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Entry tags:
❪ test drive #6 ❫
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YOUR STORY BEGINS  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 —
CLEAN-UP CREW  While everything has wound down significantly from the strife and destruction of battle, the frozen image of Ysverai, the massive, rotten dragon, and the hole he tore in El Nysa's sky, on several screens of the station is a constant reminder of what took place. New and old refugees alike will notice that prolonged exposure to these images will leave them with a disquiet that gradually builds to actual pain. The discomfort starts from a crawling sensation, insects over skin, and gradually becomes unbearable. They will begin to hear the cries of Ysverai’s pain and suffering, first whispers, then echoes, then wails. Even after Refugees tear their eyes away from this footage, a strange itching sensation remains beneath their skin for several minutes. The dragon isn’t a matter for them to deal with, however. Darma made it clear that the Natha will find a solution. For now, everyone is encouraged to assist in the clean-up of the cities currently frozen in time. However, in interest of the current events and the fact that the refugees still have much to prepare for, they will be offering this help remotely. Several stations are set up where refugees can remote control drones to map out areas and pick up some of the lighter weight debris. Those more well versed technology are encouraged to assist those who may be having trouble getting started with the unfamiliar Natha tech. It seems like it’ll definitely take some getting used to, though. On the bright side, they’re pretty durable drones so if at first you don’t succeed, press the next button? To keep morale high during the clean-up efforts, one of the Natha have set up large hoops around dumpsites and a scoreboard program in the control room, though there's no sign of any directions or rules to be found. That's right, you can play a mechanized version of… some sort of game while you're helping clean up El Nysa. Just make sure you don't get too carried away with competitive spirit! For those looking to pilot something more heavy-duty, there are also cockpits set up for remote control piloting of basic mecha. These are very similar to the VR simulations offered on the station. However, they will not work without a partner. To be able to successfully move one of these, two refugees will be required to connect their minds and pilot in tandem. This may be a daunting task, but with the extensive structural damage to the cities, it's a necessary one. Piloting will require trust and cooperation to make it through. The more connected the pilots are, the more agile and powerful their mecha will be. For those who can’t seem to get on the same page, coordination will be a pipe dream. PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIP  By now it’s likely clear to all refugees, new and old, that for all that they may appear to be infinitely powerful, the Natha Orbiters have been shaken by the recent events on El Nysa. The details of Ysverai’s revival were somehow obscured from their view, and while they’re focusing their efforts on the planet, certain… abnormalities again begin to arise on Thesa Station. The most prevalent of the problems plaguing the Station are the malfunctioning doors. Walking through a door that should lead to a bedroom or kitchen (or, for the truly unfortunate, a toilet) will suddenly take refugees somewhere entirely different and possibly even new. And while this may lead to some accusations of breaking and entering, at least these mishaps can be quickly rectified by an apology and a hasty exit. That is, unless the door refuses to open again — the locks also seem to be malfunctioning. Still, those that find themselves transported somewhere familiar, though off-limits, should consider themselves lucky. Thesa Station is far more vast than most refugees are aware, and some of them might find themselves wandering into a uniquely sticky laboratory. This area appears to serve no purpose other than to house dozens of slimes. These slimes appear not only in a variety of fun colours, but with a variety of not-so-fun abilities ranging from harmless (spitting bubbles) to deadly (spitting fire). Regardless of what abilities a slime possesses however, they are all relentlessly friendly, and characters will need to be careful not to accidentally bringing one out with them once they manage to escape. Unfortunately, that’s not the only situation to escape from. Whether it’s in the mess hall or the bathroom, many will find themselves suddenly rising off the ground. … with everything else in the room, too! It seems like gravity control is also on the fritz. Fortunately, most open spaces aboard the station have a small control panel that can correct these effects. The only problem is getting there. Hopefully at least one of you refugees took that anti-gravity safety course. SUMMER TURNS TO WINTER  The news that the refugees should begin preparations for a return to El Nysa may come