monstertruckers (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
monstertruckers) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
memestertrucks2025-01-01 12:01 am
monstertruckers) wrote in memestertrucks2025-01-01 12:01 am
Entry tags:
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.”
Waver Velvet | Fate/ Lord El Melloi II Case Files
... This was not where he had expected to wake up.
A bedraggled reed of a man, his hair tangled from sleep and the blur of whiskey still hazing the edges of his awareness, blearily peered at the run down garage and did what any man waking up from a depression hang over would do: he lit a cigarette. Waver Velvet breathed in the burn of the smoke, brows furrowed as the shorelines of his dream faded into wakefulness.
"Are you having fun?"
A certain man who's very presence was larger than life had asked him-- and the rumble of his voice in Waver's memory helped him find a sense of calm and clarity. To no one, he muttered:
"Yeah... I guess this is fun."
It was an unknown. A mystery. He needed to find Gray, but, most importantly-- he needed to find out where he was.
Heaving a sigh, Waver began to explore and look for clues. The graffiti that littered the walls and the broken down vehicles provided precious little information that made sense. Only the convoy outside of the garage seemed to have any human activity.
He stopped near a vehicle with a familiar silhouette and peered inside. The seat cushions were and the glass was cracked, but there was a set of keys just waiting on the dashboard.
Furtive, he looked around before reaching into the broken window to pop open the door.
"I never thought I'd get to sit in a classic VW Bus..."
Monster Attack: Mirrormic
It was far from his first encounter with a monster, and it would be far from his last. Waver had gotten through on pot shots, feints, and quick escapes so far. There was no shame in playing dirty, especially when he hadn't found the time or resources to prepare any of his materials. The pool of quicksilver was mercifully familiar-- but Waver was not wholly prepared to encounter his own face.
Teeth grit, Waver knew his options when his enemy was himself, and was already reaching for his knife when the entity did something unexpected:
It spoke.
"You were a burden on him until the very end."
It uttered in a voice as unrelenting as the sea
"How could a third rate mage like you even imagine being able to stand beside one of history's greatest kings as an equal?"
The being had stalked closer with every word-- and Waver, heart dancing in his chest, stood his ground. Teeth grit, he lashed out with the knife.
"I couldn't-- because he's my King."
Blade met flesh, and then in the next moment clattered to the ground. Waver gasped and looked down to where his right hand should have been, and found instead a string of goo...
"Oh, Fu--"
Camp
Somehow, Waver made it through.
His hair had been tied back into a ponytail with a stranger's assistance as he tried to nurse and hide his gooey hand in shame-- preferring instead to listen to the transmission and look at the stars.
"'Go North,' they said..." He mused, frowning. "I wonder if the stars are the same? If compasses even act the same way?"
If they did, he could navigate. He may be a third rate mage, teacher, and pathetic excuse of a man... But he wasn't useless.
He wasn't going to be useless, not when he needed answers.
Wildcard
[ooc: don't see a prompt you like? Make one up! Hmu at
( camp )
"Even if they're the same, we might not be able to use them."
He points up to the shattered moon.
"With the moon broken apart, the earth's axis might shift, so the stars won't be in the same position."
no subject
"It's honestly hard to imagine what could have caused that, if it wasn't just the sheer passage of time," he said quickly, musing.
"What kind of destruction did the civilization that lived here cause to be seen on a geologic scale? That's not something we can verify yet, but it's good to remember."
Even then, if they could track the numbers with the right surveys and did the math...
"if it's caused by people and not time, then the stars can't have shifted too much. We'd need to find some old charts, and figure out where the cardinal directions are supposed to be, but even then we should be able to figure it out..."
Assuming that the entire planet hadn't been forcibly flipped entirely onto its side.
no subject
"A large enough weapon could cause that sort of destruction."
Gathering up enough energy to power it would be tricky, but it's far from impossible. Regardless, the fact that Waver doesn't know if it's man made or not confirms Shadow's suspicions: this man isn't from the planet Shadow knows as earth.
"But if it's recent, the stars could still be shifting."
Shadow's not trying to be contrary, just pointing out another problem to consider.
