❪ 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

[laveers]

[ To wander in here unarmed seems more stupid than a desire not to be threatening, but she's noticed, even here, few have weapons like she does, and they have all been men. Of all Clary says, it's the sword that contributes most to Asha relaxing. She switches the grip on her axe — still holding it — but now no longer in an immediately threatening position. ]

I intend to catch fish. [ curiously, ] Why are you here, if there is nothing you can hunt?

[punshots]

Why not both?

[ The thought of being reunited with his friends and a warm, filling dinner both sound tremendous, and Prompto is still bubbling with enthusiasm, crouched down and gathering clover that he doesn't notice the rabbit hopping towards him at first.

But once he does, things can only go downhill from there. I choose heartrendingly every time. ]

Aranea! [ Whispered about as close as he can come to yelling as possible. He sounds halfway-panicked, halfway-thrilled, but not because they might've caught their game. He's thrilled because...it's super cute, and has now hopped close enough to sniff at the clover in his outstretched hand. He knows then and there: there's no way he can kill this little guy. ]

...Can we keep it?

[politrick]

[Oh, there it goes, you're welcome. Merlin gets his hands out of this tent as soon as there's enough space, backing away before it unfolds into his face.]

Good work! Now it's—well, I'm not going to carry it around like this.

[poolhall_killer]

[They do look better than the rations. Venom will give him that.]

We should find some equipment so we can cook them properly. Perhaps we can add some vegetables to make it more of a meal.

[That is if any of the space veggies are palatable.]

[chaoticlootral]

[ That was absolutely as far as the plan went, bub! Sorry about it. It's gonna be a long day and there's other spells to cast other than "catch Magnus" and ya boy did his deed and make you look cool so. Deal with it? I guess? Sort of half heartedly following the trajectory of the pod so if Magnus eats total shit he can at least get his sword back. ]

[unchainedwolf]

Only blade I have.

[So....it was gonna have to do. He isn't against eating like a total savage and just biting the meat off the bones either. Not like he hasn't done that before.

He stares into a fire for a moment, just thinking about all that has happened. It's been a crazy day.]

How did you fare in all of that mess?

[unchainedwolf]

At least those eight are up there.

[He nods up to the sky.]

Sounds like they might not fare well down here in this Maker forsaken place.

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie seems to have no problem talking about home, she's never been been the sort to avoid the things that hurt, because in the end there is no escaping the pain anyway. whether she talks about it or not that hole in her soul where hydaelyn once was will continue to ache, more than most likely only time will heal those wounds, not silence.

still, she's aware enough to understand that not everyone functions the same way, so when prompto begins to recount his own story, it's.. a little refreshing. she has to rest her cheek against her knees to gaze down at him. ]

Daemons?

[kissintime]

Ermes Costello. Same to you.

[Cause hey, maybe she might get more free guns?? She could use those.]

[laveers]

You may. [ She smiles, brief but wicked. ] But I care little for titles.

[ The only one she insists on is the one she has earned. A man has snatched away her chance for a crown, and she remains Lady only by her uncle's desire and convenience. But ships or not, no one can take Captain away. ]

What do you fight?

[poolhall_killer]

I appreciate your assistance, Kotetsu.

[He won't admit that he's starving, and the sooner they can get it up, the sooner he can search for cooking supplies. The laugh rolls off of him as he's now determined to pitch this damn tent.]

I didn't think it would be this... difficult to set up.

[chaoticlootral]

[A little. Not exactly subtle about it either. Going to just be rude and see if there's another tube in the package by reaching over to try and grab it.]

You seem to be recovering, let me take a hit.

[laveers]

[ Not a problem for her — she misses feeling a rope weaving among her fingers. ]

What must we trade to have them?

[punshots]

[ Prompto's eyebrows fly up at the question. He'd assumed that had been a dream, or...just him. But if it was really Darma, then it only made sense that other people heard it, too, didn't it? ]

Yeah! Man, I thought I was dreaming. I think it was her - Darma. And...someone else. Talking? About us? Is that what you heard, too?

[ He remembers hearing her call the other person a name, but it's not coming to him. ]

[perfectdisaster]

[ The faked tone makes him relax a little, glad that she hadn't mentioned the bedroll again. That alone says he'd been right in his assumption, which was probably a good thing. ]

If you do, send one for me, too.

