Col. Miller — Мельник (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
melnik) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
expiationlogs2024-12-29 06:43 pm
melnik) wrote in expiationlogs2024-12-29 06:43 pm
let's get down to business
Who: Miller, Richard, the Aldrip Defense Squad and anyone else who decides to toss their hat in the ring
Where: From Aldrip to Pessiria to the mountains by Lorentia Cave
What: Let's kill some demons, boys.
Warnings: Violence, presumably. All the rest TBD.
video; un: spartan
[ The scene that the video opens up to is quite the view. Whoever is recording it must nearly be standing on the tallest building in all of Aldrip's lively commercial district. Although it becomes clear soon enough that this is no daredevil attempt, nor a desire to share a vista of the city at night. There is a dark silhouette sweeping the sky in the far distance, out where the pathways of the outskirts begin being canopied by the trees leading into Pessiria Forest. The creature drifts and then dips down, like a massive hawk diving to breach the surface of the water for a fish, and then it's out of view once more.
Miller turns his device around, leveling a solemn look at the camera with binoculars in hand. ]
You see that, my friends? That is what we, back in my home, call a "demon." I first learned they had migrated here last month when the sun refused to rise and the monsters started gaining their courage. Since then, it has come to my attention that the problem may be larger than I had ever dreamed. It's no fluke — that creature is not alone. It has competition. And I will be the first to tell you that we cannot allow these beasts to propagate in this world.
Which is why I am proposing we make use of our newly founded defense squad and launch a proper extermination effort. As it is my suspicion that they are making their nests in the mountains surrounding the caves, I will be making the trek out there personally. However, this task is too big for myself alone. Whether you are prepared to come in an organized fashion or not, I am asking you all for your help. If protecting the place we live is not incentive enough for you, then bring me proof that you've killed one of these things and I will pay you a reward.
[ With that proposition out of the way though, he certainly needs to provide more information and make it clear that he's not encouraging a hapless rush to make some extra cash just for the thrill of the hunt. ]
I still must stress that no one takes this matter lightly. These beasts are predators that made the irradiated surface of my planet their kingdom. They can stand up to ten feet tall and lift grown men off their feet without a second thought. I am aware that many of you are not familiar with the threat of nuclear radiation, but for those who are not, you may think of it as such: it is a type of energy that can destroy living things from the inside out, and once it is deployed, it may linger for centuries. Mutants like this demon did not always used to be this way — they were born from the radiation. It cannot be tabulated exactly, [ at least, not by him ] but it is quite likely they emit radiation themselves and that is a threat to all of us.
Additionally... [ You know how he said this was a bigger problem than he'd thought? Yeah. He sighs as the wind whips about, resulting in an adjustment of the tablet. ]
I have spotted some of the smaller beasts as well. They are not nearly as formidable as the flying ones, but they travel in groups so that they can use the swarm to their advantage. The demons hunt these creatures as their prey, so keep that in mind. I suggest you do not take this on alone. Safe travels, and plan your strategy wisely.
[ Miller out. ]
notes/ooc
Where: From Aldrip to Pessiria to the mountains by Lorentia Cave
What: Let's kill some demons, boys.
Warnings: Violence, presumably. All the rest TBD.
video; un: spartan
[ The scene that the video opens up to is quite the view. Whoever is recording it must nearly be standing on the tallest building in all of Aldrip's lively commercial district. Although it becomes clear soon enough that this is no daredevil attempt, nor a desire to share a vista of the city at night. There is a dark silhouette sweeping the sky in the far distance, out where the pathways of the outskirts begin being canopied by the trees leading into Pessiria Forest. The creature drifts and then dips down, like a massive hawk diving to breach the surface of the water for a fish, and then it's out of view once more.
Miller turns his device around, leveling a solemn look at the camera with binoculars in hand. ]
You see that, my friends? That is what we, back in my home, call a "demon." I first learned they had migrated here last month when the sun refused to rise and the monsters started gaining their courage. Since then, it has come to my attention that the problem may be larger than I had ever dreamed. It's no fluke — that creature is not alone. It has competition. And I will be the first to tell you that we cannot allow these beasts to propagate in this world.
