for dramatic effect.
"$name, you are the winner of this challenge."
Your first victory! You relish the win almost as much as the irritated look on Ab Boy's face.
Then, Meric grows more serious.
"That leaves Missy Sauga, Lady Law, Hoe Kitty Choik, Diana Vest, and John Robhearts. Missy, Lady, Hoe Kitty-you are safe."
The two step to the back of the stage. ](if: $makeover is false)["Missy, Ab Boy, step forward." says Meric. "Missy, your look was one giant leap for our show. Ab Boy, your look let you Caesar the spotlight. You are our top contestants of the week."
Ab Boy is about to protest that Caesar was Roman, but Meric continues.
"Ab Boy, you are the winner of this week's challenge."
Ab Boy smirks and bows exaggeratedly, to the general irritation of all present.
Then, Meric grows more serious.
"That leaves The Lady, $name, Diana Vest, and John. $name, Missy-you are safe."
You breathe out a long sigh of relief. This could have been far worse. ]
"John Robhearts, Diana Vest-your looks tried to be boundless, but were really more hopeless. Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync to "Bananaphone" by Raffi. Be the most, and don't miss that post!"
John and Diana Vest nod, and the music begins. It is clear that they each have practised extensively, and that neither is going to give up easily.
Both go for humour, with John using overexaggerated facial expressions and Di painting a portrait of Raffi onstage. At the end, John and Di both do somewhat incongrous gymnastics-with John breaking into a split while Di does a walkover.
The Brown Food Truck defies physical reality to clap, and Meric looks thrilled.
"You can both ring me up anytime!" he exclaims. "But, unfortunately, we lack the budget for a double save, so someone will have to go home. John Robhearts-I'm sorry, my dear, but you have been eliminated.
John scowls. "Screw it, I'm out." he says, storming off the stage.
"Rather a sore loser, no?" says Diana in confessional. "I certainly would not have treated him in that manner."
Backstage, the cameras catch John packing up.
"This is typical of U of T." he grumbles. "You give it everything you have, then they take it and tell you you forgot a breadth requirement. "
You sigh, and head back to the others to [[your room]]. You hope John won't take this too hard.You relax, only to get an urgent notification from Quercus that evening from Your Least Favorite TA.
"Greetings students! Here is a copy of you essay assignment for Meric's Drag Race, which is this week's mini-challenge. It is due at 9:00 am tomorrow morning. Topics are attached, but you will have to formulate your own thesis."
Surely, they could have told you about this earlier? You open the document, and decide to write about the marginalization of drag kings and nonbinary performers within the drag scene. What is your strategy for approaching this all-nighter?
[[Caffeine]], [[sheer willpower]], or [[violating the academic code of conduct]]?You set up a strict coffee schedule, and start writing. You finish with 15 minutes to spare, producing an essay which sounds somewhat coherent. You sleep for the meager few hours you have left before you are called back into [[the Querc Room]].
(set: $honest to true)You open Google Drive, and write with unprecendented speed. At the end of the night, you have an essay that meets the word count, and which may even advance a logical argument. You sleep for the few hours you have left before you are called to [[the Querc Room]].
(set: $honest to true)Academic integrity? Who needs it! You find a roughly similar essay online, change up a couple of things, and submit it. You almost forget to erase the authors' name, Emirc Regelt, but you luckily you cut it out just in time. You get a great night's sleep, and wander over [[the Querc Room]].
(set: $honest to false)(if: $honest is true)[You arrive to see the TA poring over your essay.
"Your thesis on people's greater willingness to accept performative femininity over masculinity is interesting." he remarks. "But why did you start talking about Proust in the third paragraph?"
You have to admit that you are not entirely sure. You are not even entirely sure who Proust is.
Nonetheless, the TA seems satisfied with your effort. The same cannot be said for Hoe Kitty, who apparently wrote her entire essay in first person and caused the TA to break out into hives.
The other contestants have all submitted essays of rather similar quality to yours,and the TA sighs.
