❪ 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

[rampager]

[Pride has its uses, and its place. But not here.]

And you, as well.

[Vorin takes a moment to stretch a little, to flash a small and understated smile of his own. And then he's off, with healed horns and a somewhat lighter heart.]

[vacuum]

[ Why did a raccoon just call him 'pretty boy' ... ]

Maybe you'll learn to breathe in space by then. [ He wouldn't actually let that happen but it's fun to make Rocket think he might. ] Or I could let you down -- if you beg me enough.

[uglybug]

[She nods quickly when he confirms her name.] Hello, Vorin. I am glad to help.

[There is a small pause before she answer the question.] I do not know anyone else from my world.

[earthy]

[No? Yes? Terra stares after her, trying to follow what she's saying.

Something of a correlation...

It's not what he thought it was. That much is clear, at least. She's not referring to the elements of light and darkness. (Which is... a shame? A relief? He's not going to think about what it is to him. What it is or what it should be.) It almost sounds like all the magic in her world was tied to either the light or the darkness. Except, no, that's not it, either. A classification system... and then light and darkness behave similarly to how they classify white and black spells?

He imagines one of his friends would probably understand the explanation, if she were the one awake and seeing Alisaie out of harm's reach instead of him.]

We didn't classify magic in my world. [Worlds. He looks away... and happens to spot a wriggling movement on the ground nearby. He puts his hovering on hold a second to check it out, veering away and stopping near a clump of grass.]

It was just elements and spells. Fire and Blizzard, Thunder... [Terra stoops down, brushes some of the grass aside, and finds himself peering at a... wounded rabbit.] Cure.

[He starts to tip his Keyblade up only to pause, lower it again, and call out to Alisaie.]

Think you could patch up a rabbit?

[tub]

[ it isn't like shu was capable of guilt. if anything, he just can't comprehend the reason for why the other individual would permit him his way or selfishness. he doesn't know if the man before him is just keen on permitting him his way, or if he was merely... tired enough to simply allow everything to come as past.

maybe, it's because he's puzzled, he finds himself giving a brief click of his tongue. that is, before he draws himself in a half-up position. ] You're just like... [ him, maybe. he recalls a similar scenario when they stayed out playing with toy guns and shooting rabbits. still, he shakes it off. ]

This is why humans are... [ he's not quite certain why he reacts at all, and yet, here he is. ]

[tub]

[ the more easily detectable someone's shame was, the more shu was fueled off of it. sadism came natural to vampires and shu was not absolved from this golden law. it's why, he doesn't entirely let it go, even if chuuya's broken out of his grip; ready to pick up the muddy remains of shu's temporary toy (chuuya's fedora). ] I was just thinking you must be some poor virgin for that to be enough stimulation for you.

[ still, shu also begins sitting up. albeit, gradually, his knees first bending, his palm flat on the ground. once he's up, he lethargically places an arm over his knee. idly looking up at chuuya. ] Not that it matters. [ if he's right or wrong.

if his verdict is true. as long as he can ruffle some feathers, he was fine with that. ] You got it back, didn't you?

[competing]

[ lance answers any of chuuya's doubts by quickly rolling on over to his hands and knees, and then crawling from there. his ankle still smarts, but he manages to keep it raised even in this position.

he gets about half-way in when he suddenly pauses. ]

Hey, uh... not to knock your hard work or anything.




But isn't it a little small?

[ how are the two of them supposed to fit in here... ]

[cacoethical]

He doesn't say it aloud, but Dirk's expression turns briefly dubious, says without him needing to voice it that he suspects he's met a lot of terrible nurses, if that's the case. But that uncharitable thought fades swiftly to guilt and then his expression smooths out again.

"Well then I'd say this is proof positive you're not. So... thank you." He pauses, head taking on a thoughtful tilt.

"No, I mean: you're more than what you do, so thank you. It's still you." People don't always recognise that. In fact, in Dirk's experience, they almost never do -- so this is him projecting, but there are worse things to project and worse things to say. Better things too, probably, but he doesn't know what they are. He's trying. He's making do.

On that note, and with that goal in mind, he should probably... well. Do. Do what he said he wanted to. Get to helping. Stop wasting her time. He doesn't want to, quite selfishly. She's kind. Even if it is just her job, she's kind, and not a lot of people are.

