❪ 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

[valcurie]

( She appreciates the effort on his part. She's a bit taller than average, to be sure, but her stride even on a good day isn't as long as his. Mercy then considers what he says. His name is foreign to her--she cannot place it, not from any of the countries she knows has chancellors, at least. {Japanese, perhaps? But Ardyn doesn't fit.} It also is apparent to her that he's not that impressed with the title himself and she finds that pleasantly comforting. )

Likewise, Mr Izunia with the fancy title. You must have impressed someone, once.

Worrying is a part of the job description, unfortunately. ( He doesn't ask about the costume, which is something she's had to explain several times before. It's nice not to have to do it again. ) Depends on who they work for. I was once an agent for a peacekeeping organisation. Things may have changed, but my aims have not.

[daemonized]

[It isn't his true name, and if he were so inclined to reveal that, she'd probably laugh at the etymology behind it. For now, though, Izunia will have to do, as it's provided for him for many years now.]

I'd like to think I impressed at least a handful of individuals, during my stay in Niflheim. Though some tell me that I like the sound of my own voice too much for my own good; do you get that impression, Doctor? I would hope not.

[It's true he hasn't asked about her suit, because Ardyn figures that it isn't the strangest he'll see ever since he's departed Eos. He figures he can ask about the wings later, for their construction and design does interest him, but maybe not when they're both slowly making their way to camp.]

Your aims being to help others, no matter the circumstance?

[valcurie]

( She laughs anyway, just a bit of course, a quick chuckle she raises a hand to stifle, for when she hears Niflheim, she thinks of the frozen realm of Norse mythology. She's Swiss, not Nordic, but she has had some passing interest in the mythology. Her own suit bears the name of the mythical harbingers of Valhalla: valkyries. There's a part of her that wants to ask him if he's ever meet a real one, but she refrains for now. )

Hmm. Well. You didn't tell me exactly how you impressed them, so I wouldn't say you're too bad. Gloating is awfully unattractive.

( For a few moments she just walks in silence, her head down and maybe her weight leaned a little more heavily into him, though he might have noticed before that her step was becoming stronger and surer the more distance they travel. Meanwhile she keeps putting one foot in front of the other. )

Yes. ( A candid answer now. She looks up at him again for a moment, searching for his eyes if she has to behind that shaggy hair. ) Even if I wonder why I bother sometimes. If someone is harmed, I'll help them to the best of my ability. Someone has to.

[daemonized]

[Ardyn is oblivious to the fact that names of various nations from Eos may resonate with different meanings. And why shouldn't he be? To him, Niflheim was Niflheim. Lucis was Lucis. Such was the way of things.

The stifled chuckle does not run past his notice, though he's not quite sure what it's directed at.]

Well, I thank you for the compliment of not being "too bad".

[Ardyn does realize that her walking is becoming less strained, and she's able to keep pace with him better and better. The camp is not far at this rate, able to be seen just over the hill they're clambering up.]

Because you're a bleeding heart. [Blunt, maybe, if not for how airy he sounds about it.] I can only assume, with a name like Mercy.

[valcurie]

( It's something that will surely come up at some point, but for now, there are other things--things that are lighter and more present--to worry about. )

Now, if you'd asked for a compliment, that would be a bit much as well. Well-played, I believe they call that.

( She seems amused at that, and she remains so until they are atop of the hill, where she takes her weight from him and gives him a long, searching look. For some reason there's a part of her that doesn't believe what she thinks is his façade--the flippancy and the tempering amusement do make sense, and yet she does doubt them, thinking that there are signs of immense suffering in his past.

A warrior of some type, perhaps? A soldier? A politician who cared too much? She has has seen sorrow so often, seen suffering so much, that it's not hard of her to recognise even the most well-concealed things. In a way, she's now speaking to what she senses in him. ) People do a lot of bleeding. For good causes, for bad causes, certainly for plenty of causes that are not their own. There has to be someone to do something about it.

( A pause, and her face is softened by a smile. ) But thank you very much for your help, Mr Izunia. It means a lot to me to.

[daemonized]

[On the hill, it's easy to see where they're headed. It's couple minutes walk at most, and from where they stand they can see it's abuzz with movement from other refugees milling about, trying to help others.]

Well, that's a fair point. [Ardyn looks at her, choosing not to comment on the how and why people bleed; he's more than familiar. Instead, he makes a conscious effort to latch onto the latter half of her statement.] Though one must always accept that sometimes, there's simply nothing to be done. As much as one might try.

But that's rather fatalistic of me, isn't it? [He motions vaguely in her direction.] You seem to have little trouble walking now.

[valcurie]

Oh, there's been plenty of times when I wonder why I bother trying. ( A smile, and a gesture, and she means it. ) But that doesn't mean I won't keep trying. Nor does it mean you shouldn't, either.

( Trying to--not save the world, exactly. Only people. She was once part of an organisation that tried to save the world from itself, and now she knows that that's a fool's errand. The best you can really hope to do is staunch some bleeding, prevent barbaric diseases, try to instill a bit of your hope in others. This is how she tries to make a better world. As for the walking: )

The wonders of modern medicine, no? ( She places one of her hands on her forearms, indicating the suit she's wearing. ) A little help from my very own research! It helps keep me in peak perfomance, given a bit of time, like all good things.

