WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

OOC WAR QUESTIONS

[boardmaster]

Please direct all OOC questions about this war log here.

[showsnopiety]

is it possible to steal one of the goats to ride for the duration of the battle?

Teyud za-Zhalt (Vanguard) | OTA

[shewhocompels]

-One-

Teyud stood upon the wall, garbed for battle in her desert robes, and watched as the Noir forces approached. They weren't close enough to fight QUITE yet, but they could be seen in the distance, whenever the haze of volcanic gases cleared enough to see through them.

She was munching on a flatbread sandwich while she watched, looking for all the world like today was a wholly mundane one, and that all she was waiting for was the next train downtown. Certainly not like someone who was going to be fighting for her life in an hour's time. How about you, fellow hero? Getting nervous before the fight starts and in need of a peptalk, or are you another cold blooded soldier who would rather talk tactics?

-Two-

Naturally, not ALL the soldiers on the field today were Noirs. Gammon had sent a number of their own to reinforce and support Blanc's heroes. Teyud had found some in the thick of the action and sort of...adopted them. While griffons shrieked overhead and spells made the air sizzle, she gave the troops stuck in the same blast crater she was a little pep talk. A rather alarming pep-talk. From what you're hearing, it's pretty clear that Teyud is of the opinion that the best way to push soldiers forwards is to make them fear you more than the enemy.

"Now listen to me, you fodder for recycling vats, I have no interest in how you feel about the vas-Noir. As long as you fear me as you do personal extinction, we will maintain harmony as a unit!"

Several of them looked slightly queasy, but the Martian had an aura of leadership about her. Something about the harmonics of her voice made it difficult to disobey. They all nodded reluctantly. Teyud nodded back, then croched in a position ideal for springing out into the open.

"Right, then! There is a pause in their barrage every third wave. On my count, run as if towards the embrace of a passionate lover with a bottle of chilled essence!"

-Three-

Volcanoes were not very common on Mars, and as such Teyud was more than a bit off balance from the explosions of magma and geysers all around her. When it became clear that both armies were retreating, Teyud was all too happy to pull back herself. It looked like she had beat the odds once more and survived another battle.

Just as she was thinking these thoughts, a geyser went off not two meters from here. She staggered back, as boiling water splattered on her, and in the resulting confusion she left herself open to a swooping griffon. It got a bad grip on her, and so she slipped from the creature's talons before it got more than a few meters up, but when she landed, it was in a heap. A long, bleeding wound stretched from her stomach down along left thigh where the griffon's talons had clawed her.

Man down. Send help.

-Wildcard-

You know how this works, friends.

Archer | OTA

[anti_altruisms]

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies

[ He has to admit, the fortifications are impressive.

After examining the magical bracelet they've all been given, Archer takes to exploring. It's good to know the ins and outs of any area, particularly on you're responsible for defending, and he takes it seriously.

He learns the layout, finds a particularly good vantage point, and even takes the time to make queries with regards to the cannons (which may very well come in handy later).

Once he's finished, he eats and makes sure he's well-rested for the battle to come. He feels more confident about this one than the last, and it shows in his easy posture. ]

TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling

[ Archer is prepared for the oncoming horde.

His mount at his side (a boar named Biscuit for those who might want to know), Archer murmurs a quiet spell under his breath, his eyes lighting up a brilliant shade of green. For those who may have acquired a handy visor from him earlier or might wish to do so now, information will not be incoming. Archer performs his Analysis of the field, mapping out the strengths and weaknesses of the approaching enemy. If you're listening, he instructs: ]

Pay attention to their mounts. Elemental assaults won't do very much to harm them or their riders.

[ Once that's finished, he chooses from one of the many quivers full of arrows he has strapped to Biscuit's sides. Some look like normal arrows, others are pure mana, and still others are of a more customized design. He has a full range of attacks, many of which carry status effects.

He'll be attacking quiet dutifully too, a hailstorm of arrows that, somehow, almost never miss their target. ]

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir

[ At some point during the hellish onslaught from griffons above, even Archer starts to tire. His mana is running low, as are the weapons and tools he prepared beforehand. He sneaks a little food and some juice when he can to tide him over, but even he knows it won't be enough.

One of the gunners running a cannon nearby goes down, and Archer curses under his breath before racing over to the man. He's too late to save him (the javelin slew him instantly), but at least, he can take over his position.

A quick Scan telling him everything he needs to know, Archer takes over and fires back at the griffons in the sky. He even orders for a few of his nastier concoctions to be thrown into the mix, loading up paralyzing and sleep agents that cause anyone hit by them to plummet to their deaths.

Care to lend him a hand? Want to shove something fun in the cannon? He might just take it. ]

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again

[ By the time the battle is over, Archer has a splitting headache and has to be helped over to his temporary mount. Slumping against the boar, Archer squints as he rummages for his mana-heavy snacks -- still intact, thankfully, after all of that mess.

When he's finally able to get back up again, he makes his way to the Bollox Inn for a good night's rest. Unless someone decides to drag him out to the party, he'll be skipping the victory festivities. ]

merges 3 and 4 cos why not

[hoasen]

[The end of the battle still has a few stragglers left, which is why when she does spot them during her patrols to check up on the rest of her comrades, she does actually shove something fun into the cannon. It's practically the last of the potions that all have around, shoved into it, as well as these strange confetti that the celebrating Gammon soldiers were bringing about while they were celebrating.

Archer is resting, she manages to knock out a few Noir soldiers who refused to retreat. All should be well now?]

That sure was something.

[She might be trying to pat Biscuit on the snout too, while her spider (a girl) is just chilling in the background.]

Susan DeRay | Defense | OTA

[suzinkazan]

1 - It's Noir Trap!

[Susan isn't one to be caught off guard. She expects everything.

Yes, even that.

Especially that.

So she's taking stock of the area she'll be defending. Marking all the traps mentally, potential bottlenecks, where she can aim the cannons to have the best results, all that jazz. Afterwards she can be found just taking deep breaths. This is her second military action, but she's still not used to it. Or maybe she's just steeling herself, after the failure of the last one.]

Okay.. calm down.. let's get ready...

2 - Getting the Goat.

[This was has already started off bad for Susan. Worse than. Y'know. A war usually is. From her position with the defenders, she was eager to rain ICE AND FLAME down upon the enemy. Except obviously fire isn't going to be helpful in this situation, and ice doesn't seem to get through - she's very unhappy with the spell-absorbing properties of those goats.

Luckily, her aim isn't terrible, so having commandeered one of those war cannons, she's placing shots well - not aiming directly at soldiers, but rather places to make their mounts buck the riders. That was the attacking heroes can mop them up. That's her logic, anyway.

Of course, eventually the defense do start getting targetted - including her! You might find her frozen by that paralysis spell - better help her out. She'd do it for you, right?]

3 - AHHH WHY IS IT ALWAYS GRIFFONS

[On the one hand, with her long-distance magic abilities, shooting down these new flying enemies is something she's great at. A few freezing bolts, frost over the wings, and you have a Noir unit falling right out of the sky.

On the downside, it means she's much more vulnerable - as is the support. If you're support, you may find a Griffon preying upon you suddenly shot down from a cannon or via an ice spear. If you're attacking, she'll be covering your return as the enemy retreats. Or maybe you'll find her grappling with a Griffon, desperately trying to freeze it before it can pull her right into the air.]

4 - Let's go with the 'ditch' option.

[The heroes won for once, all is well, Drinks are on... well, the town.

Susan would normally be trying to relax after all that, but considering that even with healing, the nasty gash she was given by one of the Griffon riders is still hurting, she's currently imbibing something that smells like cream, mixed with....well, gasoline.

And she's actually...really, really happy??

It's the miracle of really, really heavy liquor.]

3

[fuhrinkaed]

[It's been a long day so far, and he's covered in smaller wounds already, not to mention a few singes and burns from close calls. Still, if there's one thing that can get Ed to move it's someone in trouble--in this case he sees a red haired woman, wrestling with a Griffon. --No, that's not just any one, that's Susan.]

[In a smooth motion, his right hand and his left slide in opposite directions, the scimitar's handle fitting into the mouth of the staff and locking in place to create a scythe.]

[He jumps forward at full speed, pulling the weapon back in both hands back for a two-handed swing.]

DON'T YOU TOUCH HER!

[He brings the scythe down--the Griffon no longer has a head, as he skids to a stop just past it and turns around. His scythe is over his shoulder, and he's staring down the rider of the Griffon next, the blood of the creature still dripping off the blade of the weapon.]

[He's not smiling--something's already put him in a foul mood.]

You should run. I won't warn you twice.