"To be honest, none of you did well, and I'm too lazy to bellcurve this, so...you're are safe?
You suppose it could have been worse.
Then, Meric breezes in.
"Hello, Quercus questors!" he exclaims. "I'm proud to announce that U of T is launching a new class, DRG101. It will be taught by a rotating cast of guest speakers-namely, you! Your task this week is to prepare a two-hour lecture touching on some aspect of drag." He whizzes out again, and the contestants look worried.
"I've never lectured in my life." says the Lady. "I have no idea how to do this properly."
Slowly, though, everyone takes their notepads and [[gets to work]].]
(if: $honest is false)[You arrive to see Meric looking very disappointed.
"I see you plagiarised your essay, $name." he says sadly. "I know you are aware that this constitutes a serious academic offense."
You are confused. How did he know so fast?
"I..know the author." he explains. "It's, um, not important. I am sad to say that you have been eliminated from Meric's Drag Race." says Meric.
Would you like to try to go back and write with [[sheer willpower]] instead, or just [[accept your fate]]?]You shrug, and pack up your bags. You may not have won, but you eventually discover that "Emirc Regelt" is Meric's code name for when he writes things he doesn't want traced back to him. You discover that Meric has written numerous scholarly articles about drag, some fanfiction, and a few geography songs. Your plagiarism is conveniently forgotten in the ensuing scandal.
However, you can't help thinking that, given another chance to [[Start Your Pencils]], things may have gone differently...(if: $talent is "wit")[You know you're good at tv one-liners and comebacks, but you're not entirely sure how to teach that. Instead, you end up discussing the development of reality tv show tropes and formats, and how to play those to your advantage. You see the TA writing down some of your strategies, and the students seem engrossed.]
(if: $talent is "humour")[You are known for making people laugh, so you decide to give a lecture on timing, wordplay, and other techniques of humour. They say you can't teach people to be funny, but there's no reason not to try.
You turn out to be a witty and engaging lecturer, and discuss different comedic techniques and tricks.
At the end, the Brown Food Truck gives all of your students discounted fries in appreciation of your performance.]
(if: $talent is "looks")[You are known for your incredible makeup, so you decide to teach the class about contouring, lash application, and other makeup techniques. At the end of the class, all of the students put together a look, and The Brown Food Truck turns out to be able to do stunning eyeliner.]
(if: $talent is "performer")[One thing everyone knows you for is your performances, so you decide to talk to the class about lipsyncing, stage presence, and movement on stage. At the end of class, all of the students do a public performance, and The Brown Food Truck does its own version of a death drop at the end.]
The others also bring strong lectures, for the most part. Missy does a lecture all about sewing techniques and easy methods of making your own outfits. It is well-recieved by all: especially by Meric, who knits himself a new hat.
After her is Diana Vest, who discusses the mainstreaming of drag culture and the ways in which it has both served as a liberating force and a means of reproducing white supremacy and transphobia in the drag community. Their talk is well-researched, and the students seem to be quite engaged.
Next up is the Lady, who announces that they will talk about performance but then spends the next two hours teaching everyone to walk in heels perfectly. It is useful, but you can't help feeling that the lecture needed more.
Following Lady Law is Hoe Kitty, who teaches the class all about burlesque techniques. Meric seems startled, but the students are enthusiastic.
Last up is Ab Boy, who has decided to give a lecture exclusively focusing on Focault's //History of Sexuality, Pt 2//. He starts out strong, but the talk quickly goes over your head, and you can tell that most of the room is just as confused as you are.
You then head over to the runway, where the theme this week is [[Night of A Thousand Merics.]]You had some difficulty with procuring a bike, but eventually you just found a tricycle in a dumpster and painted it red. After that, the look was simple enough to make-consisting of a purple button-up, black pants, and black shoes.
You watch from backstage as the [[others enter]].
(set: $look to 'bike') You painted a hard hat, procured a shovel, and make sure you got a blue and white-striped tie.
Now, you watch from backstage as the [[others enter]].
