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

one

[medicament]

[After delivering some supplies to the heroes defending the wall, Luna spots a familiar girl leaning against one of the walls and after hesitating a bit (maybe she should hurry back and ask if she doesn't have to carry anything else?), Luna decides to approach her anyway. Whether it's because of Meliora being too lost in thoughts or thanks to her own stealth skills, Luna somehow manages to walk up to her unseen until she gently pokes the other girl on the shoulder and offers a soft smile.]

Hello...are you alright?

[Luna herself may look calm, but actually, she's anything but calm.]

[femmefailtale]

[Ahh--it's Luna again! She bursts into a smile, not wanting to worry her.]

Me? I'll be fine. I'm just still trying to wrap my head around this whole... 'war' thing. How are you holdin' up?

[medicament]

[The smile she can see on Meliora's face is indeed reassuring, but Luna's next thought terrifies her—for how long they'll be able to smile at each other and talk like this?. The commotion on the wall is already rather overwhelming due to the preparations.]

O-of course you will...

[If anything, Luna will make sure that nothing happens to her.]

I'm just helping out, I'm not really much of a fighter.

[She takes a while to look at the terrain surrounding them...even though there's practically nothing to see there apart from mountains and volcanoes.]

I wish there was another way to end this conflict...

[femmefailtale]

You and me both. I really, really hate fighting. Unfortunately... not much of a choice this time around. I'm just glad I get to stay out of the vanguard and on the back lines where I'm... at least relatively unlikely to get my face pushed in?

[She looks over towards the volcano.]

...So uh. I'm not used to terrain that goes up and down this much outside of manmade buildings. Do those craggy things happen all the time?

[medicament]

[Truth to be told, Luna's both glad that she wasn't assigned to vanguard because that's completely not her thing, but at the same time she can't help being worried about the heroes on the front lines.]

Yes, we have to do what were told to do...

[Her voice lacks the conviction. She'd like to believe that there must be another way...]

Given the fact that we're in the middle of mountainous terrain...I'm afraid so. I haven't seen anything like that ever before, though. And this weather...

[This is going to be tough, isn't it?]

If I may be honest...I'm a little surprised to find out that you hate fighting. And, at the same time, I'm reassured, because there are two of us now.

[femmefailtale]

...Heck of a battle coming.

[She looks away and shuts her eyes.]

Well... tell you what. Since there's two of us who hate fighting, I'll watch your back and you watch mine. That way we can both get ourselves out of here alive. Sound like a plan to you?

i hope that's ok /o/

[medicament]

[Her first reflex is to assure Meliora that she doesn't need protection, but...

If she refused, would the other girl allow her to protect her? There's a high chance she wouldn't, that's why, in the end, Luna nods slowly.]

It does. I'll be sure to keep you safe, I promise.

[Even if they're not on the front lines, they need to stay on their guard, don't they?

Luna doesn't have the chance to continue, however, as one of Pinta's people approach them and ask them both to deliver some supplies to the heroes in the vanguard.]

A-Ah, us...? Is there enough time left?

[She turns her gaze to Meliora, wondering what she thinks about the whole thing.]

always

[femmefailtale]

Is there..?

--Well, hell, if there's not time we're going to make time. If it needs doing, its our job to do it.

[She looks over the supplies, then grabs the largest bag and secures it.]

Think you can keep up if we run full tilt? If not, that's fine, we'll just have to be a bit more cautious. I just wanna' get down there before we've gotta' start shovelin' it.

im so sorry for the late tag ;;

[medicament]

I can!

[Luna's voice never was so firm. Well, to be fair, she has just promised to protect Mel and now she has the chance to prove that she meant it.]

But is it really alright for you to carry this...?

[In the meantime, Luna herself grabs some smaller bags but she'll be more than happy to help her out.]

si fien.

[femmefailtale]

It's all good. [She taps the toe of her shoe on the ground, taking a moment to get adjusted to her new center of gravity as she stretches.]

We've all got talents, this's close enough to one of mine. Don't suppose you can move while casting those barriers, can you? [Caren had mentioned before that some people can, and some can't.]

[medicament]

[To say that Luna's not concerned would be an obvious lie. But they doesn't exactly have time to fight over who's going to carry what.

She's curious about Meliora's talent, though.]

A talent? What could that be if I may ask?

[Speaking of the barriers, she confirms that it's impossible for her to move around.]

Let's hurry...!

[femmefailtale]

[She answers while she's moving to get out to the vanguard.]

The liberation and transportation of items from point a to point b, with various elements attempting to stop me from said transportation. [Translation: She's a thief.]

Like I said, it's close enough.

[medicament]

Liberation and transportation of items...

[She repeats, her eyebrows knitted for a moment. Wouldn't that mean she's a—

It's not like Luna's going to straight-out ask, or at least not now.]

Oh, no...are they moving out already?

[While Luna can't exactly point her finger at the soldiers, it's more or less clear that she's talking about them.]

[femmefailtale]

[Meliora looks over at them--it takes her a split second to come to a conclusion.]

Yeah. 'course they are.

Sorry, you got saddled with me, and my luck's the worst. Just assume that anything that can go wrong, will. It's no big deal, I'm plenty used to it, it's just--

['Anything' apparently includes the volcano erupting as it has just now, accompanied by the earthquake--which combine and make Meliora shriek and stumble backwards.]

[She catches herself before she falls over, but it's close and now she's hugging herself.]

