A New Platform [Intro Post July]

[voidtreckermods]

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PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)

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BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Symphony. 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 cool with light rain. 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 a small platform, a dusty strip of concrete next to the tracks. The barrier is at the far end, housed in a brick shelter. The sky is dark with clouds and the air is damp. A fine drizzle falls, not heavy at all but they will find their clothes quickly become damp.

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 are alone: facing the tracks.

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. 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. Altair Kallig, Aya Brea, Darth Nox, Eli Vanto, Elizabeth, Shen Qingqiu, Soma Cruz, Thrawn. 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.

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 broccoli, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.

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. For those curious about the reward for Purple Team they will find it here

SOME MISCHIEF

Those exploring the train will find that some passengers have been busy in the kitchens. Three bowls of hard candies are out for display, each labelled with a placard. All are free for the taking.

Energise! Provides an extra boost of energy.

Refresh! Like dipping tired feet into a cool spring.

Calm! Allowing you to start relaxing, like a prelude to meditation.

Energise is a red coloured candy that tastes faintly sweet. When eaten it provides about five hours worth of extra energy. This may lead to characters bouncing off walls, being easily distracted, being extra curious, or blurting out whatever comes to mind, including their feelings for other Voidtreckers. When combined with the Calm candy, a character's focus is increased, though they may feel more inclined to try new things or take new risks or chances.

Refresh is a green coloured candy that tastes faintly salty. With rivigourating divine energy within the candy, those who take it will feel mildly euphoric and floaty, bubbling, or otherwise happier. Literal floating of under a metre off the ground is possible while traveling the void, as well as having characters turn into small eastern styled dragons for about an hour. When combined with the Energise candy, characters may find they're capable of limited flight in the void. They may also find themselves as a tiny dragon with an obsessive focus on something small or silly, lasting as long as their dragon transformation, so about an hour.

Calm is a blue coloured candy that tastes faintly floral. This candy aids with rest and slowing down an overbusy mind. There's a side effect of grogginess after it wears off that grows proportionate to how many candies are consumed. Combined with Refresh candy, characters will find themselves more inclined toward open discussions, forgiveness and letting go, or engaging with people in ways they'd usually inhibit themselves from. So yes, a bit like being gently buzzed, with no hangovers.

DEPARTURE

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.

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NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS

Thank you to Rakel (player of Lan Jingyi) for the enchanted candy mischief. Any questions about those should be directed to them.

Comments

Thanatos| Hades | Red | OTA

[controlsthedie]

Bean dragon mouse on the loose!

[ While on the platform, Mort had sampled one of each of the sweets. Thanatos was in no such mood to have anything, but he wouldn't prevent Mort from trying a new snack.

Once in the Void, this became a different matter all together. Mort remains the same size (small), shape (round), and colors (grey, yellow, magenta snoot) but is more lizard-like. And he can fly. Whatever Thanatos was going to do has been left behind as he chases down a small bean literally bouncing off the walls with his new found ability. ]

Mort! Get back here!

[ Mort has no issue barreling into people as well. Not even for a FITE. Just to BONK. ]

Greenhouse reaching out/meditation

[ With Mort exhausted and back to his usual mouse self, Thanatos sits facing the windows and the swirling Void outside. He holds one of the stones the Ministry gave them tries to search for those missing. The platform showed that more left and even fewer joined. (Thanatos left his report as usual and then waited to be let back on the train.) Is Persephone and the others out there? He still thinks she's the one he has the best chance of finding if it's possible. Thanatos isn't sure it is, but he tries because it's the only thing he can do. ]

Wildcard: Choose Your Own Adventure

[[ OOC: Got an idea? Write up a starter or plot something out. Feel free to contact me by journal DM, aviekokyre, or Discord: aviekokyre#3411 ]]

boop the mouse

[renegadeprince]

[Vegeta had noted Thanatos' ki near, but hadn't thought much about it as he's wandering down the train hallways. Though he had started to turn as he heard him call out for his mouse companion thing. Then felt something boop against his shoulder. Which... was not very Mort looking. But also is?

Raising a brow as he glanced between the small... thing, and Thanatos calling out, Vegeta's hand shot up within a blink of an eye, lightly pinching one of Mort's little dragon horns between his fingers.]

Is this yours?

[controlsthedie]

Yes, that's Mort. He at the candy on the platform.

[ From what he's heard while chasing Mort, that seems to be the origin of all this. He didn't think this was possible for Mort, a Chthonic Companion.

