❪ 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]

It’s almost like he doesn’t exist.

[ The stark and deadpan quip lacks any of the venom it would need to actually hold power of any kind. She looks off into the distance with whatever trap he’s gotten set up. That’s right… though they did have an adventure together in snowy Nifhelm, they were sustained off of vending machine snacks and Ebony drinks.

Those were some good, yet equally horrid, times. ]

Need any help with that, or are you good to go?

[punshots]

[ He follows her gaze to his would-be trap, crossing his arms as he rocks back and forth on his heels. She probably knows what the real answer is, regardless of what he says. ]

Well? I wouldn't say it's going horribly, but, uh... [ It's going horribly. ] I'm just - kind of used to hunting monsters instead of these little furry guys, you know?

[ladya]

The trap itself's good. [ Folding a hand beneath her chin, Aranea ponders the setup. The main problem is, obviously, that there's no rabbit there. Put the proper bait, and the rabbits will be all over it.

She does wish they had a gun, a bow and arrow, some less primitive hunting tool. That'd be less cruel of a death, and she knows that Prompto would rather not kill these "little furry guys." ]

We need better bait. Clover works. [ She begins to search for any patches, but realizes there's no clover concentrated in one particular area, so she begins to pluck them up, one by one. Realizing that the topic of hunting rabbits isn't one that seems to excite Prompto, she changes gears. ]

Y'know, I met your big guy awhile back in the station. He'll be happy to see you.

[punshots]

[ He follows her lead gathering the clover, silently grateful that they don't have to talk about killing rabbits. He knows it's necessary, and he's hardly a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean he has to like the actual hunting itself. It's a lot different when it's a pack of voretooths trying to eat your face off.

He all but completely forgets the task at hand at Aranea's change of subject, however, standing bolt upright and looking like a deer caught in the headlights. ]

Gladio? [ She has to mean Gladio. What other big guy could she be talking about? ] He's here?

[ Sure, she's just said as much, but he can't really be that lucky, can he? ]

[ladya]

Well—

[ Immediately after saying that, she regrets her statement. Because Aranea doesn’t know with complete certainty that he’s here, or back up in the Station. How things worked here were truly mysterious, they were beyond her.

Crouched under a bush, she’s craning through a thorny bush to pull a couple clovers. The definition of desperation, right here. ]

Not sure if he’s here just yet, but I saw him alright. [ Means he wasn’t dead then. Hopefully he’s not still dead. ]

[punshots]

[ And, of course, Prompto latches on to the thought of having a friend here like a happy-go-lucky leech. It's a dangerous thing to hope for, and he realizes it, but if Prompto could stay out of a stasis pod, then obviously Gladio could, to say nothing of their emergency landing. Gladio probably walked away from that brushing off his shoulders and nothing else. ]

I have a feeling the big guy wouldn't let something like a little crash landing keep him down for long. [ There's an undeniably spring in his step as he moves around a tree to pull up more clover. ]

[ladya]

I’m sure that you and your pals will be reunited one day.

[ That’s all she’ll say about the topic, at least for now. Keeping the hopes of the future vague, though they’re still there and not exactly false ones. It remains comforting to Aranea that he is at least thinking positively. The act of doing that is so fundamentally shortcake that it’d be very weird to see him struggle not to bounce up and down in excitement. ]

Though, must confess I’m more excited at the idea of eating dinner at the moment…

[ Done with gathering her bunch of clover, she plops the pile of carefully plucked weeds underneath Prompto’s makeshift trap. A stirring of bush foliage sounds, and Aranea slowly turns her head… only to see a brown rabbit emerge, nose twitching, somehow more interested in the clover in his hand than the more generous portion on the forest floor.

Staying as still as she possibly can, Aranea wonders what the rabbit will do next. Will he go to Prompto, or wander straight over the trap? Or, even more heartrendingly— eat from Prompto’s hands, then head straight to his likely execution? ]

[punshots]

Why not both?

[ The thought of being reunited with his friends and a warm, filling dinner both sound tremendous, and Prompto is still bubbling with enthusiasm, crouched down and gathering clover that he doesn't notice the rabbit hopping towards him at first.

But once he does, things can only go downhill from there. I choose heartrendingly every time. ]

Aranea! [ Whispered about as close as he can come to yelling as possible. He sounds halfway-panicked, halfway-thrilled, but not because they might've caught their game. He's thrilled because...it's super cute, and has now hopped close enough to sniff at the clover in his outstretched hand. He knows then and there: there's no way he can kill this little guy. ]

...Can we keep it?

[ladya]

[ Famished enough that Aranea’s first, instantaneous thought upon the sight of the rabbit is food, the hollow pit in her stomach is only temporarily distracted by the way Prompto is instantly melting into a puddle of goo. ]

Aren’t you a right little animal whisperer. [ Maybe he isn’t, maybe he is, but the situation’s convenient enough for her to make the remark. The rabbit, seduced by the bundle of clover flowers in Prompto’s hands, is actually so distracted that Aranea could technically just jump over, grab the creature before skewering it on a campfire.

However, only due to the presence of their camaraderie, she will give him a chance to take matters into his own hands… even though she feels that if one of ‘em ends up happy, the other will be left in a foul mood. Or at least, that’s the dragoon’s standpoint. ]

If you can pick the little guy up, try taking him back to camp.

[punshots]

[ Maybe he's an animal whisperer, or maybe he luck is just this good - or bad, depending on how you look at it. Still, as the rabbit nibbles on the clover in his hand and he carefully - carefully - scratches it behind the ears, the fact that what they caught was intended to be eaten is not lost on him. ]

Are you sure? I mean...he was supposed to be our dinner. [ But he's so adorable...Prompto huffs. ] But...

[ He scoops up the rabbit into his hands gently, before standing up and facing Aranea with the creature. ]

Just look at his little face!

[ Someone's in love. ]

[ladya]

[ continued here! ]