voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post July]

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A New Platform [Intro Post July]

PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)

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.

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Lioriley looked over, just a touch surprised at the sight of the stuffed animals tucked above his bed. It was sweet, though, to think that he had kept them, even if one might assume without knowing him that he might not. And it was that very sight that kept her smiling the entire time she carefully folded his clothes on the end of his bed.

Well, that and the fact that he was stumbling around like a baby just learning to walk. Each time he tumbled, the swish of clothing would suggest that she was moving to help him, but never quite reaching while she watched him right himself.

Rezo would also hear the soft squeaks of amusement - her poor attempt to contain the 'aww's from being expressed. He was so cute!

Rezo’s ears twitch around the second or third squeak he hears from somewhere above and behind him. After a few more of those delighted noises, and a few more stumbles into the blankets, he decides he’s had quite enough walking practice for the moment.

“Lioriley…”

Rezo plops himself down against his pillow, reclining sideways with his head tilted balefully in Lioriley’s direction.

“You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you.” He tries to put some indignation into his tone, but he suspects if he were in Lioriley’s position he’d be enjoying himself as well. He has something of a soft spot for small cute things himself.

"A-Awww..." ah, there it was. Finally exhaled in all its glory to further embarrass the poor priest turned dragon lying prone upon the sheets. Lioriley moved to the side of the bed to carefully sit herself down beside him, a hand tentatively reaching to stroke a finger over his head. She didn't think he would bite her or anything, but she wasn't sure if he was actually upset with her or not.

"I am sorry, love. I know I should not laugh or treat you like some sort of toy. I just- you looked very cute a moment ago." She sounded sincere (didn't she always?) And punctuated her next words with a gentle kiss atop his scaly head. "Forgive me?"

Rest in peace to the Red Priest’s late dignity, it shall be deeply mourned. Albeit not mourned enough for Rezo to actually reject any more affection.

“I suppose your reaction is understandable,” he concedes, left a little mumbly after she’s gone and kissed him like that.

Alright, perhaps a little more walking is in order- if he moves forward just a little, he may be able to crawl into her lap. Rezo gets up and takes a few clumsy steps forward, until he nearly hits Lioriley’s thigh. He places his front paws up onto her thigh, but before he can attempt hoisting himself up, he pauses. Perhaps he’s being a bit presumptuous…

“...Would you mind staying with me for a little longer?” he asks.

She watched him, teeth catching her bottom lip to contain any further noises of delight and awe while he toddled toward her. Lioriley had intended to stay with him as long as he would allow - to simply keep him company while in a strange form, to assist him if he needed it when he transformed back, or both. So the question caught her a little off guard.

"As long as you need me, darling." Which would be for the rest of the day, the night, and the morning after if she had her way. Alas. The Voidtrecker Express would not allow that so easily.

“In that case…”

Feeling just a little lighter now, Rezo pulls himself up, scrabbling clumsily with his back legs until he half-falls, half-slides forward into Lioriley’s lap. Then he sort of wriggles around, tiny hands pressing into her legs, trying to get his limbs and tail into some semblance of order. Eventually he manages to settle onto his side, tail draped loosely over one thigh, his head leaning against the other.

Rezo tentatively smiles, giving a tiny glimpse of even tinier, sharp teeth.

“Since we’re alone, there really isn’t much reason to restrain ourselves, is there?” he says.

In other words: Please feel free to coo and give him belly rubs as much as you desire.

Lioriley kept her hands to herself while he situated upon her lap, making sure not to laugh or make any commentary about how cute he was or how well he had done adapting to his little dragon body. She hoped he wouldn't have to remain familiar with it for too much longer. Although she certainly didn't mind the momentary shift that allowed her to cuddle and pet him like a weird looking cat.

"If you are all right with it." She replied, smiling down at him and finally moving her hands to rest on his back, stroking along the fur and scales with a soft hum of amusement.

Cooing and belly rubs commence.

“Yes,” Rezo sighs, as her hand runs over his back. “That feels good.” And if his face wasn’t covered by scales and fluff at the moment, he probably would turn very red at having admitted it.

It is probably very strange for him to be enjoying himself like this. Being small, and being fawned over. Resting his entire body in her lap while she caresses him, listening to her soft noises of delight over his appearance. Gradually, he finds himself forgetting about the lack of dignity in favor of nuzzling at her hands, too warm and safe and comfortable to worry about what anyone would think of him right now. It’s just Lioriley here, after all, and she seems happy with the situation.

A contented rumble comes from low in his throat, starting then stopping abruptly as he surprises himself with it.

“Oh,” he says. “That’s new.”

His fur was surprisingly soft and very pleasant to the touch, his scales smooth and beautiful. But that wasn't very surprising - of course Rezo would be beautiful in any form; human, dragon, or otherwise. Though maybe she was a bit biased.

All of this to say that she greatly enjoyed petting him; her fingertips smoothing over scales and petting down fur along his back, the top of his head; gently scratching her nails behind his ears. She slowed only once he started to rumble.

