natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-01-26 12:27 pm
Entry tags:

❪ test drive #4 ❫

YOUR STORY BEGINS    

The Storm came. You only remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that.

All you know, perhaps, is that it was cold. You don't know for how long you slept, but the dreams were short, at least. You remember the expanse of stars and the universe that came in view. Every world and solar system ever known was displayed in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You have also witnessed The Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. It was a dark, thick smog — ominous in appearance and ever foreboding.

Your Earth and similar planets were immersed in The Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of it. That was when she told you what happened, and how you could help. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new, even though you never asked for it. The details here weren't clear, but you knew you'd made a deal with Darma.

Not long after, you'll wake at Thesa Station — your body is still cold.

It all felt like a dream, but somehow, you knew it wasn't — now, will you keep that promise you made to Darma?
PROMPT: THE STORM    

CW: death
You were awake on Thesa Station. But at some point you, like many other new arrivals before you, wandered into the Observation Deck. Ordinarily, this is where images of The Storm are replayed to remind Refugees of the fate they have escaped.

The Natha Orbiters' technology has evolved. They are aware of your gaps in memory. You may have doubts of The Storm even existing, or of your world's destruction. Though they do not wish reliving those last moments on anyone, they have created an experience that will do just that. Before entering the Observation Deck, you are warned that what follows will not be for the weak of heart. As soon as you step in, you will find that the walls around you begin to transform and expand.

Welcome to the Planet Cespi, in the Circinus Galaxy. Unfortunately, we were not able to save this world from The Storm's Consumption. These are its last memories.

You are surrounded by blue, grassy hills as far as the eye can see and a pleasant breeze. The atmosphere is thick with a sickly sweet smell. Before you lays the scene of a quiet village, with its residents going about their everyday lives. You aren't alone, either, with an equally confused stranger (or perhaps you know each other?) surveying the scene.

Then the world grows completely silent for a full minute. You and your partner are unable to make a sound, verbal or otherwise. Without warning, a deafening roar fills your ears and forces you to double over in pain. The villagers run out of their homes in a panic, finding themselves in just as much pain and confusion as you do. Where there was no sound before, now there is too much for a normal human body to process.

Look up. An expanding mass of energy is swallowing everything you can see. It consumes the earth, the atmosphere, the depths of space — and it is getting closer.

Your only hope is to outrun it, if you can. The people in the village certainly try to, racing past you. Their fear is very real. Their bodies are very real. You may be able to run from it for a time, only able to catch glimpses of this dark and sinister force swallowing everything and everyone. The earth rumbles and separates beneath you. Electricity surges through the sky, and then through your very body.

You fought hard, but it is impossible to outrun the Storm forever. You too will be consumed. Your death is quick, but not painless. What were you thinking, before you took your last breath?

You awaken back in the Observation Deck, next to your new friend.
PROMPT: TRAINING MODULES    

While it’s all nice and well to familiarize oneself with Thesa Station, it is most advised that new arrivals venture out a bit. Not physically. No one is quite prepared for that yet. However, there will be several virtual reality training programs set for those who dare to be adventurous. For those who aren’t and don’t dare, well — good luck, all the same. Once seated and appropriately strapped in, the system will automatically whir to life.

1. When you enter the Natha's newest program, at first nothing loads. You might think this is an error as you look around in apparent total darkness, only able to see your own virtual body if you look down, but soon enough a voice comes to life as if speakers have turned on somewhere.

Long ago, the lands of El Nysa were dominated by the ancestors of the dragons who now live among the people, tamed. It was pretty dangerous! How about a little history lesson?
And then the simulation comes to life—

a. The lush lands that blossom to life around you all at once are real enough to make you forget you're in a simulation — at least for a moment. Those refugees who have been to the planet in reality before will find themselves in territory as unfamiliar as those who are brand new, as this simulation takes place far back in history. Instead of sprawling cities and civilizations, the most you'll find is scattered villages, many of them no more than nomadic campsites at best. You've been outfitted to blend in with the natives and these simulated people won't react to you as a newcomer, but as a member of their village. Are you a doctor, or perhaps a warrior? Maybe you're even in charge! But they want your help, and they want it quickly: a dragon is coming.

