voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-03-01 05:33 am

A New Platform [Intro Post March]


PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 17
(QUICKSAND)



BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day 1 of the month of Quicksand. Points have been updated on the system."

The voice of the Voidtrecker Express welcomes passengers at the same time as always, sometime after breakfast. With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later, as the colours of the void outside the windows blur more and more.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. The weather is cold and damp. 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.

ON THE PLATFORM


1. THE ARRIVAL

At first, all your character can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. But as their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform.
It is cold, a slush of ice and rain on the ground underneath their feet. It's not currently raining though. The platform is made of black cobbles, slippy under their feet, dark stone gates serving as barriers giving the impression of a severe and grim place.

They stand in clothes not their own, in a style they might not even recognise. They're carrying a rucksack on their person, and for a moment it seems to just be them, alone on this platform. Before the fog starts to subside, and they'll see they're one of eleven figures: all facing the tracks, and all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies, the latter in one of four colours. Purple, red, blue or orange.

But then there's a roaring sound to get their attention, and out from the fog arrives a train. A sleek black, it it reads The Voidtrecker Express in gold lettering on the side. Every one of the doors hiss as they open automatically, and out pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. Some are human, some less so, with a majority wearing the same hoodie of four colours as they do, though some sport outfits in a variety of styles.

The train doors close behind them, and the vehicle is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform. A group of people head towards the gates of the platform, their expressions blank and unaffected by their surroundings. Ansem, Connor, Curufin, Elle Days, Freddy Fazbear, Margulis, Murderbot, Potato, Vexen, Will Stanton and Yota They disappear through the barriers, but no one else can - all people can do is wait until the train re-emerges, finishing whatever changes it's making.


2. BOARDING THE TRAIN

After a short time, perhaps ten minutes or so, the fog clears and the doors hiss open again. Everyone will feel a pull when they do, a need to board, and those from the train may encourage new arrivals to board. This feeling grows into one of apprehension and turns worse the longer they stay off-board.

For those that do board, they may find themselves in a few different carriages, but most likely the standard coach. A row of seats sit available, with a few tables between each. More likely than not, some cookies have been set out with jugs of drink, and cups available for pouring.

For those that don't, however, they're likely to attract attention if they're spotted. And if that fails... an unfortunate end will await them.


3. DEPARTURE

Do a little exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour total from the train's arrival before a second horn sounds, encouraging any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air to board. After five minutes from this, the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train begins to rumble with activity, and the platform starts to disappear into a fog as the voidcraft moves. A female-coded artificial voice echoes throughout the train.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express. 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.


ON THE TRAIN


1. EXPLORING

With nowhere to go but through the train's carriages, this is a good time for newcomers to explore. For veterans, it's back to your everyday life aboard the Voidtrecker Express.

¤ New arrivals will notice a screen and console in every carriage sharing the same message, and a stack of leaflets in holders by them offering further information to the curious (see 'Publications'). There are lavatories available on each carriage on one end, with another console with a deposit box under it at the other. This is the train shop.

¤ It'll take some time for newbies to figure out the layout, even if there's only two directions to go in. Go one end, and you'll find the food stores and washing utilities. This month's key ingredient is pineapple, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.

¤ Go to the other end, and you'll find the sleeper cabins. Plaques sit on the wall by each door with the names of their occupants, and one of these will be yours - hopefully, they'll figure out that swiping their ticket against the doorpad will open it up to them. 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.

¤ At the farthest end in this direction is the luggage carriage, where passengers who have bought items from the train shop will find their purchases. There are also medical kits for every one, each labelled with their full roster name. These are scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags, but there's also a small fridge and kettle here with bottled water, for those who want a quiet drink.

For those of Purple team who go looking for their reward they will find simple boxes of cupcakes to share out. There's a cupcake for all of purple team, even the new arrivals, share in your new team's success!


2. ACTIVITIES

But of course, there's also everything in-between those two directions, and the people in them.

