The Storm came. You remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that.
You don't know how long you slept, but the dreams were short. You remember the expanse of stars and galaxies in your direct view. Every world and solar system ever known to man was present in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You also witnessed the Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. Your Earth and similar planets were assimilated by the Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of your world. That was when she told you what happened. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new. The details weren't clear, but you knew it was a part of a deal with the entity known as 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 — Regardless of your will, you find your body doesn’t respond to you immediately. Instead, you hear a voice begin to resonate deep within you.
 I have seen much... But what I am not accustomed to, is being unable to see.
It was never our wish for those we saved to go through such an ordeal. People... are unpredictable. And you, Refugee, still continue to surprise us. That is why we cannot allow you to die just yet.
Refugee, I no longer have plans to intervene with this world — I have already done too much. Here on out, what happens below... must be resolved by you, its people, and fate. You and your friends before you have proven yourselves. Our eyes are upon you, and our hearts with you.
The Natha have become aware of how ill-prepared many of their new refugees are for the hardships below. While Darma has decided against direct intervention, the other Orbiters echo the opposite sentiment. With their homes destroyed and the ongoing trials that await them planetside imminent, they do not want refugees to descend without knowing exactly what they're getting into. Therefore, Roman and Zasere have set out to host a workshop in order to train the refugees for complex environment of El Nysa.
A new area has opened in Thesa Station: the Exhibition Hall. This vast open space has been configured to rival the size of the Hangar Station, with the north and south ends decorated accordingly. Refugees that have managed to return to Thesa will notice that the north end strongly resembles Olympia, while the south is a near replica of Wyver. Upon entering, you're given a goodie bag containing some postcards from either cities. There will be a variety of workshops available throughout this area. Each workshop is held in its own unique training room, separated only by high-durability glass for individual demonstrations to be observable to all in the vicinity. Workshops will focus on a few major topics that refugees should keep in mind when they reach land.
I — A HALL DIVIDED
The north side of the Exhibition Hall is fashioned to look exactly like a small section of Olympia. There are ghost-like projections of its people, seemingly going about their businesses as if to demonstrate their everyday living. There is even enough space for them to setup an example of a typical starter dormitory, and it wouldn't be a coincidence if it reminds you of room displays of the furniture stores back in your homeworld; Roman has been particularly inspired by magazines of various worlds.
Refugees who have been living or have visited Olympia will be highly encouraged to "sell" the Empire to the newly awoken. Until you find someone who is willing to do that, you'll find a fancy brochure inside your goodie bag, highlighting the benefits of choosing Olympia... however, there seems to be an earlier draft of it floating around, also.
Over on the south side is decorated will all kinds of tropical plant-life. Strangely enough, crossing the threshold of north and south, you'll also get a taste of the jungle heat, or is that only your imagination? Regardless, the presentation is to mirror the north: the Wyver people are shown as projections, making the space feel as populated as the canyons of Wyver. The sample living space is quite different here; all around, tents and wooden shacks are built to demonstrate what refugees might expect when living here. Similarly, refugee who are currently residing in the jungle city are also encouraged to talk about life there. The same brochure highlights this for the newly awoken.
On either side, you will be able to grab small trinkets from either cities; samples of food and wines, stickers, pins and buttons, and even photos of some of the more well-known natives. Wait, are those paintings of older refugees? Weird, but it's supposedly what you would expect from a convention for Darma's planet of El Nysa.
II — BLENDING IN
When you deal with natives, it's normal to feel a bit of anxiety. As far as you're aware, the natives don't know that you not only came from space, but other universes entirely. After this crash course, hopefully you will have the confidence to maintain a sane conversation with a native without getting any strange looks!
- A) One side of the demonstration room shows various scenes from Olympia and Wyver. They seem to be showcasing the day-to-day interactions of regular natives, but you might find that some of the projected individuals in the examples are strangely familiar, even under all the effects and filters. In fact, after taking a closer look, you'll find that these are relatively poor imitations of the refugees that have arrived before you, even though you're assured that they're just a coincidence.