The dragon is larger than the mount-sized breeds that exist on El Nysa today — much larger. It's a good six stories in height, bestial, and angry. Maybe it's then that you notice the lands that surround you are littered with scars of scorched earth, some of them several yards across, and there's a reason these people don't live in one place for very long. But don't linger too long on the makeshift grave markers sticking out of the burnt countryside — the dragon is coming.



b. If you're looking for something a little less violent, perhaps another area of the historic simulation will be up your alley. This one finds you on a cliffside, waiting among other villagers for an event the people are talking about in hushed whispers, some of which you can identify as prayer. When the white dragon raises its head up from the depths of the ravine, towering impossibly high over you and the others on the cliffside, it's no wonder most of the natives fall to their knees in awe and wonder. This dragon doesn't attack, only looks at the people on land with an ancient and strange wisdom.

Then it speaks. Not in words, but the low rumbling sound that starts in its throat and becomes a full trumpeting bellow to the sky seems to have meaning, and somehow, you can understand its cry as it entreats the people to praise and worship. The natives around you are already starting to give offerings with their prayers, food and carvings and — blood? Is that someone's arm being offered up?

That's different.



2. Let us now travel forward in time, shall we?

a. The Olympian settlement around you is quiet — until the screaming starts.

Guerilla fighters from Wyver flood the streets, knocking civilians aside and breaking down doors and windows when they find their way barred. They move methodically, advancing toward the nicer parts of town where the politicians reside and leaving terror in their wake.

They're here for the politicians, people say. They're here to punish the people who made the decision to advance into Wyver in the first place. Blood for blood, as the saying goes. Where they'll be taking them once they have them is anyone's guess. A soldier emerges from a building, dragging someone in elegant clothing out by the hair. Looks like they've found one.

Will you rescue them? Make a run for it yourself, lest you be mistaken for one of their targets? Or maybe they've already caught you and some other unfortunate Refugee who's been dropped into this simulation, and the two of you need to figure out a way to escape.

b. CW: branding
You find yourself in the midst of a bustling crowd gathered at the Temple of Thesa. Robed acolytes stoke fires on either side of the altar at the front of the temple, where miserable-looking people who seem to be from a village in Wyver await, bound in ropes.

The priest, at the front of the crowd, picks up a metal brand from the altar and gestures for another acolyte to bring a prisoner forward. The crowd watches with interest as the prisoner is forced to kneel in front of the altar, their arm laid out flat on the marble surface.

Another cry — "For the glory of Olympia!" — and the crest of the city is burned into the prisoner's arm.

The crowd cheers, deafening the cries of pain. The priest ushers forward another prisoner, and then another. Is that a familiar face you see in the lineup, thrust into this bit of history by the simulation's whims? You have to do something. Or are you unlucky enough to find yourself bound? ...Well, hopefully someone else in the crowd has more scruples than this priest.
3. And now, the present.



After all those enlightening scenes, the simulation finally brings you to a more quiet area of Olympia. You are deposited out somewhere in The Outlook, a place the very first group of refugees had to trudge through before they found their homes. You've arrived in the early evening — but sunlight is waning, and soon you'll be under a sky full of stars. Luckily, their old campsites aren't too overgrown.

The intention here is to get you familiar with some of the local flora and fauna. What sorts of plants will you encounter? Do you find yourself under a Verillum Tree, suddenly compelled to be painfully honest and truthful in conversation with a complete stranger? Find yourself behaving erratically in the presence of Whistleweed? Or perhaps you'll have to break the spell of being trapped in a Vena Amoris' vines... with a kiss.

PROMPT: STASIS UNIT    

You have found the massive section of Thesa known as the Stasis Unit. There’s no special access required to enter this part of Thesa Station, but refugees are warned that it may not be for the faint of heart. Here, in large pods that nearly cover every square inch of the space, are all of the people the Orbiters have managed to rescue. Your loved ones, your greatest enemy, your next door neighbor — you might find them here. These people are in a state of deep cryosleep. Due to the damaging effects of The Storm, their bodies are not yet ready to be awoken.

PROMPT: OMAGE    
Upon receiving your mobile phone, you will be asked to set a username. Voila, you can now access the network! You can choose to send a message to the entire network, specific usernames, or you can try out the Orbiters’ service, Omage, which connects you to a random user. They thought this might be a good way for their new guests to make friends with each other...
Connecting to server...
Looking for someone you can chat with...
You’re now chatting with [username]... Say hi!


