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memestertrucks2025-11-08 08:19 pm
monstertruckers) wrote in memestertrucks2025-11-08 08:19 pm
Entry tags:
NOVEMBER TDM
A chilling mist and storms cling to the surrounding area. The cold and the wet pierces even the garage, making for a poor welcome. This time around the garage and gas station lurks amidst multiple farms, and a fall colored forest. The seasons have decisively shifted. And the environment is doing its best to shift the new arrivals in turn.
01: SUMMONING CIRCLE
New Drifters arrive to gloomy skies seen through the broken windows of a garage… And a large barn house looming overhead. Rain echoes on the roof, along with the occasional rumble of thunder. When it isn’t raining outside, there’s a damp and chill mist that lingers over the farmlands.
It makes the large Convoy pulling up to stop at that garage seem that much more tall and imposing: though it’s also clear the Convoy has seen some wear and tear, metal scuffed and a few gashes and dents in the cars.
The summoning circle in the garage is lined with candles that can be used to ward off some of the mist and the chill, but it’s advised to find more stable shelter in cars or in the barn. The roof of the garage leaks. And wet, cold concrete isn’t very comfortable for very long.
It makes the large Convoy pulling up to stop at that garage seem that much more tall and imposing: though it’s also clear the Convoy has seen some wear and tear, metal scuffed and a few gashes and dents in the cars.
The summoning circle in the garage is lined with candles that can be used to ward off some of the mist and the chill, but it’s advised to find more stable shelter in cars or in the barn. The roof of the garage leaks. And wet, cold concrete isn’t very comfortable for very long.
02: START UP
There are various cars surrounding the garage. Some of them parked directly outside, though a few of them are parked in various farm fields and vegetable patches. Drifters are advised to watch out for hostile farm life and produce (such as exploding pumpkins) if their ride is out in the farm patch.
There’s also 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 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.
There’s also 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 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: FARM HOSTILITIES
The farm isn’t always the friendliest place; the assorted livestock are all monstrous, and ready to fight any Drifter that looks at them funny. Cockatrices, bull gorgons, bullfango, and bicorns are all present and grumpy.
In addition, Drifters should look out for scarecrows in the farm patches. Their eyes glow with an eerie light, and anyone who meets their gaze will find their fears manifesting. At first the fears last for only a blink, and appear to be hallucinations. The longer any Drifters stay under the scarecrow’s gaze, the more their fears become real and dangerous.
Leaving the gaze of the scarecrows (or destroying them) can end the effect. Though any lingering trauma and bloodshed will need different solutions.
In addition, Drifters should look out for scarecrows in the farm patches. Their eyes glow with an eerie light, and anyone who meets their gaze will find their fears manifesting. At first the fears last for only a blink, and appear to be hallucinations. The longer any Drifters stay under the scarecrow’s gaze, the more their fears become real and dangerous.
Leaving the gaze of the scarecrows (or destroying them) can end the effect. Though any lingering trauma and bloodshed will need different solutions.
04: MOON WARP
Various glowing moon shards have taken root across different farm fields. Thanks to them, there’s more than just produce and livestock growing on the farm. Magic has sunk into the buildings and the soil, and is ready to work on the Drifters in turn.
The scarecrows take on a more sinister glow some nights, pulsing violently with light before exploding; moon shards lay dormant in many of them, before activating one night and forcing changes in Drifters. Along with activating other monster traits, two event monsters are available:
The scarecrows take on a more sinister glow some nights, pulsing violently with light before exploding; moon shards lay dormant in many of them, before activating one night and forcing changes in Drifters. Along with activating other monster traits, two event monsters are available:
04: MONSTER SHIFT, KITSUNE
A fox monster possessing multiple tails. They may take the form of Kitsune, Gumiho, or Huli Jin. They may feature a full or partial vulpine transformation, and with all Kitsune traits also have:
+Trickster Curse: Anyone who steals from farms or acts with trickery/deception risks activating traits.
+Liver Eater: Begins to feel a clawing hunger that can only be satisfied by the liver from prey. The fresher, the better. Husk monsters can fulfill this craving!
+Fox Fire: can generate phantasmal fire either at will or while emotional. These fires cannot burn, unless willed to do so… Or if one’s emotions grow out of hand.
+Fox Fright: If fear or anxiety becomes too great, may become a fox (either small or giant!) in an attempt to flee and hide.
+Tails To Tell: Growing extra tails, up to nine. This may interfere with balance, or even reach out to brush against other people like they have a mind of their own.