¤ Areas of note will be the training gym, where there's always regulars training to pass the time. There's a training board offering services, but maybe you'll find someone who catches your eye in here. Or even its gear?

¤ Is your character used to the appliances to be found in the kitchen? Depending on when your character wanders in, they may find someone testing out a recipe, preparing for lunch, or even dinner time.

¤ The library offers a quiet place, with a fair selection of books from fiction to non-fiction. Is your character interested in learning more about the void? Picking up an action or adventure book? Wow, there sure are a few magazines.

¤ There's also media to consume, from the games car, the cinema, to the arts carriage. Ever played a virtual reality game? Wanted to learn how to fly? Have you seen a screen of moving pictures? There's now documentaries to be found in the cinema's catalogues, from How To programming, Void-related topics, and sports.


3. REST AND SLEEP

¤ Time is difficult to track in the void, even with the few clocks around showing a 21 hour time. But the windows allowing a view of the kalediscope void will shift to a pitch black once the time reaches 12, and keep for the rest of the day.

¤ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner time is usually announced by whoever's cooking that day, and when. Sometimes it's decided by the team chores; other times, it's decided by who wants to be cooking.

¤ But sleep eventually comes to all, even if they don't want it to. When 21 hours have finally passed on the train, all passengers, whether they need sleep or not, will see black - only to start a new day in their cabin beds, with the sound of the train's automated voice greeting them with a 'Good morning' message.


NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS
apokroteo: (pic#15515505)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
All of this is somewhat overwhelming even for someone of Emet-Selch's nature; it's not something that he has experienced before in his immortal lifetime, this strange kidnapping to another realm and another world. It may be that Pahja is simply more accustomed, considering how she found herself in the Source to begin with, but alas.

"I have yet to determine what the difference is, but I know it is not the same." Frustratingly, it feels achingly familiar despite the differences, like a word he has forgotten resting on the tip of his tongue. It is almost irritating how it evades him so.

Looking down at her, he tilts his head but does not protest. There's no reason not to allow it, at least for now, with no prying eyes staring.

"I am not concerned. I have first-hand experienced of how capable you are at self-defence."
apokroteo: (pic#15515458)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I am quite certain I don't know what you mean.

[ Which isn't necessarily a lie - he has no idea what Overlord means, even if he might suspect, and mana must be a term similar to aether in this descriptor, but all the same.

He shrugs, which is likely equally as irritating. ]


But I have been brought here, and I cannot be the only one with power upon this train.
apokroteo: (pic#15515528)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
It continues! Once again he is being summoned to offer aid, but the person doing so is not holding a gift of his own creation. It's clear that the notion of it is at least somewhat irritating to Emet-Selch, who frowns and looks disgruntled to say the least - and entirely put out if one were to be damning.

He does not want to go and do missions for others, no matter what the reward, no matter how selfish he might seem for it.

"And they wish me to embark on combat?" He shakes his head. "How fascinating."
apokroteo: (pic#15480244)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately, Emet-Selch is not inclined to be particularly helpful as it stands; he looks forward at the things around the kitchen and chooses to blindly ignore them. He has no reason to indulge, after all, and has no intention of beginning now.

The question does surprise him, however, and he steps forward to pick up the fruit and stare at it.

"... It's a pineapple," he says, finally, as if it is obvious and clear to anyone. "I've never cooked with it, no, but it can be made into sweet things rather easily if one has the desire to do so."
10billionpercent: (Huh?)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you want to look at it that way, finding them is part of the deal." Senku responded with a bit of a glance.

"Although you're not going to find much appetite for killing around here."
apokroteo: (pic#15515509)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
It certainly doesn't help that Emet-Selch is a rather tall man, stretching out across the room even from his sitting position.

It also doesn't help that he does not move when the door opens - perhaps expecting his Warrior of Light, or simply because he does not care that someone has found him, considering the rather communal nature of his new housing. It will likely make him a very poor housemate.

