❪ 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

[luxuriant]

What, like bandages? These little things are a piece of cake.

[After plucking the last shard of glass out of himself, he focuses and casts a first aid spell. Sparkles and all. The scratches and cuts fade away like they were never there.]

See? Good as new. [But it's hard to keep even his obnoxious smirk on his face when pods are still falling around them. He frowns up at the sky, and then back to Chuuya.] Did a shrimp like you seriously arrive in the first wave? You're not hurt, are you?

[ascertain]

Humble before my pizza-changing abilities and apologize, and MAYBE I'll give you a slice of eatable pizza!

[ Lambda, stop being this extra? What the fuck. ]

Repeat after me, 'Lady Lambdadelta, this is the sauciest, most delectable magic pizza I've ever seen. I am honored to put it in my mouth.' Only then will I let you eat it!

[noctsout]

[ Laughter is also what whooshes out of him at this certified, bonafide Prompto Experience^TM, woe be Noct to be the recipient victim to such a hardship.

Hugs are appreciated, but noogies? Not so much. Hand off the hair, man, and the way in which Noct throws off their center of balance by squirming backwards in tandem to Prompto's tackle is all that it takes for them to go down in a heap of limbs, his balance toppling as the back of his foot catches on some badly placed debris or another in a fine reenactment of a comedy routine. Arms go tight around Prompto with all the sentiments and repeated apologies that Noct knows better than to say (not here, not now, given this chance to feel lucky for once, that he'd found a friend so soon) as they go down alongside alongside that huff(-slash yelp) of laughter, and-- great, it's all great, except for how it's both laughter, balance, and his lungs that go out in a whoosh, leaving Noct to wheeze in what reeks of kingly dignity and grace.

(Because there's no words, nothing tangible that he can grasp and argue to feel than the simple, blistering joy of how it feels to see him, alive and warm. Unhurt. Anxiety had been a poisonous thing when Noct had left his friends behind to that hoard of daemons with nothing but faith to keep him going, but then there'd been the Crystal, Ardyn, and then waking up to Darma's voice, speaking of how Eos had perished by the way of the Storm, and, it's just. It's so good to see him.)

By which he means oof. Oof, Prompto, let him live. ]

Yeah, no thanks to that crash landing.

[ If the words have to come out in small, punched out notes, well, Noct's-- not complaining about it, busy as he is in shoving playfully at Prompto's shoulder. Glad to see you too. ]

How long was I out? [ You know, before said landing. ]

track four, side b. IM SORRY BIJOU ......

[pappio]

[ Months of roadtrips have prepared for this very moment; Gladio's pretty good at getting fires roused to spark, whether the wood's too damp to work as tinder or there's not much of a spark to blow into the kindling. He's got one roaring to life in the pit when tragedy strikes, and then he's just craning his head slant-wise to catch a glimpse of the guy who snuffed it out. ]

The hell? [ The canteen's more incriminating than anything. Funny that the guy doesn't just whip it away and conceal his transgression, but far be it from Gladio to get the logistics of dousing the flame over perceived danger. ] Just don't stick your hand in. Didn't anyone ever teach you that?

[ Not that he's any better, sitting on a rotting log that's bound to catch fire from its proximity to the pit, but he's not injured enough to be able to crawl away in the case of a freak accident. Still, he has to take some pity on the scrawny guys (especially this kid, who fits more of Noct's physique, skinny limbs and some kind of doe-eyed look to him), so Gladio haphazardly gestures at the bundle of sticks just to the right of his visitor. ]

Hey. Hand me those.

[ So he can restart the fire. Of course. ]

[melodiouspacifist]

[He was a man who liked being a surprise and used it to his advantage. He'd manage if he had to, not that he wanted to.]

Darma, I guess. [He hums, was it that important? He didn't know.]

Materia? No. [Demyx grabbed ahold of one of the pods and began to pull it towards where Loz wanted the pile.]

Comes to me naturally. It's my affinity.

