WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

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

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

2-C

[dishevelment]

[He had been scouting-- as a Pawn, still newly minted and not yet familiar with his weapon, it was the only thing that made practical sense for him to do. Though it had been a long time since he had set foot on an actual battlefield, he could the old and familiar instincts kicking in.

Primarily a tactician, tracking the layout of the field to better guide the healers to safety truly was the best thing for him to do.

But his skills were primarily as a tactician, not a foot soldier. Though life over the last three years had trained his body to a point where it was significantly stronger than before, he was still unfamiliar in battle without the aid of his the pact he had with one of the many, many Djinn that held the secrets of his world.

Koumei hadn't expected the soldier that assailed him, and he only just barely managed to block the sharpened edge of the blade with the odd, metal bound fan that he had been granted upon arrival. The glancing blow was redirected sideways, slicing a gash into his arm instead of striking true.

He knew that move wouldn't work twice, and a braced for impact--

Except, none came.

There was only a strange young man standing above him, looking a little too peppy for someone who had just had a blade burst forth from his stomach. Brows raised in surprise, Koumei got back to his feet and surveyed the body dumbfounded while he checked his injury with his hand.]

I'm in one piece, [He admitted, looking at the blood from his injury on his hand briefly before regarding the young man once again. It stung, but he knew it was just a supercificial wound that would heal with enough time.

Dusting himself off somewhat, he offered a brief bob of his head in gratitude.]

Thank you. I wouldn't have gotten out without your intervention.

[....He seemed stupidly calm for a man who had just faced his own death, but perhaps he was just bent like that? Or, did he hit his head? None could say!]

[likethelight]

[ Unnaturally calm-seeming to some, perhaps. Maybe something another person would find unnerving. But as Allen is someone quite used to never batting an eye at close calls like that as his entire life has been lived in those moments and was a battle priest soldier in a holy war with others like him before he came here...

...This kind of situation comes with the territory. (He's been around a lot of people who'd lack that kind of reaction too.)

Which is why he smiles a little more gently then and—gaze flicking briefly around to make sure there isn't an immediate threat—he lets go of the hilt of his sword and reaches for Koumei's injured arm. Instead of the weapon—and it is a giant sort of thing—falling to the ground however, it shimmers and loses its sword-like appearance, taking on instead its real appearance of softly glowing pure white mana in sword shape. At least before it fades away entirely like so much white smoke.

He won't take the man's arm outright though, too polite for that, and just holds out his white-gloved hand for it with kindly smile that's a little too old for someone seventeen years of age. ]

It's fine. We're comrades, aren't we?

Let me see your arm.

[dishevelment]

It's really nothing to worry over, [Koumei protested, but that was the only argument he gave. He didn't fight the young man's attempt to examine his arm, and instead just watched him with curiosity. For someone so young, he definitly had the bearing of a life-long soldier already.

Perhaps, people hailing from worlds where war was an inevitability was more common than he had anticipated?

The young man's weapon was impressive-- he would need to ask about that later. Instead, he just kept an eye out for enemies until they were finished.]

...I've heard that it's possible for anyone to learn magic here, [he said after a moment.] I'm think that it might be wise to learn a healing technique before our next bout.

[likethelight]

[ It likely isn't anything to be concerned about, but that doesn't mean Allen won't smile lightly at the protest and reach gently to see turn the other man's arm to see the wound—with his right hand.

(Which hand, for Allen, always matters. His right is gloved in white leather, and the left is covered by a black and white clawed gauntlet. Another weapon?) ]

Mn, that's true. Before here, spells— [ like the one he begins now, bringing two fingers to his lips in a gesture not unlike the beginning of a prayer ]

—weren't something I really knew anything about. [ Innocence worked different. He just knew of the sorceries his master could accomplish. And that man.. ]

It'll be alright. [ It's a very small sort of healing spell as it's not one he's had much occasion to use (and was the most recent he tried to form). One that will mend superficial cuts and bruises like the gash Koumei just suffered with a cool-warm wash of faintly white mana. Gentle; almost like the brush of feathers. ]

[dishevelment]

[The gentle, feather-like sensation of the spell was hauntingly familiar-- akin to the powers his Lord Brother could wield due to his pact with the Djinn, Phenex. Koumei could feel the warmth of it closing the wound, leaving nought but a torn sleeve and some bloodstains in it's wake.

Nothing a quick laundering and some work with a needle and thread wouldn't fix.]

I've studied the theories of magic quite a bit, but I've never been able to participate without the help of a particular tool-- and that had it's limits as well.

...And you've my thanks, once again. That technique, for it's simplicity, is quite effective.

[likethelight]

[ To that Allen gives a small smile, raising his hand and shaking his head lightly. It's fine; there's no real need to thank him for something so minor. He was slow in getting there in time. ]

A friend of mine told me—

[ "Friend". Caren would.. take issue with that, probably. (He knows she does but he does it anyway.) ]

Magic, here, is a combination of what you want and focus. So to me— [ He's gentle and soft-spoken, very young for someone in a combat role, but Allen as he speaks his chin lifts and his eyes scan the battlefield around them; the habit of someone whose first instinct is to protect.

