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memestertrucks2025-09-15 12:18 pm
monstertruckers) wrote in memestertrucks2025-09-15 12:18 pm
Entry tags:
SEPTEMBER TDM
This month, new arrivals will find plenty of sand and rocks strewn over the garage, as well as an oppressive heat. Day or night alike offers little reprieve, and the air is dry and dusty. It will be a task to keep cool, as well as keep control. There’s plenty of threats beyond just the oppressive temperature, and a chaotic, dangerous, landscape to match.
01: SUMMONING CIRCLE
New Drifters arrive with a feeling of stifling heat. The garage has been baking in the sun for most of the day on an exposed mesa, and as the sun goes down it’s only now beginning to cool. Heat stroke and dehydration are both real concerns. There’s water available in the gas station nearby… But it involves crossing a precarious rock arch, exposed to open air. Otherwise, there’s more water in a river further down, but the climb is equally risky and involves scurrying down sheer rock walls. (And dealing with territorial cactaurs at the bottom.)
There is also an oasis off in the distance, but it would be impossible to arrive there on foot. At least for a normal person.
Either way, it’s advised to find some form of hydration, both for the sake of newcomers and for the sake of the Convoy rolling up. With how the heat seems to be beating down on the vehicles, it’s questionable if they have much water to spare.
There is also an oasis off in the distance, but it would be impossible to arrive there on foot. At least for a normal person.
Either way, it’s advised to find some form of hydration, both for the sake of newcomers and for the sake of the Convoy rolling up. With how the heat seems to be beating down on the vehicles, it’s questionable if they have much water to spare.
02: START UP
There are various cars surrounding the garage. (And for a few unfortunates, parked across the rock bridge! Though the rocks should be able to take the weight of the cars. Just don’t look down.) Many of them parked in the shelter of rocks and caves to try and hide from the worst of the heat.
Some of the cars may still need to cool down from the heat, but regardless, there’s a certain connection between different newcomers and cars. Something that suggests a particular vehicle is theirs, backed up by possessing the key to that vehicle. The key to the vehicle may already be in the ignition, on the dashboard… It may have even been on their person, ever since they woke up in that garage. Either way, Drifters 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.
Some of the cars may still need to cool down from the heat, but regardless, there’s a certain connection between different newcomers and cars. Something that suggests a particular vehicle is theirs, backed up by possessing the key to that vehicle. The key to the vehicle may already be in the ignition, on the dashboard… It may have even been on their person, ever since they woke up in that garage. Either way, Drifters 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.
03: MOON WARP
To complicate things, the moon overhead pulses strangely. Shards of moonstone rain down as night falls over the garage and gas station. And something about these stones warps the surroundings.
A storm begins to brew overhead, with a growl of thunder. The red wasteland rocks surrounding the area begin to reflect sound of the storm, make it sound almost like song… And everyone close to the moon shard stones can feel their bodies begin to warp in turn.
New arrivals affected by the moon shower will find themselves with access to an additional monster form with two variations:
A storm begins to brew overhead, with a growl of thunder. The red wasteland rocks surrounding the area begin to reflect sound of the storm, make it sound almost like song… And everyone close to the moon shard stones can feel their bodies begin to warp in turn.
New arrivals affected by the moon shower will find themselves with access to an additional monster form with two variations:
03: MONSTER SHIFT, SPHINX
This month's monster is the Sphinx, a human-lion hybrid that may also have bird-like wings. It’s up to the player on just how leonine their facial features and bodies are. Alongside all sphinx species traits, the following also happens:
+Fluctuating Voice: voice can easily shift into a growl or a roar if emotions grow heated. This roar can also cause damage if loud enough.
+Clawing Pains: Can grow retractable claws, which may provide intense pain or discomfort. Healing magics can help alleviate this pain... Or sharpening their budding claws on just about anything, including stone.
+Compelled to speak in riddles or outright lying. This makes conveying any information found in the truck stop all the more difficult.
Compelled to guard a either people or a location. This could be beneficial for other Drifters if the Sphinx decides to protect them or the Convoy… But it could also be negative, if a Sphinx decides that they need to guard the garage and gas station, and other Drifters are intruders.
+An obsession with riddles and puzzles. And newly arriving to this place certainly counts as a riddle!
