WAR ♞ BATTLE OF GRAUPERA

[boardmaster]

BATTLE OF GRAUPERA
16 APRIL (LATHYRA) 2016

It is a dark and stormy night; the rain falls in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it is checked by a violent gust of wind —

Not exactly. The rain is still light, but the suns are well below the horizon when the Airy leaves Graupera, setting the stage for Blanc and Noir’s first battle in two hundred years. The weatherman says showers will turn into storms later in the evening, but he doesn’t warn for the milky fog that will soon blanket Capablancan seas. The light from your ships, the lighthouse and the fortress walls serve as our Heroes’ only guide...

The same sleeping bat with sugar powdered around the corners of its mouth hangs from one of the ship’s masts until Commander Lisbrand arrives.

Lisbrand As I’m sure you’re all aware, Noir intends to take us by sea: Capablanca is a key strategic location for launching an attack on the coast. Should Noir capture Graupera, there’s no telling how far they’ll advance with their next move. You will be fighting not just to defend Capablanca, but Caissa as well. I trust you will all perform as well during the battle as you did during preparations. Blanc’s fleet will be standing by to absorb the task force into its ranks; I expect you’ve all completed what naval training was available to you at this point. [ a swift but beady eye is cast over the recruits ] You will need every last bit of it. [ picks up a pen and chucks it with deadly precision at the bat on the ceiling. ]

Verdoni [ immediately casts a wing forward to deflect the dangerous pen on time. then, he drops to the floor and transforms, wiping his mouth with his handkerchief. it’s warm. ] I suppose I need not remind you all of the weather conditions. Noir will enter Blanc territory with the storm, so brace yourselves. I will not lie — Noir has a significant advantage over us in this weather. Expect them to turn the elements in their favor and use lightning, water, and wind magic against you, your crew, and your ship. As most of you here will recall, Noir does not fight fair. They will use every tactic in and out of the book in order to destroy anything that stands in their way. It might do you well to remain alert at all times and to prepare for any scenario. So long as each Hero’s crew focuses on protecting their respective ship, you should be able to hinder their advance. Should the worst come to pass, retreat to the nearest allied ship or make your way to the shoreline to reinforce the last line of defense.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ Preparation
Only fools rush into battle! In preparing for war, the first step should always be protecting yourself. As such, Heroes will need to mount barrier generators that convert distilled water into large spherical barriers of pure mana on all ships. They will also need to calibrate the ones installed at Fort Graupera. Be sure to stock water by the barrel. When the enemy’s artillery fire hits these mana barriers, the blows as well as any shrapnel will be dispersed and dissipate in the air. Use them wisely; while the barrier is active, the ship will be unable to move and nothing can enter or leave the barrier. The ships also need to be stocked with ammunition, healing supplies such as potions, spare parts and other materials for repairs on the water. No one wants a leaky ship, right?

Once that’s done, get to know your teammates! Meet up with them at your assigned ship and use this time to get acquainted with each other's strengths and weaknesses, discuss plans, and figure out the roles assigned to you. The knowledge might come in handy in the coming hours…

All Heroes assigned to a crew are required to fight on the deck. The soldiers won’t be pleased to discover someone hiding in the ship’s hold. You can be a cabin boy or girl and run supplies, but they'll expect them by the truckload! Nobody gets to slack off in war! If you are not assigned to a crew, discuss your battle plans with your allies to tighten the shoreline defense. Those participating in the naval battle will need your assistance to secure Graupera!


TWO ♙ Sailing Into the Storm

Heh, blind as a bat and wet as a rat — that’s them. Wait, what do you mean the Airy's gone already? I bet Lei ran off because he needed to wax his chest. Fine! I got time to spare, so I’m going to kill the rest of you. I can’t wait to see the looks on your faces when I plunge right in...

A ♙ As predicted by Secretary Verdoni, by the time Noir’s fleet is in range, the weather has changed. Heavy fog reduces visiblity to near-zero, and rushing without stumbling is a feat for the brave thanks the mixture of rain and seawater washing over every deck. Thunder rolls in the distance, a messenger of the double-pronged storm advancing on Blanc. Roaring gusts of wind rip and tear at clothes, Carriers, and you! Watch out! Lightweights and those not exercising caution are likely to be blown right overboard.

