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route666rp2025-02-07 01:56 pm
monstertruckers) wrote in route666rp2025-02-07 01:56 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- ace attorney: apollo justice,
- digital devil saga: serph,
- fallout: arcade gannon,
- fear & hunger 2: levi,
- malevolent: john doe,
- persona 3: akihiko,
- persona 5: goro akechi,
- rwby: blake belladonna,
- rwby: yang,
- songs for the dusk: v (oc),
- sonic the hedgehog: shadow,
- star wars: r0-gr,
- the murderbot diaries: murderbot,
- werewolf by night: jack russell
FEBRUARY EVENT LOG
The Convoy begins a slow path through the forest, and a long road winding between the trees. The vegetation hangs thick overhead, with a perpetual state of dim light hanging over the surroundings. Sunlight and moonlight both have a hard time piercing the gloom. And alongside that is a sense of danger looming in the shadows.
01: DEPARTURE/MINGLE
Dawn arrives after a long and demanding night. As wane sunlight leaks through the forest, the forcefield flickers out. In its place, the Convoy hums to life. Engines thrum, breakfast appears in the dining car, and the speakers crackle with a pre-recorded, automated voice.
“The Convoy will depart in three hours. Please ready yourself for the trip. Secure your belongings, prepare your vehicle, remain as human as possible. End destination… Nirvana. Repeat, the Convoy will depart in three hours.”
The recording drones on a loop, before fading out in a crackle of static. Before departure there’s a few matters to attend to, some more pressing than others:
+Breakfast consists of bland porridge. Some might want better food, and with a decently stocked kitchen, one can make better.
+The showers have lost any hot water. Surely there’s some way to fix the heater or provide some hot water? Or otherwise grumble through a cold shower.
+There’s plant growth where the Husks have been felled. Flowering vines grow over the Convoy, and need to be pruned for departure. The foliage has an odd effect if directly touched, instilling wanderlust and curiosity. The affected feel compelled to wander… Or be curious about others!
“The Convoy will depart in three hours. Please ready yourself for the trip. Secure your belongings, prepare your vehicle, remain as human as possible. End destination… Nirvana. Repeat, the Convoy will depart in three hours.”
The recording drones on a loop, before fading out in a crackle of static. Before departure there’s a few matters to attend to, some more pressing than others:
+Breakfast consists of bland porridge. Some might want better food, and with a decently stocked kitchen, one can make better.
+The showers have lost any hot water. Surely there’s some way to fix the heater or provide some hot water? Or otherwise grumble through a cold shower.
+There’s plant growth where the Husks have been felled. Flowering vines grow over the Convoy, and need to be pruned for departure. The foliage has an odd effect if directly touched, instilling wanderlust and curiosity. The affected feel compelled to wander… Or be curious about others!
02: HAUNTED GROVE
The trees grow into a tangle just a few paces off the road. They almost envelop the buildings, absorbing the structures until only the roofs are visible. The branches become more twisted, and almost arm-like when reaching out to you.
Vines hang like nooses from the trees. And a closer look shows moss ridden Husks draped in the branches. Still, those who ignore those ominous signs can find supplies growing and hanging from the branches; repair materials, and unnerving types of food like canned ham and frozen pizza.
And then… There’s the effect from staying in the shade of the trees for too long. There’s a lethargy that clings to you, even as it eases the changes wracking your body. Resting underneath the grove can heal a Drifter of one change, and leave them feeling soothed… But all of this is by design. The grove WANTS you to stay there and become a part of it, so that it can ensnare you with vines or absorb you into trees. It can restore Drifters, but if they stay there for too long they’re going to need some rescuing.
Vines hang like nooses from the trees. And a closer look shows moss ridden Husks draped in the branches. Still, those who ignore those ominous signs can find supplies growing and hanging from the branches; repair materials, and unnerving types of food like canned ham and frozen pizza.
And then… There’s the effect from staying in the shade of the trees for too long. There’s a lethargy that clings to you, even as it eases the changes wracking your body. Resting underneath the grove can heal a Drifter of one change, and leave them feeling soothed… But all of this is by design. The grove WANTS you to stay there and become a part of it, so that it can ensnare you with vines or absorb you into trees. It can restore Drifters, but if they stay there for too long they’re going to need some rescuing.
