❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

[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 2 will be posted on JULY 18TH and PART 3 on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. 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 QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

why the heckie did I call him chuuya I want to die, this is what i get for doing all my tags at once

[sullenstallion]

We'll see about that.

[But what do those cryptic words mean? Dylas doesn't even smile back! Because he's an asshole, and also because he's never ever smiled, not as far as he can remember. He sort of regrets the offer already, because sitting with someone else while he tries to sort out his own thoughts sounds...annoying.

But what would the Earthmate do? They'd be helpful and pitch in everything they have, so he has to try, too. He walks closer to a log, shedding the robes off of him for a moment so he can move more comfortably.]

Alright. I've never done this before, but it should work. In theory. You, uh, might want to stand back.

[tub]

[ the "healer" comment actually manages to get a small, barely audible chuckle from him. something almost dark or insidious to it. the thought of a vampire being thought of a healer, or something akin to a cleric was fairly laughable to him, after all. still, he's quick to brush it off. as for the rest of her complaints...

he's not actually sure about which part he should begin picking out. honestly, the tone she speaks in and the propriety that's inexorably attached to each letter, words, and vowel... all pays reminder to a certain thorn at his side. his expression almost dropping entirely. ] ... are you done?

[ no, she's not, as he soon discovers. once she stops....

he actually waits a fair amount of time. almost as if he were testing her own limits for testing his. he remains perfectly still. almost still enough to put those in stasis to shame. basically— he lets her wait. her arm extended for a while. almost when it becomes uncomfortable or awkward, he draws his hand out, ready to finally receive her arm. the first thing she's likely to notice is the frigidness of his skin. but, before he begins he... goes back to one statement.

something to correct. ] Boy? [ how does she not lose track of all the "boys"?? ]

all stray dogs are grey in the dark

[gekkajuu]

[Oh... That sure is a tail that shows up from under that robe, isn't it? The man's appearances was a little unusual otherwise too, sure, but Atsushi doesn't even think much of that anymore. He's... seen stranger.

Why a tail still strikes him is anyone's guess. Maybe it just feels like such an obvious animal connection, not unlike his own ability.]

... All right.

[Standing back, it is. Atsushi has no idea what to expect, but he's pretty careful, making sure he's further away from the soon-to-be fire than the.... horse man? Let's call him that.]

[ofobedience]

[Giovanni discerns the other man's displeasure in the wake of his presence, but nothing about his bearing indicates that he cares. Instead, he watches the stranger's skid and scrabble towards the waiting pod, makes no move to close the distance between them or join in him the crater. Not yet. Instead, he maintains the position, hands on cocked hips and teeth bared in a smile, quite openly assessing. This guy smells human enough, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's nothing unusual about him, nothing to say with any certainty that he won't be able to rip the pod's lid from its hinges without any further assistance.

The heavy scent of molten metal in the air and the twisted state of the pod makes it clear that it won't be a simple task, though he's dealt with enough of these today already to be confident in his own ability to get the thing open should he need to. But for the moment his observations continue, right up until the point where the other man pulls out his gun, takes aim.

There's the sharp click of tongue against teeth in the wake of this, and though there's the small ripple of something like jealousy in him (his own guns hadn't made it with him from his own world, confiscated as they'd been during his brief capture and incarceration, something he hasn't had the chance to remedy just yet), it's not this that drags the sound from him. He raises one thin blond brow, wryly incredulous.]

I wouldn't do that, if I were you.

[These pods-- they're made of stronger stuff. He's quite sure the bullet will just ricochet, perhaps end up hitting one of them, and he isn't at all certain that this stranger would take the damage as easily as he would.]

this sounds really deep but i'm still going to leave forever

[sullenstallion]

[It is a tail. Without the robe obstructing it, it flicks to the right and then to the left before settling. His tail is as tired as the rest of him, and there's still a few knots and twigs he needs to untangle from it when he gets the chance.

And while it is also decidedly equine in nature, he would be directing what he's about to do at Atsushi instead if it were pointed out to him. He extends his arm, pointing it at the log, praying it doesn't explode...

