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route666rp2025-06-07 04:39 pm
monstertruckers) wrote in route666rp2025-06-07 04:39 pm
JUNE EVENT LOG
Eventually, gravity behaves normally as the Convoy reaches a new region. Rivers crisscross this area, carving paths through hills and valleys alike. The vegetation has come back in earnest, after being thinned out by the thorn scrub and ragged brush. Now green grass and flowers are thick on the hills, along with scattered trees. The weather begins to cloud over, with dour skies and rain being a constant. The moon and sun alike are often smothered by clouds, making for gloomy and moody scenery in turns.
01: GAS STATION GALLOWS
Surprisingly, there’s another gas station so soon, right where the river bends. With sheets of rain coming down and the sky growing dark, it looks like the safest spot… At least until the Convoy comes in close. Bodies hang from the roof of the gas station, like macabre puppets on strings and nooses. They have long since turned to Husks with hints of transformations poking through. A message has been spray painted on the ground: “PURGE.” Under the message is a symbol of a sword piercing the moon, and a name: “Steel Wardens.”
The Convoy tries start the speakers, like in the grasslands… But something is wrong. Last month’s attacks took a heavy toll on the Convoy. Instead, the phones of various Drifters start playing the melody. A crackling transmission comes in:
“Sorry… Gotta ask this of you. Only way to help these poor bastards on their way. In return… Try to answer your questions-”
The radio cuts out after that. But if Drifters choose, they can send out a message after sending a Husk on their way. The radio will try to answer, though reception is still patchy and responses are short.
The Convoy tries start the speakers, like in the grasslands… But something is wrong. Last month’s attacks took a heavy toll on the Convoy. Instead, the phones of various Drifters start playing the melody. A crackling transmission comes in:
“Sorry… Gotta ask this of you. Only way to help these poor bastards on their way. In return… Try to answer your questions-”
The radio cuts out after that. But if Drifters choose, they can send out a message after sending a Husk on their way. The radio will try to answer, though reception is still patchy and responses are short.
02: BROKEN SHIELD
As the Convoy tries to settle down for an evening, something goes wrong. The shield flickers in and out, before popping like a soap bubble. While most of the local Husks have been exorcised thanks to fellow Drifters, it’s still a tense couple of nights.
And without the shield, the effects of the moon becomes more vivid. Some nights the storm clouds help mask the moon and dampen the call… But other nights it can break through the gloom and shine harshly on the Convoy. Drifters may find themselves spending sleepless nights wandering the Convoy perimeter… Or maybe wandering out into the wilds. Where there’s still no shortage of other monsters prowling around, and waiting to pounce on any fresh meat. A few of them may even try raiding the Convoy now that the shield is down. Some Drifters may opt to form watches during the night, or try to find some form of fitful sleep. After several nights of this, the Convoy itself seems to have had enough, with how the screens flare up one morning to show a map and repeat a message:
“Scan complete. Field Generator components found nearby. Request immediate retrieval and installation.”
And without the shield, the effects of the moon becomes more vivid. Some nights the storm clouds help mask the moon and dampen the call… But other nights it can break through the gloom and shine harshly on the Convoy. Drifters may find themselves spending sleepless nights wandering the Convoy perimeter… Or maybe wandering out into the wilds. Where there’s still no shortage of other monsters prowling around, and waiting to pounce on any fresh meat. A few of them may even try raiding the Convoy now that the shield is down. Some Drifters may opt to form watches during the night, or try to find some form of fitful sleep. After several nights of this, the Convoy itself seems to have had enough, with how the screens flare up one morning to show a map and repeat a message:
“Scan complete. Field Generator components found nearby. Request immediate retrieval and installation.”
03: POWER PLANT APPROACH
The structure in question lays in the middle of a lake, fed by several rivers. It looks like some form of old water-fed power plant, with broken wheels still turning. Approaching the power plant is possible through either precarious and half rusted bridges (travel on foot is advised!) or through fording the water. Though that carries its own risk. (See Prompt 4: Don’t Drown.)
Approach on the bridges is a risky matter. The metal looks ready to fall apart if too much weight is placed on it. Hopefully Drifters approaching this way are light footed, or have some means of rescue if the floor breaks underneath them.
The power plant also has its own defenses in the form of floating puffer fish flying above the lake, and strange elongated diving monsters swimming the depths. The Blugu attack with needles and sleep bubbles, trying to knock any Drifters of bridges into the waters below for the Divers.