(set: $look to 'hat') (if: $look is "bike")[You cycle in with great panache.
"I think this look really spoke to me!" says Meric.
"I don't know,I would say it's stuck in low gear." responds the TA.
You cycle off, hoping that Meric's approval will be enough.]
(if: $look is "hat")[You stride in, and Meric looks pleased.
The TA, however, rolls his eyes. "Really? Construction again? John already did that."
You strut off the stage, hoping the mixed reaction will be good enough to get you through to the next round.]
Last up is the Lady, presenting a more traditional version of Meric in a convocation gown. You can tell she put a great deal of time into sewing on the details, and you think she has made up for her poor challenge performance.
"Congradulations!" Meric says happily.
All of the contestants then re-enter the stage.
"$name, Diana Vest, Lady Law, please step forward." says Meric. "You are all safe.You may go to the back of the stage."
You do so, slightly disappointed that you couldn't have done better.
Meric them turns to Missy. "Missy Sauga, we had a ball with your work this week. You are the winner of this week's challenge."
Missy grins, while Diana scowls behind her.
"Ab Boy, neither your look or your lecture lead you to an arc de triomphe. Hoe Kitty,your lecture was a 3-pointer but your look deserved a penalty. I'm sorry, my dears, but you are up for elimination."
Hoe Kitty looks startled.
"I thought the judges would appreciate creativity, but I guess not." she complains in confessional.
Meric continues. "Earlier, you were tasked with preparing a lipsync to "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. Be the most, and don't miss that post!"
The lipsync begins. Ab Boy goes for a heartfelt rendition of the song, while Hoe Kitty relies on impressive but somewhat misplaced gymnastics. It's not bad, but it isn't iconic either.
At the end, Meric nods decisively. "Ab Boy, you are safe. Hoe Kitty Choik-I'm sorry my dear, but you have been eliminated from Meric's Drag Race.
Hoe Kitty looks upset, but quickly recovers her composure. "Can I get a hoikety choik on C?"
The crowd chants as Hoe Kitty does a backflip off the stage.
Meric is just about to start the end credits when Ab Boy [[speaks up]].You go to class, counting down the days until the last (and live) episode. You still have no idea why Ab Boy left, but you decide that you cannot let that distract you from the final.
The day comes, and you head back to the Querc Room.
"Greetings, performers!" says Meric. "Welcome to the finale of Meric's Drag Race. We will be doing interviews with each contestant, having a lipsync to my new song, //If I Can't Have Blue//, and then crowning the winner of our competition. "
"Meric sings?" asks the Lady. "No one told me of this."
Meric refuses to say anything about his song, promising that he will debut it later.
You hang out in the Querc Room until it's your turn to speak to Meric, and then wander over to [[the interview room]]. Meric lights up as you walk in.
"Ah, $name! You have been one of my favorite contestants this season, and I'm curious to learn more about you."
(if: $variable is "money")["I heard that you came onto the show for monetary reasons." Meric remarks. "Some people may call that shallow, but I appreciate your honesty. Care to talk more about this?
You could take different approaches to this question. You could try to use it to be [[relatable]], to be [[blunt]], or to [[critique the university]]. ](if: $variable is "fame")["I heard that you came onto the show to attract publicity and grow your brand." says Meric. "Some may call that self-centered, but others have seen it as necessary in today's climate. What do you have to say about this?"
You could try to be [[humble]], or be unapologetic and [[brag]]. You could also go for a villanous edit and [[attack drag fans]] and their lack of attention to regular performers.](if: $variable is "artist")["I heard that you came onto the show to practise your art." says Meric. "That's certainly noble, but why did you pick a reality competition to do that? Do you have no ulterior motive?
You can take different strategies here. You could try to say that the show offers unique artistic [[challenges]], or that it will offer [[opportunities]] in the future. You could also talk about the difficulty of securing [[money for your art]], which the prize could allow you to have.](if: $variable is "Meric" ) [I heard that you came onto the show to meet me." says Meric. "Did you have anything in particular you wanted to talk about?"