...and electricity swirls around his arm for a split second before the bolt of lightning is shot like a laser at the dead wood. It doesn't explode, not exactly. It bursts into flames immediately, sparking everywhere and making a loud, obnoxious noise from the impact forcing it a few more feet away.

Luckily, it's a small log. When it dies down, they can probably use a stick to transfer the fire to an actual campfire made up of normal pieces of wood. But for now, it is warmth.]

Heh. That's not so bad, right?

[Some of the sparks have landed on his robe, igniting it where it lays on the ground, but he hasn't noticed. He's too busy looking proud of himself. Look at how his ears flick up!]

save a horse ride a weretiger tho

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi's eyes widen as he sees the electricity gather, and then he flinches as it's suddenly launched, moving the wood and setting it on fire. But clearly that's what was supposed to happen, isn't it? So there's nothing to worry about. Horse man knows exactly what he's doing.]

That's amazing! Is that your ab-... BE CAREFUL!

[Noticing the robe catching fire, Atsushi jumps right on top of it, transforming his hands into huge tiger paws so he can more easily (and more safely, though that's more of an afterthought) pat the fire and put it out before the robe is ruined. Fire is warmth as well, but any clothes are worth saving.]

oops forgot to put a warning on this thread (cw: furries)

[sullenstallion]

[And just as quickly as he'd managed to create a laserbolt of lightning, Dylas' smirk fades as the smell of burning fabric hits his nostrils. Those are his blankets, dammit, how is he supposed to handle his still slightly-damp clothes without something warmer over them?]

Shit! [And as he goes to stamp out the flames, he is quickly blocked by the other man throwing himself on the fire.] What do you think you're doing?!

[It's just robes! Panic hits him as he grabs the back of Atsushi's clothes, ready to attempt to fight him off the clothes until he catches the sight of giant paws patting out the flames and lets go. His tail lashes with more agitation as he steps back, clearly flustered. His entire body is frozen in confusion as he watches, save for his tail.]

What the... [How did he not notice the giant paws before? They're kind of cool, he bets they have neat claws. He sort of missed the transformation part] ...Are you alright? That was really stupid, what if you burn your ha...your...paws?!

for 76!

[enarms]

[ it's early in the day, all things considered: he's fresh on the ground, and pods are still falling. he's made his way out of the pod, but under his hands there's a fresh wound. a jagged piece of metal went unnoticed on exiting and John's left pushing half a torn-off shirtsleeve into the wound to soak up the blood. it's not a difficult wound to treat, not really, and it's less severe than the blood might suggest, but without the right equipment it's all he can do to sit here and plug it.

frustrated, John casts his eyes about for anything within reach, anything that might have come out of the pod... there's nothing within reach. what there is, heading past him en route to somewhere else, is a man. ]

Hey! [ a call to get attention, and then: ] I'm bleeding. I need sutures, bandages, wadding. Something to clean the wound. If there's nothing around, a makeshift bandage will do.

[ it's a clear list, practised rapid-fire, full of intent with little room for politeness: there are a lot more pods left to fall from the sky today, and he knows full well he's got to get the hell out as soon as possible if he's going to be any use to anyone at all. ]

wow that's species-ism

[gekkajuu]

[They do have lovely claws, as it happens. Atsushi doesn't use them nearly as much as he should - let's not think too much about how he always punches people when that must make the claws into his palms - but they're there, and deadly enough should he choose to use them that way. Fortunately he would really rather not.

Finally the flames are out, and Atsushi breathes a huge sigh of relief. Maybe that's a little exaggerated - the flames were so tiny, he might as well have put them out with his feet - but he panicked! It could have gone very wrong.

But it didn't. So... everything's fine.]

Ah... [Looking a little sheepish as he realizes that his paws must be quite a shock, he quickly transforms them back. Just normal hands now; no more furry Popeye arms.] It's just my ability... transforming into a tiger.

Sorry if I worried you. [By his actions, he means - but also sorry if he scared the life out of you. You know. Just a general apology for existing.]

[vacuum]

Oh. Are those good for burning? [ He's never actually had to start his own fire before, so he doesn't know. Chuuya lives in a modern city and rarely has to worry about finding enough heat. This is really a topic he's completely clueless about. ]

I was planning to kick the trees down. [ ?????

