voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-07-01 05:46 am

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.
renegadeprince: (huff 01)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-07-25 08:52 am (UTC)(link)
That was... a lot to answer. And Vegeta couldn't actually answer all of it, so he starts with this, "Keep in mind my time on Planet Vegeta was often limited to the royal palace. It was rare I left it, and even then I had little interaction with many who worked for my father, his advisors or the like." A lot of Vegeta's youth had been spent alone, training and preparing for his future. "Even Tarble rarely got time with me before he was sent off." Maybe why Vegeta had little connection to his brother, he had been taught Tarble was weak and that it was pointless to even consider him in any regards. That it was kinder to send him off to some planet than to be left unwanted in the palace.

"Much of what I learned about how our people actually lived wasn't something I learned until after they were gone, from stories from Nappa and Raditz." You had to pass time somehow during space travel and resting after battles, and there was only so much enjoyment to be had out of mocking and teasing Raditz.
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-casual-chibi-looking-up)

I don't think Tarble has been mentioned before...

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-04 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"Tarble?" Trunks asked, wondering who that was. He at least knew of Nappa and Raditz thanks to his Mother. "What kind of stories?" Trunks had been sharing what he knew with Esteban, but it really wasn't much.
renegadeprince: (lean 01)

I wasn't sure either. I assume Trunks would had made a fuss if so...

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-08-04 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, yes, Vegeta hadn't mentioned Tarble before, had he? To anyone really. Eh, there was just never a need for him to come up. "Tarble is my younger brother. He was sent off world when he was still a child. It was only in recent years I saw him again when he came to Earth looking for my help." Surprise Trunks, you have more family, out there somewhere.

"Radtiz was from a lower class of Saiyan, so he would talk about his time growing up there, as well as his brother being sent off," A certain idiot... "I used to get so annoyed at his whining." Was it really whining? It had certainly been at the time for Vegeta, but looking back on it it was more just one kid trying to talk to another. But Vegeta had little time for him, their positions were just too far apart, as were their power levels. Raditz was really Vegeta's first major verbal punching bag, long before Trunks first showed up.

"Nappa spoke of his time during the Saiyan and Tuffle war, of how Saiyans broke free of them and how we took over the planet to make it our own. He taught us strategy to combat, not just brute strength. Though he certainly enjoyed that too." Nappa in battle was... a sight to see. No wonder he had held the position he had. If Vegeta hadn't been naturally stronger than him then he would had been a concern to look out for, but that hadn't been the way. Plus Nappa was completely loyal to the royal family, he wouldn't had tried anything against Vegeta.
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-casual-chibi-looking-up)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-05 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
"So he might still be out there? I have an uncle?" Trunks was kind of stuck on that for a moment. Only a moment though, before his attention was taken back to what his father was sharing.

"I thought that the saiyans had served Freiza for a long time. Maybe it wasn't that long ago after all." Musing more to himself. It figured his people had conquered a planet in a war though. But how long ago had that war been?
renegadeprince: (calm 01)

Toriyama, you timeline doesn't make sense...

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-08-06 09:43 am (UTC)(link)
"He returned back to the planet he had made his home with his wife. I imagine for your timeline he would be out there somewhere." No comment on what would happen to Trunks' timeline... Trunks has made it clear he doesn't want to know anything, so Vegeta won't comment beyond the fact that, yes, Tarble would be in Trunks' universe still. Before it all vanishes.

"My father was the one who created an agreement with Cold, however he was also the one that led the Saiyans to victory against the Tuffles. I'm unsure how long we were under Tuffle control before that. The Saiyans arrived on what was at the time planet Plant, enslaved, and it took time before we could break free, but we only have oral stories of this, nothing written." Vegeta had heard the stories passed down, the triumph of his father's victory, he the savior of the Saiyan people, and taking the next steps to show their power throughout the galaxy and make their name known for their strength.

"Generations at least."
light_of_willpower: (long-hair confused)

No it really doesn't.

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-14 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
Oral stories only made sense, although Trunks wanted to believe there had to be some scientists and others among his people. How else would the race survive as a whole? "Generations?" This got his brain turning as he thought that over.

"How long do we live then? Roughly?" He already knew his Father was older than he looked, as was Goku.
renegadeprince: (annoyed 07)

MSU time! (aka, make shit up) And some help from the wikis at guesses

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-08-14 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
That... was not an easy a question as Trunks may think it is, Vegeta taking a moment to try and think of an answer to it, before replying honestly. "Most Saiyans fall in battle, it's rare to die of old age." It was just the way of their life, they knew it was always a possibility. You won, or you died. Simple as that.

"I believe my father had some older advisors around him, but I do not know their ages. My best estimate is at least over 80. I'm not sure by how far though." Vegeta is well aware of how different Saiyans aged compared to humans, Bulma often reminded him of that... normally via complaining that he looked too young. "The oldest I had known personally at one point would had been Nappa, but I am now around the same age to which he was when he died."
light_of_willpower: (long-hair confused)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-17 02:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"So, we...have a longer lifespan than a human? Assuming we don't die in battle?" Trunks was trying to make sure he understood.
renegadeprince: (Confused 01)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-08-18 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
Vegeta would answer that but... has to consider again. "...I'm not sure what the average age span of a human is." Look, he would guess it's around 80, that seems about right from what he's seen, but then you got random beings like Roshi, so who knows what the typical human lived to. It's also the factor in that Vegeta hasn't cared enough to find out in the past. Having such an elderly population on Earth had actually taken some time to get used to, he wasn't used to seeing so many.
light_of_willpower: (long-hair confused)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-23 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Right no, I should've guessed that." Trunks said, scrubbing his hand down his face. "...I thought I'd have so many questions but now, I just... I'm having trouble formulating them all."
renegadeprince: (calm 02)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-08-25 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
Well, Vegeta was never one great for talking about such stuff. Talking? Sure. Normally with mocking someone though. Less sharing details such as this. So instead, he suggestions, "Write them down. Give them to me. I'll answer what I can." It will also give him a chance to figure out how to answer some of the tougher ones Trunks may have, so maybe a benefit to both of them.
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-armor-smile-confident)

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-08-28 01:00 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll do that..thank you." Trunks said, meaning it sincerely. "I'm sure it's difficult for you to talk about." This had been needed though--Trunks needed to know.
renegadeprince: (calm 02)

felt like good time to end

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-09-01 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
It is, but it's also a case of, "...I may not be able to answer as much as you want me to." Yes, he was a prince of their people, but he also spent most of his childhood in isolation away from his people, Vegeta never got to really see how they lived or interacted.

"But I will try." Vegeta finishes off as he steps off the roof of the train so he could float back down to the platform, treating that as a parting and to leave Trunks to his own space.