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
[ Be prepared, Shell!!!
Reign smiled widely. ]
Diva is my queen!
[ How would Shell take it? If Diva were to be in their world, she would have most certainly be considered a Blood Lord. ]
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[And it has nothing to do with Blood Lords.]
...ahh, I see. [Somehow, out of everything, this throws him for the biggest loop, mixed feelings abound -- but it's not like he can't smile and feel happy for his friend.]
Congratulations, Reign!
[And here Shell always thought Reign preferred men!]
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Then it hit him, realising what Shell may have thought when he referred to Diva as his "queen". ]
Ah! I mean... Well, I consider her my queen, but not in... that sense.
[ He leaned in, cupping with a hand as he whispered lowly. ]
We haven't done anything before.
[ Shell was always his number one! Although that spot was slowly including a certain demon, which he'll resolutely not think too deeply about. ]
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Oh... oh, I get it, then! ...I think.
[Then what did he actually mean?? Was he just subservient to her, then??]
[Of course, just because this Diva person wasn't a love interest of his didn't mean that Reign hadn't found someone else. He wants to ask, but... he also doesn't want to know. He feels strangely conflicted about it, despite knowing he has no right to be.]
...what other kind of people have you met?
1/2
[ Reign couldn't help digging that in, this banter almost something normal that they surely had done before. Perhaps he could explain better when Diva was present. After all, Reign did subject himself to be her servant, of a sort.
He also decided to drop "the bomb". ]
She'd considered me for her mate as well, so she could have a baby.
2/2
A few humans, surprisingly. There's a larger number of them here compared to home. One of them has the ability to transform into a tiger, or merely with tiger features; another can control gravity, it seems.
[ A breath. ]
There are a lot more. [ Kind of steering away from mentioning a certain demon, not that Shell would know about him. Reign felt bad for not sharing everything, but he wasn't quite ready for it. ] I'm sure you'll find them fascinating in their own ways.
no subject
[The "jealous" comment gets him pouting, but then he says that and Shell is outright sputtering.]
Wait-- wait, back up a second! [That tiger and gravity and more humans than back home business will come up in a second, but for now--]
She wanted to have a child with you? Just what did you mean by "queen", anyway?
[So how often does Reign get to see Shell being jealous or protective over him? Basically almost never, right?]
[Apparently it doesn't actually take all that much to draw this side out of him.]
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Awww, you are jealous.
[ Unable to help it, Reign leaned in and gave Shell a hug, squeezing briefly before letting go, holding up a finger to make his statement. ]
I offer her my servitude, of course. But I'm also her potential bridegroom? I don't know. [ He furrowed his brows. ] It sounds complicated coming from her. To be honest with you? She feels more like a younger sister.
[ Especially since that time when Diva stormed in and literally almost broke into his house, demanding not to be ignored. ]
no subject
[For a very very wide range of reasons at this point, some of which might be too sad to admit to himself (it's not like he ever thought he was Reign's only friend -- but Reign was certainly his.). Hearing about Reign's wide range of friends that even included humans stung in a way he wasn't really sure how to explain. He just knew it was irrational, and not really worth voicing.]
A younger sister... [What a weird impression Shell was getting at this point. She sounded rather young -- maybe she just had a very particular upbringing?] All right, I think I get it now. You tease.
no subject
But he certainly wasn't going to desert his one and only friend, even if he'd made new ones here. In fact, he'll introduce Shell to all of them. Or would Shell judge him because he made human friends? What if that was the case?!
Maybe he'll start off by introducing Shell to his non-human friends first. Then again, would humans with special powers still be considered humans? ]
Yup, like a younger sister. [ He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, before leaning in to look his arms around Shell's arm. ]
Don't worry Shell! You'll always have a place in my heart. No one can replace you.
no subject
[But that just isn't happening right now. And instead Reign's words cause Shell's cheeks to flush as he frowns and looks away -- without making any move to pull his arm back.]
I'll... take your word for it.
