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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
There's a very good reason goblins get this type of reaction. Just because she's not going to hurt anyone doesn't mean the next goblin isn't. Meanwhile, from all her experience with them, tieflings aren't any more dangerous than anyone else. They just look a little more colorful than most people.
Besides, she likes what Molly and Jester have done with their horns. She's a little jealous of them. If they were strangers, she'd probably try to snatch the baubles right off of them.]
Well. You just look like a weirdo to me. And not because you're purple.
[And that's what matters, really. None of these people matter to her. So she doesn't really care about the occasional odd glance.
The people that matter and a few people who matter less and a tiny amount of people who don't matter at all don't care about her being a goblin, which is pretty dangerous and stupid of them, but it works out for her just as well.]
At least this way no one will block your path?
no subject
[It's why he makes such an extravagant show of being a follower of the Platinum Dragon- what greater irony is there that a devil-blood worships the most goody-goody lawful of all the approved Empire gods.
But that's tieflings. Tieflings are an odd case. They can hold positions in society, can be trusted within reason, and while there's plenty about them that can be shoved at them, they definitely don't hold a candle to what a goblin goes through. Molly knows damn well he can't relate to Nott and he won't try.]
No one blocks my way, anyway. Then they'd have to look at me for longer than a second and risk hurting their eyes. [He sticks his tongue out between his teeth in a cheeky grin.]
Anyway, I think these people have far worse on their minds than whether or not we're going to rob or eat them.
no subject
[Her disguise may be haphazard, but it does take more than a few seconds to wrap herself up in bandages, to keep her green skin as hidden as possible. She certainly cares what she looks like. If the white of her bandages matches her white doll mask, then people probably just think she's as pale as Yasha.
(No one thinks that.)
Part of Nott kind of appreciates how flamboyant Molly's attitude is about himself. It keeps the eyes off her, most of the time. Most of her, though, just thinks he's a very strange person.
At least he's got good humor about it.]
Yeah. I guess most people here are the same as us? I mean, their worlds were destroyed and then they woke up here.
[She suddenly gasps.]
Oh! We need to check if a very important bird was rescued, too!
[THAT BIRD ONLY HAS SIX HP, SHE'D NEVER SURVIVE THE WORLD EXPLODING. Which is what Nott assumes is what happened.]
no subject
[He says with all the enthusiasm that Molly has ever had about Kiri, which is next to none, but everyone else would be in utter despair if they lost Kiri after just giving her a nice place to stay.
The pod room is just as terrifying as Molly remembers it, and while it sure beats crawling out of a grave, it was still extremely claustrophobic and horrible for the few moments he vaguely remembered it. It's also extremely disorganized with rows and rows of sleeping forms and no form of directory.
It's gonna be a job. He puts his hands on his hips and scans his eyes over the first few rows to see if maybe they'll get lucky.]
They organized this very poorly. It's like a junk shop filled with people.
no subject
You'd think they'd put us all together. Since we're from the same place.
[But Detective Nott is on the case. Normally, if she can't find someone, she'll just Message around randomly until she gets a hit, but since they can't respond if they receive it, that plan's out the window.
She picks a row that she thinks might have been the one that she came out of, but really it was all a blur at that point. But her thought is that since she was sleeping in the same tent as Caleb, she'd probably be near him.]
Caleeeeb! Jeeeester! Kiri!!
[She calls out through the rows, thinking that if maybe she can wake up one of them that would kill two birds with one stone.]
no subject
[And then nothing.] Well, I don't hear Jester running to come kick my arse, so they must be very deep sleepers.
[He hopes. Don't get attached to things, he said. Oh that's a terrible idea. He's bad at taking his own advice. He wanders aimlessly, eyes starting to glaze over at the collection of unfamiliar people until finally he notices the amount of cobalt blue on the inside of a pod and he double-takes. Yep. That's her.]
I found Beau! [a beat] Y'know, she doesn't look any more pleasant when she's asleep. I've never met anyone with a resting bitch face that never shuts off.
no subject
...Yep, that's Beau, alright. Grumpy ol' Beau. She's lucky you can't reach inside and steal anything off her.
[You know, because grumpy people get stuff stolen from them a ton. Molly knows about all that.
Still, Nott tries to press her face to the glass, to see if she can tell what exactly Beau has on her. You know, for confirmation purposes. To make sure the Natha didn't take anything. That's all.]
D'you think I could pick this thing open and force her awake?
no subject
That seems like a terrible idea, and normally I'd be all for it, but I don't know what might happen to her if you do.
no subject
[That'd be... horrifying. Maybe they shouldn't test it.
But she'd really like to get Beau out of there. It's really uncomfortable, looking at her asleep in a little tube, helpless at the hands of whoever apparently rescued them all.]
We should look for everyone else, too. Just to make sure they're okay.
[From the wavering in her voice, it's clear seeing evidence that more of the Nein are here was enough to really get her on edge. She doesn't like this, not one bit.
She pulls out her flask and takes a big gulp.]
no subject
He lowers himself, flares his nostrils once in a huffy sigh, and then takes the lead again with a swish of his coat.] If she's here, then she's not dead. [He sounds like he's trying to convince himself of that. He doesn't like feeling helpless or not in control of the people he's supposed to be looking after. How's he supposed to wrangle these godsdamned screw-ups if they're not here to wrangle.
