VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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voidtreckerexpress2022-03-01 05:33 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-03-01 05:33 am
Entry tags:
- alice liddell (am) [ou],
- allen walker [crau],
- clef [crau],
- clu [au-crau],
- emet-selch [ou],
- esteban drake [ou],
- fai d flourite [ou],
- genjo sanzo [ou],
- idia shroud [ou],
- inigo [ou],
- kairi [ou],
- little one [ou],
- madoka kaname [ou],
- najaran [ou],
- nell ingram [ou],
- rezo greywords [ou],
- romeo [crau],
- spark [crau],
- taiki [ou],
- the iron bull [ou],
- tidus [ou],
- yugi mutou [ou],
- zelda (oot) [ou],
- ~x~eli vanto [ou],
- ~x~peter parker [ou],
- ~x~senku ishigami [ou]
A New Platform [Intro Post March]
PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 17
(QUICKSAND)
(QUICKSAND)
BEFORE ARRIVAL
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.
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.
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.
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.
The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.
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.
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.
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!
¤ 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.
¤ 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.
¤ 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
no subject
But this is Roland, and he knows that the other doesn't mean it that way. That Roland has his own experiences that would lead him to say that - especially since he's never experienced Naga. Inigo is pretty sure that anyone who'd meet her would immediately understand what a god can truly be like.
Instead he just smiles at some of the similarities he can see here. The shape of the dragon, the idea that it's actually a woman.. It's not just all Naga, but he can see some elements of it in there, and Inigo figures it can't be all accidental. ]
I like it. [ Maybe it's a bit of a simple answer, but it's what Inigo genuinely feels as he's sitting here and leaning against the man. He just likes it. Something about the description makes his heart feel warm inside of his chest. ] And I like that you drew her.
[ Not that it's the best drawing. But Inigo's own artistic talents don't necessarily lie within drawing either, so he doesn't mind that in the slightest. If anything, it just makes Roland's effort more genuine. ]
You should totally illustrate the story too. Kids love that sort of thing.
[ And Inigos, apparently, since he's smiling as he looks at the drawing. ]
no subject
Roland's arm draws in Inigo closer to him. He gently bumps their temples together, his free hand flipping through the page idly. ]
That means a lot. Thank you.
[ The book closes with a soft thud. ]
I've got a lot of work to do on this but...it'd be nice to get everyone's help to draw the illustrations. Do you...think people would be interested in that? There are more talented folks on this train than I ever will be.
[ A beat. ] Would you like to draw the little knight, Inigo?
no subject
Are you sure? People might start to wonder if it wasn't meant to be a story about a little snake.
[ It's a dig at his own - lack of - drawing abilities, but at least Inigo seems to mean it mostly as a joke, rather than just self-deprecation without anything else. He's smiling, after all. ]
But if you want me to.. of course I will. And I bet other people on the train would too. I mean, that pink-haired girl probably didn't get that art carriage for nothing. There's got to be tons of people that really like drawing or painting here on the train. [ A pause, and then of course the most obvious person immediately comes to mind: ] Taiki too.
[ And the other would surely be nice enough to want to help Roland out, Inigo bets. ]
no subject
[ Eventually, the task is put to the shelf as higgledies play around their feet, and Inigo's warmth envelops his side completely. Somehow, telling him about his personal project helped Roland feel more at ease about the entire thing. ]
...I'll give it a shot. When things get settled. [ They were due for a mission, pretty soon. ] Taiki could probably do the cover. Yeah...Not a bad idea at all. Thanks, son.
no subject
But even under those circumstances, he can't quite bring himself to voice even a single cynical thought in front of Roland. Maybe because he wants to be strong for the other, or maybe just because he wants to protect the other's happiness, not wanting to let anything ruin it.
But despite that, he can't help but let the thought move through his mind all the same, even if it goes unvoiced.
If things ever get settled here.
No, instead Inigo does what he does best. Letting out a hum - and letting it slowly draw out into something that's closer to a childish whine. ]
I know one way you can reward me for a good idea, you know.
[ Look at those begging puppy eyes. ]
no subject
[ He gives Inigo a knowing look, playful, one of his brows cocked up for measure. The higgledies on his lap start jumping up and down and begin to disappear back into Roland's heart, leaving them alone in the garden car as if they already sensed where this was going.
