Downtime Log - Intro

[locomodo]

Log 01 Downtime Intro
Maybe you were walking to class, or riding into battle, or at your father's funeral, or gazing into the abyss as you brush your teeth and think about your waning youth. Maybe you're from 1000 years ago, or the far-flung future. But it doesn't matter how different you are, because all passengers will wake up sprawled on the same floor of the same car...


The Perfectly Average Everyday Normal Train Car

As characters stir from their slumber, they'll notice their new(?) phones vibrating in their pockets. An unread message is waiting for them...

FROM: clownductor one

Welcome to the Existential Express, car #83045029342000001.

[CHARACTER NAME] is currently engaged in Tutorial Mode.

Objectives:
> Read the Existential Express (E2) brochure.
> Access the user directory and send a message.
> Ask one of the other passengers to be your friend.
> Find the exit door.

By completing car objectives, passengers may proceed through the exit and onto the next car.

Thank you for riding with the Existential Express. Please enjoy your journey into the great unknown.

>>>>SUBJECT: New Passengers
How is that? I attempted to make it sound welcoming.

The message, strangely, cuts off there. The brochure goes over all the basic 'what is a train' questions people may have, but nothing else.

However, characters may find that the exit door is locked until they complete the objectives, so it's icebreaker time! On the bright side, it seems this is a dining car, so there's a few nice plates of treats and a bar that magically serves beverages when people make orders. The exit door will be locked until the objectives are complete! (Please see OOC notes below for more details.)

In any case, when they unlock the door and move on through the exit, there is a walkway to the next car. Please watch your step, and check out the FAQ for more details on trying to leave the train!

Immediately proceeding the intro car is...


The Land of Corginia Car

As characters enter the car, their phones will notify them of a new objective…

> Lend a helping paw.



Because this historical city is occupied with... dogs! Mostly corgis. They are smart, verbal, and very good boys and girls. The dogs are happy to play with anyone, and will also help passengers get to anywhere they want to go. The car itself is basically Rome, with low doorways and ceilings.

And because corgis do have short legs and zero thumbs, they will sometimes need and ask for assistance. For example, you and a partner may need to help the corgis cross a river, give them belly rubs, or reach a ball on a high shelf. They are easily distracted, squirmy little babies and will make life very difficult, but they're just so darn cute!


The Museum Car

(tw: body horror)

As the characters enter the car, their phones will notify them of a new objective…

> Complete yourself.



As passengers enter this car, they'll find themselves feeling notably lighter. This might be because they're suddenly missing a leg, or perhaps an arm, or their eyes, or tongue. Whatever it may be, a part of them has been taken away. There's no pain, or danger to their lives from the missing part, it simply isn't there.

It's been whisked away and hidden somewhere in the musty old museum that they've found themselves in. Luckily, it's currently closed, so there's nothing stopping them from raiding everything in sight! The displays span all manner of topics, from history to biology to space. Passengers might even find displays on familiar historical events or persons from their home worlds as they search—the collection is seemingly endless! Just watch out, because sometimes objects (and body parts) will come to life and lunge through the glass at anyone who walks a little too close.

NOTE: Characters can snipe items from the display cases in the museum! However, they'll discover the items are actually toy replicas made of flimsy plastic. They're completely non-functional and will break if handled too roughly.


The Birth of the Wind Car

As the characters enter the car, their phones will notify them of a new objective…

> Collect all the korogu seeds.



The world that lies ahead of the passengers is vast and lush; a spectacle of nature that spans snow-capped mountains, dense forests, deserts, and lakes. Aside from unusually large and extremely territorial fauna (1, 2, 3), the car appears devoid of any signs of civilization, and passengers might think themselves completely alone…

… Until they hear the tinkling of a bell, and a cheery, "yahaha!" in the distance. Upon closer inspection, the car is in fact populated by small, wooden creatures known as korogus (here). They hide at the tops of trees and mountains, on lone islands in large lakes, and under rocks. Once a passenger stumbles across their hiding place—whether knowingly or otherwise—they'll appear in a puff of magic holding a golden korogu seed. Simply finding them isn't enough for them to hand over the precious item however, and they'll require passengers to offer up one truth in exchange for a seed. And don't bother lying, they'll give you a solid bonk on the head and disappear if you do!


Numbers

Numbers! Everyone starts with one that glows on their bodies — as a fun thread mechanic, we suggest they're somewhere visible, but it's up to you!



