❪ 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

[planetary_bonds]

Not my place of expertise, but...

[He actually seems hesitant to think about that, like he's adverse to making something that could kill. But it's not like he can't make something that hurts people, the electroshock duel cuffs from years ago can only attest to that.]

Maybe...traps. Hand equipment, maybe...

[xwings]

Not everyone's got robes yet, and it's getting pretty cold. Will be colder once the fires burn down.

[ if they let that happen, that is. if they don't, people will need to stay awake to keep them going, which means at least some folks aren't getting any rest yet. so why should poe?

but he knows that she's right, if he thinks beyond his own stubborn desire to help. ]

What if I just take a minute? It's not as bad as you think it is.

[xwings]

[ the guy seems sincere in his comment, despite the way he's not quite looking poe in the eye, and so poe shrugs after a moment. ]

All right. If you're sure. But you should probably go get that coat now.

[ it's getting cold. ]

[hylights]

"Of course. Just wait a moment, and I'll fetch it."

Zelda gets to her feet and walks off through the camp; thankfully, her little campsite isn't far from Hibiki's tree. She muses to herself as she rifles through the pouch she had stored the food in. Things were all right for the moment, but a group as large as theirs would need more provisions very soon. Especially if their destination was more than a day away. She bites her lip briefly, telling herself she'll see about finding game tomorrow. She wasn't much of a hunter, but perhaps if she's lucky...

It's only a few minutes later when she returns, kneeling next to Hibiki and holding out her supply of blackberries.

"Here. I went exploring a bit earlier, and found a few berry bushes among the trees. They're safe to eat."

[ofobedience]

Your hair. You've just fallen from space, crashed onto an alien world, thrown up all over yourself and potentially have a concussion, and it's your hair that concerns you?

[His hair that smells strongly of too many products combined with the blood and the sweat and the lingering stench of stomach acid that's currently coming off the man in sharp, ugly waves. Again, Giovanni sighs, even as he begins to move. Despite his wry irritation he does so with a kind of steady carefulness, not wanting to jostle the injured man any more than strictly necessary. God forbid he does any further damage and leaves him any more impaired than he'd clearly been to begin with.]

There's nothing in your hair besides an overabundance of chemical products.

[xwings]

Yeah, probably.

[ that's a fair assessment of doctors — and, worse, of medidroids. there's no bargaining with droids sometimes, unless bb-8 is around to help him with it.

cayde's investigation will show that nothing is broken, though poe's ankle is sprained and swollen and there's some gashes down the back of his calf. a bandage or two will do just fine. ]

[courtintrigue]

[ It makes her think this new acquaintance of hers could manage the tent quite well on her own, but the task is easier with an extra pair of hands and she is as aware as anyone here of the benefit of finding allies among this crowd. The last bit of information makes her pause for a moment, looking up again in vague recognition. ]

I have heard of your Neverland before, if only once. It was while we were on Thesa.

[ As she moves a bit further down to the next peg, she half-smiles. ]

There was mention of an Enchanted Forest as well.

b-iii

[rhygret]

[ A shirtless guy standing in a small shrouded area is definitely not what Rhys expected to find when he'd went in search of his own place to do...much what Will is doing right now. He supposes it's a little less weird given that they're both guys and there isn't much of a "peeping" issue per say, but he still comes to a quick halt halfway through the bushes, recoiling in surprise. ]

Ohhh--whoa, sorry. My bad, uhh. Didn't mean to intrude there...guy.

[ Rhys doesn't know his name and doesn't recognize him from any part of the ship or it's simulations, but so far everyone he's come across is from there so he concludes that Will must be too. ]

[ofobedience]

[The stranger's smirk is returned with a pointed one of his own, all razorblade teeth and cocky certainty. This situation-- it may be so deeply alien to him that it rattles him down to the very bones, may induce an oncoming fear in him that clicks and whistles and buzzes like insects behind his eyes, but it's something he can cover for, made all the easier by an interaction such as this.

