❪ 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

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[luxuriant]

You're telling me.

[Zelos has stopped to help him out, though he drops his hand if Ardyn seems to climb out without much effort. Frowning at the guy, and then up at the sky, he pauses for a second before sighing.]

At least yours didn't get stuck. What's with the gloomy entrance, anyway? You're alive, aren't you? Come on, you got any injuries under all that clothing?

[For emphasis, and in an attempt to distract the conversation away from gloomy topics like death, he swats at the back of Ardyn's scarf as he moves around him to take a look. He's a designated healer, this is what he's gotta do! Definitely.]

[daemonized]

Was it not grand enough for you? [His entrance, is his meaning.] The next time, I'll be certain to do away with the gloom, and make it much more entertaining.

[He feels that swat at his scarf, and Ardyn turns on the heel of his shoe, facing Zelos properly as the man walks around in to take in his physical state.]

A little sore from the landing, but nothing I'll not recover from quickly enough. Nothing to warrant such a critical eye in my direction, at any rate.

[luxuriant]

I'd rather not think about there ever being a next time, thanks.

[But he checks out, in any case. No one's going to act this casual if they're actually in pain, right? So when he sees nothing and suspects nothing, he places his hands on his hips and stands up straight again.]

Guess that means you can help me out, then. You useful at all? Well, whatever. Come on, if we keep walking, one of these pods is bound to get stuck or something. I'm trying to save my energy for healing, so just help me out.

[He waves his hand back at Ardyn casually, like it's fine to just start issuing suggestions or orders to strangers, and takes a step or two like he expects him to follow, glancing back.]

[daemonized]

Then do be happy with the display you were given.

[But oh-- the other redhead is walking away, as if he just assumes Ardyn will follow. What a novel idea.

As if just to be difficult (such is his nature, as of late. Spiteful, for any number of things not related to his current situation), Ardyn just tilts his gaze at the man as he wanders off. When Zelos glances back, Ardyn hasn't even moved a foot.]

You're quick to enlist me to your cause. Do I not even get a formal introduction, O good healer?

[luxuriant]

Yeah, yeah...

[He's happy, or whatever. But hey, those words come and they're only getting further away, so Zelos stops in his tracks once he glances back, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. Aw, come on, making him work for it...]

You know, normally I don't bother giving my name to guys... [That's not really true at all, but he sure does say it a lot.] But I guess I can make an exception. It's Zelos. You coming, or what?

[daemonized]

[A self-satisfied look hinges on his face, and only after he lets it linger for a full three seconds does he bother taking a step forward. He gestures, arms extended, as if conceding the point with some modicum of grace.]

Zelos. [He repeats, though whether it's to commit the name to memory, or just to see how it rolls off of his tongue, is up for debate.] I suppose since you're being so stubborn about it, I've no reason to tell you no.

[luxuriant]

Who's being stubborn?

[Not him, definitely not, here he is not caring!! But waiting until Ardyn is closer to start walking again.] Anyway, you might as well tell me your name, unless you just want me to call you "gramps."

[daemonized]

[He follows, only a step or two behind. His gait is casual and even, radiating a casualness that probably doesn't belong in a situation like this.]

And to avoid such an unfortunate title, you're also forcing me to give you my name. Has anyone ever told you not to be so overbearing?

[He's obviously not at all bothered.]

My name is Ardyn Izunia, if you must know.

[luxuriant]

I'm not overbearing!

[That's his automatic first response, mildly irritated and focused on the casual way Ardyn holds himself. He's doing the same, in a way, acting way too casual, playing everything off like it's nothing, but there's something completely different about the way this guy is doing it.]

Has anyone ever told you you're weird? [Nailed it, good comeback.] Ardyn, or whatever, just lift some rocks out of the way and leave all the hero work to me, okay? You're going to scare all of the hunnies out of these pods before I can even heal them.

[daemonized]

If you're not overbearing, you're at least very defensive.

[Is it so easy to push the buttons of this one? Ardyn wonders.

But, ah, he just smiles.] I've been called eccentric on occasion, but I make it a rule not to take it as an insult. Tell me, how exactly do you intend to heal anyone?

[luxuriant]

[He makes a face at that defensive accusation. Okay, he is, and yes his buttons are very easy to push, but shut up. He decides not to respond and focus on that question, instead.]

Magic. I'm not wasting any of my gels if I can help it. [Gels... He doesn't explain, even though he's already thinking and wondering just what sort of differences are in every world. Does he have to explain that he has magic but he isn't an elf? Oh well.]

Come to think of it, how'd you survive that crash so well, anyway?

[daemonized]

I don't know what gels are- [It sounds like candy, sorry, Zelos.] -but magic? How oddly prevalent such a thing is, between all of the refugees here.

