❪ 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

[stabilis]

[ Why is the response of someone who wants to keep as many of his limbs as possible, thank you. But he's still stuck in here, and beggars can't be choosers, so— ]

Hells. [ There isn't much room in the pod. He does the best he can with what he's got, shifting his weight over and lifting an arm to cautiously brace it in front of his face. ]

Clear!

[politrick]

[Thanks for listening, at least? It's a stressful situation, so forgive Merlin the extra few seconds he needs to remember which direction he said to move— and how that's opposite relative to him, gods, this was planned well—]

Alright! Don't move if you'd like to keep your arms!

[His muttered magic probably isn't audible through the thick shell of the pod, but after he goes seemingly quiet there's an actual explosion, with a fist-sized chunk of the pod's hatch shooting into the pod itself and lodging in the opposite side.

And then there's Merlin's face, squinting, a little dazed from the effort. Hey stranger.]

Afternoon! Are you okay?

[stabilis]

[ This is a terrible plan. But it's either wait it out or move and risk making things even worse, so he waits, and he's rewarded by the jarring shock of an explosion. Johnny gives the chunk of shrapnel a mildly disbelieving look before he turns his attention towards his rescuer, squinting against the sudden flood of light into the pod. ]

Peachy. [ The guy looks like a farmer. That's the first thing he realizes when his eyes actually focus. Speaking of which, he's still disoriented. He takes a second to get his bearings, sitting up and giving the blood smeared across his hand a reproachful look. ] What the hells did you shoot it with?

[ That explosion might've been from a charge, but the fist-sized shrapnel's suspiciously focused. ]

[politrick]

[He'd kill to be just a farmer but never mind that now. At this very moment he's pleased that this actually worked, and his face disappears for a moment as he stands back to try and see what the options are now. He can... pull? They can push and pull and see where they get.

Brilliant.]

Oh— [There he is again.] Me. Magic. Nothing extraordinary. Can you push the door out from in there?

[stabilis]

Of course, magic. Why wouldn't it be magic.

[ Dubious, but only as dubious as the last 48 hours of complete insanity will allow. Johnny shifts his weight again, trying to get enough leverage to investigate the situation from his side.

Something catches on his hand in the process, which— right. Mods. Maybe useful. There's a short, electrical hiss from inside the pod, then the flicker of blue light as he tests the small blade on his hand against the door. It does cut, but it's also like, one inch long. He doesn't have time for that. ]

I'll push. [ Another hiss as the blade switches off, then he's bracing his back against the wall of the pod and planting his boots on the door. ] You ready?

[ To help, or to just not be in the way. Either's good. ]

[politrick]

I heard that. [He's out here, listening to the #doubt. Magic is saving your life, sir, appreciate it.

But alright, he's going to do his best to wiggle his hands into the hole in the pod and pull the hatch out from there, which... may go terribly. It's about 50/50 how badly this goes.]

Ready! On three! One, two... three!

[stabilis]

With your magical ears, yeah, I get it.

[ He'll appreciate it when... actually he'll probably just think it's very cool, but currently he's got a headache and he's had a bad day. He puts as much weight into his heels as he can manage on three, and—

Absolutely nothing happens. Johnny gives it a few solid seconds, and his voice is noticeably strained on the follow-up. ]

I don't think this—

[ A twisting, metallic whine is all the warning they get. Then the door gives, very quickly and all at once. ]

[politrick]

Technically they are! [They are on his head and he is magic, therefore, shut up about his ears.

He braces a foot against the outside of the pod and pulls, then braces both feet on it and pulls harder when it doesn't budge immediately, so of course he's swung deftly into the dirt when the door springs open. Thank god he only shot one hole through it or it likely would have crushed him - as it stands, he's on the ground, blinking away a daze before he shoves himself up to sitting.

Ow.]

Are you alive? I feel like my brain's come loose.

