❪ 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

[nineteenfortyfive]

[She'd be a terrible nurse if she let a man walk off with obvious head trauma. She forgets herself for a moment and considers, briefly, if he's got some brain damage with the magic question, but then she remembers. Anything is possible. Still, it takes her a moment to find the words for a response.]

No. I don't have magic. Just bandages and sutures, if need be. Come.

[It'd be better if she did have magic. Much more useful. She offers her arm.]

[strictdiscipline]

[ "innocent"

is this thread going to end in stripping, beej

Not that such a horrendous idea ever dawns upon her, because quite frankly she's too busy trying to figure out how to prevent herself from strangling him right then and there to think about any possible implications of his words.

A muscle tics in her temple, pulsing briefly before she forces herself to take a deep breath. ]

I don't know your size. It would be far more efficient for you to get them.

[ She's not backing down just yet, please. ]

[burglarize]

I doubt someone thought to pack pliers among the endless supplies of food and provisions for the drop. Unless there's an repairman wave I'm missing.

[ She's honestly a bit sassy, but she's tired. Her tone drops afterwards as she rolls the can between her fingers. ]

Oh, phew. I thought we'd have to use twigs and leaves or something!

[ She's up and scurrying away briefly before returning with a small pot and some plastic futuristic (???) forks. It's not skillful, but she does start prepping some. ]

What wave did you come in on?

[kissintime]

[She does feel her body feel a bit better, though she isn't sure why it's happening all of the sudden. The only hint she gets is when she hears Zelos as he comes up to her.]

Huh -- darling? [She says with a bit of shock. Then followed by a scowl.] Who the hell are you calling darling?! I can get up just fine on my own!

[Not that she's... doing that. She doesn't want to fall flat on her face in front of someone who just gave out their hand.]

[jurisdick]

[ a nod. ]

I see. [ listen, rookie cops and detectives need to stick together in the pursuit of justice! or something. he's quiet for a moment, glancing out on the expanse of charred grass. ]

I'd say this place is a far-cry from either. Alien water aside.

saving......

[frizziest]

[ as someone (un)fortunate enough to be in the fourth wave, Akira has had enough time to get back on his feet and catch his bearings so that he can be of some assistance. he is clad in his Phantom Thief attire, and while it has seen better days ― a glove missing on one hand and the cuff of his other sleeve torn, holes in his jacket and a white mask that is almost black like his hair from how soot has caked onto it ― he is prepared to put himself and Arsene to use.

he has done just that, forgiving the aching in his muscles beckoning for him to rest, pushing past the thoughts of his friends hopefully resting in the station resting above them. there's no superhuman strength to help him catch pods, but his Persona has been capable of getting pods open that some of the literal superhumans haven't gotten to yet. Akira just so happened to be on his way to one when another pod was coming straight for him. before he can make any proper evasive maneuvers, he is pulled forward by an unknown force, only to... find himself in a spandex-clad man's arms. huh. ]

... Um. Hello. I've never found myself as the damsel before...

helping hand.

[buraiha]

[ in theory, being able to see the future (even if only in five-six second spurts, and only when there's danger) is a very helpful ability. in practice, even when you can foresee yourself getting your arm broken in two different places from being jostled around in a metal pod traveling at speeds that probably break international traffic laws in unknown galaxies, if you can't avoid said future, then it's useless.

actually, what this means is, oda ends up feeling his arms broken twice-- first in his vision, and then once more in reality. by the time he pops out of the pod (the door kind of broke on impact), he's already fairly done with his whole second chance at life thing.

but it's not pain that he can't handle. or rather, being dead once probably helps in these sort of situations, or so he thinks blearily. all around him, the earth tremors from more pods falling from the sky. the telepathic message that he'd been given still rings in his ears. help someone. he staggers to his feel, blanches, and then nearly falls into the person who just approached him.

