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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
Even the smallest of flickering lamplights can start a raging fire, if given enough space to grow. I know my time with you has made me happy beyond measure, both here and back home. I love you, Than.
[His palm presses against Than's spine, rubbing carefully between his shoulderblades, trying to force the tension out of his muscles while stroking his back.]
I miss her, too. And I know recently, we've lost more people to the Void. But we'll find them, Than, we'll find them all and bring them back safely. I know we will. We'll see Persephone again. [He presses another kiss to Than's cheek this time, nuzzling the God of Gentle Death's cool skin, so different from his own, which seems superheated in comparison.] And you know me when it comes to Persephone, either one of them - I won't stop until I see them again.
no subject
When did you become so good with words?
[ It's poetic and something he didn't expect from Zagreus, but it's not unwelcome either. Gods know that Thanatos needs something to hang onto right now. He wants to disappear in Zagreus's arms and not surface for a long time. He doesn't want to exist as anything, but he also knows how unfair that would be to Zagreus. He'd do anything for Zagreus, his Life, and so... he forces himself to exist, to feel torn to pieces with parts lost to the Void. ]
I don't have your optimism. Your drive. I'll search; I know what it's like when no one does. But I hate that doing so tied me stronger to this train. When I want to go home.
[ He wishes he didn't feel like all he can do is fail at whatever he tries or decides. Thanatos feels Zagreus's warm touch, but the tension remains coiled tight in his muscles. ]
I'm supposed to treat myself more like a person, but I hate all of this. I don't want to be a person if I have to constantly feel this way. But I... also love you, and I don't want these people to suffer more. But I hate constantly feeling hurt and broken.
no subject
I've been reading a lot more poetry, lately. [He raises his head to motion toward one book clearly borrowed from the library, about half-way finished, his place in the anthology held with a bookmark made of one of Than's feathers.] That's probably why.
I think that's my Grandfather in me. My mortal one, not... you know. [Kronos is always an awkward subject to bring up around other Cthonics, even the ones who weren't around during the time of the Titanomachy.] It's perhaps the most mortal quality I've got.
... I understand why you feel that way. I know you want to go home, and as much as I love seeing other worlds, seeing and trying new things... I need to go back to the House with you, after all this is over with. But for now, this can be our home. [He gives Than another soft kiss to each eyelid, then to the tip of his nose, and finally another loving kiss on the lips, before snuggling back in.] Home is where you are, Than.
I know it's tough. I know it hurts, that it gets to you, gets inside your head. That sometimes you think it's not worth the fight anymore. You don't think I have those thoughts, too, whenever I leave the house? The only difference is how stubborn I can be. [Another chuckle as he continues his work, carefully rubbing the God of Death's back with a careful palm.]
You aren't broken, Than. I know you may feel like you are, but you're not. For a God who had to put his feelings aside at a very early age, learning how to have them again is a real challenge. But I'm proud of you for taking it on, if that matters any.
no subject
Home is where I am?
[ Thanatos sighs and rotates a little, so he can be more beside Zagreus, holding him. Almost like he wants to hide from everything outside of Zagreus's arms. The first words that run through his mind are negative, very negative. He bites his lip to keep himself from saying them aloud. Is it progress that he's not saying them and arguing his thoughts? Or is he slipping further into his previous state of mind? He doesn't know. He's second-guessing himself.
He tucks himself closer as Zagreus continues to rub his back. ]
How do you handle it? Anything that I can call my stubbornness just makes me more miserable than anything, I think. Why am I even taking this challenge on? What am I expecting from it?
[ It's a question only he can truly answer; Thanatos knows this. He doesn't have an answer for himself. ]
no subject
[He gently rests his forehead against Than's, closing his eyes for a moment, just enjoying the feeling of his other half beside him. Than cuddling into him only increases the smile on his face, and he squeezes Death close for a few moments. It's only when Than speaks again that Zagreus opens his eyes, releases Than a little, glances down at him with a bit of curiosity.]
Well, I... I suppose I've handled it with your help along the way, most days. And I've had friends to vent to, like S-- ssssome of the denizens of the Underworld, and my friends on the Train. You realize expressing your emotions isn't a Mortal thing, right? We Gods in general are just really, really bad at it. I mean, it took me how long to confess to you? [He chuckles softly, pulling his forehead away only so that he can leave a kiss there instead.]
You're taking this challenge on because it's part of existing in this world. That's how I see it, anyway. Just because you're only getting your bearings now doesn't mean you're failing, though. And if you truly are miserable... you know you can confide in me, right? I can help you. That's what I'm here for. [He brushes a lock of hair out of Than's face, staring into his golden eyes.] I love you, Than. Every part of you.
no subject
But when he thinks of settle, he thinks of being held by Zagreus like this. His body, his heart, his soul are drawn toward him. Zagreus is his Life, makes him feel alive and a part of the world. Not just existing for his role in it. He do anything for Zagreus, and... Zagreus does a lot for him. ]
... I-I think you might be my home too.
[ He stares back into Zagreus's mismatched eyes. Yes, that sounds, feels right. Thanatos knows the terror he felt when he thought Zagreus didn't follow him to the Underworld. He wouldn't have survived. There would only be Death Incarnate.
One hand reaches up to touch Zagreus's face, soft like the brush of a feather or a butterfly's wing. (Blue or purple, not pink) His fingers rest there as Thanatos offers a brief kiss of his own, unprompted. ]
I just fear... what I'm becoming here. Will it also work for what I need to be back in our world? Or am I trapped either way?