"Are you purring, love?" Or should she be more worried?

Rezo lies back, stretched out and limp with his stomach exposed. The purring has stopped, for the moment, but he is still the picture of a warm and contented creature.

“It seems so,” he says, sounding slightly dazed about it. “It might start again if we keep going.”

Lest she think this is a discouragement, he bumps his head against her fingertips in an implicit request to keep petting him. There is experimentation to be done!

Lioriley chuckled and took advantage of the exposed underside, gently tickling her fingers along his stomach and side, thumb rubbing under his chin. And when he bumped her hand she curved it back to resume scratching behind his ears, seeing as that had been around the time his purring had begun.

"Would you mind terribly if we adjust a bit?"

Lioriley will likely be able to feel, as well as hear, Rezo sigh with contentment when she strokes his underside. It isn’t long after she curves her hand back before he’s purring again, the rhythm of it hypnotic to even him.

“Whatever makes you comfortable,” he says, his voice rumbly from the purring.

He has no idea what Lioriley has in mind when she asks if they can adjust their position, but right now he is draconian putty in her hands.

Edited 2022-07-16 23:23 (UTC)

As amused as she was by the whole ordeal, Lioriley had been thinking ahead to when Rezo - hopefully - changed back. And while having him snuggled in her lap was very nice, it would be a bit awkward and uncomfortable if he formed back while curled up there.

So, with his go ahead, she carefully picked him up and cradled him once more to her chest so she could lie back on the bed, head resting upon the pillow for a moment. Then she turned onto her side, keeping him hugged close against her, hugging him with both arms like she was cuddling a stuffed animal.

"Is this all right?"

Rezo finds himself picked up, gently rolled over, and then he’s lying on his side with her arms around him, her chest pressed against him. He can feel her heartbeat, the way her chest rises and falls with each breath she takes. It’s certainly a cozy position to be in. He’s almost overwhelmed by the closeness.

“It’s more than alright.”

Rezo- very carefully, as he doesn’t want to poke her with his horns- wriggles up to nudge his snout affectionately against the underside of her chin. He doesn't have proper lips at the moment, so this is his best approximation of a kiss.

"I am glad." She murmured, kissing the top of his head then settling once more, just in time to receive the 'kiss'. At this point, the cuteness of Rezo in his current state was going to kill her. Too much to handle, especially when he started doing stuff like that.

She resumed stroking her fingers over his back, the top of his head, sometimes over the curve of his horns, her other arm still snuggly wrapped around him to keep him pressed to her chest. If he ever wished to free himself, all he would have to do is ask - or simply wriggle a bit. She was not a very strong woman.

"An interesting situation to explain to your cabinmates, should any of them arrive while you are still in this form." She laughed.

“Lioriley…”

Rezo buries his face against her chest. Look, now you’ve gone and made him self-conscious again! Never mind the fact that he’s still purring.

“There’s hardly anything to explain,” he says, somewhat muffled by his position. “I just happen to have been the victim of an unfortunate enchantment, and you are kindly watching over me. Very closely.”

Awww. Lioriley wrapped her other arm back around him again, squeezing gently in what she could only hope was a reassuring gesture.

"Of course, darling. I was only teasing." No one ever said she was good at that. She kissed the top of his head thrice in rapid succession. "I am sure no one will bother us. Not unless they decide to barge in anytime soon."

Rezo is pretty sure he has never been doted on more in his entire life than he has been since Lioriley entered it. Have we mentioned yet that she tends to leave him feeling slightly drunk off of affection?

“I doubt it, unless any of them are in a similar situation,” Rezo says, actually considering it a bit. “One of my roommates has complained before about finding the cabins too cramped for his liking. A sentiment I would normally share if I were my usual size.”

Now he’s finding it quite spacious, minus the way he’s being lovingly squished in her arms.

“...And a potentially awkward conversation is a small price to pay for being held like this.”

"As you might imagine, the size is not much of a bother to me." She barely slept and was the size of a twelve year old, so it's not like she needed much room to start with. "I do, however, wish there was the chance for more privacy...in any section." The quiet car had been sufficient enough, but any solace they could find together beyond that had to be on planet and recent events didn't really make that ideal either.

She smiled again and closed her eyes, nose pressed to the fur between his horns. "I can hold you as long as you wish, in that case."

“It’s very… communal, isn’t it? I haven’t been this surrounded by people in a long time,” Rezo says. Sleeping in the same room as others, eating meals with others, sharing every facility onboard the train… Sometimes it’s overwhelming and stressful and yet at other times he’s almost grateful for it. It’s been an interesting change of pace from how he’s normally lived his life.

Which isn’t to say that he doesn’t share Lioriley’s wish for a little more privacy. And specifically, privacy with her. It’s something he’s pondered before, probably to a degree that is shameful in a one hundred and twenty year old man. ~~Never mind that Lioriley is five times his age.~~ There is the option of hiring out a bedroom for the night, but he hasn’t brought it up with her for several reasons.

