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

2a

[acknowledges]

[Mana exchange is always so personal- not just the act itself, but the way it feels. Every time he's experienced it the feeling hadn't been touch alone, or even magic alone- it was like being as close as you could get to someone else. Like feeling the centre of who they were wash over you. Like a finger print or a snowflake, each one is unique. Some might seem similar to others, but one couldn't ever really replace another- they aren't identical.

He recognizes Lux by the touch at first, and Naruto turns to look in her direction on reflex. This early on he isn't low enough to go looking for a mana exchange, but that doesn't mean he isn't benefiting from it either. It feels like a breath of fresh air, like he's shaking off whatever fatigue he's already collected. Naruto smiles and catches her arm, tugging her to a momentary pause.

That's the Lux he knows- always taking care of everybody else.]

Hey hey, slow down a little.

[rememberher]

[ If this were any other situation, she would balk at the idea. Mana exchange was something so personal—physical contact was something so personal—but in the heat of battle, keeping someone alive trumped propriety. Especially if it was someone she knew, she would be the first to swoop in like a guardian angel, a hand slipping over theirs for a brief moment before dissolving into the fog of battle once again.

He wasn't struggling, but... it was proximity. She found him in passing, from one point to another, and her touch was light, cool and comforting, her colors subdued but still present. She expected to simply fade back into the aether, but he caught her arm suddenly, and the other blond stopped, startled.

She had been caught. ]

Huh?

[ They shimmed a bit with her surprise, and she stared at him, looking mildly confused. ]

[acknowledges]

You'll wear yourself out before we really get started.

[It isn't exactly chiding, but there's both warmth and worry in his voice. He likes Lux. A lot of the time he feels like he doesn't understand her, or that he's only seeing part of her- like a painting that he's only seeing a corner of and really close up. It's alright. She doesn't owe him anything, and he understands what it means to want to protect yourself that way.

His fingers slip from her hand. Naruto's watching her over his shoulder, weight adjusting to face her at an angle; she's in the middle of something with the way she's moving, those purposeful strides, and he needs to stay here.]

Besides, they're gonna be trying to figure out who's on support. If you're casual like that they'll notice you right away.

[rememberher]

[ She shook her head simply, adjusting her weight slightly to reveal her bag. Glass clinked gently from within it (potions, a decent amount from the sounds of it), and she gave him a somewhat knowing smile. ]

I'm well stocked, don't worry. There are plenty to go around, and some for myself too.

[ And as he kept an eye over her shoulder, she did the same for him. But Naruto, you seemed to have something wrong. ]

Support? No, I was assigned to the Vanguard, but...

[ She frowned a bit, sighing. The irritation was palpable in her voice. ]

Those goats, I can't do anything about them. This is all I can do right now.

[acknowledges]

[Maybe it's a fault that they share- the perpetual looking after of others, and how easy it is to dismiss their own needs. Naruto dismisses his health and mana levels because he's had a lifetime of knowing that he'll recover, of relying on his body's ability to bounce back.

His gaze follows her own as they look out towards the field, a frown pulling at the edges of his mouth when he sees the goats.]

Does using magic to stop 'em work?

[He wouldn't know- Naruto isn't practiced enough at it to try with any reliability.]

[rememberher]

[ Maybe that was why they seemed to understand each other as they did. Giving to the point of self-sacrifice, caring not for how tired they were. They could keep walking, keep moving.

And she always kept moving. She was afraid what might happen if she didn't.

...That was a thought. Lux considered this. ]

It... might, if I can get a clear shot. But if I throw out anything too close, it gets absorbed by their mounts. Even my illusions—

[ Wait. What if she... It might be difficult, she didn't know what he was capable of, but if she played it carefully... ]

I have an idea, but I need your help.

[acknowledges]

[Somehow the sudden shift in direction catches him off guard. Naruto's head jerks back around, his eyes widen. It's in his nature to charge right in, and he's always been that way- it's people like Lux that help him use his strengths to the best advantage; people who get an idea and make a plan.]

What is it?

[Using magic isn't something that's come naturally to him, so he has a hard time imagining how it's getting absorbed by those goats. Still, it's clear he's all ears.]

[rememberher]

[ A bit of relief washed over her as he so willingly agreed to trust her. To... help her. Taking his hand with her right, wordlessly, the rush of her own mana washing over the both of them, the bracelet on her left hand awakened, gems afire with light, drawing it in from around them.

