❪ 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

[ladya]

[ Lowering the bowl from her mouth, she places the empty vessel to the side and rubs her mouth with a side of her hand. Aranea hesitates before introducing herself. Distracted by his first line, said with such ease and informality that the lack of shame actually catches her off guard, she acquiesces to his request. ]

It’s Aranea. [ Feigned scrutiny bleeds into her expression, beginning a (somewhat) feigned demeanor of highhandedness. ] And be grateful. You payed less for that than most do, prince charming.

[frizziest]

[ unless it's Mementos, there was no real use for Makoto to tote Akira around on Johanna. not only would everyone else be left behind, they had Morgana to stuff themselves inside of. now is an opportune moment where he could safely enjoy the ride without abandoning the others. to say he is smiling is an understatement. ]

Sounds like an excuse for me to hold onto you.

[ oh, what? you didn't hear that over the roar of your Persona, Makoto? wait, what do you mean this thing doesn't roar? that's half the fun. he wants a refund.

he's hugging onto her tight enough to make her breath sharply, so she should know he takes her advice to heart regardless. it's not even because he is teasing ― he is legit surprised to find out fast she can take off on her girl. goodness gracious. ]

I'm fine. It's a good thing I don't bother doing much to my hair, though...

hahah thank you!!!

[ruffboi]

Geez.

[This ol' spooky jerk giving him the stink eye isn't enough to throw him off his game. He shrugs helplessly, and goes back to following him.]

We'll just see how it turns out.

[idealog]

[ It's not the first time 9S has pulled his eject and roll stunt, but it sure as hell doesn't feel good this time either. He groans, his pain sensors flaring up on all sides. None of his systems are critical. He wants to laugh though. Of course he's okay.

But this woman sounds genuinely concerned for him. He's had allies and friends among YoRHa and the android resistance, and might grudgingly admit some machine lifeforms liked him, but this person was a total stranger. It's kinda nice.

He sits up gingerly as his body runs emergency checks. ]

I've been better.

[ And there goes the pod, a fiery wreck nearby. He might not have been able to get out of there without severe damage to himself, with no parts and nobody versed in repairing him. A little surface damage and pain is worth dodging that. ]

Whew. [ He shakes his head. ] There were system malfunctions when it tried to deploy the parachute. I couldn't fix it, so I hacked it open so I could escape.

[burglarize]

K-Knock it out! Be serious!

[ He's too teasing sometimes. It makes her cheeks puff out a bit and eyebrow furrow downward. It's bad enough that she has to slink around in her catsuit to do anything productive, but the teasing just boils her blood. She's too tired for it. :( But, she doesn't let anger overwhelm her. He doesn't mean anything by it. Akira's always been there for her — for their friends and it's about time she just tries to lead on her own. This was her first step. ]

You got what you were given. Carmen can't do much more than what she's doing now... We got seriously screwed when we woke up. [ SIGHS. ] Don't be too harsh on yourself, okay?

[ Preach to your own choir, Ann. ]

...But is it even edible...?

[punshots]

[ Look, he's not one to judge! Appearances can be deceiving.

Prompto's mouth screws up thoughtfully. He's never really had to explain how a camera works before. Back home, everyone just knew. He turns the camera so Lavellan can see the back side of it. ]

Sort of. Photos can tell a story without any words, though. At least, if they're any good.

[ Which he isn't about to say his are. He's the last person to tout his own skill. ]

[ruffboi]

[Running after him! It's literally a race now, because he's very determined to maintain his rep as the guy who rushes in.]

Hit the barriers, research boy. They're coming down fast.

[earthy]

Water. One of the only elements that doesn't lend itself to the Keyblade. At least, not in its liquid state.

"Well, we've got plenty of fire," he glances away, across his shoulder at the small fires burning here and there around the landing zone. Blizzard isn't a great option for dealing with them: the last thing rescuers and healers need right now is a bunch of slippery patches of ice to be watching out for while they work. Earth is a little better, summoning boulders smothers fire nicely, but he has his hands full with all the pods falling. Water should be a big help.

He's kind of curious to see how this guy works with water, too.

"Here, this one. Show me," he motions Demyx over to another empty pod nearby, where a fire's licking up around the edges, feeding on what scarce grass and vegetation is left on the ground and on the cushioning and supplies inside the pod.

[chaoticlootral]

[ Taako's been threatened before, but this is probably the weirdest mugging he's never experienced. This guy knows he can make fire with his mind, right? I mean, probably not, but still. It seems weird to just get up in people's business with a stick. It takes him a second to realize he isn't actually being held up and . . . there might be something . . . on his back. Holding very, very still. You better be careful with that aim, JJ.]

