❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE -- the overflow.

[natha]

THE PROLOGUE     Your sleep on the night of the 15th is not a restful one, unfortunately. It’s unclear whether you are in a state of half-wakefulness, or dreaming. The voices you hear certainly sound very real. What is it, Sael? —Is everyone asleep?! Every one, yes. Sael, it appears you do not have good news to deliver...? N-No! I don’t know how it slipped past us, but there’s something powerful coming this way. Something hostile. I can barely keep the core systems online! ... I don't know what to do... I see... and we cannot protect Thesa and Alria in addition to transferring the Refugees to Olympia. This force, they waited for this moment. They knew I have been Intervening, and that I have become weak from such Interventions— ... We've been had. It cannot be helped. To save the Refugees on the Stations, we must eject the awoken unto El Nysa. My remaining energy shall go into shielding Thesa— left defenseless, every being we have saved on this station will perish... Sael, where is the ideal location for the landing? Hmm. There aren’t any people within a ten mile radius of The Outlook, and there shouldn’t be any for a few more days. I think that’s the best location right now. Very well. Instruct Zasere and Roman to begin preparations for an emergency eject. This is the only way we can save everyone. I am counting on you to ward off the enemy on the space front. The rest... is up to our Refugees. The alarms are blaring. It shouts against your eardrums, calling you to wake again. This time, you are in new pod, strapped down completely and cushioned tightly against the walls. In truth, you had no idea when you’d gone to sleep, but it is reminiscent of when you had been saved from the force of the Storm. A voice greets you when you come to, while the conversation between Darma and Sael is still fresh on your mind. Despite their voices playing like an old tune in your memory, you still know it is something that happened. Something has gone terribly wrong. You hear Darma speak, her voice loud in your head. Fellow Refugee, I wake you with regrettable news. A force equal to our own is attempting to engage Thesa, no doubt to steal the souls contained here. My energy is near depleted with this last Intervention, so I cannot send you to the grounds safely as originally intended. However, there is hope yet.This power shall instead shield Thesa and Alria — and believe in me when I swear no one shall be hurt. Your loved ones are safe with us. —Unfortunately, that is at your expense. Your descent will not be an easy one. This pod that contains you shall pierce through El Nysa's atmosphere and land you on an island west of Olympia, simply called The Outlook. Travel east. Find the West Outpost, then continue east until you find the Olympian North Gate. There is a method to this madness. You shall be sent in waves. The inhumanly strong shall be first. The parachute will soften the landing, but I am aware of all your capabilities. The first wave will survive the drop, and will work tirelessly to secure the others. Find your bearings, and ensure the safety of the second wave. They are the healers and medics. Catch their pods, ease their landings, make certain that they shall not be harmed, because you will need them for your wounds. The third wave are your strongmen. They shall help clear the debris and take people to safety, making way for the fourth wave, those can conjure magic to help. Bring everyone to a safe distance. A supply drop will follow soon after; it shall contain tents and tools that will be useful for the long night. The fifth and sixth waves are largely vulnerable humans. With your combined efforts, you shall survive this great misfortune. Forgive us, Refugee. Leave the Moons to us, my promise to you is still in tact— focus on what you can do for others like you. Helping at least two (2) Refugees will earn you one (1) Natha REP. Threads must be AC length to qualify, and can be submitted HERE by JULY 31st. THE DESCENT     FIRST WAVE. The instructions are clear. Those who are a part of the First Wave should be equipped with physical strength and fortitude to survive the drop or the power to regenerate and heal their own wounds. While the pods are already designed to cushion some of the impact, as this is the first group, it will likely to be the most jarring. In all of the waves, some of the pods will malfunction and offer no cushion at all. They will be expected to quickly find their bearings. Their mission isn’t simply just landing, after all. The first wave will be expected to help the next wave, and the wave after that. Whether through their abilities or brute strength, they will be expected to help soften the landing for those who are falling. They will also be expected to pry open hatches, carry people to safety, and to just... survive. It’s not always easy being first. SECOND WAVE. Within the next hour, it’s time for the Second Wave to make their descent. You were selected based upon your aptitude for healing and/or being able to administer first aid. Perhaps you can help the tired and weary. Maybe those who have landed have have strength, but no stamina. Either way, it may be unwise to exhaust all their abilities at once. The night is long, and you may want to conserve their energy for the next waves to come. At least you’ll have help in getting settled. THIRD WAVE. Akin to the First Wave, the