❪ 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

[agradecido]

The moon-station still hangs up there, distant and glittering like the planet did outside of its windows, and Zevran shrugs. "I think not. If it did, it wouldn't still be hanging there, would it? Or, floating," he says, turning back to Loz. It's still weird to think about, knowing everything that his own world believed to be true about the heavens to be entirely false.

Five hours. Zevran nods. "So, still two hours of this to go? That is good to know." Finishing up the current wave and the next, of course, he thinks. Turning back to the still-hot shell of his own pod, he reaches in and does his best to wrench out the supplies from inside. "I am Zevran. If all goes well, you should meet me later in the camp," he said, straightening up and shouldering the pack, then turns and raises an eyebrow. "Where...is the camp, might I ask?"

[silverhound]

"It's so...distant." Loz mutters as he squints his eyes some. It's difficult even for him to see the Thesa from this far. Those mako enhanced eyes can see through the darkest shadows easily and see well enough into the horizon to spot enemies miles ahead but trying to find the station above is a task. A sigh of relief passes through his lips once he spots the ship within the great blue heavens glittering like a shimmering star. It's a beautiful sight that holds a special meaning to him and countless others. Their loved ones are still onboard that vessel and right now the ship itself is under attack.

If Loz was the type to believe in prayers, he would've said one. "Thank whomever for small miracles, I guess." He says with a quiet sigh as he glances at the pipsqueak again. This man is ridiculously short. Loz feels like he's craning his neck too much trying to get a better look at this weirdo. While he doesn't want to be too damn rude, he sure wishes this short cuss would stand on top of a rock or something. He's aggravatingly short.

"You didn't eat enough veggies growing up, did ya?" He comments with a hint of annoyance in his tone. Well, so much for not being rude. Loz huffs a little as he rubs the back of his aching neck. "Yep, two more hours to go and I already feel like I'm about to friggin' drop." The strongman admits with a deep sigh. While others from the First Wave been giving him a hand, there's just not enough of them to keep up the momentum.

"...Zevran?" He scrunches up his nose at that odd name. "Well, Zevran, I'm Loz." The silver haired man says with a toothy grin as he turns away. "I would say it's 'great to meet you' but that would be lying, right?" Loz says cheekily before pointing towards the right. "East! We started a camp east from here but it's a temporary one." The silver haired man explains with a slight chuckle as he glances over his shoulder.

"Follow me if you want to get there in one piece."

[agradecido]

The commentary does nothing but make him lift an eyebrow, as though mildly amused (or maybe mildly irritated, it's hard to tell). And then Loz is off. After a glance around to see if anyone else was in need of ushering, Zevran follows behind. "Well, since you're so eager to take a break, lead on then." And then he's lost in thought for a bit, and their travel is blessedly quiet. It doesn't last.

"'Temporary' is fine. The sooner we move on, the faster we get to civilization, where hot baths can happen," he says. Among other things, remains unsaid. Camping isn't at the top of his list of things he likes to do, and it was likely that things were still getting set up out there. He grunts. The only thing worse than setting up camp was cap setup that never ended.

For a moment, he trots along at Loz's side, keeping pace surprisingly well, for such a tiny thing. Then, of course, his voice takes on a teasing tone. "Of course, I could help with that, instead. Among other my many other talents, I am an expert masseuse," he says, looking up at his companion with a smirk. What little light there is catches in the back of his eyes at the paex of that glance, reflecting a flash of blue-green-gold like a cat. Some might call it creepy. They wouldn't be entirely wrong.

[silverhound]

A hot bath, huh? That sounds really good right now. Loz honestly could use a nice hot bath. His muscles are too sore and his limbs feel so heavy. Loz really just want to rip off all this leather and sink into a nice warm bath water right about now. Too bad he won't be able to do that anytime soon. This is just the beginning of their journey. The survivors still need to reach the East Outpost first before they can possibly lay their heads upon nice soft pillows.

"Eh, what?" He glances down at the pesky elf with a raised brow. "You're a masseuse?" Loz let's out a slight huff once he catches that slight sinister gleam. "...Pervert." Loz says under his breath with a hint of laughter in his tone. Yep, he caught that Zevran. He sees what you're tying to do there, elf. Loz totally does.

"I'll consider it if we actually survive this crap!" Loz says with some humor as he keeps leading the way towards the encampment. They could see the outskirts of it within the distance.

"Say, where are you from, shorty? I never seen anyone like you before." Loz doesn't really have the gift of small talk but he tries nonetheless.

[agradecido]

Ah, Loz darling, you have no idea. He may be enjoying the view. (Scratch that, he definitely is.) "Among my other talents, yes." No need to say what those were at the moment. Everything in due time.

Yes, a nice hot bath and maybe a nice, cold bottle of wine. Before this is over, he'll also be wishing for food that doesn't come vacuum sealed or scavenged from the landscape, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.

"My country is called Antiva, which sits on the Rialto bay. Though I spend much of my days traveling, now," he says. Traveling is a much nicer way of putting it than 'actively avoiding retributive assassination,' after all. "Mostly in the east and south. And you?"

[silverhound]

No one would blame Zevran either for appreciating the exotic locales, especially when it comes down to Loz and that damn near picture perfect ass and strong long legs. That leather bodysuit of his doesn't exactly hide any details about the man. For all his brutish demeanor and childish rudeness, Loz is actually quite the looker. He's physically fit to the point of near perfection, a strange combination of masculine beauty but don't tell him that. Loz is still a shy one.

"Other talents?" He raises his brow questioningly before rolling his eyes some. "Oh, I get it, perv." Thank goodness he didn't tale offense. Loz seems mildly tolerant as long as Zevran knows better to keep those hands where he can see them.

However, what the man says next literally stops Loz in his step. "Antiva?" His eyes widen with such surprise. "The beautiful city by the sea with the statues and the flowers?" He turns slowly to the short man with a look of true awe upon his face. "...You're that guy from the messages." Loz been wondering if that guy survived or not. He was hoping he did but didn't know the man's name or face.

"I'm Dualhound! No wait! I'm, I'm Loz! Hi!" The big guy says with such cheer.

[agradecido]

(continued...)