You have several strategies here. You could [[praise]] Meric, or take the opportunity to [[critique]] him. Or you could just [[deny]] this motivation altogether.]"Like most students, I struggle with affording both tuition and living expenses in Toronto. Most of the time, I have very little money left over for drag or anything else. Having free tuition would make me a lot less anxious about my financial situation, and would give me money to pursue my passion." you explain.
"Amazing! We love an individual, non-systemic solution!" exclaims Meric.
Meric adjusts his microphone and then continues. "A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you. What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."All of the other contestants may deny it, but everyone's here for the free tuition and mental health services. I'm just the only one who isn't faking it for the cameras." you respond.
"How audacious!" says Meric.
Meric adjusts his microphone and then continues."A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you. What do you have to say to them?" Meric continues.
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I shouldn't have to be here for the money." you explain. "But I can't hope to be able to afford to invest in my art, go to grad school, or have a decent apartment without it-not with the rates U of T charges." you explain. "Especially for international students."
Meric pretends to receive an urgent phone call, then moves on.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I don't think I'm better than any other performer." you explain. "But I want to access new opportunities to showcase my drag, and this seemed like the perfect way to do so. A bigger audience is a ticket to so many new things."
"Exactly! That's why a large university is so dynamic!" says Meric. You figure that he's contractually obligated to never miss an opportunity to promote the university.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I'm iconic." you say. "And I want the world to see the amazing things I can do, so I came here."
"There's no point in hiding boundlessness." offers Meric.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."Well, if people actually went out to local drag shows, I wouldn't have to be here." you say, irritatedly."But so many people only care about a drag performer when they're in a reality competition."
Meric looks surprised.
"Well, that's certainly an interesting analysis." he says.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. " What do you have to say to them?" .
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."This is the pinnacle of drag on campus." you say. "I wanted a unique challenge as a drag performer, and so I came here to find it."
Meric nods. "We are the most boundless show around." he says, solemnly.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." Meric continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."A bigger audience opens up so many possibilities." you explain. "I love drag, but I don't want to do the same thing all the time." you explain.
"And a large university allows you to find that audience!" says Meric. You figure that he is contractually obligated to promote the school whenever possible.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you. " Meric continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I admire your geographic work, and the fact that you try to be approachable to students." you explain. "Also, you are a figure of meme legend. "
"Er, thank you?" says Meric, who does not apepar exactly sure what a meme is.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I wanted to speak to you face-to-face so that I could get some answers." you say. "About the university's failure to seriously reckon with how it was founded on systemic racism and colonialism, about your steadfast refusal to divest, about the problems with accessibility at the school -"
Meric cuts off your microphone, and then moves on.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."What?" you say, feigning confusion. "That is not the case-I have never made any memes about you and certainly have not performed as you! What an idea!"
"Oh,ok." says Meric confusedly.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you. " he continues. "What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]]."I am so grateful for all of their support." you say, earnestly. "Without (print: $college), my university experience would have been so much poorer, and it has been incredible to watch them turn out to support me."
You and Meric chat about your time on the show a bit more, and then you return to the Querc Room.
Meric returns, brandishing sheet music. "It is now time for me to unveil my new song-" he begins.
"Not so fast, Gertler!" says a voice.
You turn to see John Robhearts, who is at the door with a crowd of angry-looking people standing behind him. You think you spot Ab Boy in the group.
"We're here to put a stop to this unfair competition once and for all." John sneers.
"Really? How do you plan to do that?" asks The Lady.
John smirks. "Charge!" he screams.
Suddenly, his supporters start trying to destroy cameras and attack contestants. You spot Doug Ford smashing a light with a $1 beer, while Jordan Peterson chases after Meric with a lobster.
You find yourself face-to-face with Ab Boy, and it is clear that he means to target you.
Will you respond with [[brute force]], [[intellectual machinations]], [[sneaky fighting]], or an [[appeal to stop this]]?"I appreciate their enthusiasm." you say. "But, at the end of the day, I am not doing this for any specific college or campus. I am doing this for me."
