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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.”
no subject
[Pretty simple equation, as far as he's concerned. Helps keep him from wondering over this...Person? And were those just eyes on that hat?
This does have the side effect of leaving him unsure where he's supposed to be looking, exactly. And giving a quick, uneasy shift from foot to foot; both the get his balance back, and prove that he's just fine standing on two feet.]
"I've been through worse than this..."
[Liar.
The thought hisses, and he can feel his ear pinning back and turning down. Reminding him that no, this is all new territory for him.]
"...Well. I've been through stuff just as bad as this. The shape-changing is new, though."
no subject
[The eyes -- both the ones on her body and the ones on her face, shift quickly between the injury and the frustration on the young man's face. None of her business, she thinks, but yet why did a man so young needed to look so determined?]
"Let me see?" [She gestures to the injury on his head and the changes to his form. She had no medical knowledge herself, but still felt the urge to offer him at least a conciliatory glance at what Akihiko was dealing with.]
no subject
[Boy does he ever want to insist that he doesn't need help. He's fine. He's tough; he's the person in charge of helping OTHER people, not the other way around. But on the other hand, shoving someone who looked like they were seconds away from having a meltdown? That's not exactly helping, is it?
So he gives a long sigh, kneeling down as he lets his breath out.]
"If you need to have a look, then okay. I promise it looks worse than it is."
[He's mostly right. Though that gash across his face is still oozing a little bit, at least he's not in any danger of bleeding out. And he's doing a pretty good job with ignoring the pain so far.
And ignoring the new ear; that's important too.]
no subject
As the mismatched gloves peel back the bangs over the wound, her attention focuses more keenly on the oozing nature of the injury. Huh. That's weird? In the circus the inhabitants would get injured quite frequently, but she couldn't really recall anything causing a lasting injury...
She draws a little closer and breathes, the subtle scent of sweat and iron drifting from the injury. Her eyes dilate to simple circles once she realizes what is happening.] "...you're... ...you're bleeding." [Like flipping a switch, the barely held facade truly begins to break, and she starts looking around the room wildly, noticing the other injuries that were all around her and realizing that, for the ones that are currently experiencing them, they were real as well.]
"CAINE????" [The jester cups her hands to her mouth and starts yelling into the night sky.] "THIS IS ENOUGH OF THIS! CAINE, THIS ISN'T FUNNY! THESE PEOPLE ARE REALLY GETTING INJURED! CAINE???? CAINE, I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE CIRCUS! CAINE!!!? [Each calling to this unknown person causes her voice to get louder and more desperate as she pulls away calling on some higher power that doesn't seem to be paying her much heed.]
no subject
At least, he could name them, if it wasn't for all the shouting and yelling.
That's not a good reaction to bleeding, and he can't help but feel a little responsible for setting her off. Can't very well leave her freaking out like this.]
"Hey. HEY! Time out for a second, how about you talk to me instead of yelling at the sky? Or whoever the hell Caine is."
no subject
[What was going on? The whole thing was supposed to be one of Caine's stupid adventures, right? It had all the hallmarks of one: the stupid riddles, the dumb objectives, finding the keys, the monster attack. She was certain that by the end of the night Ragatha and Jax would come popping from behind a car and they'd all go back to the circus. So why wasn't that happening...? Unless...]
[The focus returns to her eyes and she looks back up at the young boy, sweat and caking blood on his brow. The answer, of course, was staring her in the eye.] "...you're real. Oh my GOD. You're real. This is real. And this whole night has been... and we've been running for our lives... AND..." [Her attention turns to her gloved hands.] "I STILL LOOK LIKE THIS? WHAT THE HELL???"
no subject
[Smart remarks aren't helping. Akihiko can figure that out pretty fast. But figuring out what to do next isn't coming to him quite as fast. How do you get someone to calm down when they're like this, anyway-?
'And what about when Miki had a nightmare?'
That thought stops him still. And it gives him at least one more option; getting right in front of her, trying to lock eye contact... Even if her eyes are weirding him out right now.]
"Okay. Less shouting. More breathing."
[He tries to phrase that somewhere between a suggestion and an instruction. Walk through the facts, to center on what's going on right now. He just hopes this works like it did for his sister.]
"Yeah. We're real. We've been here all night. Fought a bit where we had to. And you might notice we're all looking a little bit weird and dealing with some changes. We're also NOT dead or bleeding out... So we all got that going for us."
no subject
[Each thought caused her breathing to become sharper and more shallow. Akihiko's strategy to change tactics came as an opportune time as her mind was swirling over everything that's happened. She listens... and the comment that their bodies have changed does cause her to wince at the eyes peppering her digital form. How could that be possible?]
[She hangs onto every word he says like they were a life line trying to pull her back toward stability. Her breathing slows in gulps punctured by quick bursts of sharp intakes. Slowly she starts to turn away, a bit more grounded to process just what has happened the night before.]
I'm... I'm fine... [Her words were wavered and hushed.] ...I just... ...need a moment...
[Her thoughts returned to events of the day, reframed in the context of this new information. Silly that game logic seemed to fit it well enough, she could have sworn this was just another adventure. And then there was the persona user...] ...wow, he was really blowing those things up with that megi-magic... what was that he called it...? Persona...?
no subject
[It's a relief that she's calmed down in turn. He was getting close to the end of his wits on figuring out what he was supposed to do; people skills aren't his primary forte, compared to some of his teammates.
Still, Akihiko finds himself easing into a sitting position, trying to show that he isn't too tense. No need to freak out. And maybe he can stop tensing up in turn.]