Approach on the bridges is a risky matter. The metal looks ready to fall apart if too much weight is placed on it. Hopefully Drifters approaching this way are light footed, or have some means of rescue if the floor breaks underneath them.
The power plant also has its own defenses in the form of floating puffer fish flying above the lake, and strange elongated diving monsters swimming the depths. The Blugu attack with needles and sleep bubbles, trying to knock any Drifters of bridges into the waters below for the Divers.
03-A: POWER PLANT EXPLORATION
The Convoy reports say that the generator is in several components that different groups of Drifters need to find in the old building. Be warned that there’s flooding in parts of the hallways, the deeper one goes. And the water might still very well have some weird, transformative properties! If it doesn’t, there are still partially submerged hallways that reflect Drifters anxieties, regrets, and insecurities back on them. But with searching, Drifters can find generator components in the following rooms:
Boiler Room, where an old machine still shoots out super hot steam that can easily burn and scald.
Bone Room, which clearly isn’t part of the old workings, but something has co-opted this room and turned it into a collection of bones. Bones from monsters, metal bones from husks… All of them carrying sharp edges.
Cold Room, where repeated Moon Warps have turned this room into a freezer. At least the component isn’t damaged, and just needs to be chipped out of the ice?
Electric Room, which has gone a bit haywire, with stray bolts of electricity criss-crossing the room. The component lays in the center, but to reach it the electricity must be dodged or redirected.
03-B: POWER PLANT INSTALLATION
Jars:There is one more room taking up a chunk of the ruins. It is filled with jars that reach from floor to ceiling… And those jars have people in them. Or the remains of people. They’re overgrown by vines and plantlife, turned to Husks, and their heads are broken and cut open. Drifters likely have a good guess on where those brain monsters from last month came from.
Next to the jars is a monitor with a brief message: “Contact lost with----. Engaging emergency sleep procedures. We may never wake, but we need to try.” There’s a handful of people still intact in their jars… But getting too close to them trips an alarm system. Chromehounds, lasers, the works all turn on to try and drive Drifters away from the room!
Installation:Thankfully, returning to the Convoy and installing the generator pieces is easy enough. They fit together easily, almost magnetically. Anyone with a degree of tech savviness can aid in the effort, and a compartment in the Convoy opens up to help install the generator.
After this, the shield finally hums to life, and nights become a lot more peaceful.
Next to the jars is a monitor with a brief message: “Contact lost with----. Engaging emergency sleep procedures. We may never wake, but we need to try.” There’s a handful of people still intact in their jars… But getting too close to them trips an alarm system. Chromehounds, lasers, the works all turn on to try and drive Drifters away from the room!
Installation:Thankfully, returning to the Convoy and installing the generator pieces is easy enough. They fit together easily, almost magnetically. Anyone with a degree of tech savviness can aid in the effort, and a compartment in the Convoy opens up to help install the generator.
After this, the shield finally hums to life, and nights become a lot more peaceful.
04: DON'T DROWN
There’s a river that snakes through the landscape. It turns blood red during sunsets, glows with starlight at night, and is an almost hypnotic blue during the day. Once or twice, the Convoy crosses over it on long bridges. And it eventually empties into a massive lake with the abandoned powerplant in the center.
If someone chooses to ford the river or take a dip in it, something more unnerving happens. The waters go still and reflect the Drifter, no matter how much splashing is done. The deeper anyone goes, the more the reflection grows; most of the time, the reflection is some aspect a Drifter would sooner keep hidden. The river might even replay an image of something they regret.
If a Drifter gets up to their chest in the water, their reflection snaps into a monstrous form, and something pulls them underwater. When they emerge they are completely changed. This effect lasts the entire month before wearing off in dryer climates: the only way to cut it short is to take Salve from the thorn scrub, or gamble with the hospital medicines.
If someone chooses to ford the river or take a dip in it, something more unnerving happens. The waters go still and reflect the Drifter, no matter how much splashing is done. The deeper anyone goes, the more the reflection grows; most of the time, the reflection is some aspect a Drifter would sooner keep hidden. The river might even replay an image of something they regret.
If a Drifter gets up to their chest in the water, their reflection snaps into a monstrous form, and something pulls them underwater. When they emerge they are completely changed. This effect lasts the entire month before wearing off in dryer climates: the only way to cut it short is to take Salve from the thorn scrub, or gamble with the hospital medicines.
