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…

> ▮▮▮▮▮▯▮▮
> ▮▮*
> OVERRIDE: TUTORIAL MODE DEACTIVATED.
> OBJECTIVE:

>

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!

---

locomo e2 traincation

FAQ & Game Info / Calendar / Taken
Applications / Reserves / Hiatus & Drops



FULL NAVIGATION

Comments

[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.

[vadarta]

[ Ah, there's a bit of fire. The implication that Vanadi isn't something Rex really wants is a nice touch — particularly as they've not even fully traded names yet. His smile flashes back into place, lopsided and wry. ]

It's going to have to be that or a gag, frankly. You talk an awful lot.

[ He doesn't leave room for a response. Instead he's pressing forward, one foot hitting the ground between their barstools as he grabs Rex's neck (the only available handhold with that shirt so undone, really) to drag him into a hard, sharp kiss. ]

[himbomb]

[Rex's lips meet Vanadi's with a touch of surprise- There was a lot of talking going on, which is entirely Rex's own fault, but that's to be expected. He parts his lips willingly, leaning shamelessly into that wanton hand. He's used to taking the lead when it comes to kissing and he's never been involved with anyone who's had such sharp teeth, and honestly? He's not entirely sold on them, is what he's discovering at the moment.]

Uh huh-

[He draws back briefly, doing his best to let his hand glide shamelessly over what he can feel of the garments over the other's chest, fingers traveling up to the brooch on the elf's neck, suddenly yanking on that tie. There was some muscle definition there, but... Damn.

He is really going to miss Eve's body. Wow! Did he fuck the fuck up.]

Mmmph... So what's your deal, what do you-

[Rex struggles to pull whatever he can down, with his thumb on the ornament still, nuzzling his nose over whatever patch of skin he can expose. He presses a tender kiss there, surprisingly so, before whispering-]

Is it magic? Can you walk through walls, or somethin'?

[Vanadi may notice that he is starting to get a little hot around the collar- Not enough to burn, but... That red orb is beginning to emit a yellow glow.]

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi's attention is taken almost entirely by the fact that they're still right here in the tavern, in a gross little town with a sickness problem. It wouldn't be his favorite place to get intense about kissing at the best of times, but today it's hard to be that enthusiastic. He's glancing around them as Rex starts interrogating him about — something, he's not really listening — and Vanadi jerks back to pull himself free of that hand at his cravat.

Which, speaking of, suddenly feels a little tight and hot? He doesn't look down to notice the glow, only tugging lightly at the fabric. ]

Finish your drink, ask my name if you'll have it, and let's relocate.

[ Making out in public is kind of hot, but a man has limits. ]

not me thirst tagging from my phone instead of sleeping

[himbomb]

Oh! No. I, uh, don't really need that.

[😬]

Ehhh, who knows? If things get good enough-

[Rex lets go of Vanadi, grabbing what's left of the pitcher and raising the glass. This is... More of a proper toast than the first? Supposedly.]

I might even learn it! Emphasis on the might.

Uh, bottoms?

[He says, before downing the entire amount as if it's only a shot?! Jesus Christ, man!

After that whole fiasco, Rex hastily wipes his mouth with his sleeve and picks up his helmet from beside him. Well! Invincible is probably fine... And he's like, very strong actually, Omni-Spawn at that-]

Where are we going, exactly?

[A voice inside of Rex's head speaks- It's his own voice. It's just Jason Mantzoukas internally monologuing for Jason Mantzoukas.

"Iiiiiis this gonna be quality sex? Aaaaah, no. Is this gonna be interesting? Oh, fuck yeah!"]

[vadarta]

[ Ahh, so it's going to be that kind of one night stand, is it. It won't be Vanadi's first, and absolutely not his last, so of course he doesn't mind. He only sharpens his smile accordingly. ]

Does it matter? This little village is somewhat less than splendid. I'm certain an alleyway would be almost indistinguishable from a rented room.