Aigis | Open

[seventhgen]

[2a] [The battle is joined. It feels oddly comforting to be back in combat in her original body. Her sensors work. Her targeting systems work. Her muscles don't scream when she lifts the three-barreled gatling cannon that she uses as a primary weapon. This is how she was always truly meant to be. This is her purpose. The defense is largely made up of casters and ranged combatants. They have little defense. So she will be their wall.] --incoming attack! Please, take cover behind me! [She wouldn't have seen that as quickly as she did, if she'd had human eyes. A barrage of fire magic, shot high into the air from their mounted casters, arcing down in a deadly parabola. Aigis calculates its trajectory and dashes to the side, putting herself in the path of the blast. Her shield arm comes up, a rectangular barrier of mana about five meters wide and three meters tall shimmering to existence with her at the center. She raises her shield at an angle above her head just before the fireballs collide with it, sending sparks and flames flickering in all directions around the shields edges-- but not through. Slight heat damage to left arm servos. The information comes to her central cortex instantly. This is how she was meant to be. She lowers the barrier, turning to people behind her.] Is everyone okay? Was anyone hurt? [2b] [Things are mostly going pretty well as the battle continues raging. Her mana supplies are middling, but she's still holding steady, especially given that she can replenish mana by blocking magical attacks. The bleed-through of the damage is beginning to add up, however. Her left arm is clearly not functioning as well as her right arm is, and even an inexperienced observer can see that the white armor and gray metal is charred and scorched compared to that on her right arm. She is not going to let that deter her. Aigis keeps patrolling up and down the line of defense, though her sensors are being hampered by the smoke of battle and the steam of the geysers. She can't really see very well in this anymore... ...which explains how a unit of Noir cavalry was able to flank the defense without being seen. Aigis immediately tries to act.] On our right! We're being engaged! [She rushes forward, her still-functioning right arm bringing up her autocannon, and plants herself firmly on the ground, opening fire at the approaching riders. They will go through her first.] [4] [The day is won, and Aigis is... happy. There were losses, of course; there are always losses in war. But most people are safe. She's saved who she can, and the town is okay. She was able to help people, this time. She's standing off to the side of the festivities. Her armor is scorched and marked; she's refused all healing so it could go to those whose lives would be in danger rather than minorly inconvenienced. She watches the revelers and the partygoers with a smile on her face that seems somehow sad. ...she misses being able to party and celebrate as a human would, with food and drink and dancing. But that's just the price she has to pay, right? Why can't she have everything?]

4!!

[hoasen]

[Aigis might be refusing healing, but Vietnam is sure that after all is well, she'll be happy to get some. She worked so hard to protect everyone, anyway.

But why does she look so sad?]

Aigis, what's wrong? Are you tired?

[It was a long battle, after all, but she has a feeling it's not only that.]

Atsushi Nakajima | open

[tigereyes]

one

[This truly isn't Atsushi's kind of fight. He's no stranger to confrontations, but a large scale operation like this is something else entirely. He knows better than to assume he'll be much use on the front lines, but he still wants to be able to help everyone else out as much as he can.

To that end, he's gazing up at the wall, trying to take in its size and scope just in case, but mostly he's focusing on the here and now. Calming his mount down and seeing that it's taken care of as best he can, and running back and forth shuffling supplies to where he's told to put them. This is no time to be wishy-washy, and he knows it's going to get much worse before it gets better, but it doesn't stop him from fiddling with the bracelet he was given as he watches the pre-battle preparations going on around him.]

three

[Even a normal battle is chaotic, of course, but Atsushi can't help but feel that he's over his head far more than normal. The only thing that could be possibly be counted as good or lucky is the fact that as a Pawn he can move quickly. He's putting this to good use; he may not be able to do much good offensively, but at the very least he can help secure the wounded and get them out of the way so that they can be treated.

It's really all he can do, and he should probably be a little more mindful of the danger around him, but the only thing on his mind right now is protecting people in his own way, so he can be found repeatedly running towards the danger while assisting the injured to safety.]

four

[Did they seriously manage to win? He can hardly believe it, but he's about ready to collapse from a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The citizens are more than happy enough for anyone, and he can't help but smile a little as he declines an offer of a mugful of beer. The pile of plates next to him is probably a clear indication of how he's celebrating, perched as he is on a discarded crate near one of the makeshift bars.]

Three

[drawmecute]

INCOMING!

*That's a voice that should be familiar. Although a little more scared than normal. Probably because she and a griffon mount are crashing to earth. The griffon impacts the ground head first as Lola jumps off the thing with a little extra air from her mana jets in her boots. The Griffon makes a noise that is angry bird screeching cut short by the sounds of bones moving in ways they do not want.*

*Lola meanwhile tumbles haphazardly to the ground, but seems fairly undamaged by the fall. Although one of her pigtails has come undone. And she's been injured earlier. She gets up and dusts herself off, with a few winces as she does.*

...You should be more careful, what if I hadn't broken that griffon's wing on the way down!?

Lola Pacini | OTA (Except the Allen prompt) | Will Match Styles

[drawmecute]

One-A

Lola did not get a mount, for starters she was not comfortable driving a giant spider. The very concept of spiders unnerved her. The other thing was with her skills in the battle, she and her mount would be quickly separated.

So she has to walk, and she hates it. Which, of course, there is an answer. If Lola looks cute and forlorn enough, someone will give her a ride, right? She's a cute hitchhiker, you can't say no to this cuteness. Plus she doesn't look like a serial killer, so she has that going for her.

Give her a ride? Y/N

One-B

Lola can be found on the wall... stretching. Hair in pigtails, any layer unneeded for modesty neatly piled with her supplies as she gets her blood pumping. Pulling something mid-fight is bad you know!

Do you approach? Y/N

Two

Fireballs really hurt. She was helping a wounded soldier when it hit her in the arm. It didn't... leave any damage, her mana swatting off the damage. But it was still very painful.

A lot of the mounted soldiers were aiming for Lola as she tried to assess the wounded and move them out of the way. Mana exchanging with the paralized and lowering their weight so she can lift and jump them to safety. Now however she had a lot of incoming fire and it was preventing her from working. So she focused her mana to her little hairclip, a simple little charm in her hair. Nobody would notice it compared to the unnatural pink color of her hair.

Pink blobs of energy, one at a time, would form, in the air at chest height to a rider, or along the ground in a low fence. The barriers couldn't move, but! One thing Lola figured out was if other people move it's like her barriers move. She doesn't keep a barrier up for more than a second, but a second is all she needs to unseat a rider, or trip up a goat. Still... there are a lot more riders than there are Lolas.

Do you assist?

Three

Ever had a really dumb idea? Lola saw one of those wind platforms toss a Noirian soldier into the sky, hitting a Griffon rider. Lola thought 'That looks fun!' and jumped onto the exact same trap. It might not have been in her job of help and rescue, but those riders were grabbing wounded off the ground so they needed to be stopped! And, that, sorta was helping the wounded.

Lola readied her first ball of sound magic on the way up, kicking the thing into a griffon. It bucked its rider in the pain and crashed into another nearby rider. Lola used a barrier to unseat a second rider as he flew past. A little... confused, at the girl on the apex of her jump. Landing on one of her pink sparkly barriers to figure out things. What to do next, where the next threat is.

How to get down.

Maybe someone more capable up here should help her out? Or someone with a cannon should give her some coverfire.

Allen

Lola's adventures in the sky ended... poorly, honestly it was a terrible plan so of course her way down was rough, she barely set a windspell to catch her fall, and even then she didn't land well, tumbling to the ground with several griffons on her. And the lava approaching.

She's tired, everything hurts. She's got wounds. She's low on mana, but she can still do a few tricks. But she could definitely use a hand.

/rockets into this

[likethelight]

[ He saw her fall even if he didn't get there in time to catch her. And saw as the griffon riders followed in dogged pursuit, two of them readying their javelins to throw before before she's even stopped her tumble.

And Lola would be impossible to miss. Even in on the battleground... of course she would be recognizable by the fact her abilities are pink and glittery. Of course. It'd actually almost be a little endearing of his roommate (in a wearying sort of way) under different circumstances.

(Was he going to lose someone else because he wasn't fast enough?)

And that's why by the time he gets to Lola the other Rook comes in like a thunderclap, bloodstained white cloak whipping about him and manablade leaping into his hand. Dropped in a protective crouch over her so he can snap the blade around and—using the broad flat of it like a shield—intercept the thrown javelins. Just barely in time...

But in time.

She might notice he's breathing a little heavily at that. She might also notice that blood's dripping on the ground and it doesn't look like he cares. He just looks...so very tired too. Heavy. (Grieving.)

(Tired of grieving.)

And he will not move until he's sure she's okay to stand, still crouched protectively (shielding). ]

...Are you alright? [ It's actually almost oddly soft-spoken, eyes trained upwards through the silver mask he's wearing on the griffon riders that circle and look for an opening.

Please be alright. ]

Hakuno Kishinami | OTA

[sealeted]

one: calm before the storm

[Hakuno hadn't minded the spider mount, all things considered. Compared to the corruption of the Moon Cell, she hadn't had any trouble shelving the instinctual aversion to something that had a tendency to skitter around on what felt like far too many legs. Plus, its large dark eyes had a certain upbeat charm to them, and it was fluffy. She had even parted from it with a cautious, semi-affectionate pat.

She shakes all thoughts of gentleness and affection out of her head, settling back into the cool, disconnected state she had found herself in back at the train. She's going to kill people today. She'll do her best to focus on support and taking care of her fellow Heroes, but honestly she knows that at the end of the day, she'll still have body count. It unnerves her, that it's so much easier for her to think of cutting down Noir soldiers than it was dealing with the battles in the Moon Cell.

So, she's taking a moment to herself, leaning back against a wall near one of the cannons, tracing her fingers up and down the red scarf of her sailor uniform as she waits.]


two a: all eyes on me

[And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first.

Yes, that was exactly the brutally logical sort of attitude she wanted to face in her first real fight as a King. Whether it's because of the Noir armies being trained to find the King emblems or the legendary terrible luck that goes along with said badges, Hakuno finds herself having to dodge several volleys every time she braves leaving the safety of the wall to go out and offer aide to Heroes in the thick of things. She keeps her distance as best she can, until... well, until she bites the proverbial bullet, and decides it's time to use the other thing that came with the King title.

