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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Hythlodaeus blinks, grateful for the opportunity to focus on someone specific, and smiles easily despite the strain still around his eyes.

"I... think I just need to consider where I look. My sight tends to be somewhat sharp, and what is beyond what is easily visible does not agree with it."

He has looked at the great expanse, he has looked at the the Aethereal Sea, or Underworld. But the Void might be slightly too much for him.

"Curiosity got the better of me, I suppose." By means of apology if he alarmed the (apparent) youth.

"I understand." Different senses and perception, but the overwhelming feeling is much the same.

"When we board the train, avoid the windows. They will cause headaches the more you look at them. If silence helps, there is the quiet car with booths you can use. If you need darkness. Well, there's a booth that has been darkened in the quiet car, or if silence isn't an issue, there's the cinema car. It's dark for the most part, and more space, but there are also moving pictures and sounds at one end of it."

"Mm..." He hesitates for a moment, trying to consider how to explain it. "This sight is not limited by what my eyes see, but rather perceives the essence of things, and is rather less limited by distance, or obstacles.

"On the brighter side of it, I can control when I use it and for how long, so, in the end, it should not be too worrisome. But I do prefer to understand where the limits are."

For science.

"I would then test them beside some of the medical staff or scientists if you must find your limit." Thanatos understands that need, but also, this newcomer can really hurt himself if he's not careful.

"They will help regardless of team color. It matters little for the most part." He motions to the red hoodies they both wear.

"Ah..." Hythlodaeus considers for a moment, then huffs out a small chuckle.

"Before, my Sight was beyond what healers could match, let alone be able to advise with, so I did not think of that. But, perhaps, I should have someone who understands nearby, at least."

The only one close to matching his ability, and who far surpasses him in so many other ways.

But what does he know, about what people are in this gathering?

After a moment, he blinks, distracted by the last part of the comment. His eyes dart around, and he identifies that just about all such garments that he sees are in one of four colors only.

"Everyone here is... separated?"

The differences among them always would pale compared to all they had in common. The words lodge in his throat, somehow stopped by the thought that people here would separate themselves like so. Or allow themselves to be separated.

"It is far less strict than it appears. The colors signify team, but you are free to choose what team you go with on missions. Even not at all if that is what you choose. The Red Team tends to go missions which involve fighting."

Thanatos lets all that sink in. He always expects some objection, as often as it happens, so he continues. "We have others on the team who prefer not to fight and instead help with other teams' missions. They suffer no consequence from it."

Besides, they ultimately help each other out based on their skills. Thanatos still thinks how the teams are divided to be faulty even if Thanatos fits the criteria for the Red Team.

Hythlodaeus listens attentively and notes the information, though the curiosity is still a little tinged with uncertainty - even this is... different.

Then he blinks slightly and chuckles a little into his hand.

"It is not that I'm unwilling, but to assign me to that is a little curious - unlike my sight, my abilities to act are rather limited."

That may be put into question, as it may be that he is comparing himself to big guns, but it is his evaluation of himself.

"I believe the train's criteria for Red are those who single mindedly strive towards outcomes, and then the train assigns them as the forward strike force. So while the fighting aspect of the missions may not fit you, perhaps the other does."

That's the case for Thanatos at least. He is Death Incarnate, but he collects those who died gentle deaths. He is not violent like War. However, he does have a strong dedication to his role as Death, prioritizing it over almost everything. That puts him on Red. "I am Thanatos. I act as a point persons for information on the Red Team. There are those who would support you if you wish to fight or learn to fight, but again, it is not required or expected."

Thanatos will always assure new Reds of that.

"Ah, that part might be more fitting." It does feel a little discomfiting, to be perceived that acutely by someone not Emet-Selch or Azem, but it is less unsettling than an expectation that he feels will fail with certainty.

The introduction lets him focus on something else. "Hythlodaeus. I... suppose as newly brought here, that has to suffice." 'Chief of the Bureau of the Architect' is rather inapplicable, given that the bureau of the Architect has not existed in millennia, and certainly is not ... in this place.

"If you are of a mind, could you tell me what a point person for information does? It is possible that I might be of assistance, if my guess is correct, but I would rather not assume."

"I won't say no to more help. Right now, it's me and Elidibus filling this role." And it's entirely possible that both of them could disappear at the same time. It's happened on the Red Team before, and Thanatos really wants some stronger safeguards in place.

"I basically am there to provide information about being on the train, the mission, or relay new information from other teams to those participating on Red mission tasks. Our SCAs--" At this, Thanatos lifts his wrist with the device strapped to it. "--only communicates between those assigned to the Red Team, everyone, or individuals. If someone on Blue wishes to join Red for missions, they won't receive any messages filtered only to the Red Team."

It's a problem that Thanatos has tried to find solutions for, and right now, this is all they have.

"I also make sure they have healing items since we end up on more dangerous mission tasks. But... that's really it. I'm not a leader. Wouldn't want to start any kind of power struggle. I get enough of that from the gods of my world." And there are quite a few powerful entities on Red and the train in general, so the fear of sparking a mess of godly politics is real.

For a moment, Hythlodaeus stills, a soft, "ah... Elidibus is here" muttered - with respect and a certain kind of affection to the title, but then he focuses on the rest of the explanation, as it seems rather important.

"Mm... It may take me a while to learn everyone's color, but I might be able to tell when someone is in danger or separated and alone. Possibly, if the," he motions up, indicating the void, "whatever is out here does not interfere, I might even be able to tell if someone is not wearing one of these, and how to locate that person." His sight for the essence of things is extraordinary. Manipulating it he is abysmal at, but seeing? Not even Emet-Selch matches him.

"Would something like him be helpful?"

Huh, so Hythlodaeus seems to know Elidibus. That's interesting. Thanatos hopes it'll be a comfort rather than a problem.

"Color doesn't matter so much as long as you pay attention as who is doing what. People switch what task they participate in often enough." Like Zagreus who wants to stay near Thanatos and thus ends up doing Red Team things despite being on Blue.

"The Void has less of an influence when we're on a planet, so I think you should be able to. You'd still be a help even without it. If you want to be involved, I'll help you find ways. Elidibus too." Especially if they are aware of what each other can do.

Oh, not a problem at all. Perhaps eventually Thanatos will see that Hythlodaeus has a problem with very few people, easy-going and cheerful for the most part.

He blinks slightly, then shakes his head. "Ah, I did not mean these colors." He indicates the sleeve of his own hoodie. "I meant the color of everyone's souls. It will mean I can identify them at great distances - but also, it need not be a concern, 'tis as simple as meeting them to see that color."

A smile of relief at the reassurance about the easing up of the Void's pressure on them at times when abilities need to be used. "Thank you. I shall keep that in mind, and help as best as I can."

Hythlodaeus would probably get along well with Zagreus, who seems to get along well with most people who are not his father.

"I see. I have a similar awareness, though mine relates to death. You'll find that others on the train have various senses as well." Thanatos takes a moment to look at everyone on the platform. The general flow of traffic has started to move towards the train. Platform stops are short, and Thanatos had already spent much of his time reuniting with Persephone.

"For now, I think we better board the train. Staying on the platform only leads to death and resurrecting in the storage carriage." In a suitcase.

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A New Platform [Intro Post August]

aww

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