voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am

A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]

On the Train

Despite whatever Voidtreckers may have learned or how they feel about those revelations - or reminders - of the precariousness of their situation, the train flies ever onward.

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Poi. 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. The weather is dry but there is a chill to the air and a strong breeze." 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. Dairine, Okada Izō, Rapunzel, Satoru and Siebren; 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 thirteen new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours and 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 long with a grassy mound behind them. It is blustery and the air is cold, they will be glad of those hoodies.

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, windy platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

Thirteen figures, 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'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, with cans of corned beef lining the shelves.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. Those from purple who go to find their prize will find a large box containing a gingerbread train for them to share. Plenty enough to go around, even for the largest team.

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.

Snow Time: Rock Garden

Winter seems to have followed from Osiga and nested in the rock garden. There's a chill that nips in the air and a light snow (real snow) fills the air. A thin cloudy haze at the top of the carriage seems the source. Yet the kaleidoscope of the void will assure that this is no timely world stop.

People might have seen it occurring the night before. Snow falling heavy before tapering off with an odd precision, leaving a heavy blanket over the carriage 'ground'. By morning of Platform Day, a miniature winter has descended, ripe for snowforts, snowballs, angels and snowmen.

It's not just the climate that's changed. Many statues and rock features are missing or moved. Digging below the snow reveals soil now frozen but providing a barrier between the bare floor of the carriage. Keen eyes will see changes are made with safety and available space in mind. The fountain has been emptied but the pond and streams are frozen solid, allowing intrepid spirits to try slide-skating over the surfaces without the risk of breaking through. The mosaics are still around, and enchantments are in place to protect paintings and paper decorations from damp. Any plants have been sent to sleep or taken to safety.

The benches are still around. Paths and bridges are covered with fresh snow, but, as the day goes on, it's trampled down and or scattered. Najaran's woodfolk may be glimpsed near Jingyi's shrine or hiding in the shadows of rocks and statues still present, perhaps even buried in the snow and peeking out. Shy around humans, though those with pointed ears or Hylian lineage may find an easier time interacting.

There are signs on both doors of the carriage warning of the change and mentioning the dressing carriage will have winter gear, and it does: with hats, scarves, gloves and ice skates in a variety of sizes. Dispensers with warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are available in the Games Carriage.

Early the next day, the snow will be gone and the gardens returned to how they once were.

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!
mynameisallen: (242)

I

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-02 11:01 am (UTC)(link)
The prizes certain are getting different to say the least, but Allen as he looked at it couldn't even think of wanting to take a bit. Mostly because it looked nice, but at the same time he was a bit hungry at the moment and it was food for the purple team.

So he walked over to take a piece before at least thanking the train out of politeness before his focus was on who he considered a friend.

"You must really love gingerbread."
crowneddragon: (Default)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-02 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's my fav'rite~" He cheers openly, bright as sunshine. The piece he's been nibbling on switches hands and he has to brush the crumbs from his right palm, before gesticulating through a handful of signs, just at his shoulder level. His SCA pipes up with a rusted, monotone voice as he does.

{A-l-e-n, Allen}

"Well, not actual fav'rite," now that he thinks about it. It's drier than he likes, but the taste is close enough that he doesn't care. "I like ginger cookies best. But this's pretty close~" And he won't say no to some of his favourite sweets.

"How 'bout you?" Now he's genuinely curious, turning to Allen with a slight tilt to his head. "Got any sweets or snacks you like best?"
mynameisallen: (90)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-04 10:24 am (UTC)(link)
Allen made sure to keep a note of what he liked. No reason right at the moment but it never hurts to know for if he decides to do something nice for any sort of reason. Plus maybe making gingerbread or ginger cookies seemed like a fun idea in his mind in the future.

"I have a favourite food item which is mitarashi dango. It's the most delicious food." As he spoke about them he seemed excited as he soon finished eating the piece he had taken.

"Apart from that I tend to be okay with a lot of snacks or sweets. So long as they don't have alcohol in. For reasons I dislike it."
crowneddragon: (Ayaaa)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-05 11:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Mi-ta-ra-shi... dango?" He has never ever heard of this. Baffled by the term, Esteban's brows furrow as he tries to conceive what could possibly have such an awkward name, but he can't imagine it being like a cake or--

"What-- what is it?" He'll need more information. He might not have the skills to cook it, but if he can... find something similar? Ish? Allen has been super kind to him, and the least he can do is keep an eye out for something similar. If he can.

