A New Platform [Intro Post September]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Nebula. Points have been updated on the system."

With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform.

The doors open. As usual, those who leave first notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. A-Qing, Atem, Beauregard Lionett, Casper LeBlanc Jr, Donatello Versus, Frankie Bacon, Ichiban Kasuga, Kumoko, Lena Sabrewing, Mami Tomoe, Mono, Peter Parker, Reno, Shi Qingxuan, Tobari, Wen Ning; all pass across the platform, not looking back. And then they're gone, disappeared through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours, in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. As their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform. The platform is open to a bright blue sky, speckled with a couple of clouds. It's very warm, enough that they will not want to stay in those hoodies for long. Behind them through the fogs is a set of barriers, set in a brick wall and in front of them is a single set of tracks extending both ways into that same thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone on the foggy, blistering hot platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, but it is enough to hold the figures scattered around, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple, though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

Behind them, the doors close, and the train is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform.

The Train

After a short time, perhaps ten minutes or so, the fog clears and the doors hiss open again. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there's anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would lead to something terrible. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information (see
'Publications'). They will also find a bunch of posters around the train and might notice the new clock in the standard coach.

The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, the ingredient this month is a strange meat, yaddon tail.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. There is a box labelled for purple team containing a stick of rock for each member of purple team, including those who are new. Join in your teams success!

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. In most rooms, the occupied beds are obvious, leaving the spotless, empty spaces for the newcomers. Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches full of spare blankets and pillows.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air, and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady itself. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

[wewillwewill]

"I'm not certain I'm unsatisfied. It clarified matters. Though I suppose I should try once or twice more to see if the rest of the activity books are similarly inane." There is a pause. "Or perhaps I can ask on the network to see if any others have attempted the same purchase and what they received."

That is probably less reliable, given the train's ever-shifting population. But no matter!

"Hm." Elidibus seems to agree though he does turn thoughtful. "I don't believe I know anyone with that sort of intention. Those who speak to me regularly would probably submit this as some form of spite or 'well-meaning' jest."

There is a short pause. "...Well perhaps one would without intended insult." Looking at you, Inigo.

[katzenpfote]

"I suppose, if you have the points for it. I'd offer just for curiosity's sake, but I need to save my points for spell materials."

"As for the latter point, there really are a limited number of things to do on the train. I can see one of my friends offering it to me as an option. ... Though really, a large selection of books would be preferred." He misses the Cobalt Soul's libraries...

... Ah. He glances away for a moment before returning his gaze to Elidibus. He's trying to not think of Beauregard, and he did it again.

[wewillwewill]

"In time, I will. For now, I have more important possessions to reclaim," Elidibus answers. Though something Caleb mentions does seem to catch his attention.

Before he touches on the subject, he does address the matter of books, "I've heard this carriage is a later edition through the voting system. It used to be a a collection of books in a much smaller portion of another part of the train." So there is progress although it is a relative pittance. The Ascian looks around himself and shakes his head.

Then he asks after the thing Caleb brought up earlier. "You need materials for your actual magicks?" There is possibly a little puzzlement but mostly curiousity. It's not though Elidibus isn't aware that the train has all forms of magic he's not accustomed to. "You aren't meaning some alchemical device as a catalyst to release magic, are you?"

[katzenpfote]

"It's still not nearly enough." And... ah. That question again.

"Ja, I'm surprised that so many worlds seem to have magic that does not require them. In order to harness the magical energy around me, it is necessary to have certain components. They act as magnifiers for the very specific threads of magical energy for each spell. There are a few spells that do not require them, but they tend to be lower in power."

[wewillwewill]

Yes, that question again. Though whatever other reactions were, Elidibus does seem more interested than taken aback.

"So these components are merely an amplifier? Would you be capable of using the spell at a weaker level as well? Or would it be impossible?"

That the train isn't providing such a basic necessity for this type of spellcasting... well, Elidibus can't say he's surprised.

"I would be interested in seeing a demonstration. Of course, I would provide a replacement for the required materials as compensation."

[katzenpfote]

"In some respects. I can pour more power into a spell if needed, but not always. Generally we learn spells at the weakest level possible before the weave of the spell becomes unstable. As for the components, some are amplifiers and some are used as 'fuel' for the spell itself as it reshapes reality. Sometimes it's not cheap - I don't use divine magic since I am not a cleric, and their spell components are more offerings when they're consumed by the magic of the spell."

