voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post August]

A New Platform [Intro Post August]

PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)

BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day sixteen 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 sunny with a cool breeze. 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. The stones are cobbled beneath them and there are small stone shapes lining the edge, decorative in nature. The sun is shining but there is a cold wind, blowing through the platform at intervals, almost biting in its chill.

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're one of Twelve figures: all facing the tracks, and all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies, the latter in one of four colours. Purple, red, blue or orange.

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, over a hundred at least. 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. Danielle Phantom, Fai. D Flourite, K'zeka Tia, Ruggie Buchi and John Connor 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.

e. Of course there are the new additions to explore. A fireplace has been added to the library, complete with a rug and plenty of soft reading pillows. For those less inclined to sit still there is a swimming pool carriage, complete with foam fish. Plenty of fun for all.

DEPARTURE

Spend your time exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour before a second horn sounds, encouraging any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air to board. After five minutes from this, the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

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

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The connection, the signs (scars), some pieces of Lord Zodiark are there. But there is no true draw. Elidibus did not come to call Hythlodaeus back into the fold.

He closes his eyes for a moment. Yes he is recognized but that isn't any surprise. Still, it meant he would forgo any formalities of bringing the sigil of his office on display as verification. Having had a moment to regard the Amaurotine, Elidibus lets out a gentle sigh.

"As much as can be expected, given our circumstances." His eyes open again. The mortal vessel's gaze is not filled with the luminescent vibrancy of their ancient race though they are blue.

"Your name... is Hythlodaeus, is it not?" The memories ebb and stir and sometimes, especially these days, toss another piece of flotsam on the beach. But this piece of information as a much more mundane origin of the train's roster. The name might have some familiarity for him nonetheless. Recent mention or even longer ago conversation. If he personally knew this man, Elidibus still doesn't remember.

"I will not ask to keep you long. Another will want your attention, like as not." Maybe they already have it. Could be listening nearby even. Or perhaps they're pretending they can hide and ignore this particular passenger.

"Though it might be no easy question to hear, I would ask something nonetheless. On the matter of Lord Zodiark."

Of course he will ask. Like taking a bandaid and ripping it off quickly so they can both be about their business as far as this journey takes them.

"Were you summoned from His fold by this conveyance?" Of course Elidibus considered this possibility. And it was one, for the Voidtrecker Express seemed as capable of plucking out of time and space as it did various realities. Hythlodaeus was unlikely to be from his even. The second half of the question is left unspoken. But knowledge of the other possibility seems already known.

Or has Lord Zodiark already fallen?

Hythlodaeus's eyes widen slightly at the question, then he lets a soft breath out, translating the state of Elidibus's soul more easily now. It is, he imagines, not like to be easy to get used to it - but instead of pondering that, he resolves to instead treat it as encountering someone he has only known about before and never met. To make it easier on them both.

With that, his expression settles, and he smiles, giving a bow.

"Hythlodaeus, indeed, Chief of the Bureau of the Architect. Pleased to make your repeat acquaintance."

He hopes this will be clear enough for Elidibus to understand what he is trying to do. A blank slate, rather than contemplating on what is missing or what should be there, in full acknowledgment of the fact that there are things that likely are.

The smile fades, however, and he turns his head from side to side slowly, his eyes holding compassion - though not pity - and also equal measures of relief and concern.

"Not long before I found myself here, Fandaniel took the vacant place within Zodiark. He released all those held within, despite the protestations of most, and forced His incomplete form into combat that He lost. Upon which, Fandaniel crushed His core. I was brought here from the Aethereal Sea, rather than His confines."

His voice remains steady as he narrates the events as simply and concisely as he can, but the implications wrap around him like a robe weighing heavy with how troubling it is.

Elidibus, ever a smart one. Quick to discern nuances and subtle phrases, the body language that accompanies it. The Ascian nods. There is some recognition. That particular office, he certainly knew of it. Found hints in a certain purple-hued constellation of memories. Not his own. But it was easier to feel on more solid ground when it came to basic, simple things. Like buildings. Or office titles.