as a surprise given that the planet still remains frozen, but it appears there is one community that has somehow withstood Darma’s intervention: an area known as Nadril where time continues to flow freely. Not much information is available regarding this destination, other than the fact that it is isolated, and, more importantly, that it is cold. (Maybe characters should consider the malfunctioning thermostat plunging the temperature to below zero in certain areas on the station as preparation for their upcoming journey!) There are other resources available for those itching to take action, of course. There will be a new supply pack delivered to each room containing gear meant to withstand freezing temperatures — both clothing and storage gear to keep water rations from freezing. Characters will also be alerted to new training programs available in the VR room that are designed to assist with survival in the snowy regions of Nadril. The training programs will consist of a variety of tutorials that will assist in winter survival. Naturally, there will be courses on how to start fires, find food, and build igloos to withstand the frigid temperatures, but that’s not all. Due to the Natha testing their systems, there will occasionally be strange occurrences. For example, refugees may experience a snowball or two pelting them from out of nowhere, or they may suddenly find themselves being cloaked by a snow yeti costume, amongst many other inconveniences. Hopefully that doesn’t detract from the lessons to be learned here, as some of the training programs can include extreme weather survival, including the perils of snow storms or avalanches. SOCIAL-LINKED(in) By some miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smartphone. 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: STASIS UNITS  During this time of crisis, the Natha have done their utmost to ensure the safety of those in cryosleep. However, due to the nature of recent events, they will be asking some refugees to do a quick check on some of the pods in the stasis unit. While they are definitely looking for any damage that may have occurred over these past few weeks, they also seem interested in getting a deeper insight into some of the occupants. On each control panel for the pods, there's a new application, asking observers to add notes and commentary — the Natha are looking for a more personal understanding of their sleeping occupants. Refugees are tasked with providing evaluations of the sleepers, based on both their knowledge of those from their homes and on what they can observe just by examining them in their repose. The application asks for how useful you think the pod's occupant would be in a crisis, what their skills are, what their best feature is, if you'd take them with you for a long walk on the beach, and so on… And, of course, all answers must be recorded out loud. Anyone passing by could overhear these evaluations, flattering or less than. FINAL OOC NOTES
As always, 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. New players may submit an AC-length thread HERE from this TDM for 2 Natha REP. In addition, old players who have not submitted rep for the Hour of Ruin log may also submit a TDM thread for 2 Natha REP. The due date for submission is July 15 11:59 PM EST. For this application cycle, there will be a cap of 60 and no reserves. Applications will be open on July 9 12:01 AM EST and end on July 13 11:59 PM EST. Thank you! |
Caleb Widogast | Critical Role
[This situation that Caleb finds himself in - world...destroyed(?), surrounded by metal and machines, without a single familiar face - is already stressful enough. He's deeply uncomfortable and only really barely managing to cope.
There are so many new faces. There is so much to absorb. His social anxiety is through the roof. At least a few times throughout the day, he abruptly veers for a door that promises a little more privacy - supply closets and the like - and attempts to find solace.
..."Attempts" being the key word because more than once he opens a door and steps through only to find himself in someone's private quarters. Or, worse, a shower. Hopefully whoever he's imposing upon isn't doing anything too private or embarrassing (well, it's pretty much a given with the shower) but even if they're not Caleb goes bright red and his eyes widen.]
I, ah...forgive me, I did not mean to...intrude. This was...not the door I thought I opened...
[Take pity on him, or don't.]
summer to winter
[The machines they use to create the experience of being down on the planet are so incredibly strange. Caleb isn't quite sure how to wrap his head around the concept of them, and it takes him a long while to change his caution to curiosity. But they keep being encouraged to use the simulators and so...eventually...he does.
Luckily for him, cold like this isn't all that unfamiliar. The northern parts of the Empire do get very chilly in the winter. And he...has spent some time out of doors in cold weather. Life hasn't been particularly easy. Mostly he uses the time to explore and see what - some - of this new world is like.