She reaches up to grip the red scarf once more, but this time she channels mana into it and soon a pink glare bursts up around her. All that can be seen is her body's silhouette as the Battle Shift unravels and begins to twine around her in slightly deeper-colored bands of light. When it subsides, she's left in a far more eye-catching ensemble, an expression of mixed embarrassment and resolution painted clear across her face.]

...ugh. I should have practiced a bit more after all.


two b: stop! barrier time

Ah, hold on!

[So.

It seems you've found yourself paralyzed and staring down a hail of fire and other equally... pleasant elements bearing down on you. Fortunately, there's a King nearby, and Hakuno is just the type to throw herself between an innocent and certain danger. Fortunately for all parties involved, she's not quite so impulsive as to do so without a plan, and in the next breath she manages to summon up a Restrict-type Barrier designed to keep out any material hotter than her body temperature, which she had practiced after finding out her Battle Shift of the Selenic Monarch was particularly weak to fire.

It won't last long, but it gives her enough time to wrap you, (un?)fortunate Hero, into a quick hug for the purpose of mana exchange.]

Sorry, bear with it for a minute. And be ready to move as soon as you can.

[The barrier is tinged red, and hairline cracks are already creeping in. Will the hug be enough, or does she need to step up her game for the sake of beating the clock?]


three: let the bodies hit the floor is lava

[Hakuno herself has recently become the foster mother of a griffon chick. Kulianna is a sweet, inquisitive creature, and Hakuno has poured more than a few hours into researching the growth and training of griffons as a whole. She's looking forward to watching her little charge grow and develop, and even had some admiration for the nesting hellions she had to deal with on the job that had netted her Kuli's egg in the first place.

That said, naturally she aims to kill the griffons first.

Her studies regarding Kuli's present and future health mean she knows exactly where to aim for clean kills and messy, tumbling falls from midair. She can't spare the mana to infuse many of her arrows with poison, so she makes sure every one counts. As she does so, she keeps a weathered eye out for anybody in need.]

If you need something healed before heading back, let me know!


four: we'll all float on

[It's over.

It's over, they've won, and Hakuno feels like death warmed over. She's slumped in a chair watching the festivities through bleary eyes, coasting on the very last dregs of mana. Between the barriers, the curses, the healing, and her Battle Shift—the latter of which took too much damage at one point and reverted for the day, now once again in its inert sailor style—she has been run ragged.

She's too exhausted to even lift her head from where she has it resting against the wall, at this point. She knows she should eat, or speak up, or even just grab somebody's hand. She does, really.

...but she's just so tired.]

two b!!

[hoasen]

[The chances of a Rook being paralysed is slimmer than the other ranks, but it didn't mean that it doesn't happen. Especially during a time where Vietnam didn't expect it at all, and she found herself unable to move. That, of course, in the words of the modern youth, really sucked.

She knew that she's going to be attacked, but she could only hope that her own body would be able to resist it enough to withstand the attacks for another comrade to heal her up. Seems like more than just a healer came up, it was Hakuno, a king and she's set up a barrier. They should be fine, for the time being

Vietnam hasn't yet realised that you need to share mana to cure yourself of this paralysis, but she's not even surprised considering what happened the time she turned into stone. The barrier is cracking, Hakuno is trying her best with an embrace, and all Vietnam can move is her finger!! And her mouth.]

Repel! [Forcing a repulsion between her feet and the ground, she's able to at least put a bit more safety and distance between the enemy and themselves. For now.]

Anna (Support) | OTA

[sommer]

TWO: ♪ out along the edges, always where I burn to be
[a] [ Anna runs along the battlefield with a bag of supplies, ranging from medical to ammo. She stopped to poach a shield off a fallen Noir soldier, which she uses as an umbrella to protect herself from the rain of magical fire. ]

Hello? Anyone need a hand?! [ A blast just misses Anna, but the shockwave makes her lose her balance. It doesn't take her long to recover, however. ]

K-Kay, that was close... c'mon, get it together, Anna...!

[ Someone please yell out to her. ]

[b] [ Sooner or later, Anna won't just be caught in a fire, but she's being targeted. Oops! It looks like the enemy combatants have strict instructions to cut off the Heroic Support unit first, which is why Anna is currently being chased by three of them. ]

"You're dead, little girl!"

Wrong, bucko! I can keep this up all day!

[ And she does maintain a good distance, until she sees another soldier in front of her, also charging right at her. She breaks and rethinks her options. ]

Fine, I didn't wanna have to do this! I'll show you fire...

[ Anna slips on her Toasty Mitts, ready to cast some sweet ass level 1 fire magic. ... Spoilers: She stands no chance. A cavalry would be good right about now. ]

THREE: ♪ the further on the edge, the hotter the intensity
[a] [ Anna is caught by one of the griffons, but thankfully she thinks quick in situations like these and takes out an arrow from her spare quiver. It was meant to be given to any of the archers who are running low on ammunition, but Anna uses the arrow to stab the creature, which hurts it enough that Anna is free and... falling.

Maybe she didn't think this one through 100%. Look out below! ]

[b] [ Orders of the retreat has reached everyone by now, and Anna has created a makeshift sled out of a giant shield and some rope, which she drags along the ground to transport a wounded soldier back to safety. ]

It's alright, I got ya. I can see the wall...!!

[ She's struggling a little because it's not easy, but so far so good. The injured person in question can either be you, or you can help her move the wounded hero across the finish line. ]

FOUR: ♪ gonna take you right into the danger zone
[ The battle was a success! For Anna, though, it was just the first of what she suspects will be many. She had seen their general from across the field, a human who's not that different from Anna, and wonders if they could have been friends in another time.

As the street party and celebrations around her grows louder, Anna looks strangely out of place for once, and just stares down at her drink. ]

So this is what war is like, huh... [ Pensively, she takes a sip. ]

--BLEGHH!! [ She spits out whatever she's having (it's a Lasker Train Bomb, lmao). ] This isn't water!

WILDCARD
[ danger zoooooooone ]

3A

[drawmecute]

*Lola spots the falling princess and acts before really thinking about it. If she thought there were a few dozen ways she could have just handled Anna's landing. Instead... the girl jumps up to meet her. Dancer's blasting mana into the ground letting Lola leap into the air like a rocket.*

...Hi! We met at the party.

Um, this might be a little forward, but you should probably hold onto me. Like now.

*Lola hopes Anna doesn't mind the bridal carry hold Lola's going for, but honestly this isn't the place or time to argue things like this.*

[timetogetdown]

-2a-

[[bgm]]

Lucio didn't like this. He never asked for this war. He had his own problems, and he didn't owe Blanc or Gammon shit.

But these people, in Friedgood. They hadn't asked for this either. He figured even if he didn't particularly want to fight, he could still help. Once the bulk of the fighting was past, Lucio scrambled across the battlefield looking for people he could save. He dispensed his healing magic, such as it was, to some people who looked like they might die otherwise, and offered just his presence to people who looked to have less life threatening injuries. Sometimes you didn't need medical treatment as much as you needed someone to talk you through some shell shock, or a shoulder to lean on as you limped back to safety.

-2b-

[[bgm]]

Apparently, being a kind soul who healed the injured was enough to get you on Noir's shitlist. Lucio ran for his damn life as three Noir soldiers chased behind him, yelling. He was yelling back. Or maybe he was just yelling.

"Can't we talk this out!?"

Please, please cover your support. He provides a vital service to the team.

-4-

[[bgm]]

Now THIS was more Lucio's kind of party. He was tired from a very busy day, but not so much that he couldn't have some fun. Plus he had already debuted his new style of music on the carrier network, but not to the general public.

His cobbled together music was met with confusion at first, but then someone revealed himself to be a fiddle player, someone else produced an accordion, and in short order a very strange jam was going down in the middle of the street, attracting people from all over the neighborhood.

-Wildcard-

You know how this works.

2B (Or not 2B)

[drawmecute]

Remember that weird girl that hit on you. She's hitting the one of the Noir Soldiers. In the face. With her entire body weight from out of nowhere. Did she fall out of the sky or something?

Naturally teenagers raining from the sky is a surprising thing, and the other two Noir Soldiers stop.

"Look, how about you two leave, and we just pretend we didn't see each other." Lola stands up, serious face engaged, she seems taller. Oh, she's standing on their friend's chest. That explains it. The two soldiers don't seem to be going for the idea.

gilgamesh | defense | open

[babbylon]

i. of all I survey.

[Gilgamesh has been assigned to the defense for this mission, which he has a few qualms about; he considered himself a frontline fighter first and foremost, even as someone who preferred ranged attacks. But he can also admit that his physical prowess isn't quite what it used to be, and so maybe a safe position behind the great barricade was for the best.

Gilgamesh can be found walking atop it with his new mount, an eye-catching golden spider skittering beside him as he checks out what he has to work with. It's friendlier than it looks and often goes running up to people at random, greeting them with a click of its fangs. He reins the beast in with an amused chuckle, calling out to whomever it just harassed:]

Do not mind him; he's a bit rambunctious.

[Much like its master. But he's genuine enough in his empathy, for once.]

ii. have a blast.

[Gilgamesh, as a keeper of many different kinds of weapons, understands their ins and out better than anyone. That's why he doesn't need instruction in proper cannon use, commandeering them with utmost efficiency and taking out his opponents in great droves. Occasionally he throws in a spell or two to assist with the assault, but generally he looks almost bored going about his duty. Like he's seen so many deaths so many times before in a similar fashion. Probably because he has.