You and Meric chat about your time on the show a bit more, and then you return to the Querc Room.
Meric returns, brandishing sheet music. "It is now time for me to unveil my new song-" he begins.
"Not so fast, Gertler!" says a voice.
You turn to see John Robhearts, who is at the door with a crowd of angry-looking people standing behind him. You think you spot Ab Boy in the group.
"We're here to put a stop to this unfair competition once and for all." John sneers.
"Really? How do you plan to do that?" asks The Lady.
John smirks. "Charge!" he screams.
Suddenly, his supporters start trying to destroy cameras and attack contestants. You spot Doug Ford smashing a light with a $1 beer, while Jordan Peterson chases after Meric with a lobster.
You find yourself face-to-face with Ab Boy, and it is clear that he means to target you.
Will you respond with [[brute force]], [[intellectual machinations]], [[sneaky fighting]], or an [[appeal to stop this]]?"I appreciate their support." you say. "But I ask that they take the enthusiasm they have shown me and use it to try to make things better at the university. There is so much work to be done, and we all need to be a part of it."
You and Meric chat about your time on the show a bit more, and then you return to the Querc Room.
Meric returns, brandishing sheet music. "It is now time for me to unveil my new song-" he begins.
"Not so fast, Gertler!" says a voice.
You turn to see John Robhearts, who is at the door with a crowd of angry-looking people standing behind him. You think you spot Ab Boy in the group.
"We're here to put a stop to this unfair competition once and for all." John sneers.
"Really? How do you plan to do that?" asks The Lady.
John smirks. "Charge!" he screams.
Suddenly, his supporters start trying to destroy cameras and attack contestants. You spot Doug Ford smashing a light with a $1 beer, while Jordan Peterson chases after Meric with a lobster.
You find yourself face-to-face with Ab Boy, and it is clear that he means to target you.
Will you respond with [[brute force]], [[intellectual machinations]], [[sneaky fighting]], or an [[appeal to stop this]]?"Hey, I'm actually going to go too." he says nonchalantly. "It's been great, but I don't want to be associated with any one thing in particular, you know?"
He waltzes offstage to get his stuff, to the general bafflement of all present.
"In that case." says Meric, after a long while. "Tune in [[next week]], when I suppose we will have the finale of Meric's Drag Race."You decide to try to fight him. Unfortunately, Ab Boy goes to the gym for five hours every day, and so he easily knocks you down and moves on to someone else.
You get up and [[take stock]] of what has happened.You are not trying to beat someone named 'Ab Boy' with physical force, but you think that you can outsmart him.
(set: $score to $score+1)
"Have you thought about how this will look on your grad school philosophy applications?" you ask, ducking a sudden blow.
He scoffs. "Once I publish my books, the world will recognize my genius as a philosopher-PHD or no." he shrugs. "Or, failing that, I can just become an Instagram model."
You shake your head. "In any industry, connections are key. And Meric knows a lot of people." you continue.
Ab Boy considers this. "Perhaps you are right," he says finally. "And, anyway, John already paid me most of my fee for this."
He turns around and wanders out of the room.
You look around and [[take stock]] of what has happened.You can't win against him with physical force, but you can do something he isn't expecting. You duck and dodge his blows all the way to Missy's work station, where she still has stones left over from her Roberta Bondar makeover. You pour them out on the floor, causing Ab Boy to slip and giving you time to lose him.
(set: $score to $score+1)
You look around and [[take stock]] of what has happened."I know that there is good in you, Ab Boy." you say. "It's not too late to join us and stop this madness."
Ab Boy shrugs. "Nah. John Robhearts still hasn't paid me my entire fee for this yet. And, anyways, morality is a construct."
He punches you, and knocks you to the ground.
You get up and [[take stock]] of what has happened.It seems like the two sides are evenly matched, for now. You can spot The Lady, Missy, and Di alternately attacking people with stilettos and yelling at them to stop. You look around for Meric before spotting that he has hidden under a table and is frantically calling Cheryl Regehr.
