❪ 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

[godwins]

I think we should've hid the fires better. [ If someone— something— was watching, it could probably see them from miles off. ] "Smoking stacks attract attacks."

[ He is quoting a poster. He can see it when he closes his eyes, burning there, instead of the fire. ] I dunno. It's not like any training exercise I've been through.

[winddaughter]

Safety in numbers... she could get behind that, for the moment anyway. She takes a steadying breath and files away his name, knowing he'll be someone she wants to remember.

"Anemone," she answers. "Lead on?"

[coolerjunpei]

Glad you're feeling better.

[Like, actually glad they're inching back toward normal after he dropped all that bizarre murder stuff on him so suddenly. And glad Snake is smiling at him and acting a little more normal - Junpei might have been hyperventilating all afternoon, but he's been assuming Snake is more than a little upset about his arm breaking.

But that's as much as he'll bring that up unless Snake wants to talk about it. He's got a sensitive ego, that guy.]

It's not like there's anyone I need to impress with my hairdo. [He looks like such shit right now it's unbelievable, but the simple pleasure of Snake playing with his hair is much more important than where his bangs are actually going. So.] You're welcome, I think.

[exonerated]

I've no doubt.

[ He both wants and doesn't want to see it, to be honest. ]

Will you be needing any more assistance?

[laveers]

[ Edmund is everyone who meets Asha lbr ]

I will not. My thanks again, Edmund.

o-oh... well, if it's you, I'll allow it. ❤

[spineshatters]

I've a bad habit of enduring.

[He might as well be real about it—]

I doubt not that greater adversities lie ahead of us, but unease accomplishes nothing. [It wasn't so much that he was okay with what had happened. It's more like sitting and fretting about it just wasn't going to help. Besides, he continues, some vague amusement in his own words this time:] Though you're one to talk. I've seen others far more fretful than you.

[adelphoi]

[ good. it always feels rude to eat in front of others who aren't eating, and leanne has certainly earned the right to snack, after working to get that tent up. but alisaie looks visibly surprised to learn she's never slept outdoors before - then altogether shocked at all the rest. ]

That sounds awful.

[ oops. you should think before you speak sometimes, alisaie. she backpedals a bit, and shakes her head. ]

My apologies. I just.. that's so difficult for me to imagine.

[trybelieving]

We'll see them all again, it'll just take some time.

[ if believing is what will get them through this, then that's what Tink is going to do. she won't make the same mistake twice.]

And here I am, giving you my life's story when I haven't shared my name. I'm Tinker Bell.

[ since he knows he's a fairy, he should at least know what to call her.]

[exonerated]

That's a very unique name.

[ Well, Edmund, she is a fairy, after all. ]

I'm Edmund Pevensie.

[ King and all that, also has been to two worlds, but that can be a conversation for later. ]

And I've asked about your life, yet you know little of mine. Not so fair a trade, is it?

[adelphoi]

[ her gaze loses focus thoughtfully as she listens, a distant expression on her face - she's reminded a bit of the voidsent, of mindflayers and gargoyles and imps, otherworldly beasts. it's enough to send a shiver down her spine, and bring her to clutching her heavy robe a little more tightly around herself. ]

Ah. I know its like, and the Darkness as well.

[ she'd heard all the tales of syrcus tower, after all, and what the warrior had found at its summit, the dark world, and all its corruption. ]

I take it they are not particularly pleasant.

Re: descent!

[goldsteins]

Tina doesn't expect any witch or wizard from her own world. She'd seen the pods herself and while she saw many people within them, in comparison only a few had awoken. She felt it foolish of her to believe there might be more whom she knew, though perhaps that was the truly foolish thought to have.

She'd looked for Newt when the first wave came down-- If she had been in it then, surely, he would too. Tina hadn't come across even a glimpse of the man. This, too, was to be expected given the fact that though she looked she did not stop and the moment it looked like someone need help she was hyper-focused on helping them. But still she cannot help but look and hope, so when the debris move on their own she's startled for half of a second.

It's not as if she isn't trained for this, and she refocuses just as quickly and only lets out a breath when it's safely moved to the side.]

Thanks-- [She stops short in her turn taking the man in. That's definitely a wand, but certainly not the person she would expect to find helping her. So, she blurts out the question that comes too naturally:] Who are you?

[...At least she has no awareness that he is the infamous Sirius Black?]

[adelphoi]

Well, I certainly hope you are.

[ she frowns, however, looking his little camp over, and then squinting toward him. ]

But I daresay you should sleep at some point. We've no idea what the morrow might bring, and sleeplessness makes for dangerous mistakes. I hope you'll come back soon enough.

[ she sounds rough and demanding BUT IT'S CONCERN... REALLY.. ]

wildcard

[global]

[ In terms of injuries, she's had much worse, but this isn't exactly her idea of fun. D. Va had descended in one of the later waves, but not the last. Unfortunate timing meant she had stood just a little too close to when one of them had exploded shortly after its inhabitant had been helped out. A painful burn runs along her left calf, though it hasn't stopped her from continuing her work.

