VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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voidtreckerexpress2022-04-01 05:56 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-04-01 05:56 am
Entry tags:
- alice liddell (am) [ou],
- allen walker [crau],
- cassie cage [ou],
- clu [au-crau],
- esteban drake [ou],
- fai d flourite [ou],
- idia shroud [ou],
- inigo [ou],
- kairi [ou],
- lan sizhui [ou],
- madoka kaname [ou],
- rezo greywords [ou],
- sonya blade [ou],
- thanatos [ou],
- the iron bull [ou],
- tidus [ou],
- vegeta iv [crau],
- yugi mutou [ou],
- ~x~eli vanto [ou],
- ~x~senku ishigami [ou],
- ~x~shen qingqiu [au],
- ~x~soma cruz [ou],
- ~x~thrawn [ou]
A New Platform [Intro Post April]
PLATFORM STOP: 16 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's quite a fancy sight, stone pillars stretching up to an arched ceiling, ivy growing up the stone. The pillars give some shade from the sun at least.
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 three 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 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. Alistair Theirin, Aziraphale, Crowley, Dennis Severs, Gen Asagiri, Hunk, Jin Ling, Kyoko Sakura, Malekith the Accursed, Mito Uzumaki, Patricia Tannis, Raven, Rich Goranski, Selenay, Soldat, T'Challa, Tobirama Senju, Wei Wuxian, Willow Amarina, Yondu 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.
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 three 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 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. Alistair Theirin, Aziraphale, Crowley, Dennis Severs, Gen Asagiri, Hunk, Jin Ling, Kyoko Sakura, Malekith the Accursed, Mito Uzumaki, Patricia Tannis, Raven, Rich Goranski, Selenay, Soldat, T'Challa, Tobirama Senju, Wei Wuxian, Willow Amarina, Yondu 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, about 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.
a. 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.
b. 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. Everyone will find a new carriage has been added, stables and kennels over two floors, a space for the large animals that they are now able to buy in the shop.
c. 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.
d. 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. 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.
b. 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. Everyone will find a new carriage has been added, stables and kennels over two floors, a space for the large animals that they are now able to buy in the shop.
c. 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.
d. 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. 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.
DEPARTURE
Spend your time exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour 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.
SPRING GARDEN
Once again- for those that remember the Snow Day- the Rock Garden carriage has been transformed. This time, the theme is Spring.
Walking into the carriage is like walking outside on a beautiful spring day. The transparent windows far overhead are almost hidden by blue skies and something very much like a sun. But peering closely anyone would notice there's still the windows and the streaming kaleidoscope of voidspace streaking past. So no matter how lovely the sky, it's best not to stare too long at the clouds drifting by.
The air smells fresh; imagine the sunny day after heavy rains... though the ground isn't damp. A steady breeze blows and keeps the sunny day from becoming overly warm. But it isn't chilly either. Along with the freshness comes the scent of new grass, flowering fruit trees and various wildflowers. The transparent walls of the carriage have holographic projections suggesting a continued vista of the garden to match weather and nature of what's really there.
Signs are taped on the doors leading into the carriage, bringing up that the dressing carriage will be open with some provisions for the three-day event. In addition, the kitchen has serving size portions of 'picnic type food' for people to grab their meals and have them in the garden. Water, tea (cold and supplies for hot), and juice will be available in the Games carriage next to the Garden. It's also mentioned on the sign that Esteban will be teaching dances and games with veil poi.
[There will be accessories such as bunny costumes and chick onesies, bunny ears, flower crowns made of artificial flowers. There are even flower based bunny ears and some spring bonnets: Some sweet and simple. Others are more colourful and busy.
Food will be along the lines of potato salad, sandwiches, finger desserts and fruits and similar foods that can be easily eaten out of doors on a nice day. There will be vegetarian/vegan options too. These were also prepared separate from normal kitchen chores rotation, in a sense giving some time off.
There are on-hand supplies for painting, blankets to spread on the ground, containers to collect flower petals in and a covered table of books selected from the library. Non-fiction and fiction will be present and it's a surprising amount; probably arranged with the train so people don't have to go back and forth.]
Further setting details here. (Drop Down)
There are trees and wildflowers and freshly grown grass. Other than key landmarks which have in turn been safely move to maximize room, the staples of the garden have been transformed. The streams (with their lotuses), bridges and fountain remain-, adding the sounds of splashing, running water to the background. The rock garden is not completely 'gone' as there are a few raked sand and rock arrangements dotting the landscape. But there is now proper soil rolling in soft waves amidst a stone path leading from one door to the other. Benches have been spotted around, but the 'hills' have grass and bamboo, and four trees are dotted around the carriage and carefully grown. Over the next three days, they will go from flowering to- at least three- bearing fruit. Plums, peaches and oranges will be on display then. The last is an ornamental flowering sakura with pink petals. Those aware of the flow of harmonious energy may notice there's been care to achieve that with the setting. Though it's probably not perfect, there are definitely a few very tranquil spots.