[ Anywhere but here, basically. He hops off his own stool, leaves one more gold piece in his wake for goodwill, and starts for the door with a nod for Rex to follow. ]

That is, assuming you can handle your drink. That was ambitious.

[himbomb]

Du-ude! I'm a Guardian of the Globe, baby. If one measly pint was able to take me out? The planet would already be in flames.

[He says that, but it's not as though he's unaffected entirely. The room will not spin, however, and he will not lose his impeccable sense of balance.]

...Do you not have superheroes where you're from?

[A world without those would be a world without him.

Plain and simple.

Rex doesn't wish to linger on the thought. He will, however, follow in Vanadi's stead.]

They're sorta liiiiike... Knights? With crazy magical powers. I mean, you have those, right? Except we sorta wear shit like this-

[Rex gestures to his own two-piece. Wild as the color scheme is, his outfit is incredibly functional. It's sporty, with the high collar, visor, and helmet all serving to protect his entire face from the debris and high temperatures of his signature skillset.]

Instead of armor. Don't really need it. Whenever a dumb moron tries to knife me they get so pissed that it doesn't go through all the way. It's kinda funny! Actually, I lied.

It's hilarious.

[Jokes aside, this banter is a bit of a test. Rex wants to know what he's dealing with. Plenty of people ignore his rambling, but all the information he's just now dropped is important. If his company for the night ignores all of that? It's a red flag.

He's either not to be trusted or a complete moron.]

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi is ready to tune Rex out again, he's starting to see there's a lot of that needed to spend any time around him — but this spiel snags his attention before he can mentally exit. Wait. Magic and an inability to be knifed? He frowns, glancing back at him as he leads the way to the door. ]

Magic, yes, in a few flavors. [ He snaps his fingers as they hit the street, and a little globe of light fills his cupped palm. It vanishes again when he shakes his hand out. It's a simple spell, and really all he can do, but it should serve his point.] Not many I've met are impervious to stabbings, though.

[himbomb]

Really?

[Rex's nose crinkles at that. He notes the light, but makes the mistake of assuming that it's a cheap party trick, paltry in comparison to what the beautiful elf is really capable of.]

So... I'm guessin' if somebody gets thrown out of the king's uh, sexy torture tower-

[Is this what Rex has surmised about Henry VIII... Figures.]

There aren't any who... Y'know! Spring back up and walk around like they're fine? Not that that's supposed to be normal or anything, but, aah. 'S close to what I can do.

[Fall from several stories and survive. Sustain a few bruises, perhaps, but otherwise be ready to go. Rex eyes their surroundings, keeping the lights within the village windows in mind. Is this really a tryst, or is this dude just trying to suck his blood or whatever... If it's sexy? That's also fine.]

[vadarta]

[ Sexy torture tower, huh. Vanadi can barely follow this, but that seems mostly not important. The gist of it is far more interesting than the confusing details. He slows to fall into step next to Rex rather than ahead of him, though he seems to have a destination in mind regardless. ]

What exactly is a — what did you say, Guardian of the Globe?

[ It's almost sounding familiar, and that's decidedly unexpected. ]

[himbomb]

I'm responsible for the state of the Earth.

[So recently he had bragged about it. All the tail that would possibly come with this job.

That was before he had seen them all shot down, one by one. Not the original Guardians, but his teammates and Invincible, the most powerful ones. All in an office building several stories above the ground, somewhere in the heart of Chicago.

That thing was not of this Earth. That much, Rex was able to surmise. What all that bloodshed did do for him was remind him of what it means to be a true hero...

It is a title that he has still not yet earned.]

When shit really hits the fan? Earthquakes, wars... Entire forests and cities on fire...?

I'm on the short list.

I protect and serve. Me. And well, all the other dipshits on my fucking team.

But then again, two of 'em might be dead right now, soooo... I dunno.

[He shrugs half-heartedly. Samson and Monster Girl looked pretty bad. Invincible survived, sure, but in a way, that's to be expected.]

