❪ 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

[beknight]

Not much of one, I'm afraid, [ he replies, evenly. There are certain things he knows he has to explain — it hasn't escaped him that in this population, he's unusually built. People might expect him to have abilities. ] I teach martial arts in downtown Gotham.

[melodiouspacifist]

"Solid ground is something." Demyx agreed, he was used to portals, not being hurled from space to some form of earth beneath his feet. It was jarring. If he was an emotional being, he might have been wrecked from the experience. Sorey was holding up admirably.

"I still don't really get what's going on but..." He looked up at the sky. "Do you think those people asleep will ever be back?"

[tub]

[ interesting. or so, he thinks. though, he doesn't appear to make anything of it, it's a concept he pockets.

so she's been called "heartless" before. or something close enough. from her stance, he could see how the verdict could be rendered. she appeared strict. perhaps, even domineering in some regards. though, he could be bias, especially as her current stance seems to be... in all out discipline mode. but, despite coming to these conclusions. shu doesn't actually think any of these are negative traits.

at her comment, however, he cants his head slightly, just before eventually brushing it off. ] That's normal. [ being that cold, that is. he's always heard it from others, but being what is is... he's never really paid it any mind. as for her second question— ]

The supplies were too troublesome to sort through. [ ...

give it a minute before he pulls out his usual line of: ] I'm tired.

[melodiouspacifist]

Demyx was a bit of a peculiar oddity and he quite liked it. It was a skill that was all his own, and wasn't shared by anyone he'd met, actually.

"That's not too bad." It was a relatively small fire, compared to what damage Axel could do. He didn't need his sitar to fight that small blaze, so he left it unsummoned and directed his focus on the fire.

From between his hands he summoned a good sized ball of water and sent it to douse the flames out in a sudden rush, leaving it smoldering in its wake.

"If it's a bunch of them, I'll need my sitar."

He just didn't know when to stop

[unchainedwolf]

[That put on face of shock did nothing to but stoke the already burning fire. This mage either didn't know who he was (which is good) or he didn't care (which is also alright). Honestly, Fenris should just leave right now. He should take the high road because in this new place he doesn't have the allies he use too. He can't afford to be reckless, but this man is just so annoying. And he just keeps talking, faking his shock and awe for Fenris to be able to speak properly? Guess Dorian liked his slaves dumb and mute.]

I know my native tongue, mage.

[It adds more, and more flames to the blaze already set inside him. If only these cursed marks had him the power to kill with a look-- Dorian would be dead at least six times over. He watches carefully as the acting look, changes to a one of honest to Maker shock. It seems that the mage finally connected the dots.]

Shut up. [Barefeet start to move now, around Dorian as his eyes flash.] It's my turn to talk.

[The gears are turning. If Dorian knew that phrase, then he at least knew Tevene. If he knew Tevene it's most likely that he was from there was well, no Southern Mage would learn that 'scary maleficar' language willingly. Fenris assumes that he is from Tevinter.]

By your less confident babbling, it seems you've figured me out. [He circles now, slow and stalking.] Now for you...

[He's too well kept to be Soporati, and much too flashy to be Laetans....it only leaves two ranks.]

Altus or Magister, which is it?

[melodiouspacifist]

I noticed that.

[Demyx sat down in the dirt beside the log, looking thoughtful.]

Quiet means something is coming, usually.

[strictdiscipline]

[ Basic enough knowledge, and admittedly the offhandedness with which she tosses it out isn't particularly confidence-inspiring, but trust is the foundation of any team and she's sorely lacking in steady allies right now. They'll wake up soon, they have to, but for now—

She stands back up, proffers the gun to Ermes. ]

Here. This area doesn't seem dangerous but there's no guarantee the rest of the journey will be the same.

[ Better safe than sorry. ]

[dodgingbullets]

[Jane wears a face of amusement at his remarks. Cute.

She sends an assuring nod his way when his name glues itself to the part of her brain that holds a special collection of people met here.] Miller, then. [Her smile is polite and painfully genuine in the ever so slight hint of awkwardness it possesses - an inaudible 'thank you' for his aid.]

Sounds good. [For once, taking her time was sounding pretty reasonable to her right now. Though, it isn't strongly in her to just sit around looking pretty.

She looks down at the bandage and back up at Miller.] I take it you're not one of them, [there's that slightly dorky, amused grin again.]

Anything I can do around here?

[Yeah, no sign of shock coming from this one.]

[ladya]

[ With what she has in store for him, perhaps the boldness is just a veneer. There’s no master plan, no knee jerk reaction to rough him up. At least… not for now.

