Priority Log - Part 1

[locomodo]

Log 02 Priority (Part I)
The Mine Car

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

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> OVERRIDE: TUTORIAL MODE DEACTIVATED.
> OBJECTIVE:

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NAME: The Mine Car
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT: Gothic era
DANGER LEVEL: High
GENERAL STINKINESS: High
COMMON DENIZENS: Humans, ornithrops, bearkin
CUISINE: Peasant gruel, bird seed

There is no sender. Or objective?

But that's fine, probably! The car itself is completely functional, and features a fully developed society.

Passengers will arrive in this car and be immediately greeted by a fog that chills them to their core. The car around them is vast, and yet deathly silent. They'll find themselves starting off in a forest of petrified wood, the ground hard and unyielding underneath their feet, with flora and fauna in various stages of decay around them. While the fog around them is thick, the lights of a nearby village can still be seen from a distance, and as they travel, the dirt road will give way to cobblestone.

Eventually they'll be greeted with a signpost, welcoming them to the town of MINECRAFTIA.




While Minecraftia's denizens are harrowed and distressed, they're quick to warn the passengers traveling through of the ailment, a mysterious illness that is plaguing their town. It's been leaving even healthy youths bedridden, and while the town mayor has passionately declared that he will find a solution, it appears that there's no cure in sight.

Locations

Minecraftia is a foreboding little town, even in the daylight, with murky skies above and fog blanketing the roads. Still, the denizens persist through their daily routines, and won't stop the passengers from exploring.

Clinic: The town's only clinic with the town's only doctor. It's a small, rickety building that operates all hours of the day. Between the rapid spread of sickness and the steady depletion of supplies, it's a grim place to be nowadays. Anyone healthy who visits might be roped in to help, and those who look ill will be quarantined with an uncomfortable bedroll and thin blanket.

Cemetery: Located on the outskirts of town, the cemetery is home to dead bodies, even deader earth, and a deadpan gravekeeper. The exit door is here in a flower-covered plot, but cannot be opened.

Chicken House: A barnyard building home to the town's chickens. Lately they've been more worked up than usual, and taken to flying the coop and finding refuge by digging their claws into the scalps of bystanders. Agitating one chicken may cause a whole flock to descend on you!

The Dark Woods: The village is surrounded by what was once lush woods, but the trees now stand dark and eerie, an unusually thick fog rolling between them. While there are some of the usual, woodland creatures chirruping in the dense silence, they're hard to find. Monsters, meanwhile, are much more common.

The Mines: In the heart of the woods are entrances to the town's expansive system of mines. Stepping inside shows that the dirt and stone is laced with beautiful gems and minerals, but passengers will be shooed away by miners if they try to explore any deeper. It seems there's several dangerous mine shafts underfoot, as well as past attacks by what seems to be mole monsters.

Mayor's Mansion: The largest building in Minecraftia, situated on a hill. While Mayor Chadsef's staff welcomes guests, they will be cautioned not to explore past the lobby, which just smells a little like cleaning chemicals thanks to a diligent maid crew.

Denizens

Players may use denizens as convenient in threads, as well as these NPCs, except for the Mayor. He's a very busy man!

Madam Vermeer: The Madam is a human extremely afraid that she'll die before seeing her son marry. Which means that she is hunting the streets for eligible men and women, and whisking them in droves away into her mansion to be made over, trained in the art of serving, etc. before presenting them to her son.

Cassy Cassatt: Cassy is an ornithrop and the owner of the chicken house. She's shorthanded nowadays, but business-savvy enough to prey on considerate bystanders. She'll rope anyone she sees into helping out, whether it's collecting eggs, feeding or breeding.

Turner: Turner is a bearkin, and one of the nurses at the clinic. He's taken to drinking his weight in mead whenever he's off the clock, and it's not uncommon for his body to be seen unconscious on the road. He'll try to flee or swat blindly if anyone tries to help him, but he really does need help getting home.

Chadsef: The mayor of Minecraftia, who is notably wealthier than the rest of the citizens. He's young and inexperienced, but carries a Birds of Economics degree, and is determined to bring jobs to the town. He'll just need to make sure people are alive to do them first!