What the unholy HELL is that?!

[medicament]

Oh, I'm sure—

["Sure it's not as bad as you say."

Luna doesn't even get the chance to finish as the eruption and the following earthquake startle her, but she keeps running. Although, for a moment here, she almost falls forward and just like Meliora manages to regain her balance.]

We'll worry about it later...let's hurry to their side for now.

[There's nothing to be done about either the eruption and the earthquake and without the supplies the vanguard may be in trouble.

That said...even if something is about to happen, she can't simply believe it's Meliora's fault. It must be an unfortunate coincidence or something. And if it's not, there can be no talk of blaming her.]

And...don't be sorry. This way I can protect you.

[femmefailtale]

I don't need protecting! [She's in a bit of a panic due to the earth exploding in ways she could not comprehend before now, so it comes out louder and harsher than she means it to.]

[Noticing immediately her own tone she looks aside, brushing her hair away and trying to seem calm and collected.]

Er--I mean. I'm the expert, I should be protecting you at least as much as you are me. But enough of that. Let's hurry. [She looks out at the landscape, where the geysers are starting to go off.]

...And stay far away from that water.

[medicament]

[Luna doesn't seem to be bothered by Mel's words much—her only reaction is a sad smile, but she doesn't say anything that could be considered a response. She doesn't even stop, just slows down a little knowing that time is crucial for them to succeed.]

Don't worry, I will.

[Further away, one of their allies stands near their mount...but something about them is off.]

E-Excuse me! Are you from the vanguard? We're bringing supplies and...

[As she speaks, the soldier turns to both Luna and Meliora, revealing their weapons, namely daggers. Actually, one of them is already flying right in their direction, so maybe they're not much of an ally. Where did they get that Gammonian uniform would remain a mystery, most likely.]

[femmefailtale]

[The upside of being ruthlessly paranoid due is that you sort of get used to this stuff. Her hand was on the gun before he'd even turned around, and she brings it up to deflect the dagger out of the air with it, catching it with her off hand.]

Because of COURSE we'd get the one guy in the entire army who just happens to be the enemy in disguise. See what I mean?!

[She complains as she moves, whirling her gun to point it at him as he takes evasive action to move out of her line of fire.]

Can you restrict him so I can get a clean shot off? He's a quick one!

[medicament]

[Everything happens so fast, that Luna doesn't even get the chance to let out a surprised gasp. It occurs to her that there's no time for those silly things though, and focuses on creating the barrier, just as she was told.]

O-Of course!

[The soldier moves around so much that she has to adjust the barrier range, which only means it'll be more difficult to maintain it.]

It should be safe to approach him now...no weapons of his can go through and neither can he.

[femmefailtale]

Rule one, never approach someone trying to kill you. Especially not when your weapon's a gun! [She squeezes the trigger, aiming it at his legs. He's fast, but eventually she manages to get a shot off that lands--sending the soldier to the ground.]

[She didn't hit anywhere immediately lethal, but it was a magic bullet to the leg, so.]

You can drop the barrier now. He's not moving anywhere. Let's get him trussed up and finish delivering the packages. [She's already walking over there--she's not sure how much fight the soldier has left in him--Meliora knows she'd give up with just this, but if this guy's one of those stupid 'DIE FOR MY CAUSE' types then better Meliora have to deal with it than risk letting Luna get hurt from a surprise attack.]

[medicament]

In a moment. [It seems like she does some kind of a plan.] What can we use to immobilize him?

[Maybe there's something in the supplies, but do they have the right to take anything for their own use? Luna's not sure about that...]

I could put him into sleep... [Luna begins, but she deflates in a few seconds.] But it won't last more than a few minutes. We won't make it to the vanguard and back in that time.

[The barrier is still here, just in case. It would be too reckless to give their enemy the opportunity to attack, even if he's injured.]

[femmefailtale]

I was thinking I was just gonna' strip the bastard and tie him up by his own clothes. If you can knock him out, that'll be plenty of time to bind him up nice and tight. He won't be going anywhere, and we can nick his stuff while we're on the way.

...And we'll heal his leg before we go. Don't want him getting an infection, right?

[medicament]

A-Alright!

[They wasted enough time already, that's why Luna hurries to execute their plan. It's not easy since she has to step as close as possible to the man, but thankfully for her, he's too occupied with his injury to attack. Shortly after, he's already sleeping.]

Done...!

[Maybe it's not the place nor the time, but:]

Are you a mind reader, Meliora? I thought about healing his leg too, but I thought that you may be against it...

[He's an enemy and everything, after all.]

[femmefailtale]

[She figured it's what Luna would have wanted to do, so she brought it up herself. It's not mind reading so much as pegging her as a bleeding heart type... but hey.]

I just thought it'd be a waste to talk about not wanting to kill people, and then leave someone to die as soon as we got the chance. That's all. [Definitely not trying to impress a cute girl or anything, nope nosiree.]

[She's finished tying him up in the meanwhile, and has also bandaged up his leg to staunch the bleeding.]

Anyways, you're the king here--that means it's all yours, right?

[medicament]

You're a good person, Meliora.

[Impressing Luna? She's doing it right.]

Y-Yes! [She's kneeling next to the man, but before she starts, there's one more thing.] Maybe...maybe we should split for the time being? I hate to leave you alone for a while, but the supplies...I'll catch up with you as soon as possible, I promise.