❪ 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

bearings

[estimable]

[Only after Merlin goes to sleep does Saber decide it's all right to take a moment to wander away. For now the danger has passed and she's confident if anything happens she'll notice. There are others to look for and Archer's presence does does not go unnoticed.

He should expect her presence eventually, but as she approaches she appears up at the tree features forming a thin line. For a moment she doesn't say anything, but that doesn't last long before the swordsmen calls up:]

Archer.

[fakers]

[ of course, they'd landed in the same wave, so there was no way he'd missed her during the day. but she'd been busy assisting others, and he... well, okay, he'd been doing the same thing, but he'd like to pretend he wasn't.

all the same, he figured there was no sense in advertising their connection. or even the fact that they knew each other. on the station, it hadn't mattered... but now that they were down here, it was difficult to know who was trustworthy.

the station had come under attack... that was why they were down here now. while it was perhaps a bit paranoid, there was no way to know if everyone down here was actually on the same side. ]

Saber. [ he remains up in the tree for a few moments, before hopping down. he was already taller than her to begin with, no reason to rub it in her face. ] Do you need something?

[estimable]

[ The station was in many ways easier to avoid each other if they wanted. Most of her time had been spent in the simulation chambers or the stasis pods. Some of sleeping to store the little mana she had. But in the course of the days events despite everything that happened it's impossible for her to simply ignore the man. There were not many she knew yet and much less fewer she would trust in a battle.

...Even Merlin. Although he'd shown capabilities with his magic his approach to battle was far too young for her liking and he'd yet to show progress in his swordplay.

It was only natural; A lingering desire to check on a former ally or perhaps a fellow Servant? She waits, naturally unbending for him to come down. Because he would address her she knew and is not surprised when he does.]

No, at the moment it seems most of the encampment has managed to find rest. [She allows the words to linger in the moment before adding with just as little hesitation.] You have not seen anything out here?

[fakers]

Nothing. Whatever attacked the station seems content with that... They haven't followed us down here. [ a beat. ] Yet.

[ granted, this is only their first night down there. he'd encountered wild game earlier in the day, as had others, but there was no sign of life down here otherwise. no sign of threatening life, anyway. while archer hoped it would remain that way, it was doubtful.

all the simulations and whatnot up in the station had been based on this place hadn't they? ]

I suppose it's in our best interest to exchange information for the time being. [ it's the closet he'll come to just outright saying "let's work together"... they hadn't exactly parted on the best of terms back in their own world, but they weren't outright hostile either. most of the time. ] Unless you find that unsatisfactory?

[estimable]

[She nodded, tilting her head upwards to glance into the sky. Yet. From here it did not seem that anything large scale was happening on the moons, but that hardly meant anything. While she was wary to trust those that had hosted them aboard their ship, she could not deny their circumstances.

Saber returns her attention fully to the man before at his next designation. Formalities, out of it, but she does not fail to get his meaning.] No, I agree. There is very little difference in our situation as it is.

[There was no war and after everything--- For now it was for the best.] Although, Archer, I am afraid I have no more information at the moment then any of the others do. We must do what we can to secure faculties and meet those whom have the answers we seek.

[fakers]

[ he hadn't really expected anything, so that's no surprise. they'd both been rather wrapped up by simply keeping all these pesky humans around them alive; expecting her to have actually learned anything significant in the meanwhile would have been unreasonable. ]

Yes, I agree. As long as we remain in the company of this large a group, it'll be difficult to get anything done. [ he'd always been the type to act more independently... but at the same time, he can't exactly just get up and run off right now. ]

Though you probably already know this, Rin is here as well. I haven't noticed anyone else from our... [ world? that's a somewhat strange way to put it. ] Wherever we came from.

[estimable]

Yes, but I am afraid it will be some time before we may part ways. [For the moment they appear to be in this together, which was just as well-- She doesn't think her current Master is the type to leave those around here either. Perhaps, that was something of a good thing as she felt obligated to help as well.

She frowns more deeply, before giving another short nod.] You are the only other servant who's presence I sense and although there is many who perform magic, there is not a magus I'm familiar with.