"And I yours." He might not show the gratitude he feels at being allowed to begin anew or simply slowly. But it is appreciated nonetheless.

The answer... it's obvious Elidibus knew; or at least had heard the tale told before, whether in quick summary or more detailed essence is unclear. But the players and the act itself... they were known and lined up with the explanation Hythlodaeus relays. He looks down from Hythlodaeus's regard but this seems more contemplative than a gesture of trying to muster courage against further distress. Well even if he'd not been prepared, he'd still sometimes finds it difficult to give rise to strong emotion.

"Then it is as he spoke. Thank you," Elidibus looks up again. His gratitude is sincere and quiet, strong in his tone if not his expression.

"You have my apologies for failing to be there to prevent Fandaniel from acting as he did." Elidibus bows his head again. "Though I have done what I could to carve a path that may well undo what he set in motion through Lord Zodiark's demise, it has come at the expense of our hopes for the future to be as it once was."

For all he was grateful for the Warrior of Light for releasing Zodiark from His service, the cost is still so, so very high.

Hythlodaeus is glad for the acceptance, but then he cants his head at the reaction to his reply. After a moment's consideration, he hums softly.

"'tis not always that which we intend to happen may come to pass, and that bespeaks no ill of either one's efforts nor one's intentions. But it...

"I need to consider things for a while, for returning to the Aethereal Sea restored to me information that I know the Convocation was missing, relevant to the disaster that was forestalled by Zodiark's summoning.

"From what I have learned since my arrival here, it seems that our Star has been saved all the same, by walking a different path. Please consider that, along with what regrets you have. The past may not return, but there is a future, all the same."

He looks up, though carefully avoids releasing his Sight when directed outside the confines of the ... vehicle.

"On my account, you owe no apologies. I have no doubt you did your best, as did we all."

Ah yes, the Warrior of Light. Several of them were around. One had left, another had come as if to maintain the level. These days Elidibus largely ignored the matter, aware that much which might seem a pattern really wasn't where the train is concern. And besides, other matters take priority and this discussion is far more important.

"So it seems," Elidibus acknowledges. "But then, that was ever the goal for both Hydaelyn and us, regardless of the different paths we were to take, or the intended results." There is no love for Her, just to be clear. No particular hatred though, at least for Hydaelyn's conviction and desire to save their beloved Etheirys. In this alone if nothing more, both had the same intent.

That there was more information the Convocation didn't have at the time... this doesn't seem to surprise Elidibus either. Maybe he had been told. But it's just as easy to expect he'd discerned that possibility in the clues. Not knowing what the Warrior of Light would find in Elpis, the point in going back was to find something that may have been overlooked. Or forgotten.

"I've no intention of pressing the matter further." And far would it be for him to suggest someone not take time to disseminate information. "Pray find me when you have your thoughts on the matter in order. Though the time to make use of it in my reality may be passed, I would still be grateful to learn the truth."

However hard that might have been as well. He then nods and gazes on Hythlodaeus. The look is one that suggests sincerity.

"And thank you. For your words, and your personal thoughts on the matter. I will be sure to keep them in mind during my own reflections of all that has happened."

One may get the impression that if Elidibus were able to find a means to speak to each of the souls who sacrificed themselves to create Zodiark, he would do so. Individually, personally, only to move on to the remainder of their population.

They would likely be right to an extent. The only limit would be that many have likely already returned to the aetherial sea. Some will never be their whole self again.

And there are many who would coax him to come and rest, to stop and fondly chide such behavior.

Hythlodaeus remembers Elidibus as he had once been, when he named Azem his friend and when it was fitting that he should be the heart of their great concept because he could fit all the star in his heart. When he gave heart to those who were giving life to Zodiark, in their grief and pain and uncertainty.