+Thief Feet: Gains a talent for moving quietly and stealthily, even able to hide from the farm monsters and the scarecrows.
+Favored Prey: gains an appetite and a ferocity for cockatrices.
+Trickster Curse: Anyone who steals from farms or acts with trickery/deception risks activating traits.
+Liver Eater: Begins to feel a clawing hunger that can only be satisfied by the liver from prey. The fresher, the better. Husk monsters can fulfill this craving!
+Fox Fire: can generate phantasmal fire either at will or while emotional. These fires cannot burn, unless willed to do so… Or if one’s emotions grow out of hand.
+Fox Fright: If fear or anxiety becomes too great, may become a fox (either small or giant!) in an attempt to flee and hide.
+Tails To Tell: Growing extra tails, up to nine. This may interfere with balance, or even reach out to brush against other people like they have a mind of their own.
+Thief Feet: Gains a talent for moving quietly and stealthily, even able to hide from the farm monsters and the scarecrows.
+Favored Prey: gains an appetite and a ferocity for cockatrices.
04: MONSTER SHIFT, TAURUS
Hoofed monsters who can appear as minotaurs, satyrs, and centaurs. In addition to having Taurus traits the following also occurs:
+Red Flag: several of the scarecrows carry red rags on them, which flap in the breeze… And have a way of inflaming Taurus tempers, prompting them to charge. On impact, the red fabric shreds but tries to put off one more pulse of fear.
+Eat Your Veggies: on top of a craving for vegetable, Taurus can also heal their wounds or restore their stamina when eating vegetables from these gardens!
+Horn Sharpening: when horns grow in, they can itch and ache on a Drifter’s head. Rubbing and sharpening them against hard surfaces is the best way to dull the discomfort.
+Safety In Numbers: There is a sudden pressing need for Taurus to stay close to others; being alone causes anxiety and irritability.
+Raging Bull: Threats to a Taurus’ herd invokes anger and aggression from a Taurus, and they will do whatever it takes to crush said threat.
+Digging In: Drifters should take care with their steps. Pressing their feet too hard into the ground can cause a small quake… or even compel them to charge someone, if they make eye contact for too long.
+Stir Crazy: going indoors for longer than a minute causes restlessness and agitation in a Taurus, and a pressing need to get back outside.
+Red Flag: several of the scarecrows carry red rags on them, which flap in the breeze… And have a way of inflaming Taurus tempers, prompting them to charge. On impact, the red fabric shreds but tries to put off one more pulse of fear.
+Eat Your Veggies: on top of a craving for vegetable, Taurus can also heal their wounds or restore their stamina when eating vegetables from these gardens!
+Horn Sharpening: when horns grow in, they can itch and ache on a Drifter’s head. Rubbing and sharpening them against hard surfaces is the best way to dull the discomfort.
+Safety In Numbers: There is a sudden pressing need for Taurus to stay close to others; being alone causes anxiety and irritability.
+Raging Bull: Threats to a Taurus’ herd invokes anger and aggression from a Taurus, and they will do whatever it takes to crush said threat.
+Digging In: Drifters should take care with their steps. Pressing their feet too hard into the ground can cause a small quake… or even compel them to charge someone, if they make eye contact for too long.
+Stir Crazy: going indoors for longer than a minute causes restlessness and agitation in a Taurus, and a pressing need to get back outside.
05: HUNTERS
Time passes, and a fog rolls into the farm lands. It obscures much of the surroundings, but one thing does shine through the gloom; red, electric lights that look suspiciously like eyes. A metallic growl echoes through the farm fields, before robot canine shapes step out of the fog. A few of them carry speakers mounted to their shoulders, and a voice echoes out from them:
“All chromehounds, set commands to seek and destroy. Any infected you find, you eliminate. Keep Nirvana safe from their taint at all costs. Now hunt.”
At those orders, the chromehounds spring out and begin to course through the farmlands, hunting for prey. A single chromehound can be handled by a Drifter on their own, but the danger is how often they hunt in pairs or in packs; in that case, a Drifter will need help to either fight or flee from them.
Those in the midst of Kitsune or Taurus changes will also need to deal with a howl the hounds send out; it is pitched at a fight or flight frequency designed to distress monsters. Either by causing intense bouts of fear, or near blinding rage. The intent is to flush any Kitsune and Taurus out of hiding and into the jaws of waiting chomehounds… Though hounds don’t account for monsters also having pack.
“All chromehounds, set commands to seek and destroy. Any infected you find, you eliminate. Keep Nirvana safe from their taint at all costs. Now hunt.”
