❪ 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

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket, normally a speedy little bitch, isn't assuming his brilliant scheme is going to be noticed, so he does get clipped pretty hard on the back of the head. What could have probably injured a normal raccoon badly, only makes Rocket yell and whirl around, dropping his haul and bringing one of his disconcertingly human-like hands up to his head. There's a little bit of blood- he's got a cybernetic skeleton, but he still bleeds when THINGS HIT HIM- but it's more of an inconvenience than anything. His head ringing is more annoying.]

What the hell, dude?

[planetary_bonds]

[Dude, you're humming while you steal things. The only person he knows who does that is Crow, and Crow's a cocky little shit who gets himself caught on purpose on occasion. Damn straight you're gonna be noticed.

That being said, Yusei didn't actually expect the raccoon to talk. What the hell, indeed. The confusion on his face is palpable before he decides to narrow his eyes and glare instead.]

I could say the same, myself.

[you started it, bro. you stole it first.]

[beatupgrass]

[Look, if a man wants to hum Moonage Daydream while liberating parts for his traps, that is his right, Yusei.]

You don't need this for a table, dude. [Rocket picks up the piece with one hand, still rubbing the back of his head with the other.] All the wiring I got from the pods must have shorted out on reentry. These ones look intact.

[planetary_bonds]

I was planning on using that for something else, but...

[Hm. Now Yusei's curious.]

I got that out of my own pod. What were you planning on using it for?

[Yes, he's talking with a raccoon about engineering. He'll accept a lot of things if it's for engineering.]

[beatupgrass]

Perimeter defense. [Rocket gesticulates at the area around the campsite.] Legion says there's no sapient hostiles, but who the hell knows what's livin' out there.

The pods had something that cushioned some of the impact, so I figure I can reverse engineer it and make a rudimentary force field at best.

Or I can just say to hell with it and set landmines. I'm cool with that too.

[planetary_bonds]

[Yusei nods thoughtfully.]

Landmines might be too risky, considering we have people going out for hunting as well. Force field, huh...?

[He raises an eyebrow, interested.]

That sort of technology, I believe that's still rather high-end, where I come from. Most force fields I've seen are spiritually based. Theoretically, we could make one with the tech that we had, but I didn't have access to that sort of thing...I'm curious how you plan on making that work.

[beatupgrass]

I wasn't gonna bury them. [which maybe in Rocket's world is the exact same kind of argument as "I was gonna put it in a box," and just as stupid. THEY'RE STILL WHERE PEOPLE CAN STEP ON THEM, ROCKET. DON'T BE DUMB.]

Spiritually based? [Rocket barks a laugh.] Well, I'm curious how the hell putting your hopes and prayers into something will make it work. All I'm doing is reverse engineering some things. I do it all the time.

[planetary_bonds]

I'd say that defeats the point of a landmine, but...

[Yusei shrugs.]

It was a very specific circumstance, and it happened automatically-but for general use, I doubt it'd work now.

[He smiles a bit after that.]

Reverse-engineering is more up my alley. Did you want any help with that? [Hesitation.] Call it an apology.

[beatupgrass]

Your face defeats the purpose of a landmine.

[I mean what. Rocket didn't say anything. He was just sneezing. He has allergies. Achoo.

He squints, uncertain if he's going to trust a guy who just hauled off and threw something at him like he was just some lowly animal stealing shiny things. On the other hand, he has above average strength for someone of his size. That doesn't mean he can just haul around everything twice as big as he is.]

All right, fine. I'm getting tired of hauling all this shit by myself, anyway.

[planetary_bonds]

...Right...

[Look. look. In Yusei's defense, you didn't give him much reason to think you were something more than an animal stealing shiny things until you started talking.]

Hah... [Yusei'll pick up some of his more useable pieces of circuitry and scrap metal to come along, then.] Fair enough, then.

[beatupgrass]

[He leads the way to his personal section of camp that has been accumulating scrap over the course of the entire day, giving it the appearance of either modern art or a cyberpunk trailer park aesthetic.] Ever had to make weapons out of scrap before?

[It seems like a random question, but it's not. Rocket could probably take most of this stuff and turn it into something completely extra if he wanted to (and he does), but part of him knows that might not be practical.

The other part of him says there's nothing more practical than carrying a bomb around- it sure helped when it came to Ego. Theoretically.]