Third Wave will possess some durability, and some manner of strength, making you a reliable ally. Especially in a time of crisis... Or so we hope. While the landing is tough, and some of you may need first aid. As soon as you’re all healed up, you’ll have no time to dawdle. Your help is required. “Please help those still trapped in pods. Carry those unconscious to safety. Lift debris, and rescue all you can.” May be a vague message still stuck in the back of your head. Something whispered to you while you were just waking. Well, might as well roll with it. It’s the best shot you have, after all. FOURTH WAVE. Those in the Fourth Wave, as Darma projects, were selected due to the versatility of their abilities. No one expects one man to do the same as the next. Rather, that’s precisely the point: to be different. To be able to accomplish something unique. While one individual may be blessed with powers that assist in putting out fires, another may have the ability to shield those from oncoming debris. Maybe one even has the ability to channel all of these. Regardless, it’s up to you and your quick wits to see what tasks are open. It’ll take some coordination, especially as there are more people mixing into the fray, but, you can do it, can’t you? FIFTH WAVE. If you are in the Fifth Wave it is likely that you have a specific power or ability. One that isn’t easily channeled or called upon. Or, perhaps, you were merely placed here for insurance. Whatever the case if, your expertise will presently be put to the test. Maybe you’re quite proficient in survival skills, and you’re already eyeing the supplies that were dropped between the Fourth Wave and now. Goods all ready to be salvaged. Okay, maybe some can’t, but as they say, “it’s the thought that counts.” Besides, the injured from earlier certainly need a space to rest, and camp isn’t going to make itself. Regardless, maybe you feel more comfortable joining in the efforts to assist those who still require it. Whatever it is, you are sure to find your place and use. Darma obviously held the same faith. FINAL WAVE. The Final Wave is fortunate in a variety of ways. With Thesa Station a bit more stabilized, Darma utilizes the last bit of her powers in insuring that these last remaining pods are met with the softest landing, right beside the fifth, that is. The fragility of life is nothing she is unfamiliar with, after all. Still, that isn’t to say nothing is expected of you. Most of the individuals that have dropped earlier will likely be exhausted. An hour stretched between each one, makes several hours for the first couple of waves. They'll need a place to relax. You will act as the final group of helpers. Settle into whatever role feels best for you. Are you an excellent cook? Great at rationing supplies? Perhaps, you have a secret skill in ______ that might come in handy here? Or, maybe, despite the gentler landing you still managed to get hurt. The sky's the limit, and you got this! Meanwhile, in the distant kingdom of Olympia, the Empress and her loyal subject discuss matters late into the night... I’ll have the results of that dragon toxin study ready for you soon, Your Highness. I just need a few helpers to— oh wow, is that a meteor shower? Oh yes, it appears so. How beautiful.. hehe. Let us thank Thesa for this blessing. GATHER YOUR BEARINGS     All in all, the descent lasts for nearly seven hours. After the deployment of the last wave of refugees, it’s only natural that you may be feeling pretty worn out. A. Within the remains of the pods, Refugees will find basic camping supplies such as small tents, sleeping bags, and compasses. Not all of the supplies remain intact, thanks to the impact of the crash. But, sharing resources will ensure there is enough for everyone to rest for the night. Can you really in good conscience leave that stranger next to you without shelter? B. Although you may be tired after such a life-threatening ordeal, there is still work to be done to ensure your survival. Fortunately, it works out because now there are plenty of empty hands. There are stray debris and metal parts that should be collected and disposed of. There's firewood that needs to be collected, and campfires to upkeep. The nights in the Outlook are particularly chilly, and so it will be imperative to keep warm! C. Your clothes are tattered or too bloodied to sleep on with comfortably. Fortunately, Darma thought ahead. There will be various types of clothing provided, mostly robes that resemble her own in earthy tones, all to help them camouflage you for your next big adventure. FINAL OOC NOTE     This INTRO event will be broken up into three parts! Please keep this in mind when plotting your threads/tag load. PART 3 Will be up on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. We will not provide an additional CAPTCHA for this overflow. Players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals in the event this overflow gets close to CAPTCHA. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. The NETWORK is currently down, as Sael must concentrate all of his efforts on warding off the invading force. Characters may still message each other's personal IC inboxes. Submit two (2) AC-eligible threads from this log for one (1) Natha Orbiter REP point here by JULY 31ST. Recommended Listening: Alex & TOKYO Rose PART ONE | PART ONE (overflow) | PART TWO | PART THREE QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

