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

[sediments]

[ Looks like they're not about to walk out of this without any friction between them. Bolin makes a step forward toward the blond carefully, trying to figure out what he means by the statement. Maybe he's just really keen on doing his duty? And protecting the people? ]

Who cares about killing? [ Well, Bolin's pretty blunt. ] Noir's on their last legs—they don't stand a chance.

[ He frowns, gaze cutting away to see if he can't spot the light of one of their Kings. ]

I guess it's a good thing you're so devoted, but.

[mirrorsided]

[ He doesn't reply immediately, still breathing heavily. He knows he's not going to be able to front for much longer, what with Henry trying to knock him out with his own willpower - but he's stubborn, and he wants the last word in. ]

That's the point! They don't stand a chance. If we wipe 'em out, they'll never come back. [ That's not really true, but that's what matters to him right now. And then he stops looking at Bolin now, instead shifting his head so that he's looking at blank air with an expression that suggests that he's talking to someone else invisible: ] That's what you want, isn't it?

[ No! You idiot!

Edward seems to make a move towards the downed soldier, but before he can even take two steps he convulses and doubles over as a bright white light blots out his entire form. ]

[dualitea]

[ Before the light fades, there's the sound of someone falling to their knees - and when it does fade, it seems that that was exactly what had happened. Edward (?) is now on the sand, his face in his hands, shivering. He attempts to straighten up, but doesn't manage it exactly, swaying while standing upright and holding his knife close to his chest.

If Bolin catches sight of his face, he would notice that his eyes are now green instead of red, and his expression is a far cry from the determined madness of before. He's in a lot of pain.

Henry is still trying to adjust to the sudden shock of his injuries into his perception, so he'll stay silent for now. ]

[sediments]

[ Did Edward just evolve??

Bolin just watches the display with wide eyes, feeling like there's some Avatar level stuff going on in front of him. For a second he thinks that the other is just going to explode, and he takes half a step back before the light settles and Henry is left kneeling on the ground.

Whatever concern that Bolin had previously just increases then, and he just hurrying forward to crouch by the blonde's side, pulling a careful hand on his shoulder. ]

What happened?! [ Only then does the possibility of enemy magic occur to him. ] Are you okay?

[dualitea]

[ MAYBE???

He flinches at Bolin's touch, but it's only out of reflex - quickly straightening up again and willing himself to stay still. The first shock of pain is never pleasant, but this is not the first time it has happened. He just needs time, time to adjust and dull it by force of willpower alone...

Heh heh. That's what you brought on yourself...

With time, his breathing slows, and he's able to speak. ]

I... I'm sorry. For him. [ Edward. ] Do you know... if we can find a healer, nearby? I-I'll live, but I'm not sure if I can fight, again...

[ He doesn't even know where to start apologizing to this youth, especially with how kind he had been to his other persona. If only he could clear his thoughts, then maybe it'd be possible... ]

[sediments]

[ "For him"??

Bolin doesn't really know what the other man is talking about, but he's not really concerned about it. It's not as though the sudden shift in his demeanour has escaped Bolin, but he's assuming it's just the cloud of anger and adrenaline passing. Or something.

Regardless of how Henry flinches away however, the earthbender winds a determined arm around his shoulders to help support him. ]

Yeah, there should be one close by. Can you walk? I can carry you on my back if you can't.

[ Thank goodness, years of constant fighting had built up his stamina, or he'd really be in no position to be making an offer like that at the tail end of a battle. ]

[dualitea]

[ That's not false, but at the same time it's not really true either. They are two people in one body, existing in a fragile balance as easily broken as it is fixed. ]

Thank you. I think - I can. Just slowly...

[ Willing strength back into his limbs, he stumbles upright and readies himself to walk. ]

Please, let me apologize, for before. { Sure, Edward didn't try to claw Bolin's face off, but that was because Henry had been actively trying to rein him in. ] We are two people, in one body. I apologize for his abrasiveness, please do not take it too hard to heart...

