❪ 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

[valcurie]

( She also has a question or two about some of his curiosities--beyond the magic, those facial tattoos are quite striking, and his features present an interesting shape that suggest to her adaptation for a different world--but likewise she won't waste his time or hers. There are dozens others she'll be helping after this, she's sure. ) There's no need to be shy, we're not in barbaric times.

Let me see. ( Approaching him, staff in hand, she gently moves aside anything else that may be obstructing her view of the wound on his shoulder, what's his most grievous one, she is to believe. Once she has an idea of the extent of the damage the staff of her tip begins to glow with a soft, wholesome gold. ) I can get you patched up in a few minutes.

[getoutofmytemple]

[There was a moment of hesitation before he decided to help her get a better look at his shoulder. He dropped his hood and unclasped his jacket and pulled it down over his shoulder. It wouldn't be the best access, he still had his chestplate on, and thus the chainmail beneath that the old pauldron had cut through. He hoped it would be enough, stripping down int he middle of unknown territory wasn't how he wished to spend his afternoon, but it would still be better than spending it bleeding out.

He did not say anything for a time, instead he watched her intently. He did not trust the goodwill of a strange human, regardless of circumstance, but when it does appear that she was doing as she said he eases a bit.]

Your magic is unfamiliar to me. Where did you learn it?

[valcurie]

( Truth be told, Mercy was really glad for technology. It had both allowed for the medical advances she personally had made, as well as produced the suit she was wearing that was happily functional, and non-lethal upon impact. With a closer look at Abelas' wound it's not hard for her to see how easily it could have been a lot worse. As in, severed artery worse. Perhaps not the closest thing, but a likely outcome given how chance tended to work out.

As she allows her staff to continue to admit its beam, she looks up at him and smiles. ) No magic here, my friend. This is just biotic technology. It's nothing mysterious, like whatever you did to me.

( He might be able to feel his flesh knitting back together. It will feel--natural. It's just sped up and aided cell regeneration, really. It's not something she would even call magical. ) Do you call your abilities magic?

[getoutofmytemple]

Biotic? [He said the foreign word slowly, assuring he got it mostly right the first time, save for a slight accent.] I am unfamiliar with the term. What is it, if not magic.

[He supposed information should beget information, and he would not expect her to share what she was capable of if he did not do the same. He moved his good hand into her view, and for a brief second his eyes flashed silver, and a green flame formed in his hand. It gave off no smoke or heat, but otherwise did not appear different from a normal flame.]

I call it what it is. It is not so mysterious to be considered strange where I am from, though mine is an older form than most that was used in my world before it fell. Not that such matters now.

[valcurie]

( Given the obvious care he puts into pronouncing the word she thinks he cares enough to hear a bit of an explanation. She does her best to make it one that wouldn't be beyond someone who has no idea what an x-ray is. ) Biotic, as in a living part of a system. Our bodies are the system, and this enhances, on the most basic level, the system's natural ways of recovering itself. It's a lot better than just trying to treat the damage.

( What he does is impressive to her, and it's something that she really wants to understand. How is it possible for him to do magic? Something about his body? A part of his world that has ingrained itself in his cells, perhaps in the basic building blocks that make up the instruction for his being? ) Well, I would say it matters in some way. You are still able to do it here. Is it something anyone can learn? Your kind, or the newer kind. ( Smiling a bit, she gingerly touches the tenderly pink skin on his shoulder. It looks brand new--timid, almost, like it could easily be pierced again, but at least there will be no scarring. )

[getoutofmytemple]

It is not dissimilar to being tended to by magic then. You have found a way to replicate the effect without actually using magic. Interesting to see such applied to healing, it is not how I would expect humans to use their resources.

[He had expected some things to be able to be worked around without magic, but that had not been one he had anticipated. Healing could be a complicated process if one were to do it well. Not to mention he assumed humans would be preferable to finding new and inventive ways to set each other on fire.

Of course he would answer her question in turn. It was difficult to explain it briefly. His was a rather complicated situation, and an uncommon one. Not to mention his knowledge of the world outside his temple had been limited.]

Once it was something all Elvhen were capable of. Magic is as much a part of us as breathing. [He paused for a moment realizing there was no more "us", only him left now that his Sentinels were granted their slumber, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.] From what I understand, in the fall of our kingdoms the Elvhen declined. They are but a shadow of their former selves, and magic is no longer their birthright, some are born capable of a weaker magic yet others are not. I could teach techniques in wielding it, but they would not be able to accomplish wielding the ancient form without stealing it from an artifact, or from myself.

[He waved his hand and the fire vanished, leaving behind a wave of sparks and shimmering air as the magic dissipated. His hand now free, he pressed his fingers where she had touched. Tender still, but otherwise completely healed.