+Ambush Predator: Gains an affinity for stalking amongst the ruins, and using them to advantage when hunting other monsters. Running from or turning one's back on a Sphinx is not advised, lest it trigger the hunting instinct.
+Fluctuating Voice: voice can easily shift into a growl or a roar if emotions grow heated. This roar can also cause damage if loud enough.
+Clawing Pains: Can grow retractable claws, which may provide intense pain or discomfort. Healing magics can help alleviate this pain... Or sharpening their budding claws on just about anything, including stone.
+Compelled to speak in riddles or outright lying. This makes conveying any information found in the truck stop all the more difficult.
Compelled to guard a either people or a location. This could be beneficial for other Drifters if the Sphinx decides to protect them or the Convoy… But it could also be negative, if a Sphinx decides that they need to guard the garage and gas station, and other Drifters are intruders.
+An obsession with riddles and puzzles. And newly arriving to this place certainly counts as a riddle!
+Ambush Predator: Gains an affinity for stalking amongst the ruins, and using them to advantage when hunting other monsters. Running from or turning one's back on a Sphinx is not advised, lest it trigger the hunting instinct.
03: MONSTER SHIFT, MANTICORE
Alongside Sphinx, is the Manticore. A second human-lion hybrid, with rows of razor teeth, batlike wings, and poisonous quills/barbs on their tails. Manticores can access all Sphinx and Drakonis traits, and also gain:
+Voracious Appetite: Need to consume a large amount of meat. Husk monsters are around to feed on, otherwise may be compelled to raid the Convoy for food.
+Truth Compulsion: Manticores gain a loud, almost trumpet quality to their voice, and a need to announce truths instead of riddles. With so many books in the library, there’s lots of truth to announce.
+Guardian Compulsion: like the Sphinx, Manticores can be guards. Generally Manticores tend to be much more territorial, opting for a location and driving all intruders all of it… Or opting for one person and turning savagely protective.
+Instinct Shift: Low control of Protean form, but can subconsciously shift limbs back and forth.
+Toothing Pains: Gains rows of shark-like teeth that can chew through metal. Growing these may result in pain, and pain easily leads to berserk frenzy.
+Poison Sting: While growing the poison quills, the process can be unstable and cause manticores to shoot or shed their spines at inopportune times. The poison is still developing and cannot kill, but can cause paralysis, pain, or hallucinations.
+Voracious Appetite: Need to consume a large amount of meat. Husk monsters are around to feed on, otherwise may be compelled to raid the Convoy for food.
+Truth Compulsion: Manticores gain a loud, almost trumpet quality to their voice, and a need to announce truths instead of riddles. With so many books in the library, there’s lots of truth to announce.
+Guardian Compulsion: like the Sphinx, Manticores can be guards. Generally Manticores tend to be much more territorial, opting for a location and driving all intruders all of it… Or opting for one person and turning savagely protective.
+Instinct Shift: Low control of Protean form, but can subconsciously shift limbs back and forth.
+Toothing Pains: Gains rows of shark-like teeth that can chew through metal. Growing these may result in pain, and pain easily leads to berserk frenzy.
+Poison Sting: While growing the poison quills, the process can be unstable and cause manticores to shoot or shed their spines at inopportune times. The poison is still developing and cannot kill, but can cause paralysis, pain, or hallucinations.
04: TRUCK STOP ARCHIVES
One oddity with the truck stop this time around is just how many books are on the shelves. They hold information on the monsters here: both tales and legends, but also how to go about hunting them. There is also a section of maps, most of them worn out and illegible… But a few of them carry notes hastily scrawled into them about a place called “Nirvana.”
The following information can be gained from a quick scan:
+“Got to stay on the road. Nirvana is supposed to be a paradise.”
+“Somehow after everything we went through, it’s still standing. Still telling us to seek shelter there.”
+“It’ll take months to reach it. Doesn’t matter. Keep going. It’s the only city we have left.”
+“Crossroads Of Fate. Heard someone say it once.”
+”Only way we can make a home. Or make it home.”
+“Sits on leylines. They say that’s how the moonshards keep missing. Somehow warps time and space around it. Wonder what else it can warp.”
The following information can be gained from a quick scan:
+“Got to stay on the road. Nirvana is supposed to be a paradise.”