And he’s certainly not going to bring it up to her now, while he’s like this.

His desires and insecurities aside, he’s fortunate to be where he is, with a lover who is easygoing enough to go along with things after he is turned into a strange, small creature.

Rezo gently rubs his head against her nose, in a sort of affectionate headbutt.

“Thank you, my dear.”

"I do not mind it, personally." But that probably didn't come as much of a revelation, given her extroverted nature. She liked being around people. She also liked being alone with her lover sometimes, and the severe lack of privacy was actually starting to wear on her. Maybe renting a room for a night or two wouldn't be such a terrible suggestion - though not one she would ever make herself, if only because she did not know if Rezo would be inclined to indulge in such a thing. Or if he wished to spend the points on it.

Alas. The lack of communication may assure it never happened at all. Or maybe they would be lucky and they'd land on a hotel planet. Who really knew.

"Of course, dearheart." She squeezed her arms around him gently, kissed the top if his head one more time, and then seemed to settle fully into the sheets, her eyes closed and her breathing slowing. Not asleep, but something close to it.

Rezo truly hopes that Lioriley’s hunch that this is a temporary enchantment proves true. Not only would it be personally inconvenient if he is stuck like this, but for her… Having a lover who is a tiny dragon would surely be less than ideal. (On top of everything else about him…)

The minutes continue to tick by while Rezo stays in her arms, pondering the potential ramifications, letting his mind drift from place to place, but with Lioriley always at the center of his thoughts. It’s hard to think about anything entirely unrelated when he is quite literally wrapped up in her. He broods about their recent conversation, wondering how she's feeling, if he should ask directly about it... If there's anything he could possibly do for her...

And then, a full hour has passed.

Rezo abruptly squirms as an odd, uncomfortable sensation comes over him. Not painful, but it’s an intensely itchy, ticklish sensation, like the feeling one gets when there’s a sneeze coming on, except it’s all over his body. It’s something he felt an hour prior, when he’d… He doesn’t have much time to reflect on that before he transforms back.

The transformation itself is painless and over within a few confusing seconds, leaving Rezo sprawled sideways across his bed in front of Lior. One of his legs is dangling off the bed, the other has been thrown over her, and he has the knitted material of her top firmly gripped in one hand, her upper arm in the other, and his forehead leaning against her neck. And his expression is nothing short of bewildered.

“Oh,” he says.

He’s also entirely undressed, so, enjoy that, Lioriley?

She will! Once the initial shock wore off, of course. Because the half asleep Lunari cuddling with her boyfriend-turned-dragon was, pretty abruptly, dealing with said dragon squirming like something was possessing him. And before she had the time to even ask what was wrong he had poofed back into his normal human form. Not the worst outcome! Although the sudden shift in weight and position left even her a little disoriented.

"Oh!" A sentiment mirrored, only hers was louder and far more startled, her hands initially retracting mostly because she didn't know where to put them all of a sudden, "Rezo? Are you all right?" She asked, panicked, looking him over and, uh, maybe second guessing the merits of doing so when she realized his current state. Normally nudity would not bother her, but being so close; being alone, and him being her lover. Well. Even her mind might wander a bit, logic that he should be naked seeing as he had been freed of his clothes be damned.

“Yes,” Rezo says. “I’m fine, Lioriley.” Everything has gotten smaller- or rather he’s gotten larger- but he’s really just back to his regular size- well. Obviously he still needs a moment to adjust, but confusion aside he’s entirely unhurt.

He realizes he’s still rudely grabbing onto her, so he carefully loosens his grip and shifts his legs so they’re both resting properly on the mattress. Of course, when he feels the material of her skirt and the sheets brushing against the bare skin of his legs, that makes him remember his current state of undress. A deep blush spreads across his entire face.

(Oh Gods, is she looking at him?)

Lioriley isn’t a sheltered ingenue, he reminds himself. She’s hardly likely to faint or go into hysterics about seeing a naked body, especially considering how comfortable she was about swimming nude.

(...He probably shouldn’t think too much about that incident right now.)

Still, he can’t stay like this; it’d be ungentlemanly! And if his roommates showed up, no amount of explaining would make this seem innocent.

“Er,” he says, “Excuse me.”

He’s just very slowly going to turn around and sit up while he tries to remember what Lior did with his clothes.

A sigh of relief, just a touch shakier than it should be with her sudden flustering. By the time he released her, she had sat up and started to move toward the clothes herself.

"I-I can get your robe for you." She said hurriedly, then mentally cursed herself for sounding so frantic. It wasn't like she was disgusted or hysterical, she just didn't want him to be embarrassed! They had had that whole discussion about wearing a bathing suit, and he was blushing nearly as much as she was. Not to mention what someone might assume if they walked in on them in such a position.

Anyway. Clothes. She had been quick enough to scramble to the end of the bed and grab them, hurrying around to where Rezo sat as she unfolded the fabric. "Here, love. I - should I leave you to change?" Like she hadn't seen everything already.

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