❪ 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

[estimable]

You do not yet know that. [She still frowns worriedly, still not eating the berries and turns instead to stare into the fire.] You are not a Magus from my own world, it is possible that the effects may differ for you, but still... You are human, sleeping is necessary.

[politrick]

I'm pretty sure I know how my magic works. [Shh, it doesn't matter that the concept of a Servant doesn't exist in his world... He's fine right now! It was a stressful day, so he must be set! Perfectly fine.]

And I'm planning on sleeping. Soon. I promise.

[estimable]

...

[She doesn't respond to the first part, the concern evident in the way she doesn't look at him. The woman doubts he's ever had something like a servant taxing his magic and even if it is fine she will still worry.

Finally, she breathes out and moves to stand.]

You should do so soon. We do not know how long we will stay here. It is possible we must move in a few hours.

[politrick]

[He's fine? He's obviously fine. He even made it all the way to the ground without getting hurt, thanks to her magic!

So nothing could go wrong, ever.]

You didn't eat the berries. [he is disappointed,] Where will you be?

[estimable]

No, as I said, it should go to someone who needs them. [She? Will not waste food...

Probably. But she's a little more gentle for a second before her features turn to something must serious.]

There is someone I must speak with. It would be better if I went alone.

[politrick]

[Saberrrr.... ugh, fine. He'll eat the berries himself. Maybe she'll give the magic thing a rest for a few hours if he's well-fed.]

Alright. I'm not going to stop you. [Here he is, her Master, popping berries in his mouth and casually reminding her that this totally isn't the blade-and-user relationship she seems to want it to be. Go, gosh.] Be careful out there.

[estimable]

...

[Why are you like this? How does she handle you. She glances over at him with a small frown:]

Here I expected to further with your questions.

[Maybe? The closest she gets to teasing?]

[politrick]

[Um? He didn't do anything!]

I don't know what you mean.

[estimable]

You usually do not know when to leave well enough alone!

[politrick]

I don't? I'm very well-mannered.

[estimable]

To be frank, I believe your manners need improvement. [She says it simply. Because you are? Sort of rude, sometimes-- But she pauses and adds.]

There is an Archer class servant here, I find it best if you avoid meeting him or showing him your command seals until I have spoken with him. You should be able to sense him to do so... This is merely a precaution, as we were once allies but later enemies.

[politrick]

[He's heard that enough times that it doesn't even make him blink, which-?? Should be a sign that it's totally true, but whatever.]

I'll keep my hands in my pockets. Are you planning to be allies again?

[estimable]

...That much will be up to Archer.

[ There's an uncertainty to her words, the first time since they've met. Archer is a complicated situation. A powerful and worthy ally under the right circumstances, but questionable in his deeds. Without the Grail, however, she sees no reason to fight him unless he pushes her to. Without Shirou or other matters, she doubts he would--

But she worries all the same and for good reason.]

Should you meet him before I may speak to him find a way to contact me. While I do believe he will not attack you under current conditions, it would be better if I was present.

[politrick]

[There's a decent chance Merlin shouldn't be as... unbothered as he is that someone here might want to kill him simply for his connection to Saber. It's more literal than usual, but he's been nearly killed for his closeness to Arthur too many times now to be bothered anymore.

So there's that. But he is listening, at least because he isn't planning on getting himself killed for no good reason.]

I'll figure something out. [To contact her, he means; a magic smoke signal with all the subtlety he can muster in front of another person, or... something. He feels, again, a different kind of magical pull that he's pretty sure has little to do with this bond of theirs—it's too... dragon. But that's odd. So.] Don't worry, I'll behave myself.

[estimable]

Thank you.

[Her answer is simple, relief in a breath of an answer, but she still feels that something more must be said-- Done. And she glances down at her hand before adding in quickly:]

It is not that I have little faith in your abilities. But you do not understand the enemies we may face-- I merely wish to make sure your kindness is not met with your harm as well.

[politrick]

[Ah. It's not the first time Merlin has been told he's too kind for his own good. He never knows what to do with that, since it usually comes either when he's never felt less kind or feels like he isn't doing nearly enough for as many people as possible.

Always, though, it doesn't occur to him to put his own life first. His odd manners might seem like plucky overconfidence on occasion, but it's more that he cares so much more about others than his own life.

So like, please don't let this dude stab him in the head? That would be great.]

I'm—I'm doing my best here, I promise you. I want you to know I'm not trying to make light of anything. If you want me to stay out of this man's way, I will. [unless he swings first, then the gloves are off!!]

[estimable]

[I mean, maybe if you didn't so something stabbable you wouldn't have this problem, Merlin? I mean. She's still frowning at him with an expression that reads she's not too sure. In the ways he reminds her of her own Merlin, he is also vastly different--

A desire to help people. That was their tie, but she wonders if this man is even less experienced than herself in other matters. She shakes her head all the same, tossing him another look.]

It is more... I realize the mechanics of what we are is important to you, but even here there are some conditions we must abide by to live-- [A beat.] I am uncertain he will not find it necessary to act.

[politrick]

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