At those orders, the chromehounds spring out and begin to course through the farmlands, hunting for prey. A single chromehound can be handled by a Drifter on their own, but the danger is how often they hunt in pairs or in packs; in that case, a Drifter will need help to either fight or flee from them.
Those in the midst of Kitsune or Taurus changes will also need to deal with a howl the hounds send out; it is pitched at a fight or flight frequency designed to distress monsters. Either by causing intense bouts of fear, or near blinding rage. The intent is to flush any Kitsune and Taurus out of hiding and into the jaws of waiting chomehounds… Though hounds don’t account for monsters also having pack.
06: CUCCO WARNING
There's one more oddity at the farm; one that isn't immediately hostile to newcomers, though it does regard them with curiosity. It takes the form of a rather innocent (and slightly vapid looking) chicken. Many of them roam the farmstead, trying to avoid any conflict.
A few of them even gather around an abandoned pie eating booth and peck at the remarkably well preserved pies. They might even be willing to share. (And the pies themselves are still edible and tasty, somehow.)
But this good will and tolerance can swiftly come to an end if they are attacked. If agitated, the cuccos can summon more of themselves to swarm the threat, causing plenty of pecks, scratches, and assorted injuries. There's even a ruined scarecrow laying nearby, torn to death by little beaks to show how dangerous they can be.
They also don't take kindly to threats from other denizens of the farm; the robot dogs, scarecrows, and some of the angrier farm life can quickly learn that the hard way!
A few of them even gather around an abandoned pie eating booth and peck at the remarkably well preserved pies. They might even be willing to share. (And the pies themselves are still edible and tasty, somehow.)
But this good will and tolerance can swiftly come to an end if they are attacked. If agitated, the cuccos can summon more of themselves to swarm the threat, causing plenty of pecks, scratches, and assorted injuries. There's even a ruined scarecrow laying nearby, torn to death by little beaks to show how dangerous they can be.
They also don't take kindly to threats from other denizens of the farm; the robot dogs, scarecrows, and some of the angrier farm life can quickly learn that the hard way!
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.
Snow Warning: Mountains rise above both farmlands and forest, and it seems clear that the road leads on towards them. It might be wise to plunder the nearby garage and farmhouses for any winter wear, before going further.
Food Forage: The local fields hold supplies… Some of them unconventional thanks to the Moon Warps. It’s probably best not to ask why corndogs are growing on corn stalks, but they’re still edible enough.
Misty Step: Sometimes the gloom and mist can do strange things to one’s perception, and stride. Walking into the mist can easily tun a Drifter around and place them in a spot they weren’t intending to go: whether that’s back in the garage, in the middle of the approaching Convoy, the middle of a field, or maybe somewhere else entirely!
Holy Cow-Car, Batman: One last quirk of the region, is that occasionally the vehicles here (including Drifter vehicles) seem to have a mind of their own. And that mind is similar to a cow. The vehicles can be found wandering in fenced off grassy areas, flattening grass to a degree where it appears to be eaten.
The vehicles are at least fairly docile, and once they are removed from the fencing revert to being normal cars/motorcycles/etc. But until then, they retain that odd quirk.
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"So there is a chance for you. Color me shocked." His cords eased outward and made contact, giving the Radio Demon a nudge.
"Move it, fossil. You probably need tightened spark plugs or something equally simple." Let's get this open, peek under the skirt...
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Fine by him. Goodness, just a little bit of goading was all it took, hmm?
"Hmmhmm. I do remember your first attempt at learning before your silly little cooking show. Nearly burned down the bar's kitchen."
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"Get in and start it up, or- try to. I wanna hear it. Grinds, clicks, something." He waved dismissively.
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No biting back from Alastor! At least, not yet. Instead, he just settled into a casual hum, strolling around Vox and into the driver's seat. Vox is working so politely and well right now, after all, best wait until the car is up and running.
Calmly, he gave the key a turn - the engine certainly was cranking, but it refused to turn.
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It's that or the ignition switch. Anything else, and they needed to do some major salvage hunting.
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With the jump, the engine squealed as it finally started running, though the alternator was making a pointedly abnormal sound. Enough that even though he was chuckling, Alastor turned his ears back to dampen the volume of it.
"Got a clue, old pal?"
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Vox's arms folded across his chest as he lounged.
"Alright. Take her for a little spin. ...And don't crash it- you picked up how to drive in the 80-something fucking years since you died, haven't you?"
