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!

livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ I see. This man will not have his wounds torn open. Kirei could, of course, reiterate his point that Reinhart would die having accomplished nothing; that the people that he swore to protect would still suffer and die while he could do nothing more than be another added corpse in the street. He could very well say all of those things -- but his shoulders drop a little, he realizes that it is pointless to do so.

The wound that he carries is too deep and will not be torn out. It will only spread until the weakness is felt. Fair enough. He accepts this as truth. It would be a lot of effort to drag out such pain, and so, he will amuse himself instead in watching the Crusader fail. ]


I see. It was a foolish question for me to ask. I apologize for asking it. [ His head lightly bows as a show of humility, and he does mean it. I didn't realize what kind of man you were, and now that I know, it was a pointless question. ] You will truly die a hero, sir. That I am certain of.
panzersoldat: (7)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-02 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ A very large hand rests upon one of those slumped shoulders. It engulfs the whole of it. Though it's heavy due to the size of him and the strength behind it, it is also gentle. As soft as his smile.]

It was not a foolish question and you should not be sorry for it. None the less, you are forgiven. [ The forgiveness is sincere and heartfelt as the rest has been. This is a man that truly wears his heart out of all to see. ] That, that is all any knight can hope for. To die for a cause they believe in. There is nothing more noble than that. Still...I might be at my limit today.

[ He can admit that much. He can admit that he's not yet ready to stand in it's presence for long as he might wish. But it also means he'll be back again, standing before this image. Again and again. As many times as it takes before he can just take whatever pain he feels from it. As it's not the physical pain that hurts him. Or the sorrow. He's lived a long time with both of those. They are old friends to him. Its the dark negativity. The doubt, the anger, the fear. That's what gets him most. ]
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ For his part, he keeps his expression neutral as soon as he sees the movement of the hand coming to rest on his shoulder. Very few people actually want to touch him. The air around him always feels so heavy that few feel they can "trespass" into his personal space. There is a lack of malice and hatred in the atmosphere around him, but it merely feels like no one should pass into it. And yet, this man easily ignored those cues to rest his hand on his shoulder and tell Kirei that he is forgiven. ]

You're right. There is nothing more noble than to die for what we believe in. [ His one is easy, conversational, and somehow almost bored. But interest piques at the end. ] You certainly look as though you are about ready to collapse, Reinhardt Wilhelm. There is no reason to put on airs for my sake. [ That was a joke, of course. Kirei already recognizes that the man puts on airs for no one. Reinhardt Wilhelm puts on no show and everything is as it is with him; an honest and true face.

It will be interesting to see it fall to ruin. Kirei believes, too, that there is nothing that he needs to actively do to corrupt the Crusader. The armor has already shown to have weaknesses in it; eventually, poison of the world will seep in and the image of a hero will shatter. Reinhardt Wilhelm will die a hero and what will be left cannot be called by the same name. ]
panzersoldat: (10)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-02 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's a gentle squeeze and his hand goes away. Reinhardt can only nod. It's what he believes with all his heart. If you die, you should die fighting for what you believe in. Just as his brothers and sisters had. Just as Balderich had. He is no better than his fellow Crusaders. He's just somehow, miraculously, lived longer.

He laughs a little. It's so hard to laugh so near to even the image of the dragon. ]
Then, might I suggest that we step outside? I'll feel much better with a door between me and it. At least for now. I am willing to bet it will make us both feel better to be away from it, ja? [ Because Reinhardt thinks that if he is hurting, how must this man feel? He can't in good conscious subject Kotomine to more. ]
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kirei offers an empty smile that does not reach his eyes. But honestly, very little emotion had come to show itself in his gaze -- the occasional interest here and there as the conversation flowed and ebbed, but nothing truly solid. ]

That is fine. I'm the newcomer to this place, after all. [ A cryptic answer with his cryptic, apathetic smile. He holds open his hand to have Reinhardt lead the way outside the room. Indeed, the rotting dragon will not have his answer for him. It is not human, or ever was human, after all. ]
panzersoldat: (9)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-05 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Unlike the other man, Reinhardt wears his emotions of all to see. They, like the rest of him, are larger than life. He lives by his heart and his morals. It's obvious as soon as he can step outside and politely close the door between them and the image of the beast inside. His shoulders pull back a little and he seems a little less pressed down and set upon. Away from the dragon, he's a shining paragon of knighthood once more. ]

I wish you could have had a better welcome to the world of the waking then this. It's been this way from the start it seems. Just one terrible thing after another and I am afraid it will just keep on like this a little while longer. However, I don't think we have to despair. Where there is life, there is hope, ja?! [ And by god, this tired old warrior believes that with all his soul. ]