Satisfied he replaced the jacket, and pulled up his hood once more. He inclined his head in gratitude for the woman's help.]

You have done me a great service, is there a way that I could return the favor?

[valcurie]

( Mercy can't help a small laugh at that, something she tries to stifle as it leaves an absinthal taste in her mouth, while she's thinking something like, you have no idea what I've seen people do. The nefarious uses of her technology were inevitable, but that doesn't make the insult to her intentions sting any less. )

Nothing magic about it. It was just dedication to helping the best I can.

( She notes the use of the word humans, just as she noted the shape of his ears, his nose, and several other points of interest in his physiology. When he says Elvhen she hears elven. It doesn't occur to her that he means anything more specific than the race of elfs that come from whatever world he is from. There's a lot of context for which there is no time.

As such, she just listens for now, her head tilted, her attention as devoted as it can be when part of her mind is already scanning the skies for the next wave being sent their way. )

How about I hold onto that favour for a bit later? I would like to speak more at you length about magic and the elven. Perhaps there is something I can learn to help me understand how to help people here better. I find myself completely out of my depth when it comes to conjuring fire and willing wounds away. ( Her shifts her staff, and then remembers something else. ) Do you have any supplies on you?

[getoutofmytemple]

Very well, should you find a need I shall offer my skills.

[The supplies had slipped his mind after meeting the curious healer, not that it had been a particularly long time.]

No, with my injuries I could not afford to tarry with the supplies. I had planned to find others and send someone to fetch them in my stead.

[He looked back in the direction he came from, he had not wandered too far thankfully.]

I shall return and fetch them. Do you know where others are meeting together?

[valcurie]

Your story ought to serve plenty well, but I won't say no to a little bit of helpful magic in my life.

( An earnest smile goes along with that, to show that she doesn't mean there to be an flippancy in her comment. As she straightens out herself and shifts her staff around to point in the direction from which she came, Mercy moves to bodily show him the way. )

That way. You should find a makeshift station of sorts. Will you be all right on your own--ah. Well, if you want to do me a small favour now, your name? I'm doctor Angela Ziegler, though I am also known in the field by my call name Mercy.

( One hand is removed from her staff and offered to him. )

[getoutofmytemple]

[He inclined his head curiously when she claims to wish to hear his story.
She was not the first human to show interest in it, and he wondered why. All his experiences with humans had lead him to believe them to be a self-centered race, more interested in destroying that which was different than themselves not learn about them.]

I am called Abelas.

[He did not know if this strange language barrier would properly translate the meaning of his name to "Sorrow", or if being a name would somehow prevent it from translating. It did not matter either way to him, but was merely a passing curiosity.

He tentatively held his hand out the same way she had, but either the gesture was foreign to him, or it had simply been so long that he had forgotten it. Either way he awkwardly waits for her to complete the motion.]

I have been in more dire situations, I Shall be fine.

[valcurie]

( Maybe if the situation were different--if there exacting pressures on them as he was trying to take the time to tell his tale--maybe she wouldn't have the patience to listen to him, but, given what she has learnt over the course of her life, there is a lot of value to be found in listening to others. It's not exactly her forte, not by a long shot, not when she is usually so practically minded, but she will at least try to understand, provided that there are no other immediate problems which need solving.

Also, there is the magic bit. Coming to understand it is something she needs to address sooner rather than later. ) A pleasure, Abelas.

Called is an odd way to put it, but it's another detail she will have to ask about later. For now she shakes his hand, gently taking his fingers in hers and squeezing. Then she releases, letting his hand fall if he does not let it linger in the air. )

I would ask if you have a way to defend yourself, but I suppose you do. Well. If you are in any danger, you will send up a distress signal, yes?

[getoutofmytemple]

[He let his hand linger for a moment after until he was certain the gesture was finished, then folded his hands behind his back and straightened himself, glad to out the awkward moment behind him. Such things would come to him in time, but he disliked appearing foolish amidst the mortal races.]

I shall.

[Not that he thought he would need it. Even with his magic dampened he had more than enough tricks up his sleeve to escape from anything that gave him trouble. He would not have survived as long as he had without his wit, if his magic alone did not work.]

Likewise Lady Ziegler. If you require aide I shall come and offer it to the best of my abilities.

[valcurie]

( Mercy is aware of the awkwardness, but that's charming, in a way. He is willing to learn is what it tells her. If he had initiated some kind of greeting ritual of his own, she would have graciously attempted it.

For now, though, she pivots on her heel and begins to get ready to move. )

Lady, is it? ( The title amuse her. She has been called one more than once. ) I hope I won't need to, but I am sure we shall see each other later, Abelas. Take care.