 — This is Focket and Warrior 67. They were both refugees that were exiled from Olympia for a quest that resulted in all those involved being framed for a biological warfare attack! Focket and Warrior 67 decided to run off to Wyver where they currently live a peaceful quiet life allegedly. And that's the beauty of El Nysa! If you accidentally commit treason in one city, you may try your luck in another!
Before long, it becomes very clear that the instructional examples are meant to be the pre-existing refugees that arrived on the station to greet you. After all, there aren't many talking raccoons or white-haired soldiers with visors. Perhaps they're an early-riser from home, or a stranger that you met in the Mess Hall, or even in this very room with you. Makes you wonder where they got this from, doesn't it? At the very least, one thing becomes very clear: The Natha Orbiters weren't lying when they said they were watching.
- B) While there are ample 3D renders and projections all around the floor that anyone can have access to, you will immediately notice that there is an excess of them in the corner. These are renders that were wrongly coded or mistakenly conjured up, hence... you might notice "Koralle" is looking a little furry, or that one of the Wyvern Shamans look a little more fish-like. Either way, these renders still manage to serve a purpose.
In this corner you will be paired up with someone. Either you or them will be given a "role," and you must convincingly act and converse as such. For example, if one of you are given the role of "Wyver King," one of you must act accordingly, and the other must treat them with the proper respect. From there, the renders will judge.
If they give you a pass, you'll be allowed to the exit. If you don't, then you might be here for a while. As a general hint, things that seem to give people extra "performance points" are: mentioning certain landmarks, figures, or other key details relating to El Nysa (see: the brochure). This is a workshop for this purpose, after all.
III — PLANET NYSA EXHIBITION
Perhaps you've heard of this prior to opening your eyes here on Thesa Station: a promise of power in exchange for diligence and loyalty. Show them you are capable of "earning your keep," and the Natha Orbiters may bestow you with powers of your own.
In this workshop, the Orbiters are now allowing refugees to physically test these powers; this time, outside of the comfort of the virtual reality modules. From healing spells to the ability of flight, the sky is almost the limit with these newfound abilities. These powers are temporary, however, and do not last any longer than an hour. You're free to sample as many abilities as you'd like. But, once one is in effect, you cannot gain another without the first one running out its course.
Closest to the exit was the wildlife exhibition, summoning renders of both flora and fauna of Olympia and Wyver. This was meant to showcase the types of wildlife those heading planetside could expect. Don't let the promise of "projections" fool you! These renders are as poisonous, as dangerous, and as realistic as you might expect if you were seeing the real thing. In fact, they have become so unruly that some may have escaped their stations and are running amok, terrorizing everyone (Especially Zasere, who prepared them himself). On the bright side, you've still got those nifty borrowed powers, right?
Monsters aren't the only things you should be worried about. All over, the plantlife that found exposure from the chaos. From the broken glass that once contained them, some flora will have effects that may temporarily ail refugees in its vicinity. Be sure to check their labels if you are caught! Roman has begun handing out gloves and gas masks for this special occasion, being unwilling to destroy the specimen himself. He encourages all to contain them rather than kill!
While most of the flora and fauna have been handled rather quickly, the more agile ones can be seen around the station. One may have found its way to your meal in the Mess Hall, another may be hiding in the bathroom facilities. Wherever they are, it never hurts to practice some caution. Hopefully this gets cleared up before Darma catches wind... but even she would admit this is the most lively Thesa Station has been since that July many months ago.
IV — SOCIAL-LINKED(in)
By miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smart phone. Aside from the expected "Omage" app, there seems to be a new one called Social-Linked. There, you may find a profile waiting to be posted. The app allows for the user to fill it in, but there is also an auto-function! upon pressing it, it will generate a shockingly-honest answer based on the Natha's observation of your history. Roman will be your only friend in this app, with his very own profile:
| ●●●●○ THESA |
  |
ROMAN
@romannoodles (∞), Thesa
I WAS A: Butler! I still am, and I'm happy to serve all of the new arrivals!
I'M SKILLED IN: Cooking, cleaning, anything that involves making your life better!
I'M LOOKING FOR: Consistency!
ALSO, I'M: Not entirely certain if the "auto" profile function is to your liking. Feel free to edit if it is not to taste!