[planetary_bonds]

[He was about to say his duel disk is handmade, but...that's not really much of a weapon here, is it? He's not like Aki, who can make the cards real, and it's not like he can settle things with a duel anyway. Still, there are other things.]

Would you count electrifying cuffs as one? [yeah. electric bondage cuffs. he's made those. it wasn't his idea, okay.]

[beatupgrass]

[but everything can be settled with a children's card game, Yusei.

Rocket tilts his head, pulling a face.] Yeah, I'd say they are. That sounds like something dirty cops would use.

[For when electric batons aren't nasty enough.]

[planetary_bonds]

[Not when he's the only one here playing the game, they don't.]

I suppose so, but where I came from, we ended up using those against the cops sometimes.

[Gang warfare's a pretty crazy time, buddy. Especially when it involves children's card games.]

[beatupgrass]

Ohhh I gotcha. The only thing worse than a freakin' fascist cop are the kind that're dirty and not on your side. The Kyln's lousy with those type.

[Rocket maneuvers around his neatly organized piles of tech and scrap.] Point is, making weapons outta whatever I got on hand is what I do. That's my niche.

[planetary_bonds]

Mmn. Security-where I come from-tended to breed that type as well.

[That being said, he's at least happy to know he has some of them on his side now.]

Is that so? Then I think we can work well together. There's lots of potential in these parts.

[beatupgrass]

No kidding. And I don't know how good the tech'll be when we get where we're going, so carrying as much as we can's gonna be beneficial.

[Which is why he is willing to partner up. He sure as hell can't carry a bunch of crap.

He removes a screwdriver from his belt pouch and works on prying something apart, while he continues to pace the area.] I'm not gonna be caught in a bad situation without my stuff.

[planetary_bonds]

[At least you came here with a screwdriver. Yusei's been making do with particularly twisted pieces of scrap.]

I've been planning on using the sleeping bag we were provided with to carry some of this-it's better than nothing, and we don't really have much other way to transport things for now.

[beatupgrass]

[This is why he plans ahead. He could be king in this place with all the useful stuff in his pockets. All hail King Rocket The Overly Prepared.]

Nice and resourceful. Who needs comfort when there's work we could be doin'. You can have mine too. They were kind of a one-size-fits-all deal. Like hell if I need something that big.

[planetary_bonds]

[Yusei seems a little surprised at the offer, but then he nods.]

Thank you. That'll help...

[He mentally categorizes the objects they're passing, picking up a particularly intact switchboard when he notices it having been detached from another pod's inner workings. Hm.]

I know you said your own specialty is weapons-you plan on making anything these people can use to hunt as well as for self-defense?

[beatupgrass]

[Is it really a charitible offer when Rocket wasn't using it anyway? Well, too bad because Rocket is considered it his good deed for the day, and no one can say he didn't help.

He picks up a smaller part and begins to pry it apart with his deft little hands, only pausing when Yusei speaks, his expression sort of deer in the headlights.] ...Hunt? We're actually gonna be hunting out here? I thought there'd be rations or something.

[planetary_bonds]

[Yusei shrugs, turning the piece of equipment over in his hands to investigate the other side of it-yep, all switches intact, cords are good, nice.]

I didn't see any in the supplies left to me. Just some small camping implements. I think I saw others going out into the woods to forage when I was gathering scrap, as well.

[beatupgrass]

Well, that's just great. I'm so glad there are people here who immediately look at the middle of nowhere and think to themselves "Eh, better go out and kill something to eat."

[He mutters under his breath.] Frickin' idiot Celestials couldn't have dropped us next to a place with a diner or something? Not even a classy one. I'll take any greasy spoon you can dredge up.

[planetary_bonds]

[Yusei doesn't look very pleased with the option himself, but he also doesn't seem opposed to it, either.]

Everyone's doing what they need to do to survive. We're no different.

[Come on now, Rocket. You know well they couldn't do that-what if they crashed into the diner? Then there wouldn't be food at all plus destroyed livelihoods.]

[beatupgrass]

I would just like a little more certainty that I won't be set upon by wild animals before we get where we're going. And I'm only half talkin' about what's in the woods.

[Look, he is well-aware he looks like something people eat when they're uncivilized barbarians. Drax has said this several times. It sucked every time.]