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

kidnapping

[armorial]

[ Like most, she is eating and having the time of her foodie life, but the hand does startle her. She doesn't take a step back, but looks at the hand before looking up to the man. ]

You would get an answer if you mentioned the destination. [ She's highly suspicious especially since this is a stranger and he seems........ shady.... ]

[glorifiedtrash]

Owch. Where's the trust?

[Like sketchy approaches warrant trust at all. Moving on!]

Nice house, good food-- that sort of thing. [He actually smiles nicely. Clearly the apocalypse has come-- I mean:] It beats the crowds out here. Promise.

[armorial]

[ While it all sounds nice, it just sounds... worse with each word at the same time. ]

Is there a reason why you chose me and not a close companion of yours? [ Suspicious. ]

[glorifiedtrash]

...Heh. But you are my close companion. After all there is no one I can trust more in this world than those like me-- if I go down surely the rest of you will as well.

[So. You see. They're rather in this together as fellow heroes and all. Leaning forward he peers into her eyes, somewhere between amused and inexplicably-- pleased?]

Are you doubting your ability to keep me in check?

[armorial]

[ She does not take such peering kindly. Giving an intense gaze of her own, her frown deepens even more. What he says is true... Despite how questionable the man, this all plays out to make her seem disrespectful. ]

I have confidence in myself. [ She will beat up anyone. ] I will accompany you then.

[ If she doesn't like it, she can just leave... At least that's what she thinks. ]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Looks like time will tell. Zelos nods and turns, waving her after him. It's a trip to a more...jazzier part of town. The houses are nice, but their garishness lacks the respectability of the abodes of nobles. The upswinging tunes I turned 70 just typing that and half dressed revelers celebrating victory over Noir aren't exactly helping. Regardless Zelos leads the way into an house with all the confidence they're supposed to be there.

Once inside he grabs a glass of wine and passes it over to Arturia.]

You brought your weapon, right?!


[It's kind of hard to hear over the music and loud sounds of promiscuity but... This question does not exactly jive with everything else, oops.]

[armorial]

[ The deeper she's in this ploy, the more concerned she grows. Still, she sticks around. It doesn't sit well for her to just abandon a fellow Hero possibly in need. It's fairly indecent, but that doesn't scare her off. Startled by the sudden question, she somehow catches the wine glass with her free hand, chalice still in the other. ]

Excuse me? [ This is all flying over her head. What is going on? ] What are we doing here?

[ SHE FOLLOWS HIM SO CLOSELY NOW WHY ARE WE HERE ]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos takes a glass of his own, drains it and hands the empty vessel to some clueless partygoer passing by.]

Well... Making an entrance!

[So saying he leads the way to a backroom and. Kicks the door open. There's an whole lot of mafia mooks inside gathered around a table. A table that happens to be heaped with mana crystals and other of Noir's illegal weapons left behind after the battle. It seems there's some kind of salvage operation going on here.

Zelos isn't exactly willing to let criminals have so many mana crystals to make trouble with though. Not that the mafia is quite willing to hand them over peacefully considering the sudden number of guns and other weapons pointing at them.]

This is the part where you look really intimidating.

[...Just saying. He's helping!]

[armorial]

[ Despite how this is only getting stranger and stranger, she finds herself right behind his heels. The mafia... And the mana crystals? She stares daggers into the back of Zelos' head. All of this is new to her in some way. She has never been coerced into something like this before without any prior knowledge. However, her surprise doesn't stunt her reflexes. Almost instantly when the guns are pointed at them, ready to fire, she clutches onto her grail.

If she sees any sudden movements, even a flick of their gun, they'll be met by a barrier that's casted with water thrown into the air. ]

I see no reason for you to not disclose the purpose of this journey. [ She is slightly irritated, but they must deal with this problem. ]

[glorifiedtrash]

Ah, well. ...Heheh. You might have said no!

[So. He's a conman. WELL OKAY THEN. Regardless it seems they're rather at a standoff here, doesn't it... Zelos points a finger up at the ceiling, drawing attention.]

We want those mana crystals. You can either fight us for them in which case you'll surely lose we are, after all, violent sociopaths sent from the heavens-- [IS THIS REALLY HOW HE SHOULD BE DESCRIBING THEM] --or you can take us on in gentlemanly sportsmanship of some kind, winner takes all.

[There's some disgruntlement (...a lot of disgruntlement), but the idea isn't exactly shot down. One woman who seems to be in charge speaks up.]

No one needs any more losses for today. Just what "sport" are you proposing?

[Zelos looks thoughtful before looking back at Artoria with a shrug. ...Yes. Yes he is dumping this all on her. What high stake thing are they going to play for these valuable mana crystals?]

[armorial]

[ She's ready to bolt, but she can't leave when they're actually making negotiations that would serve them well. Mana crystals would be beneficial to their army... Despite all of it, she's not in a good mood.

It drops even more when all of this is suddenly dumped onto her. She considers it for a second, what are they good at? She doesn't even know the man, so she can't think of anything that may include him. ]

If weapons are provided, a duel with swords would be ideal. [ But she considers another thing. ] If not, then an eating contest.

[ Despite how undignified, it's free resources. Also, if they would need to pay, she can just pin it on Zelos. ]