... yeah this probably isn't going to work out. ]

Healer, huh. [ is the first thing out of his mouth, when he gingerly sits down again so that his vision of the woman... woman? woman in front of him finally settles down from doubles and triples. he breathes out a shuddering breath, before lowering his head. ] I'll have to take you up on that. Sorry for the trouble.

[21stcenturyguy]

Are there maps included with the supplies, or do the characters need to explore to find the various locations in the Outlook?

rescue and mayhem

[rampager]

[His pod had slammed into the ground too hard and at a bad angle when it landed, kicking up the terra firma in a graceless roll that made his teeth rattle with every bump. Just shitty luck is all it was, nothing that could have been predicted and nothing he could spare an angry thought for, not after forcing his way back out into the light and the air and fully absorbing the chaos breaking loose all around him. For a bright, burning instant, it had almost been like back then, when he stood on a field of the dead (his dead) and could barely see the sky through a haze of smoke and blood.

He's been carrying people to hastily raised camps ever since, usually those too hurt or weak or disoriented to move under their own power. Hard-won strength and pure, stubborn will has always gotten him far, but it's the warrior training of his father and simple common sense that counsels him to take advantage of a brief lull between the waves of falling pods and steal a little rest. He's got his back settled against a vacated pod when Alisaie calls out to him, eyes lidded but not quite shut, ears pricked and senses alert for signs of another's approach.]

Tell me if my horns are cracked.

[That his nose and face are bleeding, his vision slightly blurred at the edges, his hide aching in a dozen places from hidden bruises that might go bone-deep, all of that seems like a waste of breath to mention. Little wounds that have already been assessed. But his horns....there's only so much feeling in them and Vorin knows he took a bad knock to the head when his pod landed. Without taking off his gauntlets, something he just can't afford to do right now, all Vorin can say for sure is that they haven't been snapped off entirely.]

[kissintime]

Close. It's a sticker. [And she demonstrates by making an identical sticker appear between two fingers.] Any item with a sticker on it is a duplicate I created. If you take it off, it won't be usable anymore. I just wanted to warn you.

[judicia]

( He bangs his fist on the door right after it shuts, loud enough that Fenris would likely hear it. He doesn't care how desperate he seems, or how much he's going to hate himself later for begging for the elf's help.

He has to get out here, for his own well being and those of any others that might be injured. His fist hits the door once more before he settles back, accepting his fate all too quickly with a muttered curse and a huff. When the door opens again, Anders isn't even relieved. Instead, he just stays where he is, with his arms folded across his chest and a pissy glare pointed at the other. )

How unfortunate for you. ( He answers dryly, then pulls himself up through the door, only hesitating for a few moments to take the other's hand. )

I was kind of hoping that they would have left you behind in Kirkwall.

[shashka]

I've been to Siberia before. Their winters are worse than this, and sometimes they don't even give you a bedroll.

[ of course, that treatment was saved for the worst of the political dissidents.

though he accent might say "Southern United States" he is a "proud" Soviet, of sorts. ]

I've got another blanket, and stable shelter. Trust me, I'll be fine.

[ how... sweet of her to worry about a total stranger, though. ]

[daemonized]

[His gaze detaches from the pods falling to look down at Makoto, who stands next to him. There's a shrug of his shoulders, laughably lackadaisical for a man as imposing in size as Ardyn, and he motions up at the sky hanging over them -- a wave of a wrist, almost dismissive.]

The two are not mutually exclusive, are they?

[Doing one's best and people not dying were notions that did not always run parallel with each other.]

Look at how fast they fall, and what force they're met with on the ground. All it takes is a malfunction, or a stroke of bad luck, and some of the more fragile among us may be met with serious injury. Or death.

II

[beatupgrass]

[Um. Yeah, no. This is not happening. While there are robes in there of his size, Rocket is looking at them with complete distaste.]

This is supposed to be better than what we already got on?