PROMPT: WILDCARD    
You are welcome to write any scenarios in Thesa Station! Characters have been granted temporary access to the Observation Room, and are encouraged to study it carefully.

FINAL OOC NOTE    
These threads may be carried over as game canon if players choose! Players are encouraged to submit TDM threads as application samples, but they are not required. Please direct any OOC questions to the questions thread below! An AC-length thread may be submitted for 2 NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS after acceptance here. Please submit by February 18th.

We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for REP.

There will be an application cap of 60, and no reserves. Please read here for more information.

forceskype: (08.)

[personal profile] forceskype 2018-01-26 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Planet?
izanyagi: (Smiling)

D

[personal profile] izanyagi 2018-01-26 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Not having been in that particular area, but knowing not to completely trust the flora and fauna around them even in a training module, Ann's currently partner nods.]

We still have to be careful...last month a plant attempted to grab all the items in my pocket, or another got me stuck on its trunk.

[Doesn't THIS sound fantastic? Who wouldn't want to camp outdoors. He brands a sword in his hands - crude, but efficient.]

We should set up a camp. I think we're meant to practice surviving in here.
blowy: (pic#12041977)

i'm sorry, i'm thirst

[personal profile] blowy 2018-01-26 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ if anything, nature had always been more of a comfort for yuno. being someone who dwelled in one of the furthest regions from the kingdom's capital, it only made sense. it's why, he doesn't bat an eye to the sights that unfold before him. if anything, there's just an occasionally hum of consideration as he studies some of the flora. they're intriguing and pretty different from what he's used to (but that's expected.)

but, all the same, he's mostly in line of checking out if anything was usable, but it's here he catches wind of some of her words. but, seeing as it's mostly casual conversation (and it's never been really good at it), he opts on a different approach:
] Your face...

[ he reaches to grab hold of the vine. ] There's something on it. [ except, it's too late and it looks like they're being wrapped up in it. ]
Edited (we have needs) 2018-01-26 23:48 (UTC)
persistor: (the spine)

training 1A

[personal profile] persistor 2018-01-26 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ So here's the thing. Training is probably a word that should be used lightly, because while Red's very much here and very much willing to throw herself into the thick of things, she definitely can't fight.

In fact, she's kind of weapon-less at the moment. She really shouldn't be here, except it may have seemed like not a terrible idea at the time. Except it definitely is a terrible idea, and she's made herself lean up against the same wall Manley's cowering behind, trying to figure out the next best steps ( because if she's here she might as well make the best of it — )

When the tree talks. And — yeah, she may have seen strange things in her time, but you'd think it'd slow down at some point? At least she manages to recover quickly from almost gawking at it, mostly because what he seems to ask of her is equally ridiculous. Which means wide eyes quickly turn into narrow ones, and she can't help but raise a single eyebrow as she gestures at herself.

tl;dr, not equipped for combat. Sorry Manley. ]
selfservice: (god i am embarrassed)

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah, see, this means he wins. He doesn't actually answer until the very last ring, which is one part petty and two parts "what is this thing how does it work," but he gets there. He does figure out the "speak to it" part all by himself, so, in a simpering sing-song that is very unnecessary:]

Yes? How may I help you?
originallutece: can you not hemorrhage for like ten minutes (neutral; ugh more blood)

god there's so many good ones .... 2B tho

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
And what would you consider appropriate?

[She says it at a conversational tone, ignoring the fact they probably ought to keep their voices down. Does it matter? She knows this is a simulation, nothing more, so why bother playing along too much?]
planetary_bonds: (Deep in thought)

[personal profile] planetary_bonds 2018-01-26 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ugh. Spoiled Rich Assholes. He hates those types of people, as a Hardworking Poor Street Rat. Lovely.]

Does it? [He raises an eyebrow, then looks away towards the spectacle, relieving the ache in his neck from craning to look up so much.]

Seems more like a circus to me.
Edited 2018-01-26 22:34 (UTC)
selfservice: (very distracting)

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Now look, he doesn't assume. He's also quite literally a stick, himself, so anyone could probably pack a greater punch than he can... But this girl doesn't seem willing to do what he's asking - at least, the part about killing a huge dragon.

