❪ 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

[hoboish]

Are you always this friendly? [ He squints at the middle finger being offered to him, standing back a little as if offended by it. ]

[hoboish]

Ask? [ What? What kind of method is that? He's never heard of such a thing. In his world, people like him don't ask, they just take. ]

Yeah, you do that.

[hoboish]

[ He snorts, not at all impressed with the idea. ] They just sent us flying out of little pods, isn't that test enough?

[ His aches and pains say it is. ]

first aid

[nanamari]

[ Ana has come down in one of the later waves, largely unharmed thanks to the kindness of strangers. Now that everything's settled, she's applying herself to paying it forward, which means that much of her focus has been on getting the injured patched up as best she can.

She still wears her light armor and an opaque black mask, but she's carrying a first aid kit with her. Across her chest, she wears a belt loaded syringe-like ammunition for the rifle at her back. She's been using it conservatively, for more serious injuries.

When she spots the young man trying to patch himself up, she gives him a friendly wave before walking over to where he's settled. ]

Would you like a hand with the rest of it?

[hoboish]

Wisely didn't really know what to do with that grin and those thanks. It was kind of weird, honestly. But he shrugged it off. It's not so bad to be thanked after all.

"Not bad," he nodded. Not his choice of weapon that was for sure, but it could definitely be useful. And it tasted delicious. "Water isn't such a bad element to be stuck with." It could be formidable...like when someone wanted you to take a bath.

"Think I could have another one of those water things or do you run out eventually?"

[hoboish]

[ Ahh... of course he'd ask that. Wisely squints. ]

I might know. But why should I tell you?

[ Yeah he really has no idea whatsoever what he's looking at. ]

[hoboish]

[ Sigh ] Yes, smart guy, it's a name. I'm a direct descendant of Noah— Essentially a part of Noah, as are my comrades back home...or wherever they are now. [ He waits expectantly for this guy Not to get it. ]

[underwhelms]

Otabek, huh.

[ He hadn't see the other skater around, but that's not too unusual. Otabek had always been the type to keep quiet and not draw attention to himself. And while he's glad to know that Otabek is all right (probably), admittedly he would've been happier if Yuuri had answered that he'd seen his family or Isabella walking around.

But at least it's something, and his spirits don't dampen too much. If Yuuri and Otabek are awake, maybe the rest of their friends and family are soon to follow.

With that sorted, he fixes Yuuri with a slightly concerned look. ]

You look rough. I guess this adventure's taking its toll on you. [ Before Yuuri can answer, he continues: ] It's been pretty hard on me too. I thought I was going to die when they dropped us from the ship!

[hoboish]

[ Wisely can relax a little at that then. He's no spectral anyway, though he's mildly amused that this guy thinks he is one. ]

Hmm. Yes. But did they look like me at all? Now that would be strange.

[getoutofmytemple]

If I did not think you competent I would not have approached you in the first place.

[Was that something rare to humans? Did they usually just grab strangers they had not assessed the skill of? He may not have been well informed as to just what this one could do, but she had seemed competent at the camp, but her foolish line of questioning was making him regret his decision.

His plan was sensible, what reason could she possibly have to protest?]

Do you think my reasoning unsound?

ruh roh

[adelphoi]

[ she cocks a brow at that; he's certainly mister positive, isn't he? alisaie's outlook is not quite so bright, though of course it won't deter her from moving forward, keeping to the path. but she's never been particularly good at people, at least in large groups, so. ]

I imagine we will, at least as best we can. There are a lot of us, but I don't imagine anyone is keen to face these unknown wilds alone.

[ none but the pointlessly, stubbornly reckless, at least. she's confident enough that they'll all be smart enough to stick together. ]

[adelphoi]

Oh, honestly. That's no excuse, you know. It's your personal responsibility to be in the best shape you can be for whatever might be ahead of us, you never know what small, untended hurt might become something worse, and then you'd be a burden to all the rest of us.

[ SHE'S SAVAGE but it's tough love i promise.. and hey, look at this, a potion is exactly what she has; fishing around in one of her pockets, she produces a small vial. ]

Here.

[vacuum]

[ Of course he's not satisfied either. He's lost the life he's built for himself, his status, his purpose, and he doesn't even know how long he'll have to wait before he gets to see those friends still sleeping in the stasis pods. It all happened so quickly, he's still reeling from the aftershock too. Chuuya's been in many situations where he's had to grit his teeth and endure a situation, and this is but one of them. The severity tips the scale, but the attitude he intends to take doesn't change. ]

Of course I'm pissed at this whole thing. I've lost everything, and not a single person I care about is awake right now. [ Dazai's ... stupid face does flash in his mind, but Chuuya shelves that image away. Why would he ever give a shit about that guy ... ]

But I'm not going to sit around and bitch about it. If this is the life I'm going to lead now, I'm going to make it the grandest one there is.