Fair and impartial reasoning the Emissary had, yet the impartiality now feels... different. Hollower, 'the time to make use of it in my reality may be passed' seeming to grip and empty some part of him which ... is likely important. Hythlodaeus takes a deep, deep breath, and reminds himself that he cannot begin to attempt helping without understanding better. And he wants to do both, even if the help may not be enough.

He smiles, inclining his head. "I will let you know when my mind has settled around it and I can claim to begin to understand. But even without that, I would spend time with you and learn your thoughts - I have much to learn, if you would be willing to share."

Hades has yet to find him, and so he has not quite the idea of how full his hours are likely to be in the foreseeable future. Yet he means it, too. He knows not what comfort he can bring beyond his presence and, belike, acceptance and affection, but he will not know unless he makes the effort.

This one, at least, despite his own complex views of what has occurred and might yet come to pass, appreciates what Elidibus has done, and meant to do.

-- after a moment, he blinks, looking up at one of the taller plants, mirth returning to his eyes.

"Oh, dear. I think it wanted a better viewpoint than the pool. If you will excuse me for a moment..."

The ambystoma has wandered, as it is wont to do, and is need of a rescue once more. Just in case Elidibus needs the warning of what he also may be dealing with, in the foreseeable future, as he also seems to like the small thing.

It's all different now, but as heartbreaking as that might be, it should be different in a sense. How else would their hardships and burdens be fair were they to be swept so easily to the side? Not one of them that would have survived the full rejoining probably expected to ever be able to 'go back'. Elidibus would most certainly have merged with Zodiark again. The others... No one would know now, anyway.

Though one might suspect had they succeeded, no one of the restored world would ever have known.

"You're welcome to speak with me at any time I'm available," Elidibus offers. It can't be said that he has no eased burden for having spoken to Hythlodaeus. Yet however minute, it appears to have helped; if only for the fact that the Ascian would never have expected to have an opportunity to speak to any of them at all.

While Elidibus harbors no illusions that the train is the only thing Hythlodaeus would have questions about, that is the subject he broaches next.

"Of our kind, I have been here the longest, though that is barely six moons as the Voidtrecker Express accounts for time. I will share what I know and try to summarize what has happened."

But if Elidibus had wanted to speak just then of such a summary- in fact he had no issue with it though would have just as easily bowed out to let Hythlodaeus settle- it seems a shift of subject is in order, for the little creature he'd first spied when coming in had gotten itself into a bit of a predicament.

Elidibus follows Hythlodaeus. Like may be a strong term but...

"It bears the mark of our star's creations," Elidibus remarks. Perhaps this was his interest; the familiar in small axolotl shape. "Did it arrive with you?" It would probably be no surprise there are pets and animals on board. Their hallmarks are everywhere. But none possessed the aspect of Etheirys.

"I will greatly appreciate all chances to understand what this is, and what it means, as well. Gradual as the understanding I am sure will be, for a concept that can draw people from the Aethereal Sea, and different realities, to boot."

And while Hythlodaeus definitely is interested in why he personally is here, why all of them are here, what it means, how he can help and should he, the unbridled curiosity of the Chief of the Bureau of the Architect may overwhelm that.

He is already climbing up to reach the ambystoma, and he laughs quietly. "I remember approving the concept, but I do believe this particular one and I met in Elpis. It would create trouble for even the Chief Overseer there."

Hythlodaeus will rescue the little creature with far more grace than Hermes, thank you very much. He will also place it in the hood of his hoodie coming down.

There's only one piece of advice Elidibus can give. In fact he gave it to the newest Warrior of Light to arrive on the train.

"It can be an effort to remain focused. There are many opportunities to learn of matters beyond our star. Pray remain focused on what goals are most important to you."

Dangerous words, though the advice at heart is sound. To find some goals and remain focused on them, lest you be overwhelmed. What those goals end up being are entirely up to Hythlodaeus.

Elidibus turns his attention to simple matters. Well, perhaps that's the case. The axolotl had no connection to Hythlodaeus inasmuch as he was aware from the small discussion they just had. Yet it somehow found itself in the Amaurotine's care by the grace of the Voidtrecker Express; not procured as many did through the train's shop.

