❪ 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

[ofobedience]

[And Giovanni, in turn, likely feels hotter than most, what with the buzz and thrum of kinetic energy that had just burned through his blood, his bones. With the way Kerberos always and ever rages within him.

Briefly, he eyes the other being with something like steady appraisal-- he feels like stone rather than flesh, so cool to the touch is he, and once again there's the vague light of curiosity in him. Wondering just what this man could be. But just like before, he lets it go almost as quick as the thought arose, as ever too lost in his own concerns to linger too long on anyone else's.]

I'll say.

[he shrugs, releases his hold on Edward. Glances about at the chaos raining down around them.]

But I suppose it's why they sent me down so early. I can survive it. Although how much use I'll be beyond that, I really can't say.

[He can't catch any falling pods. But he can at least open them. Carry those within to safety.]

[speeds]

[ It's a weird contrast, though even with the slight difference, he can't really feel the heat in the same way a person would either.

Edward looks back towards the sky where others in their wave are preparing themselves in various ways and frowns slightly. ]

That's better than what some of those that are following us can do. Getting people to safety will be a priority. I'm not used to situations like this, but if it becomes a necessity I might be able to help those that are injured.

[ Only in normal medical terms, mind you. The venom in his system could heal, but it'll be at the extent of losing that person's life to becoming like him. ]

[ofobedience]

I can't say I'm exactly accustomed to it, either.

[The chaos and mayhem about to be unleashed is at least something he can recognise, something he - to some extent - knows. But the circumstances are quite other to anything he's experienced before, the exact nature of it. And more than anything, the role he's been given here is quite reversed from the kind he's usually ordered into. Made to destroy, not to save.

Like Edward, he frowns. This isn't what he does. And yet--]

I suppose, at the very least, I should be able to get people free and out of harm's way, once they've landed. Should they survive the landing of course. If you're able to aid the injured, at least I know one person I can bring them to.

[He doesn't care about the fates of those falling from the sky. Not one jot. But it's what's being asked of him, and like so many times in the past, it's therefore what he intends to do.]

[speeds]

[ He doesn't respond to the first part, given that it isn't necessary to reply right now. What is important is that despite Giovanni's reluctance to help, he will because it's what is asked of him right now. If it means the people they know in stasis will be safe - it's important to do this right now. ]

I'll be trying to catch them in the air before they land, but there might be others who can catch them on the ground that will need the door ripping off.

[ He's faster than most and it isn't just about running, so in that sense he should be fine, but... ]

It might be that another set later on brings in healers that we can make use of.

[ofobedience]

Catching them in the air. That's quite a trick.

[Giovanni looks up at him then, one brow slightly raised, something like mild interest written on his face because yes he's already discerned that Edward is strong - the way he'd ripped that pod right off him had surpassed anything he himself is able to do - but that's something else, surely. He can't catch the pods himself, would only end up crushed beneath their weight, and sure he can rip off doors and carry people to safety where required, but what Edward is apparently capable of is a long way beyond him.

He wonders what Mother would think of that. What use she would have for such a skill. How interested she'd be in him. There's a sharp feeling inside of him then, the quick vicious twist of jealousy, but it soon dissipates as - not far away from them - another pod thuds into the ground. A little too close for comfort.]

Well, then. You do what you do, whilst I attempt to assist in any way I can. And let's hope you're right about the healers-- if the landings turn out anything like mine, no doubt many people will need them.

[speeds]

[ The fact that he's trying to work out his capabilities doesn't go unnoticed. He only lets the corner of his mouth twitch up, but it also goes with the comment Giovanni leaves him with. ]

My capabilities at moving quickly are better than my lifting. It's my brother who is naturally stronger.

[ He doesn't want to think of what this Mother would do if she met him either, but she'd find his capabilties aren't to be tamed. Trying that might get her killed more than any dog that loses its mind. ]

Thank you for your help. I'm sure we'll get through this much better like this.

[ofobedience]

[It's my brother who is naturally stronger. The words have Giovanni's smile turning sharp, a serrated knifewound across his face, because that is something he knows right down to the very centre of himself, the particular pain of having a sibling who is always one step ahead of you, faster stronger better in every conceivable way. Which isn't what Edward said, he knows, and yet it conjures the image of Heine in his head, all the convoluted emotions that go with it.

He says nothing, though. Lets it slide just like the feelings he pushes back and down and away because this isn't the moment for things like that. They have a task to complete.]

You're welcome.

[He says, instead. Dismissive.]

Let's get on with it, shall we?

[He'll turn his focus, now, to doing what they have been tasked to do, but he'll be paying attention. Watching Edward as they work together, or apart. Trying to feel out those abilities of his and how he measures up to them.]

wrap on yours? c:

[speeds]

[ He doesn't know who the "brother" is that makes Giovanni's emotions twist so sharply, only the image of him. He'd seen whoever Giovanni classified as his mother in stasis, but not this brother who has his thoughts changing so rapidly it almost makes him want to tell him to stop thinking.

To keep his thoughts to himself.

Not many people can do that, and it'd bring too many questions as well. ]

Let's.

[ Though it'll take some time for the next wave to come, as soon as it does Giovanni will see he is much faster. Able to jump higher than most with a run up first. He'll see him rip the door off a pod and get someone down before it crashes, and that he doesn't look like he's done anything at all. Like he hasn't moved an inch. ]

looks like a good place!

[ofobedience]

[Giovanni's abilities-- they're quite something. Built for speed and strength and endurance, to survive where all others would be left a crumpled bleeding heap, he can leap from buildings, move faster than any normal person could, punch through the human body with relative ease, heal from almost any injury.

But when Edward starts moving it's something else, motion so swift it can barely be discerned, catching pods as they fly through the air where Giovanni, should he have tried something similar, would have ended up crushed beneath the terrific weight of them. Abilities that far outstrip him at every turn.

And so there's jealousy there, and wonder, and again the thoughts that lead him to consider what Mother would do if she could get her six-fingered hands on something like him, what she could make of such abilities. Things he doesn't want to consider, because it would leave him in the dust.

Such thoughts, they're quick and fleeting things as he busies himself with ripping the heat-welded doors off fallen pods and carrying their occupants to safety, but he's taken note. Curiosity mildly piqued.

One to watch. He'll be keeping an eye on you.]