But, coming across someone else struggling with the simulation, he makes an effort to step in. He needs to make new friends, and people like it when you offer to give them something. So, especially if there's someone struggling with creating a fire (and probably not someone struggling to make an igloo, although...maybe?), they'll find a somewhat ragged man well-bundled up approaching them.]
Do you need some help with that?
stasis
[....This. This is the most unsettling thing of all. Not the metal, not the virtual reality. This. The tubes upon tubes of sleeping people. They seem...frozen. And though Caleb has been assured that they are all fine, it's a hard thing to believe.
But he endures the sight of them because...because there's someone he has to find. The wizard paces up and down rows and rows, eyes darting from pod to pod while he searches for familiar faces. There are a few he wouldn't mind seeing, but one in particular....
Finding her, he stops abruptly. His breathing is a little heavy as he stands in front of her pod. It's...something of a sight, since it means there is a very distraught-looking man in tattered old clothing, staring up at...what appears to be some sort of young-ish humanoid figure. Except that figure is very definitely green, with unkempt greenish-black hair and big green ears.]
...Nott.
[Caleb's voice is a little rough, a mixture of concern and fondness and even a little relief. At least she's here at least she was saved. He places a hand against her tube, fingers splayed out.]
I will find a way to help you, my friend.
[...There's also the chance that he can be caught in a far less emotional moment in front of a number of other colorful-looking folks. He's less upset, but still looks like he's both relieved and concerned at the same time.]
around the station
[They will not let him have his cat.
Caleb does not understand why they will not let him have his cat and that is probably just as unsettling as stasis. He is alone, he does not have Nott, he does not even have the rest of the Nein, and they will not let him have his cat.
It makes him very jittery, as he wanders the station. Every so often, he'll reach up to his shoulder as if he expects to find something there. Every time, he frowns when he remembers nothing is there.
...But he knows that if he plays along, eventually they will allow him to summon Frumpkin again. It is just a matter of patience and...trust. They want him to earn their trust. He has been working on gaining the trust of his companions. But he doesn't know....what these people want, the people who have saved them. What he can do to make them happy.
To that end, he forces himself to approach people, in various places around the station. Looking a little nervous, but also determined.]
Excuse me...could I perhaps have just a moment of your time?
stasis
As Caleb approaches, Yoshiko looks over at him. She pauses for a moment, unsure what to day, before she bluntly just barges ahead and asks, ]
Wandering mortal, Yohane beckons you forth. Tell me...what exactly is this lady?
[ Does scruffy over here actually know what this blue lady is? Probably not. There's so many different pods in this place. But if this blue lady was a demon, then that's opening a far new and far more different world to Yoshiko than she ever imagined. ]
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She is a tiefling. [He steps a little closer to her pod, and then glances over at Yoshiko again.] You have never seen one before?
[Of course, he understands that there are many people here, from many different....worlds...but the concept is still a little hard to grasp.]
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So, she nods at Caleb's question. ]
I thought she was a demon. [ Yoshiko frowns a little peering into Jester's pod as if she can get a better look at the tiefling. ] She certainly looks demonic. Are they related?
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They are...descended from devils or fiends, ja. But that was a long time ago.
[Jester...Jester isn't his problem but at the same time he isn't absolutely sure how he feels about how curious Yoshiko is about her. Maybe if he distracts her?]
What is your name?
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summer to winter
So it's more like some sticks or logs are laid down haphazardly and Diamond is valiantly rubbing some sticks together. Doing Their Best.
They look up when Caleb approaches though an gives a cheery albeit sleepy smile of gratitude.]
I would, thank you! I have no idea what I'm doing... [OBVIOUSLY]
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Ja, it can be difficult. [He tries to sound as empathetic as he can.] If you would stand back a little...?
[Which is maybe a weird request. Or maybe he just doesn't want other people too close to him!]