Because while this is not IC knowledge yet, numbers are determined by how troubled your character is. This may be based on their past actions and crimes, but also alienating habits, regrets, personality flaws, trauma, etc — a higher number does not necessarily mean they're a bad person, but it may signify a difficult time in their life, or substantial personal issues.

Numbers change as characters work through their issues... which we'll cover next time! However, for this log, please note that numbers will remain static. They may flicker or warp occasionally, but don't worry about them going up or down for the intro! As a bonus, numbers can glow in any color you would like.


OOC Notes

Car Order: While the cars are linear and in the order shown, characters can freely move between these four cars for the next three weeks — players may assume 1:1 IC:OOC time ratio.

Locks: Passengers may follow other characters out of cars after they've been unlocked — so in general, players can assume optional cars on downtime months are unlocked if they don't want to play in them. Likewise, if your character ICly would not participate in a car but you still want to play with those prompts, you can assume they're locked in and must complete objectives. Feel free to pick and choose what you'd like to play from any downtime log!

Update: We will also have a small update in the coming weeks — the setting won't change, but there will be a few more (optional!) aspects to play with later.

Feel free to direct questions to our Discord help channel. Welcome to Locomo, and have fun!

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Comments

i!

[constrainer]

[ Like the other man, Kurapika is doing the same thing— trying to suss out familiar readings of energy that may come from his home world. Nen users like him are always reading the auras of the people they're around— assessing how strong they are, how malicious their intent is. It has something to do with taking a peek at each and every person's spirit and that spirit's power— that's how those in tune with the supernatural from his home describe it, anyway.

That's why Kurapika bristles when the arm is suddenly slung around him, the strange barrier between himself and the other man not exactly familiar, but not exactly unfamiliar, either. The other man may even notice that Kurapika has a thin veil of spiritual energy hardened over his shoulders himself (and the rest of his body, for that matter). ]

Excuse me, [ He doesn't waste time shrugging out from underneath that arm, his eyes leering. What was that? Not something natural, that's for sure, which is why he immediately goes on the defensive, turning to face him. ] That won't be necessary.

[ The touching, or the asking to be friends...? It isn't clear which he means, but judging by the frown, maybe he means both?? ]

[mugen]

[So polite! This isn't the first rejection that Satoru has received today, but it is the first one that was delivered with manners, which is exactly why Satoru decides against moving on to the next unlucky object of his unwanted friendship. Something about the way this kid is following the rules of conversational etiquette while being defensive makes Satoru want to pester him...or maybe he's just missing Nanami's stiffness.]

Don't be shy.

[For now, he'll put his hands in his pockets as he makes a show of considering this rejection, pressing his lips together in thought. Meanwhile, he's attempting to scope out that energy he briefly felt when coming into contact with him. Interesting! This is the first time he's encountered someone who has an ability that feels like it could have some parallels with cursed energy.]

How else do you plan on getting out of here?

[Here being the train car, but also the train itself. Satoru learned long ago that there's value in having strong allies, and as none of his students are here, that means he has to start all over again with recruiting potentials — in pursuit of the smaller, and hopefully easily obtained, goal of escaping this train. Or at least reaching the higher-up(s) in charge to teach them a lesson or two.]

[constrainer]

[ With a few more beats of time to go off of, he's at least glad it seems this doesn't immediately turn into a battle of some kind, or some type of trap. A tense breath gets exhaled through his nose, still very visibly on edge, but at the very least, disarming himself enough mentally to respond. Even so, the thin, dense layer of energy enveloped around him doesn't dim. ]

Not by approaching strangers that way.

[ He replies, dryly, still watching the blindfolded man like a hawk. Maybe it's true that he's yet to clear the ask someone to be your friend condition... but that's because it's a weird thing to ask someone! And he's also too suspicious of everyone around to think about initiating contact. With this, it's like getting thrown in the deep end— perhaps he should try to make the most of the opportunity that's been dropped into his lap. ]

Tell me— are you truly just trying to clear the objective? [ a beat. ] Or are you waiting for certain kinds of people to ask?

[ He remembers hearing a passing comment or two about other passengers being too this, or too that, quite some time ago, but hadn't thought anything of it until now, as he puts this face to that voice. Something about the forward friendliness seems... well, not suspicious, but worth examining closer when paired with such behavior as well as that strange sensation he'd felt from the contact. If he aims to clear the objective with this man, then he wants to know more about what he's getting into. ]

[mugen]

[Satoru's still paying more attention to that layer of energy than Kurapika, but he refocuses on the topic at hand upon hearing that question.

