VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
voidtreckermods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
voidtreckerexpress2022-07-01 05:46 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-07-01 05:46 am
A New Platform [Intro Post July]
PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)
(SYMPHONY)
BEFORE ARRIVAL
The voice of the Voidtrecker Express welcomes passengers at the same time as always, sometime after breakfast. With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later, as the colours of the void outside the windows blur more and more.
A lurch and a jolt, and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform.
ON THE PLATFORM
1. THE ARRIVAL
At first, all your character can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. But as their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform. It is 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
no subject
It's why Alice can't help but say, her tone suddenly very icy as she lets go of the bean dragon mouse: ] I see how it is.
[ Betrayal, Mort.
This is betrayal. ]
I have no idea what he'd have to eat though. [ She continues, sounding more normal again as she looks at Thanatos. ] Did some other food spawn onto the train overnight that seems suspicious in some way?
no subject
Besides the candy? The only thing I can see that is new is the monthly ingredient. However, I don't think that will do
[ Mort seems to deflate at that news. Does this mean he doesn't get a snack? Then let him bounce! ]
no subject
.. luckily so, Alice thinks. The last thing this already crowded and noisy train needs is people changing sizes or becoming strange in other ways.. Especially when even just one bean mouse dragon can cause this much chaos all by himself. ]
Perhaps that means our only hope is a healer. If they can heal wounds, surely they can return people and other beings to their original state, right?
[ Maybe this is an oversimplification of healing powers.
But can you blame Alice? It's not like she has any herself, so she has no idea how the heck they're supposed to work. ]
no subject
A healer... there's a setting on the manadrive that acts as a sort of purification spell for certain aliments. I wonder if that would work.
[ Mort is unlike normal patients for healers, and Thanatos doubts that they would be able to help when his make up is so different. He's still baffled that someone could change Night's design like this. (Again, not really recognizing that he has done such a thing.) ]
no subject
[ Sorry, Mort. You have to come with them, and Alice isn't too sure if you will if she lets you go! So she's definitely still trying to hold on to the creature, even if it's now wiggling and all...
It's not like it's the first time she's tried to hold something that didn't want to be held. And Mort certainly is smaller than most monsters she's had to keep in place before. ]
I doubt it could make things worse at this point. We might as well go to where they are stored and see if it will do anything at all. [ At worst.. well, it'll do nothing, Alice guesses. But at least they did try something then to restore Mort to his original self, and that's better than having done nothing at all. ]
no subject
I have one of my own. I... haven't donated it to the train like some of my other possessions.
[ Like the art supplies he used to make keepsakes and Chthonic Companions. Thanatos shifts away to retrieve the manadrive and returns just as quickly. He manipulates a dial he's never really touched before. ]
Mort, stay still.
[ Thanatos tosses the spell at Mort. He seems to glow, and when it disappears, a sleepy looking, normal Mort is in Alice's hold. ]
no subject
Not that she minds, though. It's why the girl doesn't remark anything about it. Instead she just patiently waits for the other to return with the manadrive, especially since he's quick about it, and a moment later it does seem like they managed to solve the problem. Thankfully. Since she's pretty sure Thanatos would have spent the entire rest of the day chasing a little hyperactive bean mouse..
It does make Alice release a relieved sigh though. She's invested in this little buddy's wellbeing. ]
Look at that, he completely tired himself out. [ It's not hard to notice just how sleepy the mouse is looking, after all.. And it's no wonder, after all that flying around and bumping into things he's been doing. ]
no subject
Thanatos reaches for Mort. Mort gives an exhausted squeak and seems to deflate in his hands. ]
He's usually not so active, so it's no surprise that his energy has left him.
[ He'll be a lot easier to handle like this. ]