Lifting his head, he raises an eyebrow.

"Have I become invisible since I sat? Ought I be concerned?"
10billionpercent: (I Sense A Plot)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"Strangely enough the train doesn't seem to care either way. Not everyone is interested or suited for combat." Senku responded, shaking his head in turn. He was one of those people.

"We've never tested a complete refusal to participate in a mission because you wouldn't get everyone to agree to that. Usually the people are asking aid for a reason."

He wondered if it would give them the power balance, but even he wasn't willing to abandon people to a fate he could prevent.
10billionpercent: (Avoiding Emotions)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
A joke not landing was not a terrible deal and Senku wasn't the type to worry about someone who didn't want to talk to him. He had other things to consider on his mind.

"Sure, probably, train's not that big." Senku responded, holding up a hand in a bit of a wave as he continued down the hall opposite the way that Bull was moving.
10billionpercent: (Ha Ha)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ha. Might not be fancy but I can definitely make fish about a hundred different ways." He snickered a little bit.

"Fish makes up about 80% of my diet when I'm not on board this train." Senku admited as he continued chopping up his vegetables into a nice dice. His knife skills were relatively decent.

"I'm not a cook by trade, I'm a scientist, but there's science involved in making food."
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-07 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh! That's one of them alright! The name on the paper package is Romeo's though, so he knows that this is meant to be Gon the little fox, as he'd bought it both to show Esteban the Train's shop, and also because the half-elf had requested it.

"Thanks!~" He cheers, grinning at his friend as he unwraps the book. The stylized illustrations are lovely already, and even though reading's not Esteban's favourite thing in the world, he's excited to read it simply because he wants to share it with Romeo.

It's... it's the first item he gets on the train, to be honest. It makes him smile all the more that he'd gotten something tangible, something physical from this strange travel he'd gotten tangled up with. Even through the lows, there are still precious memories he can collect. He makes a mental note to put down his name and the fact that Romeo had gifted it to him at the front of the book, just because he wants to remember it well, well into the years.

"C'n you help me find another one? I bought a book for Amaya, an' it should've come in today!" Actually; now that he thought about it... could he buy a book from Romeo's world on his own? If he didn't know exactly what he was looking for, would the train be able to find it from his vague understanding of it? He wasn't sure.
10billionpercent: (Satisfied)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Great! [ The broth part is pretty easy, Senku grabs a pot and fills it with some water and sets it on the stove while he takes a look, then they can get the vegetables in. ]

The noodles are really the tricky part, and then the toppings, whatever toppings you want really. I keep a small jar of the chemical that goes into the noodles that I made awhile ago for an occasion that calls for ramen.

[ Naturally, for him, every occasion could call for ramen. It's his favourite. ]
elevatoravatar: (Megadolion)

[personal profile] elevatoravatar 2022-03-07 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"I see. Is that this train's way?"

She tilts her head, "I appologise, I dealt mostly with shadows and elimination is the best means of dealing wit them, so it has colored my view. That and my persona is the herald of death."
10billionpercent: (Default)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
It would be. Psychology is not my area of expertise, that's more Gen's thing, but I know enough about it to know that.

[ He sighs. ]

Regardless it's not exactly helpful when the train can't tell us what we need to do.
10billionpercent: (I Sense A Plot)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not at all." Senku answered, shaking his head a little bit. "I'm not sure the train has an opinion on killing one way or another. It's the people on board. I'm not someone who would choose that option, and I'm not alone."

He understood the impulse at least, but it was not something he would dirty his hands with again, if he could help it.

"I do know that of the few incidents in the past, it has not been well-received by the denizens on board."
apokroteo: (pic#15515504)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
If he's surprised by her sudden bare skin he doesn't show it; in his years of life he's seen more than enough bare bodies, so it doesn't embarrass him any more than it seems to embarrass her. Instead, he leans forward and examines the marking, frowning.

