voidtreckermods: (train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2020-09-11 05:34 am
Entry tags:

Adventure On!

"Good Morning passengers. Today is day six of the month of Horseshoe." The voice echoes through the train as passengers wake up in their beds. Not long afterwards their SCA’s glow with the colour of the void and a holographic image will appear.

Preparation

The dressing room is indeed open as promised. The dressers and wardrobes are full of many different clothes. Shirts, tunics, skirts, dresses, robes, cloaks, leggings and even an array of fancy hats.

The cloaks are notable in that they look like standard fantasy cloaks but are completely waterproof, much like a modern jacket and they will keep them warm and dry. There are also a good selection of furs for those travelling into the tundra as well as some leather armour, both for protection against monsters and fire.

There are an array of tents- in more neutral colours, a lot simpler than the tents they have used before as well as some basic pots and pans for cooking. There are a range of bags and pouches for carrying any essentials!
They are a few hours before arrival and so there is plenty of time to prepare before the announcement. "Shortly arriving on world 5382110341. All passengers get ready to disembark. Next stop world 5382110341. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

Arrival: Royal Lake Hill

The train jolts and shudders as it leaves the void. It descends quickly and lands with a small bump. The doors open, it is a bit of a jump from the train to the ground but they land on soft grass. Anyone looking back at the train will find it almost not there… Unless they focus very hard it will seem just like a shimmer in the air, passengers jumping from nowhere.

They are a short walk from what seems like a small town, surrounded by walls. The gates are manned but the large group of people only get a quick glance before they are nodded in.

They get a few curious glances as they enter the town proper. It is not exceptionally busy, indeed everyone out and about are older or small children, who dart around unafraid of the strangers, staring openly at times.

A market place spans the square, predominately selling food, stalls are actually small huts, the front part open to the street for custom and a back room that is presumably used for sleeping. Some, like the blacksmiths are more solid with multiple rooms.

Each voidtrecker will have a dot on the map on their SCA showing them to the inn that their team should head towards. If they ask around they will learn that there is indeed a call to for adventurers at three of the town’s inns and they are to report there in early evening. As it is still early morning they have almost the whole day to explore, enjoy being in a town full of people and, for those who are keen, earn some spending money.

Whatever they end up doing with their day it is obvious when evening is approaching by the stalls beginning to be packed up, the streets quieting as people went home for their dinners. The inns are easy enough to find, even for those that didn’t find them earlier in the day.

Orange

Recruitment

Ducks in a Bucket is at the western gate. It is quiet, usually a tavern used by adventurers, the custom has dried up with all the adventurers protecting the kingdom. It is filled with large wooden tables and sturdy stools, not a fine dining establishment in any way but it has a friendly air to it.

Not long after they arrive a woman in a long cloak arrives. "I am here to hire adventurers. You will be aware, I am sure, of the blight storm that hit the kingdom. Many people across the land have been effected. Many areas are out of the crystals needed to restore those who have been blighted and there are rumours the army is in short supply as well. We require you to travel to the Singing Woodlands to harvest the crystals from the calla lilies that grow there. I have an image if it is needed."

Here she takes out a small scroll and passes it around, it is a painting of a simple, dark purple calla lilie.

"The huma have agreed to transport the collected crystals to the areas that need it. Unfortunately the land itself has been blighted and has become unstable, floating into the air. We can provide you each with two flight potions to help you travel up into the woodlands."

She holds out a bag to pass around, there are exactly enough potions for each person to take two despite the face she couldn’t possibly have known who was going to turn up to head the call.

"Please be warned that transportation magics have not been working in blighted areas and so you will be taken to the ground below. If you accept this quest please get ready to gate."

A moment later there is a flash of light and any who want to will vanish from the tavern.

Arrival

They will arrive on a grassy verge, in front of them is a canyon of dirt. If they look up they will see the land that should be filling it. In chunks the forest is floating on a series of islands stretching high up into the clouds.

Many of the islands feel too high to reach in ten minutes but there are a couple of lower ones that might be good places to aim for.