Dirk smiles again, this time a little weary, a little wan. He pushes himself to his feet.

"Well. I suppose I ought to..." He gives a vague gesture of the hand about him. Get to work.

[offthatpath]

It's good that you're on your guard.

[His words weren't meant to be a dressing down. If Izzy had been in Jyn's shoes he would have expected the same reaction. Except a whip around his throat instead of a gun to the face. But it's worth it to know that they'll defend themselves. Just in case.]

[offthatpath]

[Maybe it would be less insulting if Alec's tone when talking about 'mundanes' isn't always so put upon and unimpressed. He forgets how irritated Simon used to get about the designation. Or he doesn't care. It's a toss up.] It's a term for non-Shadowhunter humans in my world. [Because that explains everything.]

I'm not out of touch. I've just never been camping before. [Surely he can't be the only one.]

Here. [He grabs one of the poles and tosses it over with ease.]

[offthatpath]

[It's still taking him some time to wrap his head around the fact that things about his world aren't the same for everyone else. But he only has his experiences from home to judge others by. But perhaps mage works just as well as the term warlock carries a meaning for him that might not be true of other worlds.]

Mage, then. [He glances briefly at the runes covering his revealed arms.] No, I'm not. But I'm not one. A mage. Or warlock.

[offthatpath]

[Alec pulls his stele-a slim, wand-like object-out of his pocket and presses the tip to an unmarked area on his skin, drawing on a strength rune. It glows for a moment before settling into a deep black. He places the stele back into his pocket as he moves closer to the pod.]

Only one way to find out.

[He grabs the edge of the hatch door and pulls, nearly wrenching it off completely.]

[offthatpath]

[The emergency drops, of course. Alec hadn't encountered any bags of blood being stashed inside the pods, but he hadn't exactly been looking for any. But maybe he should have been. After all, what are the odds that Simon is the only vampire that was rescued by the Natha?]

Most of the wounded have been cleared from the drop sight and are in camp. If we're going to check the drops for blood, now is as good a time as any.

[No matter what Simon says, he's not going to risk everyone's safety by allowing the vampire to wander around without blood.

That said, the topic change isn't very subtle.]

Yes. And Isabelle.

[offthatpath]

[She pulled the hatch open one-handed. Definitely more than meets the eye. But he doesn't detect any runes on her, or faerie marks. She could be a werewolf however, there's no way to tell unless she shifts.

And then her words stop his thoughts. Slayer?]

And what exactly do you slay? [He moves closer to the pod, looking inside, and sees that its occupant is unconscious. They don't appear to be bleeding however, which is a good sign.]

Lives are at risk if we don't get them out of these pods and check for injuries. You shouldn't need to be asked nicely to help. I thought you said everyone knew what they're doing? [There's no time for niceties in a crisis.]

[offthatpath]

We can agree on that at least. [Alec sees no reason to completely trust the Natha. They could be lying. But they don't really have a choice but to go along with what they say.]

It's pretty convenient for them that they can hold us to our loyalty in return for caring for our loved ones.

Both. [He pauses, wondering whether to say more or not. But it's not like he's keeping it a secret.] I have a brother and sister with us. Here. But the rest of my family is asleep.

[godwins]

"Out of touch" are the words we use to describe people who haven't been camping on my world. [ He catches the pole with one hand, easy, and starts banging it into the ground. ]

I never heard of Shadowhunters. What's that? Some wizard cabal or something? [ He frowns as he drives the pole. Guy thinks the Wizard of Oz is a faulty documentary, and wizards seem like they could be stuck up. ]

[competing]

[ it doesn't take much for the resident "goofball" to get his act together, in all honesty. as inclined as he is to jokes and lightheartedness, he can very easily take cue from the atmosphere around him.

so it's with a sharp nod that he accepts the new task ahead of him, taking note of the destination in mind. ]

Got it.

[ he glances up, eyeing the streaks of smoke in the air. how many more, he wonders. ]

After you.

[earthy]

[Terra's attention lingers on the sky. He waits for the winged animal to reappear and, when it doesn't, he's left wondering if perhaps he imagined its shadowy form.