Other

The longer that passengers remain in the car, the more they'll learn, and soon they'll realize the following:

1. They are not immune to the illness. They can't determine what it is that triggers it. At first it's a sense of fatigue, then hunger and irritability. Then, the numbness will begin, starting in their extremities and spreading up their limbs, until that numbness turns into pain. Eventually that pain will lead to madness, a state of delirium where they begin to behave erratically, endangering themselves and those around them.
   
   
2. There is something in the woods. Though the passengers saw nothing when they arrived in the woods, at night they can hear growling. Venturing outside will reveal grotesque creatures emerging from the fog, rampaging into the town and tearing flesh and stone with their massive claws. These creatures appear rabid, familiar but warped, and they swarm the town with no regard for their own safety or benefit. Examples: (1) (2) (3) (4)
   
   
3. Corpses are disappearing. Despite deaths, the cemetery isn't seeing any more business. Rumour has it that a certain wealthy denizen has been paying to have the corpses taken away. But to where, and why, remains unknown…

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.

As passengers enter this car, they'll notice that their numbers may begin to change in response to certain actions and decisions. The general rule is that numbers change as characters work through their issues. If they make a decision that serves to better themselves, their number will decrease. But if they make a decision that is ill-intentioned, their number will increase. Players can change their number as they see fit going forward.

OOC Notes

Exploration: Players may submit on-going threads here to get a short mod tag with further discoveries in any given location. Characters can potentially earn items or clues as to the car's objective this way. Please limit your explorations to one per player; we will let you all know if we have the capacity to do more!

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Comments

[vadarta]

Look at you. [ Vanadi gestures vaguely toward him, at nothing in particular. That smile is quite charming, but Vanadi doesn't keep much kindness on hand.] It counts.

[ His drink arrives, and Vanadi shifts to dig into a pouch at his side for a few gold coins. The barkeep eyes them skeptically, looking ready to complain -- until he bites into one and determines it is, in fact, gold. Complaints die unspoken, and he quickly tucks what's clearly a significant overpayment away before Vanadi can change his mind. ]

My turn. [ He leans in a little, smiling over the rim of his glass. ] Truth or drink?

jesus christ

[himbomb]

What's that supposed to mean?

[The question is asked with a cocky grin, which resurfaces in only a matter of seconds. It's definitely flirtatious, as anger is Rex's usual go to emotion, and that comes with a marked contrast.]

Ooooh so you've got monaaaay? Cool.

[Rex sloughs his arm over the back of whatever it is that's behind him, revealing a tad more skin as he postures like an arrogant asshole, which he is. To be fair, that was absolutely not intentional, but as someone who lived his entire childhood in abject poverty, the promise of comfort and status is even more enticing when it's accompanied by a pretty face.]

Eh, why not! I'll bite.

[He does, actually. But only upon request! Well, sort of.]

Juuuuust truth me up, baby!

Re: jesus christ

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi leans back to properly look this guy over, and is happy to let his gaze linger on the skin. It's a good look for him. It's why Vanadi stopped, frankly. ]

This isn't the truth in question, but — [ He takes a sip, pauses briefly to consider the taste, then: ] Let's have your name, shall we? We can start there.

[himbomb]

[It's all anyone ever seems to want from him, honestly. Rex is used to it by now. He actually takes pause for a moment, toying with an idea. In any other context, with any other person, he'd be quick to brag about his superhero status.

But home is so damn far away, and he doesn't, he simply doesn't have to-]

Rex! Why don't we start with just Rex.

Can I get yours? I'd like to have somethin' to call ya! Y'know, other than just... Pretty Face.

[vadarta]

Maybe on your turn. I don't typically give for free.

[ That's such a lie — but it sounds cool, and he delivers it with a wink. The drink clicks down smartly back to the bartop, and he leans back again thoughtfully. ]

So then, just Rex, what are you looking for in here?

[himbomb]

[Rex smiles in response. Pretty privilege is real! And the prettier they are, the more likely that they get to dunk on him for free.]

Oh, come on! That one's obvious. Buh-hooze! Booze, duh.

[But, since he's supposed to be honest, and maybe a pity party of the subtle variety will get him laid, he adds-]

And a fuckin' break. Can't ever seem to catch one.

