nysalogs | ❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

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❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

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

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[ His competence should show after managing to break into a certain someone's elven temple and still completing the rituals and get the well of Sorrows all in the same day.

No need for applause.

Still, he does take note of that ice in the other's voice. Right. Abelas did not look fondly on many a person. He does give a bit of a neutral, unreadable look at the mention of Shemlen. Hearing it from an ancient elf and it being referred to everyone does give him a bit of insight on how insulting it actually was. ]

If they're fit and up for the task. Remember some of them are just ordinary people thrown into this mess. None of them truly know war.

[ While he can appreciate someone being pragmatic, it's still something Lavellan is not quite good at. ]

We should be able erect some walls of ice. It's in my arsenal so we can at least add some fortification if the brambles don't dissuade more intelligent foes

. [ Which they really wouldn't. ]

This is a matter of survival, not war. Everyone needs to pull their own weight if they are to survive. If they lack the knowledge, then they are to learn. We already have enough wounded we must provide for, we cannot afford to be soft on others simply because they are ignorant.

[His words were not as chastising as they could be. As he had said, this was a matter of survival, and belittling one of the few competent individuals he was acquainted with would get him nowhere. Where Pragmatism may be the others weakness, it was one of Abelas' strongest traits, to a fault. He would make certain that this one's bleeding heart did not weaken the group as a whole.]

If we tax our most able-bodied simply gathering supplies we shall not be able to mount a proper defense in case of attack. You must think of the group as a whole, not simply fret about those at the bottom and assume the others shall fair well on their own.

[Advice that he had learned in the ages of his vigilance at the Temple. He did not expect this one to listen, the shemlen were convinced they knew everything as far as he could tell.

However at his suggestion, Abelas pauses to look over his shoulder at the camp behind them, clearly actually considering it.]

A sufficient plan, it shall also serve as a way to acquire fresh water which we are lacking. Place them downwind of the camp. The nights are cold enough without the wind carrying the chill of ice. The brambles can serve well enough to start out. Should we be attacked we can simply set them aflame.

Still, I would like to find alternatives should this be more long-lasting.

You have a point that we need to all work together but I'm not going to tell civilians to wonder into the woods to get some brambles where they could get ambushed. If anything we need to send a guard with those parties.

[ He understood what it meant to survive but they had to be smart about it and he wouldn't go as far as to insult Abelas' intelligence that they probably didn't think of this. There is something of a dark look he gives Abelas to the comment at "those at the bottom." That kind of thinking always turned out bad results.

The mage templar war, the loss of the Dales. Even the stupid war with Orlais. But, he's willing to offer compromise where it need be.]

We can go with what I suggested. Small groups of our weaker members gathering supplies we need with a guard. If we can find volunteers for such a task. [ Because forcing scared people into jobs they're unwilling to do would spell disaster.

Moving on, setting fire to brambles might not be a bad idea. ]

We'll need to set up the walls of ice first and place the brambles afterward. If the wind changes direction the walls will stop from any stray flames or embers coming toward us and setting the camp ablaze.

[ He looks off to the woods. An idea coming to mind. ]

If we can gather long branches from the forest we can sharpen them. Use them as spikes if we're charged. Perhaps disguise them and inform our people where they sit. But, potentially hazardous for us too. [ It's a dirty tactic for sure, but war is war as unpleasant as it is. ]

I am not so foolish as to send the mundane into the forests unprepared. I have already dispatched some to scout the nearby forest. They shall locate and map the resources beforehand and mark a path for the rest to follow. I would send those to gather the supplies in pairs, but those with combat experience and unique abilities would be better utilized elsewhere.

[He could be callous, but he had been forced to learn the balance between preserving your men and leaving yourself vulnerable. Of course it was a fair difference between the temple and... this, but the balancing act was the same.

Many here were not even soldiers, but they all required food, protection, and shelter. They all needed to share in the effort acquiring those, regardless of abilities, and to take those that could do other more specified tasks to coddle would weaken the whole.

But to focus on the actually useful input this one had to offer...]

That would be wise, we could cover the spikes with the brush. Anyone foolish enough to rush the camp would be unable to make it through. If the defense falters then the option so set it ablaze would make for effective back up.

[And those in the camp would hopefully have the common sense not to run into the pile of thorns. Hopefully. He did not have much faith in their intelligence.]

If we can bring back enough branches, we can have those with minor injuries but rendered immobile help sharpen them. It shall give them something to do at the very least.

[The last part was said with some disdain. He did not understand shemlen's dislike for sitting still for lengths of time. He assumed it had something to do with the short lifespan, did not make it any less obnoxious to tolerate.]

[ Ugh, it's annoying when Abelas has a point. He's not quite use to the mass organizing of things by himself yet. He always had his circle to help with that. Still, he feels this isn't unwarranted. Abelas did seem like the type where the ends justified the means.

