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fracturamods) wrote2019-11-15 01:06 pm
fracturamods) wrote2019-11-15 01:06 pm
locations
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locations.
the space.… So where are we anyway?
When characters find themselves in The Space, they won’t be able to shake off the feeling that something else is coming. Whether it’s because of the ever perpetual rattle of train tracks, or the countless paths that seem to be floating and suspended in thin air, they will know in their chest that this isn’t a place where they’re meant to be staying for very long. Yet that doesn’t mean they can’t get comfortable in between their adventures!
The best way to visualize the space is - there’s no better analogy for it - but you know that scene in the first Digimon movie where they’re fighting Diaboromon? This one. Yeah, that one. You’re welcome for the link for reference. Characters will find that gravity does work normally in this space, meaning that their feet are going to be cemented against whatever pathway they’re currently on - but it looks like nothing else seems to be following exactly the same rules.
Train tracks are scattered through the air, occasionally rattling as a train actually passes by. But there’s just as many actual foot paths that seem to vary from wood, to concrete, to forest paths that aren’t actually connected to any forest! They pause on occasion, leveling out onto platforms where the train can actually pick them up.
Though if they wander far enough, whether by foot or getting off the train, they might actually be able to see a sight or two.
the train.
Choo choo! All aboard! Don't be late! Get on!
All of these trains will be passing by on the tracks - but you'll never see more than one at a time because you see... they're all the same train! Characters may blink and find that the old Western train of the past has disappeared, and it's instead replaced by a blue modern train. They seem go almost glitch in and out of existence, or even pieces at a time. But it doesn't really seem to matter, you know? Since at the end of the day, a train is a train!
Getting inside, they'll find similar happenings. One train car might look like a relic from the past rows of seats facing forward, whereas others might look very similar to a normal subway train where the seats line against the windows.
However, they will find that every car has a snack booth.
Some of the cars will also seem to contain private booths, some with couches, others with bunkbeds and closets to effectively provide them with places to sleep and store their belongings! It can be a little disorienting in this part of the space, given that there's no sun or stars to really help orient you on what time of day it is but... maybe that just means it's always naptime?
the center.
All roads lead to Rome, and all paths lead to The Center - or perhaps they all started from here? Is there a difference?
When characters awaken in The Space, one of their first stops will be at The Center, whether they intend to find it or not. The Center has no solid walls, but instead looks as though you are entering a place where light itself is broken. Colors dance all around, shifting despite the lack of the sun in the sky. Yet on the inside, they'll one pillar in the very center. The surface of it is smooth, though on occasion they might find engraved messages against its marble.
It seems like this is where The Space would like to say hello.
the store.
Need additional supplies?
Look no further!
This incredibly large, expansive, and fully stocked store will be one of the other locations available in otherwise slightly The Space. There are prices, but no people working there! So uh… maybe you don’t need to pay after all? Either way, these prices are incredibly low considering that you’re absolutely not allowed to walk out of the location if you’re not taking an entire crate of whatever you were looking for! They’re impossible to open inside the store, and must all be taken together. Buy in bulk, or not at all!
Alternatively, if you don’t want a thousand tiny ketchup packets, you can probably find a ketchup bottle that’s… as tall as yourself.
See?
Variety!
The only caveat is that this location does not stock weaponry or technology! Murderers and nerds must look elsewhere to satisfy their inventories. But I’m sure what do you do need is a rubber duck the size of a horse.
As of the return from Assassin's Academy, it seems like the Store has received some level of expansion! Outside, there is now a delectable food court, as well as a... car wash. Hot dogs, pizzas, sundaes, what have you - and they're even all reasonably sized! You can sneak into the kitchen if you'd like, doesn't seem like there's anyone there to stop you. Try not to make a mess of the soda dispensers.
The car wash is, you know. A car wash. Automated, it seems to be running on a sensor so that if anything enters it, it'll start running. Do any of you even have a car?
the next stop.
Maybe it’s not too surprising, considering the fact that the space is rather empty at first glance but it… seems like it has room to grow, doesn’t it?
Perhaps it’s just that paths had no place to lead to before, or the paths didn’t exist - but it seems like there are new locations showing up before and after new worlds appear.
Guess we always have new connections to make, at the end of the day.
stop zero: after.
stop zero: after.
Ah - do you remember the airport? You know, the terminal that you were stuck on with the overpriced coffee. Well... you're back! Sort of.
It looks like the same sort of terminal set-up, but it looks like it's been decorated with all sorts of softly glowing lights, along with the occasional odd cane or hanging leaf along the pathways. It seems like it's perpetually evening now, the sun never rising in this particular stop. Along with that, there's the very constant, very gentle snowfall. Would you like to go and take a look? It seems like you can now...!!
Through a doorway and staircase, you can find yourself on the tarmac of the airport. Despite the fact that the snow doesn't seem to take a break for even a second, it also seems like it never gets any higher thank your ankles? Go on, reach your hand out, have a pleasant little walk in this perfectly clean, beautiful snow. In the distance, you'll see peaks of snow-capped mountains stretching across the horizon, majestic and gorgeous. Though it seems like no matter how far you walk, you won't be able to actually get very far - the tarmac stretches along with you, and the second you look behind you, you'll be right by the staircase that will let you back into the terminal.
