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

three

[acknowledges]

He's seen lots of fighting- not just back home, but in his time with Blanc as well. While the enemies change, guaranteeing the need to keep improving one's skills, it's the inevitable casualties that make it hardest to bear. There aren't civilians here, like there'd been on the train- but it still makes his stomach clench every time he sees someone go down. Even among seasoned combatants, or back home fighting against other shinobi, these people all have families. There's someone who worries for them, and there's someone they won't go home to if they fall here.

One arm lifts and Naruto wipes his face on the fabric in the crook of his elbow. He's exhausted and it shows, bracing himself with his opposite hand on one thigh- half crouched as he catches his breath. He's found someone pinned under a piece of rock, but he just doesn't have the strength to get them out on his own, much less to carry them back. When he sees a silhouette in the smokey air, he just goes for it. One arm waves.

"Hey! Hey over there!"

[sugegasa]

Shunsui was grateful for the shout. The air was so thick with smoke that he was having trouble seeing those who needed help, for all that he was looking. He simply couldn't bear to leave anyone out here like this.

Naruto looked as though he'd fought ten wars in the space of as many minutes, and when he was close enough, Shunsui put a hand on his shoulder, sending what mana he could.

"Are you able to walk? It's not terribly far, but we need to hurry!"

He hadn't yet seen the person pinned, focusing his attention on Naruto alone.

[acknowledges]

It's close to suffocating- the smoke is like a blanket settling over them. The temperature is climbing as the volcano begins to erupt. He'd tried to keep his nose and mouth covered earlier, but with the fights still popping up as he made his way through the field, it fell off so often that he gave up on in shortly afterwards.

The hand on his shoulder is a relief for the wash of mana that comes with it, but it's also what that touch means. There's someone else here. He has help. He isn't alone. Naruto is nodding without realizing it, reaching out to clap one filthy hand on the guy's arm.

"I can do it'attebayo- but there's some guy down here, I can't get him out!"

[sugegasa]

Shunsui found himself coughing into his own sleeve at the amount of smoke, which was increasing by the minute. They needed to get out of here...

And then the words hit him, and he frowned as he looked.

"I can get the stone off with your help, but I'm not sure I can carry you both. Think you'll be able to ride on my back?"

They simply didn't have time for him to carry one to safety while leaving the other, after all. Without waiting for an answer, he used what strength he had to lift the stone as much as he could. "Can you grab it from the other side? Should be a quick move to get it off!"

[acknowledges]

Naruto knows that people here are capable of really different things- and that even without the abilities they were learning in Caissa, some people are just strong. He knows that, and his eyes still widen when this guy leans down and grabs at this giant slab of rock. There's a moment where he thinks he might actually be able to do it all on his own.

"I got it!"

Naruto has to dig his heels in to keep from sliding, and his grip is so tight that he's white-knuckled when he pulls. As a rook he knows he has the ability to push and pull things around- but he's not sure it's refined enough for something like this, even if he'd had enough mana to try it. The guy they're helping lost consciousness long before Naruto found him, but that wouldn't give him a free pass. Sakura-chan was always telling him it was important to be careful with someone while they were injured, that it could be made worse.

"This stupid thing-" The words are ground out beneath grit teeth. He knew it'd be heavy, but damn. This is really really heavy. "Roll roll roll!"

always accept piggyback from the bara this is common sense

[sugegasa]

Shunsui tried to help the momentum as much as he could, Naruto's efforts doing more good than he realized. Shunsui was able to lift a good deal on his own, but assistance always helped! And he was of the same mindset when it came to protecting the poor man trapped under the rock.

He did his best to push and lift in the same direction as his partner in this endeavor, and eventually, after quite a bit of sweat and repositioning, it paid off. Shunsui cradled the fallen man in his arms before leaning over a bit so Naruto would be more easily able to jump on his back.

"I apologize for the indignity of this, but it's the best way I can think of!"

you're right, what was i thinking

[acknowledges]

His body feels like it's shaking under the pressure, the two of them out here during an eruption, trying to lift this crazy boulder right off the ground. Sweat plasters his hair to his forehead- but this guy is right here with him, just as unwilling to give up, and just as unwilling to leave someone behind. Against all odds he feels the thing give and in the moment before it finally rolls, Naruto is shouting against the rock. "Got you!"