It’s been a long time since Aranea’s had to grapple with people possessing a genuine phobia, her company up til now being wily mercenaries like herself, toughtened military command and dead in the head and heart magitek troopers. Never been a lot of room for these kinda quirks there.

Still, she looks dead straight at a pile of metal supplies that have been setup somewhere near the periphery of the camp. ]

First, you’re going to help me set up a steel ring around a campfire. For our safety. [ His little ‘outburst’ here has reminds her that they do have nothing of the sort going on. No steel, no stone. Nothing.

Getting up onto her own two feet, Aranea is standing, but she doesn’t begin to walk over to the supplies she’s about to re-purpose just yet. She silently hovers over the blonde male, clearly waiting for him to follow along, a vaguely threatening glint flashing across her eye. ]

[eusford]

I can't make any promises. I am but an old man.

[ And this isn't a lie, but Crowley typically only entertains another person when he wants to. The value isn't high for the time being since he's had a long day of catching raining pods and attempting to help who he can; speaking of which, helping one of those people actually allowed him to obtain a knife that would be helping him skin and gut her game.

But it's easy enough for him to start at the base of the rabbits foot, twisting fur and skin until it breaks before pulling it down. The smell of flesh hits hard but because it's that of an animal Crowley shakes it off. ]

You didn't. But because you decided to call me Red, I was just going to call you Silver. [ Seemed logical? Oh well. ] It's Crowley.

[melodiouspacifist]

[It's a good state of denial, in his opinion, and it's served him well for some time.]

That's good. My tent was broken, but I got the sleeping bag. Won't be the worst night I've ever had anyway. Should be fine.

[tub]

[ wow. that sounds intense,

and whether fortunate or misfortunate, shu would probably would have garnered a morbid sense of interest in that. rather, it was his specialty to attempt to sink his teeth into people's personal ideologies. if just to be contrary. regardless— ] Is that supposed to be about me? [ obviously, he knows the answer to that, but he still gives a small quirk of his lips at that.

he finds, it's pretty hard to read this guy. not in a bad way. though, not necessarily in a good way either. maybe that's shu's own indifference at work. at least they have that in common. sort of. ] You didn't seem that cautious when you left it here. [ but, not needing it? he pauses to think about that. ]

Do you not sleep? [ being a non-human himself, it's relatively easy to come to that conclusion. yet, it isn't like shu truly comprehends it. if anything, sleeping was convenient. a way to drown out reality. to not have to face anything. to not have to actively do anything. but, well. he knows that isn't the same for everyone. ]

[dodgingbullets]

[Jane is pretty good at holding herself together, but hiding her annoyance in any given situation that would pique at it isn't a skill she's mastered. Not that she has ever bothered to try, really.

She tenses her lips now, and releases a quick sigh through her nose.] Cute.

[She folds her arms.] And the idea that helping others will very likely benefit yourself hasn't crossed that adorable little mind of yours?

[Her body language itself doesn't express tension, but perhaps that's because it's all gathered into her stare.]

[speeds]

[ooc: As a note, I hecked up on my top level as people asked about a secret identity device after I posted and he'll be using it on and off to hide his eye colour changing. He would be using it for this prompt so she shouldn't be able to recognise him as the same person as who was helping others before, but as it's a minor detail and my fault I'm not going to be ask to change it, just to keep in mind going forward. I'm really sorry about that! If you find you still want to change the tag, let me know and I can delete this comment! ♥ ]

[ He's more than aware of what dangers there could be, given the knowledge of others who possess similar or even better abilities than he does now. It doesn't change the fact that he needs to go sooner rather than later. A little chit chat before wouldn't hurt, but... ]

Sorry, I didn't realise I wasn't alone. [ Even if he wants to rush this, he'll still maintain politeness. It's suspicious enough that he didn't notice her, but he's struggling to focus on anything but the scent of human blood at the moment anyway. ]

I... [ He isn't really quick thinking at the moment, which is why the response is something that is drawn out. ] ...was going for a walk.

[politrick]

[A big brute who thinks it's funny when he fusses over something... It's like he never left Camelot. Merlin just sighs, shaking his head as he tilts the box of supplies this way and that to see everything that's in there. It's a pretty thorough kit.]

All of this just to catch some fish? Just how formidable are the fish we're dealing with?

[But really he's just never seen, like, a lure.]

[eusford]

[ While he doesn't have a visor or any visible equipment that can help him see near and far, his eyes were genetically changed the day he was turned. Focusing just enough is all he needs to see the other pods, but he himself is in no rush to help. If they're part of the first wave then shouldn't they be as strong as him?

They're probably fine.

Crowley should have never been given this much responsibility of another person's life. ]

Well... if I had to guess, it's probably because I'm not human. But that wouldn't make sense since you are.