[vadarta]

[ Obviously this is going to take a few followup questions, which Vanadi would never allow on his own turn. But he gets the sense Rex will allow a little rules-bending on his, so: ]

A break from what? [ He's back to studying Rex, this time trying to guess what — what, profession? Situation? Whatever it is. ] This place? It's not that bad.

[himbomb]

Home!

[Vanadi is right- By Rex's standards, while there's definitely oodles upon oodles of things to complain about, and complain he will, this place is nowhere near as bad as most of the ones Rex has spent a lot of his time in. Cecil isn't encroaching on every second of his free time, he can now sleep an entire night without worrying about the world's next natural disaster, and most of all, there's no need for him to be worried about dying in battle constantly.]

Work. My stinkin' life. It's all the same, really. Buuut I'm, like, abso-fuckin'-lutely sure?

[And that bit is said with a sneer-]

That my sob story isn't what you're here for. So, let's keep havin' fun! No need to throw a wet blanket all over it.

Now then. What's your real question? Cough it up, babe.

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi's attention sharpens a little; this place isn't that bad, but it's still pretty bad. The sickness, the killer chickens. What does home have to look like to be worse?

But Rex isn't wrong; they're not here for that. So a smile overtakes the close attention, and smoothly: ]

What's your type?

[himbomb]

[He thinks of her, and while it isn't the first time, it certainly won't be the last. Green eyes and red hair, a waifish and petite frame, and the power to conjure up just about anything imaginable.... A sense of humor and a strong heart.

And quite the awful temper.

Rex's smile widens, although there's something else mixed in alongside the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, a deadening weariness to contrast his otherwise youthful face, as if he's lived a life that has felt longer than it should. ]

I like pretty faces! High cheekbones, slim waists, and soft voices. I might not hear what you hear, but, aaah.

[Rex places a gloved hand over his own throat.]

I'm well aware that it sounds like some poor little froggy bastard's been stuck in here for years.

[That hand drops back down to the table, his fingers encircling around a napkin.]

Anyone I can wrap my arms around and, uh? Pretty much engulf. Though, that's not hard to do for me. But, if we're bein' really really real here? I can't do cutesy shit for too damn long.

[He raises the napkin, which is currently on fire, no matches to be seen.]

Oh! And it helps if they've got superpowers. Then instead of me worryin' about breakin' them apples-

[The flames are out suddenly and all at once, with a poof. Rex sprinkles the ashes to the floor, like the asshole he is. It can't be the worst cleaning job the employees of this tavern have had after a long night.]

I can get excited about the idea that they just might break me.

[vadarta]

[ A smile finds its way to Vanadi's face as he listens — a real one, his first honest smile of the evening, probably. He nods, leaning in a little over the bartop. ]

I know just what you mean. [ His eyes linger for a moment on that fire, which is ... interesting, but stranger things have happened. His gaze flicks back up to Rex's again, the grin lingers. ] My wife could snap me over her knee. It's thrilling.

[ Wife, what a bizarre word to use, how novel. The shape of it is strange in his mouth. ]

1/?

[himbomb]

2/2 watch him ruin this for himself in 3,2,1

[himbomb]

[It occurs to Rex that this guy and his wife could be looking for a third, which to be fair, is not at all a situation he is entirely against, considering his love for ruining his life with duplicitous and potentially sexy situations, but his eyebrows shoot up so high that they almost reach his hairline.]

Soooo, do you mean to tell me that if this doesn't go south, she'd be, liiiiiike, involved? 'Cause that's fine! Totally fine, just...

[Sheepishly, a hand creeps up to the back of his neck for a nervous rub of... Self love, if you will.]

I'm tryin' to turn over a new leaf, aaaand, uh. Don't really wanna be the cause of anybody's costly couples counseling session.

if only it were that easy

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi considers this for a few thoughtful seconds, then: ]

Hmm, perhaps, I believe you're not not her type. [ Does Rex like vampires? Hopefully. It would be pretty convenient to find more blood donors. His flippant wave turns into a hand laid casually on Rex's thigh as he leans in, smiling. ] But worry not, you're certainly my type. I've always appreciated a broad frame, you know.

