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BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-08-19 10:15 am

WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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.
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (7)

im sorry this is so late, absolutely free to ignore it if you want!!

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-02 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
[...she sputters a little and scrambles to her feet, following after him quickly to catch up.

No more messing around, she gets it.
]

Oi, oi, oi, alright, alright, I get it! I was messing around you oaf!

But at least escort me back...you don't have to carry me.
helmsplitter: (baka ja nee ka)

omg i found the thread!!!

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-19 06:44 am (UTC)(link)
[He stops when she admits to having been a fool. He frowns at the "oaf" comment, but he'll turn around nonetheless.]

Good 'cause I'm not gonna carry anyone. I'm a sword not a pack animal.

[He'll wait until she catches up, more than ready to escort as long as he isn't being ridden.]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

!!!

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-20 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Her gasp is audible even at a distance and soon after she runs right up to him to catch up.]

You! You're another one of those swordboys?! Which one, which one???
helmsplitter: (tereru)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-20 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Okay what. That is the weirdest reaction he's had so far to him saying he's a sword and he had someone try to convince him a baby was his since coming here.

He leans back a little when the stranger rushes him.
]

...Doudanuki Masakuni...?

[That came out as a question mostly because he's 4000% unsure about this lady now.]

Why? Who're you?
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-20 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
...eh?

[Usually she knows her history (her Japanese history anyway) even down to swords and who owned them, but...

Thinking about it...
]

Hold on. Weren't those just a bunch of mass produced swords? ...who did you belong to?
helmsplitter: (sunao janai)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-22 02:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[He didn't get an answer to his question and now he's even more curious.]

Yeah, we were. So if you know that, then you should know askin' me who my master was is a pretty complicated answer.

[Does he name off all the famous people who owned him? The samurai who received him for battles, but later sold him off? The nameless fighters or the decorated war heroes? The teachers or the collectors? The museums or the kilns?]

Besides, you still haven't told me who you are.
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-22 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[She keeps thinking of these sword guys in the context of heroic spirits, which doesn't really translate well. Hence the confusion.

But hey, if even a line of swords can become human, she'll just accept it and move on. For now:
]

Hm? Oh, right. Well, that should be obvious - I'm the world famous daimyo, Nobunaga Oda, demon king of the sixth heaven.
helmsplitter: (jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-22 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Oda Nobu--

[Wait. But this is a woman? He thought - and is pretty sure that - Oda was a man. One his original lord fought to avenge along with his relative, Hideyoshi. Granted this was all before Doudanuki had come to be in Kato Kiyomasa's arsenal, but still??

Well, he shouldn't be rude so he can't just stare at her. But he also can't quite wrap his head around this thing, so give him a moment.
]

.... When did you become a woman?
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-22 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmph. It's not that I "became" a woman, I simply am one. That this Nobunaga before you always was a woman. Things differ in other universes you aren't familiar with - perhaps out there, there's a male Nobunaga conversing with a Doudanuki-chan right now.

[At least he didn't outright refuse her.

That's when she makes threats.
]
helmsplitter: (you don't say)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-23 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[He doesn't quite understand the whole "universe" thing, but if this Nobunaga has always been a woman, who is he to question. Sworda didn't have a gender after all, so while he knows humans really should, he can't exactly say that one human has to be one gender or another.

He shrugs and nods. That explanation seems completely legit.
]

I guess, but even if I manifested in a female body, I'd probably not wanna be called "chan." We're warriors regardless of our physical forms.

So you're Hasebe's former master, huh? [And the one Souza wanted to straight up murderize.]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-23 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[she'll call you dou-chan if she wants and you'll like it!!!

but anyway...she perks up considerably at the mention of her sword, nodding.
]

Ufufu...that's right. It's honestly a shame - he was in my care just before I arrived here, but they took him from me along with everything else.

Although I never thought he'd become some kind of tsukumogami. I'd much prefer having that Hasebe around instead...not that he hasn't served me well as a sword, either.

[She assumes by former he just means, y'know, when she died.