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Or something like that.
Either way, they scramble up and back away a few steps, folding their hands behind their back and watching with curious eyes.] Is there any way I can help...?
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[Caleb's initial idea of 'helping' isn't actually what the Natha want out of this simulation, honestly. Or at least, it isn't its intended purpose. He stretches a hand out towards the pile of kindling - the idea is that he'll use Firebolt to light the fire - but then...nothing happens?
A confused look washes over Caleb's face briefly, and some concern. They didn't take that away too, did they? They didn't say he couldn't do magic, they just won't let him summon his familiar...and he's used spells since he got to the station. It wouldn't be ideal if he couldn't use his offensive spells...
But. Now he's just standing there looking faintly ridiculous. Caleb glances over at Diamond and then just...gets down on his knees by the fire. Fine. So he'll do this the hard way. He's done that before. Gathering the wood into more organized pile for burning, he looks up at Diamond.]
It's best if you carry a tinder box with you...but if you have a bit of strength you can do without. [Caleb smiles up at them, though it's a small little thing.] Could you find me a sharp stone?
Around the Station
[he startled a little at being hailed - not really a jumpy person, not in the first place, but there have been more than enough recent incidents to make him so. The station is safe, though, if something to be readjusted to; and Linneus has at least fallen into a decent enough routine. That makes things easier.
Caleb catches him at one of the station’s oddly-shaped table and chair sets, with tea in one of the strange, chunky cups. Taking a moment for himself, but a moment is all it is - the interruption unexpected, but not unwelcome as he straightens up]
Certainly, of course. Please, you’re welcome to sit...
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I don't want to bother you too much. Thank you.
[He sits anyway, hands clasped in front of him.]
Have you been for very long? I mean, since you first woke up here.
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[there is plenty of space for the man to sit, though Linneus still makes sure his cup is brought to his side, trying not to take up any unnecessary room.]
Mmm, a while - I think it's almost ten months, now, though most of it was spent below.
Might I take it you woke fairly recently, then?
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[He has more questions, but first he really should do the polite thing. He's not always bad at this.]
My name is Caleb Widogast. What is yours?
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problems
So when someone walks in while he's getting dressed — he's got a shirt and pants on so it's not like he's completely indecent — he doesn't seem all that bothered. If anything, he looks relieved. )
Oh, so you weren't coming over to visit me? ( Anders has no idea who this guy is, but he's blushing like mad and Anders can't help but want to tease him for it. He smiles, his expression friendly if not a bit mischevious. )
That's a shame. I was hoping you might stay.
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Caleb knows he's being teased. Sometimes he's even sort of able to roll with it when people - well, maybe not general people, but his traveling companions - tease him. But he doesn't know Anders and he's already off-kilter so it only really makes him more flustered. He's...definitely just staring at the floor right now.]
I...had not intended to. And that's very kind of you but...I should go...
[Except. When he turns to try the door again...it doesn't budge...]
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It doesn't look like you have much of a choice, if you can't get that door open.
( He sounds amused, and that's really not helping the situation one bit, but Caleb doesn't have to worry. Anders is mostly harmless. He places his his elbow on his knee and his chin in his hand and says, )
Try throwing your shoulder at it.
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No, it's pretty well-stuck. Or locked.]
I am not a particularly strong man, I'm afraid.
[Easier to not stumble over his words when he's not looking at Anders. But after a moment, Caleb turns around and leans against the door, crossing his arms and rubbing his hands up and down his arms. He's definitely a sight, with his long grubby coat and general unkempt look.]
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>summer to winter.
That bad, huh?
[(All casual, like this isn't nearly the first time they've managed to reconvene since...well. Whatever this is.) He tried. We can't all come from the Great White Zemnian North, Caleb. They don't get snow like this on the coast, and Fjord spent much of his life on a ship, to boot. He can wrangle a fire on a damp evening a solid eight times out of ten or so, but the chilling winds and the frozen-over ground and the lack of decent kindling is starting to prove a hassle.
