WAR ♞ BATTLE OF GRAUPERA

[boardmaster]

BATTLE OF GRAUPERA
16 APRIL (LATHYRA) 2016

It is a dark and stormy night; the rain falls in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it is checked by a violent gust of wind —

Not exactly. The rain is still light, but the suns are well below the horizon when the Airy leaves Graupera, setting the stage for Blanc and Noir’s first battle in two hundred years. The weatherman says showers will turn into storms later in the evening, but he doesn’t warn for the milky fog that will soon blanket Capablancan seas. The light from your ships, the lighthouse and the fortress walls serve as our Heroes’ only guide...

The same sleeping bat with sugar powdered around the corners of its mouth hangs from one of the ship’s masts until Commander Lisbrand arrives.

Lisbrand As I’m sure you’re all aware, Noir intends to take us by sea: Capablanca is a key strategic location for launching an attack on the coast. Should Noir capture Graupera, there’s no telling how far they’ll advance with their next move. You will be fighting not just to defend Capablanca, but Caissa as well. I trust you will all perform as well during the battle as you did during preparations. Blanc’s fleet will be standing by to absorb the task force into its ranks; I expect you’ve all completed what naval training was available to you at this point. [ a swift but beady eye is cast over the recruits ] You will need every last bit of it. [ picks up a pen and chucks it with deadly precision at the bat on the ceiling. ]

Verdoni [ immediately casts a wing forward to deflect the dangerous pen on time. then, he drops to the floor and transforms, wiping his mouth with his handkerchief. it’s warm. ] I suppose I need not remind you all of the weather conditions. Noir will enter Blanc territory with the storm, so brace yourselves. I will not lie — Noir has a significant advantage over us in this weather. Expect them to turn the elements in their favor and use lightning, water, and wind magic against you, your crew, and your ship. As most of you here will recall, Noir does not fight fair. They will use every tactic in and out of the book in order to destroy anything that stands in their way. It might do you well to remain alert at all times and to prepare for any scenario. So long as each Hero’s crew focuses on protecting their respective ship, you should be able to hinder their advance. Should the worst come to pass, retreat to the nearest allied ship or make your way to the shoreline to reinforce the last line of defense.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ Preparation
Only fools rush into battle! In preparing for war, the first step should always be protecting yourself. As such, Heroes will need to mount barrier generators that convert distilled water into large spherical barriers of pure mana on all ships. They will also need to calibrate the ones installed at Fort Graupera. Be sure to stock water by the barrel. When the enemy’s artillery fire hits these mana barriers, the blows as well as any shrapnel will be dispersed and dissipate in the air. Use them wisely; while the barrier is active, the ship will be unable to move and nothing can enter or leave the barrier. The ships also need to be stocked with ammunition, healing supplies such as potions, spare parts and other materials for repairs on the water. No one wants a leaky ship, right?

Once that’s done, get to know your teammates! Meet up with them at your assigned ship and use this time to get acquainted with each other's strengths and weaknesses, discuss plans, and figure out the roles assigned to you. The knowledge might come in handy in the coming hours…

All Heroes assigned to a crew are required to fight on the deck. The soldiers won’t be pleased to discover someone hiding in the ship’s hold. You can be a cabin boy or girl and run supplies, but they'll expect them by the truckload! Nobody gets to slack off in war! If you are not assigned to a crew, discuss your battle plans with your allies to tighten the shoreline defense. Those participating in the naval battle will need your assistance to secure Graupera!


TWO ♙ Sailing Into the Storm

Heh, blind as a bat and wet as a rat — that’s them. Wait, what do you mean the Airy's gone already? I bet Lei ran off because he needed to wax his chest. Fine! I got time to spare, so I’m going to kill the rest of you. I can’t wait to see the looks on your faces when I plunge right in...

A ♙ As predicted by Secretary Verdoni, by the time Noir’s fleet is in range, the weather has changed. Heavy fog reduces visiblity to near-zero, and rushing without stumbling is a feat for the brave thanks the mixture of rain and seawater washing over every deck. Thunder rolls in the distance, a messenger of the double-pronged storm advancing on Blanc. Roaring gusts of wind rip and tear at clothes, Carriers, and you! Watch out! Lightweights and those not exercising caution are likely to be blown right overboard.