[daemonized]

[And now there's little more than the arch of his brow. That's rather presumptuous of her, he thinks, in a vaguely non-specific way. That he even has the capacity to care in the same way that she does -- a long time ago, perhaps, this would have been true. These days, it's so far removed from it that it remains laughable.]

What makes you think that I'm not trying?

[They can get back to the wonders of modern medicine later.]

[valcurie]

( She meant it not as a presumption so much as a bit of generalised advice, for that is something she believes: no matter how people treat you, you should keep trying to help. There are plenty of situations that can't be saved, to be sure, but individuals are different. That's something you can influence.

She tilts her head, and puts one hand to her mouth. ) I didn't say that you did, Mr Izunia. Certainly, you did help me! But, if you have stopped, or ever do want to stop, I think that you shouldn't. Second chances, and all that.

[daemonized]

[And at that, he actually has to laugh a little. Something about it sounds humorless, even if he does put in the effort to make it sound amused and frivolous instead.]

I see. You're quite the optimist. But I have the feeling people may have already told you that in the past.

[She seems like the sort who would have people accuse her of such. And while Ardyn could go on about second chances, and how much he isn't at all inclined to be quite as selfless at her, he instead only offers her amicable grin, coupled with a look of concession.

Back to her suit, then. He gestures at the wings.]

Your suit, by the way... Are the wings an aesthetic choice only?

[valcurie]

I've also been called a pragmatist, in the past.

( Which is true; and he's also not wrong. She won't say that he is. There really is no making everyone happy, because everyone has their preferred way of looking at the world.

She doesn't know his yet, but she's thinking she might have a few clues by now.

As for her suit, she looks over her shoulder, gives the camp a glance, and then she faces him once again. ) Oh no, they are really a practical one as well. What better mobility is there, then that offered by flight? ( With a slight pneumatic sigh and a quiet shivering chime they extent, and the golden tips glow. ) They allow me to directly aid allies on the battlefield.

[daemonized]

[His way of looking at the world would be a dark, rotten thing to unravel. He keeps it nicely and tightly wound, however, close to the chest. There are very few who would know of his true tendencies here, so he would prefer to keep it that way for now.

So instead, he looks interested at the chime, the glow, and the design of the wings -- of her suit in general. Idly, he muses that the Niflheim scientists would have had a field day figuring out just how it worked, picking it apart, piece by piece. Integrating the technology, somehow, into their soulless MT army.

What he actually says is far more innocuous.]

You can fly? Not only can you aid allies on the battlefield more swiftly, but you can also have a bit of fun, too, whenever you like.

[Said as if... he doesn't know what it might already be like to fly through the air. he's just a patronizing bastard i'm sorry]

[valcurie]

( Oh, don't worry, she definitely is aware that he's taking the piss. It's amusing in it's way, given that she doesn't really suspect those darker thought about weaponised technology. If she did, she'd definitely be in a more sour, less amicable mood. )

And perhaps you could, too, if you asked me nicely.

( She gives him a perfectly sweet smile. )

Even you must want to have a bit of fun from time to time, surely.

[daemonized]

Ah, now you're being critical again.

[He clicks his tongue at her, shaking his head.]

I'm a man who finds amusement in all manner of things. Your censure of my character is a harsh one, Doctor.

[valcurie]

It's my professional opinion that it's better to be kept on one's toes. Not that you need the extra height.

( Smiling, again, she's bows her head in a mock of contrition. )

Surely a friendly challenge is better than mindless or lukewarm praise, Mr Izunia. Isn't it slightly more interesting than me being on my knees thanking you?

[daemonized]

[She's an odd one, he thinks. There are few people who would meet his sometimes confusing flippancy with a levity of their own. Either they become frustrated or they quietly accept that this is just his apparent personality -- rarely do they try to instigate it further, playfully so.]

Oh, I don't know. I think I can appreciate both in equal measure.

[He chuckles again.]

And please, call me Ardyn.

[valcurie]

Ah, well, it's an honest answer. ( She shrugs, as if she'll take it. Perhaps she expected worse, or better?

In any case she brightens again and gives him a smile, before gallantly struggling through the trips her accent is trying to throw her way. ) As you will, Ardyn. And, when you need a doctor, please don't heisate to ask for Dr Ziegler. I'm sure we will be seeing each other again.

[daemonized]

Of course. If I'm ever in need of healing, I now know of one person to steadily rely on.

[He inclines his head, and it's almost a half-bow, the way he does it with such a flourish. What a dramatic, theatrical man.

But when he straightens, he motions out towards the camp.]

You'll be able to walk there on your own just fine, then?

[valcurie]

( She matches the gesture, of course, offering him a skirtless curtesy. Odd as it may seem, she's actually having fun. Then she straightens up as well and turns her back to him. Over her shoulder she addresses him: )

I will. Thank you for your help, and your concern, Ardyn. Take care of yourself.

[daemonized]

I always do. [-he responds with a grin. Having no real reason to linger any longer, Ardyn graciously turns on his heel, to head in the opposite direction of the camp. He idly adjusts his scarf as he walks away, leaving the good doctor to her own business for now.]