So, have you decided on making your own profile? Perhaps you used the "auto" function on accident? Regardless, once your profile is out there, it's out there. And like the Omage app, it will match you with someone. NOTE: Please use the form below to fill out a profile! Whether it's auto-generated or filled by the character is up to you!
Far away from the chaos, you managed to find the massive section on the station 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.
Feel free to wildcard prompts within Thesa Station!
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 THREE (3) NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS after acceptance here. Please submit by April 17th. Network threads are not eligible.
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.
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no subject
You’ve found one. You’ll find a handful of others, whether you care to or not. Most from the North and the Stormlands.
[ Theon has severed his ties with almost all of his fellow countrymen. Ramsay, while he was still awake, twisted his mind just enough to make him believe everyone was lying to him. His influence has remained. ]
A handful of others from scattered areas of the Seven Kingdoms.
no subject
How fortunate I am that I found you first, then. My name is Davos Seaworth. May I have yours?
no subject
He won’t become the liar that Stannis Baratheon believes him to be, though. ]
Theon Greyjoy. Son of Lord Balon Greyjoy.
[ You may have heard of him. ]
no subject
Only two of those facts are lies. He studies Theon, who looks on edge, as if uncertain of what Davos might say or do to him. ))
Hello, Greyjoy. I heard a lot about you. But I heard more truthful things coming from your squire Wex.
(( Well, sort of. ))
no subject
Wex is a mute.
[ But too clever for his own good. He eyes Davos suspiciously. No one else here has ever mentioned Wex Pyke. Not even Theon has spoken a word of him. ]
You can’t have heard much from a mute, truthful or otherwise.
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(( There's a nearby bench, and so Davos gestured it. ))
Mayhaps we sit down and talk. It's a long story and I like to hear your side of it.
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That does sound like Wex, though. The boy is mute, but not unintelligent. It would be easy enough to teach him his letters and give him some form of communication, but Theon wonders how he managed to get from Winterfell all the way to White Harbor. ]
Seven hells.
[ He swears, hesitates, but he shakes his head and marches himself over to the bench, and angrily sits down upon it. ]
What would you have me say? No doubt you’ve heard the story from everyone else by now. I betrayed Robb Stark, I took Winterfell, I killed the Stark boys. Isn't that what they say to be the truth?
[ He still watches Davos with a touch of doubt in his eyes. Ramsay made him feel as though he could trust no one but him, and now that thought is beginning to waver. He isn’t sure what to think anymore. ]
no subject
Aye, you betrayed Robb Stark and took Winterfell. But Wex said you didn't kill the Stark boys. You didn't burned Winterfell, or set the sword to the people inside, and you didn't you kill Ser Rodrick Cassell in parley. Wex said so, and I believe him. Why would an ironborn mute who helped take Winterfell try to explain what happened to the Starks' most powerful vassal?
(( It's no doubt that Wex is trying to help the ironborn, and in particular Theon, being his squire, but it's a unique case that clearing the ironborn - and Theon - of the one thing they did not do will help unite the north against the Boltons . . . and King's Landing. Hopefully, anyway. ))
Wex did not just escaped. He followed one of the Stark boys, when they split up. He knows where he is. I am meant to bring him back.
no subject
He thought he remembered Ramsay being in Winterfell, urging him to do things he never would have done on his own accord, but the Ramsay he met in this world had come up with a clever response: I came to Winterfell too late to save those poor farm boys, he had claimed. I brought you back to the Dreadfort to await King Robb's return. You were raving with guilt about what you’d done. It hadn’t taken much to convince Theon, as heavily as his sins constantly weigh upon his shoulders. He had felt mad in Winterfell, and he feels mad even now.
There are few things he can say with certainty anymore. He had come to rely upon Ramsay for the answers, but there were some things he avoided answering. The source the fire being one. So Theon, silent for a long moment, doesn’t confirm or deny. Instead, he focuses on the other matter at hand.]
Which one did he follow? Bran or Rickon? The elder or the youngest?