The last thing I remember, they were bein' carted off. They looked pretty much dead, but our doctors? The guys who patch up superpowered circus freaks like us? Oh! They're the practitioners of real witchcraft! I'll tell ya.

[vadarta]

[ This all gives Vanadi a pause to hear, and he peers a little more closely at Rex. None of this is anything he expected to hear — not only the man's apparent job, but what's sounding like rather distressing details. He'd really had this night pegged as a clean and simple affair, no real talk of any kind.

He would have resented this dive into actual conversation once, but the novelty of such shallow encounters has long since worn off. He supposes that makes this a welcome turn. His brows knit into a faint frown — not quite concern, but perhaps it could grow to be.]

You look well enough. Was this a fight you weren't involved in?

[himbomb]

Uhhh, yeah!

[Rex's left hand settles on his right shoulder as he lets out a loud groaning noise.]

My shoulder was fucked when I got here! But I've got, like, a healing thing? And a super speedy recovery time, so! I'm, like, okay I guess. It's more the, aaah, mental-

[He vaguely gestures with a hand, then making another frustrated sound, grabbing either side of his head. Fuck, that's a headache.

Rex has to face the facts- This guy doesn't want to hear him talk, nor does he actually give a shit. He wants something, but it certainly isn't an intimate connection of the personal variety.]

Okay, now that we're in the middle of Creepsville, y'know, in the dark and shit?

I gotta ask. So, while we were gettin' to not know each other, I got the feelin' that you might be one of those pretty vampire fucks who preys on horny guys. Which, to be honest? Smart choice for a target demo! I'll give you that one.

[Rex stops dead in his tracks. If this, indeed, is an actual attempt at boning, then he's probably gonna lose his shot.]

So, if that's what you're tryin' to do here? Y'know, instead of the horizontal hanky panky?

Make it quick so I can kick your ass and go back my whiny-ass... Ugh! What-ever he is. You're borin' me.

[vadarta]

[ Vanadi stops as well, moving from faintly thoughtful to earnestly surprised. Then a grin that borders on delighted flicks into place, honest in its pleasure. ]

Me? [A hand at his chest with pleasant surprise, like he's just been mistaken for a celebrity. ] Really, do you think I could pull it off? Stalking the taverns for my next sexy dinner?

[ He's definitely going to have to brag about this moment later to Tessa, whom no one would ever mistake for a sexy vampire. He laughs to himself and waves it away, grin settling into a smile. ]

No, no. Sorry, no — we're here for the sex, no bloodletting unless that does it for you.

[himbomb]

Hey, I don't know your life! You've got nice hair and shit. I've got a funny feelin' that if I wasn't followin' ya home tonight? Somebody else would have.

[Things in Rex's life rarely go as he'd hoped, including his last relationship, the ruination of which was entirely his own fault. A few anxious thoughts pop into his head, unwanted, like the notion that he's never actually been with another man in bed before and... This guy sounds like he's done this a lot. It can't be that hard, right? Ugh. Performance anxiety is the worst! Well, he'll just have to play it cool.]

And, um, thanks? But no thanks. I saw 'em throwin' leeches at people over down by the way at the clinic, and, I've decided? I've had just about enough of that.

[This encounter is entirely ill-advised. Thankfully, Rex has managed to bathe, although he'd prefer to have his normal skincare arsenal and a lot more soap.]

Sooo... You're not actually tryin' to murder me? This is a real, honest to god, prelude to sexy times?

[vadarta]

[ Amusing as this all is, Vanadi realizes there's a piece of information missing here. Namely, that he's fairly sure he's been sending the let's fuck signal and not the I might kill you one, which Rex really ought to be clear on.

If he has much experience.

Vanadi narrows his eyes thoughtfully in lieu of an answer, cocks his head, and asks: ] I'm terrible with human ages, never could guess. How old are you?

[himbomb]

Aaaah.

[...Ah, so he's been clocked for his own foolishness.]

...Eighteen?

[Sheepishly, Rex rubs the back of his neck.]

Look! There are some very sexy murderers out there! I swear. I've fought some of 'em!

