natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-06-29 03:05 pm
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 —

We were mistaken to think we should not intervene. Dangers far beyond what should exist on this planet lurk beyond even our sight. Poor Ysverai's resurrection is only a portent of what threatens this world. El Nysa must remain frozen in time until we have found a way to repair the damage the High Dragon has wrought. But repair it we will. We give you this promise.

We are sorry for leaving you in your time of need. There was greater danger, or so we thought. The Storm, for the first time, had somehow encroached beyond our shields. Blinded to what was occurring on the planet, we believed it safe to turn our sight from the planet… Safe to leave our physical forms entirely, for we needed the energy to ward off the Storm. We withdrew ourselves from our aspect that we call Thesa, and in doing so left you vulnerable. We can only hope you will forgive us.

Still, we must ask your aid, for both your sake, and for all life on this fragile planet. Please, leave the matter of Ysverai's curse in our hands. Ready yourselves to journey to Nadril and find how the High Dragon's resurrection was hidden from our sight. We will do all in our power to repair El Nysa, but you should prepare yourselves well. We fear there is yet greater danger ahead, both from the Storm and from what lies obscured on the planet.

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:

●●●●○ 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!

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!

mollymocked: (⚔ finally laugh a little)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-01 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
I imagine we'd both hit the ground and there'd be some bruised egos and even more bruised arses, but I've tumbled from worse heights. Worth it every time.

[Control freak meet a guy who takes dancing through life almost literally.] Life's too short to hung up on the details that keep you from new experiences, but if you want to stay there, you can. It looks miserable, though.
inaurare: (Yes?)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-02 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
There is nothing wrong with new experiences. But I think if I must be off the ground, I tend to prefer to use my own arms and legs...!

[he hasn't really climbed much since his teens, but he knows his own body well enough to trust in the strength of his limbs to keep him up, keep him climbing, and safe from any falls]

I have tried before, in a manner of speaking. One of the cultures below has - had - draughts of sorts that could make one fly.

[he tried. Mostly he just propelled himself around with the help of friends and the occasional tree branch.]

Forgive me, I'm being rude. [he might have at least introduced himself] My name is Linneus.
mollymocked: (⚔ a king of conventional)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-02 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Are you serious? [He barks an almost maniacal laugh.] How long 'til I can get some of that? I knew this place was going to be exciting.

[He mid-air swims a little closer, so he can offer a handshake.] Mollymauk Tealeaf. It's a pleasure.
inaurare: (Touched/Tiny Smile)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-02 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I couldn’t tell you. When it’s safe?

[there’s that undead dragon to deal with. But he suspects this man might enjoy Khalo, if it’s ever possible to go back.]

For now we simply remain here, though it seems we must visit some northern country quite soon. I can’t say what manner of experience is to be had there...

[that... is a slightly unusual surname, but it won’t keep Linneus from following due decorum, or returning the handshake - gentle, but firm, and with a small smile at his manoeuvring through the air.]

Mr Tealeaf. A pleasure, likewise.
mollymocked: (⚔ running at you)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-03 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[And as soon as the hand is in his grasp, Molly gives a tug to see if he can get him to release the wall.] Good. Now that we've been properly introduced, maybe you won't mind me doing a little something for your own good. I promise I am a certified expert in poor decisions, and they always work out for me.
Edited 2018-07-03 23:18 (UTC)
inaurare: (Headtilt)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-04 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
[his eyebrows lift just a little bit. Not just at his words but at the way the other man seems insistent on coaxing him out, especially now he has a hold of his hand]

If you really think it's for my own good...

[...he will relinquish his grip and let Molly's tug float him into the middle of the space. He still doesn't seem entirely convinced, but... it's another way of flying? And flying still fascinates him a bit, though his head still tilts a little]

...or is it a poor decision, which is it?
mollymocked: (⚔ and walls you keep in)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-05 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
I think it's very important for a person to make a few poor decisions in their life. If you don't take a gamble, how the bloody hell do you ever have any fun?