Meanwhile, Mort will not suffer this injustice! He will not! He thrashes in Vegeta's hold, squeaking despite being a dragon. Then, Thanatos watches the Chthonic Companion lose his shape, falling into pieces and parts. Vegeta is left holding just a bit of string.

Death Incarnate simply looks at the pile on the floor with an unchanging expression. He stays quiet as if he's in shock. (He's not. He knows exactly what Mort did.) ]

[renegadeprince]

I see. [Vegeta's really never had a conversation with Mort since... well, it was a toy. A toy that appeared to move and react, but still a toy, however it was always around Thanatos so Vegeta was used to it. Though not like this.

And certainly not as a pile of cloth, Vegeta releasing the hold he had on the string and allowing it to join the rest. Thanatos didn't seem upset, however it's still good to ask,] Did I break it? I hadn't intended on that. [He didn't think he had grabbed Mort that hard.]

[controlsthedie]

I didn't know if he could still do that or not.

[ After all, since Mort had started to move on his own and able to interact with others more, Thanatos could be forgiven for thinking he had lost that power. Apparently that was hardly the case. Mort can use that power at will. ]

Are you done now?

[ The pieces of Mort pull together, stitching himself back together as darkness weaves through him until he's back to being a small, round dragon mouse. Mort takes to the air again and proceeds to bonk into Thanatos by bouncing off a wall. ]

[renegadeprince]

[...just what had happened? The mouse thing had done that himself? To get away from Vegeta? Was it an escape tactic? If it was it wasn't a smart one, it still left it in range to be damaged or destroyed. So if it's not that...

Oh.] ...Was that a temper tantrum? [Look, Vegeta has a super powered young son back home who was a total brat. For the most Trunks was pretty good, and had few limits put on him, but he still had his period of throwing temper tantrums that could prove dangerous to those who couldn't deal with his strength. Some were fine and Bulma could deal with them, normal kid stuff. Others needed a Saiyan touch in which Vegeta had to step in before ki blasts got thrown around.

So falling literally to pieces... that had that same feel to it, if not less destructive.]

[controlsthedie]

[ Truthfully, the defense mechanism is likely something to protect the person he was given to by not allowing the Chthonic Companion's power to fall into another's hands. Mort has just found an additional use of his power. ]

A temper tantrum...

[ Thanatos's head tilts a bit as Mort bonks into his cheek. Is this supposed to be some form of nuzzle from Mort? Or something else? Both? ]

I think it was less that and more that you restrained him.

bean dragon mouse

[irrationally]

[ Thankfully Alice is very used to things bonking into her. Especially random unknown flying things. It's practically daily life back in Wonderland, where there's all sorts of new strange insects each and every day that are more than happy to get familiar with you by just flying straight into you..

.. though this is looking a little different from an insect. In fact, Alice doesn't realise quite just what bonked into her until she suddenly hears a familiar voice calling out, and then Thanatos himself fully appearing as he seems to be running after the thing that bonked into her.

Which allows Alice to slowly put the puzzle pieces together. She blinks, giving the tiny creature a surprised stare before she says: ]

... Mort?

[controlsthedie]

[ Mort the dragon mouse bonks into her again after bouncing off a wall. Then he circles around her with a squeak. Look at what he can do! He can fly like Thanatos! ]

Yes, that's Mort. Somehow. I didn't think it was possible for him to change like this.

[ How could some other power change what Night created? (Never mind that technically that is exactly what Thanatos has done.) ]

[irrationally]

He.. looks like he is doing alright.

[ Yes, that seems to be Alice's assessment after looking at the bean mouse. Sure, he's looking different, but Mort kind of seems to her like he's having the time of his life.

Which means that this, at least, is not an adverse change. Not for Mort himself, at least. Maybe for all the people who now have to fear the flying bonking mouse dragon.

Alice turns back to look at Thanatos, figuring the other might be concerned all the same. ]

Do you know what changed him?

[controlsthedie]

He has been bouncing around the entire train as he is, but yes, he does seem to be all right.

[ Just one hyper little dragon mouse. Thanatos is less afraid of what has happened to Mort and more concerned for others. ]

He's been with me all day. The only thing different is having some candy.

[ Mort comes over to bonk into Thanatos's head. Yes, Mort is having fun. ]

[irrationally]

[ Wow, Mort! Don't bonk poor Thanatos in the head, the god is already going through so much!