03: WRECK
There’s a collection of abandoned cars in the forest clearings. Some cars are better preserved than others, some even containing cargo, weapons, and ammo, with a possibility to scavenge equipment off them…
…If not for the traps, set around the wreckage in the form of steel jaw bear traps and snares. All of them are coated in something that leaves the vision blurry and sets hearts into overdrive. If exposed to too much of it, there’s suddenly a reason for that near panic; hallucinations of fears can easily flare up.
There’s also things prowling the wreckage on four metallic canine legs, with gleaming chrome teeth and red headlights for eyes. The guidance computers on nearby vehicles flash an alert as they draw close; identifying them as chromehounds, though these have seen better days. Dented, damaged, but still fierce enough. And still ready to pounce on anyone caught in the traps or drugged with fear toxin.
While the chromehounds can be dispatched, the fear toxin will have to run its course. Closer examination of the hounds and traps shows an insignia of a sword piercing the moon.
…If not for the traps, set around the wreckage in the form of steel jaw bear traps and snares. All of them are coated in something that leaves the vision blurry and sets hearts into overdrive. If exposed to too much of it, there’s suddenly a reason for that near panic; hallucinations of fears can easily flare up.
There’s also things prowling the wreckage on four metallic canine legs, with gleaming chrome teeth and red headlights for eyes. The guidance computers on nearby vehicles flash an alert as they draw close; identifying them as chromehounds, though these have seen better days. Dented, damaged, but still fierce enough. And still ready to pounce on anyone caught in the traps or drugged with fear toxin.
While the chromehounds can be dispatched, the fear toxin will have to run its course. Closer examination of the hounds and traps shows an insignia of a sword piercing the moon.
03-A: MONSTER NEST
Hostile beasts lurk in the woods. Many are cautious, nocturnal creatures that prefer to emerge at night, and hunt any Drifter who has strayed outside the reach of the Convoy forcefield.
A massive monster nest dwells in a crumbling, abandoned overpass in the middle of the forest. The Convoy does its best to give the area a wide berth, but it’s entirely possible Drifters might still stumble across it: particularly if some of the more annoying creatures like Great Jagras steal food and take it back to the den.
Many of the beasts make their dens in abandoned vehicles littering the overpass: Jagras and Slicemargl take up the better spots, while noxicaps and scavengers linger on the fringes. But the most territorial are the mutant bears, occupying the darker parts of the underpass.
A massive monster nest dwells in a crumbling, abandoned overpass in the middle of the forest. The Convoy does its best to give the area a wide berth, but it’s entirely possible Drifters might still stumble across it: particularly if some of the more annoying creatures like Great Jagras steal food and take it back to the den.
Many of the beasts make their dens in abandoned vehicles littering the overpass: Jagras and Slicemargl take up the better spots, while noxicaps and scavengers linger on the fringes. But the most territorial are the mutant bears, occupying the darker parts of the underpass.
04: SHRINE
The moon glows balefully overhead some nights. An eerie light glows across the sky, like a burning aurora that exacerbates any symptoms the Drifters have picked up this month. Sometimes the trees help to muffle this maddening light. But not always.
There is however a remedy that blocks out the light; dotted near the road or just off the forest paths are shrines carved from stone and wood. The aurora dims near these shrines, and offers breathing room. Small offerings dot the alters, and some are even medicines that can alleviate hallucinations, wanderlust, and the like.
But there’s a price for taking these offerings; the various candles dotting the shrines ignite, flames reaching for the intruder, and burn either a monster change, or a message into their skin. It’s equal odds which one a Drifter receives. The message fades in the span of the month, but offers cryptic words regarding the world, and can be logged in the Convoy database.
There is however a remedy that blocks out the light; dotted near the road or just off the forest paths are shrines carved from stone and wood. The aurora dims near these shrines, and offers breathing room. Small offerings dot the alters, and some are even medicines that can alleviate hallucinations, wanderlust, and the like.
But there’s a price for taking these offerings; the various candles dotting the shrines ignite, flames reaching for the intruder, and burn either a monster change, or a message into their skin. It’s equal odds which one a Drifter receives. The message fades in the span of the month, but offers cryptic words regarding the world, and can be logged in the Convoy database.
05: STASIS WARNING
Pockets of something… Wrong lurk on the road, or just off the path. Many of them are lined with Husks twisted into horrified expressions. Others are little more than a faint distortion and ripple in the air. But once a Drifter wanders into the pockets, the effects become all too clear.
The pockets are alarmingly still when stepped inside. This stillness tries to seep into anyone in the pocket, making them stiffen, their thoughts go sluggish and almost halt… But the Sigils on their skin dispel this before it can completely overtake a Drifter. Sigils disperse the field with explosive results; bursts of fire or electricity, surges of plant grown, rock explosions all burst as the field is dispelled.