But she took him with her as a heroic spirit, even if he lacked any kind of special powers or use beyond being a sword, compared to her rifles.
]
helmsplitter: (sighing so hard)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-23 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[He will stab you in the face if he gets called "dou-chan", Nobunaga. It's bad enough having to deal with Jiroutachi.

But ah, it seems that this Nobunaga still has Hasebe which means she's still alive(?) before coming here. Best to clam up on that bit of history, which is why he's suddenly very glad he didn't say anything about his first and greatest master, Kato Kiyomasa. Since, you know, he was part of the whole "Go stab Akechi in the face for betraying Nobunaga" crew. Time to gloss right over that little tidbit.
]

He's a good sword. Sorry to hear he ain't with you right now. Would've been nice to see him again since there's so few of us here.

Have you met him? As a tsukumogami, I mean.
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-23 02:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Just once...but it was in a dream.

[Apparently...

It makes more sense in the context of tdm stuff, but lacking that knowledge, to everyone it just seems like some kind of vague dream that's hard to really recollect.

But if there's one detail of that experience she could never forget, it was being reunited with Hasebe. She'd even talked to someone about it right after she woke up.

All she really remembers is...

"But I let go of you once before and you were gone...if I do this time, are you going to leave me again...?"

...she can't remember the last time she's woken up so disappointed.
]

He's very handsome, just as I knew he'd be. I wish he were really here, though...not that I'm complaining about Makara's sword, he's very spirited. And that monkey's tantou is cute, but...

[Her swords are the best swords ever so.]
helmsplitter: (not like i care)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-24 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah, so not here then. Although it seems odd that Nobunaga would know how Hasebe looked, it could just be a coincidence and they have totally different ideas of how the sword presented. He did belong to Nobunaga after all. Maybe their bond was strong enough.]

You don't have to make excuses. He's your sword.

[Doudanuki shrugs. He knows some masters became very attached to their weapons. He's never had that experience really, but he's seen enough of his comrades being obsessed with former masters to know that it happens.]

Any good master would want their own sword, regardless of what other weapons they had.
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (3)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-25 06:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Ufufu...that's right. The bond between a woman and her sword is exactly that!

[Or something.]

Although speaking of which, you never did say...did you belong to anyone notable? Or are you...all of those swords? How does that work?
helmsplitter: (so tired of this)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-26 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Or something like that sure.

Doudanuki did a vague hands gesture and shrugs. Ugh breaking timelines is against the rules, even here. Although he's impressed that a human figured out that he could be the spirit of all of his line so quickly.
]

I'm all of them at once. We got this connection in our heads, so even if one of us is at a different place, we can still feel and talk to each other. Shared experiences, stuff like that.

[Although now that connection is completely severed. He's never really been on his own before. It's confusing and weird, but he has to deal with it as best he can.]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (Default)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-26 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I see...that sort of fragmented existence sounds pretty troublesome. But I suppose you must put up with it well enough?

[More of a question because, well, honestly...she doesn't know. Maybe being a million different people fucking sucks.]

Still I must say, I really don't know much about you tsukumogami after all. Someone like you definitely wouldn't qualify as a heroic spirit, so my comparison was misguided all along it seems.
helmsplitter: (huh? oh ok)

[personal profile] helmsplitter 2016-09-27 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
[He shrugs again because he's never known an existence that wasn't like this. He's always had the others in his head, just as he's always been in their heads. They've always been together, with a mishmash of things in their memories. It's actually harder here, where it's quiet and there's no one he feels he can connect to anymore.

Not that he has to say any of that to anyone EVER of course.
]

Yeah, guess I do... It's not so bad, really.

[But wait. Heroic spirit? Isn't that--]

...So you're like Hakuno? Fighting in that war thing for the cup or something?
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (3)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-09-27 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
So you met with Hakuno, huh? Well, it's true we both participated in a grail war, but we're not quite alike.

A servant such as I would be summoned on behalf of a master like her. She would provide support whereas I would be the one doing the fighting.

[Not that Hakuno ever had to deal with Nobunaga as a servant.

But it wouldn't be much worse than Gilgamesh.
]

Although between you and me, I never wanted the grail to begin with. So once I got it, I just blew it up.