[ Why would they split up to begin with? Bran can’t walk on his own and Rickon is only a child. Something akin to fear rises in Theon’s chest. Ramsay never admitted to killing Rickon Stark. Jon and Sansa are the only ones who ever claimed it to be the truth, and Theon isn’t prepared to accept that one of the boys may actually be dead. ]
no subject
(( Though he wished they gone over the Wall, if the stories of the Skagosi are true. ))
You have seized Winterfell, but when I bring the Stark boy and his wolf to Manderly and the rest lords, it will be proof that you didn't kill them as believed by the Seven Kingdoms, and once again there will be a Stark in the north. It will prove the Boltons as the liars they are.
no subject
[ He decides, the corner of his mouth flickering upwards into a half smile, his eyes fluttering closed in relief. It has to be Rickon, alive. That must mean Bran and Hodor took off with the Reeds, though he wonders what could have led the two brothers to part. Had he truly been that frightening?
I never would have hurt them, he thinks, not actually certain. Not really.
Granted, there is another problem here: Theon’s scrambled memories. It’s amazing how he can be so sharp and quick on some matters, such as deciding which Stark boy Wex had trailed, but he shies away when it comes to the topic of Winterfell. Just months ago, things would have been different, but Ramsay quickly became the only person from home that he trusted to tell him the truth. He hesitates to blame him for anything, even now. When he speaks of Winterfell, he grows distant, as though he's forcing something back. ]
I took Winterfell. I killed two boys in place of the Stark children. That’s all I recall.
[ But somewhere in his mind, he can’t shake the distant memory of Ramsay’s laughter as Winterfell was set ablaze, or the pain of a shattered cheekbone, or the words "burn it all". The scene plays on a loop in his night terrors, often forcing him awake in a cold sweat. ]
no subject
Then you must know that it was Ramsay Snow that burned Winterfell and blamed it on you as you were taken as a captive at the Dreadfort.
(( To be flayed. But it appears Theon doesn't know that is about to happen. And Davos just doesn't have a heart to tell a man that, even for someone as guilty as Theon Greyjoy. ))
no subject
No.
[ He grows visibly uncomfortable, fingers twisting together in his lap. If Davos cares to look close enough, he may notice that one has already been cut off. ]
Ramsay said differently. He was only sent to retrieve me, on Robb Stark’s orders.
[ Robb never disputed it; he couldn’t have. He had returned to stasis before Theon could ask, but he would have trusted Robb’s word over Ramsay’s, if he had been able to hear it. ]
He said I was taken to the Dreadfort to wait for Robb, but I don’t recall that much. I-- [ He huffs, looking frustrated. ] I recall nothing beyond Winterfell itself.
[ It’s nonsense, really, that theon should try so hard to repress his own memories just to defend Ramsay of all people, but there’s a twisted sort of logic to it. Jon’s memories of Theon don’t make sense. Sansa’s memories of Theon do not make sense. Eddard’s memories of Theon did not make sense. But the memories Ramsay created for him—those made sense. Just to avoid going mad from the puzzle pieces that don’t fit together, Theon has done his best to shed what he thought he knew and has chosen to cling to what Ramsay offered to him instead. ]
no subject
Then Ramsay lied to you as he did to the rest of the North. He claimed it was you who burned Winterfell, that it was your ironborn that killed the people in Winterfell, except the women. Did he tell you what he do to the women, Theon? Do you think he really saved them?
(( The man is broken, it's clear. He's not a septon who can set him right . . . not like a septon will be helpful for an ironborn, at either case. ))
no subject
But this man—Davos, he has information from a mute, from an insignificant bastard ironborn squire. Everything Theon knows begins to crumble around him all over again. ]
He never said.
[ He snaps, short and tense, barely looking at Davos. He isn’t blind; he knows that Ramsay isn’t an innocent man, but he isn’t either. He has blood on his hands, and he can’t wash it clean. Unbeknownst to him, he’s only been trying to remedy his guilt by punishing himself even further. ]
He never said anything but what I’ve already told you.
no subject
Fair enough. (( Davos hated the fact that the bastard had stripped Theon so much that he's doubting his own memory. )) After all, I only know what Wex told me. Or rather, he wrote, and what else Manderly told me.