❪ 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

[exonerated]

Careful not to stray too far from camp.

[ --is Edmund's only warning, mild and careful not to sound too bossy. While the habit is hard to break, he tries to remember that he doesn't necessarily have too many subordinates here.

He doesn't quite notice whatever trick Merlin has up his sleeve just yet, busy with observing his surroundings. ]

You said that you've been hunting before. Is that something that you often did?

[politrick]

[Hopefully he's too busy to notice Merlin rolling his eyes a little, over here. He catches himself before he throws in a sarcastic "yes, sire," since... well, that would make it strange. Ah.

He clears his throat instead. Subtlety.]

Me, no. I watched. Came along to hold sticks and so on. I don't like hunting that much, if we're being totally honest.

[exonerated]

But you watched willingly.

[ Edmund turns to him thoughtfully. ]

Or were you obliged to?

[politrick]

[Merlin glances up, shrugs, and looks back down at the compass again. Working hard, not cheating, that's him.]

I'm the king's manservant. He likes his hunts, and I have "nothing better to do"...

[exonerated]

[ The first part of Merlin's answer doesn't quite surprise him; the second part makes him snort. ]

He sounds pleasant.

[ Neither Edmund nor Peter were ever that awful, at least he doesn't think so. He'd certain hear from everyone about it — animals don't exactly have brain filters, least of all the Talking ones. It makes for the most interesting conversations.

In any case, he watches Merlin looking at the compass, wondering what he's stalling for. ]

Need some help?

[ Teasing, but not unkind. ]

[politrick]

He's alright. Doing his best, you know. Needs a guiding smack upside the head every now and then, but who doesn't?

[Should he be dragging Arthur like this? Maybe not, but while he can get away with it, he's taking the opportunity. Plus he's distracted from his own words anyway, glancing up from the compass into the trees. If he focuses on the shortest path... works a magic muscle he hasn't exercised before... okay!]

No, I've got it. This way.

[And he sticks the compass in his pocket and marches off.]

[exonerated]

He sounds like someone I know.

[ Many a times does Edmund want to smack his brother Peter upside the head. Though, it's more or less because they're siblings, and a bit of sibling rivalry is a natural occurrence.

He follows Merlin, bemused and amused all at once, maybe a tiny bit impressed. But mostly he just wants to make sure that Merlin isn't leading him at some godforsaken part of the woods. ]

You seem so certain already.

[politrick]

Oh, er— Like I said, I'm a whiz at... tracking.

[Right, because they're tracking something right now and not just making a path. Shh. Just follow him, this is the best path ever taken.

He's changing the subject artfully:]

So you know someone who needs a gentle shaking sometimes? They're everywhere, aren't they?

[exonerated]

[ Real smooth. ]

If that's the case, then you must come hunting with us the next time. It's always better to bring someone that could track well in a hunt.

[ You brought this upon yourself!! ]

And yes, I agree. You could even be twice as unfortunate and have them be related to you — which is the case with my brother.

[politrick]

[But didn't he just say he doesn't like hunting... He makes a noncommittal noise, looking firmly ahead so the brief look of distaste that crosses his face is harder to catch. Ugh!! Barbaric.]

Your brother, well, that's just unfortunate. Makes me rather glad mine's only my king—only, as if it were that simple. [ha, jokes!! Anyway, maybe he shouldn't talk smack about people's families...] I haven't got any brothers or sisters.

[exonerated]

My brother is both. [ Twice the awfulness. ] But I have two other siblings — sisters, the youngest of which is much stubborn that the rest of us combined. He would enjoy the wilderness, but I think, like you, she would not enjoy a hunt.

[ He got a brief glance at that face — though it's more the noise he made than anything, that brought Edmund to this conclusion. ]

I do not enjoy it either, as one might believe, though I find it necessary.

[politrick]

[Oh - caught? That earns another noncommittal noise, although perhaps a little bit guiltier than a moment ago. He miiight jump to conclusions, habitually...]

I suppose if you're not making some kind of sport out of it, there's less harm in it. [People do need to eat? Just don't kill any unicorns, or whatever.]

They're up there, aren't they? Sleeping. You don't speak of them as if they're about to come around the corner.

[exonerated]

[ Hunting a unicorn is blasphemy! ]

I'd swear on it, if you like. And yes, my siblings are still asleep.

[ As are the rest of their acquaintances, Narnian or otherwise. ]

And I'd hazard a guess as well — you are either a very daring manservant serving a patient king, or he's asleep and has no defense against your quick wit.

[politrick]

[Wow, true!! If only everyone else knew that without having to do death-defying stunts to prove it. Anyway - he laughs lightly, shaking his head.] No, don't swear. I'm not trying to test you.

[It's fine, he has zero authority, why would anyone listen to him?? Besides being right all the time, but that's different. He's quiet for a moment after that, considering; he still feels the absence of Arthur and everyone else from Camelot like a hole in his chest and he suspects it won't feel better with time—but that's a bit heavy for tromping around in the woods, so.]

I wouldn't say he's patient. Now, a terribly deep sleeper, that's always been true of him...

[exonerated]

It's not his fault he sleeps, this time.

[ Peggy Carter did comment that Edmund is not quite one for small talk, and he never did dissuade the notion.

Nevertheless, their trek in the woods has gone deep enough, without any dangerous predator in sight, though there is a dirt road ahead, and it looks to be unused, as if no one has dared to venture this deep in the woods before. The road east, onwards to a new place beyond what the forest can provide them. Their purpose for the journey is complete, though Edmund would say, if pressed, that he does not dislike the company. ]

I believe this is as far as we can go, for the time being. I would not venture any further, or we might lose sight of the others. [ He slants a look towards Merlin, a quirk of a smile. ] Well done, my friend. Perhaps we can make a nagivator out of you just yet.

[politrick]

Hmm. [That's not wrong, but it's still... he's not bringing up the heavy topics, he's decided a moment ago and he'll decide again. The companionable brief silence is appreciated enough, so he can put those thoughts well away from what's here and now: this path, these new people, this new world to get accustomed to.

Look, he's found a road. A high accomplishment. He'd be the first to say it's just a road, it's nothing, whatever - but even that simple accomplishment makes him smile, looking down and away like he suddenly needs to adjust his sleeve because it's a little embarrassing. Praise!!]

I told you I'd get it. All thanks to your compass. [Barely, but.]

[exonerated]

Oh, I suppose it's the compass, and not my company, that's useful, [ he teases, tone of voice dry.

Though in Edmund's experience, compasses are hard to learn, unless they're a natural.... Oh, well! He throws that thought over his head, and smiles, jerking his head to the side. ]

Are you ready to leave? Or would you like to explore some more?

[politrick]

If you'll notice, I've been in the lead this entire time. [Merlin can do the casual teasing thing, too, don't doubt him. Even when he's making faces over a spot of praise, never mind that. Now he'll make a point to step around Edmund and put himself in the lead again. Hilarious!!]

While I'd love nothing more than standing around in the woods and freezing my legs off, we ought to head back.

[exonerated]

[ Oh, very. But Edmund takes this all in good-naturedly, and even dares to extend one arm as though inviting Merlin to take those extra steps before him. ]

By all means, my friend. Lead the way.

[ As much as it is against his nature, Edmund will follow, anyway. ]

[politrick]

[That's his cue to lead them back, unerringly on the same path they just took, without a single pause to check and make sure it is indeed the same path. He's just so good with the compass that he's not looking at.

Actually, he'll take that out of his pocket-] You can have this back. I've got it now.