Because rectifying their most immediate problem, that's something he can do. Something he can momentarily focus on. And so when the other blond makes his sardonic accusation, Giovanni sighs, stretches sinuously, and with a fluid kind of preternatural grace, leaps down from the lip of the crater to land with perfect poise atop the waiting pod.]

Stand back a moment, won't you?

[And with that he reaches down, grasps the fused and twisted metal in both slim-fingered hands, and with seemingly little effort at all, tears the door straight from its melted hinges. Tosses it aside. Looks down at the other man with chin tilted jauntily upwards as though expecting some kind of praise. Good dog, well done. Something to that effect.]

[exorion]

[Cool cool cool, that's good that's fine. Though Cayde makes a very serious "hmmm" noise and looks up at Poe.]

Hey, how long are your shirt sleeves?

[rhygret]

Ohthankgod. [ It comes out in a whoosh of air as the man exhales, sinking back against Giovanni in shameless relief. He has no qualms about being carried or looked after right now. His hair is safe and he's still in one piece. As long as his clothes aren't too dinged up? Rhys can live. ]

Ohhh god I'm so glad. That would have been a nightmare.

[ The scene around him right now is a nightmare to most people. but honestly? This is luxury compared to the last time he was shot out of a space station. ]

That smell never comes out once it really gets in there, you have no idea.

[hylights]

[She smiles when the woman seats herself; she really did look exhausted, and there's no harm in taking a break. Brushing a strand of hair from her face, she laughs slightly in agreement.]

Yes... it has been. We had to hit the ground running. Quite literally. [The bruises will be a reminder of that for a few days yet. She reaches a hand out, gesturing to the container Keyleth is carrying.] I will have a drink, thank you. Which group did you come in?

[enarms]

[ John Watson dare say a lot of things, ready yourself ]

... Yeah, alright. Good plan. [ problem being, they now have to go into battle about who takes first rest. ] How long have you been on your feet?

[enarms]

[ aaaand up we go! ]

Thanks. More impressive batch than I anticipated. [ is his excuse and also the truth: with the weight of the pot and how it moves when carried, chances are it's full almost to the brim ] We'll have to take it steady.

for poe!

[enarms]

[ it's around 25 minutes or so later that John Watson emerges into the part of camp Poe had eluded to in their chat: there were a few people to check in on first, a couple of redressings, but John's fast these days, especially in a crisis. efficiency gets him places. namely, in this case, over to the south-side of camp to check on a wayward patient.

there's no call ahead for warning, he just strolls on through, basic supplies carried with him in the med pack he's pulled together with the help of some others and casting his gaze about for a man who had better still be sitting down or else. ]

[ofobedience]

[Surreal, that's what this is. A coping mechanism perhaps? All around them are the smoking fractured remnants of their descent to this alien planet, the scent of blood and molten metal thick on the heavy air, lingering sounds of pain still coming from the wounded, quiet sobs from those still shaken and afraid. Giovanni himself feels rattled and raw beneath the veneer of cool indifference, held together only by the objective at hand, the 'order' to provide aid to those who need it more than he.

And here's this guy, flopping limply against him with all the grace and poise of a dead fish, blathering on about his hair.

It's bemusing, to say the least.]

No, I can't say I've ever had cause to vomit into my own hair.

[Dryly, as he begins to move towards a little clutch of refugees up ahead, where some of the designated healers have established themselves in order to best provide aid.]

What a relief it must be, to think you could have been crushed to death during your descent, but at least your hair is quite unscathed.

B

[rhygret]

[ The fact that someone ten years younger than him and half his size is doing more to help out than him should embarrass Rhys. There's a lot he could be doing to help out, but he's sort of been putzing around following a very minor concussion.

It's still weird for him to see so many people who don't know each other that well working together for a greater good. This kind of thing never happened back home. Usually you only worked together if you were being forced at gunpoint or you had a bigger asshole you had to take care of. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" sort of deal.