Which is, probably, the point. He makes a point of dusting his hands off, then braces them against his knees to stand and say hello properly.]
I think I'd be much obliged, if you're offering. [In a knowing, yeah, fancy seeing you here, pardner sort of way. (In a lot of ways, it's a relief. Of all places to bump into each other—he'd wandered that station for hours, enduring some odd looks, chatting up the locals for perspective on what they'd been told, getting his bearings....but it'll be a while before he makes headway on making sense of it. Maybe Caleb's been having better luck. Before getting to that—] Why don't you go ahead and show me how it's done?
[It is like...really fuckin' cold out here, okay. Hellos and what-the-hells can follow.]
problems
She's sitting on her bed, reading one of those aforementioned books, when the door opens to reveal a figure she doesn't know. A figure who's clearly not happy.
Ordinarily, Diana would chew someone out for this, but given the circumstances:] ...that's all right. Many of the doors look the same, after all-- and that's even assuming they're working properly.
Are you lost?
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He can still make things right. Hopefully. It still matters, the past. Even if the future is destroyed. So he eyes the spines for a moment, though he can't really make out the contents.
But, right, the young woman who he's just stumbled upon.]
Ja, very. I was trying to find...a different room.
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Where were you trying to go?
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[He wonders what she'll think if he admits that he thought he was walking into a closet. It's a weird thing, but then again, he's a little weird too.
Caleb's eyes sweep over her, and then he sighs and admits (with a slight shrug):]
Somewhere quiet, honestly.
[She was chilling and reading, maybe she'll understand.]
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around the station, sorta IM SORRY THIS IS SO LONG ALSO HI
Caleb was missing.
He was dead. The world was destroyed and Caleb was gone with it.
Her mind had blanked, then. She didn't know what to think, other than, "He's gone," over and over like the only thing keeping her from exploding was this chant in her mind. She broke down on the floor, then.
Now, it's been a bit of time since then. She's taken to drink. She doesn't owe these people anything, not without Caleb in their hands. She'll get by the way she did before she ever met him: drinking and stealing.
Of course, the drinking sometimes interferes with the stealing, but at least she has her endless flask to keep her company as she inevitably gets caught pilfering trinkets.
She's incredibly drunk as she stumbles around the station, not wanting to engage with anyone at all. She keeps her mask loose on her face as she continues taking more swigs of whiskey. And she sees him.
It's Caleb, looking completely awkward and out of place and incredibly filthy, just as she remembers him. Not dead. Not gone. Not even asleep. He's right here, and she can't believe it. She's drunk. She's hallucinating. She's finally broken, the way he described he had when he lost everything.
Still, an image of Caleb is better than never seeing him again. She sneaks up behind him, trying to stay unseen, but in her stupor she trips and tries to catch herself on his coat, realizing she'll just fall through him--
But she grabs hold.]
Hhhhhholy shit, you're--
[And then she vomits on the back of his shoes.]
500 years later, with starbucks
Oh.
Well. It's not like he's ever minded a bit of uncleanliness before.
Caleb cranes his neck to look over his shoulder, having stopped abruptly when Nott took hold of his coat. She hasn't let go just yet, so he doesn't...turn around. Just looks down at her, back awkwardly twisted.]
You're awake!
[And...drunk. But then again, she's often drunk. Even the vomit on the back of his shoes doesn't seem to dampen his relief at seeing her.]
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--I found you! You're-- You're not dead! Or asleep or whatever! I busted the case wiiiiide open!
[She suddenly realizes what she's done, looking down at his shoes with abrupt dismay.]
I'm okay! I can fix this! Ohhh!
[She hovers her hands frantically over his dirtied shoes, not really knowing what to do but slightly panicking that the first thing she did upon being reunited was vomit on Caleb's ankles.
Nothing is accomplished, there's still puke on his shoes, Nott's life is terrible.]
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