This was certainly not done in their own world; he cannot think of anyone nor anything that might have the ability to do such a thing, but her explanation feels nonsensical. Still - the Warrior of Light had been stolen to the Source once before. Why might she not be stolen elsewhere?

"Tickle? Hardly. My sense of humour is not quite so vile." He leans back, giving her space. "And thus you can breathe fire. Your fellows would be quite surprised."
apokroteo: (pic#15515455)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately, Emet-Selch was incredibly suited for combat; it was his passion for the venture that would be found lacking.

"And we are expected to help them, simply out of the generosity of our hearts?"

It's not necessarily something that he's opposed to, but in recent memory he has had far more important things to focus his time on.
apokroteo: (pic#15515483)

[personal profile] apokroteo 2022-03-07 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"We always had hope. Was that not our own failing, in our way? A hope for what we most desired to come to pass, stripped from our fingers time and time again by errant warriors?"

Emet-Selch cannot say that he had completely given up on the Rejoining, not until Zodiark had been taken from them. Even in death that had been a sparse desire, a want to make the world as it was, even with the Warrior of Light saving their world and undoing the work he had done. Desperation to see the world he remembered, to return the souls sacrificed to true life once more, had been all that he had been able to think upon.

The fact that he no longer has to is painful, but also something of a horrific relief. Here he does not have to carry the burden - he can simply remember, and be glad of it, to think of his friends and the home that they had so loved with a nostalgic, fond joy.

Lifting his head a little, standing a touch stronger, he shakes his head and waves a hand.

"It is your duty to do as you will. There is little else that can be done now. It seems we are trapped here, either way, so you have more than enough time to take precaution on such things. I've no desire to command you one way or the other, as I hardly have the right to make mention of the future."

Being, you know, deceased and all.

Moving forward, almost without thinking, he reaches out to touch Elidibus' wrist, to take it away from his face.

"Do it upon your return. Do not burden yourself so with things that cannot yet be changed." Always the worrier; it is almost a comfort.
elevatoravatar: (Pondering Liz)

[personal profile] elevatoravatar 2022-03-07 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do understand that the taking of a mortal life is no small concern. This is why I left the velvet room. Still, some things must be met and dealt with as quickly and cleanly as possible, lest they... Do things such as awaken death."

"My guest taught me that, to seal her away. But while I am gone, if Erebus prevails...."

She shakes her head and looks down.
10billionpercent: (I Sense A Plot)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
It might be telling, perhaps, that he didn't ask what a persona was. Simply put, he knew someone with one.

"We've been on missions where there were sentient, non-human creatures attacking us and most people had no qualms about killing them." He'd killed one, actually, but that was an accident and he felt terrible about it.

"But especially with the people on board, they're very touchy about killing humans in particular. Or at least, those that seem human."
likeyouknow: (ffxiv_11142020_094356_922)

[personal profile] likeyouknow 2022-03-07 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Pahja plans on spending a worrying amount of time mulling the fact that even Emet-Selch cannot pinpoint the difference. How terrible, how rather curious indeed -- while she is hardly one to go and seek out Zenos, perhaps she might find an interaction with him more telling. Something to do later, at any rate.

His denial has her laughing, however. It feels strange to do so once more, free and unbound from the weight of her duty as the Warrior of Light and Darkness. Since when had she had the chance to simply let it all slide away, slide off of her?

Far, far too long. So she will enjoy it.

"Oh? And here I was, thinking that you were advising me to be wary because you liked me and did not wish to see me come to any avoidable harm," that is far too daring a tease, but it's what Pahja thinks he deserves after everything. Especially after being so rude in Elpis!
inachinashop: (general 1)

[personal profile] inachinashop 2022-03-07 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah," Bull says, voice grim for a moment. "I know how that works." Slow breath in, quieter than the last one but there's still not a lot of point trying to make sure the other guy can't tell he's doing it. Because, yeah, Bull had sort of smiled back when Aden made those jokes but only sort of, the sort of perfunctory smile where it's either that or look like you're making a point of not smiling, and the Bull doesn't want to look like he's trying to be some kind of asshole, but he doesn't have to look like he's got it together yet, either.