[stabilis]

Define "alive". [ He's intact, yes, but he's also here and talking to a magical farm boy, so he hasn't totally bought into the fact that any of this is real. Johnny pulls himself out of the pod and leans over, hands on his knees, taking stock.

And waiting for his brain to feel less loose, admittedly. He gives himself a few seconds before straightening up and stepping over, offering a hand to help the guy up. ]

You weren't kidding about the ears.

[ Seriously, those things are impressive. ]

[politrick]

[Oh, good, they're both alive. Loose-brained but alive; he'll take it. If his head stops spinning soon, it will be a grand success.]

You're welcome for saving your life. [But he takes the offered hand to pull himself up, anyway. He's not pressed about the ears. They... sure are there.]

[stabilis]

I would've gotten out eventually.

[ The delivery's good-natured rather than argumentative, gratitude implied. Johnny helps haul him to his feet, then he starts trying to get himself in order, checking for his gun. He draws it without raising it, giving it a quick once-over to make sure it isn't damaged.

He glances up a beat later, expression skeptical as he hazards a guess: ] Fourth wave?

[politrick]

[Merlin sure doesn't have any experience with guns, so he's distracted looking at that, but- hold on-]

Second. So you would have been fine in the end if I'd missed with the door, either way.

[Ha ha that's reassuring, right??]

[stabilis]

[ Super reassuring!! ]

Your magic heals, too?

[ He's still saying magic like he's thinking more of like, magic ponies than legitimate sorcerers, but at least he's saying it. The gun clicks as he pushes the magazine back into place and pulls the slide, but if he's noticed Merlin's curiosity, he isn't offering a tutorial.

Magic seems better than guns, anyway. ]

[politrick]

[Magic ponies... Don't tell him about magic ponies. Tell him about this gun instead?]

Ah- yes. Fairly well. It takes a little longer.

[Seriously what the hell is it.] What is that?

[stabilis]

[ OKAY FINE ]

This, [ Short pause to check the safety, then he lifts it so Merlin can get a better look. ] Is a gun. It shoots things. You've seriously never seen a gun?

[ The answer's almost rhetorical. It's also curious, not judgmental — he's just trying to wrap his head around it. ]

[politrick]

[Yep that sure is a little box with a handle. And he put something into it a moment ago? This is getting strange.]

The only thing that size I know that shoots is a crossbow. [Not really that size... still. There's a beat before he adds, helpfully,] I'm somewhat behind the rest of you, I've noticed. However that's possible.

[stabilis]

That is a little retro, yeah. [ But also: weirdly cool. ] Remind me to show you how it works when we're less pressed for supplies.

[ Wasting bullets when they're playing Survival 101, probably not a good plan. Johnny slides the gun into its holster, nodding towards Merlin's... hands, apparently?? Where does magic come from??? ] And I don't know if I'd call blowing a hole in an escape pod with your bare hands "behind".

[politrick]

[Retro... one day his vocabulary will synchronize. He's totally psyched to learn about the gun, yes, but after a pause,] "Hick" doesn't mean anything close to "behind," does it?

[His new friends are bullies.]

[stabilis]

[ Buddy. ]

If you're being a dick about it, maybe.

[ He sounds blatantly amused, but there's sympathy in there. ]

One's chronological, the other one's douchebag. [ Which is probably another new word, actually, so: ] Not very nice.

[politrick]

[He'll never believe anyone about new words ever again... He sighs, but other than that, he doesn't seem too surprised to learn there is douchebaggery afoot. Typical.]

I'll have to have words with someone when we're done here. [Stern ones, even.] Thank you for... clarifying, I suppose.

[stabilis]

Make sure those words include "douchebag". Very important.

[ His attention's stolen by the strangely hollow thud of another impact. The last wave's starting in earnest, apparently, so that's it for small talk. First thing's first, though— ]

You good to blow up some more shit?

[ Or like, help people. Same thing. ]

[politrick]

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