Even exhausted, adrenaline is still thrumming through his veins.

They did it.

His chest heaves and off to the side, he watches the guy lean down and scoop the unconscious figure off the ground, taking his weight easily. It's more than Naruto himself can do right now- maybe if he pushed it, he might've been able to get most of the way, but. Naruto knows he's wound down. It's a good thing that guy's here. But wait why's he-

"I-" He's a stranger. Naruto's never seen him fight before, he's never even met him, so he can't be sure if he's just offering because it feels like the right thing to do, or if he really does have the stamina to bear them both. It's no good. Even with the little bit of mana he's been offered already, it's not enough. He'll have to trust him. Naruto eases his weight forward, one arm wrapped around the guy's shoulders to keep himself anchored.

"Hey, you just. Did a lot too'attebayo. Don't try and show off if you hit your limit, okay?"

[sugegasa]

"Show off...?"

Shunsui looked up with a grin. Oh, he couldn't blame him for the assumption, but it amused him terribly. He was far too old to try to show off on the battlefield, after all!

"Don't worry, I've been a soldier for a very long time, and have had a lot of training in endurance and stamina. Besides, this is a rather short jaunt! Should be fairly smooth going unless we hit something unforeseen. Are you secure?"

He stopped for a second to make sure he had the breath to jog. It wouldn't be a full run, but close enough to get them there as quickly as he could. He didn't like the idea of spending more time in the danger zone than he needed to, although he too was a bit worn down. He could make it and be perfectly fine, but it wasn't going to be as quickly as he would have liked.

"Apologies in advance for any turbulence on the journey!"

[acknowledges]

It's definitely a rocky ride, but that comes with the territory, probably. Naruto hasn't been carried by someone else in a long time, and back then he'd been so exhausted that if Kakashi-sensei hadn't been there, he probably just would've spent the rest of the night sprawled out on the forest floor. It had been a little unsteady back then too, but not as bad as this. Naruto doesn't blame him because the apology actually makes him huff out a laugh.

"That thing's erupting! I'll be happy if you don't fall right over!"

But it looks like not even the precarious battle conditions are discouraging all of the Noir soldiers; while both sides are pushing towards a retreat, there are combatants that won't turn down an opportunity to take out one more enemy. This guy, carrying two others, probably looks like an easy mark. "Shit." Naruto reaches for the holster on his thigh, fumbles it momentarily, and shakes feeling back into his fingers. Maybe they won't be noticed. Maybe the Noir soldier will prioritize more sensible things like getting away from lava.

Or maybe he'll come running with a giant axe.

[sugegasa]

Shunsui saw the Noir soldier too, and had his sword in his free hand almost immediately. The situation was precarious for everyone on the battlefield, and he sincerely hoped the soldier would simply let him get the wounded man (and the exhausted one on his back) sneak past in favor of not meeting his own death in the face of the eruption. Better to be prepared, though!

He sent an illusion of a lady undressing toward the soldier. Hopefully it would prove distracting enough, if the lava chasing them down wasn't enough to begin with!

"Can you tell me if he starts making his way toward us?"

He tossed it back over his shoulder to Naruto, having felt his fumbling and guessing that he was going for his weapon. He must have seen the soldier, to have broken his hold around Shunsui's neck!

Normally he wouldn't need the warning, but with two other people in his care, he needed all the eyes he could get.

[acknowledges]

Naruto's trying to get ready to fight. It's a combination of impulse and reflex- years of training as a shinobi has taught him to start moving with his body long before his head's figured out what to do. The blade is still tucked into his palm when the illusion appears, and Naruto is so startled by the sight that he goes perfectly still.

He blinks once owlishly, twice, a third time- and then remembers that he needs to hang on to the guy carrying him. "Yeah yeah, I can tell you." He fumbles the return, bumping his chin on the guy's shoulder before he wraps it back around and tucks his fingers into the fabric of his jacket. Seeing a distraction like this reminds him suddenly of his own perfected technique- one he can't use here in Caissa, and it's-

"Oh man that's really convincing'attebayo! How'd you do that?"