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

[babbylon]

I don't want to die.

[I don't want to die.]

I don't want to die...

[Delusional, delirious, these are the only words that leave Gilgamesh for quite some time. He'd nearly resigned himself to the void, and now that he's been forcibly pulled from it, he's shaking and shuddering and regretting everything that's happened up until now. So much for the great King of Heroes, cheering his comrades on, assuring them of victory; now, it feels only like defeat. He hunches on his side and curls in on himself and ignores all else around him.

Until he catches sight of that face. Forever unchanging, forever distant, eyes that will always be so faraway, looking down upon him. Gilgamesh reaches blindly for his hand. He hacks up ocean water in his lungs. Through the rain and the fog, he remembers. He calls out:]

Setsuna.

[Without thinking, he calls him such—]

My knight.

[—and thus betrays everything he ever stood for, the King who had no need of vassals, until he lost the power that set him above them all.]

[quaria]

[ Is... this the first time? Setsuna's seemingly soulless visage continues to exist in silence. Yes, this is the first time that Gilgamesh openly admitted it to him, the words that only those frightened eyes were able to say during that winter. Now, he has met with them again... With an undesired honesty, forced out after the King nearly felt the kiss of death. Thinking over his epic once more, Setsuna has now come to understand why his King is sinking against these grayed sands. He doesn't say anything about it however, knowing that it is never easy to face a weakness. It is enough to feel and remember it.

It is all right now. It's going to be okay now. Setsuna lower his eyes, long lashes lacing underneath. He still has not let go, and he will not until Gilgamesh regains sense of himself. Right now, he understands that this person needs. He embraces him, to allow a shared mana flow — without denying the address as well, an indication that he has accepted that title. But rather than a mere title, he would instead see it as a sense of purpose, a sense of the buried emotions that he can never bring out. Yes, he is the King's Knight. He will continue to be, just as his warmth would never fade. He will keep living on, and as long as he does, he will protect those around him. He will not allow himself to fail again, if he could ever help it. No matter how many times, he will fight on and make this clear to anyone.

His body that only knows fighting... Right now, he wants to stand up and return to the battlefield. But his heart that yearns mutual understanding, he wants to stay right here. He knows what he must do first, and so he will remain until the King is ready to fight with him once more. Shifting the King in his arms, he angles him more comfortably so he wouldn't be facing the ground. Instead, he makes him face up. As he should be doing. And so, he continues to stare... Gently, as if the wind deceptively weakened in that instance, his hand ghosts against the King's cheek. ]

I am here, and so... are you.

[ We are still living on. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh will hate himself for this later, swear he never said such a thing. For how could a King who walked alone have someone sworn to his service, have any comrades at all? He wrestled with it to this day, how he's grown so fond of others in just a relatively short stay. How he's come to understand and be understood in turn. It's not right. It's not proper. He should be shutting himself off, not reaching out.

But it's hard when everything around you encourages it. When people push and prod and won't leave you be. When even holding hands feels so wonderful, due to magic in the world he can't control. He hates himself, but more likely than not, nothing will change. It will only get worse. He will only continue to forget the garden left behind and seek another, where he may enjoy the beautiful flowers together rather than look upon their withered petals with disgust.

Flowers...

The memory of flowers, in a vast field like a rainbow, brings him back to reality. He sits up when directed. He leans into the hand that touches him. He weaves fingers around. I am here, and so are you. Yes, that's right, isn't it? Regardless of what this man is or isn't to him, he speaks the truth. And he hears what isn't said, we are still living on, and that makes all the difference. So he declares:]

I am alive.

[And thus the will seeps back into his body, all at once. His King has returned.]

[quaria]

[ That kind of strength... It suits you much better. An unsaid ease surround Setsuna after witnessing the King's familiar stature return. His expression lightens, although a reminiscent sadness linger as well. Through this evening's war, he is able to realize it again; the King lives on with that will, a solitary entity that refuses all. It's a little strange to him, as someone who is not accepted by his own world. Why would anyone wish such a burden upon themselves?