It's something horrible, right? Too many legs, uh, maybe some fangs? Fuck! I hate this place! I wish I'd just died in the Storm. That would have been fine.

iii;

[perfectdisaster]

[ Whether the robes look right or not, it's literally all he has -he'd gotten pulled right out of a cold sleep and dropped into this like some sort of melting-popsicle nudist. At least it's a little warmer than what his usual tanktop and jeans would've provided, but it's not something he'd have willingly gone for if given a choice. Actually, if he'd known he'd end up being pulled someplace that definitely isn't home, he'd have opted out of setting foot into that capsule.

Stupid 20/20 hindsight...

But of course, his thoughts are interrupted by a voice and movement caught in his peripheral vision. He's... just going to assume the bedroll part wasn't directed at him since he's only 17. Given how many others there are here who are older than he is, it's probably a pretty safe assumption. ]

I don't know any.

[ Sorry Dutch, he honestly doesn't know any ghost stories, or fairy tales, or anything of story-like nature besides history and various tactical, combat, and piloting manuals. Though after everything they've been through, drinks are beginning to sound mighty nice... ]

[heraldsdawn]

I have to agree. My magic wasn't much use at stopping pods from careening with the ground. At best, I was able to soften the blow when they struck. I rely heavily more on combat than what just happened.

[ He kneels down with her to get a better look at his drawings and he looks over to the girl to hear what she has to say.

So far? He's extremely impressed and maybe a bit unnerved. What could this girl have been through to be able to think so rationally and strategically? He hopes that she's just exceptionally bright and has a knack for these things. The current situation though does not give much hope for that thought. ]

Sounds like a solid plan if I were to ever hear one. I should probably get started on that at the very least. Unless...are you all right to keep going? I could use the help. [ His voice is one of concern as he looks to her. His face full of thoughtfulness as he looks her over.

She looks beat and he's not sure an excursion like this is something someone drained needs. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Junk? It looks pretty useful to him!

...Really! He swears! Even if he doesn't know what half of it does. He'll laugh sheepishly at this snappy stranger, shrugging slightly as he examines the item again himself. ]

You don't have to take it...

[ Just. Someone pls explain what this thing does. Pls. ]

wildcard, let me know if this.. doesn't work.....

[tricksune]

[ The descent is gut-churning—he tries to think of hurtling through the atmosphere in the best light possible, that even if he dies in a fiery crash at least he'll wink out of existence extravagantly, like a comet, one glimmering speck in a meteor shower. But there's nothing romantic about how the impact hits and rattles him out the safety restraints, straight into the pod door.

It opens graciously, at least. And it could be worse, honestly; he's already in his thief's gear before he catches himself, legs wobbling under him... but he sticks the landing, heels gripped deep into the dirt. He has enough time to sigh out shakily in relief. And that's about it.

Because by suddenly launching out into a clearing, he gets hit by the only vehicle in a hundred miles, because yeah, of course he would. At least Johanna's not going very fast? Not fast enough to kill him? But still enough to send him hurtling straight back towards his pod in a heap. ] Gruk—

[ Anyway, the point is that he's roadkill now. ]

[enarms]

That would be correct.

[ the vat itself is a rudimentary model with a handy two (2) handles. convenience at its finest. John bothers to manage a half-hearted half smile of pre-emptive gratitude, somewhat distracted with being put-out by his own inability to deal with this himself / recognise in advance that this wasn't going to be an achievable feat at this point in the day. ]

I'm en route to the east side of the camp if you feel like taking a nice gentle stroll with a hot pot of stew.

[heraldsdawn]

So, like a painting?

[ He graciously looks over now leaning in more when the Camera is offered towards him. The strange silver knobs and buttons are a curiosity. What kind of magic he wonders powers such a thing. He's definitely not sure how to make hind nor hair of this so finally he looks to Prompto and then points to himself. ]

Could you take one of me and show me how it works?

[punshots]

[ And, of course, Prompto latches on to the thought of having a friend here like a happy-go-lucky leech. It's a dangerous thing to hope for, and he realizes it, but if Prompto could stay out of a stasis pod, then obviously Gladio could, to say nothing of their emergency landing. Gladio probably walked away from that brushing off his shoulders and nothing else. ]

I have a feeling the big guy wouldn't let something like a little crash landing keep him down for long. [ There's an undeniably spring in his step as he moves around a tree to pull up more clover. ]

a lucky draw!

[idealog]

[ If anything, he smells like metal and an odd oily substance. His artificial skin is scuffed and broken in a few places, but there's just more metal underneath.

He's surprised to see such a large wolf roaming around the camp undeterred. Though the species was wiped out millennia ago on his Earth, he knows they were predatory creatures. But this one seems to be moving around with purpose, passing people by and leaving them better off than they were before. Maybe it's sentient!