After a while of this, he'll strike up a conversation with a fellow cannoneer next to him and so decree:]

You there. Entertain me. We shall make a game of how many we can slay.

[And that's that. There's no choice in the matter, he just expects the other person to go along with it.]

iii. on a wing and a prayer.

[The battle's finally picked up, and as a result Gilgamesh now finds himself face to face with an enraged griffon. It somehow broke through the defenses and climbed onto the wall, snapping its beak and firing off blasts of lightning at everything and everyone around it. There's more where that came from, too, as a pack of riders are hot on its heels and ready to join their comrade in obliterating the cannons so plaguing them. With his allies falling left and right, the situation worsens by the second, to the point where suicide seems all but guaranteed.

Gilgamesh fights the beast off valiantly, but it takes its toll on his mana and it isn't long before he's surrounded. Even so, he grins, and he doesn't appear the slightest bit concerned.]

Mongrels. You think to take down a King in his own territory?

[Gilgamesh draws his sword, and prepares for a fight... with or without support.]

Come! We shall see how long you last!

iv. spiderman.

[At any time during the battle save for the very end, Gilgamesh breaks away from the defense to join the vanguard. Adrenaline throbs hard in his blood, and he just can't help himself. He wants a piece of the action, up close and personal, at least until his mount tires. Gilgamesh charges with the others, wielding his blade like a spear and carving up any unfortunate foes.

He's never been much for melee, yet nonetheless he gracefully dances about and eviscerates whatever gets in his way. He laughs at the top of his lungs, exuberant and bloodthirsty.]

More, more, more! Surely you can provide more sport for me...!

[Flag him down for a team attack if you wish, or watch in awe as he cleaves a path through enemy lines all on his own.]

v. wildcard.

[Anything during the battle works, as he'll be everywhere! You can also celebrate with him on the streets during the afterparty if you so desire. Contact me at dovah with questions.]

wildcard

[hoasen]

[Or is it really a wildcard?

Vietnam insisted that this was a serious battle, but after he made his challenge, she has kept count. It's not something she finds particularly tasteful, considering lives were at hand here, but she found that the number of people she saved by counting the number of enemies she took down actually mattered. So she'll do it.

However, it seems like someone is in trouble, and that person happened to be that very same challenger, Gilgamesh. Griffon staring down at him, and he is doing what he always does (valiantly fight it despite his situation), and she turns the cannon towards the giant bird.

As soon as she fires at the creature, it provides enough of a distraction for her to mount the spider she borrowed and gallop(?!) towards her husband, gallantly grabbing the collar of his uniform to throw him onto her lap so they keep riding off until she can find his mount. But before that, while she's trying to get him to hold on and be comfortable--]

How many enemies have I taken down, I wonder, beloved? I am sure it outnumbers yours.

[She meant to ask if he was okay. Meanwhile, the griffon doesn't count as a kill because it's enraged!]

Ed Finklestein | OTA

[fuhrinkaed]

--One--

[Ed is doing some warm-up stretches on top of the wall, fully intent on clearing his mind before the upcoming fight. Last time, he was a Pawn--and he could only just keep up with them. He'd been unconscious... three times?]

[Yeah, three sounded right. His right hand falls to the new black leather glove he's got on his left hand--he adjusts it and tugs it tight to make sure it's snug on his hand. Check. The bracelet to deal with toxic air is on his right wrist... Check. Sword and staff are both ready to be pulled out and smack people with them... Check.]

[His hands ball into fists and he looks out over the field. This is where he's going to protect--for sure this time! --Wait.]

[And then, a look of nerves, as he realizes that he's only practiced with his weapon for the last month. He's forgotten to practice at the other things knights can do. Sensing magic is all well and good, but... Well. He'll figure it out.]

Y-yeah. I'm sure it won't be a problem. Aha.

--Two--

[The martial training, at least, has paid off. As a member of the vanguard Ed is using his staff to intercept attacks coming at him and following up with the reverse-blade scimitar in his right to knock the enemies' goats off balance and then land crushing blows that send the riders bouncing across the field several feet.]

[You might wind up back to back with Ed while dealing with the enemies. He might have noticed that you're in need of help and decided to involve himself with a well timed staff-clonk to the head from behind the enemy. You might even have just stopped an enemy that he hadn't turned his attention to yet or shoved him out of the way of an arrow that he hadn't noticed coming too close to him.]

[This is lucky! If things stay in close quarters like this then his neglecting his magic studies won't really hurt anything.]

--Three--

[At this point Ed's retreated up the wall alongside the others. He's also... very annoyed by his sudden lack of ranged firepower outside of the usual 'try to throw the enemies's spells back at them.']

[The mobility of flying enemies is proving a little much for his aim, even if he's managed to figure out approximately how Plamevoda works, it's not nearly high enough, and the rain of fireballs is really annoying.]

[It's time to try dipping into the other abilities of a Knight, but to do that he needs to focus.]

H-hey! Can you buy me a minute?! I need to figure something out! [Sorry you unlucky person you, you're about to be pulled into this mess.]

three

[brightsmile]

Sure thing, I'll cover you!

[To be asked this in the heat of battle isn't something that she minds so much. So maybe it isn't so unlucky the Ed has run into Soleil today. She's jumping right back into the fray— albeit she was struggling with the flamethrower...so she'll be using a sword she's borrowed from someone here to fight back enemies.]

How much longer do you need?

Caren Ortensia | Vanguard | OTA

[showsnopiety]

One

[You might have hitched a ride with her, or you might have watched her ride in. There's the quick briefing, and she is handed one of the bracelets, before she goes back to her boar, checking on her supplies and on the boar herself.

The boar has a pink ribbon on its tail. Caren has a matching hat of pink with a pink ribbon tied under her chin. And those who are listening might hear her go along the lines of:]

Yes Bonnie-chan, you can rest now. I'll make sure you eat.

[...this may be strangely cute?]

Two

A CW: violence against people and animals

She knew they'd go after the healers first. They always targeted the healers, because that was a smart thing to do. Ah well, they do what they must. She feels near naked, but with this heat, it helps. And with these enemies...she decides not to go with a mount. She doesn't know how to ride one in any case.

Instead she starts off her share of the battle, walking forward. Calmly. Strolling. As if there's no big deal in just taking her time and they're going to stay still until she's gets the heck over.

And in the midst of it, goats stumble. Riders scream. And people start to fall, as well as the goats from the wires from her hands.

Caren smiles. And glances over her shoulder to a hero as the wires start to rise and whip around, causing distraction and disarry aplenty.]

If you want to get them while distracted, nows your chance.

[....she should say it a little less like she's at a party and having a great time.]

B

DVIZHE SMERTI!

[This. Isn't a spell she was aware of. Her eyes widen, and her body locks up. She can't move, can't speak, can't even blink. She sways, before losing her balance and falling, trapped.

She was just like a juicy lure for a trap, and she could do nothing about it. This was terrible.

...and maybe poetic justice.]

C

[Caren has somehow managed to set the other rider off and somehow decided to, of all things, take the risk of hopping onto the goat herself. She's not much of a rider, and this thing does not like her. She really doesn't care how much it is or isn't going to like her. Not really. But it's a fight to make sure that no one gets accidentally bitten.

It's a bucking, angry mess, and it kicks, headbutts, and tries to get Caren off. Caren is Quite Sure she wants to stay on. When it tries to aim at a hero with one of its infamous head rams, she jerks their head to the side. Barely. Tough thing.]

It's a bit of a wild ride. It also bites.

[Want a ride?]

3

A

Lightning. Now that was something she hadn't known about griffens, or at least about Noir griffs. There was a lot to say about them, and one thing is...she'd like that sort of power for herself. Not directed at her.

Though there is the scream of battle, Caren opens her mouth, and makes a high pitched noise, directed it at the rider. They wobble, off balance, and proceed to list off to the side where they fall off.

And the griffon doesn't like that. They don't like that one bit from how they have just pounced on another griffon and has proceeded to try and tear them into pieces.

She calls once.]

Ah. Dominos.

B

Finally. You would think that molten rock would move a little faster.

[She's talking calmly, if rapidly. Caren is a mess by now, what with her smudged from the battle, blood, and all sorts of nasties. But she glances up, and tilts her head.

And possibly that of the mount.]

So are you going to offer me a ride back? Someone needs to watch your back. Otherwise you might get killed.

4

A

[She's all over bruises for this battle. She really didn't come in with the intent to kill, per se; she mostly was there to mess things up, take the hits, and ensure that no one would die on her watch. Others got the glory and the chance to mop things up.

But she's stiff from the bruises, and it shows in the drag-shuffle of her walk. Still, she comes up to other heroes and asks them:]

Are you all right? I can see about healing your wounds.

[She's going to drag herself into the ground, it seems.]

B

[Looks like it's good bye to Bonnie-chan soon. Ah well, she did what she could for the creature and now they're safe-for now. The battle is won, and it's time to party.

Which comes in...well. Food form. She pokes her Splotched Richard with a spoon, a frown forming on her face.]

...what is this?

[She thought the Gammon had some taste but they keep surprising her. Like some kind of One Hit Wonder with club mixes.]