That small vindictive part of him swirls in his chest, wanting to pull down Abelas' stupid hood over his eyes. Thankfully, he has enough control not to do that as they both decide to move on from there. It's still hard not to feel the condescension just radiating off the other. ]

If only we had pitch. We could make small pits filled with them. That would be a little over the top thinking on it. We're only going to be here for a night...

[ The disdain is noted and he just rolls his eyes slightly. ]

You know, working on your people skills might not be a bad thing. [ There, he said it. ]

[He was about to make a comment about the pitch, over the top for their camp, yes, but also a potentially useful resource should they find any.

It was the latter comment that got his attention though. There was that tilt to his head as the regarded the other elf. Whether he was actually insulted or not remained to be seen just yet.]

I beg your pardon?

[Alright kid, let's see how deep you are going to dig this hole.]

[ He's a bit a few strides away when he noticed the other elf wasn't following. He turns and then he hears the question to clarify.

Oh, right.

This is an ancient elf.

Getting the sticks out of their asses is probably an impossible venture. He sighs a little before looking at the other. Time to dig his grave. ]

What I mean is being antagonistic and condescending to the others around here isn't exactly going to win allies.

[ And he raises his hands as if to defend himself from the next verbal assault as he adds: ]

And yes, I understand. You're an elf from the old times, which is very impressive to me, and dealing with us "Shemlen" is not exactly a picnic for you. But, it wouldn't hurt.

[The more the young elf spoke, and more Abelas silent glare became more intense, up until the other finished. He closed the distance and put himself up in Lavellan's face, anger radiating off of him. He held a harsh bite to it, harsher even than he was at the temple.]

Allow me to make something clear to you. I am not here to win "allies", I am not here to impress you, and I am not here care for you- for any of you.

[The nerve of this child to simply demand to have such respect handed to him. The self important ignorance was insulting.]

I am here because the safety of those that loyally served be for a millenia requires it. Tis for them that I am forced into herding the ignorant like cattle, and pray to a dead goddess that there are no wolves to pick them off.

You say I should degrade myself by fraternizing with the rest of your kind, but what have you done that warrants such respect? Ignorantly carved similar marks in your face as mine? Or tis it the shape of our ears? Or perhaps I should be impressed by the army that follows you? You have done nothing worthy of my respect, your kind has done nothing to earn my respect.

Whether you are fond of me or not is inconsequential, I shall do my part to keep as many of you entitled children alive as possible for the sake of those honorable few who have earned my respect a thousand times over.

[ Abelas' anger is nothing compared to the many tempers he's faced in his long campaign of Inquisitor. He adopts to take a neutral look on his face as Abelas begins to berate him. It takes every ounce of his self to not deck Abelas across the face. The way he spoke, the way he just belittled everyone how highly he thought of himself.

But, the other part knew it was wrong. Abelas probably lived with centuries long of misery and lost many a friend in his long guarding of the temple of Mythal.

When Abelas tirade is over Lavellan keeps that steely, unfazed look upon his face. Finally, he just says: ]

This arguing is pointless now. Lets just get what we need and we can part company, shall we? [ He accepts that yes, he probably brought on the ancient elf's temper, but what was the point arguing now about it if they were so unwilling to listen.
As he turns to go he does look back;]

And as I told you before when I first spoke with you here Abelas, it isn't lost on me the friends you've lost and lay sleeping. But, maybe people here would be willing to help you keep them safe if you learned to trust us.

[Of course leave it to a child to wish to cease an argument they started because it was not going their way.]

Then perhaps you should keep your remarks to the matters at hand rather than your petty grievances shemlen.

[The child's claim of understanding what was lost was only adding salt to an old festering wound. His history didn't even begin to cover what had been lost, he could not fathom what his Sentinels were like, the devotion with which they had served, the sacrifices they had so willingly made, or even the people they were. To preserve them, to guard their rest was an honor not a chore, and he would not see anyone who thought otherwise tend to them. They would not make the sacrifices that they deserved.

Perhaps he was being unfair, and perhaps he was being too defensive, but if he had one weakness this was it. Being too overprotective was better than seeing their fates squandered like the Vir'abelasan.]

I care nothing for what you believe to understand. I do not want your help, I do not want any of your help. You are a child, your judgements are as flawed and skewed as the history you claim to know. My people would be better off dead than in your ignorant hands!

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❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

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he chose to save the chargers, Abelas. Pretty sure there's no stopping that bleedin heart

He will probably make you regret sparing his salty ass eventually

Of course he would

as long as he gets an achievement for it

here lies Lavellan, a free elf.

[Abelas disapproves -15]

Damn it i need the apporval points

Do his personal quest dork!