❪ 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

[ladya]

[ The concern writ in his expression appears to be genuine, though all the clockwork that whirs in her mind can’t exactly place the source. When he mentions “responsibility,” Aranea hmms underneath her breath. Perhaps, the boy’s driving to a valid point, but… doesn’t know how to vocalize it?

And, this is why she starts talking about a somewhat different circumstance. ]

Sure thing. If we get assaulted by brigands, I’ll take responsibility. [ She firmly nods in his direction, all before grabbing some more dry bark to use as tinder from the pile next to her. ]

[tub]

[ the consideration aranea spares him... actually manages to take him slight off-guard. if anything, he's accustomed to his fear being taken lightly. or rather, for it to be relatively puzzling for most. it was a peculiarity, he realizes. something linked within his own psyche.

but, it is true that... he did care. or he cared when he lost a friend, at least.

for now. he isn't sure. instead, he quietly watches her. she speaks of being assaulted, but that's not exactly his fear. it's why, he reaches over, if just to grab her wrist. ] What about... [ he looks at her, and he realizes now his hands are shaking. he attempts to brush it off. ]

Just skip the fire.

[ladya]

[ Aranea's left to confront the more irrational fear and her initial conclusion. While her grip loosens on the bark, her jaw tightens. Years of practicing heroism have softened her, moderated the approach of her usual poisonous vitriol, but time hasn't done away her own hardheadedness.

Thus, she simply changes her approach, watching out of the corner of her eye at the slight tremor in his hands. Oh, this boy's scared alright, but right now, she's going to pretend that she doesn't notice. ]

Y'know, you just said that "humans" are fragile. Does that mean you're not one of us?

[tub]

[ while he should feel marginally obliged at the concept that she wasn't willing to call him out on his fears. as ... unreasonable as they likely seemed from an outside perspective. he doesn't actually muster enough will, and subsequently, the gratitude for it. but, he will take the fact that she isn't making any outright moves to start a fire. though, that doesn't mean he believes she won't at all. though, for now, it is enough for his nerves to settle a bit.

more importantly, he focuses on her next words.


ah.


that would naturally imply that. to begin with, shu had never been particularly proficient in concealing his designation as a vampire. if anything, he was keen on permitting others to think and believe whatever they desired. whatever worked for their convenience. hence, he decisively opts to take it in stride. ] Isn't it obvious?

I'm a vampire.

[ladya]

[ She doesn't expect gratitude. All she wants to do is convince him that this is not only critical, but nothing will go wrong in the process.

Obvious? Was it supposed to be that clear? Squinting at him, Aranea eventually gives up deciphering the clues. She rolls her muscular shoulders into a half-shrug. To her, vampires are some kinda myth she hears about, nothing real and in the flesh like daemons. ]

Never met a vampire before.

[ Inhaling, Aranea realizes she can't hop around the subject anymore. If only for her own sanity, as well as for his benefit in the long run. ]

Look, even if I don't light this campfire, someone else will whether it's today or tomorrow. Humans need it. Might be dangerous, but so is a lot of other shit we have to deal with. [ Corners of her mouth quirk into a small smile, and an attempt at humor. ] Like you, for example.

[tub]

[ even in his own world, it wasn't a readily accepted phenomenon. if anything, dubiety and the lack of complete faith was something he was long accustomed to. a principle he's worked around, and perhaps, even took some degree of comfort in. still, she seems to take it in stride? interesting. a word, he mouths internally, before focusing back on her. ] I doubt I'm the only one here, either. [ if his recollections serve him right.


as for the rest of what she proffers. well. he can't deny it's entirely incorrect. even back in the mansion, he's heard yui in the kitchen. utilizing the stove. occasionally, kindling a fire for warmth. it was imperative, then, and yet he was still equally unaccommodating.

it's why, in all his own stubbornness, he just gives a quiet shrug. ] Dangerous?

You seem pretty dangerous yourself. [ for making a campfire. literally his one single basis for his presumption. ] ... besides, they say women are the most frightening creatures alive. [ he's ... joking as well. maybe. ]

[ladya]

[ As they converse, the thickness of evening only deepens, and the chill is nipping at her body. Even after the supplies of proper clothing have been proffered provides minimal warmth, and she feels a shiver run up her spine. Not a reaction made out of fear, but out of involuntary instinct. She raises an eyebrow.

Perhaps if she hadn’t met a few people of a decidedly different nature on Thesa Station, she would have asked more questions . But whatever he is at the moment, isn’t important. He looks and acts human, except with peculiar side effects.

It’s better than what she’s had to deal with before all this happened, at any rate. ]

That is what they say. [ Whoever they are — old married men terrified of their wife’s wrath? Not exactly in this vampire’s age group. This guy still looks, and kinda acts, like a kid. ]

Yet here you are, ready to go toe to toe with me if I light this campfire. I hope you’ve come prepared.

[tub]

[ women, as far as he estimated, were impossible to deal with. the mother of the triplets (his half-brothers), for example. his own mother. these were fleeting constructions of what women were actually like or capable of, but all the same, they've laid the framework of how frightening they could be. ambitious. proud. perhaps, even overly zealous in their desires and wants. solitary in their visions.

still, it isn't that aranea strikes him as any of those. but, it's still a bit humorous of an idea. it's why, he just gives a small smirk in return. no real retort, as he gestures loosely with his hand, as he continues speaking. ] Prepared?

[ he pauses. in both his motions, before sweeping his eyes across her form. ] You're bolder than I thought. [ it's here, he reaches over, just to pluck a stray bit of charred wood from her shoulder. idly, brushes it off his fingers, grimacing at the remnants of coal black. ]

So? [ he drops his hand back to his side. ] What did you have planned?

[ to stop him from stopping her, that is. ]

[ladya]

[ With what she has in store for him, perhaps the boldness is just a veneer. There’s no master plan, no knee jerk reaction to rough him up. At least… not for now.

It’s been a long time since Aranea’s had to grapple with people possessing a genuine phobia, her company up til now being wily mercenaries like herself, toughtened military command and dead in the head and heart magitek troopers. Never been a lot of room for these kinda quirks there.

Still, she looks dead straight at a pile of metal supplies that have been setup somewhere near the periphery of the camp. ]

First, you’re going to help me set up a steel ring around a campfire. For our safety. [ His little ‘outburst’ here has reminds her that they do have nothing of the sort going on. No steel, no stone. Nothing.

Getting up onto her own two feet, Aranea is standing, but she doesn’t begin to walk over to the supplies she’s about to re-purpose just yet. She silently hovers over the blonde male, clearly waiting for him to follow along, a vaguely threatening glint flashing across her eye. ]

[tub]

[ sorry for the wait!! i moved our thread here!!! :* ]