Especially once Noir starts firing. Wind and lightning whip through the fog and both Coxswains and Heroes on Graupera proper will need to aim and time their barriers just right. Call it too soon and you waste precious resources; miscalculate and the ship and/or the fortress may take damage! If the barrier generator runs out of power, Quartermasters will need to replenish its water supply! But if the machine takes direct damage, it has a chance of exploding in a shower of fire and dangerous ricocheting parts, drastically decreasing your ship’s defense and maybe even knocking holes in the hull! Protect your ship to protect the fortress; the Blanc army can only put out so many fires. Should your ship take a hit, it’s also the Quartermaster's duty to respond accordingly lest the craft turn into a flaming monstrosity. Gunner’s Mates, return enemy fire with cannons and other long-range weapons available in your ship’s arsenal! The mana cannons in particular deal heavy damage, but they drain equally large amounts of mana. There’s no time to wait for your mana to replenish in the middle of a storm, so grab the nearest Hero for some up close and personal refueling!

If you don’t, Noir mages will take this opportunity to gather mana and send spells of tidal waves. And if your barrier’s down by then? Say goodbye to your ship and pray that you remember those swimming lessons. Your allies on land should be able to assist you once you reach the shore. Go ahead and join the shoreline defense; your shipwreck has probably left them with a few more holes in their defense and a few more fires to put out, anyway.

B ♟ The two forces clash! The noise is deafening as shouts from both sides mix with howling of the wind and the crashing of waves. Now that the armies are going head to head, Noir soldiers make use of their landing bridges to board Blanc’s ships! Noir mages simply use water magic to surf or wind magic to jump and do the same. But boarding is when Noir soldiers are vulnerable; make use of your resources and home turf advantage to take them down! They’re not the only ones who can take advantage of nature’s blessings.

Enemy soldiers who successfully board will begin to destroy anything they see. Should the ship be successfully hijacked, Blanc’s soldiers and the Heroes may have no choice but to jump into dangerous waters. Chance of survival is slim: waters are rough and ships are constantly rocking. It’s more than likely you'll be crushed between them or beneath them, Noir soldiers and mages will be taking potshots at you, and the strong currents are sure drag everyone into the depths. Once you’re in the water, you’re as good as dead. You are going to need some help.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Lightning	Immune to None
When these soldiers cry “PERUN!”, run. When they cry “PERUNIKA!”, run faster. These battle cries mean you're about to be zapped by A FEW THOUSAND VOLTS OF LIGHTNING BOLT! The clues and advice left by our surfer friend Antonio, the mayor’s cute butler Charles, and the notorious assassin Black Lightning might help you out here — draw LIGHTNING WARD SYMBOLS to protect you and your allies from lightning damage. WARDS DRAWN BY KINGS are most effective. During battle, you will hear these mages utter other spells you might want to keep in mind: “VELES” is a support spell that summons streams of water. Whoever drinks it will receive a vodka-flavored MAGICAL BOOST! Soldiers like to make a game out of it at parties. “VELESIA” is an offensive water spell that INEBRIATES ITS TARGETS UPON CONTACT. The water it summons possesses a faint alcoholic aroma. It also tastes like vodka. “STRIBOG” is a wind spell that summons a powerful wyvern-shaped whirlwind that can hurl people overboard, destroy ship structures, and even send ships off course!

Noir’s bridges were a good idea, but ideas are meant to be stolen. Use them to move to an ally’s ship if your fellow Heroes and soldiers are in need of support, especially if Heroes have been knocked out or hurled off. The injured can be transported to safety on the backup ship, but beware of Noir soldiers chasing you down! They're as persistent as a rash.


THREE ♙ Crashing Against the Shores
To those who remained on the island or returned from sea, the battle is nothing but alarming lights and frightening shouts in the distance. But that doesn’t mean you can relax. Enemy projectiles that fly past the ships will shake parts of the fortress, and any Noir magic that gets past the naval defense will set any kind of material on fire or blow out chunks of wall, armaments, and you. Use water to make short work of any fires, and remember to reinforce damaged areas, or the fortress will suffer.

Distressed cries fill the air; those watching the naval battle closely will notice crewmembers who have fallen into the ocean. Neither Hero nor Blanc soldier is safe. While they have managed to get away from the main battle, they are now weak, disoriented, and require assistance. Row out in rescue boats to collect and heal the soldiers and your fellow Heroes before they turn into casualties. You may need their help later!

Allies aren’t the only ones reaching the shoreline. Some Noir ships will break through Blanc’s naval formation. If the fortress’ weapons don't take them down, then it’s up to you to take care of the rest. Noir soldiers will disembark and fight Heroes on the shore. Defeat them, destroy their weapons and seize their ships before they lay siege to the fortress! Blanc will thank you for these finely captured contributions to the war effort.