Still, he yelps in surprise as she starts to sniff at him. ]

Ack! Uh, hey there buddy...

[ He can't tell what sex she is, and he's certainly not going to look right now. While 9S can't deny he's worried about this, he's curious to see what happens. He holds up his arms in surrender, trying to see if he can calm the situation. ]

Just so you know, I don't think I'd taste very good for you. I'm not meaty at all.

[heraldsdawn]

[ It's instinctive, he thrusts his hand forward and waves it in front of himself, aiming for an incoming pod. A blue circle of magic lights up on the pod itself and it is shielded by his arcane magic. It's enough for when the pod careens with the ground with explosive force it remains mostly undamaged, the magic expended. ]

Go Magnus! [ And with another rush of energy he extends a finger towards the man and another set of barriers springs up over his current Tank.

Gotta keep those hit points untouched with expendable barriers. ]

[sweetwater]

[ at least someone will enjoy (?) her dinner. ]

It's going to get worse before it gets better. [ she just has that feeling. the sense that something terrible is lurking just around the corner. it's how the last few months of her life have felt: always waiting for the other shoe to drop. ]

They said they put us here so we'd be safe. Safe from what? What would the others want with us?

[punshots]

R-really? I'll have to...try the purple slop if we ever get back up there.

[ Or not. He has a policy about foods with the word "slop" in them. It didn't help that he'd been spoiled by Ignis' cooking, even after spending a couple of weeks in the Station.

Looks like his culinary adventures are far from over!

He follows her gaze to the sky, melancholy even as a gentle smile settles on his lips. He'd only just started adjusting to the daily grind up there, and now they were facing something entirely new again. Not that he'd ever complain about it, but he allows himself an extra degree of exhaustion with all things considered. ]

You bet. [ A pause. ] Darma promised, and she's a pretty okay lady in my book.

wildcard

[competing]

[ sometime around hour six, lance's general attitude towards all this have begun to shift towards the negative. it seems now that everyone's safe and accounted for, and most everyone is comfortable (or, at the very least, content) with their pseudo-camp, and the overall atmosphere has improved, now is apparently the best time for lance's petulance to rear its ugly head...

in his defense, he's injured.

then again what kind of defense is a sprained ankle that will definitely be perfectly fine in like a couple of hours? ]

And then this random pod just came outta nowhere! [ read: he was rummaging through the wreckage and in his attempt to pull out one of the supply cases, he wiggled an empty pod enough that it tipped over and landed on his foot. ] I could've been killed! [ it was probably 80 pounds at most. ] Now I can't even walk — [ his foot's propped up and he's got one of the ice packs wrapped around it; he'll be fine in like four hours. ] I couldn't even get Allura to kiss it better for me.
[ lance, you could be on the verge of death and she still wouldn't put her lips anywhere near you, let alone your foot.

he slumps over on the makeshift seat he's made himself out of empty cases, rolling over so he can face chuuya. his unwitting caretaker. ]

This day officially sucks.

[exonerated]

Yes, the Nazis.

[ He remembers the group's name, the symbol, but he hasn't ever met one in his life. Instead he ends up fighting snow and witches.

He slants his eyes back to her. ]

You were in the war, then? Helping the soldiers.

[ She has the look of a strong woman, a vague image of the strength he remembers in his mother, echoed by Susan's determination and Lucy's valor. ]

[exonerated]

I suppose the next best step is to be prepared for the inevitable.

[ Great minds think alike, of course. ]

What do you think of Darma, and the rest of their kind? Do you trust in their promises?

[unchainedwolf]

[He sighs. Yeah, he knows. He turns over onto his back, staring up at the canvas ceiling now.]

Shall I go scream at the moon then?

[webdesigned]

( it was a bit of a jaunt, yes. far enough that a part of him almost hesitated, if he hadn't had any time for hesitation. pulling a body into motion is a great deal safer than trying to make a body in motion stop, as it turns out. and the distance is great, but safe enough, because Lance lands right where intended, all in one piece, and that's sort of the idea. it'd have been bad to drag him from a hot pan to the fire, so to speak...

Spider-Man is about to release him, because that's the second step in this whole heroic process, and then Lance decides to use the phrase holy cheesepuffs and even the spider that used 'mother hubbard' as a swear alternative has to find that one pretty classic. he laughs despite himself. )

Holy cheesepuffs, I guess I did. ( if Lance is well enough to make mildly silly exclamations, he's probably fine. still, it doesn't hurt to check. Peter places his hands on the guys shoulders, and with the mask it's not obvious that he's squinting, checking for any injuries. ) You all in one piece, guy?