[ In part, he's trying to explain, and in part to salvage his (their?) reputation. He's had the luck of being the dominant personality during most first encounters, but it isn't the case this time. And it's a huge offense to someone as tolerant as Bolin seems to be. ]

[sediments]

[ Whelp. That's a little unexpected. Bolin's not really concerned about the other man's previous actions as it is, not as much as he is about keeping Henry moving and getting him some help.

Thankfully, he doesn't stop or stumble at the reveal, though his brain does play the words on repeat, trying to make sense of them. ]

Oh...

[ Two people in one body? That's new, but he can understand it maybe, if he thinks about it like the Avatar spirit: multiple people, one spirit.

Anyway, sounds like Henry's having a rough time. ]

You don't have to apologise to me. [ He looks at Henry out of the corner of his eye, arm still around the other man. ] He's giving you a hard time though.

[dualitea]

[ For a few seconds, they walk along in silence while Henry waits with bated breath at whether Bolin would shy away from him. When the Earthbender doesn't, he visibly relaxes (or as visible as it can be given his injuries). ]

Thank you. [ This is said quietly, but he seems calmer than before. At least he's not going to make any enemies this time, unlike others who might be more easily offended. ] He is, but - he can fight. You saw, didn't you? He's a good battler...

[ Henry isn't. They are two people and the sum of their strength is equal to the same, but Henry has only three-fourths that of others while Edward took the spillover. ]

[sediments]

I guess.

[ Bolin hadn't really gotten much of a chance to fight alongside the other man for too long. That isn't to say that he hadn't noticed Edward's tenacity however. ]

He's pretty vicious. [ He can concede that much. ] So that makes him strong... but he doesn't look out for injuries! What's the point, if you die?

[ Bolin frowns a little, remembering Edward's bloodlust. He's not disgusted or angered by it as much as he is confused. ]

And he wanted to kill people, what's up with that?

[dualitea]

[ Poor Bolin. It gives Henry substantial amounts of both guilt and regret that he has to explain all of Edward's antics. While the two of them are able to become more stable here, it also meant that they had more time to do what was in line with their nature. And Edward had a much more horrible nature. ]

He's reckless, living for the moment. Little hindsight.

[ Always leaving Henry to clean up the messes that he's wrought. But even then, he could not survive without Edward's sheer power. It was what made him useful as a Servant in the first place. ]

He's a horrible person. He kills... because he wants to.

[sediments]

A horrible person, huh.

[ Wanting to kill free definitely makes him sound awful. It's not something that Bolin can even understand, since it just doesn't make sense to him that someone would kill for pleasure. There must be some logic to it.

A solider runs past them, one of their own, and hopefully it's a good sign; letting them know that they're close to other allies. ]

Do you have contact with one another? I mean... he doesn't kill indiscriminately, does he? He can tell who his allies are.

[ Though, he doesn't think that it's impossible that Edward might've attacked him earlier. ]

[dualitea]

[ That's the perverse thing about Edward. He cares naught for logic, and acts on his own whims - almost animalistic. ]

We do. [ And a pause here now, as he takes another breath - ] He will strike at allies if he feels like it. I can try to restrain him, but it's not always possible.

[ The two of them are locked in an endless fight for dominance. While Henry usually fronts most of the time, it is possible for his other personality to break free. ]

[sediments]

[ Somehow, Bolin manages not to look over at Henry and reply with "that's rough, buddy".

Instead, ]

Man, that sucks.

[ Because it does! But it looks like that's how it's going to be for the other man, and it's not like there's anything Bolin can do about it. He doesn't think that the other personality can really be that bad, but then, he obviously doesn't have the same experience that Henry does.

He gives the other Hero a comforting squeeze. ]

How're you holding up, by the way? I can still carry you on my back if the walk's getting too much for you.

[dualitea]

[ At least it wasn't 'try not to feel too bad'. ]

I - I think I'll be fine.

[ But since Bolin is obviously a hero, he has to be warned. It's a good thing that they're kind of still separated by clothing despite the hug, so the Earthbender won't come into contact with his mana. ]

He won't be out anymore today, but in the future - please be careful.