Although Setsuna asks, he actually understands it. A King who doesn't seek acknowledgement, and a Knight who is not acknowledged at all — their situations are different, but their feelings are similar... They both accepted such heave, because it is what it is. It is simply easier. No matter how they wish otherwise, it will only be foolish to reach for it. Neither of them would want to be hurt anymore. No one wants to be. However, it is true that it is too much at times. Sometimes, there's simply no way to resist their buried feelings. It's even harder to go against it, in a world where mana — no, life itself, flows through another's touch.

Setsuna's head lowers. It lowers until his eyes fall hidden. But it was only for a minute. With quick movement, he launches his arms forward to slam the King's back against the grayed sands underneath them. He would have done a full-fledged overhead suplex, though his knees refuse to stand just yet. So against this ground, he settles his forehead against the King's chest, his free hand curling into a fist to beat against it in a futile manner. Idiot. Idiot, idiot, idiot. Why did you succumb to their pathetic spells so easily? Why did you nearly give in to death? Why didn't you listen to me? Are you trying to leave, too?

There are no words that come out of him, but as always... Always, his questions run through his mind endlessly as his own chest tightens. You said you would also fight on to live! ]

[babbylon]

[You are so beautiful, he wants to say; how could it be that you will not accept my love? He wants him now more than ever, so grief-stricken, so lost. Wants what he tried to have in the field of flowers but was denied. Wants what he tried to make happen over boxes and a bed, but was ignored. Gilgamesh vowed never to speak of it again, but he thinks of it still. What could be, if he just pushed a little harder, if he just coaxed him a little bit more...

There's no time to think much further on it, though. He's shoved into the ground with shocking strength, and he gasps, the very breath stolen from him. And then Setsuna starts pounding away, and Gilgamesh wriggles in protest, no, no, stop, until he realizes Setsuna means him no harm at all. He's frustrated. He's infuriated. He's sad. And this was the only way he knew to express it, because words came so seldom to him or else not at all. Gilgamesh has been with him long enough to know what what the fists mean, though. He knows what Setsuna screams in his heart without ever opening his mouth.

He claims Setsuna's hands with his own and holds them tight, sitting up.]

I am alive, and so I remain. Do you see me running? Do you see me giving up? What sort of King would I be, to throw it all away, to abandon you?

[And, speaking in his own language, Gilgamesh makes to wrestle Setsuna to the ground instead. To get him on his back, to get him reeling.]

You believe in me! Say that it is so! Tell me I will never be anything less than great and glorious, to earn the sword of such a man!

[So it comes down to this. Those who fight, will fight, in order to understand each other.]

[quaria]

[ Apart from momentary surprise resulting from the shift of positions, Setsuna remains with a blank expression, not unlike of a doll incapable of emotion. The heave inside of him hasn't caught up, so that dullness continues on; but it changes the moment the King compels him with a powerful tone. Those dim eyes of his then widen, hints of gold buried within glow against the darkness. The King's voice resounds against his heart, indicating his presence and his life... Yes, he is indeed alive.

Setsuna didn't fail this time. No longer like that time where he failed to save someone significant to him, where he was so close yet he couldn't make it at all... That painful scene where a agonizing, fiery explosion spreads its red sparks through the endless space. And all he could do was stare... Stare, as the forgotten tears in his eyes return to him. But it isn't like that anymore. He made it this time. Right now, the King is making it known to him. He's still here. He hasn't left. He hasn't given up. He will still fight by his side...

A blink, finally. Setsuna's frozen eyes blink once, more than enough to return life in them. They soften, and although he still isn't saying anything yet nor is he shedding tears — the rainfall above them trails down, making it seem as if he is. He's able to convince this King to stand up again. As he lies against the ground, he moves his sight up, observing Gilgamesh in his full glory. ]

... I do not know the meaning of what is "great" or what is "glorious." But I do understand something else. [ Indeed... You shine the most if you are like this, ] That is, I like you the most if you are fighting by my side.

[ Because through their fighting spirits, their feelings will always be known more clearly than words could ever express... Especially to someone who only knows the life within a battlefield. Setsuna likes this side of Gilgamesh, that willingness to fight alongside him as they reach out to survive together. ]

[babbylon]

To know me is to know the meaning of great and glorious.

[So yes, if Setsuna needed the extra bit of convincing, that forlorn Gilgamesh who nearly perished beneath the waves was no more. He had drowned, but in his place, Gilgamesh's true and everlasting nature reigned supreme. And he reigns over Setsuna, like a proper King, like a beast lording itself before those who would foolishly seek to challenge it. He hesitates no longer; there's no time for it, and there's no space in his heart or in his mind that darkness might occupy. Not for more than a moment.