If he even knows what it is.

Alcohol, hun. Esteban does enjoy the occasional splurge, but he can get why some people don't like it. He makes a note not to offer any to his friend, if he ever bothers getting some for himself.
mynameisallen: (Stare ★ Being asked a question)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-05 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ah, I guess you've never heard of them before." Silly of him. He should have figured that honestly. So he was more than happy to explain.

"It's pretty much rice dumplings that are covered in a sweet soy sauce. I'll happily get some for next time." He brought them once before, he was more than happy to do it again and share them with those he liked.

"But other than that, you'd find I'm the least picky when it comes to food. Will eat anything. Food is delicious after all."
crowneddragon: (Grin_sketch)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-06 11:10 am (UTC)(link)
There's a few seconds of silence as Esteban tries his best to put together the picture that Allen is trying to describe to him. It doesn't work well. He knows rice, but the sweet soy sauce is beyond him. He expects something maybe like honey?

Hun. Not a combination he'd have expected?

"I'd say that sounds yummy, but I have no idea whatcha talkin' 'bout." It sounds like an experience though, so he's curious.

"I like most things, 'cept olives." That, he just cannot stand. Most bitter things aren't his cup of tea, to be fair, but olives are the ones he cannot.

"Cold weather or warm weather?" he tosses as an extra question, completely content to ask simple little things like these just because he can, and what better way to spend their time than this? Sharing sweets and getting to know each other?
mynameisallen: (175)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-07 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"As I said I'll buy some for next time, so then you can know what it is." he said happy as anything. He was at least serious about that. More than happy to share something he loved so much.

"So you don't like olives. Guess we all have something we don't like after all." He didn't have them that much, but for him they weren't that bad.

"Ah... tough question. I have a fondness for cold, I suppose. Memories connected to things like snow."
crowneddragon: (Default)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-08 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh!" Esteban immediately perks up at this again, grinning widely and stealing a few more pieces from the gingerbread train. With an adequately acquired bundle of sweet, he is quick to turn to his friend, stretching a hand out between them in an open invitation.

"Didja know that the stone garden has snow right now? We should go check it out!" It's a minor little thing, but if Allen likes snow, he should most definitely use whatever time he can get in it, since it's temporary. The half-elf himself is more than willing to go, as the small change in their environment helps soothe the growing anxiousness that curls whenever too many days blend together.
mynameisallen: (235)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-12 11:58 am (UTC)(link)
Allen was still happily nibbling away at this own gingerbread that he had. But he paused for a moment. No he didn't actually know that at all.

"I didn't. Haven't been there yet." All the while wondering why it needed snow. Maybe it was being nice or something.

"But sure, we can check it out. Though maybe best to wear layers for it first."
crowneddragon: (Sunshine_Grin)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-13 01:43 pm (UTC)(link)
This doesn't seem to be breaking Esteban's stride at all-- although he does briefly wonder where the coats are? But then again--

"'F yer cold, y'can just borrow my coat--" he shrugs easily, taking Allen's sleeve in hand to give it a light tug as he grins in encouragement. His advantage at being such an imposing person is that his clothes are one-size-fit-most, and he literally wears his hoodie more often than not for the sake of others rather than for himself. "An' there's warm drinks in the next carriage over, so c'mon!"

Ah yes. There it is. The dragging-someone-along. He briefly wonders if Allen minds, but well! Better ask forgiveness and all that.
Edited 2022-01-13 13:43 (UTC)
mynameisallen: (214)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-18 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
Allen had finished the final piece of gingerbread he had as he was suddenly being tugged. He didn't mind thankfully, but still had been a bit surprised that it even happened in the first place.

So surprised that it takes a good few moments before he is even speaking again. But at least he was keeping up.

"I should be fine really. I've been in cold weather with just a shirt and trousers before, so I should be fine. I just don't know if you would be okay or not." Sure he would still be cold but he would in his mind be okay. Besides the other noted there was hot drinks, so that should help.