Especially once Noir starts firing. Wind and lightning whip through the fog and both Coxswains and Heroes on Graupera proper will need to aim and time their barriers just right. Call it too soon and you waste precious resources; miscalculate and the ship and/or the fortress may take damage! If the barrier generator runs out of power, Quartermasters will need to replenish its water supply! But if the machine takes direct damage, it has a chance of exploding in a shower of fire and dangerous ricocheting parts, drastically decreasing your ship’s defense and maybe even knocking holes in the hull! Protect your ship to protect the fortress; the Blanc army can only put out so many fires. Should your ship take a hit, it’s also the Quartermaster's duty to respond accordingly lest the craft turn into a flaming monstrosity. Gunner’s Mates, return enemy fire with cannons and other long-range weapons available in your ship’s arsenal! The mana cannons in particular deal heavy damage, but they drain equally large amounts of mana. There’s no time to wait for your mana to replenish in the middle of a storm, so grab the nearest Hero for some up close and personal refueling!

If you don’t, Noir mages will take this opportunity to gather mana and send spells of tidal waves. And if your barrier’s down by then? Say goodbye to your ship and pray that you remember those swimming lessons. Your allies on land should be able to assist you once you reach the shore. Go ahead and join the shoreline defense; your shipwreck has probably left them with a few more holes in their defense and a few more fires to put out, anyway.

B ♟ The two forces clash! The noise is deafening as shouts from both sides mix with howling of the wind and the crashing of waves. Now that the armies are going head to head, Noir soldiers make use of their landing bridges to board Blanc’s ships! Noir mages simply use water magic to surf or wind magic to jump and do the same. But boarding is when Noir soldiers are vulnerable; make use of your resources and home turf advantage to take them down! They’re not the only ones who can take advantage of nature’s blessings.

Enemy soldiers who successfully board will begin to destroy anything they see. Should the ship be successfully hijacked, Blanc’s soldiers and the Heroes may have no choice but to jump into dangerous waters. Chance of survival is slim: waters are rough and ships are constantly rocking. It’s more than likely you'll be crushed between them or beneath them, Noir soldiers and mages will be taking potshots at you, and the strong currents are sure drag everyone into the depths. Once you’re in the water, you’re as good as dead. You are going to need some help.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Lightning	Immune to None
When these soldiers cry “PERUN!”, run. When they cry “PERUNIKA!”, run faster. These battle cries mean you're about to be zapped by A FEW THOUSAND VOLTS OF LIGHTNING BOLT! The clues and advice left by our surfer friend Antonio, the mayor’s cute butler Charles, and the notorious assassin Black Lightning might help you out here — draw LIGHTNING WARD SYMBOLS to protect you and your allies from lightning damage. WARDS DRAWN BY KINGS are most effective. During battle, you will hear these mages utter other spells you might want to keep in mind: “VELES” is a support spell that summons streams of water. Whoever drinks it will receive a vodka-flavored MAGICAL BOOST! Soldiers like to make a game out of it at parties. “VELESIA” is an offensive water spell that INEBRIATES ITS TARGETS UPON CONTACT. The water it summons possesses a faint alcoholic aroma. It also tastes like vodka. “STRIBOG” is a wind spell that summons a powerful wyvern-shaped whirlwind that can hurl people overboard, destroy ship structures, and even send ships off course!

Noir’s bridges were a good idea, but ideas are meant to be stolen. Use them to move to an ally’s ship if your fellow Heroes and soldiers are in need of support, especially if Heroes have been knocked out or hurled off. The injured can be transported to safety on the backup ship, but beware of Noir soldiers chasing you down! They're as persistent as a rash.


THREE ♙ Crashing Against the Shores
To those who remained on the island or returned from sea, the battle is nothing but alarming lights and frightening shouts in the distance. But that doesn’t mean you can relax. Enemy projectiles that fly past the ships will shake parts of the fortress, and any Noir magic that gets past the naval defense will set any kind of material on fire or blow out chunks of wall, armaments, and you. Use water to make short work of any fires, and remember to reinforce damaged areas, or the fortress will suffer.

