❪ 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

[tub]

[ stop...


no one went that far.


but, the fact that she doesn't leave, and go along with it immediately, should have been a good indicator of what the boundaries here were, but instead, he seems just as keen on progressing forward. at the "size" remark, he gives a small indication of a vague smile. ] Couldn't you figure that out easily?

[ is he really doing this after all they've been through? unfortunately, yes. ] Should I come up with a few ways for you?

[ aka, just put him in a potato sack and call it a day. ]

[strictdiscipline]

[ i can't fucking believe this

How about she puts a bullet through his skull and dumps him in the nearest river instead, surely she'd be helping the whole camp out that way and conserving energy at the same time. Unfortunately, based on what she's heard from Darma, she rather suspects that Darma frowns upon murder, and so she sadly puts the notion away after a second of entertaining it.

Still, that doesn't mean there aren't other things she can do. Like reach down and attempt to physically wrest him out of the sleeping bag, one hand reaching out for his arm and fully prepared to drag him out.

(She's a firm believer in discipline, after all, and while Shu might not be a dog - he's not nearly cute enough to be one - he could still benefit from it all the same.) ]

I'd much rather you simply show yourself out.

[ Lift-off from sleeping bag in 3...2...1.... ]

[tub]

[ despite being equipped with sharp senses, it's unfortunate that he doesn't feel her murderous intent for those few seconds. especially, if just to be able to catch himself. then, to inevitably... cease all behaviors entirely.

she isn't wrong at all. about him requiring a lesson, that is. concepts akin to discipline hadn't been established in his youth. then again, in the life of a vampire perhaps it was all relatively moot and pointless. though, in his humble opinion— what wasn't? still, when he feels that contact—

he actually decides to sit up on his own. albeit, slowly. lethargically. if she notices, his body is probably as cold as corpse. but, ... he's a vampire so that's to be expected. a chill that can be felt through the rips in his sleeves. ] You're pretty heartless, aren't you? [ his voice is flat, and it's clear...

it's made to be mildly mocking. ] Offering me help, then threatening me. Is that what you're into? [ threatening poor defenseless vampires in your bed roll? says shu, the one who snuck in and stole a spot, and now is being obstinate to leave it. ]

[strictdiscipline]

I've been told as much.

[ Not necessarily heartless, but cold and unyielding and rather cruel at times. (None of them lies in any way; there'd been reason to shut herself off in her childhood and adolescence, and necessity in ensuring others did not walk all over her.) Though it seems she's not quite as cold as he is, literally. She frowns at the cool touch of his skin.

The last (nonsensical) question's brushed aside, ignored in favor of a question of her own. ]

Are you cold? Is that why you're here?

[ Perhaps he doesn't have a sleeping bag of his own, but he gives no sign of even noticing the chill to his skin. ]

[tub]

[ interesting. or so, he thinks. though, he doesn't appear to make anything of it, it's a concept he pockets.

so she's been called "heartless" before. or something close enough. from her stance, he could see how the verdict could be rendered. she appeared strict. perhaps, even domineering in some regards. though, he could be bias, especially as her current stance seems to be... in all out discipline mode. but, despite coming to these conclusions. shu doesn't actually think any of these are negative traits.

at her comment, however, he cants his head slightly, just before eventually brushing it off. ] That's normal. [ being that cold, that is. he's always heard it from others, but being what is is... he's never really paid it any mind. as for her second question— ]

The supplies were too troublesome to sort through. [ ...

give it a minute before he pulls out his usual line of: ] I'm tired.

i'm gomen, beej....

[strictdiscipline]

[ It's normal to be a human popsicle?? Sounds fake but ok.

Then again, she's conversed with a 9 foot talking goat, which in comparison is a whole hell of a lot weirder (Surely after immortal creatures respawning right in front of her, she'd be used to these sorts of things by now, but apparently that's very much not the case.)

Other things she's not used to: people who are consistently difficult. ]

Are you sure? You seem to have an endless supply of energy for argument.

[ What a childish man...Honestly she has neither the time nor energy to waste on this, and while she's not fond of letting terrible behavior go uncriticized, there are better things to be doing with her time. She could continue trying to drag him out. Or she could just call it quits right there.

Somewhat erratic behavior on her part, to be sure, but it's been a very long day. ]

Thankfully for the both of us, I'm tired [ of you ] as well. I expect the bedroll to be washed and folded by the morning. I'll be by to collect it.

[ And with that, she's pivoting on her heel and casually walking away to go freeze elsewhere, thanks Shu. ]

don't be... ilu...

[tub]

[ she isn't entirely wrong. despite his claims of being exhausted, he never completely loses motivation to project his own points (even if all roads— or, in this case all words— lead to the same conclusion: i'm tired, that's troublesome, and how irritating). normally, he was used to people giving up far sooner. perhaps, even amongst his first fits of snoring or sleeping. or, just straight up ignoring the other party.

even as she speaks again, he's falling victim to sleep. he doesn't appear at all repentant, either, even if he probably should.

though, in reverse to that— there is one thing that does stand out about her, even as he's drifting, and it's in her inquiry about him being cold. he half-wonders why she asked, or if it was concern. it isn't like him to care. regardless, after an hour or two of sleep. he eventually, gets up... sauntering off. likely in his constant search for something to satiate his thirst or hunger. or, even in finding a new place to rest. somewhere where the smell of blood is less enticing.

sometime after this....

whenever this is and wherever hawkeye is, shu waits until she's asleep, before he... deposits the bedroll over her. if she notices, it is... cleaned. not very well, but cleaner than when his body was on it. chances are, it may be a bit wet on one corner though from shu taking a dip in the ... contaminated water. still, there will be no signs of him. ]