+“Somehow after everything we went through, it’s still standing. Still telling us to seek shelter there.”
+“It’ll take months to reach it. Doesn’t matter. Keep going. It’s the only city we have left.”
+“Crossroads Of Fate. Heard someone say it once.”
+”Only way we can make a home. Or make it home.”
+“Sits on leylines. They say that’s how the moonshards keep missing. Somehow warps time and space around it. Wonder what else it can warp.”
05: HUSK MONSTERS
There are several metallic forms around the garage and the truck stop; whenever night falls (or moonshards fall) they burst open, becoming prey for afflicted newcomers… Or threats.
First are gaunt things called Chasers that look like a cross between a human and a horse, and can easily run down newcomers on foot or in cars. The moon warp also makes something in their backs glow, before generating streams of razor wind.
Second are strange bulky armadillo like creatures. Far slower than the Chasers, these monsters prefer to roll into a ball for any form of speed and crush their quarry with their bulk. Once crippled, they tear at targets with sharp digging claws. They are often encountered with mutated moles who dig through stone like earth.
Last are the hulking chimeras shot through with poison and bad tempers, ready to pounce and tackle into prey to inject their toxins.
First are gaunt things called Chasers that look like a cross between a human and a horse, and can easily run down newcomers on foot or in cars. The moon warp also makes something in their backs glow, before generating streams of razor wind.
Second are strange bulky armadillo like creatures. Far slower than the Chasers, these monsters prefer to roll into a ball for any form of speed and crush their quarry with their bulk. Once crippled, they tear at targets with sharp digging claws. They are often encountered with mutated moles who dig through stone like earth.
Last are the hulking chimeras shot through with poison and bad tempers, ready to pounce and tackle into prey to inject their toxins.
06: CACTUARS!
Those who wander a little further from the gas station find that the landscape gets more hostile; hotter, sharp edged rocks, steep rocks... And Cactuars. These odd creatures resemble 2-3 foot high cactuses, do an odd little dance, and shoot needles at anyone who gets too close. These needles hurt a lot, but tougher vehicles (and extremely sturdy rocks) can offer protection. They are also agile creatures who require heavy fire power to bring down.
...And rather worryingly, Cactuars CAN be eaten. They resemble a vegetable or a fruit with a lot of water packed into them, or green tofu. They are disconcertingly tasty. But anyone who does eat them is suddenly, physically compelled to do the Cactuar Pose. This lasts for 30 seconds, and activates AGAIN if a Drifter eats more Cactuar. And some well meaning person has stocked the entire Convoy with Cactuar supplies, to add to the confusion: please exercise caution with eating anything green.
...And rather worryingly, Cactuars CAN be eaten. They resemble a vegetable or a fruit with a lot of water packed into them, or green tofu. They are disconcertingly tasty. But anyone who does eat them is suddenly, physically compelled to do the Cactuar Pose. This lasts for 30 seconds, and activates AGAIN if a Drifter eats more Cactuar. And some well meaning person has stocked the entire Convoy with Cactuar supplies, to add to the confusion: please exercise caution with eating anything green.
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.
Open Sky: The garage and gas station are perched on top of a mesa, with a truly massive sky stretched out overhead. Agoraphobiacs beware. Those with monster forms associated with the open sky (harpies, sphinx, wind elementals, dragons, etc) may find the open sky far more enticing than before. Just be careful when crossing the narrow rock bridges, as there’s a long drop below.
Red Hot Red Rocks: Portions of the mesa react to the heat a little too well. There are patches of rocks that can instantly burn any skin that makes contact; some of those patches are between a Drifter and their vehicle, or the convoy, or the gas station! It will be a task to either cool those patches down, or avoid them.
Vegetation: It’s sparse in the badlands, but a few plants are noticeable. First are the tumbleweeds, dried out and rolling along. These ones have sharp edges, and seem to multiply if they hit a solid object at speed. And are very flammable. There’s also a few cactus like plants; some of them even have drinkable water that won’t poison anyone! They are signified by blue fruit growing on them. And the fact that they shoot their spines at anything that gets too close.
no subject
[ She lets out a sigh she hadn't known she'd been holding at that. It's not lost on her how Tifa seems to not want to meet her eyes, so she leans herself down and tilts her head in an attempt to meet them on her own. With a very gentle smile on her face. The attempt is there to be comforting. ]
Must've been a really intense fight to not notice. What attacked you?
no subject
They also rushed us in armored cars and vehicles, and-"
[...Ah. Right.