[...Well, short of Merlin, but he's also not really a magus from their own home.]

[fakers]

You're more suited for the task of protecting a group anyway. [ if anything, she has the charisma to take charge... though he also understands why she wouldn't want to do that. more than anything else though, he knows they're both the type who can't really leave the defenseless alone... saber's just a bit more altruistic about it. ] On the other hand, that's never really been my forte. [ insert long sad emo flash back here with aimer insert song here. ]

We should count ourselves lucky for that. Having any of the other Servants we know around would be a pain. [ though he'll never admit it, he's actually pretty glad saber is around. it makes his job somewhat easier. ]

The less who know too much about us, the better.

[estimable]

[Something flickers across her features-- Anger? The emotion itself is as fleeting as it is readable. Saber wants nothing more than to see the safety of these strangers through to the other side, but there's a wariness to leading anyone. For a moment he's met with silence as an answer--

There's another agreement there, too. Cu might be fine, but the other servants of the Fifth Holy Grail war and Gilgamesh would not do here. And although she thinks fondly of both Rider and Lancer from the former, that too may go poorly-- Especially in the latter's case.

It's only to the last part she deems a verbal response, giving a nod as she speaks:] I agree. There is only one person whom I have spoken to regarding our natures and I trust he will not speak so freely of it to any others.

The rest do not need to know more than they have to.

[fakers]

Oh? I'm surprised you'd choose to trust someone so easily. [ especially since she's already said she hasn't found anyone else from their world... though in this case, he'll trust saber's judgment. she may be idealistic, but unlike certain other persons who will not be named in these brackets, she's not stupid. ]

Regardless, I'm glad we're in agreement. [ even if they are on the same side, archer's not foolish enough to think she'll always see eye to eye with his methods. ]

It's easier to cooperate with you when you don't have a fool for a Master. [ of course, he can't resist firing some shots. ]

[estimable]

...It is not something I would expect you to understand, Archer.

[Not loyalty, in a bizarre way he is loyal. But she does not expect him to understand why she would trust Merlin. Never mind the fact, even, that unlike himself she needed to search early and as young as he seemed to be, Merlin had earned that trust.

Still, she glares up at him at his words. Or perhaps glares is not the word, but she certainly fixes him with a fierce gaze before answering:] And what have you to say about your own master?

[Her words are scathing, but she forgoes the easy rise to speak on other matters.]

[fakers]

No, I don't suppose I would.

[ there's a somewhat wistful sadness in that admission, but their ways of thinking, while similar in some regards, were far too different in others. perhaps if he still remained the same as that boy he once was he could grasp saber's blind faith... but the time where he was capable of such things had long passed.

in a sense, he knew insulting shirou would probably bait saber... and the fact that it does amuses him slightly. no, rather than amusement, it's something more akin to nostalgia. a reminder of something from his distant past he long since gave up. ]

Rin? I'll keep an eye on her, but she's more than capable of handling her own. [ technically, the last time all of them were together, rin was saber's master anyway. ]

[estimable]

Archer--

[She stops short, deciding quickly to not continue what she was going to say. It's true he would not understand her loyalties so quickly, but this time it was different in another way-- A way she cannot quite formulate into words even to herself.

It is unfair to Archer, perhaps...]

Have you retaken Rin as your Master, then? [The real point of the question with an additional answer to come from it, perhaps. She knew Archer could withstand for some time without a Master, but had he taken one yet--?]

[fakers]

No. [ he's quick to answer, having expected the question.

honestly, he'd considered it, but for the time being it seems unnecessary. justifications aside, their relationship as master and servant ended with archer betraying her and turning on her. while he knows rin may not hold that against him, it isn't something he can simply just ignore himself.

is he a servant here, or a counter guardian? and if neither of those are true, what is there left for him to be? as long as he can't answer those questions, he knows he shouldn't be contracting with anyone. as long as he can't guarantee his own loyalty, he's useless as a Servant. ]

Allowing Rin to be my Master again would just be trouble I don't need. [ sorry, archer hasn't quite hit his required lies quota for today. ]