That's fair. Honestly, he can give her that.]


Now, now, there's no need to look at me like that, as if you've never seen a Sap before! [oh. oh, alright. well still don't.] If you're quite done making faces, I'd like to get started on getting out of here, please and thank you!

[What's the plan, Red???]
originallutece: i swear to god if i have to go out again (neutral; hair down bra's off)

1A

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
You're awfully certain for a man armed with nothing but a gun.

[She's awfully calm for a woman armed with nothing at all, but that's her, not him. Rosalind stands a little ways away, looking him over carefully, her gaze open in how she inspects him.]

Are you going to shoot it?
originallutece: but not for long i promise you (talk; PUZZLED)

3

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
That's an interesting toy.

[Where did Rosalind even come from? She almost certainly hadn't been behind him, but suddenly there she is, red hair pinned back and posture ramrod straight, looking at him with undeniable curiosity.]

Unusual, too. Most people don't come with their technology intact, though there's always exceptions. Now . . . I assume you're speaking to an AI and not some other person, hm?
selfservice: (very distracting)

extends tree leggy

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Manley looks down at her, surprised for a moment that someone else is not impressed by this whole display. At least, that's what he's assuming, but she's not screaming in victory or terror, so what else could it be?]

Hmm? Well, not knowing the crime committed does make it a bit more complicated, but you know, if we're throwing out ideas— exile always does the trick!

[Is that not the only punishment that exists? Weird.]
persistor: (flood())

[personal profile] persistor 2018-01-26 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A Sap, huh. Her eyebrow is pretty much immobile by this point, and she continues to look at him. Even goes as far as crossing her arms ( in the distance, the dragon roars again ), as she looks the perfect picture of composure while rejecting his — frankly not very nice — attempts at getting help.

Or at least ... silently stares in disapproval. Because she can't actually say anything. But the message should be clear enough. No tree should be telling her what to do tbh. ]
riftjob: (pic#11550465)

omage; un: rift jobs

[personal profile] riftjob 2018-01-26 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
That's not a hello.
micromania: (f25)

farah black | dghda (dirk gently's alphabet soup)

[personal profile] micromania 2018-01-26 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the storm & its aftermath ]

[ Farah has been close enough to death recently that she's not terribly enamored with this particular experience, but it does bring some things into very clear perspective. She and everyone she knows are very fortunate to be either alive or in stasis, and the storm itself is nearly incomprehensible in scope and power. Farah wonders if it has a conscience; if it has a heart; if it can be stopped.

Is she supposed to stop it? Hell.

Her head spins, a little, as she makes her way to her feet, but she easily offers a hand to the person next to her.
]

You okay?

[ 1b. Here There Be Oh Hell No ]

That's...a dragon. [ Farah frowns, covering her mouth with one hand and tilting her head in the opposite direction. That is, indeed, a dragon, and no one here is running or screaming so. Good?

Not so good, apparently, because that is someone's freshly severed arm being offered up on a plate slightly to her left.
]

Someone please tell me that was a consensual...offering.

[ She's super prepared to be told the opposite, honestly. ]

[ omage ]

Connecting to server...
Looking for someone you can chat with...
You’re now chatting with [holistic_guardian]... Say hi!

Hello!

I'm currently trying to find anyone familiar with the following:

Holistic detective
Wendimoor
Blackwing

Thank you!
Edited 2018-01-26 22:46 (UTC)
selfservice: (.........)

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Manley hums, considering their surroundings. Harsh punishment, swift justice? Seems like a courtroom from here.]

I'm sorry, I would like to put this as gently as I can, but I don't think any of these people are real enough to be shamed by your biting wit!
originallutece: that's really original (talk; oh another sexist remark)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
You've missed the point.

[What a bizarre looking . . . man? Is it even a man? At least she'd been vaguely prepared for a creature like this (thanks, Rocket, for all your lessons on alien biology). But boy, it's one thing to hear about it and another to see it.

A tree.

A talking tree.

Good grief. Pardon her if her gaze lingers time and again.]