[Says the guy who took HORRIBLE MIND-ALTERING DRUGS. I don't know if we should trust Molly's judgment on things, and even Molly doesn't think people should trust his judgement on things, but eh.] Trust me, this is the least awful thing I could suggest a person to do to indulge me.
inaurare: (Turning)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-06 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh Molly. There will be no shortage of Experiences for you here.

A shy sort of laugh, shaking his head]


I... I have made my fair share of poor decisions, I think.

[and his father's gambling hadn't exactly turned out well, either - Linneus isn't exactly raring to take many more risks.]

The least awful?
mollymocked: (⚔ your fever dream)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-09 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[He leans in slightly.] Drugs. I'm talking about drugs. [He grins, cheeky.] Did you think I was talking about something else?

[Let's be real, he was talking about a lot of things, but he is currently floating and that's something that usually only drugs would make you feel like you were doing. They're on his mind.]
inaurare: (Oh?)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-09 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
There are a great many things that can fall under the banner of poor decisions.

[a light lift of his brow]

...but they had those too, “downstairs” - in Khalo Village, specifically. You have to smoke their herb in order to enter past their wards, but they smoke it recreationally as well.
mollymocked: (⚔ a king of conventional)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-11 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
That's very true. [His expression brightens and he squeezes Linneus's hands a little tighter, leaning in a bit too close.]

I think I'm gonna like it here.
inaurare: (Headtilt)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-11 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I hope that remains the case.

[...sur-pri-singly unflinched at the invasion of his personal space.]

I'm not sure when it will be possible to return to the south, though it seems we will be visiting the north soon instead.
mollymocked: (⚔ but you can flip the switch)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-13 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
The frigid wasteland I've been hearing so much about? [He rolls his eyes.] Better than this place, anyway. It's neat, but it gets old really fast.
Edited 2018-07-13 00:45 (UTC)
inaurare: (Startled/Guilty)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-13 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
I spent a winter in Olympia, but I can't say that has prepared me.

[And Nadril is supposed to be colder - even now in the summer!]

I came from a warm country so I'm not so used to cold.
mollymocked: (⚔ wake you up and cure your aching)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-14 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
It was starting to get cold in the Empire, the further north we went. [He screws up his face.] I hope the Gentleman doesn't wake up and expect recompense. How does the world ending affect business deals, do you think?

[Namedropping the Gentleman has its perks. You never know who here might be from your world and you not even know it. Then again, he's never met a human with that hair color, so who knows.]
inaurare: (Headtilt)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-14 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[a slight tilt of his head, though he has to reach out an arm as the movement sets him a little bit off his axis in the air.]

I don't know this Empire.

[Linneus has known many gentlemen - some not so gentle, but none of them prefaced with a 'the' - so chances are good he doesn't know this Gentleman, either.]

I'm not sure how these things work, but I shan't like to find out. I'm the only one waking from my world, for the time being - I admit, I haven't even dared check to see who else sleeps here.
Edited 2018-07-15 00:10 (UTC)
mollymocked: (⚔ it'll take you to the other side)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2018-07-16 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Consider yourself fortunate. [He huffs a breath of contempt.] It's a terrible place. Everything's illegal.

[and the people who deal in illegal are thick on the ground, but are also very garbage.] But this? This is a clean break. You don't have to owe who you were or who you knew anything.

[And yet he's sticking with Caleb and Nott. Mr. Don't Get Attached to Things. Well, he's a bullshitter.]
inaurare: (Glancing)

[personal profile] inaurare 2018-07-16 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
That does remind me of a country that neighboured my own, though.

[he could make a sweeping generalisation and say they were all prudes there but, well. He probably seems enough of a prude himself, even if that's only due to effects of a servant's upbringing, of ideas of behaviour...

A little hum with those words.]


Not to all. But perhaps to some...