[sediments]

Thanks for the warning.

[ He really feels for Henry right now, unable to imagine the weight that must be on his shoulders.

It's also kind of worrying though, because Edward isn't just a danger to others. ]

You should be careful too though, shouldn't you? He leaves you all banged up. If you're ever stuck and need some help, you can ask me. I'm a pretty sturdy guy.

[ Less sturdy right now, but sure to get sturdier!! ]

[dualitea]

Thank you. I'm - used to it. But thank you still.

[ He knows Edward won't work their body to breaking point, because one of the Berserker's crucial fears is erasure. Not death, because Servants cannot die - but disappearing. Away from the physical world, unable to enjoy what he can take from it. ]

I studied how to make healing potions. It's not much, but - it works. I have some in my room in the Fort, if - you'd still need some when we're done.

[ Will the battle end anytime soon? ]

[sediments]

[ Whoa, inviting him to your room already Henry?

Bolin just beams however, shaking his head. ]

You don't have to worry about me, I only have a couple of cuts. But I'll definitely keep the offer in mind.

[ He'd had a fantastic healer at his side for most of the fight after all. Now he just needs to rest his body, giving ease to some of the sprains and strains of his muscles—nothing that Henry needs to waste his potions on.

Speaking of rest however, they seem to have wandered into allied territory, and Bolin cants his head to try and spot someone that can help his companion. ]

How're you holding up though? You can rest and I'll grab someone to help you if you need a break.

[dualitea]

[ Well, maybe Bolin can just stand outside and wait while he looks for things? ]

I-I'm fine. I can stay conscious and move. [ That seems to be the bottom line, though. ] If you can find an unburdened healer for me, that would be... very beneficial...

[ He's still in a terrible amount of pain. Having a higher tolerance than humans helps, but it doesn't remove it entirely. ]

[sediments]

[ Bolin frowns at Henry’s response, not at all convinced of how “all right” he thinks he is. But since he’s not going to leave the man behind unwillingly, he’ll just have to resort to other measures, and since Henry is too weak to fight back, there will be nothing that he can do.

That’s right, Henry’s not going to get any warning as Bolin abruptly stops, shifting back a little and then he’s picking the other man up to carry him with (relative, he’s tired too!) ease. ]

We can move faster this way. [ He says in lieu of an apology.

And they can, Bolin hurrying past a cluster of soldiers resting with their injuries patched up, others hurrying about to make sure that the ships they’ve secured swiftly come into Blanc possession, until he finally finds a pair of healers; one rapidly assessing injuries and the other making quick work of the soldiers’ aches and pains. ]

shall we wrap this up? :D

[dualitea]

W-whoa!

[ When Bolin lifts Henry, he'll be able to sense that the Assassin is surprisingly light. He doesn't put up any form of resistance, keeping his body slack so that Bolin would have an easier time. ]

Thank you...

[ He's quiet for the remainder of the trip, only shifting when he's able to catch sight of the healers. If Bolin sets him down, he'll try to stand as fast as he can. ]

yes let's!

[sediments]

[ What a skinny fellow! He definitely needs more protein or something. Maybe they should hang out and grab a bite to eat or something.

Future plans aside, Bolin is all energy as he jogs over to the healers—nothing motivates him like a friend in need, and he's got more enthusiasm for it than slogging through a battle cutting down enemies.

Calling the attention of the healer assessing injuries, he carefully sets the man down. ]

Looks like we made it!

[ And just like that, the relief brings fatigue, and Bolin settles down on the floor with the rest of the soldiers. He'll be sticking around until he knows that Henry's all patched up, in a show of solidarity. ]

and done!

[dualitea]

[ Henry gets fussed over immediately by the healers, while another comes by to bring water and some bread for Bolin. It'll be a while before the Assassin is discharged, though - his Berserker half had took too many hits and he would have otherwise turned into a mummy if not for the supply rationing that was going on.

If the fight's over by then, the two of them would most probably head back to the port. It's been a long day. ]