It sounds ridiculous now that he says it, but that truly was the plan. He sees nothing wrong with it either. ]

[vacuum]

What about it was unsightly?! It's branded, you know! [ Not that that means anything anymore now that the company that made his hat has been destroyed. It probably wouldn't have meant anything either way, to anyone but him. He could kick up a bigger fuss, but now he's racing against time to get his hat cleaned before the vomit stains it permanently. He starts storming in the direction of the nearest stream, grabbing onto her wrist and pulling her along. ]

You're washing it for me, since this is your fault!

look, if the giant paws and cat puns fit..

[sullenstallion]

[Everything is not fine.

Something about this feels weird to Dylas. He exhales a loud sigh, his body relaxing. With one hand on his hip, he regards Atsushi as if trying to come to some sort of decision about this. Fortunately, it's not the weirdest thing he's ever seen. He used to be a unicorn, so he's not phased by the paws, just by the other animal-man's personality.]

You can...transform back and forth, then? [He just saw it happen, but he asks anyways.] You didn't worry me, I just...thought you were weird, throwing yourself all over my robe like that.

[That's a pretty bold-faced lie. Dylas had sounded worried, had even prepared to throw Atsushi off. He rubs his neck, breaking eye contact to look back at the unsupervised log.]

Your ability's kind of cool.

the princess chuuya prompt ig

[steelettos]

[ it's common sense that when you're flying and dodging malfunctioning pods and saving people all at the same time, the last thing you need is to be distracted by— let's say, a hat being blown away by a pod hurtling towards the ground. chances of being hit by another pod hurtling towards the ground is pretty large.

or well, at least, just debris falling from the sky that can effortlessly knock you out.

(yes, let's just go with that prompt!)

all of that combined is a recipe for lenalee to zip across the sky, catching a possibly (??) unconscious person right into her arms. like a princess. said possibly unconscious person is surprisingly light, but that just might be her boots giving it all to support her and her new hand carry.

safe! is probably not the best thing to yell right now. ]

A, are you okay?

[ she should get him somewhere safe, right? maybe to a medic of some sort to check his head? ]

[strictdiscipline]

I've been told as much.

[ Not necessarily heartless, but cold and unyielding and rather cruel at times. (None of them lies in any way; there'd been reason to shut herself off in her childhood and adolescence, and necessity in ensuring others did not walk all over her.) Though it seems she's not quite as cold as he is, literally. She frowns at the cool touch of his skin.

The last (nonsensical) question's brushed aside, ignored in favor of a question of her own. ]

Are you cold? Is that why you're here?

[ Perhaps he doesn't have a sleeping bag of his own, but he gives no sign of even noticing the chill to his skin. ]

I'd make a cat-that-got-the-cream joke but I might get banned

[gekkajuu]

Well... I thought it would be a waste if it went up in flames. That's all.

[That, and the whole "let's not set ourselves on fire and die, after everything we've survived", but. Details.]

Oh no, please! It's really not very good, for an ability.

[He waves his hands incessantly, as if they might make all undeserved compliments float away by force. It's so awkward, getting compliments when he knows he doesn't deserve them.]

Anyway... If I may ask... Is your appearance an ability, too? The tail and such.

[strictdiscipline]

[ This whole situation is nothing but serious to her but—her shoulders relax half an inch and she dips her head, accepting of Ermes' reassurance. ]

Very well. I'll keep that in mind.

[ At which point she turns to go, only to pivot back on her heel once more. ]

Does the sticker replicate every part of an object, including what's inside? [ She pulls out her gun in clarification. ] Would it copy the bullets inside or just the gun?

[vacuum]

[ It's like he can feel each little crinkle on his precious hat. Each fold of the fabric, ruining its shape. It hurts to watch. And that order for him to beg? It makes him livid. ]

You're a dumbass if you think 'Finder's Keepers' actually means something. It's the opinions of the strong that matter.