[himbomb]

[Truth be told, Rex hates them. Or, at least he thought he did. Ghouls, goblins, chupacabras... Demons! Demons especially, oh boy. For someone who is supposed to be a big, bad superhero, he's incredibly jumpy. Then again, he sort of figured that most vampire men were either as creepy as Nosferatu or as lame and buzzkill-y as that sparkly dude in stupid chick flick Eve made him watch. As dumb as it was, it was also choice roast fodder.]

Sooo... I'm assumin' you and your wife have got some sort of-

[Rex's green eyes dart around the room in search of a broad, muscular woman with a similar build. Just so he doesn't get his ass beat... Yet again.]

Arrangement?

[Now, he had promised to return to the campsite he shares with Invincible, but he didn't really ever specify when.

And so, while the one man firework doesn't respond to that hand on his thigh, per se, he doesn't swat it away either.]

[vadarta]

[ Is this the time to say that he and his wife are married as friends? Friends with benefits, but, still. Vanadi considers it for a moment, then decides the context doesn't much matter. And so: ]

Yes, just so. [ His smile is relaxed and unconcerned, although that's probably the face of every practiced cheater out there too. He leans back, taking his hand with him. ] We're not really following the rules of your game very well. I'm not even tipsy.

[himbomb]

[For Rex, whatever this man's relationship is with his wife is just that- His business and his problem. Who cares if the guy's lying? If she doesn't happen to find out, it's all good! It's not Rex's fault that he's so goddamn beautiful! And he's single now! None of this is his responsibility. He is free of all sin, and free to sin! Or at least, that's what he believes.

Whatever this guy's deal is, it's obviously not his first rodeo. If he's a cheater, this is a repeat offense, as that tease of a hand on his thigh and the confidence that comes with being able to touch a man of Rex's size and stature so intimately is nothing that you'd see at amateur hour.]

How sloshed is sloshed, for you? 'Cause if you wanna bone blacked out, I'm not doin' that shit. Or screwin' that shit, fuck.

[He hasn't forgotten those incisors. There's also a chance that whoever this is, he's looking for his next meal. Rex is certain he can take this guy if he tries anything, but he'd rather be sober for it. Also, sloppy seconds on a first time? Nah. Just nah! If he's gonna have freaky frightmare sex with a pretty rando, he'd like to be fully present for it.]

Oh, oh! Aaaaand, just so we're clear? Super clear, liiiiike, crystal?

That is what you're gunnin' for, right? Just a one and done, "Wham, bam, thank you man!"-type deal, yeah?

[vadarta]

[ He waves off the idea of a drunk fuck, having very much been there and done that. It was fun a few times, less so these days. ]

No, no. No one has has much fun as they think they will while that drunk.

[ But still, being not even tipsy, he does pause here for a good, long swig of his drink. He eyes Rex as it lowers again, looking thoughtful. ]

And ... yes, but the arrow is still in the air, as they say. Who knows where it may fall? But the odds are good thus far.

[ Also a lie. How can he turn away someone as thirsty as he is? But he doesn't have to look desperate, at least. ]

[himbomb]

For real. Also, when you're as good-looking as either of us handsome bastards, why settle for a pity fuck? That's just low, even for me.

[Rex toggles with his zipper, pulling it down farther, then back up once again. Fidgeting.

He is used to being the aggressor in these situations. Boast as he may, he's only had one girlfriend, ever, and they dated for over four years. It's nice being the one being chased for once, and not by some superhero fangirl who is far too young and also foaming at the mouth.]

Do you... Do you mind? Do you think they'd mind? I'm actually not doin' this to show off, it's fuckin' hot as balls in here. Or Dante's Inferno! Which, I'm pretty sure? Is just a story about some crazy dude's sweaty-ass balls. I'm positive. I mean, just think about it! It sounds like an old-timey term for a disease you could catch.

[Rex leans over on both elbows, beginning a piss-poor attempt at a whisper.]

Seriously.

Is this a "No shirt, no shoes, no service," sorta establishment? I'm new here. I don't fuckin' know! Am I gonna be fined a shilling for disturbing the peace? 'Cause I don't have any dough. Everything I drank tonight was sent right on over to me.

