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

3

[interchained]

[While walking along the shore like many of the heroes that remained on the island, Gilbert spots a familiar bush of pink hair near the shoreline and rushes forward to check on the person who he suspects to be Kaede. The lantern he has been holding all this time lights up her face when he crouches down next to her.]

Does it hurt anywhere? I'll take you somewhere safe.

[long_live_the_queen]

[The light in her face and the pain in her torso combined to make her flighty; the horned woman squeaked oddly ("nyu!") and scrambled backwards, though she couldn't get very far before the ache reasserted itself.

There wasn't any recognition in her eyes. Maybe the lantern was too bright?]

[interchained]

[Dumbfounded, Gilbert watched her for a moment before he followed, leaving the lantern behind.]

Damn, don't move around so much when you're injured!

[What's with the squeak, he wondered. Did it hurt that much? He could take care of minor injuries, but he doubted it would be enough.]

I bet you rushed forward without waiting for the others again...should I carry you?

[long_live_the_queen]

Nyu!

[She stiffened and inched back a tiny bit more before whatever...sound that was supposed to be ended in a wheeze. If she just breathed shallowly it didn't hurt so much, but running off would be difficult—

He wasn't...attacking, though. And didn't look like he was going to hurt her. Maybe he was okay?]

I—did? [A beat.] You can?

[interchained]

I wouldn't be surprised if you did, honestly.

[Something about her was off...to put it mildly. Maybe it was some kind of a shock? He couldn't tell.]

Yes. And in case you'd like to give me a I can walk on my own speech, just give it up.

[With a quiet sigh, Gilbert turned his back on her, still crouching down so it would be easier for her to get on.]

[long_live_the_queen]

Um.

[She hesitates, but for a different reason this time.]

I still don't...know who you are. Or where this is. Or-

[Or why she was on a shoreline again, why she was scrubbing sand out of a jacket that wasn't hers, why there was distant and strange sounding thunder behind her.

Maybe...maybe she'd put a hand on his shoulder? It was easier to get to her feet, with someone helping.]

[interchained]

You don't know...?

[Did she hit herself on the head? It's a bit too dark but he's more or less sure that it isn't the case. Well, maybe the enemies did something? Everything's possible.]

I know you, though. Just a bit, but...

[While a detailed explanation may clear things up, Gilbert knows that they shouldn't stay here for too long. Not with those projectiles flying around.]

I'm an ally, this is an island called Graupera and it's dangerous here, so we should get moving. If you want to walk on your own that's alright, too.

[long_live_the_queen]

I...okay.

[Fortunately, her paranoia wasn't nearly as oppressive in this mindset.

Unfortunately, her balance isn't as good right now.

So she kind of collapses on Gilbert's shoulders and wheezes something that sounds like sorry.]

[interchained]

Really, what's happened to you...

[Well, he doesn't really expect to get an answer to that. When she collapses, however, he leans forward to support her.]

It can't be helped, I guess.

[Will she kill him later for that? That's quite likely. But he'd rather give her a chance to kill him later than let her and himself die from an enemy attack.

It's difficult for him too, but Gil grits his teeth and scoops her up from the sand to carry her.]

So you don't remember anything at all?

[long_live_the_queen]

[She made that startled sounding squeak again ("nyu!") when picked up, but she didn't wiggle or struggle away. Her torso folding up like that made her shudder in pain, but she'd live.

Even so, she still voiced a little protest. Not everything had turned all squishy! Just. Most of it. Even her mana felt less immediately obtrusive; a gently warm gossamer presence, rather than an uncomfortably searing heat.]

I remember my name.

[She shifts in place a little, wheezing.]

Everyone calls me Nyu. It's less...confusing.

[interchained]

Nyu?

[Like that squeak, too. Of course, Gilbert doesn't say that out loud.

Not sure if mana exchange will be enough in this case, he decides to hurry up and starts walking as fast as possible.]

Less confusing? I don't think so...say, don't you have a twin sister Kaede or something?

[This sounds like a reasonable explanation.]

[long_live_the_queen]

No. It's...complicated.

[She frowns, trying to puzzle out a way to explain this while leaning her head against his chest to take some of the effort out of holding her head up.]

That's...my name, too. My other self. She's asleep now.

[interchained]

[Yikes. He tries no to blush and obviously fails but for that one time he can probably get away with it, given how dark is it out there.]

Other self...

[Gil takes that surprisingly well; no shrieking, no gasping, no weird expressions. Well, maybe the fact that his master was hosting someone else in his body helped.]

A-Alright, I get it. I just hope you two don't share memories or anything...

[That would be...really bad.]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Nyu doesn't realize how awkward she's made this situation, as usual. She even shook her head.]

No. She doesn't remember what I do. And I don't remember what she does, unless someone says so.

[Oh, oh, idea!]

If you tell her you saved me—us, she won't hurt you.

[Just be eternally salty.]