Once they finally reach their destination Allen couldn't help but look up first.

"It's really snow. I don't know why but I thought it would be like something else. But it's beautiful."
crowneddragon: (Default)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-19 09:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll be fine~ I don't get cold easy~"

Would someone please listen to him when he says he this? He's being honest, truly, but it seems everyone has chalked him off as somehow irresponsible enough to get himself sick by accident.

Now, how did that happen?

No matter, really; when they get to the garden, Esteban stalls just a short distance inside, dropping his companion's sleeve as he spins on his heel to see his reaction. It brings a smile to his lips, delighted to have shared this with Allen, if only because it seems to make him happy.

"Isn't it? T's like winter just dropped a big, cozy blanket~!" With the snow falling regularly, the conditions returned to pristine within a few hours even if there were a few stragglers enjoying the weather just as much as they are.

"I think snow's the best way t' tell us to go 'head and back t' sleep. Wrapped up in warmth an' with a hot cocoa. Like th' world sh'ld just be restin'."

Rest and heal and dream. Esteban isn't the greatest at all this, but snow is... it has a special effect. Slowing people down, reminding them that tomorrow will still come gently. That the world is still magical in its own, delicate ways.
mynameisallen: (88)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-23 08:18 am (UTC)(link)
"That good at least." It was always at least good to check and he trusted his word. Plus he figured if he did get too cold he would leave when needed anyway.

A big, cozy blanket. That was certainly something to call snow. and it was enough for Allen to smiled and even give a small chuckle. "That an interesting way of seeing snow. A blanket for this carriage."

He extended his hand and let some of the snow land on his hand, slowly watching to melt from the warmth of said hand. "For me, snow means another thing, but that is more a personal reason. But I do like yours." Soon his hand was back at his side as he turned around to look over.

"So want to make a guess as to how the train might have been able to do this? We don't have to be right but we can be creative about our answers."
crowneddragon: (Sunshine_Grin)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-24 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Would he?!

His grin was all the more bright surrounded by the snow, bottled sunshine wrapped up in cold. Oh, but the question was a little vague, and even though Esteban was eager to get himself started on their game, he still wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

"Y'mean where th' water's comin' from for the snow, or how d'es the train sudd'ly have the ability t' make snow?" The latter he already... well, not knew, really, seeing as Elidibus had only mentioned getting it organized... but somehow, and particularly with the new votes system implemented, didn't it mean that the train had the ability to... make things? Shift around them?

It already traveled between worlds, after all. No need to wonder too much; the VoidTrecker was magic, Esteban decided. But that didn't mean it wouldn't be fun to find the source for its suddenly new weather application.
mynameisallen: (177)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-01-27 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's if they are even using water. Could just be magic. So it could be any kind of answer." Magic he knew was also a rather broad thing. So there could be many possibilities.

"I think it's magic of some kind, but I don't know what kind."
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-01-29 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it goes out an' catches moonbursts an' lets it drift down on us."

As if that makes any sense to anyone but the half-elf currently in residence. Esteban is completely oblivious that there might be a missing piece to the puzzle though, more than happy to pick up two handfuls of the light, powdery snow and toss them back in the air, letting them plop back down onto him into small bursts of cold.

The train had to pick up the water from somewhere after all, and Esteban preferred that idea than to anything involving recycling water within the train indefinitely. Besides; anything that wasn't as trapped as they are, caught into a system without much change helped Esteban feel a bit better under his skin when it came down to it. Focusing on the silver linings. Rather than the train simply being a box, closed and sheltered and unchanging.
mynameisallen: (canon-allen-084)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-01 11:22 am (UTC)(link)
It made no sense to Allen, but hey he was just going to roll with it regardless. But he knows in order to roll with it he has to at least ask one thing.

"What exactly is a moonburst? Like is it like rays of sunshine, but the moon?"

It had to come from somewhere, and for all he knew that could be it... if thye weren't in a void. But what if the train still was able to?
crowneddragon: (Ayaaa)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-02 12:21 pm (UTC)(link)
His companion turns sharply at the question, eyes wide and a slight tilt to his head as he flounders with it. Oh. Oh! He'd forgotten-- his hand comes to rub as the back of his head, ruffling up the short strands there as he tries to put it into words.

