❪ 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

[heraldsdawn]

[ The kind of magic that would brand him as an evil apostate in some circles he assumes. He's just not so sure he can get behind Terra's nonchalance. He's dealt with enough armies of Red Templars and demons to know things could always get worse even when things seem fine. But, Terra brings up a good point about the station. ]

That's my concern. I want to know what it is and if it's coming our way. The more information we have the better off we'll be. [ He really doesn't want another Haven on his hands. He's pretty sure there's no man made Avalanches that we'll save them if that's the case. He looks back to Terra, an inquisitive look coming to the Inquisitor's face. ]

What kind of magic? [ because the more the better in his opinion. ]

[earthy]

[Terra makes a quiet, thoughtful little 'hm' noise in his throat.]

Definitely agree with you there. We could do with more information. [A lot more information.

He's surprised Lavellan invites further discussion of their powers, but sure, he's willing to go into more detail.]

Mostly just elemental spells. Fire, ice, lightning... [Darkness.] Earth and wind. [Darkness.] Some other spells like healing, too. [Also, darkness.

So not bringing up darkness. The Keyblade's unique powers aren't getting a mention, either. No one really needs to know the huge key is good for more than just smacking enemies around...]

And your magic?

[heraldsdawn]

Maybe we'll find a library with all the information that's ever existed. Maybe even a manual on how to kill the Storm. [ That's a joke but he can dream, can't he?

He listens to Terra list off his magic, combat is great but the healing magic is what catches his attention. ]

Good, good. We may need more healers. [ Who knows how much of a shortage they have on them. Since Terra was willing to give his abilities up it's only fair he does the same.]

I'm a Knight Enchanter, but my magic mostly focuses on Lightning. I have other defensive spells, within the ice school and spirit.

[earthy]

[Terra has never in all his days of wielding the Keyblade considered himself a healer, but he finds he can't argue the designation now. He has healing magic so, for all intents and purposes, he's a healer. Of injuries, anyway. He should probably make a point of addressing the limitations of Cure before somebody falls ill and people start looking at him expectantly.

But Knight Enchanter. A knight who's also a mage? Sounds a little like a Keybearer. Minus the key. Or maybe it's just the title they called mages by in Lavellan's world.

The lightning specialty is good to know. Lightning, ice, and... something else?]

Spirit?

[Are we talking actual spirits here? Does this guy command an army of ghosts? Forgive him for imagining Lavellan surrounded by small, floating sheets with cut out circle eyes.]

[heraldsdawn]

[ Disease was another matter entirely, but that's not really on his mind for the current time being.

The short elf looks back over to his tall companion, looking at the eyes through the visor as they walked. The question is not without warrant. Common people barely understood magic at home, or even it's school so he's not even surprised when someone from some distant realm is asking. ]

It's meant for defense. Creating temporary magical barriers, stunning your foes. Bringing consciousness back to injured allies. That's really all that there is to it.

[earthy]

[Ah. His ghost army theory shot down just like that. Terra suffers a twinge of embarrassment with dignity.]

I see.

[The description of this spirit school reminds him a little of light, actually. Magical barriers and all that. So many different people from so many different worlds with so many different powers. How many of their powers overlap in some way? Maybe there's someone else here who uses darkness in some form...

Maybe. And maybe not.

Terra lapses into silence at that, mostly keeping to himself as they search for patrol recruits, his focus flitting between Lavellan, the people around them, and the treeline in the distance with all its shadows.

A while later, he just kind of stops. He stares down at the ground for a moment then looks to Lavellan's back and calls out to him, a strange sort of confusion coloring his voice.]

You're all right, aren't you?

[heraldsdawn]

[ Sorry, that's only reserved for high tier blood mage casters and he is no blood mage.

He remains silent most of the time, with no small talk being made, the young elf remains silent as well. He keeps an eye on everything around them, already mentally drawing up ideas for defense and other battle plans if need be.

He keeps walking ahead up until the point he hears Terra's question. He turns, seeing that he just left the younger man a few paces behind him. Lavellan in turn gives an odd quizzical look.

Where did this come all of a sudden? He can only answer back in confusion; ]

Um, yes? I mean, as good as someone can be having been dropped from the sky hours previous.

[ He turns fully back to them, arms folded. ]

What brought this on?

[earthy]

[Terra shifts in place when Lavellan turns to him, sliding one foot back, almost scuffing it against the ground.]

I don't know. [He replies honestly, his eyebrows knitting together. He shakes his head and tries for a better answer.] Losing your world, everyone else losing theirs.

[He breathes out a soft, humorless 'heh'-]

Getting dropped from the sky.

[That sure doesn't help anything. Terra's shoulders lift in a slight, powerless shrug.]

I thought I should ask, that's all.

[But then he's looking back to the woods, staring off at nothing. It only takes him a second to come to a decision.]

You've got this covered. I'm going to go look for food and water. People shouldn't have to patrol on an empty stomach if there's anything we can do about it.

[heraldsdawn]

[ Ah, that. He remains silent as Terra gives these words to him. Definitely he knew how he felt about it all, but it was no time to be open about his own feelings. Not to strangers, not when everyone was looking to someone to help lead. There's a small frown as he answers: ]

I'll be fine, don't trouble yourself with how I am.

[ But it looks like it seemed their conversation was ending. ]

All right, I'll meet up with you later and we can go over patrol again later.

[ So, he'll just approach and hold a hand out to them.. ]

It was nice speaking with you.

[earthy]

[Terra watches Lavellan evenly, a hint of doubt in his expression, but the look soon passes and he reaches over that hand held out to grasp Lavellan's shoulder. The big brother supportive shoulder grab.

He has no idea Lavellan's older than him.]

I'm glad we've got you to help figure things out, Senren Lavellan. I'll be back in a while.

[With a firm nod, he turns and heads off, trekking into the wilds under the pretense of finding food and water.

(Several hours later, he'll return empty-handed. He'll be awfully itchy for a while after that, though. Don't drink the water, guys.)]