[All things considered, he came out of this better than some- his jumpsuit can take a beating, but if these are supposed to be helping them blend in? Hard pass.]

food

[kissintime]

Oooh! [Oh man she is starving too, and everything looks great.] Ahaha, are you a food witch of some sort? This looks great!

one

[witchhooded]

[ Jade's not bleeding, for what it's worth. The hood of her godtier robes are torn, and her face is caked in mud. Her arms are glowing green as Makoto speaks to her, crackles of green electricity flying her extended limbs. She's listening and as she does, she's placing a particularly large branch out of the way of an incoming pod. She hadn't helped with Makoto's pod, her attention on the other one that hurtling toward a pool of water that surely would have made the rescue far harder than it should be for everyone involved. The branch is placed atop a tree, where it dangles before slipping and lodging itself between two other branches with unceremoniously loud crashing noises.

Jade tilts her head and smiles. ] Don't worry, everyone needs help right now so I bet that there is something you can do. Every wave has something they can do! Also, are you godtier?

[ THEY'RE NOT ROBES BUT THOSE ARE THE VOID COLORS... ]

I

[luxuriant]

Whoa there.

[Spotting someone rushing off to other pods to help and looking in pain like this guy is? Zelos doesn't hesitate to stick out his arm, catching the guy however he can.] Take it easy, there, bucko. What's the rush? Come on, you're bleeding, let me take a look.

[It could be a lot worse, especially for a wave this late, but then again, things can be worse than they look, too. If Prompto doesn't interrupt his concentration, then Zelos will focus just long enough to cast a first aid spell over him with a quiet mumble. Sparkles fall over him and heal any minor wounds, and ease any pain from possibly broken ribs.]

[ruffboi]

[He doesn't mind being unceremoniously dumped on the ground at all. He still does his tuck and roll and then gives Taako a thumbs up.]

Nice! Yeah, I figured you could catch me up!

merlin learning about furries and jade learning that physics isn't real and doesn't count

[politrick]

[It is a really uneventful trip... for someone who understands what's going on. Merlin is still more or less buzzing with nervous energy, and it takes a lot of self control to stay in the pod the whole time it's being lowered to the ground. He wants to touch the green glow... this is bad for his heart.

He startles when she suddenly appears in the pod with him, and luckily only smacks his head against the soft, padded bits of the inside here. Aaa...]

How did you do that! [No, no, this is more important than anything else.]

b

[kissintime]

Damn, my bad. [She backs off a couple steps when she hears them, not even realizing someone was dragging scrap metal around here.] What the hell are you taking that lug of metal around for?

[daemonized]

No.

[Well, at least he's honest.

Except that honesty doesn't seem to be coupled with even the smallest hint of guilt. It isn't as if he's proud that he neglected to check for further injuries, but Ardyn sounds rather dismissive in general.

He keeps walking with the woman in tow.]

Do you feel as if you have one?

option 2a

[kissintime]

Hm - oh those look good! [Completely made up tents. Nice.] Hey, do you mind if I try something with those tents for a moment? I promise I won't ruin them.

[coolerjunpei]

[yeah, check out all that shitty grass... good thing he's not a staunch environmentalist on top of a no-badge hack. he's suing nature.]

Ha, no shit. Can't exactly go back to anywhere now... [sigh. ugh.] So what about you? We're practically in alien prison, so what's your story?

iii

[melodiouspacifist]

[That demanding voice startles him out of his thoughts.]

The night seems okay enough, if there's not enough tents, we'll probably be fine.

[He smiles at her and offers a half shrug. He doesn't have one, but that's okay, he's not bothered by it.]

[unchainedwolf]

[He can tell that the human wants to ask something, because he can see him staring at his ears. It makes him wonder if he was one of those humans that has never seen an elf before. Maybe.

He sets the bark plate in his lap and stares at the...food. He can't tell what it is, but it's edible and it's here so he isn't complaining too much. He takes a bite of it. While it taste like a lot of things mixed together, at least it's warm. And that joke makes him break into a small smile.]

Did you hunt this?

[It doesn't taste like any game he knows of.]