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Alastor decides to not comment, instead cracking his knuckles. And popping his elbows and shoulders in the same gesture.
"Once I've installed a few loudspeakers on the roof, we can really get this show on the road!"
Ah, good, it's clutch and not one of those newfangled automatics that try to drive for you. Alastor gives the engine a brief rev before putting it in gear and pulling out with a little more speed than one might expect, ripping it onto the main road. Time to see how this thing handles!
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Okay, he lied- he'll still quietly roll his eyes a bit.
"What, a radio in each cab not enough for you?" He leaned an elbow on the passenger side door and propped where his cheek would be. After waking up on the cold hard concrete, he was glad to have a seat on some level of cushion, give his grumpy back a break. Pardon him for trying to make subtle a press of the elbow and a mild arch of the back- but there's the pop and he quickly shifted his eyes to the window. Let the engine rev mask that!
But that's forgotten as, with a yelp, Vox scrambled for the seat belt as Alastor took off with a little more kick than he anticipated.
"What the fuck did I say about not crashing it!?"
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At least he wasn't lying about knowing how to shift the gears - Alastor floored the gas pedal, getting a feel for the acceleration and handling by swerving onto the main road, going around potholes. Hmm, good, not too top-heavy feeling... this was a fair sight bigger than the car he took (and demolished) from Husker.
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This would be so much more thrilling if HE was driving, but he wasn't about to be some chauffeur for the guy. He'd make a thing out of it.
But there was one silver lining amid the stress he fought to keep under wraps: His car was way better than this one. But he may as well listen for any further issues. He didn't need his labs, his staff or most of his own personal tools to figure out an old junk heap like this.
"Whatever- if you see one of those dogs, make sure it's a speed bump. They could make for good scrap." ...And not to dissect and study for his own personal projects. Not at all.
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Still, a project he ought to keep in mind for later is putting a bit more to shield the front of his car - crashing it into armored mutts sounded fun. Certainly more fun than being chased and hunted down.
Once Alastor was satisfied with a large open stretch of dirt he could maneuver in, he harshly turned the wheel to see how well the bulky truck could handle a donut, spinning the vehicle and cackling with deranged amusement all the while.
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...And exhilaration. He can admit that. For just a moment, everything around them spinning as he gripped what he could like a vice, the deranged laughter filling his intake ports and the sheer danger of it all had his heart racing in old and frustrating ways.
Nope... no, he was also laughing in deranged amusement, because why was he like this and what if they died!? ...CAN they die now? He didn't know-
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If you're going to have a car, at least have fun with it! Hah! Oh, he had been such a trolley hopper, but it was hard to deny the chaos of burning through gas at a reckless rate.
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He was left breathless, giggling as they got back on the road, tears streaming from his eyes as his head spun. He hadn't realized how tightly he was gripping the seat and trim until he had to dislodge his claws, and he wiped the tears away, the last dregs of adrenaline ebbing from his system.
"How- how did-... how the fuck did you not kill us both!? You're so stupid!!" This is giggly bitch hours, wasn't it? It sure was.
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Let's see-- Alastor slammed the brakes, getting a feel for the actual stopping distance. Hmmm, finding extra brakes might be good, they slide quite a ways. Just as casually, once at a full stop, Alastor threw the gear into reverse and stuck his head out the window to at least see what he was doing.
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He quirked a brow with the reverse. "Alright- your chutzpah is tolerable, but you realize this thing's old as shit, right? Probably older than you. If you kill this thing we're stuck walking back!"
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But he'll at least get the thing back on the road in a more sane manner of driving. "Besides, you weren't invited in here."
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But hey, you know what? He wasn't invited in here. Everything sounded fine, and he'd had enough of this guy anyway. He had his own precious little beauty to fuss over.
"Well, I'd say this was fun, but that'd be a lie. For the favor and your current mode of working transportation...?" He leaned, arms crossed, and grinned from proverbial ear to ear. A cable wrapped around the window crank and worked it down. He only needed a couple of inches.
"You're welcome. ...I'll even give you a little parting tip."
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Vox stuck his hand through the crack in the window, metallic claws clacking against the chassis of the vehicle's exterior.
"Gets a little dodgy when you've only got one working headlight!" It only took a little current before the POP, a bulb giving up the ghost on the driver's side.
The Media Demon clicked his tongue, shrugged, and with a flash of light had disappeared with a brief V of electricity. The spray sparks left behind danced in the truck's cabin before they, too, dissipated.
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Game on, old pal. Just you wait.