[R E X????]

[vadarta]

[ Sexy murderers are no longer the topic under consideration; Vanadi's eyes widen for a moment, then close in a sigh. Eighteen. A baby! And admittedly that's still Vanadi to older elves, but, still. ]

Eighteen, I swear to the gods. [ That's a mutter; and then louder, as an accusing finger stabs at Rex's chest: ] You cannot have enough experience yet to be bulling through nameless encounters at the bar. Ask my name, asshole.

[himbomb]

Wh... Hey!

[Rex's voice gets high-pitched. No!!! If there is one thing he hates, it's being thought of as a child.]

Look! I just got out of a four year relationship, okay! I'm done with strings! I just wanna get laid.

[Oof, he's in trouble now. Perhaps this is pushing it, but he takes the hand prodding at his chest in his own, rubbing it gently with his own thumb, as if to soothe the other's temper. Fuck knows what this'll do.]

Fine, fine. Whaaaat is it?

[vadarta]

[ He'd suspected these would be easy enough reins to grab if he's dealing with someone so young, and a half-hidden smile quirks a corner of his mouth. He's going to have to rethink his entire approach here in light of this information, but — there's hope for it. ]

It's Vanadi. [ A little arch, but the offense has left his tone. It was feigned, anyway. He studies Rex thoughtfully, head tipped and arms folded across his chest. ] Four years is impressive for someone that's hardly had any time to be alive yet. Does that mean you've only slept with one other person?

[ Because apparently some people do that, pick one person and only sleep with them. Totally wild. ]

[himbomb]

[...Oof. At that, Rex's lip curls inward and he looks away. That is guilt, certainly. Most certainly.]

More like two people? But, yeah, mostly. For a long time...

It was... It was just the one.

[He feels a tad embarrassed but... There doesn't seem to be any judgment here? So. It is surprisingly a relief to get that off his chest.]

Well, I guess technically four? But three of were actually the same person, u-uh... She can make clones of herself? That's her superpower. Kinda hard to explain? Anyway!

[vadarta]

[ Oh yeah, he can definitely piece this picture together, then. A little infidelity, a long-term (for a human) relationship recently ended, and an attempt at a one night stand. Probably his first attempt, even. Vanadi can't stop his smile from widening and growing wry. ]

A bold choice for an illicit evening. [ Whatever clones are. He gets the gist of it. He swings forward to drape an arm over Rex's shoulders, even if he has to stretch up to do it. ] Let's get another bottle, hmm? I've a room nearby with a friend of mine, we can enjoy it there. I want to hear more about these, ah, clones?

[ Vanadi has assigned himself leader of this evening, apparently. He doesn't have many principles, but that an evening should be properly enjoyed to its fullest extent is one of them. ]

[himbomb]

[This is absolutely Rex's first attempt at a one-night stand, and while he's been doing his best to play it cool and feel nothing at all, he appreciates the lack of judgment for his indiscretions. A weight, it seems, has been lifted from his shoulders, and he can finally put his fists down and... Perhaps appreciate this evening for whatever it will be. Ugh, but anger and confidence have been replaced with sheepishness and a peak of anxiety, which is not his favorite thing at all!]

Oh. A clone is when you can just make copies of yourself? Duplicates. So, uh... It's like being in a threesome or foursome except... All of the others have the same face. It was pretty hot... But that also might've been 'cause... I was mad at my girlfriend, so.

[Eve did not at all deserve his anger, not to that degree, but in a way, by torching their relationship entirely, Rex was able to control it. If he was the villain of it, after all she had done for him, there was a very clear reason for why they met their bitter end, and it didn't have to be her admitting that she just didn't love him anymore.

And that would have been so much worse. Well, for Rex at least. His number is in part so high because he often chooses selfishness.]

Uh, ex-girlfriend.

[From the way he says it, it's clear that he's not used to referring to her as such either. What the fuck does he do with this arm... Well! He's not going to push it away, and instead nervously leans into the touch.

It's been a little too long that he's gone without it.]