(if: $margaret is true)[Suddenly, Margaret Atwood storms in with a group of other feminist authors, and begins pelting your enemies with copies of her books in hardcover.
"Give up, fools!" she yells. "Once I'm in something, it can never meet with anything but success! I will not allow it!"
It takes some time, but eventualy your enemies scatter-except for John Robhearts, who is sitting disconsolately next to Meric. ]
(if: $margaret is false)[Suddenly, Marshall McLuhan rides in on a horse with a group of other media theorists, who pelt your enemies with copies of their thickest books.
"I'm trying to write a paper on this show." he complains. "If you destroy it, I won't be able to finish." It takes some time, but eventualy your enemies scatter-except for John Robhearts, who is sitting disconsolately next to Meric ]
"Well." says Meric. "What do you have to say for yourself, John?"
John scowls. "Four years I've been at this university, and all I have to show for it is emotional pain and a diploma of dubious worth. I was told that this was a welcoming and inclusive place, but all I've ever been seen as is student number 1003458832, a source of revenue to be shuffled through the system and treated however the authorities see fit. Getting unfairly eliminated from this show was the last straw."
Meric pauses. "Hm, that's actually a pretty good defense." he concedes. "But you're still definitely going to be banned from the campus."
John shrugs."I already got the diploma.It's cool."
Meric lets him leave, and then turns to the [[remaining contestants]].
"Given the circumstances, I think my song will just have to wait. We will thus declare the winner now. And that person is....
(if: $score is >=3)["$name!" exclaims Meric. "You are The True Blue!"
The mascot True Blue appears out of nowhere and gives you a high five.
Meric produces a giant cheque and hands it to you. "I hereby afford you free tuition for this year and a pass to access Health and Wellness Services without a waitlist."
You can tell Missy, Di, and The Lady are disappointed, but they don't seem overly unhappy.
The other contestans(minus John and Ab Boy) come into the Querc Room to celebrate,and the ending music plays.
Well, you did it. What are you going to do now?]
(if:$score is <=2)[Missy! exclaims Meric. "You are the True Blue! All of the other contestants(minus Ab Boy and John) flood into the room to congratulate her, and she seems overcome with emotion.
"This is a dream come true! I never expected to accomplish something like this!" she says, almost crying.
Meric awards her her prize, and the ending music plays.
Well, that's it for your time on the show. What are you going to do now?]
[[Work at the brown food truck]]
(if: $score is >2) [ [[Be on Meric's Drag Race Season 2]]]
(if: $margaret is true)[ [[Work with Margaret Atwood]]]
(if: $margaret is false)[ [[Work with Marshall McLuhan]]]
(if: $score is 4)[ [[Launch a bid to replace Meric]]]
Missy Sauga and Diana Vest fought over who would get to do a recreation of Meric inside the snowglobe at WinterFest, and it appears like Missy won the fight. She thus appears in an inflatable plastic circle, having meticulously recreated Meric's fetching blue shoes.
"I love a challenge, and this look presented one!" explains Missy. "I know Diana had a version of it, but they just bought it-this took me months to construct."
You spy the TA writing a note to arrange a personal photoshoot in a snowglobe.
Coming up second is Hoe Kitty, who appears to have recreated the photo showing Meric's Raptors jersey under his convocation gown. She then dramatically does a reveal to show that it's actually a Raptors dress.
"That might be Mafuzzy style, but it's not Meric style." says the TA, who read the Raptors Wikipedia page once and wants to use the knowledge.
Next to walk in is Ab Boy, who is recreating the picture of Meric with French president Emmanuel Macron. He has created a giant puppet Macron, which is creative but also strays a little close to the uncanny valley.
"That's not Emmanu-well." snarks the TA.
After him is Diana, who was forced to quickly put together a recreation of Meric's look at Pride after Missy revealed her snowglobe outfit. It's accurate enough, but not as impressive as the others have been.
