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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! |
no subject
So you're a visitor, just like me? Really? That's great news!
[If Henry could get excited about anything other than practicing a deadly curse, this would be as authentic as it gets. He nuzzles her with his cheek affectionately.]
That means that once we get outta this thing, you'll be there, too! Truth be told, the only thing I figured I'd get myself up to was more battle and whatnot, but I'd do ANYTHING for you.
[Dramatic indeed, and easily won over.]
Do you have a name? Mine's Henry.
no subject
Then, she's inching away with a sigh, moving to stand once more. She goes into a deep stretch, and for the name he offers her of his own, Henry, she lets her tail sway, sway, sway behind her hocks once she's straightened. She readjusts her position to cover him, and now flops into his lap to rest head and shoulders, hook her leg over his leg, the top of her neck curving against abdomen. Sheltering him aside, the purpose of this, even without words, is to convey she's glad to meet him.
And she slips her cheek on his leg till her head is upside down, jaw to ceiling of the crevice he's found, tips of fangs peeking out from whiskers from the pull of gravity, emitting a little, meaningless, but no less conversational groan. She hopes her physical fussing will make up for her inability to verbalize.]
no subject
[Henry shifts under her weight, but nothing indicative of an attempt to escape. Instead it's more like a wiggle from finding energy from conversing with her in spite of the cold. He sniffles from the chill and tries to wipe his nose on his shoulder, because that's what manners are for?]
Growing up, my best friend was a wolf from the forest near my village. I used to spend almost all my time out there with her, and all the other animals. Her coat wasn't anything like yours – she was patched in tawny and grey and white. She was like my family; she meant soooo much to me...
[Though he trails off, the perpetual singsong quality is marked by an uncharacteristic note of sorrow neatly masked by the smile he wears. Quickly, he changes gears to get back on track.]
I asked the same question, but she didn't have a name, I guess. Never did. But you do, don'tcha? I'm so curious to know!
no subject
When he begins sharing a little of himself, his life growing up, and of his dear friend, she shifts to correct the placement of her head, and peers up at him with her warm, listening golden gaze. There's something very nostalgic and pleasant about hearing about another wolf. DD aside, she hasn't seen another one in... well over two hundred years. But she misses, and remembers them well.
Once he's finished sharing, and in the middle of her sitting up into a slouch, she wonders how he can tell that she is in possession of a name compared to his beautiful companion, who he must miss very much as well. And, having heard that sniffling earlier, she reaches in to groom the spot of nose between eyes and his brows and his cheeks. It's not medicinal, obviously, but it should bring some feeling back to his face. She considers that he can't stay still forever, both because he shouldn't spend all of his time in a realm that isn't real, and because if he doesn't learn to stay moving in the cold, he'll have a harder time in a realer realm. But is it too soon to encourage his legs?
It's not impossible for her to feel cold, but it takes much longer for it to cut through her the way it does for some.]
no subject
But you know what? You're amazing! That you'd stop for little old me instead of letting me face my fate alone...
[Henry goes back to dropping his cheek against her fur, and he pulls his hands out from under her to stroke her fur. His hands aren't warm, but they're not frozen cold and clearly not giving him trouble enough to keep him from petting her.]
I guess it helps that we can make a difference for others, huh?
[Said in a softer voice compared to his usual unchecked volume as he reminisces over the times where what fate was altered by the intervention of someone's care. It's all difficult for him to understand on a sympathetic level, but he's seen it among the Shepherds. Her kindness, even if simple in motivation, reminds the dark mage that he could be useful in return. ...Henry imagines trying to help somebody else the way the wolf in front of him helped him, and he snickers.]
But I don't know if I'd be as much help as YOU are in the snow. I could try lying on a cold person, but I'm not very warm! Or fluffy. [A beat.] Do you need any help from me?
no subject
Everything seems authentic, her nose idly twitches, her ears pan in curiosity. A swipe of her tongue to one side of her whiskers, and she's turning back to him, tail swishing to carry warmth and comfort to him once more. She fusses over his hair, borderline aggressive but never crossing into anything harmful (wolves are simply bad with limitations, even her; he probably knows this). She doesn't need anything. Conversation and company is plenty. He can share a snack with her one day, if it suits him. She's appreciative of shared time alone.
In moments, he's got her nudging, and nestling, and pressing her weight against his shoulders. Rubbing her face against his hair or temple. Pestering and urgent and a little impatient in her persistence to transfer some of her regulated body temperature to him. She absolutely intends to bully him out of this hole shortly. So, she's a little more relentless than when she started, practically clambering on him, touching tips of teeth without threat to his shoulder or his cheek, as if gently inciting him to wrestle. It's one way to bring in the concept of more movement.
With her open-mouth, she whimper-groans at him in play, and gnaws above his elbow, pawing him, then tugging the fabric of his coat with soft growls.]
no subject
All right, all riiiight... I get it. Don't wanna, but.
[With one last ruffle then smoothing of her fur from his place on the ground, Henry hoists himself to his feet and shudders, disliking the frigid air even from within the recess. He'd much rather remain cuddled up with her or, hell, even being balled up in the protection of his cape was nicer than standing upright...]
I'm up, now. Even if this is just a simulation, I can't just sit around and expect something to happen... I'm just gonna have to endure more cold-bitten toes and hurts-til-you're-numb muscle aches, aren't I?