❪ 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

[fisherwife]

It's a weight I will gladly carry. [It's a burden, yes, but better her than someone else. A sacrifice for the greater good. She has to believe it'll all mean something.]

But, that works in my favor most of the time I've found, so there's no offense taken. [She shakes her head--it's worth it to look so fragile, when enemies either overlook her entirely or go easy on her thinking she's easy and then end up on the wrong end of her spear.

His question makes Mipha hesitate and she tilts her head with a concerned sort of look.] I...do not know. They only refer to him as the Scourge or Calamity... There are legends and stories, but I'm afraid I do not know them all or where the truth begins in them. From what I understand, he's began as a man who wanted more and more power and wished to conquer the world.

He's been defeated time and time again by the princess and her knight... But he's found a way to circumvent death and return after a time to try again. A battle that will continue until the end of time, I imagine.

[daemonized]

[And Ardyn's attentions hook into that hesitation, that uncertainty. Legends and stories -- he knows, from experience driven acutely deep into his own self, that motivations watered down into broad strokes were not always accurate. They slotted nicely into the cliche of good versus evil, of light versus dark, but rarely was it ever the whole story. He wonders now, if that's the case, what with this Scourge. (Of course that was one name for it. His lips pull into a smile that looks wry.)]

What a tiring sort of existence that must be. To be chained to a cycle, to live and to die, over and over and over again.

[But the way he says it doesn't denote sympathy. Only a frivolousness, rendered out of place by the seriousness of the conversation alone. Perhaps he speaks of everyone, after all, and not just the Calamity that threatens to sweep their land.]

Tell me, Princess Mipha, how does it feel now, to be cast away from all of that?

[fisherwife]

It's sad. [She agrees softly, looking out at the fire and the way the sparks dance in it.] For everyone involved. Fate and destiny can be endlessly cruel to those that heed its call.

[She knows that well enough herself, but there's still--resignation, perhaps. His question has her turning her gaze on him, quiet and thoughtful, like she's trying to study him. At length she smiles softly.]

Are you hoping for a particular answer, sir? [She shakes her head and looks up, the stars wholly unfamiliar and alien, offering no comfort like they might have once.] It would be a lie to say I wasn't a little relieved to be rid of that duty, albeit temporarily. I can't help those feelings. But... I've had over a hundred years to come to terms with my destiny. There is a great many things I regret, and I'm thankful for Darma and them for giving me a chance to see my father and brother again, and my friends, even if almost all are still asleep.

So in some ways I can be thankful for the tragedy, for the little bit of good it offers. But if given the choice I would still return home. I can't let everyone down, after all. What kind of princess would I be then? [And she smiles, though it's undoubtedly a sad one]

[daemonized]

[He distinctly does not reply to the bit about fate and destiny, though his eyes find their way back to the dancing flame.

Ardyn shakes his head, huffing out something reminiscent of low laughter.]

No, I'm not hoping for a particular answer. Only your honesty, because I imagine everyone deals with their new circumstances differently. Personally, I think you're right to feel the way that you do -- a relief, coupled with that chain of obligation still wanting to pull you towards your purpose. Your home, even, if such a goal were not a moot point.

[He looks over at her again.] My world has a prophecy, too, you see. Filled with individuals bound to a certain fate, inescapable as it might have been.

[fisherwife]

[Their homes being destroyed only makes her worry a little more about it all-- if there was no more goddess, no more ganon... Had they gone somewhere, or had they now simply ceased to exist? Had their thousands and thousands of years of struggles been put to rest by a storm? When the days of darkness had come, she'd thought at first it was some last ditch effort by Ganon, but then...

She carefully loosens her fingers from their death grip around each other and smooths her hands over the blue sash she wore. No, she had to believe there would be some way to return home. It couldn't have ended all just like that and who knew if Ganon had escaped the destruction to some other unsuspecting world-- or worse, if the Orbiters has decided to try and save him as well.

Thoughts weave about her head, but she glances up and looks at him as he looks at her, head tilted in curiosity. She hazards a guess:] And are you bound by this prophecy as well?