Distressed cries fill the air; those watching the naval battle closely will notice crewmembers who have fallen into the ocean. Neither Hero nor Blanc soldier is safe. While they have managed to get away from the main battle, they are now weak, disoriented, and require assistance. Row out in rescue boats to collect and heal the soldiers and your fellow Heroes before they turn into casualties. You may need their help later!

Allies aren’t the only ones reaching the shoreline. Some Noir ships will break through Blanc’s naval formation. If the fortress’ weapons don't take them down, then it’s up to you to take care of the rest. Noir soldiers will disembark and fight Heroes on the shore. Defeat them, destroy their weapons and seize their ships before they lay siege to the fortress! Blanc will thank you for these finely captured contributions to the war effort.

Noir General...? Huh! I just let you rats win! If I didn’t, there’d be no way to find Lei and punch him in the chest later! Give him my kind regards! AND TELL HIM I HIT ON HIS HOT GIRLFRIEND. I think they’re still dating. My intel said they were — [ his voice fades out as the Noir fleet retreats ]

FOUR ♙ Triumph Over the Seas
The thunder of the storm and the blasts of cannons filled the air with deep, resounding booms throughout the battle, but what cuts through the noise is the eruption of roaring cheers from the army that seems to shake the world of Enprise — Blanc has won its first official victory over Noir. The world will know of their triumph. Capablanca celebrates once news reaches the shore; as our Heroes look toward the resort city, they see an entirely different sort of sea — the lights of the city pushing back the night. First in little specks, then in a brilliant flood of color that paints an aurora in the sky: warm, real and bright.

It’s time to go home, Heroes! Or at the very least, back to Capablanca. Dock your ships and then put those sea legs back on dry land. You will be greeted with much enthusiasm from the citizens of the city. Hugs, cheek kisses, more hugs, hand kisses; some even brought pen and paper and are earnestly asking for your autograph. A few forego the paper and make you sign something else entirely. Children swarm in, tugging on uniforms for attention.

The recognition doesn’t end there. As a reward, hotel and resort owners start inviting heroes to stay at their establishments for a few days. For free. Continental breakfast included. Don’t abuse their hospitality or your reputation might suffer. And the freebies don't stop there. Locals also seem to have taken their hero worship to the next level. Small gifts will be given to their favorites. They contain things like pasta, pastries, good luck charms, potions, and even jewelry for Heroes they really like. Someone might even get a “special coupon” for La Coniglietta, a cabaret renowned for its racy shows and voluptuous wererabbit performers and staff.

If you prefer to spend your nights in well-deserved peace and quiet, then you’re always welcome to your new room at the completed Fort Graupera. Time to rest on your laurels, Heroes.

Comments

Team Try Hard (Shin-Ah, Kasen, Maki, Tyrnen)

[twosidedsword]

Pre-Fighting

[twosidedsword]

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki's still studying a book she had found, about the duties of Quartermasters, as well as a primer on naval operations and combat. She's a girl from the modern day who doesn't even have a license yet, she knows almost nothing about any of this. Luckily, she's a fast learner, and can memorize well enough. Port, starboard, mana batteries, rudder control, boardings... she's learning everything she can. It's not like she is much help moving any of the heavy water barrels around given her size, so she's moving on the deck of the rocking ship to study trying to get ready as best she can.

Dressed in her Hero uniform she can't help but think that the short skirt really isn't all that great for the windy deck of a galleon, constantly having to hold down it down with one hand. Over her shoulder as she walks and reads is a bag full of medical supplies and the clinking noise of glasses bottles of potions.

Now to just find her teammates... ]

[path_to_the_world]

[Tyrnen also was reading up on his duties, he didn't know the first thing about Coxswains, or navel battles or even sea fairing vessels. He was also really worried that he was in charge of the ships defenses, it was always something he was lacking in. But, he had to do his best and make sure he could at least figure something out that would work.

Unlike Maki he was in one of the officer cabins with a good pile of books stacked at a table. One was threatening to fall off any moment with the sway of the ship. Most of the books were about navel battles and operations, the others were about magic theory and defense strategies.]

This is too much in too little time.

[He sighed deeply the sound of frustration audible.]

Why did this have to be me?

