❪ 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

[fisherwife]

[Mipha looks up (and up) in surprise at suddenly being addressed] Yes? [She agrees, of course, because everyone needs to be helped out here and everyone needs to survive, so--]

Oh. [She looks a little sheepish and embarrassed] The cold doesn't bother me that much. Please, do not worry. [But Mipha also doesn't want to assume that just because he's a big goat...person covered in fur that he's immune too, so she holds out a robe.]

...Do you need one as well?

[rampager]

[Vorin waits, too-patient, for the lightbulb to go off over her head. His frown doesn't soften, at least not to any appreciable degree. Too many people have been pushing themselves just that much farther than they really should, all around him, for Vorin to just let this go. He looks at the (very ugly, very tacky, according to someone somewhere) robe for a moment, studying it like a tool to be used, before dismissing it with a shake of his head.]

Not to stay warm, although the cloth and thread could be harvested for makeshift bandages, slings, and sutures if our supplies dwindle enough to warrant the effort. [Such as if, or when, enough people get themselves hurt in stupid and avoidable ways.] What do you mean by "that much"?

[fisherwife]

[She considers the robe then the thought of re-purposing it for other things hadn't occurred to her, but she nods slowly as it works through her head.] I know how to sew and craft armors and things like that... These could come in handy for any of those among us who don't need their own.

Hopefully, Darma will be able to rescue us again and we won't have to do all of that. [But being optimistic doesn't mean she can't be practical too. She looks up again at the question] Hm? Oh. I mean, I can handle colder temperatures than most humans can before it starts becoming uncomfortable. My kingdom was located further north where I"m from, so I'm quite used to the cold.

Though, that was water, an the air can be a little bit different... [She is a little chilly, but she doesn't think it's anything she can't handle. Probably.]

[rampager]

[This time, his posture relaxes, enough to show that he's clearly listening. Trying to learn, if unwilling to just reverse course willy-nilly.]

I see. So, you have your own advantages. [That much he can understand. However:] Regardless, please consider keeping a robe for yourself. Better yet, wear one as you distribute the others.

[His tone gentles, finally. There is a time and a place for twisting someone's arm or intimidating them into compliance, and while those are tools that Vorin is willing to use, he doesn't enjoy it. Tyranny had been his father's way.]

Because even if you need it less, many of our fellow survivors would be reluctant to accept something from a person they perceive as worse off than themselves, even if by choice. I've noticed they're prone to doing that.

[Bleeding hearts, everywhere. It's unexpectedly endearing, if exasperating.]

[fisherwife]

[Mipha opens and closes her mouth once or twice, before falling quiet as his words sink in. They certainly make sense; seeing as how she doesn't wear clothes like the rest of them, undoubtedly they're going to assume she's freezing and needs it more and they by refusing it for themselves they're freeing up one for her.

She bows her head lightly and smiles] I understand your point, thank you. [And she's not above accepting criticism, of course, so she pulls one of the robes on over herself. It is warmer, at least, though she suspects robes alone aren't going to help people survive the night.

Still, it's better than nothing. She smiles gently] Thank you for the advice. Mr...?

[rampager]

Thank you for listening to it.

[It's small, it's faint, but he manages a tiny smile of approval. While no one in their right mind would call Vorin "soft", the expression does go some way toward making him look younger, more open, not quite as tired.]

Vorin. Just Vorin is fine. [He doesn't offer his hand to shake, but only because that's an Earth custom.] And yourself?

[fisherwife]

[She wonders how many people brush off or ignore his advice to make him actually thank her for taking it.

'Just Vorin' too is interesting, and she hesitates only a moment before deciding whatever, she's already introduced herself with her title to people before, it'd be strange to stop now.] I am Princess Mipha. Although, here, since I'm simply another refugee as well... [She smiles lightly, not actually minding] I am simply 'just Mipha' now too.

[rampager]

["Princess" has a different meaning in his world. Vorin, unable to conceptualize anything else, defaults to the only assumption he can make.]

Well met, Mipha. [If that's how she wants to be addressed, well, it costs nothing to be polite.] Your father was a warlord, then?

[If so, then she's more like him than he could have expected, and maybe there was something to build upon there. Deep-rooted paranoia couldn't completely cloud the fact that he would need trustworthy allies at some point, cut off as he is from Merk and Gruntos.]

[fisherwife]

[She blinks in mild surprise at the question, tilting her head. Well, like, technically...Yeah?? Maybe it's just another term for 'king' where he's from? Though her father was extremely impressive in battle still in spite of, or maybe because of, his girth.]

I believe the terms might be similar, at least. He's the king of our people, our leader. [Mipha pauses a moment and look a tiny bit pained] He's... still up on the station though, I'm afraid.

[rampager]

[King, tyrant, mass-murderer.....the terms start to blend together after awhile. He catches the way she pauses, the shadow that steals across her expression, and inwardly kicks himself a little.]

As is mine. [The only emotion that Vorin is any good at faking is stoic calm, so he doesn't look or sound pained at all when mentioning his own father. Besides, that guy? That guy was lucky to not get a fist punching through the glass lid of his pod.] ...I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to remind you.

[fisherwife]

[Mipha quickly shakes her head and smiles reassuringly]

It's quite alright. It's simply been... many years since I've been able to see and speak with him. I'm simply a bit impatient, that's all. [She shakes her head] My younger brother is up there too, but... I cannot waste time on despairing.

Hopefully by the time they awaken I will be able to have something to show them. That's all I can hope for. [She smiles and shrugs a little, because what else can she do but keep fighting on?]

Besides. It's better to remember. [No matter how painful memories might be.]

[rampager]

Yes. [Vorin nods, feeling a considerable measure of sympathy rising up and little desire to quell it. Years ago, his father had been a good man, and he remembers waiting and hoping for that person to reappear. But more than that, it's a nod to the value of pragmatism, to looking forward and doing your best to not dwell on what couldn't be helped.] I'm sure they will both find ample reason to be proud of you.

[Still, maybe it was better to move on. This is unfamiliar ground and he doesn't know her limit for platitudes, however well-meaning or sincerely said.]

....You have only one brother, then? I have fifteen, myself.

[Yeah.]