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 whereas Esteban is only finding comfort in the hug, the same doesn't necessarily count for Inigo in this instance. Sure, he doesn't mind the hug, but there's something awkward about it, even as the moments pass. It's not the kind of awkward that shows on the outside with Inigo, but he sure can feel it on the inside, his stomach forming knots at how awkward this entire situation has been, with how many awful thoughts still enter his mind over and over because of it.
He doesn't speak them though. He just lets them sit there as Esteban silently hugs him. Inigo is used to it, after all. It's not a normal day if there isn't something twisting up his gut with anxiety.
Instead he just waits. Until Esteban's grip gives a little more slack, until the other speaks up. Ignoring his own thoughts, or even this situation here. Like Esteban is speaking about having had this problem with someone else.
It's always been the easiest way to deal with anything.
"It might be easier if you.. just ask." Easier on Esteban, he means, of course. Because Inigo is still imagining this isn't about himself, because he's pretty sure he will choke up with nerves if he doesn't do this much. "If you want to help other people, then just ask what they need. Or what you can do for them."
Which Inigo gets is a little harder for Esteban, since the other is so impulsive and chatty, but he also believes the other to be kind enough to actually be able to stop himself for a moment and think enough to ask that first before just starting to ramble at someone out of a desire to help.
"Then you wouldn't be forcing anything on them. You could see what they specifically need, and adjust your actions to that. It'd solve your entire problem." The problem Esteban is presenting to him here.
no subject
"W'ld you have an answer?" he asks, but there's no edge to his voice, no blade to drive a wedge between them. "If I asked that? W'ld you know what you'd want? What you'd need?" He pauses for a bit, waiting for an answer, but seems to realize that his words could be mistaken.
"I'm not sure I could, or that I'd know what t' say. Not without fallin' riiiiight back to the first problem." He snickers, amused.
It still hurts, but it's... better now.
No. Not better. It's hidden, now.
no subject
He still stays in those arms for another moment - mostly since he's so worried that Esteban might interpret any signal badly here, just as the other had done before. Would he take it badly if Inigo decided that maybe this was enough of a hug for now, even with how long it had lasted already?
.. Inigo honestly doesn't know. But his body is starting to ache a little from his posture, so he finally does decide to pull back, having to raise his shoulders a little to stretch them that way before he speaks on.
"Maybe not entirely, but.. I'd be able to tell you what doesn't help me, for one. And what doesn't help me might be different from what doesn't help other people."
That's why he went for that advice. Ask first. After all, Inigo has friends with entirely different needs, which is something he had to adjust to as well. He can't imagine Tidus would have taken a hug this long from Esteban very well, for one..
"Even if that doesn't give some perfect way to help other people, it's still a start, you know?" Especially if Esteban wants to avoid hurting people in his attempts to help. Knowing what not to do would help greatly in those cases, right?
no subject
He's... not sure if he wants to pursue that. They've talked in circles already, Esteban messing up more and more and more as this went around, so he really doesn't know if it's wise to try again. But. But.
He can't not try.
So it's probably not an overly huge surprise when Esteban picks up on Inigo's suggestion fairly quickly, lets them both stretch out bad posture and pinched tendons, before he drops his hands against the ankle that he's brought up on the bench again. There's a short moment of quiet as he smiles, grabbing hope by the horns, again, because maybe, maybe this time he'll actually manage, and offers.
"So, Inigo. How can I help you?"
no subject
It'd be nice for Esteban to have at least one good example of it, right? And for this moment to not end in a way that's super awkward.
So he glances at the other, letting out a breath before seeming to throw off some of the tension that had been hanging over him.
"Right now? I'd like to just sit here and do this with you."
He points at his sewing, and at the sign Esteban was working on. The sign Jumblie is still standing on, holding her art utensils.
"It helps me just.. take my mind off stuff. Not think as much." And that is something that genuinely helps Inigo a little, considering how often he lets himself get dragged down by his thoughts. It's easier to let himself get distracted, to not think.
".. especially when it's together with a friend."
Awww, cute icon!~
But Inigo's offered and asked, and Esteban... Esteban can work with that. He's done enough; he's made enough of a mess. So he grins and snickers, turns on his seat to look back down at the tiny higgledy who hadn't moved from her spot, grabbing back the brush he'd been using to twirl about with her as he replies.
"Hah! Not like I was doin' much though. I'm pretty hopeless at doin' arts and crafts." He lingers a bit, drawing empty patterns on the paper, same as they'd been, before Esteban opened up his mouth too wide, before he'd been too nosy for anyone's good.
"I'm a good storyteller, though-- I take that from Melchor. He was practic'ly family to me when I was growin' up. His scales were such a deep black, that he'd vanish in the night sky, jus' a shadow that cut through the stars. He liked th' night best because it got jus' so quiet, an' he'd drag me out t' play even though I'd been asleep."
If Inigo takes comfort from distractions, then Esteban will blabber. It's not quite an apology, it's not a hug, or the words that Inigo needs-- if he needs words at all. But it's something. It's something Esteban can offer, and he'll go on as long as his companion could want.