To a point, at least. When the pain gets bad enough that even she can't ignore it, she searches for Mercy in the crowd. When that fails, she turns her attention to procuring one of the intact first aid kits. It takes a few minutes, but she finally spots one, buried beneath a large panel.

She leans down to raise it, but it's way too heavy. This is what she gets for missing too many lifting days. She looks up, waving over to Archer. ]

Hello! Could you lend me a hand?

[punshots]

[ He laughs, a sharp, hard sound devoid of any mirth at all. ]

Yeah. Guess not.

[ He leaves the obvious question unspoken. What next? They hadn't formed anything like a truce - far from it - and while revenge was too red-blooded for someone like Prompto, he couldn't just let Ardyn do whatever he pleased if that included something dangerous.

(Would he even be able to do anything to stop him if he did?)

But that was impossible to predict, and he's so damn tired, and the extra mantle of wariness this unfortunate reunion has called him to bear is already making him apprehensive about the thought of even sleeping. ]

[adelphoi]

[ it seems a lifetime before she hears him moving about again - what's he doing out there, solving differential equations?? alisaie is not terribly patient even at the best of times, but it's wearing quite thin, trapped as she is in a bloody machine that she in no way trusts. it's certainly not his fault, but her skin is itching with a quiet panic that bubbles its way up and into her words. ]

About time -

[ ah, the hatch is giving way, groaning in protest before the door gives and the light of day floods the pod, and better still, fresh air. alisaie inhales deeply, then makes to unbuckle her fastenings - it's difficult, with slightly trembling fingers, but she manages soon enough.

and after that, she snags that armored hand and uses the offered leverage to hoist herself up and back onto her feet. everything aches but the great sigh she gives suggests immense relief. ]

By the Gods, that was an absolute nightmare.

[adelphoi]

Oh, but I'd hate to have to ask you to expel even more precious energy to ignite another cozy little deathtrap for yourself, sir.

[ she says, and shrugs benignly, all innocence, then ducks the metal sheeting that sails past her right arm. ]

I'm quite happy to rough it in the wilds.

[goldsteins]

I can wait, I don't mind. One of the children need it more. [She adds it in quickly, ever putting those who need help before herself. It's a natural tick, not something she thinks about or any benefits doing for others might have for her--

--But she certainly believes there are others of more need, especially when it comes to the amount of young adults she saw wandering around. Tina does not know what she should say here and the tentative smile falls quickly from her features, too awkward and uncertain in its nature.

Dark eyes flicker just past the man's shoulder towards the crowd, then back at the bowl of venison he's offering and after another moment reaches out with a puff of breath to grasp it. She scoffs a laugh before adding:] It's fine. I can manage with fingers if I have to. [At least she tries for a wee bit of humor as she shifts to offer a hand uncertainly.]

Tina.

[global]

[ stands around, is here ]

[ripvanwinkled]

[There was a time Snake thought about bringing up his own Personal Feelings, but it's passed now. And as much as he likes Junpei's company, he's not so sure he'd really know what to say. He said think about saying "hey thanks" twice now, so talking about the crushing fear of suffocating and dying without his second arm? Nah. Naaah.]

Thank you, I think. [So, on a not serious note, because he doesn't need serious talking to, he doesn't know Junpei's not been eating his great dinner.] How is your muffin?

[global]

I'm fixing it, duh!

[ This may not be a good idea.

She takes the progress she's made on it so far, places it on the ground, and begins to WHACK at the middle of the support. She's trying to force it to look like what she remembers it's supposed to be... ]

[exonerated]

That would be the most natural thing to occur in a situation like ours.

[ Edmund's smile is only kind. ]

whoops i didn't notice my coding error sorry!

[exonerated]

If you're certain.

[ He sounds just a little amused, but he doesn't stop. It's those little sister vibes — Lucy's pride is the same. She's always been determined to prove herself.

Edmund doesn't let himself miss her for too long, though. ]

I understand this in an odd time for an introduction — but my name is Edmund.

[coolerjunpei]

["Hey thanks" is a perfectly acceptable conversational... thing. He could totally handle it if Snake had Personal Feelings in his direction. But fine.

Crud: the muffin. Junpei pauses, feeling around on the ground without moving his head so he can grab the muffin without giving himself away. Or giving up hair touching, also important. God, there's dirt on it.]

Uh, it's good. You didn't eat anything. [He sees!!! Eat.]

[flashystyle]

Well, at least it's cozy.

[That's all he's really got going for him. He can keep arguing it's a perfectly reasonable, safe home, or he can turn away from it and look at her.]

It sounds like you need a companion in the wilds. Away from here. With someone who we won't say made a mistake.

[wildest]

Ah... I guess snakes are pretty good at that too?

[All slithery and able to eat things ten times their size. Maybe his friend has a big appetite.]

O... ce, lot. [Is that English??] That's some name.