C

[The locals seem to think she's something. Or at least they're delighted with what she's decided to do with her time: face off with a drinking battle! There's a lot of Lasker Train Bombs, Guileless, or Pale Noirs being consumed. She tends to face off locals, and when they stumble away, laughing, she offers a slight nod and a smile, accepting their tonne. Or getting it when they fall off of their set of a makeshift barrel or crate.

She might just glance a heroes way, and motion to the now empty seat.]

Care to face off?

[Her cheeks are just slightly pink, and she's been at this for hours. It's good to be Rook.]

Wildcard

Anything you want to go with, you can put under this header here!

2c

[sommer]

Yeah! I noticed -- I noticed when it rode wildly at me and tried to bite me, that's when I noticed. [ She's being a little sassy with her response, but isn't that upset otherwise. ]

A-Are you okay on that thing?

lux crownguard (vanguard) | ota.

[rememberher]

♕ o1. I DIG MY HOLE, YOU BUILD A WALL.

[ This place wasn't her scene. Something about digging up the bones of the past was unsettling to her. Texts, yes, she could read books about civilizations past until the words streamed past her, and her eyes could no longer stay open. But something about places like this (ones that were much better suited for bandits, murderers, or, rarely, archaeologists like him) set her on edge. There was nothing here but heat, stifling heat, secrets and a train ticket out.

And the wall.

They saw it on the way in, strong and imposing, towering over the cracked and barren badlands. And here, making her way toward it on boar-back (side saddle, of course; she was a proper lady, even heading into battle), the overwhelming smell of ozone hanging heavy in the air, a few stray hairs from her blond bun wet and sticking to her face and neck, Lux looked up at the monument they had to protect.

A wall to keep Noir out, if all went well. And it would, she would make sure of it. After Operation Dasvidaniya, she swore to herself: No one would die here. She would save them. She would save them all.

Dismounting, the small blond slowly walked toward the Defense Wall, making note of the well-placed traps there. She would investigate those later, but first, closing the space, she let one hand rest against the rocky, pitted surface, before resting her forehead against it. Her lips moved silently.

A prayer, for victory. Where did she learn something like that? And who was it to? ]

♕ o2-A. WE'LL BE THERE BEFORE TOO LONG.

FOSOPYE!

Aurgh!

[ She was having a hard time of it. The Queen standing at your side (what cruel trick put a Queen on the front lines?!), throwing spell after spell to only have them intercepted and absorbed by the charging goldhorn cavalry... No one would likely blame her for being frustrated. Breathing heavy from the effort—how many spells had that been now—she might have been better served falling back.

But instead, seeing people around her struggling, she took matters into her own hands. Quite literally.

Are you running low on mana? Her hand will slip over yours, a burst of chaotic, colorful mana flooding alongside your own, giving you strength. Hurt in the heat of battle? She was no healer, but with a medical bag and a bit of illusionary magic to keep her (somewhat) cloaked, she was ready to Florence Nightingale this front line.

But flitting around as she was, the slight blond was liable to make herself a target. ]

♕ o2-B. FLY, THE WIND WILL TAKE ME.

[ The earth shook under their feet, and what was once solid no longer felt quite so. Soldiers dropped with the tremors, and shouts began to spread across the lines.

One of the volcanos had just blown its top. Attending to the needs of the front line, Lux felt the rocky, craggy earth suddenly lurch and shudder, thrown off her feet and to the ground. But it wasn't the eruption in the distance that caused it.

Sulphur. That was the smell of sulphur. And a sudden, faint spray of something hot against her cheek, gentle yet still managing to burn. ]

The geysers!

[ The volcano was only the beginning, its eruptions triggering a chain reaction around them, a domino effect moving underneath their feet. The ground continued to rumble and churn, and, quickly looking around her, Lux came to the chilling realization. They were surrounded. Not by Noir soldiers, but by a now active network of geysers.

Heavens above...

Jumping to her feet, not caring whether her medical bag was with her (her staff was securely fastened to her), she stopped suddenly, pain shooting through her left leg the moment she put weight on it. She chanced a glance down, a gash extending toward the back of her knee covered in dirt and blood, the rocks below her stained red. Wincing deeply, she took in a sharp breath as another geyser rumbled and belched nearby.

One quick breath. Two. Three.

She forced her legs to move, her left knee burning white hot with pain as she began to run. Just. Run. Just. RUN.

Seeing another Hero in her route, her face twisted in mild pain, she grabbed for them—a hand, an arm, anything. ]

Come on!

♕ o3. FEEL YOUR HEART AND IT'S GLOWING.

[ Her body felt heavy, like she hadn't slept for days. There was no pain, and the acrid smell of sulphur, ozone and wild magic were gone. She couldn't feel anything at first, her senses dulled to the point of near nonexistence.

But she could hear voices, scarcely, a thousand miles away. Worried voices.

Then the first tactile sensations; she felt pleasantly warm, a familiar golden glow of mana lingering in her veins (...Sion?). She could feel what she was lying on, and while by no means as soft as a bed, it was comforting. And she could smell... blood and medicine. She could taste them.

Slowly, she closed her eyes. The woman who had come back from the dead—not that she remembered, or quite realized. Her eyes unfocused, she slowly moved her head to the side, to look out at the world. ]

Ah—

[ Her throat and lungs burned with the faintest noise, and speaking even so much put her into a sudden fit of coughing as the pain slowly seeped back in to every pore of her being. Sleeping beauty was finally awake. ]

[OOC note: Lux will die in prompt 2-B (closed reactions to Allen and Sion). 2-B is still an open prompt. If you want to assume that your character saw her die, please feel free!]

2a

[brightsmile]

[Soleil probably should have taken a crash course on how to not use a good chunk of your mana all at once. She's borrowed a sword from someone for the times where she isn't lugging around her flamethrower...which gets oddly heavy after a few sweeps of the front of the enemy lines. She notes that she's much better off with a sword.

Just when she thinks she's down and out on the mana front, she feels the hand slip over hers and she's looking down for a split second.]

Lux?

[You've got her back and she'll have yours. Any enemies trying to come at Lux now will be dealt with by Soleil during the mana transfer.]

Meliora | OTA

[femmefailtale]

--One--

[Meliora's found herself a wall to lean against and survey the terrain, taking note of where the traps are and where the escape routes are. Support. That means non combatant. Okay, that means nobody'll hit her--right? Right?]

[While she's doing her best to look cool, she's definitely a bundle of nerves. She's been through operations before, but this... This entire field is alien to her. War is alien to her. She knows 'fighting,' but... Somehow, this feels different.]

[Just relax, Mel. It's just like any other mission. You can do this.]

[Her throat bulges as she swallows. She thinks she can do this.]

--Two--

[One might ask how the hell Meliora got the attention of not one but two mounted soldiers while trying to check on the wounds of the front lines and help with any needed retreats, but her stepping on that trigger to a trap too well-hidden for her to see on her cursory glance had launched a set of rocks through the air and crashing into the ground--it'd made her hard to ignore.]

[That's really not important, though, she's currently running like hell and swerving left and right and jumping over small rocks to weave through their attempts to stop one of the supports cold in her tracks. A geyser turns into lava in front of her--forcing her to jerk to the right and spin around it. It's enough--no, it's too much.]

Okay, it's official! SCREW THIS![Those who know her probably know what's coming. Please save her before she starts ranting.]

--Four--

[Sometime later, after everything's been done and dealt with, an exhausted and bandaged up Meliora is busy sitting at a table outside a pub. There's a CreamAle in one hand, and in her other hand is her side--she's nursing a wound from getting grabbed by a griffon.]

[She's drinking it, but she seems... distant and quiet. It's been a long day, and she's not sure where her feelings even are. This is so far out of her depth that it's terrifying.]

one

[brightsmile]

[War preparations were happening and Soleil is going around checking on people who seem nervous or maybe look like war wasn't their cup of tea. Of course... she would happen across Meliora.]

Meliora?

[Soleil looks the same as she has every time Mel has seen her before this, smiling... but this time with the addition of a small flamethrower and a regular ol' sword on her belt (it's borrowed).]

Shinn Asuka (Vanguard) | OTA

[impulsives]

[1; Supply Checks]
[ This is a sight that's not uncommon for Shinn. War preparation, people scrambling left and right for supplies, people making last minute checks on their weapons. Sure, the scale and types are different this time, but that doesn't mean the vibe has changed at all. Heaving a sigh, Shinn sat down at one of the crates that are present within the area. It's been so long since he's been at a proper outpost, so it's giving him slight... Anxiety.

Anyone that approaches him will be greeted with a single "Hey.", followed by: ]

You ready?

[ After all this time, he should be mentally ready, but he isn't. ]

[2; Goat to be Kidding Me.]
[ Being the vanguard attacking the Noir forces, Shinn's using his Rook constitution for the sake of protecting his fellow Heroes. Whether it's using his Amplify spell: Shout, to get other's attention at him, or using one of his Velocity spells to dodge incoming attacks, Shinn's clearly giving it his all to protect everyone he can. At least, everything's going slightly fine until— ]

GRISTRELKI!

[ A vanguard rider, realizing that the boy was disrupting their operations, decided to rain fire, literally, at him. Not expecting for fire to rain at him at all, Shinn was taken by surprise and cried out in pain as several bolts of fire hit him, followed by the goat the rider was on charging, knocking him a fair distance away.

RIGHT AT YOU. ]

INCOMING!

