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memestertrucks2025-01-01 12:01 am
monstertruckers) wrote in memestertrucks2025-01-01 12:01 am
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JANUARY TDM
After tumbling through shadow you find yourself in a shrouded, ruined garage. It’s full of shattered windows and broken mechanical equipment; watch out for shards on the floor, in between the strange symbols scrawled into the ground. Outside the daylight is fading; night is rolling in, and there’s just a few dying lights flickering on and off. It’s going to be hard to see in here and avoid bumping into things and people, if you don’t get outside soon.
Beyond the rundown garage is an overgrown gas station surrounded by thick, wetland forest. Starlight is streaming through the trees, along with light from a broken moon. The one thing that isn’t overgrown with plants is a large Convoy of vehicles, parked right underneath the station canopy.
01: START UP
The Convoy looks like a cross between a semi truck and a train; there’s no one at the front, but there’s still power humming through the entire Convoy. It’s also the most hospitable thing in sight. Why not make yourself at home a little? You just have to chase that eerie, empty feeling since there’s no one else present.
Alternately, there are the cars scattered around the Convoy; all of them in better shape than the gas station. And some of them looking and feeling almost like they might belong to you. That feeling is only increased, when you see there’s a key to the car nearby. Perhaps the key is already in the ignition, on the dashboard… It may have even been on your person, ever since you woke up in that garage. Either way, you have the keys to the vehicle now.
…But there’s a few rough edges on these vehicles. Flat tires, cracked windows and mirrors, maybe some stuck doors and locks; all of them the sort of thing that requires two pairs of hands and supplies. The garage can take care of the supplies… Now it’s just a matter of finding some extra hands.
Alternately, there are the cars scattered around the Convoy; all of them in better shape than the gas station. And some of them looking and feeling almost like they might belong to you. That feeling is only increased, when you see there’s a key to the car nearby. Perhaps the key is already in the ignition, on the dashboard… It may have even been on your person, ever since you woke up in that garage. Either way, you have the keys to the vehicle now.
…But there’s a few rough edges on these vehicles. Flat tires, cracked windows and mirrors, maybe some stuck doors and locks; all of them the sort of thing that requires two pairs of hands and supplies. The garage can take care of the supplies… Now it’s just a matter of finding some extra hands.
02: RUIN EXPLORATION
The ruined gas station and garage are the only man-made structures around, and have seen better days. The store still holds packaged food, and tepid drinks of all sorts. The garage has old mechanical equipment for working on cars, along with that strange summoning circle.
There's also a giant tree bursting through the gas station roof. And clinging to its branches, half melted into the surface, are metallic bodies. Graffiti is spray painted onto the tree, reading ‘avoid the Husks.’
Those who ignore the warning and get closer hear a faint hum coming off those bodies. It’s almost like whispers, though it’s impossible to make out any clear words. Some Husks are clutching supplies in metal fists. For a few unlucky new arrivals, those Husks might even be holding the keys to their vehicles.
Making direct contact with the Husks intensifies the hum, and the whispers begin to form into pained cries, and give the impression of something rummaging through their thoughts; trying to pry out things that hurt Drifters, and reflecting those hurtful things on the bodies of the Husks for anyone to see.
There's also a giant tree bursting through the gas station roof. And clinging to its branches, half melted into the surface, are metallic bodies. Graffiti is spray painted onto the tree, reading ‘avoid the Husks.’
Those who ignore the warning and get closer hear a faint hum coming off those bodies. It’s almost like whispers, though it’s impossible to make out any clear words. Some Husks are clutching supplies in metal fists. For a few unlucky new arrivals, those Husks might even be holding the keys to their vehicles.
Making direct contact with the Husks intensifies the hum, and the whispers begin to form into pained cries, and give the impression of something rummaging through their thoughts; trying to pry out things that hurt Drifters, and reflecting those hurtful things on the bodies of the Husks for anyone to see.
03: MONSTER ATTACK
The night grows darker, and the shadows grow deeper. And from those shadows comes the glint of something moving across the Husks, rippling over the metal… And breaking it apart in a flurry of too sharp claws and teeth. That’s when the radio chooses to come on in another mess of static.