[Of course, he knows deep down that he's not being very fair to Reign. There's a reason his words are getting to him so much right now, and it's not just because he's quite literally the only person left in his life... even if that's certainly a big part of it.]
[But the pain of One leaving him all alone like that still sits like a stone in the pit of his stomach. It's making him ache to hear someone say sweet things like that to him, to assure him that he's not alone--]
[Really, it's a miracle he's not crying right now. Maybe he's just too tired?]
no subject
Soon enough, he pulled back, though he kept their distance close, one hand pressed to Shell's cheek, the other holding his hand. If only he knew just what was going through Shell's mind, or the fact that the Shell before him was slight different from the one he was familiar with. The Storm certainly did a number on them.
For now, he didn't bring anything else up in regards to their home, much less about the human Banker. If Shell wanted to ascertain for himself, he would ask Reign. ]
Why don't I show you around the station? The place to sleep, where to find... food. There's a lot to see, and a lot more once you go down to Natha.
[ Reign began to stand, gently tugging Shell to his feet. ]
1/2
[And Shell is pulled to his feet, following along with Reign as he shows him around the station, and also shows him that artificial blood... which he'll be too wary to give a try for now, but will no doubt make it his new staple of choice once he confirms it really doesn't come from anything sentient.]
[But Reign can't very well stay up on the station all the time, and sooner or later, he has to leave Shell behind. Which probably earns him a slightly tearful good-bye, no doubt making it even harder to leave him behind...]
no subject
[Which is why, when Reign comes to visit Shell in the room he'd chosen to settle into for now... he'll find him laying on the ground and snickering at nothing, as the person he'd gone drinking with sleeps curled up on one of the opposite bunks, snoring.]
[But rather curiously, when he opens the doors, he'll find the entire room smells like roses. He'll be able to tell there's a pheromone in the air, but for some reason, it doesn't seem to be having any effect.]
[Not that he's gonna be thinking about that when Shell's looking up at him like this--]
--Reign! You came back!
no subject
He had no idea what kind of adventures and discoveries Shell had, but Reign was certain it was the fun type, eager to listen to it all. What he didn't expect upon opening the door to Shell's room was the familiar scent of pheromones. Only recently had Reign been able to tell that it was a rose scent, a faint one. Strange that he wasn't affected by it, because usually right now, Reign would have been trembling on his knees, on his way to sporting a nice boner already.
And thus, he couldn't help blinking at a flushed-looking Shell, drenched in a different smell that Reign realised was the undertone of alcohol. ]
Y-yeah, I did. Shell, are you all right?
[ Even Scorch made a moo-ing sound, sticking his tongue out as if to try and taste the scent in the air, wholesomely curious.
Whoa, what happened? ]
no subject
[The aforementioned friend waves a hand sleepily from where she's probably going to be nursing a hangover from hell for a few days.]
And she showed me a really fun game! With alcohol! Have you ever had it before? It tastes horrible!
[And yet he sounds so excited about it??]
no subject
Ah, no... I've not heard of it before, much less play any games involving alcohol.
[ He stepped in, reaching a hand down to try and get Shell up onto the nearest bed, which most certainly wouldn't be easy with a drunk vampire. ]
Come on, the floor isn't exactly a comfortable place to sleep on. Then you can tell me all about this game.
no subject
I'm not trying to sleep... c'mon, you just got here! Let's let her sleep and go have fun somewhere!
[He means this completely innocently!!]
no subject
His free arm instantly came around Shell, holding him tight and upright, a chuckle slipping past his lips at how touchy feely his friend was now. It had never happen before, and Reign didn't mind it one bit. Except maybe the heavy alcohol scent on Shell, though he'll overlook that. ]
Where do you suggest we go to have fun?
[ Reign hadn't explore every part of the station, and every time he came up, it seemed to expand even more with new sections and ares to be explored. ]
/WRAPS THIS UP to focus on intro log stuff instead
[How embarrassing. Let them never speak of this again (or at least, until the next time Shell gets drunk off his ass).]