A New Platform [Intro Post August]

[voidtreckermods]

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PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)

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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.

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NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS

Comments

music car

[redprayer]

Two traits that Rezo has are that first, he’s a curious person by nature, and second, he has rather sensitive hearing. Thus, it’s while he’s passing through the lower floor of the music carriage he is able to catch the sound of someone playing the piano up the stairs. And he is curious enough to check it up.

Rezo heads upstairs carefully, trying to keep his movements light so that he doesn’t rattle the rings on his staff too much and disturb the piano player. He takes a seat on one of the low-backed chairs that occupy much of the upstairs space, and waits. And listens.

Once Haneul stops, whether it’s just to take a break or if he’s done entirely, he will be able to hear Rezo politely clapping.

Re: music car

[killer_rhythm]

He vaguely registers the sound of the rings rattling, but he's a little too into the music to register it as a sign of someone being here with him - something he immediately chastises himself for as he finishes playing and the sound of the applause registers. (And then he chastises himself for chastising himself, even as he does his best to not visibly startle.) "Uh... thanks?"

[redprayer]

As soon as Haneul speaks, Rezo gets his first clue as to the identity of the piano player: a young man, by the sound of the voice. (Being blind, Rezo can’t exactly go off what Haneul looks like.)

“You’re welcome,” Rezo says. He has a serene expression, even as he goes on to apologetically add, “I hope I am not disturbing you. I haven’t heard anyone using this piano in a while.”

[killer_rhythm]

"No, no - it's fine." God, he feels awkward now. "I'm glad you liked it."

Unless he's just being polite, which Haneul really hopes not, because he doesn't think his piano skills had gotten that much worse...

[redprayer]

“It’s always good to hear people making use of the music carriage,” Rezo says. Rezo himself hasn’t practiced any of his music-related skills in many years, even after arriving on the train. “Are you a professional performer, or merely a hobbyist?”

[killer_rhythm]

"Both, kind of. I'm classically trained in piano, but professionally I just sing."

[redprayer]

“Why is that?” Rezo asks. Pardon him, he doesn’t know a lot about the music industry, particularly outside of a high fantasy setting.

[killer_rhythm]

"The band I'm in doesn't need a second keyboardist." Though now that he's said it, he could see Josie attempting to wangle him into playing during a gig somehow. "But I took piano lessons when I was young and just stuck with it over the years."

Not that he's... not young now. But you know.

[redprayer]

Oh, he’s part of a group? That’s not a huge surprise, though. Most of the professional musicians that Rezo is vaguely aware of travel and perform in groups. He supposes it’s both safety in numbers and the ability to perform more complex pieces, even if that means someone doesn’t use their piano abilities.

“It’s good to have a varied skill set, isn’t it?” Rezo says. And maybe the opportunity to play will come up for Haneul someday.

“What is your name?” he asks. “I am Rezo.”

[killer_rhythm]

"Yeah, it is." Even if his isn't necessarily 'practical' the way his parents had wanted it to be.

...He really hopes they're doing okay.

Right. Introductions. "Haneul. Nice to meet you."

[redprayer]

"Likewise." Hmm. Rezo hasn't spoken to everyone on the train, not by a long shot, but he does occasionally look over the passenger roster and he doesn't recognize Haneul's name.

"Are you new to the train, Haneul?"

[killer_rhythm]

"Newly back. I think it's been about a year since I was here last? Not really sure." Too much time fuckery for him.

[redprayer]

That's a bit of a surprise, and Haneul should be able to see as much in Rezo's expression.

"I see. I have not spoken to many who disappeared from the train before. Although, I have only been here for about two and a half months."

He's not exactly a veteran, but he's well past the confused newbie stage at least.

[killer_rhythm]

"It's weird, because it's like no time at all passed for me while I was home, but it's definitely passed here." He kind of hates it.

"How are you finding life on the train so far?"

[redprayer]

As simple a question as it is, it’s a little hard to answer right away, as Rezo thinks back over the chaotic events that have occurred since he arrived.

“I cannot deny it has been very strange… And difficult, at times. It’s very little like the world I came from,” Rezo says. But a soft smile begins to spread over his face.

“But I have met some wonderful people here, and shared joyous moments with them. In the end, I’m grateful to have come here.”

[killer_rhythm]

"That's good, that it's been something you can be grateful for." Haneul's still not sure how he feels about it. "Even if it's also been difficult."