Noir General...? Huh! I just let you rats win! If I didn’t, there’d be no way to find Lei and punch him in the chest later! Give him my kind regards! AND TELL HIM I HIT ON HIS HOT GIRLFRIEND. I think they’re still dating. My intel said they were — [ his voice fades out as the Noir fleet retreats ]

FOUR ♙ Triumph Over the Seas
The thunder of the storm and the blasts of cannons filled the air with deep, resounding booms throughout the battle, but what cuts through the noise is the eruption of roaring cheers from the army that seems to shake the world of Enprise — Blanc has won its first official victory over Noir. The world will know of their triumph. Capablanca celebrates once news reaches the shore; as our Heroes look toward the resort city, they see an entirely different sort of sea — the lights of the city pushing back the night. First in little specks, then in a brilliant flood of color that paints an aurora in the sky: warm, real and bright.

It’s time to go home, Heroes! Or at the very least, back to Capablanca. Dock your ships and then put those sea legs back on dry land. You will be greeted with much enthusiasm from the citizens of the city. Hugs, cheek kisses, more hugs, hand kisses; some even brought pen and paper and are earnestly asking for your autograph. A few forego the paper and make you sign something else entirely. Children swarm in, tugging on uniforms for attention.

The recognition doesn’t end there. As a reward, hotel and resort owners start inviting heroes to stay at their establishments for a few days. For free. Continental breakfast included. Don’t abuse their hospitality or your reputation might suffer. And the freebies don't stop there. Locals also seem to have taken their hero worship to the next level. Small gifts will be given to their favorites. They contain things like pasta, pastries, good luck charms, potions, and even jewelry for Heroes they really like. Someone might even get a “special coupon” for La Coniglietta, a cabaret renowned for its racy shows and voluptuous wererabbit performers and staff.

If you prefer to spend your nights in well-deserved peace and quiet, then you’re always welcome to your new room at the completed Fort Graupera. Time to rest on your laurels, Heroes.

Comments

Emil – Unteamed Knight – Open

[forbothofus]

I. Before the Battle – Beach
In an effort to keep away from magitech, Emil avoids the fleet and finds himself patrolling the beach. Not the most pleasant of jobs; he's soaking wet and only his mana-sight allows him to discern what's around him in the darkness and fog.

Chances are you either stumbled into him or he found you. But for all the discomfort, he offers a warm smile. "It's rough out here, huh? I wish they’d given us some warm cider while we wait."

II. Mid-Battle – Inside the Fort
He was out on the shore, battling against Noir mages (and winning), when a mana cannon boomed no more than a mile away. And then Emil learned a valuable lesson: staying on the beach during the naval battle was a terrible decision.

His scream was almost drowned by the concussion of the cannon. He was lucky some of the Graupera soldiers assumed him struck by a spell and stepped in to cut down the mages for him, or he would have woken in Caissa some hours later. Someone retrieved him from where he was lying in the sand and directed him to retreat to the wall.

The experience still has him shaking as he stumbles into the safety of Wall Laci. The walls shudder behind him under impact; he should move further in before the last of his mana reserves are lost. Visibly he only has a few scorch marks and a light cut on one cheek, which stings when he grimaces. He may have left a number of felled Noir soldiers in his wake, but mana depletion bled most of his strength, and his sword is held useless in his right hand. Squinting in the rain, he seeks shelter and a safe place to recover.

[Will match format as always! Posts are spoiler-free by default, but that may be changed by request.]

II

[topkong]

He looks dazed, and that's why Wukong is sprinting over toward Emil with whatever energy he has left. Not that it takes mana to move with purpose, but having used most of it just to get through the soldiers to make it to this relatively safe place... well, he's lucky to be here.

Using his jacket as a makeshift rain guard, he hastily reaches out to hang it over the both of them and guide Emil over to an overhang where he had been resting only moments before. He has no shame using clothes, including mandated uniforms, as makeshift bandages and other necessary things.

Finally getting to a place where the rain or wind falls hard on either of them, he slumps against the wall. His tail, wrapped in scraps of cloth, is bent in an awkward fashion.

"... I'd ask if you're okay, but I'm pretty sure we're both feeling the same way."

[forbothofus]

In his level of exhaustion, Emil doesn't question but relaxes and stays on his feet long enough to be led elsewhere. It's nice to be able to trust someone for support... what was it Wukong said? We're Heroes together...

Emil reaches up his left hand to wipe his bangs out of his face. His right is clenched around Harvest's hilt, as instinct tells him don't let go. His heart is still pounding. In relative safety, he remembers there aren't enemies here... and maybe it's okay to relax a little.

He leans back, eyes closed and catching his breath. Then he takes a steady look at his teammate and manages a frown. "You need healing. We should find someone..." He knows how vital a healthy tail is for balance. And somehow, that's easier to think about right now then... what's happening outside.

[topkong]

He waves Emil off of that thought. "There's no one close enough, and to be honest, I would have sent them away. There are soldiers fighting out there who need the help more than I do." Wukong's done enough triage on his own wounds to know that, other than feeling a little off-kilter, he could still defend himself. But with Emil here, he can let his guard down... just a little.