There won't be much time after all, probably. ]

...the heart is where that comes from.

So it's like visualizing what you want to see happen more than anything and focusing yourself in on that until it's real. The words and the motions come with that.

[dishevelment]

[Allen's youth held no bearing here. Although Koumei was a man of thirty now, he had been on and off battlefields and involved in war efforts since he was too small to be respected by the soldiers. Age wasn't an item here, not with that kind of lifestyle-- and not when the most powerful people he knew in his world were still considered children in many senses of the word.

It was merely a number, anyway. A person's chronological age was no indicator of how experienced their mind and soul were-- and, in Allen, Koumei saw someone he was glad to be able to call a comrade in this strange battlefield.]

So it's less scientific and more intuitive, [He mused, still keeping watch. He would be all but useless if this turned into an actual fight, he knew. The weapon he carried was unfamiliar, he didn't know any magic...

And he was never a good physical fighter, anyway.]

[likethelight]

[ Scientific? ]

Mm, something like that. [ But he gets a brighter look in his grey eyes then, smiling in a kindly sort of way as he touches the other Hero's shoulder for a moment and turns slightly towards the wall behind them. ]

Are you with the support team? I can cover you until you're back there. [ He means no disrespect, truly! But the badge the man wears is obvious, and Allen well remembers the frustration when he was a Pawn as well.

(Never feeling strong enough and having to rely on others.)

Plus, even if he obviously seems comfortable enough around battle, he hadn't seemed terribly comfortable in combat or with his weapon. (A fan...?) ]

[dishevelment]

[A fan that had a magical ability that he hasn't figured out yet-- probably because it's one that's so divorced from anything that he is able to do in his homeland. Koumei manages a wry little smile in return, glad for the young man's understanding without asking too many questions. Even if he was a tactician primarily, his role on the battlefront had always been supportive. While he could redirect enemy fire, reroute allied forces, and alter the terraine as needed, he was never a front lines combatant.

And none of those skills were accessable here.]

We'll talk more about magic after the battle, [Koumei said, intent on keeping this one promise.] And you've my thanks for your help.

...What shall I call you, if I need to find you again?

[likethelight]

[ Oh—

Normally his manners are better than that—a proper British gentleman that he... isn't really but Allen does hold in such high regard—but on the battlefield other things generally take precedence. But the boy smiles at that, clearly perked up at the promise to talk later.

Camaraderie, after all, is the most normal and precious sort of thing to him. ]

Allen. Allen Walker.

I'll look forward to that.

[dishevelment]

[Ah, that's right. It was difficult for Koumei to remember that people introduced themselves with their personal first in this country. In his own country, the family name was always used before the personal name even if the speaker preferred using their personal name in regular parlance.

Then again, his homeland would resemble Ancient China to anyone he spoke to. It was only natural for him to have this confusion.]

Feel free to call me Koumei, [He replied, seeming less embarrassed now than before.] And I'll look forward to it as well, Allen.

[likethelight]

Mn!

[ Fanning his white-gloved fingers out, Allen makes a gripping motion as if to grasp a hilt and the blade from before springs to life again, holy mana rushing through the conduit and causing the air to hum and vibrate from the energy of it. Illusory, the quality of it, as it cloaks itself in the appearance of a white broadsword again. As long as the boy is tall and nearly as broad.

Rain mixed with fire hammers the battlefield, soaking at them and causing a strange glow as the armies battle. Something electric in the air to prick at their nose—magic from so many spells being cast—and rest sour on the tongue like the taste of faded fireworks on the air. The stuff made of grit and death and the unpleasant tiding of a war whose outcome couldn't, right now, be weighed.

But the boy gives a small but cheerful sort of nod at that, seeming quite genuinely glad in absolute counter to all that, and gives a quick flick of the greatsword, readjusting his grip in such a way as if it were impossibly light. There are—after all—shouts and the sound of hoofbeats as a party of Noir soldiers has spotted them conversing and figured them easy marks.

Pale grey eyes flick towards them with a bright sort of certainty. ]

Then, I'll provide a distraction. [ "Koumei", is it? His name...

It's reminiscent of Komui, the Chinese branch head who always would take the time to welcome them back from missions. Who in making that place less a prison for his sister made it a home for all of them.

It gives Allen a nostalgic twinge; something tight. (Such a long time ago now it seems.) ]

Be safe then, Koumei!

[dishevelment]

[The blade that the young man wielded was nothing short of impressive, with it's ability to cloak itself in the middle of this veritable magical storm. Koumei felt the mana crackling in the air with each spell cast in ways that he had never even felt the rukh that permeated his world before. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, but Koumei kept his heart still amidst the chaos.

After all, there would only be a scant few moments for him to escape.]

You as well, Allen, [Koumei replied, punctuating his words with a bob of his head that could pass for a bow before taking off, keen to use this distraction to it's full advantage.]