I often write boxed text for new in-game events and locations. I find it easier to think through the sights, smells, and other sensations during GM prep and write them out, rather than improv’ing when I’m trying to write a game. Here’s one such moment.
Slowly, you begin noticing the ground rumbling, as if hit by an earthquake. But rather than a sudden and violent shockwave, this is a steady, growing thrum.
You can’t see much from the ground; outside the city, only the rolling plains are visible.
From a higher vantage point, you can see out to the yellow sands of the desert, and it’s clear what you’re witnessing.
A massive, bullet-shaped hunk of shiny steel rises out of the ground. The sand around it churns as it’s displaced, flowing back to fill the tunnel it created. As it clears the surface, you notice bluish bursts of light along the side.
The massive hulk of metal rights itself, and you see the top half of it begin to retract and rotate. As it does, a wooden deck is clearly visible. The bursts of bluish light along the side reorient themselves, and it skims across the sand towards the city.
When it reaches the edge of the desert, it cuts sharply before coming to a halt. The bursts of light fade away, and you see it settle into the sand below.