"If we're attacked, can you defend yourself?" Struggling to get comfortable, he continues. "How are your wounds? Do you have enough energy?"

His shoulders fall, as he tries to force himself into a more relaxed state even as he asks the questions It's tough, with the consideration of another lightning wielding mage could come striding in and fry both of the weakened heroes looming in his mind.

"... I might be able to take care of that scratch, if you'll come here."

[forbothofus]

He concurs with that. Most of these people lack high concentrations of mana and the magic born from it. The Heroes are the fortunate ones in comparison.

His body feels stable - for now. The cut and burns are mere distractions. It's the sparseness of mana in his body that is the real concern. "I'm not wounded... not much." He's suffered much worse. As long as he’s walking, he’s fine. "I just need my mana replenished."

He stares out into the rain, locating the buildings and inner walls in the distance. Preferably, he would find a safe place to sleep to restore his mana… but that's not possible just yet. He could eat something. That would help a little. He hesitates to leech mana off another person when they’re all feeling drained.

He smirks – a side smile that avoids stirring the injury. "If you have the energy, heal yourself. Once I recover mana, I can fix a scratch like this." Some of that reply is definitely his pride trying to recover, but he means it.

[topkong]

"Yeah. Me too. Before I got to shore, I'd been firing cannons for a while... disorienting, to lose so much mana in one blast."

Reaching out to grab his weapon, he uses it to help himself up. Unable to manage its size, it still works as leverage to stand up on his feet and lean on it with both hands gripping it tightly.

"Any energy spent needs to be for defending. A broken limb won't keep me from doing what I do best."

Taking a few steps forward, he's suddenly staggered. The combination of his tail and the lack of mana in his body causing some turmoil to his senses. Stopping, he exhales audibly before shaking his head.

"What can we do? There could be some supplies nearby, but I haven't done a proper scouting of this place."

Wukong can at least muster a smile at Emil, whose confidence is welcome to an unusually reserved monkey.

[forbothofus]

He almost grimaces. Mana cannon. Those are going to haunt him even here, aren’t they? Horrific that his is not the only world to contend with these monstrosities. If Noir and Blanc chose to go this route… best not think of that.

He regards Wukong with respect as he watches the monkey rise and venture a few steps. He applauds the dedication, really. “We shouldn’t return to the field in this condition. We’ll just be a liability.” He knows it’s harsh, but he did almost die back there.

Emil braces a free hand against the ground and climbs carefully to his feet. The various burned muscles in his body protest – seems that lightning did the trick to slow him down. But he’s far from harmless, and he intends to find them both better shelter.

“Someone told me there’s a shelter set up by the tavern. I meant to go there.”

He comes up alongside his fellow Hero. The cool smile returns, lacking his usual warmth. “You wouldn’t happen to know where that is? I think I was still half-conscious when the soldier was yelling the order at me.”

[topkong]

Did Emil just react to his recounting of what he had been doing prior to coming back ashore? He puts it that in the back of his mind for now, knowing there's something to ask later when they're both safe, sound, and not out of resources. He shakes his head at Emil's comment and chuckles.

"Oh, trust me. I'm not going back out there like this... but if for some reason they breach the wall's defenses, we'll have no choice but to fight."

Wukong would have mentioned the wizards with the powerful magic, but after seeing the way that Emil moves? It looks like he's quite aware and doesn't need the reminder.

"Shelter by a tavern? I think I saw some soldiers move around the corner over there as I got here. It's across the other side." Wukong points with a shaky hand. "It seems like a bit of a walk, but I guess we've got nothing to lose by taking our time."

Because any extra, rushed time could be painful, dangerous, or both.

I

[handle]

[ He's soaking wet and cold, but he bites back those shivers in order to offer a small smile in reply to Emil's words. The company is more then welcome, really.

He-- hadn't expected to be tossed into a war so soon, but he's glad that he'll be able to do something. ]

How are you holding up?

[forbothofus]

[He’s well accustomed to storms, and despite the soaked appearance there’s not a hint of a shiver.]

This isn't the first time I've patrolled in the rain. I'll be fine.

[He wishes he could say the same of his fellow Hero. Joking about hot drinks isn’t going to keep them comfortable. Since there’s time until the battle starts, Emil directs his attention to the surrounding area, following outlines of cliffs around the mana-suffused breezes.]

Let's get to that cliff there. It looks like it's sheltered from the wind.

[handle]

Oh-- sure thing!

[ And so, he'll begin to head over to where Emil pointed out, making his way to the nearby cliff and sitting under it without hesitation. ]

Hey, good eye! You found a really good spot!