[ There isn't much of an expression on his face, but his tone is one of mild annoyance. ]

I'd have preferred to arrive here with my own clothes.

[uglybug]

[Mantis waits until she's invited before sitting down on the log. She huddles into the robe but though she's obviously as tired as anyone else, there's a tension in her back and shoulders.]

I do not think I will be sleeping tonight, no.

[crosspear]

I did. They're not built like these, of course. They're larger and sturdier, and we use logs to set them up. But a commodity? You're talking about camping, aren't you? I suppose to some, my lifestyle would seem like I've been camping my entire life.

[He has a laugh at that. He knows he's far removed from society and isn't ashamed of it in the least. Open fires, large tents, horses, livestock, and the wilderness...you can't rough it more than that.]

I would like that, Makoto. I can gather some for myself while I'm at it. Have you ever built a fire before?

[crosspear]

Haha...no, you were right the first time. My entire family and I lived in a tent of sorts for the last seventeen years. Assembling tents and taking them down always reminds me of where I grew up.

[After assembling the main tent pole, he moves to slide it through the center of the tent's fabric, securing each end of the pole in the ground. As he stands next, the pole bends, causing the body of the tent to 'rise', revealing the entrance. He's not quite done yet, but he'll get there.]

I'm Gaius, by the way. Gaius Worzel.

[crosspear]

[She's a very interesting person. Very straightforward; he can say he admires that.]

Something only I can do, then? I suppose I can think of one thing, but it's...somewhat situational. You might not even believe me when I tell you what it is.

[But it is true, so he'll just share instead of beating around the bush.]

I can read the movements of the area around me. It's hard to explain, but...it's less like sensing an aura and more like reading the air and wind.

[crosspear]

My name is Gaius—Gaius Worzel.

[He is ready and willing to take all kindling and start a fire of his own. Gaius can't say he's had camping experience, not when all of his experience comes from living a normal life in the mountains, but that just means he's prepared for this.]

A campfire can be difficult to start without the right tools. [But that's alright, because he's producing two things from his pocket. A piece of flint from the supplies and a compass with a metal back to strike it against. He kneels by whatever wood Gaelio has gathered, arranging it if needed to make a more sustainable fire.] It seems there are people here who can start a fire without tools at all as well.

[uglybug]

[Mantis nods at the invitation and almost cautiously sits near the fire. It's cold, she's exhausted, but... she doesn't know him very well at all. There's a touch of wariness in her posture, but she does not hesitate to warm her hands by the fire.]

Are you all right?

[That's how one does conversation, right? Ask questions?]

[crosspear]

[Even though night has fallen, thanks to the campfire he can't miss how Alisaie's eyes narrow at him. Is it because he mentioned prayer? He can't be certain, but he's not the kind of person to call someone out for just making a face.]

Did you try any of the simulations while we were still on the station? If those are accurate, then our worries will show themselves sooner or later. I wish I'd asked more questions at the time.

[He shakes his head, wondering just what tomorrow will bring.]

For the moment, at least, we don't have anything to worry about. Aside from a few curious animals, I haven't sensed anything coming this way with intent to harm.

[sullenstallion]

Right? If someone else beat me to all the knives, that's...even more of a pain in the ass.

[He's glad to have someone he can complain with, because man he wants to complain about how much this sucks at least a little. Because it does. His tail swishes idly a few times as he watches, and he wishes he'd paid more attention to when he got help with his own.]

I think once you get the big pole together, it runs through the...center. It's supposed to bend a little.

that's okay because stripes are more than good, they're grrrrreat

[sullenstallion]

Good. Just making sure.

[If it were up to Dylas, he'd tell Atsushi to sit on the complete opposite side of the fire from him. As far away as possible. But that's because he's an asshole, and what he would do often doesn't line up with what he wants to do. So, he's glad that Atsushi decided to sit at least a little close to him. It makes him feel less lonely at a time where he doesn't want to admit he feels pretty damn alone.

Getting your universe devoured does that, he supposes.]

Yeah, this is great. I'm feeling better already. You ever do this before? The whole...camping thing?

[sullenstallion]

No, not that. No preference between building things and destroying things.

[He figures there has to be some sort of balance of both. To improve something, sometimes something has to be torn down and replaced. He's not thinking too deeply about it.]

You're telling me. I know someone who once beat a bunch of monsters using a watering can.