Which is why I am proposing we make use of our newly founded defense squad and launch a proper extermination effort. As it is my suspicion that they are making their nests in the mountains surrounding the caves, I will be making the trek out there personally. However, this task is too big for myself alone. Whether you are prepared to come in an organized fashion or not, I am asking you all for your help. If protecting the place we live is not incentive enough for you, then bring me proof that you've killed one of these things and I will pay you a reward.
[ With that proposition out of the way though, he certainly needs to provide more information and make it clear that he's not encouraging a hapless rush to make some extra cash just for the thrill of the hunt. ]
I still must stress that no one takes this matter lightly. These beasts are predators that made the irradiated surface of my planet their kingdom. They can stand up to ten feet tall and lift grown men off their feet without a second thought. I am aware that many of you are not familiar with the threat of nuclear radiation, but for those who are not, you may think of it as such: it is a type of energy that can destroy living things from the inside out, and once it is deployed, it may linger for centuries. Mutants like this demon did not always used to be this way — they were born from the radiation. It cannot be tabulated exactly, [ at least, not by him ] but it is quite likely they emit radiation themselves and that is a threat to all of us.
Additionally... [ You know how he said this was a bigger problem than he'd thought? Yeah. He sighs as the wind whips about, resulting in an adjustment of the tablet. ]
I have spotted some of the smaller beasts as well. They are not nearly as formidable as the flying ones, but they travel in groups so that they can use the swarm to their advantage. The demons hunt these creatures as their prey, so keep that in mind. I suggest you do not take this on alone. Safe travels, and plan your strategy wisely.
[ Miller out. ]
notes/ooc
As the timing for this tends to fall on a particularly awkward point in the year, I (aki) especially wish to encourage the spirit of backtagging! :) Toplevels are to organize each set of scenarios, so put your own toplevels beneath!
⬦ There is a PLOTTING POST here if you wish to hash out some OOC plans with any of your fellow players first. Feel free to ask any questions there as well.
closed to levi & shaw
But this world is different.
Even with it revealed to be a simulation, some virtual confines for the sake of who knows what, isn't it real to the very real consciousnesses — the lives — that exist within it? Miller can't ignore this chance to nip the problem in the bud.
In the daytime hours, he heads out in search of clues on his lonesome, but after he's exhausted every conceivable nook and cranny for information, it's a fortuitous bit of timing that his call to action grabbed the attention of a couple of acquaintances by dusk. After a quick back and forth on their preparations, he awaits the separate arrivals of Shaw and Levi at the southern exit of Aldrip, gas mask dangling around his neck and railgun in hand.
Miller's voice is stern, but he appears calm, backtracking just a few paces to meet them. ]
Glad you could make it.
no subject
He shows up to the meeting place slightly early.]
Sir. I'm glad I could help. These things seem like real trouble.
no subject
[ Shaw lifts her handgun - a small, sleek piece that really doesn't look like much next to Levi's larger weapon - and opens the chamber, showing them the bullets inside. ]
These are magic. Apparently. The guy who gave 'em to me says they can take down stuff that normally wouldn't be affected by gunshot wounds.
no subject
Magic bullets, eh? That will definitely come in handy. These creatures have durable bodies, like their skin is made out of thick leather. They're not invulnerable to gunshots, but with something like this... it may take less of them.
[ And the less they have to get up close and personal with these guys, the better. ]
I hope you're both ready for a trek. I've tracked their movements all the way to the caves. It seems like they're making their nests up on the side of the mountain.
no subject
[Magic bullets was just normal by now, honestly. Maybe he should see if someone could magic some of his if they ever had another giant monster fight.]
What about eyes and mouth? Assuming we can get a good enough shot do you think that'd work?
If they're in the mountains I might be able to ask for some intel. Uh, maybe.
[Miller may remember Levi talking to the rat-things in the caves the last time they went in.]
no subject
[Shaw asks, raising an eyebrow. To her understanding, pretty much everyone clusters in Aldrip - but the idea that some people might choose to go it alone and live outside the city doesn't strike her as all that unlikely. The other cities might shun the Chosen, but from what she can tell, there's nothing keeping anyone from living off the land.]
no subject
[ And in any case, several well-aimed headshots may be enough. He doesn't want to downplay the seriousness of it; he's both seen full grown men carried away to death drops and demons felled by a single grenade. It's all a matter of what they can safely get done.