Her focus centered on him, she rose her left hand slowly, moving it with almost delicate deftness, light gathering at her fingertips before she whipped her wrist quickly, letting the tendrils of mana gathering fall away almost like droplets of water. And they began to form something that looked almost humanoid, light coalescing and coming together to mold what looked to be the form of a person, standing by his side.

The features quickly began to shape (perhaps a bit too quickly; they weren't quite right, the face was a little off, and the color of the uniform it wore were slightly dulled. Imperfect, but would work from a distance), looking like...

Him. Like something that might be quite familiar to Naruto (...did she somehow know?). Not a clone brought on by ninjutsu, but rather formed in light, like clay. Breathing, moving, practically alive. ]

Let me follow your lead. Draw them out, turn them around.

[ She grinned. ]

If my theory is correct, they won't be able to absorb what they can't see.

[acknowledges]

[She looks so confident right now. It isn't that Naruto thinks of her as incapable- because while he hasn't fought with her on the field, he's seen her come back exhausted, he's seen her paper-thin and still standing when the battle was done. Naruto's awe is how easy she makes it look. He figures it must be magic of some kind, but he's not comfortable enough with manipulating even his own mana to begin to understand what she's doing. It reminds him of rain drops, or maybe tiny little stars, all coming together to grow into something bigger and bigger.

That awe turns abruptly to wonder and shock. It's- That's him!!]

Kage bunshin!

[This probably isn't the time, but Naruto whirls on her nonetheless.] You made that? Lux-chan that's something else!!

Oh man. Oh man! [Naruto reaches up and shares a high-five with his duplicate, beaming despite its small imperfections.]

It's so cool I'm gonna cry'attebayo.

[rememberher]

[ How could he know? And in all honesty, if he had told her this, she would not have bat an eyelash, for their interactions on the battlefield had been only after both had given their entire being. Mind and body run dry, clinging to something to remember that they were alive, and would continue to live after that moment, when others would not. So she would not be surprised if he questioned her strength; she would, if she were in his shoes.

...Kage bunshin?

!!

A flurry of color snapping to attention as he grabbed her, whirling her around, the illusion became staticky as her concentration wavered.

(N-Naruto, please, don't do that! She's not good with this sort of thing!!) ]

Haha...

[ She laughed shyly, a bit thankful when he finally did let go, moving on to something else.

His hand would move through the doppelgänger, despite it meeting his hand. It felt tingly, almost like his hand had fallen asleep, and very much like her own signature.

...Cool? Oh. Haha. Well, yeah! Maybe it was! That at least got a smile from her, until she put her game face back on. ]

I'll follow your lead. Try to keep it slow at first, maybe just a few of the riders. Make sure they're turned in the other direction. I'll do the rest.

[ The gems on her bracelet humming with mana, she gave him a quick nod, before staring out at the battlefield. Show her what you can do, Naruto. ]

[acknowledges]

[Back home Naruto's clones were a little different from those of his peers- crafted to accommodate the unusual amount of chakra always running through his body. Because that was what he was used to, he's a little bit surprised when he finds that the high-five doesn't connect. But seeing that and then seeing the static-y quality of the clone helps him to understand the limits and abilities of the thing he's looking at. If he knowing those things ahead of time, it means he'll be less likely to do something that'll give them away. ...Probably.

Besides- even with the little differences between them, from a distance it'll be really convincing!

His weight pumps up, a rocking from his heels to the balls of his feet. Naruto doesn't look like the kind of guy who needs to wiggle around to amp his energy up, so maybe he's doing it to try and burn some off? And then she gives the word and Naruto flashes a grin, turning a two fingered salute over his shoulder before hopping down and heading out onto the field. If he feels even the smallest bit of hesitation about running around essentially unarmed to make sure he ends up outnumbered- it's anyone's guess. He sure doesn't show it.

Naruto heads in first, signalling for his replica to follow at a distance and come around at a wide angle. What'll be important is making the soldiers think that there's only one of him, but that they're seeing the one guy in fractions at a time. He looks like a streak of gold weaving his way through the soldiers and Naruto starts along the edges, searching for the riders that look the most willing to break away from the group, while the doppleganger lingers behind, still out of sight. They chase after him in a pair at first- and when a thrown blade lodges itself in one soldier's collar, a second pair kick off after him. Naruto doesn't look back at either his double or in Lux's direction, focusing instead on drawing their attention away from immediate reinforcements. The mounts are fast, so he needs to keep a good lead on them or he'll wear himself out in a series of sprints like this.]