"Meric in shorts and an untucked shirt? Maybe it happened, but that's hardly a classic look." says the TA.
"Hey, sometimes I live a little." protests Meric.
You are [[on next]].
You were one of the most popular contestants on the season, so you are able to get a job replacing the TA as a guest judge for Meric's Drag Race Season 2. You juggle your classes with vision meetings with Meric and the Brown Food Truck.
You are reviewing the next round of interview tapes when you find an ominous message mixed in with them.
"Watch out, $name." it reads. "This isn't over."
You receive an urgent message telling you that Meric is missing, and you realize that you may be called upon to be boundless yet again.
//This game was inspired by Evan J Peterson's Drag Star!, available at choiceofgames.com//The owner of the Brown Food Truck hires you, and you spend many pleasant hours taking orders from friendly undergrads.
One day, a student hands you a note, and then runs away.
When you open it up, it reads: "Watch out, $name. This isn't over."
You then receive an urgent news alert on your phone telling you that Meric is missing, and you realize that you may be called upon to be boundless yet again.
//This game was inspired by Evan J Peterson's Drag Star!, available at choiceofgames.com//You call up Margaret, who gladly accepts your offer to become her assistant. You spend most of your time arranging her schedule and transcribing her snarky texts to Michael Ondaatje, but it'll look good on a resume.
One day, you get a phone call at Margaret's home.
"Watch out, $name." a voice sneers. "This isn't over."
They suddenly hang up, and you receive an urgent news alert telling you that Meric is missing. You realize that you may be called upon to be boundless yet again.
//This game was inspired by Evan J Peterson's Drag Star!, available at choiceofgames.com//You call up Marshall, who gladly accepts your offer to be his assistant. You help hide his existence from the public eye and bring him various takeout lunches.
It's not the best job you've ever had, but Marshall still has influential connections-even if most of them think he's dead.
One day, you get a message on Marshall's ancient computer.
"Watch out, $name." it reads. "This isn't over."
You receive a news alert on your phone telling you that Meric is missing, and you realize that you may be called upon to be boundless yet again.
//This game was inspired by Evan J Peterson's Drag Star!, available at choiceofgames.com//You aced that competition. Why can't it be $name's Drag Race? It's not like Meric knows more than you do about drag.
You start having some meetings and making a few phone calls, and soon you receive a call from a mysterious personage.
"This isn't over, $name." it reads.
You receive an urgent email telling you that Meric is missing, and you realize that you may be called upon to be boundless yet again.
//This game was inspired by Evan J Peterson's Drag Star!, available at choiceofgames.com//(set: $name to "Sidney Smitten")
"I'm Sidney Smitten," you smile, "and I don't need any tutorial."
The other performers look at you with interest, but it's clear that they don't consider you too much competition. But you'll show them. What's your secret weapon?
[[My gorgeous looks]]
[[My sense of humour]]
[[My performance ability]]
[[My reality tv chops]](set: $name to "Matt 157")
"I'm Matt 157," you smile, "and I postulate that you'll be seeing lot of me."
The other performers look at you with interest, but it's clear that they don't consider you too much competition. But you'll show them. What's your secret weapon?
[[My gorgeous looks]]
[[My sense of humour]]
[[My performance ability]]
[[My reality tv chops]]Meric may not be known as a fashion icon, but that hasn't stopped the show from challenging everyone to recreate one of his lookss off of social media.
When you were getting your outfits together, you were having trouble deciding whether to go with [[Meric riding a bike]] or [[Meric in a hard hat]].
"If I had more money to spare, I could do so many incredible things with my drag. That's why I want this prize."
"We love an individual, non-systemic solution!" exclaims Meric.
"A large number of people from (print: $college) have gathered outside the building today to support you." he continues. " What do you have to say to them?"
You could [[thank them]], [[be aloof]], or request that they [[work for change]].(set: $college to "music")
All aspects of your look work together in harmony.
Meric nods, and the judges announce [[their decision]].