Slow breath out. Sort through it.

Aden first. Used to people finding him off-putting. Don't know if the guy's a fighter, but that 'isn't all too different from life anywhere else' thing doesn't exactly make it sound like he's lived a sheltered life. Seems like he's putting conscious effort into getting the Bull relaxed too, the kind of effort that usually goes the other way, right down to the self-effacing jokes and the wink. Weird, having it going in this direction. Makes it hard not to wonder what the guy's game is. Calming down some big, musclebound asshole who for all Aden knows might start breaking crap at any moment -- on purpose, this time -- is enough of a reason on its own though, right?

Maybe. Not enough to say for sure right now.

Next important part. Missions. Sitting there bored out of your mind right up until you're not. The not seeping into everything else, even when you're sitting still. Not a lot of reason to think about it, especially not right now. But now it's come up, so now he's still got to ask.

"So," he asks, almost casual, after a long quiet moment, leans back and crosses his arms. "That mean we're going to get attacked? Or are we the ones doing the attacking? We've got all the teams, right, and missions, so-" He shrugs. "You spend all your time sewing and cleaning and getting ready to have to fight at any minute?"
10billionpercent: (Neutral)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2022-03-07 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's the idea, although if you ask the train you're expected to help because you're a Voidtrecker and that's the job you were chosen for. A hero for the void." Senku said, although it sounded like he thought that was kind of bullshit.

"A lot of people would help them out of the kindness of their hearts, but honestly, I think some people also just get off the train because after two weeks of being here it gets boring."
crowneddragon: (Ayaaa)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-07 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"Didn't you say you c'ld juggle up t' eight?" [the half-elf asks, curious. But since Allen doesn't have spares, he won't press for more, completely content to sit himself on the balancing beam again, one foot tucked under the crook of his opposite knee.

He... wants to ask if the other is alright. But then, he doesn't think anyone is alright with the tethering and the people vanishing and the nightmares. Esteban isn't quite sure why he fears his other 'him' in the dream; but it woke him up with his heart hammering behind the cage of his ribs.]
Edited 2022-03-07 23:27 (UTC)
redprayer: (i want to be more than this devil)

I tend to pick up muses who Know Things and then have to do research every other tag.

[personal profile] redprayer 2022-03-08 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
“Every place has its hardships and its blessings,” Rezo says, seizing upon the bits of what Hunk is saying that actually make sense. “And it sounds like you are very blessed to have made friends so far from your own home.”

Although internally he does wonder what the heck a Galra is or what a rock person could possibly need to eat.
redprayer: (for your selfportraits sign another name)

/light cw for, uh, genocide, albeit in a vague, fantasy world context.

[personal profile] redprayer 2022-03-08 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[[ooc: also the name "Phytias Peninsula" is entirely made up by the mun for convenience's sake.]]

There’s a flicker of confusion on Rezo’s face, but the moment he recognizes the sound of rustling paper he immediately realizes Lioriley’s intent. He smiles approvingly, straightens, and settles properly into Full Professor Mode.

“That is correct,” Rezo says. “Holy magic draws upon the powers of the shinzoku, of which there were originally four. Aqualord Ragradia was killed during the Kōma War and the mazoku systematically destroyed their temples and slaughtered their priests, so few records remain. The mazoku also erected a barrier over the Phytias Peninsula which prevented not only physical passage to the rest of the world, but also kept out magical energies.

“The other three shinzoku may well be still alive somewhere, but the world outside of the peninsula… Well, it is essentially gone as far as we are concerned.”

His information is a little out of date, but Rezo doesn’t realize that; nobody kept him up on current events while he was stuck in a jar.