[ Even if he means starting from rock bottom and fighting with this stupid tent. ]

[vacuum]

[ And ... Chuuya can control gravity, so he's kind of immune to rocks and things being thrown at him. The moment the rock touches his palm, it loses all force and falls to the floor. the logic behind this is kind of anime don't question it too much ]

Hey. That could have hit me, asshole! [ He's fine, but it's the principle of it all. Also, he's wondering if that guy who turns into a tiger is who he thinks he is. ]

[vacuum]

[ It's fine, because Chuuya is also a Millenial and he understands what it's like to be glued to your phone. He's wondering what JJ is even looking at though, because the network appears to be down. Chuuya only wants to get clean, so he's happy to lead the way to the stream. ]

Oi. Of course I know how to ride a bike. [ He's never had many reasons to do so but ... he has ridden bicycles?? ] What do you take me for?! I've just never went camping, that's all!

[vacuum]

Uh, it's fine. We don't have to play games. [ He was only trying to liven up the mood, because he dislikes uncomfortable silences. However, some of the other refugees were staring at him oddly and now he's kind of embarrassed. Chuuya scoots over, giving Gaius some space on the log. ]

You been holding up alright, man?

[yourhatred]

[To overflow.]

[strictdiscipline]

[ Off to an embarrassing first start. If this had happened while she was still in the academy she'd be brigher than a ripe tomato. As is it, the fact that she'd just puked up the half-digested remains of her breakfast in front of an attractive man in her age bracket barely bothers her, probably because she isn't Rebecca, single-minded in her pursuit for a husband.

Also probably because she's still a bit woozy and pale-faced. ]

Mostly, though I think I'll need to sit for a few minutes.

[ Or stand clutching—whatever it is she's clutching, apparently this stranger's arm. Sorry about that. She spots the vomit on his shoes and grimaces apologetically. ]

I'm sorry. I thought I'd be able to hold it in better than that.

[motivation]

[ once upon a time, there had been a little girl who hadn't been comfortable with weapons or with killing, with hurting people. dutch hasn't been that little girl in a very long time, but she still remembers some of that discomfort, even if she no longer feels it these days. ]

Flashlights would be pretty great, too. Or lanterns.

[motivation]

From one sentence.

[ it wasn't his looks that made her pass, after all. ]

[motivation]

[ it is pretty cute. sorry, rocket, but even if you had more teeth, dutch probably wouldn't be terribly intimidated. maybe if you talked to her about bombs, she'd be a bit more impressed. ]

Not a fan of the country-side?

[ her remark is idle, but hey. she's grabbing the rabbit-creature again to give to someone else. ]

[motivation]

You're on. But I won't be alphabetising it.

[ dorian is wearing considerably less make-up than pree, and he has considerably more hair on his head, and despite these and all other differences, dutch is reminded of her friend. (she may not have always admitted it, but that's what pree is. a good friend, someone she trusts. someone she'll always fight for.) ]

Hokk's similar to wine. I've never heard of whiskey, so I can't say.

[motivation]

[ right now, dutch would accept food in her hair so long as it meant she can continue holding on to johnny, making sure that he's really here and really real, that he survived the end of the world and is awake and not still in a stasis pod the way pree, alvis and d'avin all are.

dutch had been wondering. ]

You got a mod? [ no, wait. ] Of course you got a mod.

[ still not letting go — but eventually, she does, drawing back and letting her arms fall to her side, looking at him. she gets why he left, she does, but she's missed him every moment of the way. he's her gravity, he has been for years now and without him, things have been harder. ]

[doggo]

[He does. Like someone running their hand wrongways through his hair or (occasional experience says) fur. It's not a question, so Sirius doesn't answer it as if it was. Instead--]

Everyone's got to feel it. We came down here waiting for the rest to join us, and now we're waiting for-- further instructions. Whatever comes next.

[Or perhaps whoever comes next. Sirius looks up toward the sky, eyes picking at the darkness.]

There's people still asleep as well. People that we know. That's part of the feeling, too, like-- [He raises his hand, touches it to the back of his head. Unwashed hair hangs limp and thick, prickles against his palm.] They've said no one up there gets hurt while we're down here. Defence to spare without us to worry about. It's hard to believe if I can't see it.

[motivation]

Who said I was talking to or about anyone in particular?

[ can't a woman mention wanting a handsome fellow to share her bedroll without every man in a five mile radius assuming she's talking to or about him?

which, to be fair, dutch was, but like hells is she admitting to that now. ]