❪ 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

[agradecido]

[For a second, he's taken aback, unsure whether Rhys is kidding or not. A screwdriver. What kind of tent is he picturing, that would need a screwdriver?]

I don't know about you, but I'm not intending to put up a permanent residence.

[Ssssstill, it's probably best to clarify. Politely.]

I meant the rope, please, by your right foot.

i couldn't resist

[rhygret]

[ Rhys comes from an era where you just digitally construct things into existence okay, he's never pitched a pent outside of his pants in his life before. ]

Oh. Right.

[ Of course, duh. Rhys looks down and retrieves the bit of rope, moving to hand it over shortly after.

It's pretty much only then that he notices the slight point to Zevran's ears and he stares a little, wondering if that's like a biological thing or if he is maybe looking at some sort of elf in Grecian God form like dang. ]

...Sooooo.

[ About pitching that tent ]

heh heh heh

[agradecido]

[Yeah, that's super weird, bro! Like, poofed like magic, or...?

Anyway, he takes the rope with a friendly wink and a smile and looks down to start threading it through the eyelets. Of course, it doesn't take but a moment to feel the way Rhys' eyes linger and soon he's looking back up from under those long, blond eyelashes.]

Yes?

[He knows what effect this will have, and he's going to amuse himself as much as he can.]

[rhygret]

[ Look okay, Rhys has to know. He's been seeing more and more stuff that's like, right out of his old Bunkers and Badasses books. The Maybelline hey and eyelashes definitely put his ex girlfriend's to shame but it's the ears that Rhys stares at a little more than he strictly ought to, and When Zevran looks over Rhys winds up bringing a hand back through his hair. ]

Oh--n, nothing. You know, just...thinking.

[agradecido]

[Andraste's holy nipples, could this guy be telegraphing his attraction more blatantly?It's flattering and hilarious in equal amounts. Time to turn it up, like the horrible troll he is.

Still kneeling, he starts playing with the rope in his hands like it was a strand of hair, eyes locked on Rhys', still smiling in an almost exaggeratedly seductive way.]

Now you have me curious, Messere. What is it you're thinking about?

[rhygret]

[ Messere. That sounds exotic? And he doesn't mean like in that creepy "exotic" sense or anything, just the really cool "oh that's a strange word, wonder where it comes from" kind of way.

The charming smile and gestures of course don't go unnoticed, and Rhys feels both a little put on the spot and flattered. It's been a long time since anyone's actually showed interest--besides Sasha. He hopes. Thinks? He's not she she's entirely forgiven him for the whole "Ruling Hyperion" thing. ]

This is going to sound weird [ Just to get that out there ] but your...ears.

They're kinda pointy.

[agradecido]

[Goodness, this nerd. Like he's never met an elf.

OK, he probably hasn't. But still. Nerd.

He looks down again, going back to the eyelets, the smile still tugging at the sides of his mouth.]

Elf ears tend to be.

[rhygret]

Ohohommygod, I knew it. I mean--ahem--that's. An elf huh?? Never would've guessed. That's-- [ w h e e z e ] How is that?

[ That was marginally better than the word salad and creepiness he'll heap onto Senren later, right? He kept his fanboy levels almost moderately adequate.

Sort of. ]

[agradecido]

[How...is that? How is that? How is THAT. You know, he could spend an hour mulling over those three words and trying them in different inflections in his head and they would make exactly as much sense as they did the first time, so he's...not even gonna try to parse that.

So it earns a raised eyebrow and a shrug, Zev spreading his hands in, well, confusion? Thank you for being less creepy than you will in the future.]

How is it being a human?

[rhygret]

[ Oh my god we don't talk about his first meeting with Lavellan okay????? ]

...Nnnormal? I guess?

[ Yeah. Rhys gets how ridiculous his question was pretty fast. but he can't help it alright, he's in total fanboy mode right now over meeting an actual living, breathing elf in the flesh. ]

I just, eheh...s-sorry. I've never actually m-met. Um. And elf before.

[agradecido]

[Ay, you're the one bringing up future-timeline stuff over here, Mr. "I'm a fan of elves."]