[what a fucking brat]

[vadarta]

[ He eyes the zipper in question, which makes for a nice haven in the face of this ceaseless rambling. This human really does like to hear himself talk, doesn't he? At the first available spot, Vanadi offers a shrug over the rim of his drink. ]

I'm certain I don't set or enforce the rules in here. Try it and find out, hmm?

[ It's a little barbaric to just start stripping in a tavern, but that's humans for you. Sometimes it's part of their charm. ]

[himbomb]

[At that, Rex undoes his zipper completely, attempting to fan himself with the top half of his supersuit, flapping the wings of the garment like an irritated, tropical bird. His eyes narrow as he considers, really considers, what his priorities should be. If the top half of his torso was impressive to Vanadi at all, his core is certainly the main attraction. He may be a seasoned expert in several martial arts, but Rex's first combative form of body language was gymnastics. It is how he moves about without thinking, jumping and gliding from here and there, and so that muscle definition indicates rigorous training and expertise.

Emotionally, Rex Splode is a mess, but physically? He is well-centered. Balanced, and frighteningly so.]

Hey. Everybody who poofs onto this thing is in the directory, yeah? Whether they like it or not.

At least when they're from, uh, outta town. Way out.

Right?

[Otherwise Rex would have had his profile wiped, deleted, or at least edited to perfection. He wonders if anyone here can tell him about the operating system these devices use, but this guy's out of the question for that. He seems... Medieval. Probably technology-challenged.]

Seems like we've pretty much got no control over it.

[vadarta]

[ Oh, yes, it's definitely a good show. Vanadi sits back for a little distance to better enjoy the sight, and doesn't bother to meet Rex's eyes. His face is pleasant enough, but there's musculature to admire. ]

Mm, yes, I think so. [ He quirks a brow, but the inquisitiveness of it is lost when he doesn't find Rex's eyes with it. ] Why?

[himbomb]

[He is careful with this information, closing his eyes and thinking it over. If Omni-Man does indeed show up, that implies two dangerous things- That everyone here would be at that bastard's motherfucking mercy, and that this place is strong enough to capture even the likes of an intergalactic titan like him.]

...Have you met anyone around here who can fly? Actually, I don't just mean anybody.

Old dude. Blue eyes. Big ass motherfucker, grey around the temples, aaaand... Mustache. Think seventies porno or eighties cop, ah-

[...Right, this guy is a fantasy elf or some bullshit like that-]

You know what, fuck it. 'S not like you of all people've got any idea what that means.

See anyone around here like that lookin' aggro as all hell? Shoot me a message, but, aaah. First?

Run.

[vadarta]

[ He doesn't care for that you of all people, nor is he particularly concerned about whatever Rex is worried over. Tessa can probably handle it, she's been his savior plenty of times before. He finally flicks his gaze back to Rex's face, the better to deliver this unimpressed stare. ]

Noted. [ Kind of. He'll probably forget it in a minute or two. ] Is this typically part of flirting for you? I must admit, it's not really doing it for me.

[himbomb]

[Rex fires back with a rude grin, suddenly feeling his blood boil. A little pleasant banter is all well and good, but being reminded of where he came from and all the spoils that the rich in any time, decade, or universe are allowed to enjoy while the poor die in the streets, forgotten and abused...

It's all Rex's own fault, in a way. A cycle. Being reminded that he is uncouth for a reason. An acquired taste.]

Oh! Nah. Not even close! When I've got somethin' I really want, I'll do anything I can to get it.

I like a good tail chase. 'S fun! Usually means the foreplay's gonna be fire. But if we're not finding a nice place to, aaah. Get to know each other a little better, anytime soon? I'm getting the fuck outta here.

[He wouldn't be particularly insulted if Vanadi decides that Rex isn't his cup of tea. Too hot to handle doesn't even begin to cover it. He's also losing his patience, as something about the other man is bothering him but he can't quite put his finger on it- It's not the ears or the fangs, or even the condescending attitude...

But the missing pieces. There's something frustrating about those.

Then again? That could just be sexual tension.]

You don't seem to be a big fan of all the yippity-yappin' I'm doin'. Why not come on over here and shut me up? If you're gonna be bold, be bold. I'd be happy to waltz right up to ya and kiss that pretty mouth of yours, but I'm startin' to wonder if your bark's more fun than your bite.