Be careful- Keep your fear and rage in check- Calls the monsters- We need the shield up-
The warning comes too late as monsters arrive. Some human-like but with razor teeth mouths that stretch from face to groin; others resembling alligators with bloated proportions and jaws that spit lightning; and still others where the vegetation has come to life, sporting thorn covered appendages.
The Pisaca monsters act as shock troopers, wearing the Convoy down with venomous bites and debilitating howls, before the heavy and brutish alligators bull in, using their bulk and electric attacks to obliterate what’s left. The capparwires scurry in the periphery, taking cheap shots with thorny vines and sparking electricity where they can. It’s a task to keep the monsters at bay until the generator fires up. Especially when one last enemy makes an appearance…
Be careful- Keep your fear and rage in check- Calls the monsters- We need the shield up-
The warning comes too late as monsters arrive. Some human-like but with razor teeth mouths that stretch from face to groin; others resembling alligators with bloated proportions and jaws that spit lightning; and still others where the vegetation has come to life, sporting thorn covered appendages.
The Pisaca monsters act as shock troopers, wearing the Convoy down with venomous bites and debilitating howls, before the heavy and brutish alligators bull in, using their bulk and electric attacks to obliterate what’s left. The capparwires scurry in the periphery, taking cheap shots with thorny vines and sparking electricity where they can. It’s a task to keep the monsters at bay until the generator fires up. Especially when one last enemy makes an appearance…
03-A: MIRRORMIC
There's as a metallic shiver along one of the remaining Husks, and a strange ringing whisper in the ears. The next moment, the Husk breaks open in a gleaming pool of quicksilver. That quicksilver catches reflections, and molds itself into a darker copy of a Drifter.
The mirror monster whispers faults and secrets at the reflected Drifter, and anyone close by. It tries to goad Drifters into an attack. And when struck, the mirror monster plays its second trick; whatever damage it takes is reflected back onto the Drifter as a transformation. An injury to the arm transforms the Drifter's arm, and so on.
It's possible to banish this monster through direct lights shone on it from a car, flashlight, or magic… But such action needs to be swift, before the Mirrormic completely changes its Drifter.
03-B: BOMBADGY BOMBARDMENT
Before, during and even a little after the monster attack, there’s an extra presence scurrying around the vehicles, snuffling and barking when startled. A band of chunky, raccoon-esque monsters known as the bombadgy are raiding anything that looks like it could be food storage… And this includes vehicles!
The bombadgy’s claws are deft and sharp with tearing through windows and door seams. These creatures are a touch skittish and won’t attack unless provoked. They also can expel a flammable gas… And this means they can explode if sufficiently spooked or stressed. This also means that they can be treated as living bombs, and be lobbed at other threats if needed.
04: WIND DOWN
During the monster attack, there’s changes gripping the Convoy, and especially the people in it. It might feel like your control is getting worn away by the second… At least until something in the trucks starts to whirr to life. It’s a soft enough noise, little more than a hum as something blooms out of the engines. It fast turns into a shield that envelops the Convoy in a shimmering, glowing dome.
And while it might not be enough to reverse those changes, it can at least stop them from growing any worse. Give you a moment of breathing space to adjust to everything that’s happened, and give you some measure of clarity and control. There’s time to breathe and mend now. Take stock of one’s injuries and changes.
But there’s a few strange surprises still waiting, it seems. Because the corpses of the monsters begin to disintegrate, like they are bleeding out motes of sickly light. Light that you quickly absorb; it has the side effect of lessening pain, even mending wounds… Though it might make you feel a bit off. Maybe a little more excitable, maybe a little more irritable, or maybe expressing a certain odd psychological quirk. Still, that sudden surge should pass in about an hour or so; just need to keep it together until then. Perhaps with a little company.
And while it might not be enough to reverse those changes, it can at least stop them from growing any worse. Give you a moment of breathing space to adjust to everything that’s happened, and give you some measure of clarity and control. There’s time to breathe and mend now. Take stock of one’s injuries and changes.
