❪ 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

[luxuriant]

...You mean you don't rely on mana or anything?

[That actually gets a pause from him, though he's not responding to Merlin pushing that he should look at it. It's out in the open, strangely buff, go ahead and eye him up, but he's busy thinking!! And pretending he's fine.]

[politrick]

On what? [He feels pretty great right now, if that's some kind of commentary on how he should maybe be getting tired. Technically that's because of Saber, wherever she is, but still!!

He's going to whip up another cool healing spell for this shoulder, but hopefully since it isn't bleeding everywhere it shouldn't feel as uncomfortable as the last one did.]

[luxuriant]

You don't know what mana is?

[It doesn't feel uncomfortable, and that's nice enough that Zelos doesn't even stop to comment on how it stops aching. He's busy.] You know, the stuff that's important to life everywhere? Exists in everything? Where are you drawing your magic from?

[politrick]

Oh. Thought that was just magic.

[He's never heard it referred to as anything else, but this probably isn't the time for a commentary on the Old Religion. He'll leave that alone, and helpfully pat Zelos' shoulder when his spell is done working. You're welcome, jerk.]

I was born with it, so I've never drawn it from anywhere in particular.

[luxuriant]

[Oh. He blinks at Merlin, and then down to his shoulder, and raises a hand to swat him away lightly.]

I guess it's just another difference between our worlds. [Unfair... But he's still going to cast his own spell on Merlin. Just a quick touch up.] First aid.

[Yeah, take that.] Anyway, try not to hit me with any more metal doors, would ya? That thing really hurt. I take that healing as payment, but don't think I'm gonna forgive you or anything. [He doesn't sound like he's holding an actual grudge at all.]

[politrick]

[Don't be like this... He helped. And he didn't need that first aid, you nerd.]

I'm all out of doors, lucky for you. Let's see what we can make sense of down here, shall we?

[Merlin has joined your goddamn party.]

[luxuriant]

[Oh, is his face just like that? How unfortunate.

Haha, just kidding, he was sure that landing at least left him a little sore, and he's probably more than a little butthurt that his magic runs out. Not wanting to seem like he's low on energy, he wastes his energy... A great idea by the great Zelos.]

Yeah. Let's see if anyone else could use some help. If you've got that healing of yours, it might be better if we split up for a bit. You know, to cover more ground.

[A pause.] Not that I care what happens to you or anything, but since you're expendable and all, why don't we meet up once all these waves stop?

[politrick]

[FRIENDSHIP ENDED? MERLIN LEAVES THIS THREAD if only.

Anyway, could Zelos be more obvious? It's alright, Merlin understands this attitude. He likes to call it "total bullshit," but privately.]

I do love it when someone whose life I saved calls me expendable right to my face. I suppose I'll have to peel you off the ground sooner or later, so sure, I'll meet you.

[luxuriant]

You've got it all mixed up! I was the one that saved you from that burning pod. You would've been toast.

[But he's definitely grinning way too much. What a loser.] I think the network's down or something, so let's just meet back over there after the last wave. [He gestures past this slowly growing graveyard of pods and to the edge of it, where there are probably enough land marks like trees or things to call a meeting spot.]

Got it?

[politrick]

Toast. [Hilarious. Anyway, he gives Zelos a confused look, before he obviously realizes - so apparently he wouldn't have thought of the network at all, good call. He still hasn't really used it...]

That's fine. Try to look out for doors.

[Joking like this, even though it was his fault... never mind. They can part ways now and do their thing, and whenever Zelos wants to get his ass over to the meeting spot, Merlin has... food!! Yay.]

[luxuriant]

Ha ha, very funny.

[So, they part ways until the chaos is over, and by the time Zelos does get to their little meeting spot, he's even dirtier than before. He'd gotten into a lot of crazy scenarios, okay... And he doubts Merlin is looking any cleaner, anyway!]

Yo. [Tired, Zelos doesn't waste any time in collapsing to a sitting position next to the guy, sighing heavily.] Man, that was so much work. I'm exhausted. I could really use a nice, hot bath right about now.

[politrick]

[He's filthy, don't worry... He definitely tore the whole front of his shirt open when he fell head first into a pod as he tried to get supplies earlier, so he's wearing one of those, uh, weird robes, but it's itchy and he's fidgeting as a result.

But he's still not hurt, so don't try wasting more first aid on him, dummy!!]

Can't help you with that. There's something off about the water. Here. [Do you want... what looks like completely plain grilled meat? Merlin doesn't understand processed foods so even when people started handing out, like, pizza, he went for this.] It's not rat.

[helpful]

[luxuriant]

Gee, that's promising.

[Handing him something and saying it's not rat... Is this the standard they're shooting for here? But he'll gladly take some, thanks.] Thanks!

[This makes up for how he didn't say thanks before, surely.] What's off about the water? Is it nasty? Man, that figures.

[politrick]

[He's offering... tips. Sort of. Look, he's feeding Zelos, appreciate it.]

It's making people sick, or so I've heard. Something about terrible boils.

[In the middle of dinner. This.]

[luxuriant]

Oh, man, gross! Don't tell me that when I'm about to bite into a chunk of meat!

[He just about gags for it... Eugh.] But you seriously saved my life just now! Imagine if me, the poor, handsome boy Zelos, tried to quench his thirst only to be overrun with something disgusting like that! It'd totally ruin my hot bod.

[And now he eats casually, like that's fine to talk about.]

[politrick]

[Yessss.... love it. Love freaking out this ginger princess. Merlin makes a face like he definitely isn't grinning, hurriedly taking a bite of meat to very cunningly hide it.]

You're inscrutable, do you know that? I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about most of the time.

[what hot bod]

[luxuriant]

That's because you're just some country hick with magic. You don't have a gorgeous face like me, heheheh.

[Shots fired... His hot bod is the only hot bod here, obviously.] Don't worry! Just leave it all to me. [Leaning back, he stretches out his legs and crosses them at the ankles, sighing like he's on some fancy couch and not in the middle of nowhere.] I'll get us outta this mess in one piece.

[politrick]

[He doesn't know what a hick is but at least he got a nod to his magic in there... so he'll just accept that. He'll find some new and fun way to insult Zelos soon.]

Out of being dropped from the moon, you mean? This mess has already been made, I think.

[What will you do... menace...]

[luxuriant]

I didn't say we're not in the middle of a mess now.

[So shush about that, he's working on it. Probably. He stares at the sky. He has finished his not-rat meat.] Just that my awesome manliness will lead us to the end of this perfectly fine. Just stick by me!

[politrick]

[He's not working on anything... don't lie.]

So I ought to trust you not to get me killed? Because you're... so... [mmmm he can't even say it. He can't say manly. No.] You're you?

[luxuriant]

That's right! [Without missing a beat. Now that he's done eating, he leans back the rest of the way, arms tucked behind his head.]

Just think of it like you're on a mud boat and relax.

[politrick]

[.......

....

????]

I don't think that would float.

[luxuriant]

Hahaha, it's just an expression!

[????? It makes no sense, don't question it, Merlin.] Anyway, forget about all of that and relax a little.

[politrick]

[what is happening]

You drank the water, didn't you?

[luxuriant]

Oh, shut up. Do you see any problems with my flawless face?

[He even lifts a hand to gesture around it in a square. Perfection.] No. I'm just trying to have a good time! You know, with all of these hot chicks everywhere, this isn't so bad. I wonder if I could find some sweet hunnies to snuggle up with for warmth...

[You see, Zelos is uncomfortable and worried and stress talking to deal with it.]