❪ 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

[adelphoi]

Me? Well that's just not fair, you can't speak, so I can't ask you about your world. I don't suppose you can write, can you?

[ alisaie chuckles quietly, and continues scratching, deep into that warm white fur. it's so plush, nice and thick and warm. ]

But my star was called Hydaelyn. My country, Sharlayan.

[ and yes, she misses it with a deep, fierce ache. ]

[illuminating]

[Oh, dear. Well, hopefully, if this new friend ever does discover she can write in calligraphy, if necessary, and even type with extremely, careful, slow deliberation, she won't be too sour with her. Writing and typing is almost too near to talking for her to feel completely comfortable with it, and if she is to do her best to communicate with mortals, she'll always prefer answering prayers and painting. Speaking, obviously, is out of the question.

Not only because this physical shape hasn't the proper vocal structure for it—she does have a language, but because for a long time now, it's simply come to be that ordinary people cannot hear gods. There was probably a time that she tried to desperately talk to them, but her memory's fuzzy on this. She understands, now, though. It leaves room for her to prove herself, and for them to come to their own conclusions, without force, making their belief genuine, and in this way, mother and children of creation help each other.

It's a nuisance at times, but it all works out.

And, of course: Issun. If he awakens, he'll be really sore that Amaterasu didn't leave the describing of her and her home and the celestials to him, of their adventures, it's his duty after all, and she'd be remiss to rob it from him.

The names Alisaie shares of her star and home country are lovely to hear. Wolf next to her whines softly in encouragement, wiggling on her belly nearer like an earnest child. She licks her palm briefly as means to apologize for being unable to share about her own home, but then nudges snout under her fingers as if trying to coax more out of her. Though it could look like she's simply pestering her for attention, wanting to listen to her is the real meaning hidden in this typical gestures.

She hasn't to share everything if she doesn't want. Maybe one or two things, scraps for when they visit each other, or her favorite parts, or anything really. Or nothing. Amaterasu's just as content to visit in silence if it's what she prefers.]

[adelphoi]

[ she might be mildly sour, but only a little bit, and more than likely it would be swiftly forgiven. it feels.. odd, is all, to speak to someone who cannot speak back. alisaie isn't used to being the chattier side of a conversation; in contrast to her twin brother, who, gods bless him, does not know when to shut his trap, alisaie has more often than not kept her counsel.

not having any real friends helped that along, too.

and that's changed, within the last few years, of course. she's found comrades, people she's close with, she's found herself and it's made it far easier to learn to communicate with others, to open up. even still, she's awkward about it. ]

Are you really that curious?

[ a quiet chuckle, and alisaie scratches a little lower, into the wolf's ruff, where the fur is plush and dense. ]

Well, Sharlayan is a country of scholars. Learned men and women whose duty it is to chronicle the ages, to watch the world turn in all its politics and tragedy and joy and make a history of it, but to never interfere.

[ she sighs. ]

My grandfather interfered. So, I followed him, and interfered as well.

[illuminating]

[While she cards fingers and talks, wolf kind of slumps into place, emitting the occasional content murr, almost wholly still, save for one ear or the other fluttering idly from tickling night air.

The reveal of her grandfather, and then her, opting for interference is something grave, and she shifts to gaze up at her in attentive, though quiet listening. It's a painfully difficult thing to choose not to interfere—and she's done that, and chosen to get involved, whether she ought to have or not. It helps to know what's coming before it comes, but this sort of perception has been newly blocked from her.

What could have happened to drive Alisaie and her grandfather to make this choice, did interfering bring a favorable outcome? Things turned out well, didn't they?]

[adelphoi]

[ well, yes and no. certain things were overcome, but more hopped up in its wake - the downside of being an mmo character, the world is always in peril, one enemy after the other, an endless string of threats. ]

It's been.. a long journey, since.

[ lapsing into silence, alisaie's gaze grows a little distant, her thumb gliding errantly back and forth across the tip of the wolf's ear. ]

It was difficult, at first. I couldn't understand why Grandfather left me, how he could care more about some distant realm than he did about me. And when I arrived there myself, I saw only small-minded people living small-minded lives, squabbling and bickering like children. It took me a long time to realize just what it was that Grandfather gave his life for.

[ a heavy sigh, and alisaie smiles, weary but sincere. ]

People are.. complicated, aren't they?

[illuminating]

[Yes.

She wishes she could say that to her, as acknowledgement, validation, reassurance. People do a lot of things she'll never understand, and plenty she's wished in the past they would stop doing, but humans have the right and freedom to make up their own minds, and so in some ways, there's little she can do to sway them. But it's a hope she strives toward, convincing them to see the benefit in the good or right thing.

And at the least, she works to drive the real evil away, diminish its influence.

Complicated or not, however, she believes people are inherently good and get lost along the way. Pain makes people rough and guarded and mixed up.

Small, quiet whimper, meant as sympathy, nudging her palm with cold nose, and then wolf tenderly gnaws at her hand—a way to draw her back into the present. Trying isn't ever for nothing, it's something worthwhile, is what she's thinking and feeling, and internally assuring, with whine-grumble, flopping paw on her lap.]

[adelphoi]

[ it's a heavy topic, especially after a long day, and difficult to talk about when she's down here alone, her brother still asleep in his pod so far away, along with everyone else she calls family. it feels lonely, and terrifying, though she's too proud to admit it in the moment, and it makes talking about home and her grandsire that much more painful.

so it's here that she'll stop for now, with heavy eyelids, her fingers still working gently through the wolf's thick fur. there's something about a companionable animal that's so much more comforting than any two-legged humanoid could ever be, even if she can't help but feel that there's more to her than meets the eye. ]

But, alas.

[ with her free hand, she scoops up some more blackberries and pops them into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. ]

We should rest soon I think, pup.

[illuminating]

[Initially, she had planned on a short visit (there are so many refugees, after all), but not after all this. Rather than get up, give her fashion of well-wishes, and be on her way, she scoots back into a sit, tilting in to pester Alisaie's cheek and ear with heartening, slobbery mom kisses.

She will stay with her a little longer. It shouldn't harm anything for her to doze next to her for a short period. Wrapping up her nurturing first by grooming girl's bangs and forehead, then carefully bumping furry noggin against hers in quietly assertive, firm affection. She steps away after, moving around the place she found herself to sleep, and drops next to it, groaning lightly as she shifts onto her side, blowing out a little note of satisfaction.

Licking roof of mouth while settling down, she's already got her eyes closed, all ready to stay with her until Alisaie manages to fall asleep herself.]

[adelphoi]

[ it's impossible not to laugh at the feel and fervor of those slobbery kisses, and the way she snuffles in her ear; alisaie makes a sound like a soft squeal and ducks away reflexively, but she's smiling and ruffling her fingers through that thick mane nonetheless. the attention to her bangs leave them damp and messy, likely looking rather silly, but she seems not to mind.

once the wolf curls beside her, though, warm and comforting, alisaie feels herself exhale a sigh she hadn't known she'd been holding.

it's an easy thing to lean right into it. alisaie isn't terribly big, and the wolf is quite large, so she fits against her easily, nestling into that warm, furry side with her cheek pressed to the wolf's ribs. warm and safe, it'll be all too easy to doze this way. ]