"Ah... Yeah. There's a couple of us running around. Persona users, I mean. I've met two of them so far.
Sounds like both of them run on slightly different rules from me. But it's still the same result, being able to call down spells, pain, and healing as the situation demands."
no subject
"Seriously, you too? I didn't know reality was like some kind of shonen manga. The next thing I know some teenager is going to go out with a magic compact and smiting things in the name of love and the moon!"
[The annoyance was a nice momentary distraction. Regardless, seeing him sit on the ground was enough for her to follow suit. She gazes up at him once more, a hand raising to scratch the back of her neck.]
"...well, I can't exactly say I don't have my own... ...thing... ...but it's not nearly as useful... ...or even that great of a thing. But... alright, here goes: this isn't my real body. It sort of is now, but I put on a strange headset and got transported into a digital world. I lost my name and my body and I popped in looking like... this." [She gestured to herself, the eyes following along, causing her to feel a momentary wave of motion sickness.] "...whoa, well, the eyes are definitely not new... but..." [She draws her knees closer to her body.] "...I hope you can also see why I'm not entirely thrilled that I'm back to a reality, even one as bad as this, looking as I am..."
no subject
[Hell; the last couple of hours have shown him just how weird things can get, and that he can still be shocked by all sorts of things. Akihiko still pinches at the bridge of his nose, trying to get all his thoughts ordered.]
"If it helps, I haven't put a headset on for a month. And the one girl I know who does wear that stuff is alright."
[Even if Fuuka sometimes seems a little nervous or skittish. Not to this extent, though.]
"Haven't seen anyone waving magic compacts around, though. I'll let you know if I do.
Still... I get that it's not a great situation to be in. Feel like I'm getting off kinda light, compared to all of that."
[Nothing like a sudden dose of perspective to make that ear feel WAY less weird, by comparison.]
no subject
[She takes a breath, wondering how her body would even take damage in this place. Would she bleed? Does she have to breathe or eat?]
[She'd rather consider Akihiko's situation.]
"I gotta say you're taking all of this pretty well. Have you been caught up in strange Mad Max-like situations before? If you're all from different places, none of you seem to be bothered."
"It's weird." [And a little concerning, if she's honest.]
no subject
"Not the first time the world has gone weird for me. Used to happen all the time around midnight, where I'm from; fighting monsters, having reality warp, all that stuff... Though the cars a new thing.
Also never heard of 'Mad Max' before... Sounds sort of like this line of movies from back home though, 'Bad Bob.' Never got a chance to sit down and watch them."
[He glances around the Convoy again.]
"Not arguing with you that it's weird. I just try to roll with the punches, where I can."
no subject
[She weighs the information he is providing and considers a conversation she had with Akechi not too long ago. Oh god. If what he suggested was true then...]
"So you are also suggesting that we are from different worlds and different times..." [It was a disturbing thought.] "...god, can this day get any weirder???."
no subject
"Yes. Experience tells me it can always, ALWAYS, get weirder. Or worse. Depending on how you look at it. I try not to tempt fate until I'm ready for another round..."
[He trails off, and does his best to put on a confident smirk.]
"Which I could manage, if you give me five minutes."
[Not Knowing When To Tap Out, thy name is Akihiko. Then again, far be it for him to refuse a challenge. No matter how unsettling it might be.]
no subject
[The statement calls to attention the injury to his head and the exposed wound. Crud.]
[She takes a deep breath, and for the moment commands the air of a 25-year-old woman she is supposed to be and not the childlike mascot her body presents herself as.] "...not with that wound you're not."
[She takes a moment to look around for something that is usable material. It's not long before she found some tattered strip of cloth, dusty from disuse and age.] "...here. It's the last I can do. For, you know, freaking out on you." [Just focus on what you can do, Pomni. And try not to get in the way of the ones that are capable of protecting the group.]
no subject
...The cars and the metal bodies are new, though. Same with actually turning-"
[You know what, he's not going to finish that thought. That's the one part of this that is still unsettling for him. And he'd sooner not undergo a freeze or a freak out himself; not when he's supposed to be putting up a tough front.
He also debates if he wants to argue about his wound...
...But also. He's familiar at this point with girls taking on that 'No Arguments Allowed. EVER' tone with him. And learned how that's one fight he'll never win. So he puts his hands up in surrender.]
"Ah. Thanks.
Probably should get that patched up, if I'm doing a night watch. And uh... Don't worry about the freak-out?"
[That's what you're supposed to say, he's pretty sure. He hasn't had to walk someone through one of those in a while.]
no subject
"You know, before the night went... crazy... I was walking around with a person that looked like he had a doctor coat. I don't know if he has any medical supplies, especially for the number of people we have here, but he would probably know some know-how to keep this injury from getting worse. He's pretty resourceful too."
[Huh? Oh... that freak out.] "...thanks, I guess. With all the weird stuff I've been through, you'd think that I'd get used to it but..." [Loop the cloth around temple. Not too tight. Try to place the clean part on the wound.] "...I guess there's no way to prepare for crazy."
no subject
[Sounds like he's speaking from experience. He tries not grimace, either from some painful memories, or from getting bandaged.]
"I'll try go looking for him, though. Or at least keep an eye out for him once you're done."
[Speaking of, Akihiko slowly starts to stand up.]
"By the way... You're going to be okay, if I go looking for him?"
[Better to make sure, before he ups and leaves her.]
no subject
"Besides, you're, what, 17? 18? I know I don't look it, but I'm 25. I can take care of myself. I'm a big girl." [Which she realizes makes her sound more like a child but whatever.]