[4; Party? More Like Everything Smarts. ]
[ He's tired. He's injured. He's everything but okay. So there he was, just sitting down tiredly, unfortunately surrounded by kids who were all crowding around him since he decided earlier on in the party to do some light shows with his own weapon. (YEAH, THAT WAS IRRESPONSIBLE BUT YOLO REALLY, WE WON), still, judging from the way he's telling stories about his own world, and how the kids are looking super interested. If he recognizes you from earlier encounters, or even if he doesn't recognize you, he's going to flag you down. ]

Hey, you there! You're a Hero right? I got a lot of people wanting to say thanks to you.

[ SUFFER WITH HIM. ]

omg 2

[likethelight]

[ That—what?

Who shouts "incoming" when they're incoming... ]

Hah—? [ ?!! DEAR GOD WHY.

WHY WOULD YOU.

Well, be thankful, Shinn, that he at least recognized your uniform as you came barreling at him, so instead of trying to duck he decided to catch you. And has now been sent tumbling snowy head over heels as as the two get bounced along the ground because that was a good decision.

Ow ow ow ow— ]

sasuke | vanguard (king) | ota

[penitents]

TWO - A

[ It had been an argument to be placed where he wanted to be. As a king, he was told, he should be relegated to Support. Sasuke understands the logic of it— as a healer, he should be available to take care of the injured. But war is never so simple, and if Sakura had been pushed to the back in every fight they'd ever been in, Sasuke doubts he or Naruto ever would have made it as far as they did.

Masked, Sasuke steers his boar with his knees and one hand. Noir charges them relentlessly, but having picked out the traps beforehand, part of it is a matter of herding they and their gold-horned mounts into those areas.

Wheeling his mount, he turns it squealing away as the ground starts to give way, dumping Noir and their goats into a hidden pit. Sasuke drops the reigns and leans sideways off his mount, reaching down to grab the nearest Hero— either by an extended hand, or by the back of their coat— to hoist them up and out of harm's way as he goes. ]

TWO - B

[ The mask keeps the rain from his eyes, and it lets him turn his gaze upward when he sees the fire approaching. Like the storm, the spell Noir's mages casts brings fire sweeping toward them as hunks of falling fire. Sasuke vaults from the back of his boar and it tosses it's mighty head so that Sasuke narrowly avoids being gored as he lands.

Most of the fighters aren't looking up, focused instead on the onslaught from the ground. It leaves Sasuke wide open, the only body in the fighting that stops moving entirely to raise his palm to the sky. Fingers spread, he digs deep into his magic and he shouts the spell: ] Susano'o no tate!

[ Above the Heroes surrounding him, a massive violet shield puts itself between the rain of fire and the soldiers on the ground. ]

TWO - C

[ The erupting volcano puts them on a timer. Sasuke has stopped running, but instead of retreating with some of the injured taken away by Support he stands not far behind some of the battling Heroes. He isn't shouting, but the intense look on his face as he weaves his magic, words muttered under his breath, is still enough to draw attention.

The ground under the feet of the Heroes lights up a faint purple as he uses the mud as a catalyst for his spell, pushing the fatigue out of their muscles. It draws the attention of one of Noir's lancers, who pulls back and launches the weapon.

Around Sasuke's neck, his amulet glows. The lance misses him by a hair's breath, standing upright in the mud behind him, but his healing spell falters as a result of the doubled mana drain. ] Shit—

WILDCARD
[ Griffons, great balls of fire, street party, mana exchange... etc etc]

Two-A

[drawmecute]

*How a member of the Support Team got this far anyway? Well, okay, okay, it was mostly Lola just trying not to get killed as she jumped and crashed through things, leading some of Noir on a merry chase that got her here. And nearly into a pit. Because Lola didn't scout out where the traps were. Of course she was unceremoniously grabbed by her shirt like an unruly kitten would be grabbed by the scruff.*

Thanks! Can I stick around with you until I catch my breath? Those guys really want people like me dead this time.

*She says that she needs her breath, but she's casually making little pink barriers, not tall enough for the Gold Goats to hit horns first, but enough to trip them up and let them crash head first into the dirt. And while it's clear she's scared, it doesn't seem to dampen her concentration on her weapon. Even while being held by her shirt.*

damianos | defense | ota

[goldbound]

TWO

[ Damianos feels woefully unprepared, at least insofar as his armor goes. Though the Akielon style of dress was admittedly skin-baring, when riding to war they still wore chest pieces and helmets. These mana-users seem to think it unnecessary, and standing atop the wall as Noir's forces ride for them, Damen is keenly aware of all the places he could easily be killed by a stray arrow.

But there is no time to dwell.

The cannons are new to him, but their mode of employment is not. Damianos all but runs the length of the wall, carrying at minimum four large, heavy cannonballs in his arms. They vibrate the ground as he drops them next to the cannon and hands them one-handed to the Hero loading the weapon. ]

Aim for the back line, we need to break apart their rear guard.

THREE

[ He is not familiar with aerial attacks. As the griffons appear, Damen feels his chest squeeze with the anxiety of the unexpected. ]

Aim up! Aim up! [ He booms down the wall, pointing skyward. The message is carried down, and he can see Heroes scrambling to reposition their cannons. The screaming that fills the skies makes Damianos' skin crawl, but it also brings his attention up in time to see one of the riders launch a javelin for the wall.

It whistles on it's descent, but as it comes, Damianos steels himself. He twists after the long rod of wood as it sails passed him, reaching out with both hands. He catches the javelin at the middle, but his hands slide the length of it, stopped by the butt on the opposite end and saved only by his riding gloves. Weapon in hand, Damianos straightens and turns his face back up into the rain. He pulls the shaft back over his shoulder like a spear and with a great shout, throws it back up at the nearest swooping griffon, where it pierces the rider and sends them toppling for the earth far below. ]

FOUR

[ By the end of it all, Damen is exhausted and invigorated from their success. Despite the technological differences, the battle was familiar in a way nothing else in this world has been thus far. Perhaps therein lies what Vere would call his barbaric nature— his capability to withstand battle. Damen is bruised from the fighting, but the worst of it has been tended to by healers. He appears huge and flushed and almost happy, assisting in handing out drinks to anyone who happens by. ]

WILDCARD
[ Hit me! ]

three!!

[hoasen]

[What she saw could only be summed up in one word: DUDE?!

Damianos' reaction and retaliation to a javelin that was heading his way was to catch it and throw it back. But not only that, he succeeded. This is someone who was used to battle. And also was good at it.]

That was impressive.

Allen Walker | Vanguard but OTA!

[likethelight]

O n e

[ Having walked (and found that just fine, thank you) on the trek here, Allen can be found preparing for the battle by scouting along the wall and checking in on the defenses. Moving primarily to talk to other heroes he recognizes, a sort of gently cautious but pleasant demeanor, and Gammonian soldiers as well. Polite, friendly, professional. And uniformed.. since in this sense, Heroes are very much going to be some of the first targets if they wear them... which is why he is. Although the wind and approaching storms (and maybe nostalgia), he's also procured a white cloak with a cowl. One set with a silver mask bearing flared back wings like a phoenix as part of the clasp at the throat.

Which he's fiddling with in some idle distraction as the rising winds begin to whip at their clothes.

Either you can approach him as he looks a little pensive for a second, or perhaps if you were struggling with something or seem like your arms are particularly full he'll notice after a moment and, smiling then, offer a gloved hand. ]

Would you like some help with that?

T w o | A

[ Putting a moralistic Rook on the Vanguard is a very good move in the sense he's going to go push himself to every limit imaginable to help his teammates.

But putting a moralistic Exorcist who will destroy only to save there... means that he's surrounded by a lot of bodies that are very much still breathing. Not as heavily as he is though, and anyone paying attention to the frontlines would find him very easy to pick out. A whirlwind maelstrom easy to spot by the huge sword he wields, a glowing white holy manablade as tall and broad as he is that makes the air around him hum, turning it to use the broad flat of it as a shield more than anything; slamming the the guard of it into someone's face before ducking and kicking the legs out from someone else. In and out, weaving his way through the battlefield. Bloodier and more battered looking slowly but surely as time wears on, even if his face is somewhat obscured by the mask he's pulled up.

That's why after he's dispatched the latest wave that set upon him he has to sag somewhat, leaning against his sword as the tip of it digs into the dirt. Just... has to catch his breath for a moment. Let his regenerative effects catch up.

Too bad he doesn't see the mounted rider bearing down on him until it's too late for him to react. "Dvizhe smerti!" ]

! [ Ah, crap...

Because it catches him offguard with his mana already so depleted, and even with his innate resistances he can feel his legs buckle as they go numb and begin to lock. ]

T w o | B

[ You there--

You're a certain type. Someone who takes enjoyment in the pain of others. In cutting them down. Because while they may be surrounded by battle and death and Allen hates that, he can understand that it's war as well, even if his own way of fighting is different. But you...

It would have been the curl of lip in something that shouldn't be called a smile. Or perhaps just cold callous disregard to someone's screams. Something where that man, the Noir soldier you were about to kill, was in terror and suffering.

Because it doesn't matter what he was or what he did. No one deserves that.

Which is why the air becomes heavy and warps and the soldier is sucked away suddenly—gravity magic—into Allen's gantleted hand as he grabs the man up a bit by his face and, with a sudden glow of white, releases him them to crumple bonelessly.

Still breathing. Eyes staring wide and un-seeing into the air as a glowing white cross seems burned into his forehead.

Which the Exorcist's going to do with such a very quiet... yet frostily disdainful sideways glance cast your direction as he does so. ]

T w o | C

[ But you!