[ A shrug of his shoulder. ]

Normal things like that [ That being the crash. ] can't kill me. It hurts, sure, my arm got banged up but it heals up just as fast. So they probably sent me down first knowing that, what a bother~

[xxxxx]

Is it anything I can help you with?

[ It isn't an act, him standing here with his sloping posture and faint smile and trying to be helpful. He never consciously thinks, if I'm nice enough now no one will be afraid later, not least of all because that would be stupid. People are afraid either way, even perfectly nice people who mean perfectly well, and if he was only friendly to try to prevent that he'd have given up years ago. He really is nice and polite and helpful, usually, no acting required—

But there is a little extra effort being put in, here, both to be harmless and to be here, talking, hopefully figuring her out before she takes anyone off guard with pureblood supremacy rants or something.

Otherwise he might leave her alone. He loves breaks. Breaks are great. ]

[eusford]

Well I don't need it either.

[ And she could just take it out of his hands and give it to someone else? It won't hurt his feelings, but he gathers that small, meaningless banter (that isn't really banter as much as it is just him humoring her) wouldn't be such a bad thing. ]

I could just chuck it in the air and see if someone jumps to catch it.

[ desperate times calls for desperate measures as The Humans say ]

[politrick]

[He'll never believe anyone about new words ever again... He sighs, but other than that, he doesn't seem too surprised to learn there is douchebaggery afoot. Typical.]

I'll have to have words with someone when we're done here. [Stern ones, even.] Thank you for... clarifying, I suppose.

im crying

[speeds]

[ Most people are screaming as they come crashing down in the pods, but very few are heard over each other. So far it's prevented any bias on his part... but Lance's scream is definitely louder than most, especially with his hearing.

He doesn't know if it's just panic from waking up in this situation or something else, which is why he's quick to act on it. Right now, he isn't wearing the ring as he recently took a break to have a snack to preserve his energy, which means Lance will know it's him when he runs fast to jump up to meet him in the air.

Lance will hear a thud as his hand crushes the handle, ripping the door to the pod open, as the other digs into the side to hold on. ]

Get the straps undone. [ He's already using the hand he ripped the door open with to try and pull the straps to rip them off as well, just in case Lance is still panicking. ]

[daemonized]

[he is needlessly dramatic ok, don't judge him

Ardyn walks over to where a few other of his supplies are set down, not that far from his sleeping bag. It looks to be various other materials one might need while camping; rationed food, mostly, and utensils to eat with. He crouches down again, this time to go through what's there for him, but showing only mild interest in any of it.]

No. [An answer which reveals why he was a bit careless in where he left the sleeping bag to begin with, if the word careless can ever truly be applied to him.] Or I should say, very rarely. Sleep is a slippery thing, eluding me at even the best of times, these days.

[speeds]

Are you used to louder places?

[ With the conversation settling, he finally steps over, taking a seat near to Jon on the floor. He's trying to avoid the campfires as much as possible (simply because if someone were to accidentally touch his skin while there, they'd Realise things) but this distance should be alright. ]

I'm used to this, my family lived in the forests, not close to many other people.

[ He pauses then, hands clasping together. ]

They did. The whole reason for this was to protect everyone who is still asleep, but I doubt it will all be over that easily.

[speeds]

[ ooc: also, as a note i hecked up how the ring actually works here so I'm just going to pretend that it wasn't on properly for the start - it means that part way through he won't realise Edward was the same person as he was talking to before. I'm really sorry about that! ]

Then I'm glad to hear it. There were enough people helping that I'm sure we got everyone down without too many issues.

[ Though he definitely doesn't want to remember being crushed under one of the pods thanks. ]

I ate a little earlier, you don't have to worry about me.

[ Edward, the guy that never eats in front of others... ]

It may be that we can't stay here long anyway, we can take each day at a time.

[silverhound]

[That bit regarding "brute strength" actually wins an indignant snort from Loz.]

Sure, right~! [The blind guy might not be able to see him rolling his eyes but Loz totally is.] Lemme guess, you can sense the world around you through some fake mystical means. Yeah, right. Give me a break.

[The next question makes him pause some. Did he really check every pod first? Loz actually starts to panix now.]

I-I did! I think I did!

[dodgingbullets]

[She finds herself already warming up to his wryness, and she nods once to acknowledge his thanks.

The hare is held shamelessly at her side, and without looking down at it - her stare fixed on him - she smiles politely.] Thank you.

[She tilts her head, a curiosity suddenly finding her.]

Anything else I can help you with? [The question is not quite born from a genuine interest in running errands or doing tasks for anyone out of sheer kindness. You won't find such a thing with Jane. No, it's more of a nod to whatever it is he's doing, really.]