The potion works swiftly, making those who drink it feel lighter, all they need to do is jump and they are floating, moving in the air is easy, they can walk up as if on a ramp or swim through the air currents if they are feeling a bit more adventurous.

The islands themselves are teeming with life, plants of all kinds grow there and as they reach the lower islands they will see the huma birds and hopefully spot some of those calla lilies.

Purple

Recruitment

The Lion's Mane is the largest tavern in town. It has some customers, sitting in groups and drinking. There is a musician in the corner playing a lively tune and sat on a central table is an official looking man with a scroll case and a worried expression.

"Anyone." He cleared his throat, "Anyone who has come to be hired… As an adventurer please gather around. Now. Now. Can everybody hear me? Yes? Right. Well I am sure as you know the blight… Yes? Yes! Well there are some clusters of villages up near the dusty rivers, I can show you on this map..."

He unfurls a scroll, which shows a large expansive land mass. He points to an area in the far west. "They have a golem problem, their own golems that is. Turned on them." He shook his head, "Crystal magic, very susceptible to blight. They need some help, clear the area, purify the crystals. That sort of thing. You’ll probably be there a few days."

He rolled up the scroll. "I can’t gate you into the villages, earths all blighted. But I can get you close."

He did a quick head count. "If you don’t accept the mission please step back. Ready?"

He opens a gate, a few gates, and everyone who accepts vanishes from the tavern.

Arrival

They arrive in a small clearing in a wood. It is quiet, with not even the sound of birdsong. Trees are all around them though anyone checking their SCA will see that the village is indeed close.

A moment later there are footsteps, a young boy, no older than ten bursts into the clearing. He reels backwards at the figures, surprised to see them but then seems to realise that they are, for the most part, human.

"Quick! Come quick! The village!"

He turned on his heal and heading no call ran back the way he came. For those that follow the route leads them through thick overgrowth, there is clearly an easier way, to a small village.

A small village with a large golem and a large troll stomping through it. People are cowering in houses or behind walls as the troll swings its club back and forth, smashing things in its wake.

Red and Blue

Recruitment

The final tavern is The Thrice Struck Tree. It is small, dark and has a heavy air to it. There are a couple of customers, sat silently with mugs of ale in front of them. They give the voidtreckers suspicious glances.

They may wonder if they are in the wrong place but after a few moments a young woman in a smart looking uniform, dark blue tunic, shiny boots, enters. "Adventurers? I am captain Sienna of Irivar’s third guard. We have reports coming from the southern lands. The blight has depowered the crystals separating the frozen tundra from the fire lands. A disaster could occur if the are not recharged. They must be taken into the central fire mountains heart. It is a fair journey and the crystals must be carried. Please, for those that known the secrets of it do not attempt to place the crystals into the spaces between for easier transportation, it would be disastrous." She gave them a serious look before continuing.

"Furthermore the creatures of the area are reporting that the Glacial Sovereign has not been seen since the blight hit." She shook her head, looking worried. "You must find their guardians, the crystal wolves and attempt to regain contact with the sovereign." She paused again.

"Both the sprites of ice and fire have been corrupted by the blight and the area is very dangerous. I can gate you to the border and from there you must split, please decide amongst yourselves who is best to journey into fire and who is suited to the cold. I will give you a moment to be ready."

It is indeed only a moment before she opens the gate. Any who choose to travel will vanish from the tavern.

Arrival

They arrive in a strange place indeed. To the east there is black rock, lava streams and mountains billowing with smoke. To the west is white, icy bridges connecting land and glaciers. Far in the distance there is what seems to be a swirling mass of snow.

And right where they are is… a mess. Melted ice and frozen ash mixed together into a slippery sludge that sticks to their shoes and makes movement interesting.

But movement may be necessary as it seems their gate has taken them to a place surrounded by two packs of fire dogs and a few regular wolves. All look surprised at the sudden influx of people but it doesn’t take them long before the blighted creatures move in to attack.

Splitting

Once they are safe from wolves and dogs the teams can split. The crystals red need to collect are obvious, set out at even distances from each other. Red team are to head east, into the volcano range, Blue are to head west into the tundra.