05: MONSTER SHIFT, MERFOLK
The waters of this area have one last twist; submerging imparts Merfolk traits. On top of all Merfolk traits the following is also available this month:
+Double Drowning: Merfolk with the compulsion to drown other creatures can find some very tempting targets along the river banks; horse-like creatures lingering near the waters. But upon contact with the creatures, it becomes clear that not only are they life-like machines, they rapidly disassemble into weighted nets. Or they just explode into shrapnel; either option can spell trouble for the Merfolk!
+Current Thrall: whenever the sun sets, the river currents change to something more chaotic and twisted, uncertain which way to flow. This lasts until moonrise, when they settle on flowing the opposite way. But it will be up to Merfolk to shape water or survive the twisting currents until then.
+Illuminating Light: Bioluminescence can light up the bottom of lakes and rivers, revealing the remains of Husks and almost prophetic writing carved into stone.
+Not So Dry Land: Merfolk pulled onto dry land can shape water into containers and spheres to keep them hydrated… And with some focus and practice, even give themselves a way to surf across land!
+Bigger Fish: The lakes and rivers hold their share of monsters besides the Merfolk. Some, like Mizutsune and packs of Forneus and Divers, see Merfolk as viable prey, and appetizing to boot.
+Double Drowning: Merfolk with the compulsion to drown other creatures can find some very tempting targets along the river banks; horse-like creatures lingering near the waters. But upon contact with the creatures, it becomes clear that not only are they life-like machines, they rapidly disassemble into weighted nets. Or they just explode into shrapnel; either option can spell trouble for the Merfolk!
+Current Thrall: whenever the sun sets, the river currents change to something more chaotic and twisted, uncertain which way to flow. This lasts until moonrise, when they settle on flowing the opposite way. But it will be up to Merfolk to shape water or survive the twisting currents until then.
+Illuminating Light: Bioluminescence can light up the bottom of lakes and rivers, revealing the remains of Husks and almost prophetic writing carved into stone.
+Not So Dry Land: Merfolk pulled onto dry land can shape water into containers and spheres to keep them hydrated… And with some focus and practice, even give themselves a way to surf across land!
+Bigger Fish: The lakes and rivers hold their share of monsters besides the Merfolk. Some, like Mizutsune and packs of Forneus and Divers, see Merfolk as viable prey, and appetizing to boot.
06: DROWNED SONG
The power plant shifts the further it sinks into the depths. Waters flood the lower levels, and transform the structure; industrial concrete and tunnels are replaced by ornate columns and a spacious ball room, along with an opulent stage.
And almost all of it is submerged in transforming waters. Only merfolk (or those sharing a Merfolk’s kiss) have a chance of surviving this area. Flood waters can easily sweep Drifters down into the depths. There’s even stray rivers that feed into the underwater opera from the outside.
A silent leviathan traces through the ruins, serpentine and whale like. It has no interest in the Drifters unless they float too close to its mouth and appear as snacks… But its wake generates strange whirlpools that can bash and bruise, and keeps everyone trapped in the opera house. Bubbles rise up from the floor or swirl in the whirlpools, and provide flashes of vision: a finned priestess meditating on the moon and then sinking into the depths. Said bubbles also release soft melodies of song; beware of potentially singing along, which can draw attention from the drowned machines.
And almost all of it is submerged in transforming waters. Only merfolk (or those sharing a Merfolk’s kiss) have a chance of surviving this area. Flood waters can easily sweep Drifters down into the depths. There’s even stray rivers that feed into the underwater opera from the outside.
A silent leviathan traces through the ruins, serpentine and whale like. It has no interest in the Drifters unless they float too close to its mouth and appear as snacks… But its wake generates strange whirlpools that can bash and bruise, and keeps everyone trapped in the opera house. Bubbles rise up from the floor or swirl in the whirlpools, and provide flashes of vision: a finned priestess meditating on the moon and then sinking into the depths. Said bubbles also release soft melodies of song; beware of potentially singing along, which can draw attention from the drowned machines.
06-A: SONIC CRY
An array of ornate dish shaped machines catch all sound and magnify it… And track the leviathan as it moves through the opera house, always angled on the monster. As the machines collect more sound, they echo it back in damaging soundwaves that sound like a requiem or a dirge.
The sound in turn is distorted into words that match the bubble visions:
“Offer your songs and voice to the moon… She can transform them into power, greater than anything the Wardens could ever give. Even as the old audience fears you, the moon will always listen… Such monsters are a poison. To the water. The land. The very air. They are a blight upon our world that pollute everything. We will always find new and better ways to cull, as long as they come back.”
