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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!

lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 011)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-07 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
Why else would they be seeking habitation?

[ Animals typically flock to shelter for either warmth or concealment. The fact that they came to a place that they know is populated already means they're trying to get away from something even worse. Either that or they came looking for food, but she hasn't seen them eating... has questions about whether or not they even eat in the same way most animals do. She hasn't really seen them try nor is she in a hurry to witness such a thing. ]

The whole time I've been here, they've been rather stationary. You're more than welcome to take a closer look if you have your misgivings.

[ She was apprehensive about them at first as well, but closer inspection had proven that they were rather harmless. She's dealt with far worse, and they do appear rather cute after a while in the same way Henry starts to grow on a person rather slowly.

One of the slimes come forth as if to try and win her love, its beady eyes staring amorously into hers. ]
mistified: (✦ trying to get along)

[personal profile] mistified 2018-07-07 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ The moment that creature comes close, she only marches forward to fiercely stomp her heel into its face, though it doesn't make it explode as it should. It squeals and bounces off in pain, and she smirks, before shaking her foot off. ]

Already had my fill of these piles of colored shite. They'll eat you in your sleep like a flan.

[ Ugh, she's had way too many bad experiences on her expeditions with those. ]

Besides, there's enough to worry about in this place. You taken a trip to the privy? Don't even try, lass. It's going to take you somewhere else with your pants down.

[ Spoken from experience? Who knows, she's wearing a skirt. Though, she does look the woman over, her ears flicking curiously. ]

What are you supposed to be, anyroad? You a dragoon? Never seen one with such pretty armor. Lancers hardly wear that much.

[ She reaches out to give her chest mail a knock, though her ear flicks curiously. ]

Huh. You stuffed that? It's echoing. You're not ashamed of not filling it out, are you?
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 002)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-08 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dra...goon? She glances down at herself, unsure how one could make that mistake. She's very clearly human and very clearly an adult. Granted, her own experiences with dragons are limited to Nowi who is more of a manakete than a pure dragon and tends to look as her total opposite in many respects. ]

I'm afraid you must be mistaken. I'm a pegasus knight from Ylisse. I serve Prince-

[ She never finishes because hello, there's someone knocking on her breast plate. Her face immediately brightens as she clutches the armor, holding it in place. ]

That-That's none of your business! It's held up just fine.

[ No one must know.

She scrambles back to recover whatever is left of her dignity as she puts some distance between them. ]


Do you always go around inspecting others' armor? Don't you have something else to focus on?

[ Such as figuring out how they wound up here and how to get back home or how to rescue their friends. Anything but focusing on her diminutive body type. ]
mistified: (✦ gonna make you scream all night)

[personal profile] mistified 2018-07-14 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Dragoon, lass. A lancer. And pegasus knights? That's a new one. Didn't know Ishgard /had/ any pegasi anymore.

[ Well, Sawa does, but they protect them. She smirks at the lady's embarrassment though, and nods at her question, leaning in. ]

Of course I do. It's only part of my job as matriarch to make sure that all the ladies around me don't feel like they gotta resort to hiding their beauty!

[ And she's just going to move in closer to look her over. ]

Huh, you're really pretty too. And familiar, for some reason. Got a name, Miss Pegasus Knight?

[ Her rather fluffy tail seems to be swaying eagerly, as are her wiggling ears. ]
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 029。)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-17 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
Oh- uhm... that's quite-

[ She's not sure what to say, though she's not unused to hearing that. In fact, it's usually the first thing out of the mouths of her admirers and rarely much else. Even so, it's never sat well with her to be complimented for something she had no control over. ]

-really unnecessary. You can call me Cordelia. It's nice to meet you.

[ She's just going to move a bit away to protect her breastplate and all that's beneath it, unable to quell her residual embarrassment. ]

Are you a local or a visitor... like most of us? I didn't want to assume incorrectly.

[ Everyone looks rather odd to her, so it's hard to place what the citizens of this land happen to look like. She hasn't seen many with odd ears and could have mistaken her for a Taguel from far away. ]
mistified: (✦ falling through the silver screen)

[personal profile] mistified 2018-07-21 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Hoy, hoy... one of those types. [ She doesn't explain what, but it's probably for the best. She's not about to explain her views to a stranger. ]

Name's Megumi, Matriarch of the Utakata Keeper tribe. Why the hells would I belong to this makeshift magitek mess? I just ended up here and beat those slimy shites back to the holes they crawled out of!

[ She stands proudly, then, though she sighs after that, ears flicking back and forth - ]

Haven't seen a miqo'te like me about a tiny bit taller, have you? He's a brat, hasn't the bosom I have and is usually grumpier. Or a pretty silver spear inlaid with blue gems? Lost mine and the moment I catch whoever stole it, they're going to realize I don't need my weapon to skewer them!

[ In an instant, her hands are raised, sharp, finely filed claws elongating from where her nails looked normal a moment ago. Withdrawing them fast, she grins and beckons. ]

Where are you from, Missy? Thought you'd be Ishgardian from how you talk, but you're no elezen.
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 030。)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-23 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ She shakes her head before taking a step back as those claws come into view. That's certainly... something to be wary of. But she's good with animals, so she's not terribly worried. Even the beast-kin from their world had eventually relaxed around her after and accepted her as a friend. ]

No, I'm afraid not. I'm from Ylisse.

[ She's not heard of Ishgard nor Utakata or most of those terms before. It's difficult to keep up with all of them, but this is far from being the first encounter that's made her rack her brains a bit. She never realized how narrow her view of their world had been. To think there was all of this out there, far from the horizon they'd gotten used to waking up to each morning. ]

And I haven't seen any more ...miqo'te, was it? I'd have remembered if I did. However, I don't mind helping you look for him. Did you check the chambers with all those caskets?

[ Not that she wants to alarm the miqo'te, but she doesn't know what else to call those things. She had taken a stroll through the endless rows earlier and had found some friends of hers in there, so it's likely that this 'brat' she's looking for is still slumbering in there. ]