❪ 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

[kimaris]

[ His saviour is completely familiar to Gaelio, even if he's considerably less familiar with him with his clothes on, but it's not like he's about to just helpfully point that out. Somewhere along the line Gaelio became the Mysterious Masked Man, and he's only dropped one part of that achievement since then. ]

It was a good catch.

[ Have a faint compliment, Archer. ]

[fakers]

Thanks. [ he scoffs, making it quite clear the sentiment isn't genuine... not that his sentiments are ever really genuine. obviously, he hadn't been able to tell who was in the pod before he caught it, but if he'd known he probably would have just let it slam into the ground and explode.

...okay that's not actually true, he doesn't really have anything against gaelio. though he pauses, holding a hand up and blocking out gaelio's face for a second and... ]

Ah, so that's what it was. [ another sigh. ] I think I liked the other face better.

[kimaris]

[ Ah, so not everyone finds his scarring handsome.

...not that he cares all that much, but he's giving Archer a small, wry smile. ]

One of humanity's most admirable traits is having a variety of taste. [ In other words, he thinks yours is weird, Archer. ] But I prefer it like this. How did you do it? It's not a simple thing, to slow down an escape pod hurtling through the atmosphere.

[fakers]

[ look gaelio, archer actually finds your scars really cool. he's just giving you shit, because that's what he does.

not that he will ever admit any of this, to anyone, ever. if he did, he would then have to murder you to keep it a secret. quite seriously, he would murder you. for world peace. ]

Trade secret. [ though as if to spoil it a bit, his arm crackles with a bit of leftover energy. ] Though it seems that was one of my better landings... most still end up a little more scrambled upon impact.

[kimaris]

[ The world is truly better off not knowing that you think his facial scarring is cool, yeah. ]

Is that so? Thank you. [ He's already been scrambled, he doesn't want to do it again. ] If it's a secret, I'll leave it to you.

[ ...though he's summing it up as magic. ]

Are you tired?

[fakers]

[ why is this guy so weirdly polite in the dumbest way possible... it's throwing archer off. ]

No, not tired. [ this is a lie. ] I've just been catching objects falling from low orbit for the past few hours. [ shrug. ] It's quite a work out.

[ #team fit. ]

[kimaris]

[ It's pretty normal, Archer... decent people exist... and do completely normal things. ]

I can imagine. [ ...sort of...? ] How is it possible, in the first place?

[fakers]

[ lol whatta lie. ]

Hm? Oh, that? [ he pauses, considering. ] Well, there's this thing called gravity, you see...

[kimaris]

[ He'll kill you too... don't think that he won't, he's on a vendetta against anyone who says anything bad about the power of friendship. ]

Is that right? [ Guess he'll go along with with this terrible joke for a moment... ] Gravity, as a source of strength. I suppose it's not unheard of.

[fakers]

[ dude you're the last person in the world who should be talking about the power of friendship.

man though, it's just awkward if you don't tsukkomi his joke. you're supposed to be the straight man here, gaelio (in a manner of speaking). no wonder mcg dumped your ass. ]

Either way, as long as you're in one piece, I suppose I've done my job. Please try to keep it that way.

[kimaris]

[ McGillis was the tsukkomi. ]

Will you not rescue me a second time?

[ He's joking but... Gaelio's humour took a giant nose dive during The Incident In That City Katy Is From... so he's purposely being coy about it. ]

[fakers]

[ don't press your luck, mate... ]

Perhaps. If I feel like it.

[ spoilers: he won't. ]

[kimaris]

[ Look at the edge on this fucking weenie... ]

Hm. I don't like making things into bad habits, so I'll be careful from now on.

[ Being careful while.. falling from space... which is something he's normally good at. ]

Could I get your name, this time?

[fakers]

[ he seems to consider it for a moment, before shrugging his shoulders slightly. ]

Archer.

[ yeah, that's all you get. but it's all anyone gets, so don't feel too bad about it. ]

[kimaris]

[ Archer... sounds like a perfectly normal name, so it's not even something he thinks twice about. ]

I'm Gaelio Bauduin. Now with my true face, instead of that virtual one. [ Neither is extending his own, full name, to him. ] What will you do now? Continue to catch falling comrades?

[fakers]

And I have real attire, not... [ pause. ] Actually, let's just forget about that line of thinking entirely.

This is one of the latter waves [ low key jab. ] so I don't believe there are too many left. But if any of the descents are particularly perilous looking, I suppose I'll have to get back to work.

[kimaris]

[ He sees that low key jab... and just doesn't care. It cuts through him like some fool trying to run on the bottom of the ocean. You are two years too late for Gaelio Bauduin to be butthurt about that. Amp it up. It takes at least six jabs to get him to grumble. Eight for yelling. Nine + McGillis Fareed for crying.

Anyway, a speedo. He's not going to forget that... though he'll try to. ]

That's diligent of you. Is there some way I could help?

[ He doesn't actually expect a yes, but. There it is. ]

[fakers]

[ at first he just wants to brush him off and tell him to leave him be, but it is a legitimate question... and if there's anything archer is weak too, it's naive, straight forward good intentions. (except when those good intentions are his own, then it's time to commit murder). ]

These pods have been falling for hours now... the focus has simply been on recovering people from them and tending their wounds.

Not many have bothered to actually salvage supplies from them, yet.

[ so put two and two together and get to work, gali. ]

[kimaris]

[ Well, he's unknowingly glad that he's not about to get murdered for being an Archer too... but that's understandable, he gets it, so he's giving him a nod before giving himself a once-over.

He's not about to die, so he can get right on it. ]

Then I'll busy myself with that.

[ And is already looking for one, with a small wave of farewell. ]