Anything caught up in those sound waves can feel pressure and pain in their bodies, but that’s just a side effect of the crossfire. The machines are focused on the leviathan, and bringing it down now that they have ammunition. It’s all enough to seriously damage or outright kill the leviathan depending on how much noise Drifters make, or how much song is pulled out of them by the currents and the bubbles.
The sound in turn is distorted into words that match the bubble visions:
“Offer your songs and voice to the moon… She can transform them into power, greater than anything the Wardens could ever give. Even as the old audience fears you, the moon will always listen… Such monsters are a poison. To the water. The land. The very air. They are a blight upon our world that pollute everything. We will always find new and better ways to cull, as long as they come back.”
Anything caught up in those sound waves can feel pressure and pain in their bodies, but that’s just a side effect of the crossfire. The machines are focused on the leviathan, and bringing it down now that they have ammunition. It’s all enough to seriously damage or outright kill the leviathan depending on how much noise Drifters make, or how much song is pulled out of them by the currents and the bubbles.
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.
Boat Salvage: There’s a large amount of abandoned boats on the river, some beached and some drifting free in the rivers. It’s possible to salvage equipment or supplies from them… Just make sure you know how to swim, in case you fall overboard.
Gone Fishing Part 2: Much like the marshes in the forests, there’s spots for fishing here as well! Please remain careful with submerging in the water, as the transformed fish are still willing to bite back.
Flooding: One aspect of the river lands, especially with the waters and rains, is the roads flooding over. Some can be crossed with risk, others require routing around. Or a bit of creative bridge building.
Rain: Storms are a constant in the river lands, ranging between fog and mist, to complete downpours, and thunderstorms! It can make for somber moods, with occasional breaks of sunlight or moonlight.
Felicia | Fire Emblem Fates | Merfolk
[There was a great deal that Felicia didn't understand-- about the metal carriages, the sound boxes, and the little jingle that buzzed out of the the device that she found in her vehicle and had her nearly jumping out of the long, plaid jacket that she had found for herself.]
I'm sorry-- I can't turn it off??
[She stammered, fretting over the device she had fumbled out of her pocket while she trained her gaze on the bodies with worried eyes. While there was so much that she didn't know-- she felt a cold clarity at being bid to send them on their way.
Slowly, with oddly steady hands, she began to cut one on them down.]
I'm sorry, [She said again, more tender.]
I don't know any songs or prayers... But I know the land will take care of us all. Maybe... Maybe you can have a good sleep while she does.
[With a brutal efficiency, born of years of training, she severed the spine at the neck and laid the body down tenderly.
She was a maid-- but she was also that old soldier's best student.]
Don't Drown
[Water had always been a comfort, even in the Fortress, and after days of being surrounded by confusion and death, Felicia couldn't resist the desire to be clean. It was such a small thing-- but, once in it's depths, she saw not only herself but her eternal reflection as well:
Her sister. Left behind. Alone.]
Flora?
[She called, reaching out-- and stumbled in over her head.
Panic seized her. It was unlike when she lost Corrin, unlike when she ventured into the kingdom she was cursed now to never speak of, lest she become--
There was no footing to be found, but she made her way to the surface with her own will anyway. The river glowed in the twilight-- and she, too, also glowed.]
What?
[She gasped-- and, spotting someone else, quickly waved her arms, now with webbed fingers, at them.]
Don't come in! I- I don't know what this is?
wildcard
[Need a prompt? Make one up! Hmu on Plurk at
Gallows
[He hears someone moving around, the sound of a knife through rope, the soft whump of something falling, and then a girl's voice.]
I know some prayers.
[He stands back, his stick clutched in both hands.]
Would you like me to recite them?
no subject
[Felicia asked, her voice soft and uncertain as she said the body to rest on the ground. She then looked up at the stranger and, spotting the carefully clutched walking stick, carefully added:]
My name is Felicia. Do you need help finding your way around?
no subject
[He shakes his head, then reconsiders.]
Can you guide me towards the head of where you're laying them to rest?
[That seems like the best place to recite a prayer.]
no subject
[Wiping her hands off on a scrap of fabric she was using as a handkerchief, Felicia hopped over to join the stranger- a gentleman, from his bearing, who seemed as lost as she was.
Carefully, she rested her hand on his and smiled-- even if it was only for herself. The warmth of it was evident when she spoke again.]
Thank you for helping, [she added.]
I don't have a shovel to bury them properly. A prayer will be nice to leave them with.
no subject
There's no need to call me mister. There seems little point in standing on formalities here.