The one warning for these pockets are strange symbols and the words ‘STASIS’ inscribed on rocks, trees, and signs around these pockets, warning about them. A couple crisscross the roads needed to take out of the forest. It seems that a Tough vehicle could easily wade in and survive the explosions of magic, while a Fast vehicle would be capable of outracing any trouble… While those on foot will need to hope for the best, or for fast healing.
The pockets are alarmingly still when stepped inside. This stillness tries to seep into anyone in the pocket, making them stiffen, their thoughts go sluggish and almost halt… But the Sigils on their skin dispel this before it can completely overtake a Drifter. Sigils disperse the field with explosive results; bursts of fire or electricity, surges of plant grown, rock explosions all burst as the field is dispelled.
The one warning for these pockets are strange symbols and the words ‘STASIS’ inscribed on rocks, trees, and signs around these pockets, warning about them. A couple crisscross the roads needed to take out of the forest. It seems that a Tough vehicle could easily wade in and survive the explosions of magic, while a Fast vehicle would be capable of outracing any trouble… While those on foot will need to hope for the best, or for fast healing.
06: RADIO HOUR
After several days of travel, and around nightfall the Convoy approaches a resting point ringed in Husks. It resembles a log cabin, with some unnerving traits; first, the trees near the cabin become more rigid and geometric, almost like pylons. Second is the large radio tower growing out of the cabin itself. Once the Convoy is in range, the radios, phones, and screens all crackle to life. Screens display a broadcasting logo, followed by an emergency signal drone. Astute Drifters can check the dates that pop up, and realize that this is an old recording.
“Attention, this is an emergency broadcast. Seek shelter immediately. A moon warp is imminent. Repeat, a Moon Warp is imminent. Impact: falling moon shards will cause destruction and distortions. Prepare by seeking cover inside shields. Those caught outside will be twisted. Seek shelter immediately.”
Outside the Husks pulse, and the broken moon shimmers. Several bright spots in the sky grow brighter… And larger, as shards of moon fall. The Convoy comes to a wrenching halt. A warning siren echoes, before the Convoy deploys its shield. Those inside are safe from the worst of the Warp, able to hide out in the Convoy. Nothing like a good time to bond with whoever you’ve been shut in with, right?
“Attention, this is an emergency broadcast. Seek shelter immediately. A moon warp is imminent. Repeat, a Moon Warp is imminent. Impact: falling moon shards will cause destruction and distortions. Prepare by seeking cover inside shields. Those caught outside will be twisted. Seek shelter immediately.”
Outside the Husks pulse, and the broken moon shimmers. Several bright spots in the sky grow brighter… And larger, as shards of moon fall. The Convoy comes to a wrenching halt. A warning siren echoes, before the Convoy deploys its shield. Those inside are safe from the worst of the Warp, able to hide out in the Convoy. Nothing like a good time to bond with whoever you’ve been shut in with, right?
07: MONSTER HOUR
Those outside the Convoy will be in for a rougher time. The glow from the falling moon shards has a way of piercing into the brain and forcing a full transformation for as long as the Moon Warp lasts.
During the Warp, there’s plenty of trouble for Drifters. The Husks glow before bursting into a pack of violent, wolf-esque gryphons called Nargacuga, and a host of other beasts. These monsters favor scaling trees for dive attacks, or hauling Drifters up into the branches. But with their focus on the Drifters, the Nargacuga are easy prey for the chromehounds nearby, which pounce in a tangle and clash.
By dawn, the Warp has worn off. The Nargacuga are dead, while the chromehounds have been smashed. Transformed Drifters have two options in the aftermath; either they've burned off so much energy fighting they revert into an exhausted state. They will likely be suffering from disorientation and require rest, healing, and anchoring from others. Alternately, Drifters run wild ahead of the Convoy as something draws them north; they will have a chance to revert next month, in the Messages prompt!
During the Warp, there’s plenty of trouble for Drifters. The Husks glow before bursting into a pack of violent, wolf-esque gryphons called Nargacuga, and a host of other beasts. These monsters favor scaling trees for dive attacks, or hauling Drifters up into the branches. But with their focus on the Drifters, the Nargacuga are easy prey for the chromehounds nearby, which pounce in a tangle and clash.