[And healing magic, at that. If there's something remarkably snide that Ardyn wants to say about such a talent, he keeps his mouth shut, instead opting to answer the man's question.]

I'm far sturdier than I look. Such is my blessing, and my curse.

[That answers nothing.]

[luxuriant]

Man, you're sounding like some kinda weird poem.

[So sensitive about the issues of sturdiness and healing, Zelos. He waves off what gels are, the issue of magic between worlds, and his comment all in a few flaps of his hand. He doesn't feel like explaining, especially not while people are still falling out of the sky.]

Well, whatever. If it means I don't have to heal you, then that's one thing easier on me. [But a few more pods are crashing in around them, or some are just debris from those crazy people who thing jumping out in midair is preferable. Zelos raises his arm to shield himself from any loose flying rocks as they go.]

Tch, watch it. Sometimes it's worse when you get outta the pod. These things are totally destroying this whole area.

[daemonized]

[That's right, Ardyn likes the sound of his own voice. He has a very wordy and magniloquent way of talking, to the point where others might think that he's grandstanding for the sake of nothing at all. In reality, this is just How He Is.]

It's only to be expected. Look at how quickly they descend; it's a wonder that anyone is able to exit their pods without grievous injury at all.

[A wave of tossed dirt flies in their direction, a nearby pod having tossed up soil, the wind blowing it in their direction. Ardyn barely even squints against it.]

Are you able to heal yourself? Or were you lucky enough to escape unscathed? Either way, you must be fairly resilient yourself.

[luxuriant]

Yeah... a real wonder.

[He stares at Ardyn again for that, but his arm has to raise to deal with more of that wind throwing dust at them.] A little of both. I've just got this sturdy, manly body of mine. [...Or a magic rock, but like, he prefers to say it one way over the other.]

I got a little beat up forcing myself out of the thing, but I can use magic on myself no problem.

[There's one pod nearby that's smoking, and Zelos quickens his pace a little to head over to it, checking if anyone else is inside.]

[daemonized]

Aren't you fortunate? [He asks with a lifting cadence to his words. Basically, it's a little sarcastic, but not biting enough to offend. Probably.

He follows Zelos, lacking the urgency that his companion does, but eventually does meet him at the smoking pod.]

I take it you want me to be the figurative can opener, hm?

[luxuriant]

Yeah, unless you've got any other bright ideas or talents. If I use magic to get these things open, I'm just wasting it. Plus, I don't really want them to explode.

[It might be a bad idea. Probably. Zelos peers inside. The door is shut, somehow, but it doesn't look like anyone's in there.]

Empty. I guess we could collect some of the supplies off of these things, if there are any left. How about I leave the heavy lifting to you, too?

["Heavy lifting" or in other words "Zelos doesn't want to carry around a bunch of sleeping bags." It's not heavy at all.] You're like a sidekick!

[daemonized]

[There's that lift of a brow again, and while Ardyn could certainly do some of the heavy lifting, he's a bit deterred by how quickly the other man signs him up for it.

A sidekick, indeed.

He looks at the crashed pod (of little interest), before glancing back at his companion.]

Since when does the hero shrug off the real work to the sidekick, hm? Sounds like an excuse for laziness to me.

[luxuriant]

No way! The hero totally lets his less cool, less attractive lackey take all of the lame work while he gets the chicks.

[He made it sound even worse... But he does reach inside, at least, yanking out a sleeping bag and tossing it at Ardyn. He's kind of curious if he'll catch it, let it slap him in the face or just side step it.]

[daemonized]

So... once again-

[The sleeping bag is tossed his way, and Ardyn lifts his arms to catch it with relative ease.]

-why am I the lackey?

[Left himself open for that one, he did.]

[luxuriant]

[That clearly gets to Zelos too, since he hesitates just long enough to frown his direction in this put off way, but he's trying to brush it off by waving his hand in the air.]

Don't get delusional on me, old man. There's no way your old face could compete with mine. [He ducks back into this pod to see if there's anything else in here worth keeping.]

[daemonized]

[Just an innocent smile over here.]

Who said anything about competition?

[He watches as Zelos continues digging through everything.] If I've my hands full, I can't carry much else.

[luxuriant]

Yeah, yeah, I'm just picking out some small stuff, hold on a sec.

[He pockets a couple of things, it seems, though it's hard to tell what from here, and then stands again to gesture that he's all done.] That's it. Guess we should take everything back to like, a camp or something, right?

[daemonized]

Likely so, but surely you don't think that my skills are suited for carrying sleeping bags.

[What if... he tosses it right back at you, Zelos. If this is what you expect for him to do, being a pack mule with a sleeping bag, he'll just delegate it back to the man. He could carry it on his own, if he actually tried.]

I've still pods to crack open.