He tries to focus on the question. A demonstration... hm. He mentally flips through his prepared spells before landing on one. "This one does not require consumption of materials, though it uses a material component." He pulls out his bag, pulling a smaller bag out of that one and opening it. There's a variety of things in there - some smelling quite nice, others smelling fairly awful. He flips it around to reach a pouch and pulls a caterpillar cocoon out of it before closing the smaller bag and putting it back in the larger one, cutting off the smell.

He takes the cocoon in his hand and snaps his fingers. An orange and black cat appears and sits next to the bag. Elidibus is likely to notice that the cat had aether that comes off as distinctly fey. Caleb cradles the cocoon and concentrates. He mutters a few words to activate the spell and then -

It happens in an instant. Magic tugs at the cocoon, pulling transformation magic out of the fragile shell. It wraps around Caleb, compressing him down into a smaller shape. It's no more than a few seconds before a second orange and black cat sits on the floor in front of Elidibus, identical to the first one.

'Mrow,' both cats say, in unison. Somehow, it's a very smug noise.

[wewillwewill]

There's another interesting turn of phrase. Divine magic. Mixed in with an explanation that most assuredly is listened to with interest. While Elidibus' view of the world is that everything boils down to the fundamental aether, how one interprets or even accesses it is worth learning about.

And it appears there is a demonstration possible without the need to spend these material components. The cat's appearance earns a brief glance in its direction and even an intrigued look, though the Ascian settles upon a polite nod. There is recognition that this is no ordinary beast. But this matters little compared to witnessing the magic Caleb plans to show.

"Intriguing," Elidibus remarks. "You gather the aether from the components themselves, rather than your own personal reserves." There's a bit more to it, but that is certainly a part of the process; a major part in the case of this component based spellcasting.

While the Ascian is wearing his SCA, it does have its limits in lingual translation. Yet even without the device, he would possess such an ability. Talking to a feline possessed with intelligence as if expecting to be understood (and understanding it in kind) is within that allowance.

At the very least, he seems confident enough to continue speaking. Whether Caleb retains the ability to communicate with humanoid speech is moot to Elidibus.

"Do you retain the ability to use your magic in this altered state? Or do you perhaps take on the abilities of the creature you assume the form of?" The Ascian glances toward Frumpkin. "Did you summon this beast because you need to see the shape of what you change into?"

[katzenpfote]

Interesting. He processes speech fine, but the way he's being looked at makes it seem like he's expecting a response. Some variation on a Speak With Animals spell? Or something intrinsic? He'll have to ask in a bit.

"I didn't need him as a reference, but he is my familiar. And I wanted you to see how I could copy the appearance of a creature exactly." The real Frumpkin stretches and curls up, apparently having lost interest in Elidibus' staring.

Caleb, on the other hand, is alert and bright-eyed. "You can understand me like this?"

[wewillwewill]

It could just be the confidence of expectation. After all, talking cats are hardly out of the ordinary on the train. Nor would it be odd to think Caleb would return to a talking state to continue the conversation.

Elidibus tilts his head a bit. Frumpkin is pretty much left be, since the feline is obviously not interested in being inclined to participate other than perhaps visually.

Caleb gets his answer quickly enough. "Yes, though it's a product of my birthright than what the SCA or the train provides." Elidibus considers momentarily before adding, "With normal beasts, there is a difference. But you have not lost the level of intelligence you possessed with the transformation. It is much the same as speaking to you in your natural form."

"Pray, tell me more about your... familiar was it? This is not a creature born of your aether." This appears to be a statement of fact than a question. "Rather some... Fae in a beast's form? A being in its own right?"

[katzenpfote]

"No, I have not. Some animals it is... harder to maintain control - a certain instance of an ally turning into a moth and being distracted by curtains comes to mind. But cats are fairly intelligent."

Frumpkin's tail flicks - yes, he knows he's being talked about. "There are minor fae that allow themselves to be contracted into the service of a wizard as familiars. We have a connection - I can see what he sees, and issue commands to him mentally. He needs neither food nor water, and if I use the spell that I cast to summon him in the first place again I can change his form. It takes an hour and specialized materials, though." His ears flick back in slight annoyance. Being a wizard is expensive.

[wewillwewill]

"Some instincts come with the form? Interesting." Could that carry over the Frumpkin? That is to say, a fey creature taking on the form of a cat instincts and all? Who could say, even if Elidibus were to conduct a small experiment. Which he does anyway, but sticking a crooked finger out as if inviting the feline to sniff and maybe receive a pet.

