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BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-04-17 04:27 am

WAR ♞ BATTLE OF GRAUPERA

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.

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-04-28 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Okay, mister, she is trying to not be angry, but you've got a really bad attitude about this.] He did not! He was a very effective coxswain and followed my orders exactly!

[She glances out at the horizon, her eye sensors focusing...] It's... too far to be certain, but isn't it that one? The sail configuration looks similar to what we had.

[It's probably very difficult for him to see the one she's pointing to.] --but that's not important! We must get back, or they'll be defenseless! Can you row a boat?
houndumb: (018)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-04-28 08:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Don't worry, Aigis. This is his attitude about everything. Nora just scoffs at her defense, pushing himself reluctantly to his feet when it appears she's actually about to follow his... let's call it advice. For some reason.]

Then it was your orders that were the problem, wasn't it?

[And have we mentioned his attitude about everything? It's probably made worse just now by residual vodka and half an ocean's worth of salt on his person, but still. Cranky and unhelpful as his words are, he's still straining his eyes trying to find whatever sail she's pointing to. If that's a sail at all. Of course...]

... The hell do you mean it's not important?! You just wanna row a stupidly tiny boat into the middle of these waves and magic and cannons without knowing where you're going? Go by yourself!!

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-04-30 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
My orders... my orders were the problem...? [Aigis looks genuinely stricken by his suggestion. This is very upsetting! She averts her eyes, looking down at the beach.

And then back up at the next thing he says.]
Very well, I will. Where is the nearest boat?
houndumb: (034)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-05-01 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
[He does falter a little when it looks like his words actually strike a blow, but since her eyes are averted, he recovers after a moment of double-checking that she hasn't started crying or something. That would just be the cherry on top of the icing on top of the ocean of salt in the sundae of today.]

... Well, if my aim wasn't the problem, and the damn bucket wasn't the problem, who else would be the problem?

[Maybe his roommate, but she wasn't even involved in most of the action-packed shenanigans on board; he's not quite cranky enough to start blaming the support right now; it's mostly grumbling to himself. And Aigis keeps distracting him with her crazy plans:]

Are you serious?? Don't swim up an' start crying if you sink in the first ten minutes! [look, when the reckless shounen protag is side-eyeing you...] --Besides, did you even need a boat in the first place?

[He did not see you arrive on a boat, missy.]

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-05-01 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's trying not to think about the idea that maybe it was her fault. She'd been measuring the distance and timing perfectly, hadn't she? Her internal computer timing was perfect, wasn't it?]

Yes, I need a boat. I cannot swim. If I fall... I will walk back along the ocean floor again.

Will you really not help me? Don't you care what happens to them?
houndumb: (048)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-05-02 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
[He thumbs his nose at your computer clocking, good miss. Eventually, once there's more distance, less magic he can't return to Noir ten times over and more food in his belly he might reflect on his own mistakes (and triumphs, there were those, he will swear by it), but for now Nora's just taking it out on everything around him since. The enemy is kind of way the fuck out there.

He kind of looks between Aigis and the stormy sea a few times, dubiously, like he's trying to figure out how she walked on the ocean floor because like--]

You walked on the bottom of the ocean?? How would you not sink a boat in the first place? [their boat was probably big enough to hold her, but is she really going to float in a rowboat, that's his question here] Besides, we just happened to get assigned to the damn ship. By the time we get there with your plan they could've sunk the entire fleet already.

[... which isn't a yes or a no. Because now he's pacing up and down at the edge of the water, squinting balefully into the rain and not seeing shit.]

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-05-03 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
...well, I may mass several times that of what a human my size might, but if a boat can fit three or four people, it can surely fit me alone, can't it?

[She glances out at the sea, and then back to him.] I'm sorry. I cannot in good conscience remain here while our comrades are fighting.

If you would prefer not to rejoin the battle, I understand. I will not force you to accompany me.
houndumb: (018)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-05-04 10:59 am (UTC)(link)
Who said I wasn't going to fight?! You think I'm just gonna run away?

[First things first: somehow this has turned into fighting about fighting even when Nora was the one arguing against the whole shebang in the first place. It's a talent. Probably. He's still stalking back and forth at the edge of the water like a dog worrying at a bone, alternately glaring at Aigis and glaring back out into the gloom.

Still can't see shit, by the way. Finally, he just throws his hands out at it.]

You know what, if we're going to do this-- [... we?] --we're doing it my way. I'm forcing you to help me! Hurry up!

[... And then he stomps off along the beach. Follow?]
seventhgen: (pic#9999064)

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-05-05 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
Huh? [Well now, Aigis is thoroughly confused. She does, however, follow him.] Please, hold on a moment!

The boat is back that way! Where are we going?
houndumb: (083)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-05-09 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
[It's weirdly satisfying not to be the one chasing or being forced to follow and yell questions for a change. Nora could almost understand why the damn human and Her Royal Hagness had mutually adopted it as a hobby -- but that's a disturbing train of thought, so he doesn't think it.

Instead, he doesn't stop or slow down, and only deigns to answer Aigis after a few minutes of stomping:]

We're gonna find a way to make the boat go faster, or we'll still be floating in circles on the damn ocean at midnight!! I have better things to do!!

[... better things to do than war. Apparently.]
seventhgen: (pic#9953638)

[personal profile] seventhgen 2016-05-11 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
You're... looking for an engine?

We can row it! Surely the two of us have enough manpower to do it on our own!

I'm concerned that we'll waste more time doing this than we'll save--!
houndumb: (042)

[personal profile] houndumb 2016-05-11 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
Why would I be looking for something like that??

[This time, Nora actually stops storming his way along to give Aigis a weird look, as though suggesting an engine for a boat instead of rowing through storm waves is crazy or something. Because he's the best arbiter of crazy, of course.]

I'm not gonna waste any time rowin' in circles with you! [No faith at all, sorry Aigis.] And don't forget, I'm forcing you to help me! You haven't got a choice in this!

[They're being... pretty loud. Probably. Aigis, with her tuned senses, might be able to pick up the sound of something drawing near on the sand -- footsteps, movement, whatever it is, they probably shouldn't be announcing their presence...]
Edited 2016-05-11 08:37 (UTC)