voidtreckermods: (train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2020-09-11 05:34 am
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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!
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (and means of escape)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-13 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Big ol' grin. ]

You know I can!

[ She heads for the troll, and switches up her tactics - instead of really hurting him, she's going for straight up annoyance. Shin-kicks, eye-pokes, mocking faces and taunts - all as she moves backwards, heading for the golem. ]
adregem: (your sword to my gun let's get it)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-14 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland smirks at Della's tactics, which are far more effective than he gives that silliness credit for. She makes it look good! So as she distracts the troll and draws him closer to the golem, who was trying its best to slam its giant paws down against the ground to hit Roland, far too agile for it even in its blighted state, he manages to roll in between the two behemoths. His body is glowing with pent up magical energy, a light wrapping around him a blanket. ]

You're mine. Della, out of the way!

[ Coolly, level-headed and steady, Roland swings his sword in a horizontal swipe. The magic from his body bursts into life in the shape of a total eclipse, wide and encompassing, clearing the immediate area around him. The troll is disarmed, falling flat on its face, its club hanging loosely in its weakened grip. The golem meanwhile, staggers just as badly, enough that it kneels, exposing the crystal for a moment. ]

[ Della and Roland now have a split-second decision to make: who goes for what first? ]
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (i'm in over my head)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-14 05:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Duck and cover!

... shut up, I had to.

Anyway, Della jumps out of the way just in time! And she gives an impressed whistle at the light show, but there's no time to admire. ]


And now that is mine!

[ She dives for the troll's arm, slamming her knee into its wrist to force it to drop the club! ]
adregem: (and i would have gotten away with it too)

...della please HAHAHA

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-14 06:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That leaves the golem to Roland, who skids in between the space left to him to propel himself forward. Now facing the golem and its exposed crystal, he jams the tip of his Interstellar Sword into the top of the crystal, trying to wedge it loose. It's a struggle, harder than it looks even with his strength. The golem begins to stand up. ]

W-Whoa! Della, a little assist? [ He just needs it to stay still, the crystal is almost out of its plate...! ]
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (cause we're together)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-15 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
Coming!

[ Della then PICKS UP the club - this won't last long, it's heavy - and then rams it into the side of the crystal to try and pop it out! ]
adregem: (this is where you come in.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-15 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That force was just enough to loosen it to the point where Roland's sword could pry it free with another outward tug. The crystal detaches from the golem with great difficulty, and its loud roar slowly falls silent, its rocky body de-powering into stillness. The crystal in Roland's hand, his sword in the other, he huffs his hangs back from his face and jumps down to the ground.

He studies the crystal closely, two fingers holding it up. Then, he turns to Della with a grin. ]


Thank you, ma'am. Couldn't have done that without you. [ For real. ] You've got some pretty slick moves.
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (and means of escape)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-16 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
And now I have a slick souvenir!

[ She's trying to triumphantly lift the club over her head, and... can't... quite... get it up there. ]
adregem: (did you just use a twig?)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-16 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He sheathes his sword and keeps the crystal in his Arms Band, the item in question disappearing in a flash of gold sparkle. Roland folds his arms and walks over to Della with a Look. ]

Yeah...I don't think 'slick' is the word for this particular trinket. [ Roland quips dryly. But he does help her out, using both hands to try and lift it just so Della can pose as she desired. ]
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (it won't be long)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-16 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
... I'm not going to get to keep this, am I.

[ Boo. But with her good leg wiggling, she's forced to set it down. ]
adregem: (i've got it under control believe it or)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-16 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
...Do you really want to, though?

[ He crosses his arms back against his chest when the club is set down, a mild look of concern as he makes sure Della was alright from the weight. ]

I mean, it wouldn't hurt to try keeping it in my Arms Band.
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (it's just a matter of time)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-16 06:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Just thought it'd be cool, and when telling stories, it helps to have props.

Oh well!

[ With that, she promptly drops it. ]
adregem: (the best days still lie ahead.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-16 06:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The club unsettles some of the dust on the ground. He shifts his gaze between the club and Della for a brief moment, debating on certain things, until he finally decides, why not?

Roland walks over to the club, uses both hands again to try and lift it, and when that fails, he uses his core, his thighs, all for support. The body he was magically granted was younger than he actually was, and he'd rather use it to the fullest extent he could, when needed.

Eventually, he's able to lift the club with some effort. He grimaces, closing his eyes and...in another familiar sparkle of gold, the club disappears. He stumbles forward, if only for the sudden lack of weight. ]


There. Just let me know when you want it back. Storytellers need their gear, after all.
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (down to acapulco bay)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-17 11:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Della blinks, surprised... then lets out a happy laugh, suddenly hugging her friend. ]

Aw, Roland, you're the best!
adregem: (lofty you say the silliest things.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-09-17 12:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland stifles a small chuckle. A hug for such a small thing? It was nice.

He's a little taller than her, so he just settles an arm around her shoulders and hugs her back this way before they break. ]


Heh. I try. [ When there's some distance between them, he swipes his sword in a big downwards arc before putting it on a sheath. ] We should take account of the villagers. Make sure everyone's unharmed.
Edited 2020-09-17 12:56 (UTC)
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (i promise i'll be there soon)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-09-18 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She's a hugger. Always has been, always will be. ]

Right! Gotta reassure them things are okay now. Remember - big smiles!
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. ]