[How very unBritish of him! Look at the changes this world has wrought already!]
[Once he's in position, though, he'll clear his throat and recite. It's clear that he's used to reciting poetry, as he goes through the prayer confidently and with proper inflection.]
ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, by whose Grace
Thy servants are enabled to fight the good fight of faith
and ever prove victorious:
We humbly beseech Thee so to inspire us,
that we may yield our hearts to thine obedience
and, exercise our wills on Thy behalf.
Help us to think wisely:
to speak rightly:
to resolve bravely.:
to act kindly:
to live purely.
Bless us in body and in soul,
and make us a blessing to our comrades.
Whether, at home or abroad,
may we ever seek the extension of Thy Kingdom.
Let the assurance of Thy presence save us from sinning:
support us in life, and comfort us in death.
0 Lord, our God accept, this prayer for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
no subject
It was a good prayer for friends separated by time and distance.
Uncertain of how to follow up, Felicia clapped softly.]
That's beautiful, Edward. I hope that they can hear it, wherever they may be.
no subject
[Edward bows his head, and sighs softly. She seemed to like the poem, so there's no point in telling her how he doesn't believe in any of it. He's said it over too many graves, many of which contained fragments rather than a whole body, to actually believe anyone is looking out for them.]
I hope they are at peace.
[Even if that means oblivion.]
Is there anything else I can do to help you?
no subject
Actually,
[She began, stepping closer.]
I was wondering if I could help you. We've all got trouble, but you seem to have more than most of us here.
no subject
[He straightens up, and holds out a hand, palm facing out towards Felicia.]
I thank you for the offer, but I shall let you know if I require assistance.
[His tone is more clipped than it was before.]
Gallows
It's unexpected to say the least.
Maggie hangs back at first - prepared to intervene if necessary, but she doesn't want to cause a distraction either that might give the monster within the husk a chance to emerge and attack.
It's only once Felicia is laying the body down that Maggie steps forward.]
I don't know that there's anyone or anything here listening to prayers, but I'm sure what you've already done is probably appreciated anyway. No one deserves to be left on display like that.
no subject
Felicia didn't understand it, but the Faceless mobs she had faced on the field with her liege had been human on only a superficial level. Their bodies contorted by magic, they had little autonomy and little of what was left of what made them individuals. Their very faces were covered and their hands bound by shackles, and their uncanny figures and movements made Felicia's blood run cold with fear.
Whatever magic had been used to create them was dark. Not good or bad; magic was like nature and didn't abide by morality. But, the darkness of it overrode any personal stories that could have been left in the bones and the stones of whatever graves had been robbed to create them.]
... That's even more sad,
[Felicia said, looking up at the woman she had met in what she had learned was a garage.]
They're people, right? We should do something to honor that.
no subject
I think they are - or were at some point, anyway. I can help you bury them, if you want.
[There's a note of resignation in her voice. She's done this far too many times; mostly for people she's loved. Her father. Her sister. Glenn. Countless friends, allies, and others she considered a part of her family. She's seen enough death that she typically wouldn't stop to bury someone she didn't know or wasn't somehow connected to, but after their encounter in the garage she likes Felicia enough that she is willing to pitch in if it will bring the younger woman some kind of comfort. Whether or not that will lay the husks to some kind of rest, Maggie doesn't know, but it couldn't hurt.]
That's what we used to do for the people we cared about back home. Kinda feels like they deserve that much, huh?
[There's a beat of hesitation as she debates how much she wants to talk of home and what came before.]
My dad was religious. I used to be, but I stopped believing in that kind of thing a long time ago. Even if there is something here listening to prayers, I don't know how appropriate it'd be, given we don't know anything about what they believe - or believed.
Gallows
[Akechi's tone is subdued, his gaze distant. He watches, his own phone playing the same melody.]
Hold your phone over the Husks, and their spirits shall escape. What you do with the bodies in the aftermath is entirely your choice.
no subject
[She held up the device she had found in her carriage-- a flat device in a worn but very sparkly pink case. The buttons on the sides awakened the window on the front, which displayed several small pictures that she couldn't divine.
Maybe Azama could, but Azama was strange and but even Kaze, the kind ninja she relied on for information about the Hoshidans in their party, fully understood how the monk functioned.]
no subject
[But he nods at the device all the same. Here, he'll even demonstrate by flying toward one of the hanging Husks and lets the music plays.
In turn, a spectral figure ascends into the sky.]