"If the Convoy knows where north is, they might have what you're looking for."
no subject
He said softly, pondering over the horrors of the history of his Earth. Civilized people of all sorts were capable of unimaginable horrors, and it was clear that this world was little different.
"You're right, it's best to consult with the convoy," he agreed with a sigh, not wanting to get into a deep discussion on multiverses and existentialism. Regardless of the details, it was an Occam's Razor situation: the simplest explanation was likely the truth.
The simplest answer to this puzzle was that a weapon caused the destruction.
"There's bound to be a star chart somewhere. I've seen outdoors hobbiests have them printed on fabric handkerchiefs. It's less fragile and more easily portable than paper."
no subject
He's only too comfortable to accept the change of subject, even if he's not entirely sure he wants to actually help Waver. He hasn't had a problem working with the various children and other animals he's encountered thus far, but Waver is neither. And while Waver hasn't introduced himself yet, his observations make Shadow think he must be some sort of scholar—perhaps even a doctor of some sort, with all the baggage that comes with.
But it seems like he's at least trying to get them out of this mess, so Shadow decides to not rebuff him outright.
"What does a star chart look like?"
Shadow's been stargazing, but he's never seen an actual astronomical or astrological chart before.
no subject
He awkwardly glanced down at the slimy form that he was hiding under the jacket that he had found at the station-- a hooded number in plaid that had a cartoon beaver popping its smiling face out of one of the pockets. Waver, not one to be deterred, continued with a verbal explanation:
"It's a map of the sky, that shows you where the stars typically would be in relation to the cardinal directions, with Polaris and the constellations around it situated in the center. It could be helpful if we can find one."
(no subject)
Mirrormic
So, when he sees Waver's arm change, he rushes over, whipping out his smartphone, and shines a light on the creature.
"If you have a light source, use it now!"
There's no guarantee this light will be enough, but it's worked for Akechi so far.
no subject
Waver glanced at the teenager and, reminded of his own students, swore under his breath as he jumped backwards.
"Typical," he muttered, cursing his own idiocy at what should have been obvious, and quickly called forth a luminous shot of mana to hurl at the entity with this remaining hand. It hit at point blank range, and Waver used that as an excuse to turn tail and retreat.
"Come on," he called. "We need to regroup."
no subject
So, very well. He turned to follow, though he kept his phone at the ready, just in case. "You're right. This is far from an advantageous situation."
no subject
In an awkward motion, he fished out his key from his pocket. The bright, hippie styled flower of a keychain was a clear indication of the sort of decorations on the vehicle that he was searching for.
"There's a Volkswagen that's not far from here. Battery still works-- let's give it a test run on this creature."
no subject
Well then. How could he dispute such a swift, efficient strategy? "Well then. I'm all for it."
no subject
He wasn't strictly a mechanic, but he had noticed that it was equipped with after-market flood lights and interior lighting. It had clearly been someone's party vehicle and, while some of the windows were broken, it seemed to be in good shape.
They arrived at the brightly painted Volkswagen Bus, it's faded and chipped flowers making it distinct even among the rows of vehicles that looked like it had been parted out, and Waver slowed to a stop. His lungs hurt from the sudden activity-- but it was fine, he could deal.
"Problem is that it's interior is American. Reverse from that I'm used to. Can you help with the stick?"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Camp
But the questions he asked caused her to pause for just a moment.
"...You know. Just about the only thing I've seen that's been familiar so far is whole broken moon thing. And that still doesn't match what the one from my home looks like."
no subject
"How curious," he replied. "I can't imagine what would cause the moon to break. Do you know the story about why yours did?"
no subject
"Actually, yes. It's kind of a long story- To go into all the nitty gritty. But basically a girl defied the gods of our world, and in their anger they left her to walk the world alone. Totally shoulder checked the moon on their way out."
no subject
"That's one helluva 'screw you' at the end. Are you sure they aren't cats? Or kids?"
no subject
"Uh... No, I don't think they were cats, or kids. They did kind of look like dragons though at one point. And I think they kind of act like cats sometimes?"
no subject
The story deepened and Waver, fascinated, couldn't help but wonder what other deeply realized oddities Ruby's home contained.