Roland draws the moment further by leaning back against the far side of the bench, his closed hand against his cheek. Heh. Hehe. ]
I'm all ears...
no subject
At least the higgledies seem to get it. Thanks, pals. At least you're helping this along! ]
.. Wait, you don't know?
[ Especially since Inigo - of course - takes Roland's reaction way too seriously. He's so gullible, especially around people he trusts.. and naturally Roland is at the top of that list. ]
Are you seriously telling me you have no idea what I meant just now?
no subject
It's a joke, pup. Heh. Of course I know. How could I not?
[ Roland stops just short of the exit and nudges his head to the direction of the sleeper cabins. ] One day I'm gonna get us a bigger room to relax in. That way you can toss and turn however you want while I keep watch. For now, where should it be? [ Obviously if it's Inigo's cabin it'll be bigger space, but there is some sentimental value to having cuddles in Roland's bed too! Ultimately, the choice is Inigo's. ]
no subject
We can go to your cabin.
[ After all, Inigo's room is the bigger room.. but on the other hand, he knows that Tidus might get all awkward at Inigo constantly using the big bed he shares with the other teen for cuddles with his dad.
And it's not like Inigo is going to complain about tight space when it comes to cuddling. It just means more cuddles. ]
If you're okay with that too!
no subject
[ Roland warmly guides Inigo despite his words, hand on his shoulder to nudge him towards the other end of the long train. ]
It's been a while, too. Good timing. I just changed my sheets.
[ Eventually, Roland just opts to hold Inigo's hand through the narrow hallways, their routine imprinted well into his mind and heart. ]
I missed this, when I was back at the kingdom. I can't really explain how I know I missed it. I just...know that something wasn't right. That it felt a little hollow. If that makes sense.
[ He says this even-tempered and steady, but Inigo knows Roland well enough to decode the underlying sentiment. Or the small, genuine smile that paints his deceptively young visage. ]
no subject
It's a subject they haven't really breached yet. Inigo has been hesitant to talk about any of what happened - too worried that it might have brought back up some negative feelings for Roland. But now the other is offering it voluntarily first, and that.. makes Inigo quiet.
Only for a brief moment before he decides to just gently bring it up. ]
Did you get to see everyone..? [ The gentleness is definitely so Roland can change the subject if he doesn't want to talk about it. He wouldn't want to force the other into thinking about anything too painful. ] Were they doing alright?
no subject
[ He waits until they're in his cabin, with the doors hissing open to reveal yet another empty space. With majority of the train goers on the platform or roaming around the other cars, they were once again free to cuddle without prying eyes, or any cares in the world. He leads them to his bunk bed, shoes off, and blankets down.
They get cozy, Inigo settling nicely against his chest, before he actually responds in kind. Lazy fingers pet at Inigo's back while he speaks. ]
They were okay. Evan got a bit taller, heh. There were a lot of new places I didn't recognize. New people too. It's still a growing kingdom with a long way to go, but...[ The fondness in his voice is evident. ] It was good to see them get along. [ With or without me. ]
[ His chin tilts down; a poor attempt to catch Inigo's eye from his position underneath him. ]
Though I'd rather ask you that same question, pup. If you're willing to share it with me, that is. [ Between their two worlds, Roland was sent to Evermore and not Earth...But Inigo? Did he get sent back to the past or to the present? Depending on the where will greatly influence how Roland will feel about Inigo's own, temporary homecoming. ]
no subject
After all, it was obvious that Roland went back to Evermore, judging by what he said.. and it should mean that things were alright there. Surely he would have noticed it about the other if things there had gone terribly wrong, and that would be what Roland had witnessed upon being returned to that place.
.. and yet, the lack of an answer does almost feel like there's something negative to say here. Something Roland doesn't want to say right away, or not until Inigo is closer.
It makes the actual answer when they are in bed together a relief. Apparently Inigo was worrying about nothing, and things really were alright. Even if returning to the train soon after can't have been easy for Roland, surely returning there and being able to see people he thought he'd never see again must at least have been pleasant..
Inigo is so caught up in the myriad of thoughts that he doesn't realise Roland addressed a question to him this time around until a few moments after the man already said it. Inigo's cheeks flush with a faint blush, and he ducks his head a little, as if to hide his face against Roland. ]
I don't know. [ He says, something about his voice sounding faintly pouty, almost dismissive. ] Everything was fine. I didn't want to go home in the first place.