- Alisaie

[ofseraphim]

[ continued from boop! ]

[ What's important doesn't start or end with him, though -- that's as true in this world as it was in his last. So, really, she--...

...pardon him, he's a little distracted by the crystal, green eyes wide, utterly spellbound. ]

Is that... some kind of healing stone?

[ As a history buff from a magical land, he's heard of stranger things, of course; but to see one in person? It's. so. cool! Man, he wishes Mikleo was here to see this! ]

[adelphoi]

[ .. don't interrupt her chiding, sorey!!

he's really quite enamoured with it though, isn't he? alisaie glances down toward it, mildly bewildered, because to her, it's really not much. the crystal itself is actually several crystals, one large and several smaller, inlaid in a casing of silver, and it hovers benignly over her palm for the moment, quiet and innocuous. ]

A healing stone? No, not in the sense you are thinking. It's only a crystal. A conduit for my own aether.

[ofseraphim]

[ aaaa he's sorry he promises!!

To her, it might be mundane; but to Sorey the super-nerd, it's way cool! ]

Your own aether... [ He's parroting aloud while watching the item hover. ] So does that mean you have your own healing powers?

[ This might be the part that trips others up, but to him, this would be more the mundane piece. After all, Sorey himself used to have healing powers as well, until he arrived here. He might wind up being secretly a pinch jealous that she got to keep hers, for whatever reason. ]

[adelphoi]

Well.. yes, and no.

[ she shakes her head, thoughtfully. ]

My brother would be more well suited to explain, but.. aether is something like life energy. It's in all things, including living creatures, and it can be channeled and shaped in different ways. The crystal helps me accomplish that.

[ they're quite useful, crystals, and on hydaelyn of course they were in great excess. alisaie is quite used to them. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ She doesn’t need to explain more than that, really. When it comes to this type of stuff, Sorey is nothing if not an apt pupil. ]

I get it! [ And he’s enthusiastic about that, leaning forward with a bright and eager expression. ] We have something similar where I come from.

[ Though it’s not quite so tangible, and, sadly, Sorey’s more accustomed to the darker side of it -- the darkness that blights the light, so to speak. It’s part of a Shepherd’s duty to help purify that threat. ]

[adelphoi]

[ that's no surprise, life energy is life energy, whatever it's called, and whatever world it hails from - that he should know of something similar enough makes sense. ]

But - hey! You're distracting from the point, you know.

[ SHE HASN'T FORGOTTEN.. clearing her throat, alisaie sits up a little straighter. ]

Ready yourself.

[ because the vercure, it's coming. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey chuckles sheepishly and rubs at the back of his neck. What can he say? He's easily distracted when it comes to these things! ]

Sorry -- I didn't mean to!

[ Back to the task at-hand, Sorey. Stay on topic for the next 30 seconds at least, please.

Swallowing, he stiffens some. ]

I'm ready.

