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
invigorates: (The fisting icon is getting really huge.)

[personal profile] invigorates 2022-03-22 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
"I suppose anything else would depend on what you enjoy doing. There is a training area, greenhouse, stone garden, the quiet car with soundproof booths if you care for some peace and quiet - though it truly is not lacking here, even with so many passengers. Mm." She rattled off a few more - the music car, the spa, the library (though he wouldn't make much use of that one would he?). Eventually answering his question as they entered the sleeper car.

"There." Pointing to one end of the carriage, "And there." Then to the other end. "A shower and toilet in one, just a toilet in the other. Not much, but I believe we are thinking of voting for something a bit bigger. Your room is up this way." And up they went to said appropriate room with his name on the outside along with a few others. She looked at his ticket, to the door, and then to him. "Genjo Sanzo?" They had never introduced themselves had they?
Edited 2022-03-22 02:24 (UTC)
smithandwesson: (Whisky on the Rocks)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2022-03-23 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
"The Thirty-First of China, Priest Genjo Sanzo," It was best she at least knew his full title before casually bringing up the conveniently shortened version of it. Truthfully, seeing the condensed lettering was a bit aggravating. It seemed no matter where he went; others would disrespect his title.

But he was used to it at this point. His expression was moderately blank as he looked over the other names that decorated the plate. Were there four people staying within such a small space? And only two bathrooms in the entire cabin? And he was 'Upper E.' So that meant two rows with five rooms each row—four people per room.

Fuck.

"... Fourty."

Shit. That sucked. Was that all that was available?
invigorates: (I can't handle all this pulp.)

[personal profile] invigorates 2022-03-23 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
She looked up at him, almost impressed by the sudden revelation of his full title. "What do you prefer to be called?" She didn't want to disrespect the man after such a pointed correction, after all. Did he want 'priest' added? Was there a demand to use the entire title for the sake of respect? He certainly wouldn't be the first man she met who asked for something like that.

A pause. She swiped the ticket on the panel to show him how it worked, the door opening easily. "Fourty?"
smithandwesson: (Suspicious)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2022-03-24 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
"Two toilets per every forty residents estimate—one bathtub," What an abysmal living situation. Especially since they were all living on a train, there was no alternative should it be needed. And forget it if one of the facilities ended up out of service. "Lines must be hell here."

It was probably best he switched his sleep schedule over to something nocturnal. He'd have a better chance not to piss himself during an emergency when most residents were asleep. Nonetheless, get an actual decent shower in.

Regardless, he took his ticket and held it out to the door, watching as it unlocked to reveal the unfortunately cramped sleeping conditions.

"I'd prefer to be called by my full title," it represented respect. After all, it wasn't anything like a name. Hell, even the informal words written on the plaque of his room weren't his name. "But if you must condense it, Lord Sanzo will do."

He says while casually plopping his bag down next to the bottom right bunk. This bed would be his bed now.
invigorates: (you love it you slut)

[personal profile] invigorates 2022-03-24 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah." A soft noise of acknowledgement. He wasn't wrong. Though Lioriley hadn't had to suffer any such inconveniences yet given her proclivity to rise early and be quick in what she needed to do. That, and she could technically bathe wherever she wanted so long as she had ample room and privacy enough to work her literal magic. Not that she would say as much aloud - lest everyone and their mother think to ask her to offer the same.

"The Thirty-First of China, Priest Genjo Sanzo." She repeated, making sure to commit it to memory should she make use of it in the future. Lioriley had dealt with nobles and other such high ranking members of whatever church or organization reigned that she understood the need for such respects, even if they didn't matter at all on the train. "My name is Lioriley." He didn't ask, but now he knew. Lioriley stood in the doorway a moment, watched him, and then made to step back and allow the door to close. "I will leave you to settle yourself, should you not need anything else of me, my lord."
smithandwesson: (So much that it's embarrassing.)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2022-03-25 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
"Hmn," Genjo Sanzo paused with that. After taking time to sort through his bag, he stood up enough to finally pull out the one unique item that somehow managed to make its way onto the train with him—unraveling the long parchment delicately before placing it over the shoulders of the purple hoodie.

It felt strange, seeing it contrasted against such casual clothing. But for now, it will do.

After all, the scripture was his responsibility. It needed to be on him at all times.

As he straightened his posture, back still turned to Lioriley, he decided to acknowledge her words.

"... Hey."
invigorates: (Don't do drugs! Eat your teeth.)

[personal profile] invigorates 2022-03-25 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Lioriley, having turned to leave the room, paused in the threshold, glancing over her shoulder to stare at the priest's back, brow quirked.

"Yes?"
smithandwesson: (pic#10906035)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2022-03-26 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Another pause. Such words were never easy for Sanzo. But he understood the importance they carried. And he knew if anyone he ran into today deserved it, it was this woman.

"Thanks."

He didn't look at her as he said it, and he didn't elaborate. But he did mean it.
invigorates: on a Friday night. I can relate (Default)

[personal profile] invigorates 2022-03-26 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
She smiled. "Of course. Take care, Lord Sanzo." And unless he had something else he wanted to say to her, Lioriley would take that as her cue to leave and head out the door.