But there’s a few strange surprises still waiting, it seems. Because the corpses of the monsters begin to disintegrate, like they are bleeding out motes of sickly light. Light that you quickly absorb; it has the side effect of lessening pain, even mending wounds… Though it might make you feel a bit off. Maybe a little more excitable, maybe a little more irritable, or maybe expressing a certain odd psychological quirk. Still, that sudden surge should pass in about an hour or so; just need to keep it together until then. Perhaps with a little company.
05: CAMP
A screen in the Convoy flickers to life. The image isn't visible through a snowfield of static. Same with the audio:
“Still… Alive? Good. Connection- Can’t hear you. Can't talk. Convoy will- take you closer to Nirvana.”
After that, the connection is dropped, leaving a collection of text:
I’m sorry. I have no answers for you. But you’re still alive. You’re not as broken as the rest of the world. When the sun rises, this Convoy and all the cars around it will start moving North towards Nirvana. If you want answers, and to stay as close to human as you can… I suggest you stay with the Convoy. Good luck.
A last alert flashes across the screen: “TESTING LOCAL NETWORK CONNECTION.” And then… Music starts to play on the speakers. Mellow guitar and brass music that’s at odds with all the weird that’s happened recently, but perhaps just the thing to relax to.
“Still… Alive? Good. Connection- Can’t hear you. Can't talk. Convoy will- take you closer to Nirvana.”
After that, the connection is dropped, leaving a collection of text:
I’m sorry. I have no answers for you. But you’re still alive. You’re not as broken as the rest of the world. When the sun rises, this Convoy and all the cars around it will start moving North towards Nirvana. If you want answers, and to stay as close to human as you can… I suggest you stay with the Convoy. Good luck.
A last alert flashes across the screen: “TESTING LOCAL NETWORK CONNECTION.” And then… Music starts to play on the speakers. Mellow guitar and brass music that’s at odds with all the weird that’s happened recently, but perhaps just the thing to relax to.
MICRO ENCOUNTERS:
PLEASE NOTE! These are small bits of set dressing for players to include in threads if they wish, rather than full fledged prompts or events. You may handwave your exploration of these areas, or thread them out.
Race Track: There’s a race track that winds around the gas station! It’s a bit threadbare in places and little more than a mossy and muddy trail. But it’s still a race track that weaves under and over trees, and seems like a good place to test new wheels.
Gone Fishing: The gas station area eventually turns into the start of a swamp; that explains where the alligators came from. It may be possible to do a little bit of fishing, though the fish are just as weird as everything else. Still edible though. Swimming in the swamp is not advised. The alligator monsters and fish tend to bite back.
Spray Paint Messages: The paint on the trees and gas station is starting to fade and wash out, but can still be legible; most of it contains messages warning about the end of the world, prayers to the heavens for mercy, and dire warnings about husks and something called “moon warps.”
no subject
She drops her hand from where she'd lifted it to shield her eyes against the bright flare of light, eyes narrowed. The alligator thing -- he'd called it a Pisaca? -- is slumped over on the ground, dead, and some of the weird little plants things that had been hanging around in the distance is gone, too.
Blake shoots him a look, measuring, and then crouches down next to the Pisaca to examine it. Her bullets had had an impact, but the thick hide of the thing meant they'd hadn't penetrated very far. Next time, she'll use her swords. ]
Pisaca? [ She repeats, thoughtful, wary. ] How do you know what they are? Are you from this place?
no subject
[Best to clarify, given the more reptilian threat she just downed.
He takes a moment to stare down at it, wiping sweat off his forehead. Perhaps some soft drinks could at least give him a bit more energy to draw from, but they're generally so low in SP restoration.
But no matter. He moves closer to the alligator as well, now that it's been eliminated.]
These are a bit of an unknown by comparison. Certainly nothing I had encountered prior to this world, and much too durable to fend off with crowbars and rusty pipes.
[Sadly the only weapons he's been able to make do with, and his eyes narrow at that fact.]
But you did well in dispatching it, especially given its elemental affinity.
[A Persona user could certainly take a shock, but it's difficult to say how her durability compares...]
no subject
[ With her aura at full, Blake would be fine after a moment, but taking a bolt of lightning to the chest wouldn't be pleasant by any stretch of the imagination. She flicks her wrist, and her weapon snaps back into a short katana, which she gingerly uses to poke at the alligator thing, lifting its jaw so she can examine its teeth.