[cacoethical]

[Dirk's shoulders slump. If it were only his capacity to take care of himself that were under question, this would be rather less humiliating. He's thoroughly accustomed to people casting (entirely warranted) aspersions on that. It's just that... well, in spite of it all, under the circumstances, he'd rather like to be seen as someone who can maybe be relied upon. Someone capable of contributing. He's only rarely found himself faced with a collaborative effort to which to contribute, and awful as all this is, the idea of carving out a niche for himself, the idea of actually helping seems mythical, magical. Impossible, so it could still happen. Theon's dubiousness, on the other hand, makes it look merely improbable, which Dirk likes the outlook of a great deal less. The impossible, he is wont to say, has a kind of integrity the merely improbable lacks.]

Yes, please.

[There's another, equally less savoury thought arising here, one Dirk pushes down because it gives him too much room to forgive himself: maybe he'd know how to erect a tent if he hadn't spent so much of his life either trapped in a cage or running from that cage. Black Wing had never been particularly interested in imparting survival skills in him. On the contrary: the more dependent he was upon them, the better. But it's been sixteen years. Sixteen years, and he refuses to dwell, or to look away from the fact that he probably could've learnt something about how to put a tent together in all that time.]

Only if you wouldn't mind. I'm sure I'll get it eventually.

[It may even be serviceable when he does. May.]

[vacuum]

What are you talking ab -- Oh. [ This might be the first time he's seen a healing take place, and Chuuya watches a little stunned. Such powers were rare in his own world. Only Yosano Akiko could heal, and he's heard rumors that the payoff for her healing came largely unpleasant.

The momentary astonishment on his face is quickly replaced with an irritated frown at the jab at his height. ] Oi. [ His sharp tone seems to imply that Zelos should be more careful with his choice of words. ]

Like I could get hurt over something so minor. I'm strong, you asshole. [ He did get hit in the front by exploding debris earlier, and he has to hold his chest a little when he exerts himself, but he's not going to tell Zelos that. ]

[ascertain]

[ The praise puts her in a positive high, glad to hear someone finally appreciating her. Most people know right off the bat not to feed the gremlin, but the rare person who is impressed definitely earns her smile. At the same time, this is mostly a game to her-- establishing her demeanor to others right off the bat. ]

I know, but then I'd have to build it... easier to do simple things instead.

So anyway, who are you? I gave you my name, but you never gave me yours.

[ She steps into the air effortlessly, floating around and sizing him up. ]

[otiosity]

[Hawke opens her mouth as if to argue a technicality and then shrugs.]

You know... I actually argue with that logic.

[fakers]

[ why you like this.

see, that question would actually put archer on the spot, if he wasn't a lying liar who lies alot. so, without even a moment's hesitation, he chuckles before replying. ] Of course. Like I said, only a fool wouldn't. [ i mean... he does care about his life, he just mostly cares about finding some weird cosmic loophole that will allow him to end it.

no luck so far, so here he is helping weird lazy dudes with no regard for personal space get into tents. ]

While I'm not trying to rush you... [ twitch. ] I'm fairly certain you could have made it into your tent without... whatever this is. [ what are you touching right now shu, kya. archer is a pure maiden, please do not despoil him. ]

[ascertain]

[ Her ears pick up on the groan with a subtle twitch.

It's nostalgic! Kind of like being read Goldilocks and the Three Bears when you were younger. In this case, Goldilocks had dark hair and there was only one bed, but that doesn't stop her from soundlessly entering the tent by floating and watching him take a nap.

Soak it in, Akira. It's really comfortable. The most perfectly fluffed pillows. A warm and soft comforter. Even the temperature inside is more mild than it is outside.

And suddenly, Lambdadelta is yanking on his cheek. ]

YOU-- How dare you?! This is a private tent! You're trespassing!

[hoboish]

[ Wisely squints. He'll have to take care of that dirt later. But as if summoned, the biggest eye in the middle of his forehead seems to slide forward and focus on the other hard. ]

... Those are my eyes.

