❪ 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

yamagi

[eusford]

( from here! )

What are you apologizing for?

[ Crowley places an elbow to his knee, resting his cheek against his knuckles. ]

I don't need your help, you're completely right. From the look of it... I can probably break your spine just by flicking my finger, haha~ [ How is that a joke? Tune in next week. ] But being so negative is such a bore, you'll tire yourself out before real trouble pops up.

[cariad]

Do I at least get a name, mister "I can probably break your spine"?

[The truth is, he isn't totally wrong there. It's not as if Yamagi interacts with enough people outside his bubble to get used to them calling him out on his pessimism. And to think he's getting better...]

What do you think real trouble looks like? In regards to this place, of course. We've already been dropped out of the sky and we're going to have to fend for food any hour now.

[eusford]

Bloodsucker, that's what your kind usually call me. [ He's full of jokes, obviously, even if he's not laughing. ] There's also murderer and vampire, so pick which ever you feel most comfortable with. Crowley's fine, too.

[ A short pause, he shrugs his shoulder once more. ]

The apocalypse. The entire world set aflame, people dying left and right. The works. [ He gives the area a quick look around. ] No one's died, we don't have to make any graves or just mourn for the fallen while we move to settle somewhere else, so while it's not ideal it's not terrible.

[cariad]

[There's only one term here Yamagi's not familiar with, and the other two are not to dissimilar to his original environment that it prompts a shaky breath of laughter at first, a nervous tick, a bare whisper.]

You've left a terrible world behind, too, haven't you?

[The rest he can't dispute. He doesn't want this newfound freedom tainted by any more deaths or graves. And it's certainly not terrible.

But other matters are on his mind once he makes the connection between Crowley's identifiers.]

So, how does the blood sucking work, exactly? Physical alteration to your body or is it purely surgical blood drawing?

[eusford]

I guess so, yeah.

[ Humans are pushed to the brink of extinction, vampires have to rise from their underground cities in order to save the last of their food supply, and there's a revolution against just that going on by the humans they've now sworn to protect.

But that's not an issue he needs to concern himself about anymore. ]

Physically biting another person is the most typical way of doing it, but the latter works too. For awhile that's how we went about things. [ He brings a hand to his neck, his pointer and middle finger tapping at the side of his throat. ] But I prefer drinking straight from the source, that's how I learned to for the first... hmm, two hundred years? That sounds about right.

[cariad]

[Yamagi can't help but glance at the tell-tale signs of teeth sharp enough to break skin and extract blood, the sight not striking him as anything out of the ordinary at first. It's easy to take sharp teeth for granted when your own population has evolved with teeth sharp enough to handle the rough Martian food.

Crowley's definitely look sharper that he can't imagine him lying about their purpose.]

What an interesting survival mechanism. [His own heart races at the obvious conclusion to draw from this, not quite daring to ask if the blood is necessary for actual survival, or just an additional food source.]

However will you manage here?

[so he asks anyway]

[eusford]

[ With the amount of people here it's easy to get lost in the rhythms their hearts. Pin pointing a single person would require a lot of work that Crowley admittedly wasn't willing to put much effort in, but being beside Yamagi made the change of pace that much more evident. ]

Consent. I've come across kind souls who'd allow me to drink from them once or twice. But I have no problem making myself an enemy to humans here, too, it's just something I've adjusted to.

[cariad]

Once or twice? How many times can you do it over before it's considered unsafe?

[Yamagi's never been one to socialize at all outside his immediate circle during the private military days. And once all of that was gone and behind him, his occasional social experimentation has been small and measured.

This is an entirely new world to him, with very little consequences affecting his personal well being.

Beside the obvious matter of blood loss, of course.]

I'm sorry. I'm asking too many questions, aren't I? It's not every day you come across--what was the word? A vampire.

[eusford]

It's not like I'm drinking a person dry the first go around, though admittedly that's when you all taste at your best. [ He's had eight hundred years in the game he knows what he's doing by now!! ] Humans create more blood over time, we can't just drink from the same person again and again or of course they'll die and our food supply will decrease within a blink of an eye.

[ Though the apology earns a quirked brow. ]

I don't really care. It may be a little repetitive, yeah, but there's nothing to apologize for if you don't even know what a vampire is.

[cariad]

Well, now I know. Lucky me.

[Along with all the details he never thought one person could encounter in a morning. Whether it's useful to him beyond knowing what to expect should a vampire in their midst come for him, it remains to be seen.]

In any case, I still owe you for the sleeping bag. I'll remember that, if you ever need any help.

[eusford]

[ When help is mentioned it’s easy to narrow down what the younger man means, or at least in the perspective of a vampire. His disadvantages are numbered, enough to be counted with one hand, but there’s one that’s evidently needed for survival. ]

You’re willing to give me your blood?

[ Just to make things clear. ]

[cariad]

I was thinking of more along the lines of fixing your car, but since that situation isn't feasible here, sure, if you find yourself needing my blood.

[his own overpowering sense of curiosity will be the end of him, but after crash landing onto an alien planet with half of his deceased loved ones currently in sleeping pods, this seems one of the less surreal predicaments to have faced him so far.]

Make sure it doesn't kill me. My family is vengeful and they're all here.

[eusford]

I can fix my own car, thanks. [ He's actually a good mechanic, but it looks like he won't be proving it any time soon. ]

Are they human? Your family.

[cariad]

I always appreciate a man who's good with hands. [just goes to show Yamagi can't tell another mechanic by work stains alone.]

They're Martians, like me. We're non-Earth humans. [only a few traits differentiate them, but they're the same species all the same.]

[eusford]

[ So no real threat. Though it wasn't like Crowley was curious for that reason, he was confident enough with what he's seen so far that he'd easily best whoever these "vengeful" people were. Fortunately, however, he has no intentions of testing those waters. ]

So you come from a world where humans could even live on Mars? Color me impressed. [ He whistles. ] I wont hurt either you or your family.

[ Is that a promise? Unlikely. ]

[cariad]

Humans don't live on Mars in your word? [His tone is light, and despite the affected incredulity, he does wonder just how vastly different the places they were saved from are.]

I guess that's how it works out. You have vampires, we get the Martians.

And thanks. That's one less thing to worry about.