Elpis. "Hermes. The one who would take the seat of Fandaniel shortly before the Final Days. That is the last Overseer I remember." Ah, how often that name is coming up, for all they may as well, in a sense, be speaking about two different people. But it is a reflection of the memories he had, however partial they were. Hythlodaeus might well have remembered an earlier Overseer when speaking of the ambystoma.

But it's a fleeting thing. The ascian watches the other's descent groundward. "Many have beasts that might set upon such an overly curious charge. If it should be prone to wandering, a tracking spell may be wise."

Of course Elidibus isn't going to just do it himself. That would be rude, for one. And surely he isn't particularly attached to the adorable fellow. It was just passing interest in seeing a creation from their world, nothing more.

Surely.

From where he's just returned to the 'ground', Hythlodaeus tilts his head curiously towards the other man.

"As someone who is newly arrived, whose path on our Star is finished and has, for the most part, very little left to do beyond drifting in the Aethereal Sea until the time comes to move on, I would be curious what goals the most esteemed Elidibus think I might have that accruing knowledge would be a distraction from?"

There is no sarcasm to the question, for all the flippant phrasing. He is genuinely curious, even aside from how seeking out more things to know has ever been his habit.

But the questioning turns into a smile, albeit an atypically complicated one. "Yes. Hermes. This was the time when Emet-Selch and I sought him there so that he may be evaluated and invited to the Convocation. When he first found him, he was tending these... And I then he took from us the memory of that. Emet-Selch, himself, and me."

Hythlodaeus shrugs, and his smile eases somewhat. "On the whole, I won't need a tracking spell on it. Though if I can come up with one where I would know if it is frightened or threatened, that might be more useful."

He can find it wherever on this 'train' it might be, with ease. Knowing he should would be useful, on the other hand. And he is far from the best at spellcrafting. Hmm.

He plucks the ambystoma from his hood, and holds it up, cupped gently in his hands, once more. "Did you hear that, little one? There are dangerous things here."

The esteemed Elidibus. Rather than the Ascian Elidibus or simply Elidibus with no context of the importance and respect that seat once held for so many. It seemed almost foreign to hear it so easily on someone's lips. The Ascian blinked once as if caught by that thought. Or by being addressed with a very ancient respect.

"Pray do not think of it as the assumption of your current circumstances. Instead I hope you will take it as advice while exploring the myriad wonders you might encounter gathering such knowledge."

Of course. Who would expect one drawn so suddenly from a time when they'd fulfilled their time on their star to have goals right then?

"Though I imagine one might also take joy in simply seeing what new experience might present itself next." And to that end, Elidibus seems both respectful and, perhaps, a touch envious that someone might have that freedom. He doesn't consider it one of his.

In any case, it's not his place to choose or guide what Hythlodaeus does with his time and energy. Certainly not even in the slightest, not anymore. With Zodiark gone, they are both free of that particular onus.

Tracking, yes. It would be difficult even for Elidibus not to find the little ambystoma now on the train, much less someone of Hythlodaeus or Emet-Selch's clarity of sight. Though the Ascian will point out something.

"You may find the void metal of the train's outer shell can interfere with your sight. Particularly while we are journeying through voidspace. Though the interior walls are of little concern, it is something to keep in mind."

Though a tracking spell, overall, would probably not be as useful as the other the Amaurotine mentioned, it's true. Elidibus appears to consider the matter momentarily. A tale of the creature and its connection, once again, to the tale surrounding the Overseer of Elpis. It's filed away as a piece of the story he didn't personally know but other than that, Elidibus is focused on the possibility of a spell to alert when the tiny creature might be in danger.

"Perhaps one that's connected to a physical item." With a gesture, Elidibus brings out a small piece of ore. It's something he'd ordered from their star through the train's shop services some time ago, easy to shape and suitable for conducting and holding aether.

A thought and a bit of focus shifts it to a simple blueish teardrop. There's no spell on it. Yet.

