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

naruto

[passtave]

[ There's really no mistaking Naruto, no matter how far across the battlefield he is. There's also no way she isn't going out there to help him, no matter how terrified she is of stepping out into the open. The Noirian soldiers have been pretty consistently redirecting their attacks towards her whenever she stops to heal one of her fellow Heroes—but whatever her myriad shortcomings, she's never faltered as a healer, and she isn't about to start now.

So she swallows her fear as she runs to close the distance between them. He's managed to surround himself with enemies, but that isn't the most of her worries—it's the griffon riders flying steadily closer, their graceful movements in the air reminding her inescapably of Hinoka and Subaki. One of the riders readies their javelin, and Sakura realizes with a jolt of horror that they're aiming it for Naruto, and she can't tell if he's noticed yet or not. ]

Naruto!

[ There's an edge of panic in her voice that she can't curb. Her hands are shaking as she readies her bow, but she does it all by instinct, without thinking, as she'd practiced over and over again with her brother at her side—notch, draw, release. Her lightning arrow crackles through the air and buries itself in the griffon rider's chest, electricity bursting across their body. ]

[acknowledges]

[He's focused on the fight. As a member of the vanguard and stepping into his role as a rook, it's his job to take attention away from the support team. They're supposed to engage as many enemies as they can, to make as much of a scene as possible so that their teammates are able to help the others get to safety, to heal the ones that can't stand anymore and to carry the ones too rough to get to their feet. Most of this comes naturally to him.

Naruto has a reputation as the guy who runs in shouting, as the guy always charging in before everyone else and this is no exception. He isn't panicking to find that he's outnumbered. His cloak will help him get through any damage that his new promotion won't protect him from- if things get really bad he can call for help. A pair of Noir soldiers rush him together, working in tandem and Naruto slides beneath one arcing blade on his knees, tearing holes in the fabric of his pants before he pushes up onto his hands- he's going to backflip out of the roll and put himself at their flank.

That's when he hears her voice.]

Hime-chan!

[Naruto's stomach clenches, whipping around to look for the source because he thinks she's in trouble, that she's calling for help. An arrow flies, electricity crackles. The spear misses him but it's enough of a distraction that Naruto recovers too late. He's able to counter the thrust that would pierce him through the belly- the cost comes in the downward slash that takes him in the juncture between shoulder and throat.

The blood is everywhere.]

[passtave]

[ Oh gods oh gods— ]

Naruto!

[ She's screaming his name, her heart seized with terror as she watches, helpless, as the soldier's blade carves into his shoulder like a butcher's knife, catching on bone. Blood arcs from the wound, pinwheeling red, and for one horrifying, irrational second she's convinced that he's dead. The healer in her is much calmer, settling over her like a blanket of strength. She needs to make sure they survive this. Then she can heal him. It's what she's been training so hard for—to protect the people she cares for when it really counts.

Lifting her bow, she repeats the process, her entire body shaking now—notch, draw, release. This time, she holds her draw and lets the arrow gather more power, until it's crackling in her hold and the soldier is raising his blade again. Then she looses it, so that when it strikes his chest it lets off a bolt of lightning that shocks that soldier next to him too, stunning him.

She keeps running then, calling out with desperation. ]

Naruto!

[acknowledges]

[The blood feels hot. It's a warm thudding, spilling out of him with every beat of his heart and Naruto's body, humming with adrenaline from the fight, does nothing to slow it down. He might be in shock. He looks almost surprised- the right side of his body is coated in the stuff and his fingers won't keep hold of the weapon in his palm. Naruto's opposite hand comes up in what can only be an attempt to cover the wound while he tries to scramble in Sakura's direction.

He hears another punch of lightning, a sound that reverberates off his insides and makes the inside of his mouth taste like copper and ash. It doesn't occur to him that he might die for a number of reasons: he's been through worse before, his cloak should make sure that doesn't happen, and the forefront of both- Hime-chan is screaming his name. He thinks she's in trouble, or that she must be hurt. He sees another soldier hit the ground the way background noise gets filtered out while music is playing. She's the only thing that exists to him right now. He doesn't even go back for his dropped blade.]

Hime-chan! Hime-chan are you okay?!

[passtave]

Naruto!

[ It's like she doesn't know what else to say—she can't put anything she's feeling into words. Naruto... this might be the only time in her entire life that she just wants to hit him. Can't he see that he's in danger? Can't he tell that he's hurt and in no shape to be scrambling towards her like this? Why is he looking at her like that, like there's nothing else in the world except her, when she's so scared for him that she can't feel anything else?

She's the one who should be asking him if he's okay. She's the one who's all right. She's the one who has no idea what to do now—the griffon belonging to the rider she'd shot down has gone feral, screeching wildly and diving for Naruto so quickly that she knows she won't even have time to draw her bow again, and he isn't even looking and she won't let him die—except throw herself on top of him in a desperate attempt to shield him from the creature's attack.

Without ever making the conscious choice to, she closes her eyes. The griffon's claws cleave into her shoulder, bringing with them a searing pain that threatens to overwhelm her. She's shouting again at the top of her lungs, but this time it's a freeze effect—anything to make the creature stop. ]

[acknowledges]

[He doesn't see anything chasing her- nothing just behind and nothing overhead. She's an arm's length away when she barrels into him, tackling him to the ground and Naruto grabs for her reflexively, wraps one arm tight around her waist to keep her pressed against his front and brings the other up to protect her head. It's her shoulder that the griffon comes for instead.

The sound of her voice so close to his ear, the reflexive scream and the spell she shouts, hit him like a physical blow. Naruto's pupils blow, mouth drawn back to bare his teeth- and then the whole of his body goes gold. He's never used a rook's castling ability before and as such he isn't making the conscious decision to use it now- it's just happening. He's desperate. He's pushing. The sound that rips out of him is an inhuman roar. One of his hands stay on Sakura's head, keeping the princess still, but the other draws back and connects mercilessly. The first blow shatters the bone of its shoulder. The second breaks the griffon's neck. The creature, no longer able to hold itself up and propelled by the force of the punch, doesn't just collapse on its side- it goes skittering with a fleshy thud, landing several feet away and sliding across the dirt.]