[ What does that even mean, and where is he going with this train of thought? Chuuya advances closer, then decides to start tackling Shu into the ground, wrestling him for his hat back. ] So I'm going to beat your ass if you don't give me back my hat!

hay now, it's a bit too early for that

[sullenstallion]

I woke up like this one day.

[While Dylas' voice is deeper and more monotone than his lively appearance might suggest, there's even more to his tone when he answers. There's finality to it, an urgency that suggests he's not willing to talk about it.

It's complicated.]

Either way, I appreciate it. I don't know if I can go back and grab another set, and my pod dumped me into some mud. [His clothes do look like they've seen better days; he's cleaned them out as much as he can, but that only goes so far.] I owe you one, Tiger.

[He grabs the robes off the ground and inspects them. They're still good. He dusts them off and opts to hold them, moving over to the log and checking to see if the tiger is still with him here.]

[vacuum]

[ That's a philosophy he can get behind. It's not the point he's trying to make though. ] True. But I mean -- We wouldn't usually give alcohol to the raccoons back in my world.

[smithandwesson]

.... Fine.

[It was good enough of an answer for him at least, and far more genuine of one than the whole 'I'm here to help everyone I can in any way I can' excuse most people would have otherwise thrown at him. The defensive tone was fine with him as he was practically used to receiving it. It meant that she was just as in edge as he was about all of this. It was probably the safest reaction he could receive.

Perhaps that was why, cautiously, he found his hand parting from the gun he held in his pocket.]

You're a mess.

[It was meant to be a blank statement more than an insult, though really it could be interpreted that way. His body shifting as he ruffled through the stack of leaves he was previously laying on.]

[ruffboi]

Hey now, I wouldn't think you were offended. No one wants a bunch of strangers asking personal questions about you being a goat man.

[But he's much more interested in this beast thing.]

Okay, here's what I'm thinking. You're saying you're all different animals, and some are big but some are smaller. But my thing is, generally, I do usually tower over regular goats, most of the time? So I have to think most of you guys are going to be pretty towering.

well open up buddy, because it's time to look a gift horse in the mouth

[gekkajuu]

I... see.

[Always sensitive to atmosphere, Atsushi certainly isn't about to push the topic. It's not strange anyway, not wanting to talk about stuff like that... God knows Atsushi himself had had a rough time of it when he'd first discovered his ability. And he'd been lucky enough to be surrounded by helpful people then, too!

Being called Tiger that way - without any sense of prejudice, unlike the times Atsushi has been called it before - gives him a strange combination of feelings: something like pride, but also the definite sensation that, whatever good implications are in the term, he doesn't deserve them. He isn't the tiger anyway... Not really. It's just a part of him.]

Atsushi... My name is Atsushi. And yours is...?

[ruffboi]

I'm not going to steal from my friend, bro. [Bro, because, despite their closeness, he hasn't asked Junpei's name like a complete rudeass.]Anyway, when it comes to real danger, I'm sure he's going to continue to let me use it? So I guess I can't complain too much.

Wait a second. [Letting go of his shoulders, but he's just had a breakthrough.] I see what you did there. You said I should steal it to shine a window onto my own selfish attitude. And you're so right! I should be grateful for what I have, and not resent Taako for being Taako.

[ruffboi]

Nah. It's magic. If it was here, I'd show you. But the gist of it is, regular big ass battle ax, only enchanted to cut down any tree in a single strike. Now, to be honest, in my line of work, I don't find that many occasions come up where I have to chop down a tree in a single strike, but when you need it, you need it.

[Warming his hands against the fire and blowing on them.]

What about you? You strike me as a man who can appreciate an enchanted weapon. Got anything cool you left back home?

[smithandwesson]

I take it the mighty head-voice didn't introduce itself to you properly when you first woke up?

[Really, the only reason that Sanzo knew as much as he had was because he was a paranoid asshole. He made sure to be as reluctant and questioning as possible when Darma first came to him in his sleep. After all, he never trust anyone who forces their way into his headspace.]

At least that's what I think it calls itself.

[Sanzo scooted up, trudging his way over to the fire to turn the bird, allowing the other side to cook.]

Any luck finding supplies for yourself? Or are you just as ridiculously useless in dealing with the outdoors as ninety percent of the people out here?