❪ 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

[regives]

[ Even though her excitement probably (most definitely) got the best of her and it's easy to translate her words to "give 'em hell", the last she's expecting is for this stranger to go in so headstrong; without any concern or rationale, or at least from her perspective, he's on par with the beast and it causes her to swallow down a small wad of anxiety that built in her throat. ]

Watch out!

[ But it's too late and he realizes that last minute. Leanne reaches out only from him teleport away, which has her stumbling to the side and catching her fall with her free hand as the serpent passes her. There's a soft groan on her end, back sore after meeting the earth under such a heavy impact. But that tumble and fall actually helps her realize that while she physically can't do the same amount of damage as the man, she does have a second source of firepower that could probably scratch the surface of it.

The snake, now slowly going about as it tries to locate the two of them, is near death and she knows that while it may be a little overkill, it's necessary. ]

Hey! [ Her eyes find the man hidden in the trees, just he knows she's speaking straight to him. At the same time she's reaching behind her to pull a small grenade from inside her pouch. ] Use that trick of yours [ —she's referring to his teleportation— ] and come over to me after I throw this, okay? We're gonna have to duck!

[ She gets a running start with the serpent nearing the tree the stranger was occupying, the vibrations of her feet urging it to pull its attention away before it's conveniently opening its mouth for a final hiss. Leanne then throws the grenade, as risky as it is, hurling it into the throat of the beast. With her distance it's necessary to duck, especially with what's to come, and as soon as the bomb leaves her fingers that's exactly what she's doing. ]

[silverhound]

[There's something oddly surreal about him being injured right now. Loz always prided himself on his absurd strength and fortitude in combat. Not even Big Brother or the Turks could easily defeat him. He's an imposing figure standing at nearly six foot two known for his brawn and agility. So imagine how out his element he feels right now. He's terribly injured to the point of tears but he doesn't cry. Hell no! This isn't the time for that.]

It's a good thing the snake is blind. [He mutters to himself as he checks the damage done to his arm. The wound is bleeding quite a bit but he doubts the serpent severed an artery. If it had, Loz would've been unconscious within mere seconds.]

H-Huh? [Loz peeks down at the girl once she calls for him. It seems that she has an 'ace' up her sleeves in the form of a grenade. She doesn't need to tell him twice what the plan is, especially since might be their only shot to finish off that serpent.]

Gotcha!

[He takes a deep breath and suddenly teleport yet again. Loz is in terrible pain right now but retreat isn't an option. He said he was going to bring back some food for the others, and well he plans to do just that. While he's still on the fence whether or not this snake is edible or not, Loz thinks it would be 'cool' to arrive at the camp with this overgrown nightmare in tow. If the mighty Sephiroth can kill something similar to this fiend, then so can he. That's how he sees it.]

[Loz teleports right in front of the wounded snake with a forced grin. No matter how much he feels like crying right now, Loz isn't about to back down.]

Hey, ugly!

[He manages to get the snake's attention for a moment by shouting and whistling at it. While the damn thing can't see anymore, it can certainly hear him.]

Over here! That's right! Over here!

[Just as soon as the snake gets close enough, Loz completely vanishes and the girl throws the grenade just that second when the snake strikes at him. It swallows the grenade on accident and promptly explodes. Wild birds start to screech over the horizon once the explosion literally shakes the very foundation of the jungle itself. Loz teleported just in time to avoid the blast but also to shield the girl from any incoming debris. While the blond certainly seems tough, Loz doesn't want to risk getting her injured too.]

[regives]

[ Leanne's beginning to realize that if you give this man an inch he'll take the whole mile, and she can strongly admire and appreciate that despite a side of her wishing he'd be more reluctant. The kind, more compassionate side of her who is just as concerned of another person's well-being as she is her own; though she trusts in him as much as he does her, apparently, and is in full belief that they will both make it out of this situation alive.

Which they do, fortunately.

Her hands are covering her ears to suppress the sound of the explosion. She is unable to ignore the weight of his body pressed against her own as he shields her from the blast and while she called him over she definitely did not ask him to do this much. Chunks of flesh and meat scatter, broken pieces of fangs scattering and fortunately enough they do not pierce either of them. The true blessing in this last effort of defeating the serpent, which was now laying dead with what remains of its body. Half of its head demolished after the bomb had set off in its mouth.

Leanne lifts up, catching her breath, and she's quick to turn her attention away from the beast and to the man. ]

Your arm. [ Great observation skills. ] Stay still, okay?

[ Her tone is gentle, throat burning from yelling earlier, but it's obvious that she's serious and refuses to argue. Her first aid kit was back at camp but for the time being she needed to stop the bleeding, and pulls the ribbon around her collar. Unraveling it completely. Her hands work to wrap the long piece of fabric around his arm, her expression evident of concentration. ]

This is just temporary, I'll help patch you up when we get back to camp.

[ It's then she glances up, brows furrowed. ]

But tell me why you thought going out this far was a good idea?

[ Like she's one to talk?? But whatever. ]

[silverhound]

[Despite being a tad 'simple' at best, Loz knows how to get the job done. That was a risky move on both their parts. If the grenade didn't land in the fiend's mouth, they both would've surely died. Thankfully, luck was on their side for once and the great big serpent ate the grenade whole. Exhaustion kicks in quickly now that the overgrown snake is dead. It's not really much of an snake at all but something likened to a sea serpent. Strange that such a fiend would be up on land but nevertheless, it lies deader than a door knob.

A shallow gasp escapes Loz as he carefully prides herself off the girl. She did Well. Loz honestly thought the little woman would get herself killed but she didn't. He's glad about that, especially since up close he can tell she's a little young. He gives her a tired grin that ends with a telltale wince once she inspects his shoulder. There's blood trickling down from the wound along with a prominent bite mark upon both his leathers and on him.]

J-Just a scratch.

[He claims. That's no damn scratch! Loz is lucky the girl has a me do it and is willing to part with her cute teal Ribbon. A wound that nasty is bound to get infected otherwise.]

I thought I could bring home something to eat for all of us. [He groans as he clutches his left arm.] But I don't think I wanna eat that anymore.

[It looks so nasty to him now. Gross, even.]

[regives]

Just a scratch. [ She repeats with an obvious amount skepticism. It doesn't take a doctor to know that this wasn't a normal injury, and honestly speaking they should word fast in order to ensure that he wasn't poisoned. ] Right, anyway, it's probably better to head back to camp and get that checked out. My ribbon is only help stop the bleeding.

[ And even that's a stretch. ]

Don't worry about it, I've seen people wander in and out with smaller game, so there's plenty to eat.

[ But perhaps he just wanted to show up with something all by himself? If that's the case Leanne is both mildly amused and mentally rolling her eyes in the back of her head. Either way it doesn't matter, she offers him a smile that's genuine through and through. ]

Don't worry, if anyone asks I'll them how cool you were fighting a snake large enough to swallow down a whole statue.

[silverhound]

(sorry for the wait!)