And conversely, being an elf is normal for me. [He smiles. It's a pitying smile.] I'll choose to take your enthusiasm as a compliment. You've heard much of us?

[rhygret]

Only in...in fiction, and I know that sounds weird but Elves totally don't exist where I'm from.

[ Did that come out a little fast? It may have come out a little fast. ]

You really only seem them in books and games and stuff...

[agradecido]

[Give him a moment here. He folds his arms and covers his mouth with a fist, staring up at Rhys from under lowered brows. He looks away for a moment, processing this concept, then takes a deep breath and looks back.]

And yet you knew me for an elf on sight? Is it just the ears?

[rhygret]

Yy...essss? besides the--uh, the. The good-looking part.

[ Pointed ears are pretty much the number one physical feature elves have to distinguish themselves from humans in most fantasy lore. Does it have pointy ears? Is it hotter than you? PROBABLY AN ELF.

Rhys is also going to pretend that he didn't just foot-mouth himself on calling Zevran good-looking even if he didn't meant to totally do that. ]

[agradecido]

[He smirks, honest to god smirks.]

Yes, it would be those qualities that humans focus on.

[rhygret]

Wh, why. Is that--is that weird? I mean I'm just repeating what the books say so...

[ Sure you are, Rhys. Sure. ]

[agradecido]

Simply common, at least in my experience.

[He isn't going to lay the whole "it's part of the reason you keep us as slaves" thing on him yet, it's only been like, ten minutes here. Maybe next week.]

Still, that anyone should know anything of elves without having met any is quite curious. Perhaps we did before, and those were the elves that your people tell tales of.

[rhygret]

[ Oh my god he's going to feel so bad when he finds out about that????? Like really, really bad... ]

Well technically I think you guys were made up by...uhh...humans? Couple hundred years ago back before everyone did the whole "going out into space!" thing that they...did. That thing.

[ When they left Earth behind for greener pastures. ]

I'm not sure they ever actually existed.

[agradecido]

[And it's gonna be like, why? You didn't do it. Relax. Abelas hates you for a totally different reason.

Don't mind him while he snorts in disbelief at that.]

Which is stranger: that elves never existed but humans from your world managed to imagine a people like them, or that we were there once and simply no longer exist?

[It's Occam's Razor, except...In this one situation the most logical answer is. Wrong.

And also it's probably not known as Occam's Razor on Thedas.]

[rhygret]

[ Or Rhys's, tbf. ]

...The first? [ WHAT IS LOGIC ]

People have come up with all sorts of things and technically...technically we're probably from totally different universe. I'm sure there's one other there where humans are fictional and elves are real. F, for the record.

So far it's just humans and...really awful aliens inside Vaults.

[agradecido]

I think there is no "probably" about this, considering I have no idea what either of those things are. And were I to start telling tales of the Grey Wardens or the Blight or dragons you would likewise not know what I was talking about.

But regardless, that would be a very, very strange coincidence.

[rhygret]

Ohhhh my god wait wait, are you saying dragons are a thing where you come from too??

[ Zevran you have just made his fanboy day. Rhys lights up like a kid on Mercenary Day...mostly because he has no idea how awful those things are where he comes from. ]

[agradecido]

[Ugh, WHY, tall human, must you get excited over one of the top 5 worst things about Thedas? He holds up a finger in reprimand.]

Yes, but don't get excited because they're all terrible.

[rhygret]

[ If Rhys ever met one, rest assured their allure with dry up pretty fast. And he's obviously trying to curb his enthusiasm here but...failing a little. He knows logically they're probably as bad as Varkids or Rakk Hives but...still. Dragons, man. ]

Well yeah sure, I mean. Dragons. Big, fiery, probably could bite you in half...

[ Rhys doesn't sound the least bit upset with any of these things. ]

[agradecido]

Yes, sometimes yes, and the little ones might. They don't all breathe fire, however, sometimes it's ice or lightning.

And the very largest ones wouldn't even bother biting you in half. They would simply swallow you whole.

[He's trying here, man. He's trying real hard to make this sound as terrifying and unappealing as possible.]

Fortunately, most people never see one up close. They're quite lucky in that.