What baffles him most right now though is the fact that this kid has pink hair. #priorities. ]

Hey there, uhhh...you need a hand there? With anything?

[ That's a good ice breaker. Totally a responsible Adult Thing. ]

for dutch!

[enarms]

[ he hasn't really paused for thought today, not since things first started until things have slowed - even after, there are people to check back with, others that need more support than some. the camp is growing and busy, and busy is the perfect distraction from the nature of the situation itself. so busy he'd kept.

but when food's offered, he realises he's starving and long overdue a refuel. and he might be reckless, but he's not stupid - can't afford to be now, with other people relying on him. so he's not too long in turning up at all after the last text's sent: nose helping him find his way just as she'd suggested it would.

he's met her briefly so he's quick to make a beeline for her once he spots her over with her cooking catches. ]

You weren't wrong about the smell.

[speeds]

[ His eyes move to the pod as well, but honestly-- ]

Don't worry about that right now while more of these are still falling. Food is easy enough to replace, especially with the abilities some of the people here have.

[ A laugh definitely follows the "are you okay", because if it weren't for them going through this, other people really wouldn't be okay. What is less strength and feeling weak compared to that? ]

I'll be fine after I rest, you don't have to worry about me. If you run in that direction, you should meet up with everyone else. If anything's left in there by the time I've got this out of the way, I'll bring it to you.

[ It's odd that he says all of this though, and he isn't actually letting JJ keep that contact, he's already stepping towards the pod to try and lift it -- but this one might be his last until after he's eaten again. The animals here are smaller and it's taking more to keep up his stamina, but he'll get by. ]

[speeds]

[ He's careful with him, putting him in a place that should be shielded from any other landing pods before he reaches down into a section where the chair has been stowed. It only takes a little effort to pull it free (simply because metal has bent around it) and even once it's out, he's already starting to try and put it up for him.

He hasn't ever needed one, but he's visited the hospital enough to see Carlisle that he's probably seen them in action enough time to work it out. ]

Once you're in, I'll see if someone can help you get over to where people are attempting to set up camp as well.

[ Thankfully most of his thoughts right now are about getting him good to go asap. It's hard to think of anything else when there's so much going on already. ]

[rhygret]

[ Okay so you say that like it's a bad thing, but Rhys is just like, totally okay with having Legion around him and in his general area and everything. And not just because he'll double as the perfect lighting source for Rhys's current goal.

So he approaches the Geth with Swagger and Casual Cool, like they are totally best buds and this isn't weird.

Because that's generally how one might approach a robot back home. ]

He-heyyy, got a minute? Could really use that headlamp of yours there pal. What do you say? Help a bro out?

[winddaughter]

[She's holding a large piece of debris without much struggle.

Two things she hates currently:

1) idiots
2) adults

So, needless to say, her answer is coupled with an Unimpressed stare.]

What makes it seem like I need a hand?

[ruffboi]

Ooh. Good point. Now, my thing is, it needs to convey both the flaming and the poisoning. And, ideally, the raging! And I don't think these names are getting us there.

I think we need something like....Flameoxin. But actually good. [Something occurs to him, though, and he just whispers a quiet fuck to himself.]

Scorchpion.

[winddaughter]

There's some relief that he doesn't ask for clarification. It's just one more thing that she didn't want to deal with, and it makes her more at ease and willing to actually go with him.

She picks up the container with her tent, holding it close to her alongside the first aid kit. A brief glance back at her pod, and then she nods to him.

"Alright."

[ruffboi]

Yeah, for sure. You tell that guy - uh, in whatever dude freezer he's in - you tell him Magnus Burnsides says Sharkskin is an extremely good name for a sword that eats chakra.

[Yes, he's very enthusiastic about magic swords.]

I've been workshopping names for this bad boy. What do you think of... [Pausing for effect, before saying very seriously] The Scorchpion Blade.