[ For what, he can only speculate; but he doesn't get much readier for the unknown. ]

[adelphoi]

[ it's really not anything special - the crystal glows and spins, aether flows bright around her fingers with invisible wind, and the spell washes over him within a few seconds, a warm rush. she's simply learned not to throw spells at people willy-nilly without permission, is all.

alisaie's admittedly not terribly good with healing magic, but vercure is simple and easy, and should chase away any lingering aches, refresh his energy and close any small scrapes or cuts.

satisfied, she drops her hands again. ]

Better?

[ofseraphim]

[ He can’t help himself -- even if Sorey’s not supposed to look, (she didn’t say as much, but even if she had), he’s too mesmerized by the spinning of the crystal to avert his eyes. Or even blink, really. He’s seem similar things back home, sure, but this is no less cool for it!

And, as a bonus, it legitimately does seem to help, even if he doesn’t quite notice exactly how effective it’s been until everything ends, and she inquires.

Gently, Sorey checks himself, patting down his arms, over his chest. There’s no pain. ]

Much better! Thank you for that. [ He looks sheepish (again) for a moment. ] Guess you never know how much you need something until you get it, right?

[adelphoi]

[ he's really quite invested, isn't he? it's entertaining to watch, and certainly flattering, even if it's a very simple spell, and one she's not very good at, to boot.

but it seems to do the trick, he's looking a hair better, and seems pleased with the result, so she's content. ]

Indeed. And people can be stubborn when it comes to their health.

[ ahem.

not that.. she isn't just as bad, honestly, it's all the more reason to harass people about it, she knows exactly how it can be. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ He knows, he knows -- he resembles that remark. Sorey shrinks some, rubbing at the back of his neck sheepishly.

Which, on that note, hey -- that doesn’t hurt anymore! Well then. That’s a nice added benefit, too. ]

With that kind of ability, I bet your help is really invaluable.

[adelphoi]

[ he looks contrite enough, which seems to mollify her for the moment, so she smiles and leans back, exhaling slowly. ]

Mm, well only a little. Comparatively, I'm not very good at healing magic, my brother is much better, and other healers I have known. But it's decent in a pinch.

[ she's more the stabby stabby sort. ]

omg MOLLIFY. what a great word!

[ofseraphim]

Seriously? [ He tilts his head slightly. ] You could've fooled me!

[ Now now, Sorey, don't go incriminating yourself all over again by making comparisons to how bad you felt before she healed you...

There's a sort of sudden shift of conversation before that can happen, luckily. ]

You have a brother? Did he--... [ wrong verbiage! ] ...is he here?

HAHA it's a pretty good one yeah!!

[adelphoi]

[ it's all right sorey, if you were seriously injured you'd see the difference. alisaie isn't a terrible healer, but those skills have never come to her as easily as others, so she must work harder to accomplish them.

thankfully, scrapes and aches and bruises are nice and easy. ]

He's.. no.

[ she says, hesitantly, and lifts her eyes to the sky. ]

He's still asleep.

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey's expression turns markedly grim. His head lowers some, chin nearly to chest as he offers with complete sincerity: ]

...I'm sorry.

[ He'll put a hand on her shoulder there, calm and consoling. ]

I'm sure he'll wake up soon. Just keep believing in him.

[adelphoi]

[ the touch is surprising, and that's clear enough given the mild surprise on her face, but his concern is.. entirely genuine, that much is absolutely clear. ]

I certainly hope so. [ she says, at last. ] Though the longer he stays up there, the more savagely I can tease him about it once he finally comes to.

[ for every cloud a silver lining. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey gives a patter of sheepish laughter at that. ]

Sounds like something a friend of mine would say.

[adelphoi]

[ she can't help the smile that quirks her mouth. ]

Glad to remind you of a familiar face.

[ always happy to be of service. after a moment she stretches her arms out before her though, with a tired sigh. ]

I suppose it's about time to get some rest..