Then again, this world could harbor any number of real monsters.

Terra shakes his head again, trying to concentrate on the man beyond the fire and what he's saying about his emperor... being slain? Or just dying somehow, because of a war.

Well, that's awful.]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[It must be a hard thing to lose your king. To war, no less. And then the Storm comes along and wipes everything away...]

The loss of your emperor and your world.

[Terra rocks forward and stands back up. He's had his (literal) few minutes of rest. He can't sit any longer.]

I hope you're able to find some peace here, Chancellor. But for now, is there anything you need? [He pulls his Keyblade free from the ground.] Food? Water? More wood for the fire?

[daemonized]

[What heartfelt condolences those are. Enough to almost make him laugh; if only Terra knew the truth of the situation, that it was by no means his emperor or nation that fell. He held no sentimentality connected to it all; if anything, he was the one who led all of Niflheim astray, to its own downfall.

But-- you know, not something he'd bring up right now.]

You're kind, truly. [He grins up at him.] But no, all I require is to sit by the fire for now. It still has enough life in it to blaze for more time to come.

[trybelieving]

Me too.

[ she could use a break from all of the excitement. it's hard to keep up with everyone, even if assigning tasks and getting people moving was necessary. there's little choice but to keep moving, to keep busy with thoughts of how to help the others.]

I'm Tinker Bell.

[ because it's as good a start as any in making a stranger feel more comfortable in all of this chaos.]

[earthy]

[Terra nods. Same deal for him.]

They took something from me, too. A good luck charm a friend gave me that has some magic in it.

[He raises his free hand in front of him, closing his fingers around air. This guy doesn't seem too bothered by the loss of his machine, but Terra's missing his charm terribly. He's got to get it back as soon as possible.

Still, the stranger has a point about physical strength. It's important, maybe now more than ever before, to be able to defend yourself. To be able to defend your friends. He's not sure he could do that with the Wayfinder's magic alone. Or if that magic would even work in this world, with the Storm swallowing whole dimensions and the Natha saving people by tucking them away in pods. The charm's links might have been severed.

Terra eyes the spear thoughtfully, wondering for a second what it'd be like to spar with a spear-wielder. He pushes that idea aside with a small shake of his head. Not the time.]

I'd better get back to work. [Work, patrol, absent wandering. One of those things.] Is there anything I can get you? Food or anything?

[beatupgrass]

[He technically has a spacesuit in his pocket, so it's not like it's gonna be an issue, but wow thanks for revealing you're that much of a dick, as far as Rocket's concerned, Chuuya.] I'd rather suffocate in space.

we can leave this here, I think!

[ofobedience]

[And that's nothing to be laughed at, nothing to be easily dismissed-- a ride like the one Lance just had, the ride they both had, it had left Giovanni's nerves rattled and jangling, something he may not have been able to so easily shake were it not for the situation continuing around him, the need to make himself useful.

And so he nods his approval, turns on his heel. Motions for the boy to follow him. There's still work to be done before the day is out.]

[spineshatters]

[Hah. Yes, definitely not the part he expected him to focus on, but he can't really blame him, either. After all, even in his world, it's not like everyone could claim to have been in a thousand year with dragons.]

Aye. They are known to hold quite a grudge, it would seem. [Haha, you know, just like him.] Are you unfamiliar with them?

[There was plenty he could say on the subject, but it'd probably help to know if Gaelio even knew what one was to begin with.]

[burglarize]

But —

[ If he's capable, she wanted help. Maybe she should have been more direct. Stop fiddling around and actually basically strongly enforce he help the short-staffed healers. It wasn't his fault, he has his own tactical mind and if he was better suited for something else, he acts according. Ann's told to wait and that's honestly something that flares her up a bit. Her fists clench at her side and once 76 begins to help (in his way, which was honestly the logical kind), she's following a few minutes later. ]

No way. You're hurt too! You think it's okay to help others when you're close to keeling over?

[ Her tone was passive aggressive, a slight taste of his own medicine in the regards of what's 'useful' around here. Ann's squinting at him pretty hard. ]

Tell me what happened and — just give me a few minutes and I'll summon Carmen back. I'm not going to let anyone sit around hurting after the shitstorm we've been through.