But that was a conversation for another time-- and he didn't want to push.
"I've heard stories that suggest that as well. Folklore and legends are an interest of mine, but I'm not sure how helpful that can be in this place. We'll just have to see, right?"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Mirrormic (pardon the tldr, I got inspired)
The shout comes loud and crisp, thundering over the battlefield and demanding immediate obedience in a way that only kings know to speak. It's a voice that Romani would usually never consider using, especially not around one of Ritsuka's Servants, but there's no time for this. He can't even begin to wonder why Waver Velvet out of all people would be here. What counts is that they get away from this monster before it gets a chance to do whatever it was trying to do to people! So he squares his shoulders and strengthens his grip as he stalks right toward the creature he wants to get close to the least.
"This is a mirrorwraith that's somehow reflecting our attacks back on us while also preying on our psyche. Whatever you do, don't engage it directly!"
The authority in his tone doesn't waver even when the thing turns its attentions on him next. Ten steps, eight, seven.... Only a little more and he'll be close enough.
"Did you even try to save them? Or did you just not care at all?"
He doesn't flinch at the cruel, mocking laugh and the eyes that meet his. Lifeless. Complacent. Is that what they saw him as? Five...
"From the beginning to the end, you were only a tool."
"And when you finally decided to have a will of your own, how did it end? What did you expect it to-"
Four. He is close enough to reach the injured Servant now, but that's still not close enough. He needs to be so close that there's no way that it'll miss, not even coming from him.
(A part of him wonders if others can hear that thing's voice too, or if it's just their private hell. Gods, he hopes that it's at least private.)
"You only acted when-"
And three! Using his whole body, the doctor swivels and tosses the dazed bombadgy that he'd been dragging like some wannabe berserker into the mercury monster's face. There's a moment of stunned silence as his reflection morphs into a stunned badger's face and then: BOOM!!
Without waiting a beat he hauls the beaten-up blanket that he'd used to drag the bombadgy with over the mirror monster's face next, covering both creatures at once. Should they make it out between themselves if Mister Mirror wants to mutate the badger or if the badger's going to explode its face first! What matters that it's now time for the wondrous finish of his plan!
Which consists of beating a hasty retreat, grabbing Waver on his way out at whatever bodypart he gets while he's practically hauling the other man while running at his top speed.
"What are you waiting for, a Command Spell?!? Let's get out of here!!"
Forget sounding like a king, that's the noises of a very scared coward knowing he just did one of the most stupid things of his life. Which he certainly, absolutely did!!
no subject
Command spells.
Eyes that were the stormy green of the northern seas narrowed at this reference.
"How do you even know about that?" He hissed, hackles raising at the thought of meeting someone adjacent to the Mages' Association that he knew nothing about via either the El Melloi household or by reputation through his position as a lecturer at the Clock Tower.
"Who even are you?"
no subject
Apparently his plan hadn't worked out quite as dreamlike as it had first seemed. Romani shakes his head with a pained grit of his teeth, and promptly starts tugging at Waver again.
"Romani Archaman, Head of the Medical Division at Chaldea. Can we leave the rest of this talk to when that crazy monster *isn't* chasing us anymore? Pretty please?"
He and Lord El-Melloi II have never been close close, but they have co-operated often enough for Romani to know that there's no moving the man once he's decided to put his foot down. Now's really not the right time for that, though!
no subject
"or Clock Tower. Got it."
And, nearing a familiar bit of graffiti on the walls, Waver sharply pulled Romani into a turn.
"Look for the American Hippie Mobile," he called. "You'll know it when you see it. I have the keys for it."
no subject
"Got you! An American Hip- What, what?? What good will something like that do us right now?"
The last time he's checked those things weren't built monster-proof yet! And they aren't exactly racing cars either! And wouldn't a Hippie Mobile be an Oldtimer, too??
no subject
He replied quickly, guiding Romani to the Hippie Bus. With tattered curtains in it's windows and faded flowers on it's dented body, it was both large and distinct amidst the rows of junked vehicles.
"Doors are open-- thank God, because it's all manual. Even the transmission. I'll take my chances in this thing until we get some answers."
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)