Yes you.

You looked like you were in a pickle. Knocked down or having turned around to see a man from Noir wielding one terribly wicked looking battleaxe with it raised up and back quite certainly ready to take your head off...

...before the soldier stopped suddenly and looked down, seeing a very large white broadsword projecting suddenly from his gut. Without the slightest trace of blood. Or pain.

"Huh...?" would be all the towering man has a chance to get out before he's cracked in the head quite suddenly and without a shred of remorse by the metal elbow of Allen's gauntlet and crumples to the ground.

Which means, sir or miss, there is one white-haired Exorcist smiling quite... gosh it's kind of radiantly (cheeky? couldn't be..) at you and offering you a hand as he pulls the blade from the man. No blood, no wound left on him entirely. The man is just unconscious. Like it was all just an illusion. ]

Are you alright?

T h r e e

[ But later, when the air is thick with soot and ash, sulfurous and hot from spitting geysers and the battlefield resembling hell more than a place where men battle...

Someone doesn't care at all about the order to leave.

Mostly because he's fighting like someone possessed. No cloak and no sword. Just the clawed gauntlet on his left arm and a ripped, bloodied, and burnt uniform that's forgotten it was once white. And the soldiers he's fighting have surely gotten their own orders to leave, but for the sheer amount the boy keeps taking on with a ferocity that the soldiers band together more for their own defense as much as to subdue him, even just using his hands that he is...

...which is perhaps due to the brilliant white flow of light that streams off him like a cloak itself and shards like wings losing their feathers behind him. What might be a king's crown that's been knocked askew into a cowl but twists now, all of it twisting now, like it knows a rage of its own. Brilliant to look at, fast, and impossibly strong.

A rage-filled, castled Rook.

(Though for the vicious wake of broken bones and faces he's leaving, there still isn't a single dead body.)

But from the way he's standing, single-mindedly rooted in place like some sort of rabid guard dog... It's almost like he's protecting this spot. And the bloodied white cloak that's been left forgotten on the ground.

Although with the amount of blood beginning to pour freely onto the ground as he's stopped trying to really dodge their attacks, he probably won't be standing much longer anyway.

Perhaps it's at least a small consolation with how it's smeared his face it's hard to tell the tear stains that are there too. ]

Deuces Wild

[ Hit me up on Dichrous for any plotting! He'll be at the Bollox Inn initially afterwards, but... he'll probably be pretty somber and very tired. People kidnapping him for festivities to cheer him up would be (baww) sweet. Prompt three is, aha... after Lux died saving him. So. Grief-rage Allen, go. ]

Three, lmk if you need anything changed.

[fuhrinkaed]

[That's... His Library buddy! Well--for an certain definition of 'buddy,' anyways. He recognizes him from earlier, when Lux--]

[The thought makes his stomach hurt. They're supposed to retreat, but...]

[If it's only for a little while, he can watch Allen's back. There'll be time to follow orders later, and that technique he's using is supposed to exert a toll on a person's body. He'll need help before too long.]

[Knowing a little better than to just jump in and interfere with that sort of rageful destruction, he settles for forming his own, smaller rampage adjacent to his ally--a tiny ball of martial fury all his own, beaning people foolish enough to come close on the head with his staff or in the side with the reverse blade of his scimitar. In contrast to Allen's passionate rage, Ed is icy cold, expressing his anger in small ways--hitting a little harder than he needs to, cracking ribs painfully but not lethally, or just out and out punching people square in the nose.]

[A griffon claws at his back, making him grunt as its other claw grabs his arm to lift him.]

[Ed tosses his weapons up, both hands grabbing onto the claw as he spins it in a giant swing. The speed dizzies it enough that the claw lets go, and the bird and rider both go flying off to Allen's horrible-beating-radius, slamming into one of the soldiers near him.]

[They killed our friend. Let's beat the poop out of them, bro.]

Shunsui Kyouraku | Support | Knight | Will match format!

[sugegasa]

Two

He'd been expecting this. Had watched the Noir forces advance, from his position far back among the other support team members. While he could easily have taken to the front lines, he felt himself far better suited to try to protect rather than attack, and he'd only be in the way of the forces at the front!

But it didn't seem to matter much, when the enemy forces seemed to be targeting those trying to assist! As the battle raged around him, Shunsui's remaining eye darkened with rage. He absolutely detested anyone going after the weak and injured, and making a point to target those trying to help them was one of the dirtiest methods of fighting, to him.

It was made even worse when the fire started to rain down on them all. Burn injuries were some of the most painful, and Shunsui once again cursed his lack of any healing ability as he tried to make the victims he carried as comfortable as possible, often wrapping them in the silk of the kimono he always wore to try to soothe the burns from volcano matter as well as fire spells.

He did his best, relentlessly meeting those who tried to cut him down as he carried the injured and paralyzed from the battlefield and into the hands of the capable healers. Perhaps those who had seen him fight in this world before were surprised at the ferocity with which he swung his sword and scythe. Perhaps they were too busy to care. Or perhaps Shunsui fighting his hardest to protect the people was simply what he was expected to do as a Hero.

Three

Shunsui was doing his best to get the wounded off the battlefield itself. Even with the aerial forces overhead, he was fighting hard, shooting wind and storm damage at whomever he could and using his weapons to do even worse to those enemies who got too close to someone on the ground.

Every now and then, when he'd cleared the area around him of the injured, he dashed back to the wall to give it whatever repairs he possibly could. But the lava from the volcano wasn't stopping its advance, and Noir's forces were making a break for it. Shunsui quickly realized their own forces would need to do the same!

He was able to carry several people at once for quite a distance, so if anyone needs help, give a yell!

Four

He wasn't feeling much up to celebrating. The battle had worn him out, and honestly, he simply wanted to sleep. It would take a concerned fellow Hero to pull him out of his room at the Inn and buy him a drink to get him socializing right now.

Wildcard

You know what to do! Hit me up at mutedtempest if you want to do any plotting, although I'm open to pretty much anything imaginable!

I'll be traveling/out of town until early morning on the 23rd, so will be doing mobile tags until then! Apologies if replies are a bit later than normal!

Two

[dishevelment]

'Target the healers.'

It was a common battle strategy among those with the power to implement it, but it was still a battle strategy that seemed barbaric even in his eyes. Being the man who instituted the systematic erasure of multiple cultures for the sake of ending war, that was saying something-- but, as a tactician, his military strategies were always swift, efficient, and minimized casualties.

After all, there would be nothing left to rule, no world worth living in, if everyone died in the process

Although he was powerless to openly act no matter which world he was in at this point in time, that didn't stop him from trying. A lifetime on and off battlefields, three years in exile, and several months helping his homeland find economic stability under the guise of a mask and a non-descript title had taught him much more than a man of thirty would ordinarily have any reason to know.

Despite being all but unarmed in this chaos, Koumei comported himself with an eerie calm that was only betrayed by the dark gleam of disgust in his eyes.

The catalyst of all war was, at it's core, the simple act of one country imposing it's will upon another. Whether it be for land, resources, or a simple ideological dispute, it was all the same-- and he found himself wondering what the point was behind this particular war.

But that would be a subject of study later. Keeping his voice calm but firm, he patiently sought out the safest path for the healers and the wounded to take as they made their way through the battlefield. It was all he could do, and he hated the feeling of uselessness that this particular state brought. Doing the little things was the only way he could really help the ragged rescuers, the burn victims, the healers who needed their mana replenished.

And it was for that reason that he quietly approached the man in the careworn kimono who had rescued him from those women before, a bottle of water in hand.

"...You should take care of yourself, Mister Kyoraku," he said, holding out the water for him to take. They were in a safe corner and had a moment. "It won't help anyone if you exhaust yourself."

[sediments]

[ ⁽(◍˃̵͈̑ᴗ˂̵͈̑)⁽ if you would like a starter, please feel free to comment below!! i am also open to pms to discuss thread ideas, or if you want something specific go ahead and mention it in your comment and i will cater to any desire x( ]

rin

[sediments]

[ It's a little weird that when Bolin manages to find himself having a thought outside of the incoherent need to defend himself and watch out for others, the first thing he thinks is, it's pretty uncomfortable being this sweaty.

The temperatures are searing around them, enough that Bolin's probably going to need water more than mana or anything else once the battle is finished. Magic spells shot at the geysers leaves lava bubbling dangerously in too many spots over the field and as nostalgic as it is, it leaves the earthbender deeply bitter. At least, when he has time to afford emotions like those. Most of this thoughts consist of oh no! and oh man! or seriously?! when their even semi-coherent.

It gets hotter when Bolin, after knocking out one of the mages with a hard hit to the head, finds himself tackled by a heavily armoured soldier, the enemy trying to grapple Bolin into the oozing lava behind them both.

Grappling is not Bolin's forte. ]

Hey! [ His voice is loud, when he catches sight of Rin in the distance. He just needs a moment of leverage to pivot and spin his attacker around and toward the lava. ] A little help here!

Wander | OTA

[nh2h]

One

[Wander arrived, not by foot or by mount, but by his carrier. He sat behind the back of her central neck and held on. Perhaps when he had the money, he would get a saddle for her. Now that he was here, he slid off the wyvern and walked on his own.

He looked worried and the more people he saw preparing for battle, he less cheerful he became. This was serious. He scratched the back of his neck and nervously questioned the nearest person.]

Heh, you're not actually going to destroy anyone, right?

