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
no subject
Wash opens the door to see his familiar and...well, something familiar. The cat's name escapes him for a moment, but her owner doesn't - Alice isn't going to be happy that her friend is missing. He kneels and gently takes the plush from Athena. "Where'd you find her? Show me."
It doesn't take long to get to the door, and upon seeing Caissa's reaction to it, through it, and the next one, and the next few cars, until they finally reach the luggage car. Wash opens the door-
And immediately ducks, years of honed combat reflexes about the only thing keeping him from being clobbered by a flying suitcase. He straightens up as the suitcase impacts the door behind him and clatters to the ground, only to see Alice looking...different.
Well. This is great.
"Alice, wait. I found Caissa." Is that what she's upset about? He has no idea, but it's at least a starting point.
no subject
.. and it's only then that she realises the other's presence, turning her head to look at him, her mind slowly seeming to register him.
And the familiar cat he's holding. And.. another cat.
Alice doesn't seem like she's about to chuck the suitcase she's holding in her hands just yet, but on the other hand - she also isn't letting go of it, apparently.
"So?" She just says, her tone sharp.
Apparently that's not the problem here. Especially since Alice still very much does look angry. It's like the unusual horns that have grown out of the side of her head are only growing even further in size.
no subject
Possibly hurting herself and possibly someone else in the bargain. That second option isn't great, so the first option it is.
"So I'll trade you," he says, tone mild. "The cat for the suitcase." He takes a knee and offers Caissa to Athena, who takes the plush cat in her teeth by the scruff of its fabric neck, like she's carrying a kitten. Wash gets back to his feet, and Athena trots over to Alice, getting up on her hind legs as she gets close and offering Caissa to Alice. Here you go!
It's a show of good faith, but it's also weaponized cuteness, and Wash is hoping that the combination will defuse the situation or at least take it down a notch.
no subject
This is normally the sort of offer that would get her to attack someone instead, if not just for the insolence of thinking that they can negotiate with her at a moment like this, and especially when it comes to something as important to her as Caissa.
But the upside to the situation is that he's using a cat to bring it to her - which is the only thing that saves Wash right now from having a suitcase thrown right at his skull. Because Alice could never commit violence in the face of an animal. Or.. well, not an animal that isn't trying to attack her in some way, anyway.
Which means that she still definitely looks angry, but she's at least dropping down to her knees to embrace Caissa in her arms rather than the suitcase she was holding a moment ago, scooping the plush cat up as if it were a small, precious child.
"This still changes nothing," she says, not even looking at the man. At least it's getting a bit closer to the thing that's really pissed her off - or just the thing that brought her here in the first place, so hurt that she didn't have anything else she could do than throwing around these suitcases.