[buraiha]

Just Oda's fine. [ this oda-san thing really doesn't suit him, he finds. he's not anybody who deserves that level of respect, so as far as he's concerned, atsushi's wasting his breath. and his explanation: ] I read a lot.

[ survival skills aren't the sort of thing you learn just by reading a lot of books, but back when oda had been half-heartedly considering moving out of town with his kids and going somewhere rural, he'd done some research. some of it came in handy. some of it never will.

the camp itself is a better learning experience, all in all. he's learned a few new things already just by observation. whether if it'll come in handy or not is a completely different matter, but he figures he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it.

the chicken wings are pushed back in atsushi's direction. ] You'll probably end up learning more than I do, provided you keep your energy up.

[illuminating]

[They're for her, convey neck sticking out an inch, tilt of head, ears flickering once. Or, it's an attempt to convey this confirmation. She gives her what can only be a smile through amber eyes, and slowly inches herself down to lay, tail swiping over the earth. Expectedly, her gaze wanders to everyone else, or gravitate to the woods, while she waits for her to eat. The furry appendages on her head swiveling or twitching at far off sounds. Constantly pressed to keep track, but by her settling, it should be clear she's contented herself to visit for a little while.]

[luxuriant]

Hah! Then why was I the one doing all of the work in that simulator?

[He wasn't. In fact, he tried to avoid doing as much work as possible. He steps back over to the pod, trying to peer around it to find out where everything's kept, but—]

Hey, hang on a sec, this thing's smoking! [It's honestly going to burst into even more flames any minute now.]

[ascertain]

I'm teaaaasing. I'd never touch a beetle heart in my life.

[ Maybe not to eat. ]

Witches tend to favor sweets. Tea, cakes, ice cream, macarons. That's because we hold most of our meetings like that... pff, the look on your face though. But since that's a little sugary for a human, I rolled out ordinary human food. After all, you're all doing searches and rescues and things like that! You need fuel.

[ Because Lambda is not helping, nope. ]

[luxuriant]

[What the?! At that movement, Zelos leans far back, his arms lifting a little to try and separate himself from this multi-eyed weirdo.]

I... think you've got a few extras.

[jewelling]

[ Good thinking, Ann. Rin had no intentions of picking a fight with someone who was on the point of breaking. In fact, she had hoped that her blunt words would be considered somewhat “useful” and guide her in some way.

There was no shame in crying, basically. ]

Exactly. You have no reason to feel ashamed. You’re pulling your own weight, so no one is going to pin the blame—[ She pauses, startled by the girl’s change in direction. There was a quick glance down at herself, double checking to see if there was any notable bumps or bruises on her body before answering her question.

A single hand waves the girl off. ]

What!? No! I landed safe and sound! [ tsuns. tsuns. blush. blush. ] That’s not what I came here for!

[ Once again, she came here for your persona. But… ]

Healing isn’t exactly my forte, but I can assist in other ways. I’ll take on the minor injuries, the old fashion way, while you focus on the more serious ones?

[ Certainly, there were first aid kits nearby, right? ]

How does that sound?

[illuminating]

[Just little communicative grumbles, rather than full on growling, but she gives her a short, sharp whine. Then eases herself to lay down on the floor, only to stick her neck in, nose twitching while she tries to determine if there's something down there to help the girl climb out, how far down, and so on. The boards creak under her own weight, and she hurries up to leap out of the way, a few small pieces clattering to the lower level.

The worried girl below might see the curve of her tail, held horizontal behind her, vanishing from the hole as the animal moves away, but it ought to be obvious that she's still on the floor above by the sound of her claws clacking against the old wood, or the sniffing of her nose, a few sneezes interjecting when she inhales dust. Shortly, there's a tumbling of boxes, and a moment later, a thick old rope is being dropped down to her, wolf holding the other end in her mouth. To be honest, she's not sure if this is suitable, but they could try, unless the girl below has another idea?]