[liberal_arts]

Because we agreed we'd stick together on our next mission. And our friends Shin-Ah and Nishikino-san were kind enough to join us as well. No backing out, now.

-Kasen chuckled, not at all put off by any of this, even given his own lack of experience in naval battle. How hard could it possibly be? He opened the door to the cabin, waving over at Maki.-

Speaking of... The wind will bother you a bit less in here, I think.

[twosidedsword]

[Crouching off to the side and looking at the floor is Shin-Ah. You know, just booping about while he's waiting for them to set out. Of course, people have walked past him and so on but he's pretty used to that. Background is a good place for him.

Hearing his name, he looks up and over into the cabin. At the mention of the wind, he looked up at the sky.]

Mm.

[It would be quite windy. They'd have to be careful. But at least he has protection for his eyes. That will help.]

[cutiepanther]

[ Seeing Kasen inside waving to her, Maki waves back with a book in her hand, and lugs her bag and things inside with her, letting Kasen close the door behind her. She's been training for a long time now, and she's definitely in good shape for a girl her age, but given the atmosphere on the boat, and thinking about what's coming next, she looks like she could use a bit of time to relax and calm down. ]

Kanesada-san. Monaghan-san. And uh.... Shin-Ah...san? [ Maki nods to each of the males she's found herself with. ]

I-I'm Maki Nishikino. It's nice to meet you. Please take care of me! [ She can't help from being polite, bowing slightly. ]

[path_to_the_world]

I doubt we'll have time to take care of you.

[He pointedly said towards Maki as he plopped the book he currently had open to the side and opened another.]

I don't think I can even take care of myself.

[Though Kasen had a point, there was a promise and he had to grow as best he could. He either had to find a place and how to work in it or... well, failing to do that wasn't really an option.]

[liberal_arts]

Tyrnen, try to be more polite. -Kasen sighed, greeting Shin-Ah and Maki with a bow.-

I trust you all are at least passingly familiar with your duties, by now?

[twosidedsword]

Mm.

[Chatty one. Right here.

Still, Shin-Ah is familiar with what he needs to do. Fight. And make sure they don't have to fight by using those canons there. He can do that at least. He's been practicing so he feels he can manage this.

He has to.]

[cutiepanther]

I-It's an expression... [ She was just being polite as well as she knew how to be, and got that sort of answer back from Tyrnen!! Let's see if Maki gives him any healing when he's bleeding everywhere!

...Of course she will still help she's not a monster.

But she's going to pout plenty while she lays out a picture of the ship onto the table, unscrolling it. There's plenty of things marked down, with labels for the mana barriers, the water stocks, and cannons. She doesn't know what to do with the information, but she wanted to make sure they had it. ]

I-I'll be looking out for the barriers. And helping anyone if they end up hurt. If you need me just call out and I'll see what I can do.

[path_to_the_world]

I wasn't being rude.

[It was a dumb expression. What sort of expression was that anyway? Was it so hard to just say it's nice to meet you' or something?]

I read these books, I still have 5 more that are related. I'm not sure what to make of them though... I feel more training and practice is required. I've never even been on a sea fairing vessel before....

[liberal_arts]

It was rude. -Kasen's tone suggested he didn't want to hear arguments to the contrary.-

Well, while more training would have been lovely, we haven't that luxury.

Fighting

[twosidedsword]

[liberal_arts]

-They'd tried their damndest with the canons, but it was inevitable that they' get boarded, especially with the barrier needing to be recharged. Not that, once more, Kasen seemed particularly worried, but it was clear since the fighting began that this was a different sort of person than the sensitive artist they all knew.-

Present your neck!

-Kasen just barely dodged a lighting bolt, the torrential rain making those spells a bit more difficult to aim, and with two cuts sent a Noir soldier crying out his last, and immediately his sights turned to the next, killing ruthlessly and with frightening efficiency.

He wasn't about to let any of his team come to harm... but they might not be sure what to make of him, any more.-

[path_to_the_world]

[Tyrnen had seen this before, he still wasn't sure what to make of this switch but it wasn't a surprise at this point at least. The important part was to focus on the the enemy soldiers though. He had to be careful of what he tried to do, he didn't want to faint again. Though a few things were different since then he still doubted he had the same amount of stamina as he did back home.

