❪ 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

[burglarize]

[ It's tough. She thinks of Shiho, her best friend who is stuck on ice like a popsicle was her incentive. She has to be strong, push through to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The girl isn't one to bitch about her problems so she tries to have her moment and move on. Carmen doesn't bat and eyelash behind her jaguar-esque mask, instead she puffs at her cigar and follows the mental commands from Ann — keep healing.

She's in her thoughts only briefly until a voice calls to her. It takes only a moment to snap out of it, looking up with an inquisitive and unsure stare. ]

Uh, what's this? [ She looks at it before cautiously taking it. ] This isn't a wine cooler or something, right?

[noctsout]

What? [ What. ] No, it's not-- it's just a drink.

[ Okay, so maybe he should've thought about handing a person something so oddly shaped to drink, but it's like. Potions were as common as water bottles to his retinue, common enough of a commodity that it was like-- offering a spoon or something. Let him live, let his metaphor live, let his face live past the embarrassment of this moment by going tight-lipped (pouting), eyes sliding back to where the woman in red is-- still doing her thing, smoking in the vicinity of a girl who's worried that he's handing her something alcoholic, okay.

Okay. Just. ]

... Guess it could be a little lukewarm, but. That should be the worst of it. [ Should be. As long as he didn't accidentally pull out the veggie smoothie potion, Gods. ]

[burglarize]

Okay, but you didn't answer me, you know. [ Ann says with a huff. ] Is there a flavor? How many calories? Is it super sugary? I guess: what is it?

[ It might seem prodding, but it's mostly due to her own nervousness and anxiety. He mentions it being lukewarm, but as she twists the cap off and takes a smell, she looks to him. ]

...Sorry, I'm just a little on edge. I appreciate it, don't get me wrong —

[noctsout]

[ Shrugging one-shouldered probably makes him look a little more awkward than he feels, which is still all sorts of awkward, but-- her explanation makes sense. Couldn't fault her for caution when caution was something that he understands, maybe even arguably well for all that it's been hammered into him. Not that he listens, but you know. Efforts have been made. ]

I get it. [ It's fine, he's smiling. Kind of. It's more of a quirk to the lips, but it's genuine. Not the sort of expression that someone should be wearing when trying to be pacifying, but, eh. ] Can't really speak for the flavour, but I'm pretty sure it's-- low. On calories.

[ It wouldn't make sense for a potion to be loaded up on sugar, right? Or, well, ex-potion. ]

I mean, since it was supposed to have been a healing drink and all.

[burglarize]

[ Taking things from strangers wasn't high on her list of things to do — but she's not in a position to really fight it. It was a kind gesture and she should take it. She lets the rim of the bottle rest against her lips as she awkwardly forces a laugh. She didn't want to make things weird with her apologies, so she tries to rebound quickly. ]

I mean, if that's the case, why not, right?

[ And down she goes, taking a big sip. The flavor is definitely... different — but it's not unpleasant. ]

Healing drink? Like a soda pop? I mean, the most we got was a sugar buzz after drinking something from a vending machine... But! It's not that bad. A bit tart, but — thanks.

[noctsout]

[ In what world does a soda pop constitute as a healing drink? Except for his own (obviously), when there was a Lucis Caelum around to work their magic into it. It's just-- it's an odd comparison to make, bringing up a soda pop when he'd mentioned healing, but whatever, not like he could cast stones for being weird. Especially now.

No small amount of tension drains from him when she takes a sip, embarrassment eased into-- well, just curiosity. He'd only tasted the other kind of drink that the potions had been turned into. ]

Better tart than gross. [ He's not joking. Seriously, veggie smoothie potion. Gross. ] They used to do a little more than taste like that, but-- the sleep did them [ and his magic ] in a little, I guess.

[burglarize]

[ Even if she was not fond of the tartness, she's still drinking it all the same. It was an offer out of kindness, and she'd be a jerk to deny it. ]

Mmhphm — but tart can be gross if it's too much.

[ Her eyebrow perks curiously at his comment. She looks at the bottle, inspecting it as if there's some hidden label to it. Whatever he means by it, it was a coy slip of the tongue. ]

Lemme guess — you totally drank these on epic battles like some video game character? [ She's 1: trying not to project and 2: has been around Futaba too much. She takes another sip. ] It's a miracle it survived the drop, though.

[noctsout]

[ It's a regular bottle, though, yeah, it probably should come with a label. No longer magical, ask for a 50% discount or-- something. Whatever. That's a silly thought and he's not going to linger on it, lest it makes his face do funny things. Like smiling at nothing, which isn't exactly the best thing to do when a stranger already thought you weird. ]

They've survived worse.

[ But, uh. A video game character... there's way too much meta in this. How many walls did Noct need to break by trying to compare himself to the video game characters that he plays? ]

Wouldn't call my battles 'epic', either. [ Even when he's facing down Gods. Does that sound familiar, Ann. ] More like... trying to get out of it in one piece. Tiring, maybe?

[burglarize]

At this point, am I even surprised? We have supersonic mega storms that are destroying universes or something. So... uh, yeah.

[ Ann takes a few more swigs and looks at it, almost as if offering it to him as well. ]

High five to that. We barely would make it out of ours and now we're expected to do all of.. uh, this?

[ She's going to actually expect a high five, her hand is there... just kinda lifted into the air. ]