Easily, he admits:]

Nah, I don't care about the objective.

[Not really, and hence he doesn't disagree with the first point: that his methods aren't exactly the way to kindle new friendships. Satoru has more pressing concerns on his mind, and he's never been all that interested in following the nonsense directives of mysterious higher-ups who move people around like pawns. Eventually, he'll have to make his way to the next car, but he isn't concerned about that, either. Satoru masters everything he tries; there's no reason for him to think this train car will be an exception.

He also doesn't take any real issue with the people he dismissed for one reason or another. He's just being an outward nuisance while trying to keep an eye on the train's passengers — and while actively hunting down two big problems. And potentially scoping out promising allies in the process.]

I'm looking for someone.

[Two someone's, actually! Satoru has no qualms with being upfront about this, since he was directly asked. He's always operating from a position of power, and he's therefore open about everything from his distaste for authority to his techniques. Who's going to stop him? Who could stop him?

Besides, he has a couple questions now, too.]

[constrainer]

[ Those set of answers seem to disarm him, if only slightly. And that's because they're more rational answers— one he finds himself agreeing with, too. Kurapika has no interest in actually making "friends" in the car, and he, too, is more concerned with trying to find someone familiar (friend or foe) rather than bother with this all. ]

Then, looking for them is more important than escaping this car, to you.

[ Assuming the objectives actually let them move forward, which he is inclined to believe since he has seen at least a couple people leave the car already... unless those people were in on all of those. The person the man is looking for must either be 1) very important to him or 2) very dangerous; those are the only types of people Kurapika can imagine himself valuing pursuing over escape. ]

For a good reason, or a bad one?

[ He doesn't press on the further details; he only wants to know if he needs to expect there to be some kind of brawl when whoever this person is and the man before him actually meet. He'd rather they not! But also, he can't control who the clownductor brought aboard. And, he can imagine that he'd act the same exact way if his own enemies or allies were somehow here. ]

[mugen]

I haven't decided yet.

[Spoken flippantly, it may seem like a vague answer, but it's the truth. Sukuna is a given, easily dismissed as outright dangerous, better off sealed somewhere than permitted to walk freely in any world. His reason for searching for him is cut and dry: Sukuna has to be stopped before he starts.

But when it comes to the real object of this cat-and-mouse game, the real reason Satoru taking his time in this train — the answer is not as simple. Depending on what he finds at the end of that trail of cursed energy, there may be another option. For him and the bearer of that cursed energy both.

But! He doesn't leave room for further questions, because while his proposal for friendship was rejected, he's not quite ready to give up on Kurapika yet, especially since he's asking good questions instead of simply assuming that Satoru is trying to connect with long lost friends (though that wouldn't be entirely off base, either). Hence, a pivot, in the form of Satoru beginning to stroll away as though the conversation is over. Except, just as he's passing Kurapika by, he turns.]

Wanna come? You might get to see something interesting.

[For now, at least, it wouldn't hurt to have someone to annoy — and Satoru could use this time to both assess Kurapika's suitability as a ally and potentially get that nice door unlock achievement he needs to eventually move on.]

[constrainer]

[ It's a good enough answer for Kurapika's purposes; he doesn't prod any more after that. Truth be told, he likes to leave as little said as possible, too, finding that making any alliance with a stranger out of necessity runs smoother the less you immediately know about one another. Or, the less chances there are for misunderstanding or suspicion - provided the mission at hand is short lived, that is.

So, he follows, his expression flat— not thoroughly convinced by the man's upbeat and laid-back demeanor, but not completely dismissing it, either. ]

I'll come, [ With a brief rush of boldness, he decides to take a risk on it all - anything to move forward. ] But only to advance.

[ The confidence the other exudes, and that strange power, tell him that he probably doesn't want (or need) help in his quest, anyway. Kurapika decides against trailing behind the other man, though— pushing to walk in stride with him, instead, towards the front of the car. ]

I'm certain you'll find the person you're looking for on your own terms. I'm not interested in being a part of it— or "seeing" it, for that matter.

[ A beat. ]

I have my own person to search for.

[mugen]

[Satoru watches Kurapika fall in step with him with a little amusement. It's rare for anyone to stand beside him for any reason. His students follow his lead and his colleagues expect him to forge on ahead to the most dangerous curses, on the rare occasion that he isn't sent to deal with them entirely on his own. Not many people walk in stride with Satoru, literally or figuratively.