"Perhaps this would suit?"

Even though Hythlodaeus's address towards a member of the convocation may hold a certain level of... irreverence, based on the fact that he could have been one of them, and that he is close - and also regularly bosses around - two of their number, the respect he has for the men and women holding those positions is real and profound. He is the kind who may stretch and bend rules, when he is of a whim to do so, and more than capable to get away with it, but that is with the full awareness of the necessity of those rules on the whale, and the trust that the rules set in place, by the people with the power to do so, are fair and reasonable and needed and right. It is simple as breathing, and he means it completely.

He may easily reach towards the person behind the title, to see each of them as their own people rather than the positions they take, but that is out of concern and care, not disrespect. So yes. Elidibus is going to have this now, not as simple and worry or fear - fringed as most people would give it, but present all the same.

For now, he shakes his head slightly - no trace of anything resembling offense has been taken. "Ever have I wanted, and done my best, to live life to the fullest. I do not think this place and time should be different. And if I find a more specific purpose, then I will focus on that."

Then he wrinkles his nose slightly. "'tis... somewhat of a barrier, but I do not think it was built for sight such as mine. I discovered even before the train arrived I need to be very, very careful. But such is not beyond my abilities." A long time ago, when he was growing up and so was his gift, the beauty of Etheirys was enchanting enough that, for a while, he had trouble reining in his sight. After he had put his meager reserves of aether at risk, he learned better. But it does lend weight to the necessity of knowing when he should look. Normally, monitoring at most times would have been easy.

He tilts his head in curiosity at the small item offered, his lips curving up slightly with delight as its aetheric density is just right, and the imprint of the shaping of it has been so careful and sweet, a signature he has known before. His eyes dart up to Elidibus.

"It would, though are you sure you wish to part with it?"

Hearing of how Hythlodaeus's sight is capable of seeing into voidspace despite the metal does appear to concern Elidibus. He turns his mind to it a moment though in all honesty there is little he can do but give advice.

"I certain you've heard of the risks in looking into voidspace overlong. If you feel the symptoms despite avoiding it, pray do not hesitate to seek a healer's attention, if not myself or Emet-Selch." It would not do to have a headache brought on by voidspace to be mistaken for something else, given such circumstances.

There is, subtly, more emotion than he might have turned to some other new arrival on the train, even if his words (possibly sans the invitation to approach himself or his fellow Ascian) would probably have been largely the same. Yet this is the unique difference in which he holds regard for one of his own. As for the bauble? Elidibus accompanies his words with a faint smile.

"It suits your needs better than those I have. If that changes, I can make another." The answer comes with an undertone of peace.

It is rare Elidibus has a chance like this, to find a fragment of the past, even if it's such a simple gesture as using creation magic to offer an item to another equal with as much ceremony as one might loan a handkerchief and entreat the other to keep it.

This is not the case with the mortals on the train he's helped. It doesn't give him that feeling of almost remembering what it was like, those pieces of the past he still has yet to recall.

Hythlodaeus was about to reassure Elidibus that now that he knows, he can manage the use of his soulsight so it should not be a cause for alarm when the man mentions that name and he stills, eyes growing wide.

"Ha-- the most honorable Emet-Selch is here as well?"

His voice is soft.

It has been a long, long time since they parted, but before that they were nigh inseparable, and the millennia pull at him.

A small breath, and he pulls himself under better control.

"Please forgive my reaction. It... Before appearing on the platform, I had intended to seek him out, as we both would have been in the realm that his position gives charge of. When I appeared here, I... resigned myself that the reunion would have to wait, so the news took me by surprise."

He focuses again on the gift, on the present. He will find Hades, and soon, he knows now. The crystal he does accept with a grateful smile.

"Thank you. I will... Fit it on the ambystoma, and then, in this case, ask Emet-Selch to craft the spell."

It may take a little delay, but Hades absolutely will come with a better one than him, anyway.

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A New Platform [Intro Post August]

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