He almost passes by Jester completely, and then double takes, almost stepping backwards onto Nott in the process before he corrects himself. Fjord is just to her left.] Cute. They kept them together. Looks like those... gods or whatever know something they don't.
no subject
[Still, she really doesn't want to test it, after he's ventured the possibility. But she agrees with him. Her being here is better than her not being here. And it means more of them might be around.
She follows him, feeling the urge to stay close after being thoroughly spooked by seeing someone she recognizes asleep in a weird tube, and then nearly gets stepped on, letting out a small yelp. But then she realizes why he doubled back, peering into the same pods that hold Jester and Fjord.
She knits her brow, ignoring Molly's jokes about Jester's crush.]
Molly, I don't like this...
[She feels the uneasiness pulling at her, right in the pit of her stomach.
They haven't even found Caleb yet, and that's somehow worse. She doesn't want to see him trapped and helpless like Beau, Jester, and Fjord, but she wants to know he's still there. That there's still a possibility that he'll wake up again someday.]
What if one of these pod people wake up while we're here? Not one of us, but what if a stranger... I don't know, freaks out and kills us out of shock?
no subject
[He doesn't sound at all convinced that's going to happen and he's now laser focused on finding Yasha and Caleb, so he keeps walking.]
Stay close, Nott. If there was ever a time we needed to stick together, it's now.
[One way or another. ]
no subject
[But then he urges her to stay close, and she doesn't argue. She's too spooked at this point to stray far.
It's going to be odd, isn't it? Just her and Molly. She's still working through whether she trusts him or not. She at least trusts him to help keep her safe, but... at this point that comes second nature. The Nein have been through a lot together. She's nearly died many times, only to be saved by one of them.
So she trusts him to have her back, at least. Whether she trusts him more than that, she'll have to decide later.
She sees someone she thinks is Caleb, and whips around. No... not Caleb. Just another human with similar hair. But beside them...]
Look, it's Yasha!
[She leaves Molly's side and rushes over to press her nose against the glass of Yasha's pod. Her makeup is a little smudged. On second thought, it's usually pretty smudged.]
I'm amazed they make pods big enough to fit her.
[She could just flex and break out, probably.]
no subject
It's... Frustrating. It was frustrating with the other three, too, but Yasha's a constant. His last remaining one, now that the circus has been divided up and left to fall apart (those kids will never survive without Gustav).
He voices none of that. Because it's Molly and he tries to never let the world see him upset.]
She's gonna be pissed when she wakes up. I hope they're taking proper precautions, because she doesn't need a big fuck-off sword to go mental on this place.
no subject
[After all, that's the reason why Yasha hasn't killed Nott yet, despite having every opportunity to.]
She's scary when she's mad. She gets all quiet and then just starts... making Xhorhasian neckties out of people. I hope they're ready.
[There's probably a lot of Xhorhasian neckties in the future, otherwise. You know, when Yasha definitely wakes up.
Nott squeezes out of her spot between Molly and the pod, determined to keep going. That's four, so far, and with Molly and Nott that makes six. There's a seventh member of the Mighty Nein that they haven't found yet.
Nott swallows hard and wanders off before Molly can tell her to stay close again.]
no subject
Just don't go crazy and Yasha off straight away. At least try and find me first.
[He finally looks down and realizes Nott isn't there anymore, nor is she close by. Fuck. The last thing he wants is to be alone in here- keeping Nott close wasn't just about keeping her safe as it was keeping him from the onset of panic at being left alone.
He grits his teeth and presses forward.] Nott? Send me a message if something is eating you right now.
no subject
She keeps going until she starts to tire out. And then, she sends Molly a Message. Her voice comes through the magical conduit quietly.]
I can't find Caleb. You can reply to this message.
[She brings herself to a sit against a random stranger's tube. She doesn't want to give up -- it's a big room. But they found the others so quickly, it just seems like... he should be there. If he's there at all.]
no subject
Maybe he's woken up and he's... Being Caleb.
[Hiding. He means hiding.]
no subject
That's what logic tells her, but she's not particularly happy with this line of thinking, either. Nor is it sufficiently convincing.
Nott doesn't really want to be alone after all, she's decided, so rather than sending another magical Message through her copper wire she pulls herself back to her feet and goes back to find Molly. The look on her face when she reunites with him again can only be described as "defeated".]
What should we do?
[Congratulations, Molly, you're the new leader between the two of them.]
no subject
Ask around. See if anyone's found noticed a shabby wizard skulking around. [He puffs out his cheeks and exhales.] We'll find him. He's clever... He's too clever to go down with the world. He's definitely around somewhere.
[He's mostly reassuring Nott, but he wants to believe it himself. If everyone else is here and not Caleb... Well, that just doesn't seem fair does it? He's no more a shithead than anyone else.]
no subject
...Yeah. He probably is.
[Around somewhere, that is. He's absolutely clever, obviously.]
Let's get out of this creepy place. If we can't wake them up then... at least we know they're here.
[Nott looks around Molly's hip, back at Yasha. Still so weird to see her like this.]