"Yeah? I think? No-- wait." Hang on, he needs to reconsider what he's saying, back from the top.

"Moonbursts don't... come all the way down?" 'Dians, he's not making sense. "It's when Eriat has a crack in her ice, and geysers spew out water in th' sky." There! That... is an actual explanation, right?

"So f'r a few nights, the night sky's almost as bright 's daylight. 'Cause of all the ice? And sunlight hits them at all sortsa angles, so it makes a huge kaleidoscope in th' sky." Well, there's also the midday eclipses, but he's not going to start on those on top of things.
mynameisallen: (pic#15143491)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-03 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
That was an actual explanation. Sort of.

But he at least knew what geyers were and such so that was at least something. Never actually seen them personally though.

"So it's like when rays hit the water it creates a rainbow."
crowneddragon: (Default)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-04 03:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes! But 'cross the entire sky!" It usually faded away pretty fast at least, giving more colours to the drab month, and tying the Silver Moons moniker an even deeper meaning. "It's very pretty!~ Wish I could show you~"

There's... a lot of things Esteban wishes he could show everyone on the train; moons and lights and dances and festivities. He wouldn't quite be able to say that he misses these from home, and the nostalgia isn't such a sharp knife anymore. In the first month, recalling a particular feature of his world made him miss it just because it wasn't at his fingertips anymore, but now he's dealing better with the homesickness, and it's not as prevalent.

"Anyways-- Since Eriat's mainly made outta water, an' throwin' it out in the sky ever so often, I was thinkin' that some of it gets caught in the void, an' the train gathers it up an' makes it into snow for us!" There! Full circle!
mynameisallen: (Well ★ Guess your right)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-11 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Maybe one day we an go to worlds that we know or homes of people around the train. If that happens then you can show me."

Allen kind of wished this could be a thing. Having those moments on worlds more often. Being able to explore it fully and see the wonders that existed. Plus it would be nice to see worlds of those how had become to know and understand their way of living.

He soon smiled. "Maybe that is it. We don't know much about how the void works after all. So it's always possible."
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-12 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Wouldn't that be amazin'!" Oh! Esteban does wonder at this, lingering in the thought that they might one day all be able to travel to any world. He'd see his friends' hometowns and the skies that have seen them grow up, learn their cultures through immersion rather than his constant prodding and questions, visit the places they call home.

He snickers lightly, letting the snow drift gently over his upturned gaze, melting where it tickles his cheeks. It's a dream; and for now, that's not an option. But it does widen his smile, and the blue of his eyes is bright as summer skies when he turns to nudge Allen with an elbow lightly.

"So? What's your creative guess on how th' train found snow t' shove down on our heads?"
mynameisallen: (pic#14996034)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-17 11:30 am (UTC)(link)
Silver eyes looked up at the snow that was gently falling down on them. Trying to ponder what exactly his answer might be and soon he had a thought pass his mind.

"Maybe the train knows snow magic. It can be a thing."
crowneddragon: (Round_eyes)

absolutely using this to make Esteban request the weather system

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-18 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Esteban snickers at the suggestion, not dismissive, but just amused, letting the whim of their conversation flow wherever it wants to.

"Why w'ld it learn snow magic? D'you think it enjoys it when it snows?" Hun. Esteban briefly wonders... what does the train like? But he figures it's like asking what do foxes dream of, or what makes a bat curious. They can suspect, even ask questions, but they will likely never know; their minds far too removed to understand one another in that fashion.

"Does it know other weather magics?" Could they... request weather? Esteban misses the changes like a pang; the shift of different days, of different winds and rains and sunshine and nipping cold and cozy warmth. He misses changes mostly-- hence why he was so excited at all for what they were given today. He wonders if it may-- if he can ask the train to make it happen.
Edited 2022-02-18 12:43 (UTC)
mynameisallen: (allen25)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-20 09:41 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't know. Could be useful in a fight. Cause a blizzard and make it harder to see. Many ways one can use such things."

Allen was perhaps amusing himself as he said this. Was he being serious, yes for the most part because he knew ice magic was a thing that could happen. JUst not in the way he said it did. That he knows of.

"I don't know about that, maybe. I mean for where it is I wouldn't be surprised either."

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