Idly curiosity nothing more. He won't be disappointed if the orange and black creature turns him down.

"Useful. What price does the fae demand in exchange for this binding agreement?" the Ascian asks.

[katzenpfote]

Frumpkin stares at the finger and then bats it away with a paw, claws in so he doesn't scratch the other man. Nope. Caleb's tail flicks in amusement.

"Seemingly nothing, but it is my personal theory that they are sustained by part of the magic that we cast. The 'leftovers', if you will. I've often wondered that, myself. I wish I had a better answer - but the fae are tricky and mysterious and often prefer to leave you guessing."

He lifts a leg to scratch at his side - yes, yes. Right there.

[wewillwewill]

"Such is their nature," Elidibus says with a confidence that imparts familiarity with such creatures and acceptance.

Or maybe he is just commenting on Frumpkin's refusal. The Ascian brings his finger away without any sign of disappointment.

"You pose an interesting theory. And one that has merit to some extent." That of cast-off remnants of magic. The Ascian's focus returns fully to Caleb. There is a short pause while he watches the feline-form lift a leg to scratch an inch.

Well Elidibus is not going to offer to help. But he does wait for Caleb to finish. Politely.

"Your possessions became part of the new form?" He might have been able to study it with more time, but the spell was fairly swift and much had been going on. "Or do they remain separate for you to call upon in some fashion?"

[essek]

Essek wasn't particularly looking for Caleb, more looking for a way to distract himself and, well, the library is his go to place to take a moment and reorganized and approach his thoughts. Typically, he would ignore anyone else in the car unless they approached him first, but he hears meowing and then a man responding..?

Upon further inspection, he finds a man speaking with what clearly is two Frumpkins. Well, no. Let him correct that one most obviously can't be Frumpkin, so--

"Caleb?" He doesn't mean to interrupt, but he has to see if he's correct or not. "Did you polymorph? Into Frumpkin?" He's clearly baffled by the display, but there's still a slight endeared softness to his expression.

[katzenpfote]

"They do become part of me. The process is fascinating, actually. It's as if they become part of myself for the duration of the spell, and as such merge with me -'

He stops as he spots Essek and leaps down, moving towards the other to rub against his leg and start purring. Yes, yes he did. And he seems very smug about it, too.

The real Frumpkin just stares at Essek and curls up, unimpressed.

[wewillwewill]

Strictly speaking, Elidibus isn't speaking with both cats either. He probably could but Frumpkin clearly has other plans right now and they do not include interesting discourse on different magic systems.

"Hm. An interesting approach." Elidibus can see downsides sure but being able to take everything with you after a transformation has its merits as well. "When the spell runs its course, if you can't cancel it directly, I would like to examine the material you used to harness the aether necessary."

But this conversation is interrupted by Essek's approach. The Ascian doesn't appear troubled, particularly since it's clear the two know each other. In fact, rather than look embarrassed about speaking to a cat, Elidibus even nods a touch.

"At my request. I asked for an example of his world's magic." Perhaps Essek's world too, who can say for the moment. It's not as if being from the same world is the only way to be close to someone on the train.

[essek]

Without much thought, Essek uses a quick flick and a word to pick Caleb up with a spectral hand and bring him to his arms instead of bending down to pick up the cat version of the man.

"Ah, yes, Caleb has a fondness for Polymorph, it can be very useful for many reasons especially when the backline find themselves on the frontline. In general, it is.. well, a good way to bolster our ability to survive in extreme situations," he pets Caleb while he speaks, not really thinking too much about that fact. It was better left unexamined honestly.

He's curious if this man understands Caleb in this form, but-- "I apologize for interrupting, I merely came for some reading."

[katzenpfote]

"Of course." He lets himself be picked up easily, snuggling into Essek's arms and purring loudly. He really should have more shame, but at the moment... none. No shame here. "We are from the same world, though different points in time, it seems."

He wiggles a little until his chin rests against the crook of the drow's arm. "I can cancel the spell when I like, but then Essek would be left holding my entire body weight. Which is a bit too much for him to catch on an instant, I think."

[wewillwewill]

"There is no need for apology," Elidibus assures Essek. It's a public area and there's hardly room to complain if someone comes in and adds themselves to the limited space. Particularly if the newcomer knows one already present.