Primroses, daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers dot the landscape along with anything else that was contributed. The fountain's base has been wrapped with hemp netting and decorated with items crafted by several in the days leading up to the event. Not one person's art is more prominent than others. Amateur or professional, everything is balanced equally.
There are other places where decorations have been placed on display, including hand-painted eggshells. Poles that have more netting strung between them line the stone path. There are makeshift surfaces around the poles, adorned with crafts that can't be easily placed in the netting and potted flowers which were put on display by the train's occupants. Many, thanks to Inigo, are flowers that come from the various worlds the Voidtrecker Express has visited. There's even a potted begonia nestled calmly amongst the array. They are protected with magic wards that will prevent damage to pot or plant.
Higgledies and Najaran's Woodfolk amble about, adding touches of spring with their magic and maintaining the condition of the ground so it doesn't suffer from the traffic the carriage sees over the three days. Some may not see either of the creatures- the former usually visible only to those with purity of heart and the latter mostly shy of anyone with human appearance. But the effects of their work are visible and sometimes there might even be a shower of petals in the air or a rustle of grass and flower to hint at where some treat might be hidden.
[OOC: A huge thanks for everyone who chipped in with ideas and small scenes. I hope everyone enjoys this prompt. I'm really sorry if I missed touching on your contribution. If you visit this post you will find a list of the ideas that can still be used for your own prompts. I couldn't squeeze it in because as you can see it got really long. Plans for summer will start in early June for a July player-event post! Well, depending on how events are playing out at the time. -Elidibus (
wewillwewill)]NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS
A
Esteban is lucky; he's only been here a few months, and the people he's grown fond of, the people he's grown attached to, they have not left this way. But he... knows that kind of pain. And maybe he's not the best to know how to handle it, maybe his methods won't work with someone else, but...
"Why don't you tell them goodbye?" He hasn't spoken to Kitty in a while-- lost track of her beyond a very bright first meeting and the few times they'd spoken in the first month he'd been about. He'd seen her around, of course, but it had... been a while.
He hopes he can offer her... offer... he hopes he can help. Even just a bit.
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"I probably should," she says after a moment, glancing back towards those disappearing into the void. "But part of me just...doesn't want it to be so final. You know?"
And she knows that it's probably a bit selfish of her, as though not saying goodbye would make it seem less real somehow.
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[Glowing lights, trails of lights. Some vanish, into the distance, tantalisingly out of reach.]
"Then, how 'bout a 'see you later?'" he suggests instead, glancing at the crowd-- so many are leaving, he can't help a pang of pity for the losses, for the pain this brings, but he's trying-- he has got to try. Both arms rise up to cup around his mouth, as Esteban takes a deep breath, brightening his voice as much as he can to support the teenager next to him.
"Hey, you aaaaall!~ See you lateeeeer!~" He'd call out to someone, but he only sees Tobirama that he's ever spoken with, or Patricia, whom he's met once. "Kick some ass out there!~ And bring back some snacks 'f you caaaan~" Because if he's going to hope, he might as well hope for something bright and cheery, something to look forwards to if they ever come back.
He... he hopes he's helping. He's not trying to be callous, but Esteban knows he's strange by most standards, that his way to deal with loss is to cling to the good; to the belief that someday they'll meet again. That until then, the people that he loves will be safe.
When his hands drop back down by his side, he stretches one just a bit out to Kitty's side, so that she can take it if she wants; another offer for comfort.
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When he offers his hand, she smiles a little and takes it, then looks back towards those leaving the train. Taking in a deep breath, she uses her free hand to cup her mouth and calls out herself, "See you guys later! Be careful out there!"
She lets her hand drop, and a soft sigh trails after her words. "...Please stay safe."
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"They're made of strong stuff, yeah? Same as you!" He's seen her running around back on the dry, arid planet, offering her help where she could. He knows she's seen things turn to shit and still carried on. And maybe things hurt right now, and the loss is hard, but she's made it through before. It's gonna be okay, right? Even if it's hard right now, even if it hurts right now. One step at a time.
He... he wants to offer more. Words are scrambled between tongue and cheeks and ribs, trying to find the proper ones to say, the right ones to say. Something about offering her comfort; about being there if she needs help. Aha!
"But if y' ever need a hug t' get through a day; I give the best ones, y'know?" There! A little nudge, a little gift. If she ever needs it. If she ever wants it.
Is it too much? Is it too soon? Esteban knows he's clumsy at these things; but he stands by his words regardless, adding a quick grin to the gift.
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"Thanks," she says. "I really appreciate it." Whether it's for his reassuring words, or his faith in her too, or the gift he's offering, it's hard to say. Maybe it's for all of it.
"But it's not just me, you know? If you ever need anything too...you can let me know, and I'll try to help how I can."
Because it's not just a one-way street.
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There is some good to be found, even among the darkness.