...How does one bring up that there's a Shinra super soldier wandering around?]
"...And I needed to be bailed out a time or two by s-someone."
no subject
I'm so sorry. I wish I'd been here to help you.
[ Now that hesitation is curious and she lifts her head, tilts it sideways. ]
I'm glad you got help though. Was the 'someone' someone we know?
no subject
...But I am glad you're here now."
[That part is too true, Tifa realizes with a guilty twinge. But even if she is glad Aerith is here... fact is her friend has still gotten dragged into this chaos. Though Tifa is pretty sure she'd get scolded if she brought that worry or guilt up.
Besides that, she has a different wince traveling through her, at the next question.]
"Yes... But not exactly a friend."
[Deep breath, then let it out all at once.]
"S-Sephiroth is here too. But... He hasn't turned on anyone here yet. I have a hard time believing it, but he's different from who we've encountered.
I never fought side by side with him before. But during that attack... Circumstances forced it."
no subject
I'm glad too. Whatever comes we've always been best as a team together. [ Maybe that's a tiny bit hypocritical of her to say given how she went off on her own but...she does feel it's true. With Tifa and the others she did learn how much better it could be to have friends help you with the hard things.
The next part of what she says gives her pause. Tifa has a lot of reasons to hold Sephiroth in a negative light. A lot. So if she's saying that they've fought side by side that means something. Matters.
But Aerith's also got her own issues with the man, her own knowledge of who he is, was, and will become. ]
Different how? What does he know about...himself?
no subject
Or what he did to people."
[She lets her eyes drift shut. Better not to show any pain or unease about the entire thing. Tifa lets herself think through everything that happened, all the conversations and battles, and Vincent telling her it was time to face the issue.]
"When I met him, I remember something you told me once; about other realities. Or other timelines. And when Vincent and I confronted him about it-"
[Long story, her scrunched eyebrows say. A very, VERY long story.]
"He really didn't know anything we told him about. He's never experienced it before."
no subject
It's okay. [ What he did she means. It's...well, it's not. But she feels more comfortable saying it is-trying to offer some comfort. ]
That's... strange...[ Extremely strange and the ghost of a frown touches her lips as she thinks about it. ] So...he's from before any of it? Did...you tell him everything? About what he does and is trying to do?
no subject
"Told him as much as we thought he could handle...
...I half expected he'd set the Convoy on fire after telling him about everything. But he hasn't done any of that. He's been distant lately but that's about it.
It's strange, seeing him like that. And not fighting anything except for the monsters, and the hunters."
no subject
[ That he didn't just start setting things on fire. But then again perhaps it has something more to do with the circumstances of how he found out the truth. ]
Maybe it helped to have people there to share this information with him?
[ Rather than just finding out by himself in relatively isolation. Or he's got some sort of plan the rest of them haven't realized yet. That's not something she really wants to think, she wants to have some sort of hope that his path could really be changed, but she does know...things. ]
How are you handling seeing him like that?
no subject
"I don't really know about 'handling' it as much as... Not facing it, where I can. I'm lucky we've got a big collection of trucks we're traveling around in, and we're mostly keeping our distance. Feels like it's usually Vincent who is doing any talking. Him and maybe Za-"
[...Oh. No. Now of course is when she remembers that little detail.
How many uncomfortable truths are they going to have in one conversation?]
"A-about people being from different places, and times... There's more than just Sephiroth here."
no subject
I think that's fair. To want to try to avoid it. I mean who knows what could happen if...
[ he's pushed a bit too far. Or something too bad comes out. But she catches that last tiny bit and finds herself pausing. It can't be the name she's thinking of, right? ]
Who else is there?
no subject
"It's... Zack. Zack's here too.
I didn't really believe it when I met him, myself-
Well, actually we were busy fighting a giant bird. A lot happened all at once."
no subject
She smiles just a tiny bit. ]
A giant bird, huh? Sounds like trouble he'd get into. [ She pauses for a moment. ] How much does he know about...everything?