It isn't about the crime. It's about the impression the punishment will make. Exile wouldn't do anything.
originallutece: the ojigi tried to eat the delivery boy again (talk; w e l p)

III

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
If you truly believe as such, you're more than welcome to stop them yourself.

[BECAUSE SHE SURE WON'T. Though she will swat at Tamano's arm when she keeps elbowing her, because rude?]

After all: what's the worst that could happen, hm?
ininhuman: (Default)

omage; un: maximus

[personal profile] ininhuman 2018-01-26 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
No fairy tales here, I'm afraid. Dragons are alive and well.
vorrutyer: (adjusting tie)

omage

[personal profile] vorrutyer 2018-01-26 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
You're now chatting with eproghuefgdzptrrw... Say hi!

eproghuefgdzptrrw: Ooooh, tell me more about what makes you iron.
blowy: (pic#12041977)

training 1A. )

[personal profile] blowy 2018-01-26 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it'd be a lie to say that yuno wasn't feeling restless. normally in times like these, he'd train alone as he had back in his hometown. as was a customary to a degree. while yuno wasn't the type who ran particularly hot-blooded, there were times where even he needed to blow off steam. or in this case, complicated feelings...

it's why once the simulation starts, he's already ready to hit the ground running. he opens his tome and he's ready to put out a spell before he hears mangey's sales pitch!? honestly from the get go... he has a lot of questions. i.e. what is this, who are you, why... ?

mostly why, but he's never been very eloquent. instead:
] So basically, you need help?

[ well, that's not a problem he guesses. but, manley might notice a heavy sigh. ]
diamondize: (Can you face time me.)

Prompt 1b

[personal profile] diamondize 2018-01-26 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's all so fascinating on an almost horrifying level. Diamond's taken to wearing a scarf over their head so as not to be drawing too much attention to their own inhumanity since their hair tends to reflect light like, well, a diamond. And the last thing they need is for the dragon or one of its followers to decide they're sparkly enough to be offered up as well.

The offering up of limbs is--disturbing, a little bit, but then again Diamond's people break and lose limbs and parts all the time, and it's really only a bother when they can't collect all the pieces together.

The announcement startles them a little and they peek at Solas around the headscarf, a bit confused before they seem to realize that Solas, too, is not from around here, so to speak.
]

Ah... Alright. I'll go too. [They don't particularly want to stick around alone here, though they cast a curious glance between Solas and the other organics. This guy would probably know better than they did, right? So--] The limbs... Don't they need those?
selfservice: (too stupid to function)

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[When they talk about an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, what they mean is Manley's motor mouth meeting Red's refusal to put up with bullshit. This is it, folks. To Manley's credit, he's sussed out that she's not not talking out of spite or something, that would just be silly, but he still fixes her with a Winning Smile(tm) for a solid few seconds before it becomes evident that that's not doing anything for him.

Okay.]


My, I would hate to be coming on too strong, but you see, I have a very, very vested interest in not being set on fire this afternoon! Very busy schedule, you see, and if my fellow... people stuck out here would lend a hand, I would see to it that there is a reward in their future!

[nice, nailing this interaction.]
inacan: (004)

[personal profile] inacan 2018-01-26 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
FRIDAY's not a full AI, just an enhanced computer program with a custom personality matrix. [ So like - basically an AI. ] I coded her myself, I could do it again in my sleep.

[ He says it flippantly - it's not even a humble brag, just the god's honest truth - there's nothing difficult about it, he had like five backup programs back home just like FRIDAY, just with different personality matrices. ]

She screens my calls.
selfservice: (.........)

[personal profile] selfservice 2018-01-26 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[If only he had business cards, but he's too illiterate for fun facts about Saps: the pocket guide. One day. In any case, there's a slight falter in his plastered-on grin, but he still manages to look pleasantly engaged in this conversation.]

You would be surprised. [ugh...... but anyway! More brightly:] Injury like that is so... impermanent. To say nothing of the barbarism!

[tacky!!!]
originallutece: sending you back where you came from, STOP JUGGLING (neutral; considering)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-01-26 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Can you.

[Oh, good, that's what her tone says, because she's struggled for ages trying to learn how to do computer technology based things. And if he can make one so easily, surely she can learn and make one of her own . . .]

That can't be all it does.

[It, she . . . what's the difference, right.]