"It's a spell that has a multitude of useful applications," the Ascian agrees. Though polymorph wasn't particularly the requested spell, it's been a fruitful demonstration so far. As to the act of someone petting a person who is essentially a grown man in cat form, Elidibus doesn't seem to particularly care. What mortals do to each other is their own business.

Caleb 'says' something that attracts Elidibus's attention and he gives it due thought, "Ah yes. This train is fond of drawing people from different times. Even variations of those timelines." His attention shifts between the two. "I am Elidibus." The introduction is for both.

Though the second half of Caleb's explanation of why he doesn't change back is given a look of knowing. The curled up, cradled and purring feline formed man is not fooling anyone with the reason why he's not changing back so abruptly.

"Yes, I'm sure you wouldn't wish to burden your companion so suddenly." Is what he says dryly.

[essek]

With only a slight pause, Essek then moves to take the vacated seat Caleb once sat in, not hesitating to give Frumpkin a scritch with a free hand before returning to petting Caleb. When he sits, he comes down from his float with a natural ease.

Now he is keenly aware of the disjointed conversation, the side he was missing was from the cat in his arms. Though from what he can gather, he can understand the context of the conversation with ease.

"And I am Essek," he gives Elidibus a polite smile and a nod. "I take it you can understand Caleb in this form? I unfortunately do not have such capabilities," he says it with little bother to himself.

His eyes narrow in thought, going over the information he just gleaned about the fact the train does take people from different times and realities. He read it, but to hear it spoke as if from someone who experienced it... Well, it's good to know.

[katzenpfote]

He'd laugh if he could, so Caleb jumps up on the table and nuzzles Frumpkin before letting the spell unravel. It leaves him in his normal human form, a little sprawled. He quickly slides himself off the table and scoops up Frumpkin, scritching the fey cat behind the ears.

"I've used it for a number of applications. Most commonly either in battle to bolster my own health and strength or as something to assist with transporting others. There are a number of ways one could use it, it just so happens those are the most common ones for me. But transmutation is my specialty, so it comes a bit more easily to me than it might to some other wizards that have a different focus."

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus nods in return. "You may consider it a birthright of my people," he explains. Convenient, though the SCAs themselves do much of the work for this train so it rarely applies these days.

He appears to also have a grasp of Caleb's intentions when the table is jumped to and thus he removes the book and pencils from the surface so they don't get scattered as a cat becomes a man again. The items are returned once Caleb clambers down and retrieves Frumpkin.

Specializations are not unusual to Elidibus, either in mortals or his own people. "I see. Transmutation... so you specialize in shaping the form. What are generally the limits? Must it have tangible form to be shaped to something else?"

[essek]

Interesting. He keeps that tidbit about Elidibus in mind as he watches Caleb transform back. It was better to let it be and not examine why he felt a little sad to no longer be holding Caleb, that was a complicated territory. Instead, he held out his hands as if to ask for Frumpkin.

"May I?" He is asking Frumpkin more than Caleb, but either can answer.

He chooses for now to not input, transmutation was Caleb's specialty and while Essek was versed in it, he was not as well trained in it as Caleb himself. No he would listen intently for now and hopefully have a Frumpkin to pet and spoil affectionately on his lap.

[katzenpfote]

Frumpkin sniffs and jumps over to Essek's shoulder with a practiced leap, scarfing around his neck and purring.

"Generally it can't be too massive - so I could turn into an owl big enough to carry someone, but not one much bigger than that. Transmutation is generally very temporary. The magical weave that composes the spell isn't strong enough to hold things for very long. There are some more permanent spells, but those generally require a larger dose of materials for the spell to work - not something that you can carry around."

He holds the cocoon out to Elidibus - it's dried but not extremely fragile. There's a hole where the butterfly emerged from, but otherwise it's fully intact. "I believe you wanted to examine this." Though for all Caleb has done with it, it appears to simply be an ordinary cocoon one would find anywhere.

[wewillwewill]

"Thank you," Elidibus answers as the cocoon is offered. It is taken with care and held gently. As expected, it is perfectly normal for its kind. There is, of course, the temptation to see if he can replicate the method Caleb used. But given the way the train's shops are merciless with even necessary supplies, the Ascian is perfectly content to wait until he can find one on some world or another. The item is handed back to the mage.

"Are you versed in magic of your world as well?" he asks of Essek then. Floating is all well and good but it's not an indicator of a mage where the Ascian comes from.