Yes, okay, poking at a corpse is gross, but it's actually the first time Blake has ever been able to study a monster corpse. Grimm just dissolve into ash and goo when you kill them. This thing is perfectly intact, and she wants to learn more about its capabilities.
First, though, she spares her companion a weighing look, digs into the plastic bag hanging off her arm, and holds out a chocolate bar. He looks like he needs the energy. ]
If we get attacked again, you should let me be the first line of defense. It wouldn't be good to wear yourself out anymore, and I might be unfamiliar with these things, but they don't seem too hard to beat.
no subject
[He accepts the chocolate bar, quietly unwrapping it before heaving a heavy sigh. He wants to dispute it, but...]
I hate to admit it, but you're right.
[He's too limited in what he can do right now. Megidolaon is powerful. Efficient, even, but it's not something he can use repeatedly without... drawbacks.]
Typically, I have the means to fight without relying on Hereward so heavily. Unfortunately, I didn't have any weapons on hand when the "powers that be" thrust me into this world, so magic is my best offensive tactic.
no subject
I think I'd be climbing the walls if I didn't have Gambol Shroud with me.
[ The admission is wry, and she reaches back to lovingly pat the weapon sheathed on her back, the katana's handle sticking out of a rectangular cleaver sheath. ]
Okay. Mission one: we find a weapon for you.
[ Decisively, Blake stands. She's looked at the alligator thing enough, and fought it long enough that she has a pretty good idea of their capabilities. The lightning is the most concerning thing, but Blake's fast enough to dodge it, so she's got the upper hand as long as she's not slowed down. Its jaws are pretty scary looking, and that tail looks like it could break some bones, but they're only secondary concerns. Blake's fought much, much bigger.
From here, they can see the garage that they all initially woke up in. She eyes it thoughtfully. ]
Do you think we'd find anything useful in there? I wasn't really looking for weapons when I scavenged, but there might be something worth finding.
no subject
[So he turns toward the garage, ready to make his move.]
I suppose it's just a matter of keeping an eye open, in case any more monsters ambush us between here and there.
[Though, given her skill in battle, that likely won't be a concern. Her sense of hearing is likely better, anyway, if the cat ears are any indication.]
no subject
[ She draws her sword as they start making their way toward the garage. Blake has never been without her night-vision before, and she's sorely missing it right now. The moon is high enough that it's providing okay light, and the convoy is putting off some light too, but there's still a lot of shadows that monsters could be hiding in.
She glances at her current company. ]
I'm Blake, by the way. I'm from a place called Remnant-- I think we're all coming here from different worlds, which is wild.
no subject
[Which begs the question of why. What determines who arrives here? What determines their place in time?
But these are all matters they can get to the bottom of later. For now, he surveys their surroundings to the best of his abilities as he walks.]
At any rate, I'm Goro Akechi, formerly the 'second coming of the Detective Prince.'
[He lists his title with a dry, almost bitter air to his words.]
no subject
Akechi's introduction has Blake lifting an eyebrow, torn between amusement and dubiousness. ]
If only I had a fancy title to go with my name, too. I'm sorry to say that I don't.
[ Detective Prince. Honestly. What a name. At least Akechi seems to think it's stupid too, or at least something he isn't fond of, so Blake won't rib him too hard.
When they reach the garage, it's mostly been picked clean of all the food on the shelves, and Blake can't hear anybody else inside (though her hearing sucks right now and she still doesn't know why she's half-deaf). She starts casting about for anything that could be used as a weapon, looking behind the counter. ]
Do you think... someone brought us here on purpose? With the convoy outside waiting for us, it seems to be the only logical assumption, but who would do something like that? And why?
no subject
[Still, he can't help but chuckle a little at the remark. Thank god she isn't making a big deal out of it. That whole persona was so annoyingly fake.
Upon entering the garage, he follows closely behind, shining a flashlight from his smartphone to better illuminate the space.]
I'd considered that possibility myself, though. The markings on the floor are certainly evocative of summoning circles, and it seems rather odd to leave warnings in an otherwise empty landscape.