[refashioned]

It ... honestly hadn't crossed my mind that we weren't both speaking the same language. [Her steps slow for a moment, eyebrows pinching together. The more she tries to leave behind creepy conspiracy theories, the more they keep cropping up. Veronica would like to think that they were saved from a catastrophe because at least they could ... bypass a lot. But it's clear that whoever saved them is pretty powerful.

And not in the way she used to think of power, which once meant: has lots of money.

No, it's definitely a different kind of powerful.]

Do you think it might have something to do with that dream we had? I don't know about you, but outside of the occasional lucid dream, I don't remember everything I dreamt about. But that stuff? I remembered it.

[valcurie]

( She laughs anyway, just a bit of course, a quick chuckle she raises a hand to stifle, for when she hears Niflheim, she thinks of the frozen realm of Norse mythology. She's Swiss, not Nordic, but she has had some passing interest in the mythology. Her own suit bears the name of the mythical harbingers of Valhalla: valkyries. There's a part of her that wants to ask him if he's ever meet a real one, but she refrains for now. )

Hmm. Well. You didn't tell me exactly how you impressed them, so I wouldn't say you're too bad. Gloating is awfully unattractive.

( For a few moments she just walks in silence, her head down and maybe her weight leaned a little more heavily into him, though he might have noticed before that her step was becoming stronger and surer the more distance they travel. Meanwhile she keeps putting one foot in front of the other. )

Yes. ( A candid answer now. She looks up at him again for a moment, searching for his eyes if she has to behind that shaggy hair. ) Even if I wonder why I bother sometimes. If someone is harmed, I'll help them to the best of my ability. Someone has to.

[underwhelms]

Yeah, you need help?

[ Because he's a total Millenial with no sense of manners, JJ's already got the phone that they'd been provided with out, unable to go more than five seconds of being idle without pulling it out. Hopefully Chuuya is happy to lead the way, because JJ's only glancing up every now and then to ensure that he doesn't walk into a tree. ]

It's been a while, but I can't probably put a tent together no problem. Like riding a bike.

[ Then, he stops, looking over at Chuuya with a baffled expression. ]

Unless you can't do that either?

[lushly]

[It's always been the easiest way to focus, following the needs of a mission. Not that she's strictly been given orders, here, but the needs have been falling down in waves since she was pulled out of her own pod. Thinking only of getting them all open, making sure the people inside are safe - it's better than having the time to dwell on any of the other things she could be thinking about.

By now she has a basic understanding of the pods and their design. Enough that, climbing over to the next still-sealed one, she's quick to begin etching runes over the door's hinges and latches with her stele.]

If you can hear me, stay calm and try not to move.

[Voice raised enough that she knows it can be heard through the pod's exterior - if the occupant is conscious.]

I'm going to get you out, but there's going to be some loud bangs first. Just stay still and they won't hurt you.

[melodiouspacifist]

He appreciated the yank because it was a little awkward to get out of the pod. He stumbled a little and caught his footing, holding himself upright. The odd familiarity would have to wait on a backburner, considering the situation they found themselves in.

"Magic? Yeah." Demyx smiled a little. "But I'm not sure how much help I can be. I can't catch the pods, but I have water. I can put out fires."

Do you need a nap, priest?

[illuminating]

[Unvexed, she waited a moment to make certain the fire took (she might've needed to gather more wood, after all), before her eyes lifted to his, utterly serene save for a touch of curiosity. Black nose twitched at the gun pointed at her, gaze sinking to it, but—

Right, he asked her something! And up to focus on him, solely, her eyes went, lower teeth unhinging with simple wolfish smile. Same as everyone else, she gathered. Whatever had put him on edge, she hardly seemed concerned, dropping to sit on one thigh, lifting other hind leg to scratch a little at the side of her belly, and her head turning from him completely to let those fur-packed radar dishes on her head listen out to the rises and lulls of conversation, some laughter in the distance which sounded somehow both relieved and uneasy. Nothing urgent, but these senses call to her naturally, and satisfied that everything was fine for now, for the third time he'd receive her attention again.]


(re:tenses!!: sob, i feel you!! please let me know if i need to edit my own tenses at any point.)