By dawn, the Warp has worn off. The Nargacuga are dead, while the chromehounds have been smashed. Transformed Drifters have two options in the aftermath; either they've burned off so much energy fighting they revert into an exhausted state. They will likely be suffering from disorientation and require rest, healing, and anchoring from others. Alternately, Drifters run wild ahead of the Convoy as something draws them north; they will have a chance to revert next month, in the Messages prompt!
07-A: MONSTER BRAWL
One particularly large and ferocious Nargacuga leads the pack of monsters… And seems to have a particular hatred for technology. He attacks the radio tower, doing his best to knock it down, and then strikes at the Convoy only to be deflected by the shields. Once he’s deflected, he vents his rage on the Chromehounds.
The radio picks up something from the lead Nargacuga each time he bleeds, and a patchy broadcast happens, with different fragments heard by different people:
1. “Serenith has ordered. I obey. Obliterate every trace of Wardens, cull their human flock. Justice for the packs they murdered.”
2. “Keep bleeding them until the moon Breaks, just like she ordered.”
3. “They gave me a place and a pack, where I could hunt.”
4. “Be ruthless. The Steel Wardens aren’t different, with the children they cull.”
5. “Hate… Loss… Blood. Always more blood.”
In its death throes the Nargacuga obliterates any remaining Husks, littering the area with quicksilver pools. Drifters must be careful around these pools, as contact with them will cause all pre-assigned monster traits next month to linger without special treatment.
The radio picks up something from the lead Nargacuga each time he bleeds, and a patchy broadcast happens, with different fragments heard by different people:
1. “Serenith has ordered. I obey. Obliterate every trace of Wardens, cull their human flock. Justice for the packs they murdered.”
2. “Keep bleeding them until the moon Breaks, just like she ordered.”
3. “They gave me a place and a pack, where I could hunt.”
4. “Be ruthless. The Steel Wardens aren’t different, with the children they cull.”
5. “Hate… Loss… Blood. Always more blood.”
In its death throes the Nargacuga obliterates any remaining Husks, littering the area with quicksilver pools. Drifters must be careful around these pools, as contact with them will cause all pre-assigned monster traits next month to linger without special treatment.
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.
Radio Trees: A strange line of geometric trees leading towards the radio tower cabin. The closer a Drifter gets, the more they can hear faint music and old broadcasts regarding moon phases.
Hunting Grounds: An area of burnt out husks that have already burst open. There’s a few monster carcasses scattering the area, along with broken weapons and bullet casings. A symbol has been carved into the monsters, or a moon pierced by a sword.
Forest Flowers: A clearing that lacks the grasping trees from before, and instead is taken up by crystalline flowers. They give off a pleasant fragrance, and help to relax characters. Can be crushed into a medicine to help cure long lasting fear toxin effects.
Falling Trees: Drifters are advised to be careful of falling trees obstructing the road, and which may need to be hacked through. Granted, what’s knocking over the trees is another question entirely!
Lakeside: streams and rivers thread the forest, occasionally creating marshy areas. These rivers eventually feed into a massive lake that borders the radio tower cabin. The water is cloudy, and the bottom of the lake covered with the remains of destroyed chrome hounds: they’ve clearly been torn apart by the nargacuga prowling the area.
no subject
They've managed to make some ground back up in recreating their toolbelt; two of these items are a lighter, and a sharp piece of metal.
They know how to retrieve these things by touch. But they don't do that, not yet.]
Did it get the stick?
no subject
Yes. Your trick worked impeccably.
[He sees where this is going now. A lighter, a stick... How crafty, really.]
no subject
Opportunists. Akechi will have some benefit from this tactic too, it appears.]
Thanks. Stay behind me!
[With that last advice, V delivers another scream, dashing forth to deal out flame towards the Great Jagras - who in turn is focusing on them, recognizing the smell of their internal fluids.]
no subject
[He moves into position, though Hereward hovers beside him just in case. If enough gather, it may be worthwhile to use Megidolaon.
For now, he stands at the ready, letting V lead.]
no subject
After the first few lizard deaths, V actually starts to feel an effect. One of the side-benefits of not being able to see themselves, since their sigil glows each time they absorb a monster's energy.
Finally, sore but no longer feeling vertigo, they turn to look back at their battle partner of the day, eyes now open.]
... Do you need any healing? Or are you feeling better, as well?
[M-Bot peeps out of some of the uppermost foliage, checking if it's safe to come down yet.]
no subject
When enough Jagras gather, he unleashes explosive Megidolaons, spreading bright, almighty magic all around. It's draining, but makes the fight go quicker.
