Entry tags:
❪ test drive #6 ❫
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! |
Euron Greyjoy | Game of Thrones/ASoIaF
[ He dreamt of a Storm. Not the sort of storm with which he is familiar - no lightning or thunder, no wind or rain, only darkness and destruction. He saw it lay waste to everything he ever knew. And he smiled.
If only he could harness that power...
The point of the message is lost on him entirely. He pays it no mind at all. Except for the part about the dragon. As soon as he hears that, he's on his feet and off to find someone who can tell him more.
So if you happen to be in the vicinity, there's a good chance you'll be bowled over by a dragon-hunting madman 8D ]
II. Keep Looking
[ He almost rushes right past the screen before he realizes the image it bears is precisely what he's looking for. His dragon. Frozen there, in all it's glory. And oh, it is glorious. Just look at it. What a magnificent beast...
He smiles as he stands there staring, transfixed. If he looks hard enough, if he memorizes that landscape, perhaps he can find it. Perhaps it's still there.
His smiles fades a bit as his skin begins to crawl, but he doesn't take his eyes off the image. Instead he tries to brush away the offending thing, but it doesn't work. There's nothing there, but the feeling grows worse with each passing moment.
And then he can hear it. A distant cry, faint but growing ever louder. Pain. Suffering. Agony. A sound he knows well - in human form, at least. But this is different. Worse. It's the dragon. And the louder it wails, the more it hurts. Until, at last, he shuts his eyes, and then... slowly, the sound fades and with it the pain, and he's left breathless.
And curious.
Obviously, something doesn't want him looking at the dragon. So as soon as he's recovered, he turns and looks again. ]
III. Anti-Social Media
@crowseye (?), Westeros
I'M SKILLED IN: murder, manipulation, color coordination
I'M LOOKING FOR: power
ALSO, I'M: insane
IV. Family Reunion
[ When he first finds the stasis units, he's amused. All of these people, sleeping in their little capsules, lined up in neat little rows, like some little girls collection of dolls. And what an impressive collection. It seems utterly endless.
Amazing.
He wanders among them for some time, peering in the little windows at their faces, trying to see if their naked, wondering what would happen if he pushed some of those buttons. Could he wake them up?
That question is still hanging, unanswered, in his thoughts when he suddenly comes upon a face he knows. He takes half a step back and rubs his uncovered eye, as if he might be seeing things. But no, it's no trick of the light or the mind. That is Balons dour face.
He wrinkles his nose and looks to the next unit... and the next... They're all here. All three of the brothers he murdered.
He stands there staring at them, nose slightly wrinkled. Vexed. ]
I thought I got rid of you.
V. Wildcard
[ Go on. Get wild. ]
IV
He hasn’t come to visit his father. He never does, but he has come to visit Robb, and he has come to visit Jeyne, and he has come to visit Asha. His stomach lurches when he sees the barely familiar face, like the deck of a ship is rolling beneath his feet. He hasn’t seen his uncle since he was a child, but you don’t forget someone like Euron Greyjoy.
Somehow, despite the way his hands shake, he finds his voice. ]
The dead can still live here.
[He doesn’t look much like his uncle’s younger double anymore, not with his white hair and skeletal frame, but the familial similarities are still there. He doesn’t expect to be recognized, though. If he’s lucky, he won’t be. ]
Somemay never wake, but others have.
[ Like Ramsay, and Robb had, once. ]
Re: IV
He looks again at his sleeping brothers, irritated by the very notion. If he wanted them alive, he'd have left them that way.
Still, though... He can't help but be intrigued. After all, was there any greater power than that over life and death?
He turns back to the boy, tilting his head curiously. ]
What about you? Were you dead?
[ He certainly doesn't look far from it, all white-haired and skinny. He looks more like an old corpse than a young man. Still, there's something oddly familiar about him... ]
no subject
Was he dead? In some way, perhaps he was. Not in body, but in soul—but no, that was no true death. Ramsay would never allow it. Theon shakes his head, eyebrows furrowed. ]
No.
[ But I was promised it. A death as Theon, and now no one cares to deliver. It’s almost funny. Everyone wanted his head once, and now everyone refuses to take it. ]
I thought I might be, once.
no subject
Hard to tell, was it?
[ He seems to be poking fun at the boy, but in truth, he knows precisely what he means. He's stood on that strange, liminal precipice himself, caught between life and death.
He doesn't say as much, but there's something knowing in his smile as he studies that strangely familiar face. ]
I think I've seen you somewhere before...
no subject
[ And it hadn’t. The storm interfered, Stannis interfered, something always interfered. Now no one will give him what he wants, so he just has to exist.
He pulls back, disliking that smile. ]
I was ironborn.
[ In a way, he looks more like Balon now than he ever did before, grizzled and thin. Balon looked as though the sea had worn him away one the years, though. Theon simply looks like a dog who has been starved and beaten. ]
Some of us look similar.
[ Particularly the Greyjoys. ]
i
Hey!
[That was rude.]
What the hell was that? Excuse you, sir.
[And if he's not stopping to apologize, Claire is going after him to get an apology.]
Re: i
You really should watch where you're going.
[ A friendly bit of advice, delivered with a smile. And then he's on his way again. He has no interest in some woman when there's a dragon to be found. ]