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],
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- romeo [crau],
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- 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
He had also recently learned the name of the inheritor of the Maten before Koumyou. Although in passing, he picked up other bits of information. Did Koumyou know of Taruche, perhaps?
He still had so many questions for his master. They were questions he was sure he wouldn't be able to hit on with their current train of conversation.
"You're saying that, somehow, the crew was thrown out of existence along with their entire world?" Now that was worrying. And that wasn't even including the entire situation regarding a 'Void Ministery' that Koumyou just dropped onto him. "So you're saying it's more akin to the Muten's energy than initially implied. But somehow, the train and only the train managed to escape it."
Now that was interesting.
no subject
Instead of whatever the hell the Ministry is classifying it as at this point.
"None of those people we know of were its crew, either. It seems pretty random to me, like a wildfire jumping over patches of forest."
And he perks up, remembering another interesting detail.
"Whatever happened to Choochoo-chan's crew," yes, that's his name for the train, "it seems to have damaged its programming, too. It's been getting more communicative as its been repairing itself."
no subject
In the end, Koumyou will always be Koumyou
But the phrase carried more to it than just a strange sensation of childhood memories. It confirmed something for Genjo. Something he had been questioning since Koumyou first started describing the trains functions.
"So it is sentient then," Like a living being, able to heal and function on its own accord. "And it's able to communicate with us?"
Of course he looks a little confused with that. His eyebrows furrowed together as he tried to imagine how a train would be able to talk.
no subject
You want a trip down memory lane, Kouryuu? Koumyou's got a whole memory map. A whole memory city.
"Hm, it seems to be sentient, yes. It's talked to us a few times, but I guess it can't run that program all the time or something. Takes up a lot of energy. I offered to power it up a bit if it's low, but it hasn't taken me up on the offer. Probably just as well... I'm so bad at restraint I'd probably pop it. I've already done that to two water pipes in here!"
Is that going to make much sense without context? Possibly not.
Oh well!
no subject
He refused to admit that he remembered that stupid train toy. Nor would he ever admit the vague memories of pushing the clunky thing down the temple halls. It was one of his earliest memories, one of the types that he didn't even remember remembering until Koumypou had brought it up the way he did.
Trains were such a rare and newly budding thing in Shangri-La. Save for the toy; he had only heard stories about working train lines.
They were probably all non-functional now—a true shame.
But rather than focus on the poor state of Shangri-La or silly childhood memories, he decided to keep fixed on the subject at hand. He knew how easily his master got side-tracked in conversation unless you steered it correctly.
"A program? So you say it uses a computer program to communicate with us? And how can the train be low energy? Isn't it constantly transporting us around? Why can't it just stop at some refuel station for a second and not move and talk to us then?"
Sanzo is filled with so many questions about this train. And he is determined to milk you for every bit of information you have, Koumyou.
no subject
"Well, it's probably made of programs, you know? But so are people, in a way. As for stopping to talk, that's what it's done on those few times. Last time, it had more personality, and when I mentioned that it said..."
Koumyou's eyes go kind of distant as he recalls the exact wording. His memory is always either precise and sharp or nonexistent on any given topic, depending on how much attention he'd paid. For this, he'd paid attention.
"'More programs have come online. More files have been recovered. It takes a lot of power to run this particular program.'" Koumyou quotes, then smiles, "That's when I offered to charge it up with the Seiten if it needed it. Since it's literally limitless power -- is the concept of energy itself, I could probably charge anything up if I didn't just pop it."
Which is a real concern with a sutra involved. Cosmic forces beyond human comprehension don't really do subtle very well, even filtered through the control of one of those very humans.
"But I get the feeling it's more like its reserves are damaged, you know? It can't hold enough at one time, no reservoir. No stamina. As it heals, maybe that will change."
It's a concept he's familiar with, since chi works much the same way. Koumyou's had to explain that whole concept from scratch more than once on the train.
no subject
Wait.
Huh.
Maybe he should pay more attention to that dragon if he finds himself back in Shangri-La.
Oh right. Genjo was getting information from Koumyou. So much for keeping the other man from getting sidetracked.
"So, if it is a machine, is there a way to modify such reserves?"
Yeah. Right. Stay on track.
no subject
Sorry Genjo, you know how technologically advanced your shared homeland is...
no subject
You are just as he remembered you.
Taking another sip of tea, Genjo savored the familiar moment while not entirely giving Koumyou any reaction.
Hell, if he could have a moment to savor a quiet moment to mentally relax from the chaos of all that just happened while sitting in the presence of his now very alive master, he was content.
no subject
So he's just going to sit here and drink his tea, glad to be spending time with his son again.