By the time the monsters die down, Akechi wipes sweat off his face, breathless. Thankfully, the monster deaths do rejuvenate, thanks to the sigil.]
I do feel somewhat re-energized.
[Funny how that happens.]
Still, my goal was to rummage through the vehicles on the off chance I could find more suitable weaponry. It'd allow me to rely on more than just blunt force and Hereward's abilities.
no subject
[V is not sure how anyone would learn the monsters' names.]
... I could show you how to safely store metal shards. They make decent projectiles.
no subject
[He can't overexert himself with his Persona, and his blunt weapons present their own challenges.
The cars... well, he'll have to investigate first.]
I believe the fighting cleared away some of the traps. It should be easier to assess the contents of that car now.
Can do a fade-out or see what's in the car!
[V is glad to lend a hand, since it'd mean helping repay the Drifter who assisted them...]
My name is V. May I have yours?
I'm up for either! Whatever feels right.
Goro Akechi. Akechi will suffice.
[Not everyone knows the cultural customs of Japan, after all. First names...
Well, he's hardly on a first name basis with himself.]
Also tagging that new post!
... We should be able to see if this is unlocked, now.
[And if not, M-Bot is more than capable of breaking glass safely.]
no subject
[Mindful of the foliage, he climbs on the hood of the car, then reaches over to the passenger side door and, after jiggling the handle a bit, it pops open.]
Well, this is promising.
no subject
[Or as battering rams.
V moves around the car's trunk - occasionally slashing at that foliage - to the back passenger door, managing to replicate the feat with a little work.]
You look in the front, I'll look in the back?
no subject
[He carefully maneuvers into the car, rummaging around. Upon popping open the glove box, he finds a holstered handgun and some ammunition.]
I don't suppose you'd be offended if I took this gun for myself?
no subject
[A verbal response, over just shaking their head.]
I... don't really prefer guns.
[Even before a fellow refugee tried to shoot them at near point-blank range, they weren't really made for combat despite their years in pressed service.
For their part, some digging for hidden compartments yields... a few ration bars, wrappers, and small shiny objects.]
Some of this can go back to the Convoy, at least.
no subject
[He'll go ahead and attach the gun and holster to his belt to start. Curiously, there's a suitcase on the floor on the driver's side.
Shifting around, he grabs the suitcase and pops it open. Inside are some folded clothes.]
This clothing likely needs washing, but it's much too practical to leave behind.
[His own clothes are already in rough condition from previous fights. Some backups would help considerably.]
no subject
Would whoever had owned these brought them from home? Or did they find a store with clothes on their journey?
[And why couldn't they all have started there?
Meanwhile, V retasks, trying this time to access the trunk from the back seats - which do have a way to fold, but are stuck.]
I may need additional leverage to reopen these... but try looking for a switch to open the trunk, first.
no subject
[But for now, he'll shine a light from his phone to get a better look at the controls. There's a thin layer of dust. Clearly, this vehicle hasn't seen use in some time.]
Hold on. This looks promising.
[He reaches down, pulling a lever on the floor.]
Gag tag idea I considered and discarded: whoops that was the gas intake lever
I think that worked. Thanks.
[The dark is worse in the trunk, enough that they can't immediately tell what's in there.]
M-Bot, let's switch. I'll stand guard, you investigate.
[The bot chirps repeatedly, allowing V to extract themselves before hopping into the car. M-Bot immediately brings on the light, giving Akechi opportunity to look in there for himself.]
OH NO kjhjk
[The extra light helps, certainly. Before moving to the back seat, he pokes around a bit more. There are some music CDs, a lighter, and an unopened bag of chips.]
If someone has a music player, these may be useful...
[He'll tuck them in his pocket for now. The chips... well, they'll make decent emergency rations, at least.]
Re: OH NO kjhjk
It does seem like something that would interest many of those back at the Convoy.
... Isn't there a slot in this car that can scan it? Or perhaps some of our own vehicles.
Were you planning on keeping that lighter, as well? If not, I could take it.
[They can always use spares
unless they start developing an innate ability for making fire.]no subject
[He leans in, blowing off a layer of dust.]
While I doubt it's functional, perhaps the other vehicles are more accommodating.
[Either way, he'll hold out the lighter for either V or M-Bot to take.]
no subject
[M-Bot grabs the lighter before passing it off to V, the drone chirping happily.]
Thanks...
[They go back to looking out for oncoming monsters - or possibly other Drifters - leaving M-Bot and Akechi to continue the investigation.]