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

if you'd like we can have the kid's parents come back soon! like next tag or sth

[dualitea]

[ Henry nods - it's something that he should have probably realized, but the Heroes as a whole were all out of supplies and he didn't want to burden anyone. If he could get back, he could start working on making some potions according to the notes he'd took back in Caissa.

Getting back might be a problem, though. ]

If you could, that would be amazing. Thank you. [ Yoon is a lot more fit for the task, too. ] I suppose you're right... I hope I'm not inconveniencing you.

[ Is Yoon a healer? Henry doesn't recall seeing him on his section of the battlefront. Maybe he was one of the reservists. ]

works for me!

[tsyoon]

It's fine. Just don't pass out on me. [ Yoon can't carry an unconscious dude, ok... he's not very big! ] Sit down and drink some water. Let's find a bench--

[ He looks around for one, and the little girl helpfully runs ahead when she hears, gesturing them to a sitting area where some other people are resting and eating. Yoon will offer his shoulder if needed but he won't insist if the other Hero doesn't take it, and eventually settles Henry down with a fresh water bottle and a stern reminder to stay put. Apparently, Yoon has little issue with bossing around people he just met. ]

As for you... [ extending a hand toward the child. ] Let's go back to where your parents said to wait. It's not where I came across you and this guy, is it? [ he'd seen her following Henry a ways. ]

its such a good tag! tyty

[dualitea]

[ For the most part, Henry follows Yoon with a resigned but grateful smile. Human interaction helps him to keep awake, and the very fact that he's receiving assistance is enough to sustain that. He nods when the other tells him to stay put and takes the water with thanks, though his eyes are already glancing around at the other Heroes and civilians that are resting as well. He's naturally inconspicuous, so no one has decided to talk to him yet. Or maybe they're just tired.

When Yoon speaks to the girl, she puts a finger to her chin before speaking. ]

Not really... they told me to wait at the fountain with the sailfish statue, but it got really dark. Then Mister came along and i went with him, he said he would watch me while Ma and Pa went to buy supper.

[ The fountain in question isn't too far away from where Henry had been, though. And there might be two people coming up the street right about now... ]

[tsyoon]

Then we should get back to the fountain. [ Yoon scolds, tugging her along by the hand as they chat. ]

You wouldn't want your mother and father to get worried if they couldn't find you, right? I'll wait with you until they come back.

[ As soon as they get to the fountain and he spots the couple coming toward them, Yoon glances down curiously to see if luck has really been so kind. Judging by the girl's happy squeal and the way she tugs her hand out of his, apparently the did make it just in time.

What a relief. He didn't really want to babysit her much longer and leave the other Hero half passed out back there...

Yoon sees the small family off, awkwardly deflecting an annoying amount of thanks and winding up eventually with some freshly baked bread and a couple pieces of fruit from the parents, along with a tight hug from the girl. When they're finally on their way, he rushes back to Henry. ]

Hey, you. Still alive over here? How're you holding up?

[dualitea]

[ Henry's been leaning against the back of the bench, trying to ease his breathing and focus on his body to make certain parts heal faster. He's been able to do it as a Servant, but not now - so it's with some measure of weariness that he answers Yoon: ]

I.. think so. I am not dead. [ Yeah, he's alive. Also, noting the excess things Yoon is carrying, but he figures it's not polite to ask. ] I should be fine with more rest. Unless... have you seen any unoccupied healers on the way here?

[ It's kind of awkward having someone fuss over him, but he'll take it. As long as he doesn't pass out again before he can get to somewhere proper to rest... ]

[tsyoon]

No. We can look for a more magically competent healer soon. [ Yoon sounds grudging, and a little annoyed-- but it's annoyance at his own incompetence, not at Henry. He settles before the bench, setting the bags of food down beside his new charge, and examines Henry's injuries. ]

I have some medicine and bandages with me, and I might be able to dull the pain. [ with the meager bits of magic he's managed to glean... ] How badly are you injured?

[ He'll need a closer look, especially when Henry is fully dressed, but the crutch... ]

[dualitea]

[ Yoon might imply that he's not competent, but to Henry it's more than enough. ]

I sustained quite a lot during the battle, but - another healer closed the deeper ones. I just have some more on my arms and back, the like. [ He's kind of downplaying it, but he figured that he's retained enough of his Servant constitution to tank until he can get home to his backup store. ] They're not too serious, though.

[ He's on a crutch because Edward nearly got his leg broken. He can still walk, but he might need some serious magic to get it fixed. ]

Thank you. Thank you so much.

[tsyoon]

Let me see. You'll need to remove your shirt.

[ Yoon doesn't consider he might want to move first so they're not in the middle of... everything... Whoops. At least he's not yelling at Henry to take his shirt off right now or else. This is a thing that has happened before, but Yoon is more polite to strangers than to Jae-Ha... ]

It's fine. You don't have to thank me. You were out there fighting and the enemy didn't cause more damage thanks to people like you.

[ He gestures at the goodies on the bench. ]

Oh, by the way, the food is thanks from that girl's family. Pretty sure it was meant for you, so it's yours.

[dualitea]

[ There's a moment of hesitation when Yoon tells him to remove his shirt - but it's only momentary, as he's able to understand why. The other is comfortable with it, and sees it as necessary, so as the recipient of the other's ministrations the best he can do is comply. And when Yoon puts it that way, it's something that he can accept. ]

Alright. I apologize again, it's not the best of a sight...

[ His uniform shirt has been slashed through, and coupled with his injuries it takes a bit of time for him to undress. There's the mark of a healed gash wound on the front of his body, but his back is still peppered with slash marks and bruises. With the amount of cuts that he's received, it's only by virtue of his Servant constitution that he's endured. They're not too deep due to his speed, but their number makes up for it. ]

You should take half the share, too. [ Oh yes. ] ... could I have your name?

[tsyoon]

[ Yoon has to agree, but the way that's phrased... He snorts, amused, even as he nudges his impromptu patient around so he can reach the wounds more easily and start washing them with a small towel and the clean water in his bag. ]

That's a stupid thing to apologize for. Of course it's not gonna be the best sight. I've seen worse, though... unfortunately.

[ He works quickly, efficient but not unnecessarily harsh. He doesn't have the supplies to do much out here, but he can at least wipe enough of the dried blood out of the way (careful not to disrupt any clotting the wounds have managed to do) so he can see if anything needs immediate tending and bandaging. He doesn't have many bandages, either...

Yoon hesitates, distracted, and almost doesn't catch the question. He definitely didn't hear about the food. ]

Huh? Oh. It's Yoon. [ Dismissive, like he doesn't think he'll ever see this person again. ]

I don't have enough supplies to really take care of all this, but I can try to slow the bleeding in some places and help you back to an infirmary or the hotel.

[ He feels... really useless. It's not a good feeling. ]

[dualitea]

[ Henry's able to keep his body still while Yoon dabs at his wounds - again, his non-human body takes away the sting somewhat, but there's a significant part of his determination at work in making this as easy for his caretaker as possible. It'd be the most of rudeness to trouble someone who probably has already spent a lot of time doing the same. ]

I... see. Thank you. [ It's a somewhat abrasive answer, but he takes it knowing that Yoon means well. ] I'll repay your kindness the best I can.

[ Even if Yoon thinks they'll just meet once, Henry's determined now to make sure they cross paths again. ]

What you've done is more than enough. I'll be able to make it back - I stored some potions in my room, but I could not bring them with me.

[ Yoon's support, more than anything else, gives him strength. ]