Maybe that's the reason why Alice is starting to reach out, trying to grab Mort. Not too intensely or tightly, but just enough to be able to hold him in place and not let him bonk Thanatos..

Though if she misses, she will just let the dragon mouse bean keep flying around. ]

So then it must have been the candy.

[ Maybe it's too quick of a conclusion, but Alice is very, very familiar with food and drinks that change your appearance.. ]

I doubt this is some sort of natural evolution when he has been with you as a mouse for so long, after all.

[controlsthedie]

[ Mort wanna bounce! And bonk! And fly! Alice catches Mort, but now she most contend with the saddest looking Mort ever. He even gives a pitiful squeak. Can she last against the sad dragon mouse puppy eyes? ]

No, I think if it was something like that, I would feel it somehow.

[ And he's not getting anything like that. Thanatos senses Mort's hyper energy and joy but nothing more. Well... less joy right now. He is not happy to be caught. ]

WILDCARD - in which smooches will definitely happen.

[dyingpro]

[After Mort's misadventures with the candy - and frankly, Zagreus had some misadventures of his own - the prince finds himself more than happy to return to his room.

His room he shares with Than, now. The thought makes him giddy, his heart leaping for joy at the thought. And soon, they'll be almost moved in. Zagreus just has to get a few things from his old room - mostly useless knick knacks he'd picked up from their various adventures, but sentimental nonetheless - and once those are boxed up, he's headed toward his new room, and his new normal.

Zag swipes his ticket with one hand while balancing the last box on his hip, slipping in sideways to avoid jostling the contents too much. Zagreus sets it down in some far-flung corner, to be dealt with later (or never, more than likely, knowing his inability to keep his own room clean while making the rest of the house look perfect). And then he settles onto the new bed, a size much more akin to what he's used to as a prince of the Underworld. And now all he needs is the company of a handsome, Cthonic deity to make this complete.]

And also judging about mess

[controlsthedie]

[ When his head started to hurt from focusing out into the Void for too long, Thanatos scooped up the sleepy Mort and set to moving his possessions out of his old cabin. Some of them are dropped off, not in his new cabin, but to the art car. Origami has been tinged with multiple kinds of sadness now. The knitting, fabric, and jewelry kits have served their purpose. Thanatos no longer feels the need to create new keepsakes or work on a new skill that doesn't accomplish anything, and he's far too wary to let anyone else get close to where he entertains making another Chthonic Companion. Books are left in the library. Changing cabins gives him the opportunity to do something about the excess belongings.

He does keep the Night Spindles, however; the pour imbued in it should not be used by those unaware. He also keeps the healing supplies despite him questioning his desire to continue with it. They can still be used on Zagreus, and Thanatos has many chances to add them to the communal supply when he does come to a decision. There are some clothes, the standard supplies, and other mission tools.

With fewer possessions than he once had, Thanatos makes for the cabin that he and Zagreus are now to share. He opens the door with his ticket to simply make sure it is in working order. He'll be teleporting in otherwise as Zagreus is used to him dropping in with a Guh-dong.

It's probably not the welcoming Zagreus hoped for when Thanatos takes one look at the pile, at Zagreus, and then to whatever storage is available. Unlike the Prince of the Underworld, Death Incarnate is going to put away his things and starts to do just that. ]

... Zagreus, please tell me that's not what you're going to do with your belongings....

[ However, Thanatos thinks he knows the answer already. He's seen his room back in the House of Hades. ]

[dyingpro]

[To be absolutely fair to Zagreus, this room is much cleaner than his bedroom back home. For one, he doesn't have nearly as many books, only a few secretly taken from the library that are stacked up on one shelf. For another, he doesn't have as many clothes, so the dirty laundry strewn about the room is really just one pair of cargo pants, socks, and a red polo shirt placed on one of the backs of the chairs. And finally, besides the box of knick knacks, everything else he owns is stuffed in his duffel bag, which is mostly just the Twin Fists, Stygius, and the Pierced Butterfly, carefully tucked under the bed so they won't be stepped on. (The Cthonic Knot is dutifully bound around his wrist, as he'd promised Than to wear it after their fight with Kolokifi, and it had hardly come off his wrist since.)

So when Thanatos comes in and remarks on the mess, Zagreus is absolutely taken aback.]