[interchained]

[It's better that at least one of them is blissfully unaware. Hey, at least Gilbert seems to speed up a bit.]

It's just as my master's...

[He shakes his head, this isn't that important right now.]

Are you sure, though...you know, she's got a temper...

[Gulp. Maybe he shouldn't say such things.]

lmao what is that icon

[long_live_the_queen]

Nyu?

[She briefly frowned, looking up at him quizzically. The frown smoothed away soon enough, to a more thoughtful expression.]

She's...not the best person. But she'll listen.

[Hopefully.]

that's him 99% of the time tbh...ok, i'm being unfair, 98% maybe

[interchained]

[He almost snapped at her with a "Don't nyu me!", but restrained himself in the end. His life was on the stake, after all...]

Look, I'm not judging her or anything... [Your cowardice is showing, Gilbert.] But if you say so.

[Emergency medical shelters shouldn't be too far away, so they should reach them in a few minutes. Given that nothing or nobody wouldn't interrupt them.]

We should arrive soon, I hope the healers aren't too busy...

[long_live_the_queen]

[Nyu bobbed her head a little, looking off speculatively into the fog-shrouded distance.

Some dark shapes stumbled around a rocky outcrop; two beaten-about Noir soldiers supporting a third. Only one seems to have a weapon; some kind of spear, which he's using more as a walking stick than a polearm.

She couldn't stop herself from making an inquisitive noise.]

Nyu?

[She claps her hands over her mouth, but it's too late; the sound's alerted the Noir soldiers, and they turn to face them with a shout.]

[interchained]

[He noticed them as well, but it was way too late—Nyu already squeaked and drew their attention to them.]

Ah, shit...

[They were already pointing at them. That was when Gilbert realized they weren't unarmed, except for that one soldier with a spear. While he was about to put her down on the sand, Gilbert murmured:]

I'll take care of them fast, you just stay here and don't move. It may be bad for your wounds.

[long_live_the_queen]

[Nyu squeaked—again—when she plopped down onto the sand. Before Gilbert completely let go, however, her mana started to change—feeling warmer and less comfortable by the second, like a reigniting fire.

Her personality was still the same, though. And more than slightly panicked now. She'd definitely gotten the idea that those were soldiers and that they didn't like them, given how one of the soldiers was threateningly jabbing a spear at them.]

What—what are you going to do?

[interchained]

[Somehow, Gilbert was surprised by the question. Wasn't it obvious?]

Kill them. What else?

[Maybe it wasn't the most delicate way to put it, but well...it was basically it. Not to mention that in this war it was to kill or be killed, Noir had proved that a few times before.]

Look away or close your eyes if you don't want to look.

[After that piece of advice, he started to walk, leaving her behind for the time being.]

1/2

[long_live_the_queen]

Nyu?!

[Gilbert wasn't the only one so surprised. Nyu's breath hitched, causing an immediate spike of pain in her chest.]

Wha—wait, stop-!

[The gathering, burning mana intensified sharpy as Nyu squeezed her eyes shut-]

2/2

[long_live_the_queen]

Stop!

[When she opened them again, a different person was looking out of them, if only for a moment. She lurched and staggered forwards, grabbing onto Gilbert's arm to drag herself up. Her touch almost burned, as if from a fever, and the brief exchange seemed to trigger the malformed, instinctive spell.

The gathering mana pulsed, forming itself into a wheel of rapidly expanding, poorly-controlled fire. It sent the soldiers recoiling back, shouting, and with the scent of scorching cloth.

The next pulse would hit harder—but getting up so suddenly was a terrible idea. The flames flickered and sputtered out as their caster doubled over in a fit of wheezes and pain.]

[interchained]

[Maybe if he had known what would have happened next, Gilbert wouldn't have told her that. It was too late, far too late for that when he felt her hand on his arm. Something was coming and he realized that after seeing the concentrated mana, but before he could ask anything—

Did she just send them flying with her fire?]

Damn, stop it! Are you insane?!

[He didn't really want nor need to hear the answer and just pulled out his gun.]

Stay here! And do as I tell you!

[He had a death wish.]

hello did someone ask for a random bystander... just kidding, he's never just a bystander

[houndumb]

Argh! Who did that?!

[The screech is coming from a little farther off by the soldiers, distinctly not in Chernovian or with any type of Noir accent, and the source is also clad in a familiar-looking uniform that isn't very white anymore at all. Actually, it may be slightly on fire.... whoops.

Look, Nora was just taking a (rained on, mildly blown up and kind of lost) stroll on the beach, picking off Noir soldiers almost for sport whenever he happened upon them, and now you've gone and set him on fire. Thanks a lot, Kaede.

If Gilbert is approaching the soldiers, he probably enters a bizarre scene in which a white-haired boy who is on fire tackles one or two of the soldiers into the surf and rolls around trying to use them as a fire blanket or some shit. Or maybe he's just looking for someone to take his burns out on.....]