Which is why it's a tragedy that this guy wants to be rid of him after using him to advance. Totally fair, but totally dull.]

Shy and boring. What a mix!

[A stick in the mud indeed. But this is (unfortunately for Kurapika!) the kind of person Satoru likes to have around. To balance him out! And also give him someone to annoy.]

You'd be missing out. But don't worry, I'll kick you to the curb as soon as something interesting happens.

[Spoiler alert: he won't.]

So who're you looking for?

[Instead of asking if the reason is good or bad, he asks for a name outright, because Satoru has been talking to (read: annoying) a lot of people on this train. And given his Six Eyes, he has more tools at his disposal for seeking people out than the average passenger.]

I might be able to help.

[constrainer]

[ Being called basically a stick in the mud is yes, annoying, but ultimately not something that terribly offends or bothers him; mostly because he makes true concerted effort to not care what the people around him think of him. Or, rather, if this person makes an assessment of him, he doesn't feel pressure to disprove it or deny it. It's fine if he's thought of as boring (for now)... His nose wrinkles, keeping his gaze hard and firmly forward. ]

That's classified, [ Which he's sure is about to garner him more boring points. ] But she's no more than a few months old. That's all I can tell you.

[ Yes, a literal infant. Kurapika has put together thus far that people here inexplicably come from entirely different worlds, so even though he'd typically not whisper a peep about his young liege to anyone, he figures it's pretty safe if everyone else on the train won't even know the context. ]

I don't sense her in this car, but that doesn't mean she isn't on the train.

[ He decides to test the waters by lightly mentioning such an ability— to sense others— looking at the other man from the corner of his eye. ]

If you have the means to look further than we are currently, then, by all means.

[mugen]

A classified baby.

[Satoru understands that there are many reasons a baby's identity might be classified. His own birth shifted jujutsu society to such a degree that he had quite a few bounties on his head as far back as his infancy. But he still sounds a little amused as he says it, mostly because special children are kind of his forte.]

I'll take a look.

[Because he does indeed have a way of seeing beyond the current car! At least in theory. His Six Eyes are not as strong here as they were back in his world, and he can't sense everyone, being that many of the passengers on this train do not emanate cursed energy, but he can occasionally pick up on analogous abilities and he can see a little further ahead. He just lacks the clarity and distance that might be afforded to him elsewhere.

Still worth a try! Hence he tugs down his blindfold, revealing his Six Eyes, and looks in the direction of the door — doing his best to sense a baby in the cars ahead. And he picks up on...no classified babies! He can sense familiar cursed energy transitioning from this car to the next (a cat-and-mouse game is in his future, it seems), and senses the subtle presence of a few others beyond, but that's unfortunately it.]

I got nothing. But I don't know how many cars there are.

[Meaning, his sight is limited here, so she could be out there somewhere. And since Satoru is still adjusting to being Nerfed, he decides to slightly change the subject by turning his uncovered eyes on his new friend and taking a nice long look at him. Then, with a grin:]

I showed you mine. [He means his eyes! And his Infinity, earlier.] Now you show me yours.

[Aka what can you do? He's interested!]

[constrainer]

[ Kurapika watches with careful eyes, trying desperately to discern whether or not he can even trust that the man is actually seeing anything. For the time being, he has no choice but to hope what he says is true— that the baby isn't on board at all. His expression hardens, considering carefully whether or not to show anyone on the train a peek of his ability. ]

Very well.

[ With a short sigh, something in the air around him shifts, as if a very dense shroud of pressure were enveloping him - something that wasn't there before. It's pure energy, what they call nen in his world - something he'd sealed away the majority of to conceal his presence as soon as he realized he was on the train. He's certain the man before him can sense it, and must be well versed in something that's the cousin (maybe twice removed) of nen.

Only after making sure no one is looking in their direction, Kurapika holds his right hand up, and the energy condenses around it, materializing into five metal rings, connected to chains that wrap around his wrists several times underneath his sleeve. ]

Typically, this is a tool for locating people. [ Between his index finger and thumb, he tugs out one of the five links of chain - there's a small weighted ball at the end of it. ] But the car is interfering with it. Or, as you've asserted, she really isn't on the car.

[ A pause. ]

You can sense it, can't you? This kind of energy. You have something similar around your body.