... I-I was going to put them away, honestly! But then I remembered that you might have some things, still, and I wanted to make sure you had space to put them up first... and to be honest, I got excited thinking about you and I living together now, and thought that maybe you'd be happy about it, too...

[Zag looks genuinely disappointed, his hand reaching out for Than's to hold onto it. Though he's not meaning to pull out the puppy eyes, they are definitely happening. Puppy eyes engaged.

Cerbie, meanwhile, has stolen one of the blankets and tugged it under the bed to make a little nest-fort for him and Mort! He yips quietly from under the bed for Mort to come join him.]

[controlsthedie]

[ The look, the tone, the hand defeat any chance of further chiding. Thanatos sags, hating that he put that face on Zagreus through his carelessness. ]

Sorry, Zag. I... I haven't felt any reason to be happy as of late.

[ It didn't really occur to him that he should treat this as something joyful. After all, they've been living together on this train. Neither of them sleep, and well... he has the quiet booth whenever he wants time away from others. But this means more to Zagreus than Thanatos thought it did. It's more than a temporary place to Zagreus.

Thanatos takes that outstretched hand, and since he's floating just off the ground, he's easy to pull closer if Zagreus chooses. Or to leave floating by the bedside.

With an almost comical roll and flop off Thanatos, to the mattress, and then to the floor, Mort joins Cerbie. Mort will likely grab Thanatos's spare gorget (the one not from Zagreus which is still around Thanatos's neck) to fill with some piece of clothing for an even cozier nest-fort at some point, but for now, he's content to nap away his previous candy-induced antics with Cerbie under the bed. ]

[dyingpro]

[When Than finishes speaking, Zag looks sympathetic, ready to pull him into a comforting embrace... and then a lightbulb goes off in his head, his mismatched eyes sparkling. Instead of just a hug, Zagreus pulls his boyfriend closer, then reaches up to his face, pulling Than's head down just enough to give him a loving, gentle kiss on the lips. He slowly draws away, his delighted smile from before returning, looking up to Than with nothing but love and affection.]

There. Now I've given you at least one thing to be happy about, right?

[Zag tugs Than the rest of the way onto the bed, making sure his arms make their way around Than's waist to hold him close.]

And I've got you here with me, so, that's another reason to be happy!

[Cerbie, meanwhile, gently nudges Mort with his plush snout to carefully "roll" his friend to their new nest, until both he and Mort are resting comfortably on the blanket. Cerbie dutifully turns around three times on it before settling in, cradling Mort like a horseshoe for a cozy nap.]

[controlsthedie]

[ The kiss is sweet, and Thanatos leans into it, drawn as always to Zagreus. Something to be happy about, huh. It was nice but also such a tiny thing compared to everything else going on. ]

This happiness feels... fragile, small.

[ Is Lady Death right? Do the small things matter the most? Thanatos sinks into Zagreus's hold and rests his head against his shoulder. Alice said he needed more simple and quiet. Laying here with Zagreus seems to be that. He hopes. ]

I do feel happier with you. That's... something that hasn't been lost.

[ He hates how there is a silent "yet" at the end of that sentence, and he wishes he could cast that word into the Void where it could be lost instead. ]

[nutkrusher]

After its unauthorized chariot race, Emma the Drone now finds herself pressed into legitimate service for once.

Cassie presses a few buttons on a small device and Emma begins to hum with extra energy. She bolts through the air, its sophisticated array of pathfinding software searching for the best way to cut off the escape of the runaway smol bean.

[controlsthedie]

Mort discovers that he's being followed, chased, and tries to pick up speed. His path remains erratic as he bounds off the train walls to rapidly change direction. It probably slows him down some, but it's a lot of fun!

However, if at any point Emma seems to be getting too close to him, Mort is going to change tactics and bonk right into the drone instead!

[nutkrusher]

Emma responds as she's been programmed to, unleashing a surge of electrical energy.

(Not to worry - it's far from maximum strength).

[controlsthedie]

Oh! Mort does not like that. He does not like the zap. This gets Mort changing from playful bonking and bouncing off the walls to maximum speed and evasion. Is he going for the ceiling vent?

Yes, Mort is heading towards the ceiling vent.

[nutkrusher]

Emma darts ahead as quickly as her drone boosters will allow. Will she be able to block the vent in time?

It'll be close.

[controlsthedie]

What happens when Mort decides not to slow down and instead ram right into Emma and possibly knocking them both into the vent? He has no qualms about tackling someone if he needs to FITE!