"Y' helped me feel at home the first day I got here, an' you helped me out with gettin' the SCA's music t' work, an' you're helpin' me out now, too~" he encourages, because it's true. He'd been lonely on the road, even if he hadn't realized it at the time. He remembers now, what it's like to have others around him.
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"Thanks. I'll keep it in mind, Kitty~" he assures her, smile dimming from his tease to something softer. The people on this train-- are far, far too kind. "I've got most of it under hand, though; but if I need an ear, I'll be countin' on you~"
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Then, with a more genuine smile, she nods again. "Sure. Even if you just wanna talk about little things. You know where to find me."
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He's grinning, not at all minding, but this is a warning indeed; Esteban loves learning about his friends, and if Kitty's not careful, he's gonna start asking even more questions again. A shame, probably. Maybe. At least Kitty had him on a slow version-- more than one person have encountered barrages of questions as Esteban gets to know them, asks what they like and what-- OH~! Speaking of~
"Oh! Romeo an' I are learnin' to bake sweets! Got any request?"
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She's probably not, but she doesn't really mind. Sometimes it's just nice listening to people talk about anything and everything.
"Oh really? That sounds fun. And you can never go wrong with the classic chocolate chip cookie."
It's an honest request, but she'd also made it in part because Soldat always made cookies for people at the platforms, and it tugs at her heart thinking of it.
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"Romeo's showed me, but--" His grin isn't so much sheepish as it is amused through his memories. It turned out to be a lot more complicated than he'd thought. He'd managed to order a single book, but most other points had just been shoved towards the voting system. "Would chocolate chips be a snack or-- small item?" Oof. He never knows. This system is so odd.
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"It's okay! I'll figure it out! Najaran has this lil' friend that can help me find what I'm searchin' for! He doesn't speak much, but he seems to have fun with anythin' technology related~" He's getting distracted again.
"So I'll bake us some cookies, an' you'll be the first one to taste them, okay? I promise!" He swears, before realizing that this might not be as good an idea as he believed just five seconds ago.
"Well, the second after me. An' my first batch will probably not be all that great, but y' get to tease me for it!" Because Esteban would surely not take it personal, and he's okay with being teased when he fails anyways. Anything that can give her a bit of joy to look forwards to. His grin is brilliant as he tries to share his enthusiasm with her, stepping lightly around, and pulling her by their still joined hands in a tiny half-thought spin.
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"Honestly, your first attempt probably can't be worse than mine. When I first tried making muffins, I either made them too hard, or somehow made them bouncy."
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He's having trouble believing it, if he's to be honest, but there has to be something that would explain such a catastrophic failure. And, well, if he can use her experience as a roadmap on what not to do-- combine their knowledge that way... learn not only from his own failures, but from hers.
He still struggles to get a nice, crispy apple pie crust. He's sure he's missing a step somewhere.
"Would y' like to learn with me?" he suggests now that he thinks about it. He's not actually much of a baker, if he's to be honest, but any time that he can share with his friends is time that he gets to cherish. "Or I can try my hand at knittin'" he offers, though that brings a quick grin to his lips again. He's definitely bound to mess up on that front, for sure.
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Yeah no, she totally messed it up.
"I have tried learning to be better in the kitchen, though. I'm still not that good, honestly, so I could probably use all the help I can get." She wouldn't mind learning with him, honestly. It could be fun. "Knitting could be fun too, but I definitely can't teach you if you wanted to learn."
Did you want to wrap this up soon or have Esteban stick around to cheer her a bit more?
They don't really have much of a schedule after all, and Esteban doesn't really care to be in the kitchen with twenty other beings. It's simpler when he cooks during downtimes, and out of everyone else's way.
"Jus' be forewarned 'bout the blabber." Another grin lights him up in his merriment, the warning obvious. "I tell pretty good stories too, y' know!" Oh! Now that he thinks about it, he hasn't told Kitty a single one-- as they'd focused on more technical parts of his culture, back when they'd met. "Someone I knew when I was just a lil' kid used t' tell me all sorts of stories~"
It's... it's one way that he can help without placing pressure onto anyone. It's his best tool at the moment to offer comfort-- apart from hugs. Hugs are absolutely the best in his books.
I'm okay with wrapping it up soon!
She definitely didn't mind cooking with less people in the kitchen. It made her a little less nervous.
"Stories would be a good way to pass the time while we're cooking, so I don't mind that."
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It's quick to vanish though, his smile returning easily enough. He'll adapt. Anyone who needs him, he'll adapt to make sure he's easily reachable, that they can track him down without too much of a bother. Especially anyone who might need him.
"An' hey. We can cook whenever 'f you just wanna hang out. That's valid for the hugs too. An' the stories." He... doesn't know how to voice what he's trying to say. There's words somewhere in his throat, but he doesn't quite know what they are, and so they stay silent. He squeezes her hand instead, gentle and warm and tangible.
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She definitely wouldn't mind hanging out with him more. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, even if a bit chatty, but it was nice. And given everything, it certainly couldn't hurt to have more friends.
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