As for the things in the caves, he'll let Levi speak for himself, but — ]
You mean those rodent creatures?
no subject
[He nods to Miller then looks to Shaw.]
Not like you're thinking. I can talk to the rat-things in there. They can only be so helpful cause they're not very smart. But they might know where the new predators are.
no subject
[Look, she's not saying no. But she's also not going to pretend she doesn't think that's bugfuck insane; sorry, Levi.]
Whatever; I guess I've heard stranger. Let's head out, boys.
[And unless either of them stop her, she'll turn to do just that, assuming that they'll come long with her.]
no subject
Little else needs to be said about that, so he'll follow Shaw's lead. They've got a lot of ground to cover. He does, on the other hand, have a few other points to discuss while they travel. ]
I take it neither of you could find much in the way of protective gear. We'll have to be smart about our approach.
[ Not that he's not willing to share what he has, but the less contact with the creatures, the better. ]
I must warn you. We may run into some other ugly things along the way. The demons are not the only mutants I encountered out here.
no subject
[He shrugs.]
Or you can ignore it, but I'd rather take any advantage we can.
[He follows after the others, remaining on alert in case something jumps out at them early.]
No...I don't think this place is equipped with more than suits of armor.
[Which he doesn't think would be helpful for him.]
But I'll manage.
no subject
[Shaw agrees - though that fact doesn't slow her pace any, nor does it tense up her body language. She's on alert, not relaxed - but as far as visible nervousness goes, she might as well be on a walk through the park.]
But, uh-- there's ways to get stuff, right? Root showed up with our dog from home one day. If she could get him added to the simulation, armor should be no biggie, right?
no subject
Similarly, Miller is attentive to their surroundings, but the way he keeps his eyes moving has no sense of obvious urgency behind it. ]
Well... yes. Show enough "good behavior" and you might be able to cash in a reward with our captors here. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they would force me to stoop so low.
[ If it's not obvious, he doesn't exactly like the thought of asking them for help. Even if it's really quite meaningless to kick a gift horse in the mouth when literally everything around them is part of the simulation. ]
no subject
I don't really know how bringing stuff in from home works...I don't think I'd ever have anything to want to bring in, anyway.
[Even if it didn't mean cozying up to the council or whatever it meant.]
no subject
I don't need a lot of stuff, either.
[This bit is mostly directed to Levi.]
I can be minimalist. And, uh-- I have my own issues with this place, but not wanting to stoop low enough to ask for armor isn't one of them. What do you say, Miller? It won't help us today, but you want me to get you some tactical gear?
no subject
You'd do that? [ He chuckles briefly. ] Oh, but let me guess, you have some kind of elite American hook-up. I appreciate the offer, but I don't know if I should accept that on principle.
[ Touchy subject aside, he sounds relatively lighthearted about this... although the subject doesn't get much further before he stops dead in his tracks, hushing them both. There's a distant sound, like a branch breaking further down the road. Miller lifts his railgun up to peer through the sights. ]
no subject
As Miller stops Levi snaps to attention. Similar to Miller he takes out his rifle to look through the sights in the direction the sound came from.]
no subject
no subject
Everyone, split up! Move!
[ Miller's order comes near simultaneously with an echoing roar that rattles the trees. Birds can be seen scattering through the air in a dark cloud as a large, black beast makes its presence known. A short flight ninety degrees above falls seamlessly into a swoop into the group's direction.
Miller himself runs straight in the direction the demon came, anticipating it's descent close enough for him to fire a shot of his gun aimed at its head. The projectile releases with a bang, scarcely missing to get stuck in the thick skin of its neck. Miller never stops running, calling out to them with urgency. ]
Get to cover!
[ Out in the open, they are all basically sitting ducks. ]
no subject
no subject
But the heat of battle is a boon, as it always is. Maybe later, she'll have a mini existential crisis moment because of this - but right now, she doesn't hesitate to unholster her gun and duck behind a large boulder, angling around it just enough to let one of those magic bullets fly.]