There was a great advantage about being at see, and being in a storm though, his affinity in this world was wind and water. The more there was of it, the stronger the spells for it were. It didn't even take that much effort to increase the wind and rain where their enemies stood, as if the storm had a personal grudge against them instead of our heroes.]

[twosidedsword]

[Shin-Ah's quiet as he rushes from enemy to enemy. He slashes through the enemies and takes them down with ease. They fall and Shin-Ah is left to move onto the next person. His sword might not look refined but it's wicked sharp and he knows how to use it.

He's especially protective of Tyrnen and Maki, sticking close to them to make sure that they don't come to harm. He'd rather take the damage than let it fall to them.]

[cutiepanther]

[ Soaked to the bone in her hero's uniform, Maki just keeps running. Even as her friends are embroiled in the fighting on the deck, she refuses to stop taking care of the shields. She doesn't even know why she is working so hard.. but she continues anyway. She's glad for Shin-Ah's protection though, because keeping the water in the mana barrier generators is not as simple as it seems, especially when she needs to keep moving around the ship.

More problematic is that she sees their own forces being cut down in the ensuing melee, often running to get potions from her medical bag, and bring them to the front line.

Which is where she happens to be as a sword comes slashing straight at her face, causing her to freeze up and scream. ]

Help!!

[path_to_the_world]

[Tyrnen heard the scream and turned just in time to see the enemy soldier attacking Maki. He didn't have time to think, only react. He sent a flurry of wind and water to knock the soldier back, though maki probably got a good chunk of it as well. Aiming well had been less of a concern.]

Stay close!

[liberal_arts]

-It was starting to get a little too wet out here... between the water needed for the barrier, Tyrnen's spells, and the storm itself... Kasen noticed his footing was getting to be a bit poor. They were short on time.-

Shin-Ah! We need to get this boat moving again! Destroy their boarding equipment!

[twosidedsword]

[Looking over at Kasen, he nods. Letting Kasen handle the enemies on board for now, he dodges and slashes through the rest to get to their boarding equipment. His sword is heavy and sharp and Shin-Ah's a powerful warrior himself. With vicious blows, he breaks the equipment to one at a time to send it falling away.

Just a little bit more...just a little bit more...]

[cutiepanther]

[ Somehow Maki keeps on her feet, most likely thanks to her Carrier who is at her side. THe black panther appears to push against her against the force of the magic, so that it's only Maki's attacker who ends up overboard.

After their little thing earlier Maki almost wants to hold a grudge, but there's no way she can, she's too nice deep down. ]

Th-Thanks.... B-But next time try not to send me over too!

[ She can however be as tsun as possible.

But there's still enemies on the deck, and without the heroes backing up the ship's fighters things are not going in their favor. Maki hopes Kasen's idea to destroy the equipment works, but she can't be sure. She wants off this boat right now, but as much as she wants to cry, she knows it won't help. She just has to keep moving, getting to one of the barrels to start to roll it over to one of the barrier generators... ]

[path_to_the_world]

There's not much helping it, if it were my magic from home then it would be different....

[It stung, he didn't have enough control over this new magic and it was really bothering him. Especially now. He had to pick up the slack though, he had to be more useful to the team. Not just... someone who almost knocked another member over.]

I'm going to attack everyone left on the ship, we need to stay away from them though preferably close to me. It will also take several minutes. Can that be worked out?

[liberal_arts]

Well if you're going to do it, do it now! -Especially with the last of the boarding bridges shattered by Shin-Ah falling to the sea. Kasen quickly rushed in to make sure Shin-Ah retreated back to Tyrnen, as well as the other Blanc sailors.-

Now! Cast them out and throw the barrier back up, or they'll fire their cannons! -If Noir couldn't take the ship, they'd just sink it, and there's no way they'd survive a point-blank shot without the barrier.-

[twosidedsword]

[The last of the bridges are shattered and then he runs back. Immediately he runs straight to Maki so he can grab her and then grab hold of something. That way no matter what he can use his own strength to keep her safe from harm. He knows he's bigger and stronger so the least he can do is lend that strength to her.]

Hold onto me.

[He has her. He won't let go. That's what he wants her to know.]