But it's alright, it looks like hot cocoa is on sale. Go ahead and let yourself back inside and have a cup. Listen to an uncannily familiar, soothing voice sing to you over the speakers: "Just let me adore you - like it's the only thing I'll ever do." If anyone lets their eyes wander over to the flight schedules, they'll see that there are four possible locations: Holmeshelm, Idoll Saiside, and -
The Isle of Unity.
Isn't that nice?
stop one: after.
stop one: after.
This bar has seen better days.
It looks as though it's been abandoned, a bit of dust, a web here and there - but you don't have to worry about getting your drink on. If you can dream it, the concoction of your choice will still appear in front of you - but that's perhaps not the most distracting thing about this place. On the bar counter there appears to be a photo album of sorts - and inside, you'll be able to find a story. A young girl with her tongue cut down the middle, eventually growing to be a doctor for her hometown. Children who were orphaned from conflict growing up well. That's right, Brie, Bianca, and Bennett are all in these pages along with a number of other familiar faces. Tucked between the pages, there's also a flyer for Legal Fun Time - you gotta get your promo in somewhere.
Anyone lingering may hear the giggles of courtesans drift through the air, or the smell of churros come wafting in, even if you can't quite figure out where from. Investigating the wall to your right will show newspaper clippings displayed of - why, it's you and your adventures. Care to explain?
There's a window in the bar of course - though perhaps what's a bit interesting is that there appear to be bars covering it from the outside. Looking through might feel a bit like… a prison? Yet on the bars outside, there are a series of locks that have been hung - I wonder if they mean something to someone. Just be wary. There may be the occasional flash of fire right in front of your eyes if your gaze lingers too long outside the window.
And of course - the crown jewel of the bar. A conspiracy board. Three photos are prominent on it. One of Wei Wuxian (
stop two: after.
stop two: after.
Did you have fun?
The hallway of lockers upon return is - similar. There's still a stray skateboard, pair of rollerskates, and scooter left around, but there also appears to be a few other odd items like a mascot's costume or a banana peel. You might need to be careful about watching your step!
When you try to open a locker, you will unfortunately find a small stack of your baby photos that spill out - but it seems like there's also a few of your loved ones. It's just a little awkward that there may be a split second where the photo turns to an image of that loved one suffering a brutal murder - before it goes back to normal. Weird but probably harmless.... right?
Further down the hall, you'll see a two gorgeous crowns - the names of the murder monarchs beneath it, Xie Lian and Hajime Ichinose, - but if you should reach for them, you will have your deepest wish broadcasted to whoever might be in the area. Hope that isn't like, awkward for you or anything.
And in case you missed them - a flour sack baby might spontaneously drop from the ceiling every now and then.
stop three: after.
stop three: after.
Oh yeah, your hot spring! Come in, take a dip in the waters, you’ve certainly earned it after all your trouble.
But it seems that in addition to all the spooks and horrors that were originally in the inn, there seem to be a few new additions? In particular, there might be some literal red string that blocks your way almost at random, perhaps even keeping the exit out of reach. It also strangely enough only appears when there’s another person present with you - and you’ll suddenly be feeling each other’s emotions until you manage to painstakingly untangle the web. I would try cutting it if I were you - it’s not only unbreakable, but causes some pretty bad shocks of pain. Watch out for the reverb!
In addition, there appears to be a kiosk sitting in the main lobby of the inn - with all sorts of trinkets. Some might appear harmless like a few glistening seashells or gemstones, but others might look like what you can now recognize as demon blood, crystal tears, or tengu feathers. Who would sell that!
A small shrine you might recognize has also been added to the lobby - along with a few portraits. Tsukasa (
Oh and - maybe don’t linger in the bath for too long. There might be a tentacle brushing up against your leg, or peeking out above the water; or maybe it’s the smell of ash and smoke that’s starting to intrude. Share the space.
stop four: before.
stop four: before.
Welcome, lovers.
… what’s this? You’re not lovers? Hm, awkward. Well, you might as well be lovers with whoever you wander into this new Stop with because the second that you stop off of the train, you’ll be entering The Prime Date Location: the carnival. Joyful music greets you as the sound of churros wafts up to your nose, and then you’re welcome to explore.
A number of rides and games have been set up - roller coasters, tests of strength, and of course the Tunnel of Love. There are a few other areas that invite you to them as well, including an arcade with all your favorite classics as well as some virtual reality gadgets, and an amphitheater for puppet shows. Quaint, isn’t it?
Now have fun and smile for the camera!
… right, that’s probably an important part to mention - once you’re there, you’ll feel as though every move you make is being watched. Security cameras line the carnival itself, set up on tall poles, and you might catch a glimpse of a long lens protruding through the bushes or peeking around the corner of a stall. Both the virtual reality simulations and the puppet shows might even put on some scenarios that are a little too close to home, situations you’ve been through in the past worlds or in your original one. Even maybe some you - uh, might not remember…?
In this part of the space, time seems to move both quickly and slowly. Without warning, it may suddenly become nighttime and you’ll hear giggling and hushed voices all around, picking apart at you and your company. Every insecurity you’ve ever had suddenly mentioned - up until the sun rises again.