Good luck void warriors!
reluctantjinrou: (Mournful Glance)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-09-20 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"There are worse things than sinking into nothingness." Natsuno responded, like his current state of affairs.

"There was nothing. I had accepted my death, and everything after was entirely unwelcome."
adregem: (the king & and his consul.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-20 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland shakes his head, lightly dismissing it. ] Not a problem. Something for next time. The SCA still works anyway, the earbuds just add a bit of convenience.

[ He makes a determined fist. ] So our lines of communication remain open, no matter where we are. Help's never too far.
reluctantjinrou: (Sleepy)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-09-20 01:17 pm (UTC)(link)
"Let's give that a shot." Natsuno responded, walking quickly with him.

"I can back you up, it might be better in the long run to work together, rather than struggling and abandoning something partway."
reluctantjinrou: (Sleepy)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-09-20 01:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Those sounds like good ideas, actually." Natsuno mused, smiling slightly.
reluctantjinrou: (Glancing Around Corners)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-09-20 01:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"My apologies." Natsuno said, defaulting to the politeness he was so familiar with. "I didn't mean any offense. In my world it would be very strange to wear."
adregem: (ready for action.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-20 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland glances around, meeting Rapunzel's eye in the chaos of the fight. He nods at her with overflowing confidence. ] Trust me. I won't let anything happen to you!

[ And to put his money where his mouth is, Roland aims his gun and charges it with magic. When he pulls the trigger, a giant ball of dark energy flies out of the barrel, expanding to a large dome which causes the golem to fall to the floor. The troll is rushed immediately with a flurry of Roland's slashes and thrusts, eventually ending with a high jump, his pistol shooting now a fireball against the troll to end the combo. Executive Order.

He lands on his feet expertly and throws his voice to the girl. ]
Now!
irrationally: (never even came)

[personal profile] irrationally 2020-09-20 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"I have several," she explains, though she realises it's not the most helpful thing to say. It's more a confirmation than anything else. And even though she knows (or rather, thinks) that A-Qing won't be able to see her switching weapons, Alice is pretty sure the girl will be able to tell the difference from the sound her weapons make.

So while there's that lull in creatures attempting to attack them, she quickly switches over. The teapot disappears from her hands, only to be replaced by what looks like an oversized pepper grinder, shaped like a hog's head.

Alice figures it at the next dog that heads their way. The sound is better (or rather, less defeaning) than the tea kettle whistling. Instead it sounds like a really odd variation of a machine gun.

It seems to have just about the same effect as one on the fire dog too, despite the fact it really is firing pepper.

"I'm using pepper now," she explains. "I have weapons more suited for close range too, but I'd rather not use them with you here." The unspoken implication being because I don't want to hurt you. Alice knows she's rather reckless with those, and despite the fact that Friendship Feelings are weird and complicated, she does at least know she'd never forgive herself if she got A-Qing hurt.
happyends: (laughing together)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-09-20 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Woah.."

Madoka carefully listens to his story, her eyes growing wide. That sounds kind of amazing.. Like something out of a story, or a fairytale. Weapons based on some legendary weapon that could unlock the heart of all worlds.. There's an obviously amazed look in the girl's eyes, and for a moment she seems totally lost for words.

But then Lea continues, and at least that last part is something she does know how to reply to.

"A-Ah, no, I'm okay!" She shakes her head. "Though thank you for asking."

It doesn't seem like she's lying - for a regular 14 year old girl walking around in all this snow, she sure doesn't seem to be extremely cold.

Madoka gestures at the scarf she's wearing. "Tidus gave this to me, he got them from the clothes making spider.. They help keep you warm, so it's not that cold at all right now! Do you want one too, mis-- um! I mean, Lea! Tidus had a lot, and he asked me to help hand them out.."
happyends: (we're all gonna live tonight)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-09-20 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ah, well.." She casts another glance at the wolves, just to make sure she didn't miss one and it'll come for them after all.. But a moment passes, and none of them move, so she deems it safe enough to look at Katsuya for a moment.