Gilgamesh stands first. He extends his hand outward to Setsuna, and even in this miserable rain and thunder, he shines bright as a sun. That was the power of the King, the power even Enprise could not take away from him. The power of endless charisma that could move mountains, inspire armies, or even just one person to victory. He channels that power now and lends it to Setsuna. That is what it means to fight with Gilgamesh: indeed, neither behind nor ahead, but at his side.

For a man who purports to have no equals, Gilgamesh regards him like one now. Or maybe it's more like someone he can finally call comrade, and mean it.]

No more of this misery, then. Now, we fight.

[By the way, Setsuna... now's a good a time as any to finish that suplexing you started.]

[quaria]

Hm.

[ Big words. But that too suits Gilgamesh just fine. However, no matter what, the King is merely choosing to bury what happened. Setsuna wants reassurance that this will not happen again. Knowing the formerly unsaid truth, he will not forget what this King of his finally admitted to him not long ago. Perhaps that too will remain buried; though, Setsuna will not mind. He will not mind at all, as long as Gilgamesh will not forget what is important.

Succumbing to a weakness is one thing, it isn't as if that is a completely wrong thing to do. No, rather — it is succumbing to death that is an entirely different matter. Setsuna will not have that, nor will he allow any of his comrades to give in to it. Facing it once is more than enough. He will not let it happen anymore... That is probably an impossible thought, but he wants to believe in himself. He will not allow the worst possible outcome, as long as he can fight...!

So, King... Don't dare admit that status of great and glorious, not as long as: ]

Before I would acknowledge such, I want to make it clear, King.

[ Raising a hand gently, almost elegantly, Setsuna takes hold of and accepts the King's own. The young Meister grips it protectively, and again, that strong hold returns. He stands up without waiting for the King to pull him up. He propels himself up without anyone's support. And, it happens; he isn't stopping, continuing to shift forward in an overwhelming movement that chains into a full embrace. His arms surround Gilgamesh but that soft moment doesn't last; he lifts him before executing a true overhead arc, bashing the King against the sands in a real suplex this time around.

He doesn't wait for a reaction. He does hold his strength back as well, only intending the gesture as an awakening. As long as the impact hits his King's heart, then it's good enough for him. He straightens up afterwards, then begins to walk on ahead without looking back. ]

Never forget that ever again.

[ To never forget him, that he will not abandon him either. Didn't they make it clear back then? ... That they have a treasure that cannot ever be stolen by anyone else. But most of all, to never forget to live on. That's why Gilgamesh shouldn't ever dare to forget, but that's all right with Setsuna too. Because he will always come and remind him, no matter how many times. ]

[babbylon]

Hm...?

[And Gilgamesh never even saw it coming.

Now, let's rewind: physically, Setsuna was no slouch. He was absolutely capable of great feats and, from what little he'd pieced together of the man's past, he knew he'd done great harm to others before. Killed before, even, and likely with the sort of mercilessness that might put Servants to shame. From a logical perspective, this sort of response made sense. He should've expected it at some point from Setsuna and that he didn't just goes to show how much he's let his guard down against his better judgment.

But though it undoubtedly made sense, Gilgamesh just can't reconcile what was happening now and what was just happening before. It's like everything happens in slow motion and he's been caught in the middle. His entire frame lurches, puts up natural resistance, but it's no good at all. He just sort of... gives into it, like a buried sense of instinct tells him to. Like his body realizes before his mind that this was meant to be, so it will be.

So he doesn't get angry. He does, however...]

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[...scream. Very, very loudly. And he keeps screaming even after he's been hammered into the sand, after any pain has rescinded, and after Setsuna has walked off.]

Wh... wh... wh... no, wait! Wait, damn you! This sort of violent romancing, it's too much! I can hardly stand it! Is that like a proposal in your culture? It is, isn't it?! Let me embrace you in return! Setsuna! SETSUNA! Were you deceiving me before, you cretin, I cannot even believe you'd turn your back...!

[Well, Gilgamesh has been taught a lesson, alright. Just what he was supposed to be learning, he's not quite sure, but he certainly won't dare to forget it.]