[daemonized]

[Does a destroyed world make for a destroyed Prophecy as well? The others he had spoken with (those from Eos, the ones that looked at him with hatred blazing in their eyes, and he returned it with a smile) seemed to have thought as much. As if everything that had transpired back home meant nothing, as if a thousand years of fate churning and twisting into reality could be erased with a different sort of cataclysm altogether.

It some ways, it had been. Eos being swept out from under his feet was beyond even his control, but to act as if everyone should pick up and move on? Like his purpose hadn't been grounded in millennia's worth of waiting. Like he hadn't been so close-

In some ways, their thoughts run parallel, but altogether different. Ardyn doesn't let any of this show, not really. Only in the way he considers her question with a faint knitting of his brow, having known she was likely going to ask after bringing it up. He verbally dances around the question itself.]

The entirety of Eos was, given that it affected its entire population at large. But I did player a larger part, in helping a king gain the power he needed to offset the darkness. Or at least, he would have. It was all very unduly interrupted.

[You know, by the Storm.]

[fisherwife]

[She's about to call him out on giving a vague answer--'everyone's part of the prophecy, technically' indeed-- but then he continues and she inclines her head thoughtfully.

Since she has no means of knowing otherwise, she assumes that means he was actually helping said king without some ulterior motive or endgame in the works. Good Guy Ardyn.]

The darkness? [She's curious, because it sounds a little like Hyrule's situation already]

[daemonized]

[Well, if we're to be technical about it, he didn't lie to her. He did help, and in very generous ways, too.

There was just that one sticking point about ulterior motives and all that. But he has no reason to divulge that information, not right now. And not to a complete stranger.]

A literal darkness. An endless night, fated to engulf all of Eos -- unless the Chosen King puts a stop to its source, of course. Such is how prophecies often go.

[fisherwife]

It's a little... [Mipha trails off then, thoughts swirling as she tries to figure out how best word it. At length she makes a soft, amused noise and shakes her head.]

With everything gone so quickly, it's all very...anticlimactic. Thousands upon thousands of years of preparation, all to be swept out from under us all, like the build up and the sweat and blood and tears mean nothing. [And then to have it happen again, a hundred years after by an entirely different source, this Storm thing... It's a bit of a slap to the face of all their hard work.]

[daemonized]

[Mipha


you have no idea.

This is exactly what makes something dark churn within Ardyn. This is what threatens to spill bitterness over the edges of his composure, one that he is often so good at keeping approachable, frivolous, sometimes even amicable. That all of what he had worked towards had been wasted, swept aside, for what? So that he could continue existing in this way, in another world altogether? This wouldn't satisfy him. It wasn't what he wanted.

Even Ardyn cannot stop the way something flickers across his expression, a little dark; but perhaps it's the way the shadows continue to play at his face, and could be written off as little more than that.]

Yes. That part, I think, is the most difficult to reconcile. To have a purpose, and then...

[A wave of his hand.]

...for it to be gone, just like that. Some will take far longer to adjust to the change than others.

[fisherwife]

[Mipha watches him a moment, but the shadow over his face is-- Well, it's ignored. A trick of the light, or maybe he's bitter and Mipha thinks she wouldn't blame him to be annoyed by it too. After all, he'd admitted to having a part in his world's prophecy that's gotten rendered meaningless by the Storm, so who would blame him?

She says nothing for a long moment, just letting the silence envelope them both before at length she stands. She has more robe and things to get out, healing to be done-- she'd started to feel sleepy sitting there anyhow, and this is no time for sleep.

Mipha rubs at hr eyes to wake herself up and turns to face Ardyn, bowing a little] Thank you for allowing me to sit with you for a little while; I enjoyed our talk. I hope we can continue again some day, but... There's a lot of work to be done still. I can't rest for too long.

[She straightens and smiles, before hesitating a moment. Her eyes look down and away, shy and a little embarrassed] And I hope... I also hope that you can find another purpose. [She's sincere in it, bless her.]