"I can't really use this without Maru being around.." Thankfully that's not a problem, since he's always with her, but still!

(Until he disappears literally the next day and then it's a problem, but ssssh.)

"This power is based on our contract, after all. But he said that as long as I can imagine something, I could do it with this bow.."
fun_thementalist: (allow me to explain!)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Gen raised his eyebrows and, once Senku had gotten all of that ranting out of the way, he explained - "Think of some group that people don't like. That is who's behind it, Senku-chan. It's all an excuse. It always is. It's an excuse to make someone else into the bad guy."

"Humans like simple, comforting ideas. And one of the simplest ideas is Us vs. Them. No matter how stupid it is," Gen told him, false cheer all in his voice.
fun_thementalist: (smug knowing look)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Gen knelt down and joined him, picking up some fresh mint, tucking it into his sleeves. "It's a clever strategy, I will admit. If they gave their captives everything they could want right away, there'd be no incentive for good behavior, my dear. It's not surprising."
10billionpercent: (Are you serious?)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-09-20 03:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't understand that either." Senku commented wryly. "That doesn't help me understand it." He huffed.

"I don't like simple, comforting ideas." He grumbled, muttering a little under his breath, something about him actually still being human and not some kind of robot.

"It's stupid."
adregem: (it's nothing personal.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-20 03:09 pm (UTC)(link)
9:47--

He's lost a fair amount of seconds for being the one to start the timer, but he rushes next to Inigo anyway, keeping his distance as he scopes out the darkness with a keen eye. Inigo is already busy with a bunch of blighted rats - and it does take him aback somewhat that they were so gross looking, mutated and red-eyed; true monsters looking for something to bite and chew. But between admiring Inigo's swordsmanship and encountering his own nest of blighted rats just on the opposite tunnel leading further into the sewage, Roland's got his attention quite full.

He stops just short of the blighted rats, around five of them nibbling on who-knows-what, and bangs his pistol against the nearest wall. He throws his voice somewhat, enough for the volume to echo. "Hey! Mind if I interrupt lunch?" The banging and his voice ringing against the tunneled area are enough to pull the rats to him, and they squeak dangerously towards his direction, wasting no time to rush him all at once. Roland smirks and it is not his gun that takes aim, but his arm. It extends, a burst of bright prismatic magic spewing forth from his Arms Band, and he performs Static Wall to stop them at their tracks. As soon as the five rats drop to the floor, momentarily still, he aims his gun at each, shooting them with a fully loaded, infinite magazine until they've squealed their last.

This takes me back. He thinks to himself, seeing the irony in defeating rodents in a sewer; mimicking the first escape he's ever had to go through trying to save Evan in the other world.
Edited 2020-09-20 15:09 (UTC)
fun_thementalist: (Default)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Until later then, my friend," Gen smiled at him brightly. "Let me know if you end up needing a hand."
fun_thementalist: (swindle~!)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"It seems so! I'm going to see if I can't lend a hand ... though I can't guarantee I won't get distracted," Gen grinned cheerfully. He lied, "I'm not really used to missions or objectives, I don't know how well I'll end up doing here."
adregem: (master negotiator.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-20 03:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He nods confidently. ]

I'll do my utmost. Lead the way.

[ He turns back to stare at the remains of both monsters, and the furrow on his brow returns for a fraction of a second before he follows Della inwards into the village. ]
fun_thementalist: (allow me to explain!)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Gen thought that was the reasonable follow-up question, and looked at her. "Ah, I realize this answer might seem fantastic or ... alarming, even ... but our civilization sort of collapsed. Through no fault of ours, admittedly, beyond who caused the entire thing. So we're rebuilding everything from scratch, pretty much."
light_of_willpower: (long hair profile talking)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2020-09-20 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
No, that makes sense. You're one of the people who heads up the Black squad right?
[Trunks is going to start walking, because they can patrol/look for more monsters AND talk.]

I meant to ask you about that.
fun_thementalist: (see what you did there)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's the most important thing," Gen agreed. "Having dozens of people won't help, if they can't work together."

