❪ 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

[silverhound]

Me. [The big brute says without missing a beat.] What? Want to fight about it, red?

[There's no need for any of this bullshit, no need at all. Loz is just being extra bratty for the sake of solidifying himself as leader of this makeshift pack. While he typically played second fiddle to his brother Kadaj, Loz isn't about to let any of these puny humans step all over him. So, he plans to step all over them instead!

Great plan, no? Probably not but Loz isn't working with a full deck just yet. He's still a bit of a brat even if he's been volunteering his aid here and there.]

Chilling? You call being "annoying twat" chilling?

[He huffs. This guy really reminds him too much of that damn Turk. He doesn't like this dude one bit.]

Get out or I throw you out by your ridiculous hair!

[luxuriant]

Man, is anyone else hearing this guy?

[Zelos takes a look around, even if there's comically no one there and he's talking as if there's a large audience. Aside from that, he doesn't move an inch. He looks comfortable, and he's got too much on his mind to go wandering. So he turns his smirk right back to Loz.]

Look, I get it. You're feeling insecure, right? A gorgeous, hunk of a man like me, lounging around the fire and making guys like you look like sad leftovers... It's hard! But it's not my fault I'm so beautiful.

Why don't you go take a little walk, hmm? I doubt any of the people resting around here want to deal with you yelling like that.

[silverhound]

[Those inhuman snake-like eyes narrow in annoyance as the redhead start causing a scene. Just something about this guy really rubs Loz the wrong way but he's oddly curious as to why this annoying redhead won't budge. Does he think this is a joke or something? Seems like it and that infuriates the tall brute to no end.]

Either leave or I will make you leave. [He says firmly as he starts to ball up his fists. Loz was just about to take a swing at the mouthy redhead until what the bastard says next totally catches him off guard.]

WHAT?!

[That's the scream heard around the campfire. Loz he looks mortified, downright humiliated with a slight blush of embarrassment he can't hide.]

Oh, screw you! You're just mangy lookin' redhead that looks like a giant doofus!

[luxuriant]

Yeah? You really gonna start a fight in the middle of all this?

[Still not moving, Zelos tilts his head to one side, like he's amused or curious.] You're gonna regret it if you try.

[silverhound]

['You really gonna start a fight in the middle of all this?'

The question begrudgingly lingers in Loz's mind for while as he thinks of a reply. As much as he might dislikes this man just because of his resemblance to Reno, now isn't the time for petty squabbles. There's something out there in the great blue yonder chasing them and all their loved ones are still asleep upon the Thesa. Darma is counting on them to hold down the fort here and seek cover at the East Outpost.

They don't have the luxury for this kind of nonsense and Loz damn well knows that.]

...No. [He says with a gruff sigh as he uncurls his fist some.] But I still don't like you! So keep it down, red.

[The big grumbles as he saunters off towards his perch within the shadows. He doesn't like sitting among the others out of personal preference if nothing else. Everyone else is human for the most part and he honestly doesn't like most humans. They're all weak and annoying little shits. All pathetically useless.]

[luxuriant]

Aww, how am I gonna get by knowing some guy doesn't like me?

[He teases him right back with over the top dramatics, sarcastically faking a sob or two before he snickers and waves the guy off.] At least you're staying warm, blowing all that hot air.

[silverhound]

Keep it up and I will suffocate you in your sleep.

[He yells from damn near the otherside of the encampment. If Red doesn't quit his jabbering, Loz might make good on that threat. He's one hundred and fifty percent certain he can take out that annoying fop easily with just a single punch. That overgrown pretty boy doesn't scare him, not one bit.]

You'll probably make an ugly corpse!

[luxuriant]

Hah! Any more fire behind your words and people will start gathering around you for warmth. Cool it, man.

[Again, he waves him off, and this time he'll drop his teasing. After that last comment, at least. If he's waiting for Zelos to sleep, he won't find that he does. At least nowhere in sight. He's always wandering around, or sitting somewhere and thinking, or being loud and obnoxious.]

[silverhound]

[An inaudible curse escapes Loz but it's barely heard from his distance. That insufferable redhead damn sure made a 'foe' out of this overgrown jerk. Just the way the man carries himself around the camp is enough to make Loz roll his eyes in disgust. It's amazing that the women here are tolerant to such a creeper but then again! Loz shouldn't talk. He's not exactly too kosher either but at least he's not like this guy.]

He's worse than a stupid cactuar.

[Loz mumbles grumpily as he lingers away from the fire's warmth. Unlike everyone else, the extra heat does more harm than good. His body needs to cool down after so much exertion earlier. While he might seem human in physic, underneath he's as alien as they come. The cool breeze that comes off the waters nearby are strangely comforting and reminds him much of what Zevran, some guy he met on the Network, told him about Antiva. This is the first time Loz been in a place with such lush vegetation, it's strangely beautiful despite the peril and company.

That's why Loz finds himself somewhat drawn to the beauty of the horizon whenever Red's annoyingly loud self isn't disturbing him from his thoughts. An angry sigh escapes him as he shoots another glare at the annoying redhead. Does this flaming asshole ever shut the hell up?!]

...I hope he gets eaten by a coeurl.

[luxuriant]

[Zelos mostly minds his own business, but he can't help it. When he feels yet another stare his way, it's a little familiar. So, he blinks over and then lifts a hand to wiggle his fingers in a taunting wave as he winks. Yoohoo, still thinking about him? That's so cute.]

[silverhound]

[Has anyone heard of the old saying, the calm before the storm?

Well, Loz is the kind of storm that doesn't exactly have much of a calm spell. In truth, he has no calm or chill for that matter. No, not when he's completely enraged and currently trying to uproot the enormous tree beside him like a mere toothpick. If anyone is wondering why the ground is starting to quake, that's because Loz just literally half-way uprooted a large tree from the ground in hopes of chucking it right at the cocky redhead. This would be an impressive show of strength if Loz wasn't about to cause massive bodily harm.]

I gonna kill him! I'm gonna kill him---!

[luxuriant]

[WHOA... That's his cue to leave!! He scrambles up as soon as Loz starts lifting a tree and scrambles away into one of the shared tents. Safety in numbers, and all that! Or safety hiding behind strangers...]

[silverhound]

[Just when Loz manages to heft the entire tree upon his shoulders, that redheaded bastard dives into a group of campers to use them as makeshift meat shields. An annoyed huff escapes him as he slams the tree unceremoniously to the ground with a loud thud. Of course that smart-ass would hide behind people after figuring out that Loz here wouldn't want to accidentally cause that much harm to others.

He's pissed off right now, livid even, but Loz still has enough common sense not to do something as reckless as toss a tree at a group of survivors. That would be just devastating and Darma wouldn't like that one bit.]

That yellow-bellied chocobo...!