Three

[What was that noise and why was it getting louder? It was Wander, screaming through the sky as he rode one of Noir's griffons. Through a various array of hijinks and japes, he had managed to charm it into a ride by convincing it to stop the massacre and save its master. Now there was an unconscious soldier on its back and an inexperienced weird orange spoon creature behind the reins. This was nothing like a friendly Zbornak!]

Up! Left! Do a barrel roll! Out of the way! Pardon us!

[He came dangerously close to crashing several times against several things, whether it was the wall, other griffons, or even fellow Heroes. Act quickly, because this crazy griffon and orange spoon was now coming right at you!]

Four

Hey there, friend! You're... [he yawned] ...looking pretty tired there. Need a mana hug?

[Seemed Wander was tired himself. However, he kept going for as long as he could. While he did not know any of these fancy magic spells yet, he had learned the basics about mana exchange. Heroes likely needed it now after the battle was over and Wander always looked to help. What was one more hug? He could always sleep later.]

Wildcard

[Come in like a wrecking ball! PM if you need plotting or hit my player contact.]

One

[shewhocompels]

"'Destroy' anyone?"

The alarmingly tall woman looked down at Wander enigmatically, but then gave a tiny shake of the head. "No, I don't have that kind of power. I was merely going to kill them. Why?"

Rory Connor | OTA

[moreasleep]

One

[They were out of boars. So instead, he rode a gigantic, terrifying spider. He got over the initial surprise rather quickly, but remained rather annoyed that it used its multiple legs and mandibles to tug and pull at his coat to beg for another treat. This was why he did not want to keep a mount. They were just another mouth to feed and a huge nuisance.

The next time the spider began pulling at his uniform, he adamantly refused to give it more food. Determined to get more, the spider moved on to the next target, the closest Hero it set its multiple eyes on. It clicked its mandibles, trying to be adorable in its own disturbing way, as its hairy legs reached to latch onto the closest Hero.]

Come back here! You're going to scare the shit out of someone!

Two

[Hurt? Burnt? Vulnerable to attack? A quick spell was all it took to ease the pains or set up a shield to protect. Heroes were not the only ones receiving Rory's aid. Gammonian soldiers, even those close to death, soon had a second chance and took to arms. His actions did not go unnoticed, and soon Noir soldiers set their sights upon the man responsible. Now, with too many soldiers on him than his spider mount had legs, it forced Rory to retreat.]

Get the fuck off my ass!!

[Clearly, this man did not inspire respect, but he was still in need of aid.]

Four

[The wall closed, and the battle should be over, yet a small group of soldiers gathered around. Their comrade lay motionless while Rory knelt over him.]

Come on. Breathe!

[The healing spell no longer took effect. The young soldier was dead. Surrounding soldiers began lowering their heads and removing their helmets in respect. However, Rory did not stop. He muttered and his hands emitted a warm light, yet it was not enough. He could feel his mana lacking by just the smallest amount. He shouted for the nearest Hero.]

Give me your hand, now!

Wildcard

[You know how this goes. PM if you need plots or use my player contact.]

1;

[geneolgian]

It's a bit too late for "going to", sir!

[ Because the spider already has...Yew is struggling valiantly to pry the spider's legs off of him while keeping his face as far, far away from the spider's mandibles as possible. ]

Yukari Takeba | OTA

[couldntpullthetrigger]

[A: For the Vanguard!]

[The battle starts terribly; with the Noir attack ordered to target healers first, the King on the front line Vanguard suddenly finds herself face-to-face with a herd of enemies. Or rather, she marches in right behind the largest group of Knights, Rooks, and others on the Vanguard, and as soon as the battle begins, actually starts to prove her worth as a healer, from the pocket, making sure everyone is kept topped off. Anyone who needs or wants the healing support, just run by her or get noticeably hit in her vicinity - you're getting healed. Unfortunately, it also means Noir starts coming after her with a vengeance.

She'd refused to ride a mount at first (seriously, spiders?) ... now she sort of regrets it, but there is some luck in her being small and unmounted in that with the sheer numbers of Noir soldiers that come after her make a clusterfuck for themselves as they all get tangled up on each other, and on the Blanc soldiers. This should make it easy for the Defense folks on the wall because all the Noir soldiers seem to group up to chase her, as well.] Ack! GET THEM OFF ME!

[B: The Heat Of Battle]

[... But Yukari is pushing herself, and her luck, too far, and more than once she stumbles in behind one of the other people on the Vanguard, panting, clutching at her chest - her mana is tapping fast and she refuses to exchange any with anyone. Her bow is running out of arrows, though she will take a tactical retreat to refill them, but there's something wrong.

Yukari's overdoing it...

... She's definitely overdoing it...

But she returns to the fray each time with more aggression. She's taking potshots at the Noir soldiers' mounts, dismounting them, forcing the mounts to fall on them. She pretends it's not her fault when a few of them fall into the boiling sulfur-water and scream, or fall beneath the feet of their comrades... or right into the weapons of Blanc. She's not the one killing them.

And every time she is hit by a glancing sword or axe blow, an arrow, a spell, she grits her teeth, casts another healing spell on herself, and forces herself on.] Hey, c'mon, there's more of them over there!

[C: It all returns to nothing... it all comes tumbling down tumbling down tumbling down...]

[This is how the battle ends for Yukari, because her luck and skill cannot and don't hold forever:

She levels a shot at a far Noir soldier, but her exhaustion, and the exhaustion of the battle wearing on force her to leave her own flank unprotected. She barely sees the Noir soldier there before the flash of steel comes down for her head, and slices a nasty gouge out of the side of her face, narrowly missing both her eye and her temple. Immediately, the blood trickles into her eyes, the wound swells, and she turns with a screech toward the Noir soldier - and the arrow looses right into their own face. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, but Yukari didn't even lose hers. The soldier, however, gives one final scream and falls, dying swiftly at Yukari's feet.

Just like that, the battle trance she'd been in lifts, and she realizes... she killed this person. She didn't just kill this person - this human being - she was responsible for the deaths of a hell of a lot more Noir soldiers over the course of this fight. She can't stop pretending.

And as she ponders the blood on her hands, an arrow catches her in the shoulder - a fireball to her chest - she'd been being hit by things all day, but she realizes... it's too hard for her to want to heal through it. She can barely breathe over the sulfur in the air. She can barely move... her mana's tapped out.

And she just killed someone. She just killed a lot of someones.

The final blow for Yukari Takeba comes as a battleaxe impacts her back from somewhere she doesn't even see. She doesn't have the chance to scream from the pain as the hit knocks the air right out of her, and she goes down like a broken doll, her legs going numb even as her back screams with the pain, and her body folds in a way it's not supposed to.

Someone comes to her rescue - it doesn't matter who, heroes, if you wish it to be you, just mind the way she flops from a midpoint at her spine because it's been cleaved and broken almost neatly and poetically in half.

The battle is won, but Yukari?

It takes two days before Yukari wakes back up, in the emergency infirm tent, her body wrapped in bandages, and a brace around her neck to keep her from moving her back. She's been kept in a magically induced coma... but it seems someone forgot to reup the spell today.

And she stares at the ceiling.]

... I can't feel my legs.

C

[seventhgen]

[The sudden stirring from her bed catches the attention of the other occupant of the room, one robotic girl who she knows well. She seems to have been washing a rag in a bucket of cool water, wringing it out.

She turns back to Yukari, and brightens.] Oh, Yukari-san! You're awake!

[Aigis steps back towards Yukari's bedside, and offers her the slightly damp, cool, rag.] I was going to put this on your forehead to cool you off. Is that okay? [Aigis, that's for fevers...]

[This close, Yukari can probably see that her armor is still blackened and charred, damaged from battle.] Um, you were hurt fairly badly. I think they're still trying to heal you.

William | Support | OTA

[notsolomon]

1: Pre-battle at the wall

[William's been exploring the wall, letting his brain jell around the fact that this is really happening. He's really going to be in his first war.

He's seen fighting back home of course, demon verses demon verses angel, but he's never been able to be much of a participant. He's always been someone to be protected, a fact that's sat badly with him. Though at the same time, he's never actually wanted to engage in violence.

But, here he is. So he's been exploring the wall, trying to figure out which points are the best to man, which are the weakest and the safest. Which parts of the battlefield will be the same.

He needs to find some middle ground between danger and safety. He's adjusting the bracelet on and off, mostly lost in thought as he explores.]

2: Battlefield, rescue time
[Something happened to you and you're a (wo)man down. Fortunately, someone is here to help.]

Can you stand at all? If so come on, I have a ride for you.

[He gestured toward the spider that had accompanied him. It had been a hard choice between mounts, but he felt there was potential in the creature's ability to climb things. And he'd never been one to be squeamish around such things.]

4: After party

[Somehow he survived against all odds and William's bone weary. Sure he hadn't been in much of a fighting role, but he wasn't a physical guy by any means, so he was taxed, body and mind.

He's sitting there at a table, face buried at the table. There's a half glass there of pale noir, because he also forgot that his tolerance and foreign wine isn't the best combination. So if you approach him, you are going to hear some pathetic groaning.]

Why me? What is this life?

Wildcard
[Want him to rescue you when the volcano is active? Want to do something with him on the wall? Want to meet him earlier in the party? Or have your own prompt? Then go for it!

Also, if people prefer prose tags, I am more than happy to go along with it!]

4!!

[hoasen]

[Surprise surprise, she heard him when he was complaining. So curiously, she wanders over to check his condition.]