His head tilted a little. "I'm on the orange team, and I was planning on helping them ... but if you need a hand, my friend, I'm willing to help. Just let me know, all right?"
blitzcheer: (don't think about it)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-09-20 03:46 pm (UTC)(link)
It guilts him, from the second that Roland speaks. A slow thing dawning on him, when in the realisation of his words, he still doesn't know who that is. Everything about the train, their purpose. People are stuck here, but all he can think is, what can he do? Tidus doesn't shift from his place where he's stopped, allowing Roland to be heard. Though it does right through him, and he wonders--will this be how it is now?

This is just who he is, was, really.

"I wish I was," is all he can think to say, resigned. I just think you're a guy who cares. And he wishes he could tell Roland the truth, but now isn't the time, and there never may be a time. Even here, standing in this room with the murmuring voices at the back, the low crackle of a fire meant to keep warm the open space, Tidus has no answers even for himself.

He has nothing else to say, and starts to turn for the door, preparing to leave.

"Good luck with the mission."
fun_thementalist: (that's my line usually)

[personal profile] fun_thementalist 2020-09-20 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's stupid," Gen laughed softly. "I don't like them either, mainly because I don't trust them. Perhaps it's better to say ... humans can tend to like such ideas, but not everyone does. Otherwise, the whole world would get wrapped up in these conspiracy theories. Thank heavens that's not the case."
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-looking-serious)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2020-09-20 04:07 pm (UTC)(link)
The troll was annoyed though, even if it wasn't slowed down. Patting at its hair, before raising one leg to channel power, then stomping. Making the ground shake under everyone's feet.

Trunks just narrowed his eyes, and jumped--taking to the air. Close enough now to engage the troll in hand-to-hand, and striking out with a combo of punches and kicks. Blocking or dodging strikes, before he grabbed the trolls arm as it swung it's club at him. Turning, and moving to flip the troll over himself, crashing it to the ground.
adregem: (ponder yonder the world beyond.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-20 04:17 pm (UTC)(link)
If you didn't care, you wouldn't be here, would you? You would have stayed. You're looking for it. You're trying to find it. He doesn't dare voice this out. He knows how he sounds, and he recognizes it for what it was. So be it, then. The fight continues, and Roland was nothing if not determined to see things through the end.

If it was him on the other side - if he was the one falling...They'd reach for him. Even in his denial, they'd reach for him. How could he not do the same?

Before Tidus can leave, that pivot giving him a space to throw his voice out one last time, Roland perks his head up, still seated, still choosing to stay. Even after Tidus leaves, he'll keep pushing on at the guild, looking for as much clues as he can. Doing the work he promised the other, even if they've forgotten.

"I've got something for you, when we're back on the train." He says, casually, swallowing his own turbulent thoughts, his desire to shake Tidus, wake him up, convince him he was someone who cared and nothing could take that away from him. Not Yuna leaving; not disappearing.

"Come find me. Or I'll go to you." It wasn't a big train, anyway. He smiles, though it has no trace of mirth. "Consider it my way of thanks for...for the football book."

Roland turns his head just enough to catch him by the periphery. "Stay sharp." And doesn't stop him anymore from leaving, after that.

His hand grips tightly under the table, knuckles white under the stress.
myblueskies: (of course!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2020-09-20 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
He nodded, the most important thing was teamwork! "I will and if Orange team need any help just let me know as well! Elfnein is on orange team and they always get tricky things to figure out!"

Which Romeo isn't as good at but Elfnein is really good at!
blitzcheer: (blah blah bluh wuh weh)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-09-20 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, so who needs any other weapon when you have an endlessly thrashing tail?

Tidus uses his pipe where he can, but truthfully, he's not as effective as the lemur: the pipe is too narrow, and he gets maybe one or two while Tangle's tail manages far more targets. He does better kicking the ones that land at his feet away.

But they do somehow get rid of this wave, told by the lack of squeaking squeaks.

"Man, getting rid of rats isn't easy." More like, it's fussy!