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

[babbylon]

Is that all that matters to you...?

[Helping hardly even factored into the equation for Gilgamesh. He didn't do as he was told because he was told, or because it saved others, but because it served as a source of amusement for himself. Because he acted in the capacity of a Hero, to draw further worship, because he was the rightful overseer in war between humans. Doing the right thing had never and would never play any part in it.

But Hakuno was different. Hakuno was the ever elusive "good person", which makes the forces that brought them together all the more mysterious. Even so, he won't criticize her for it today. It won't reach her, anyway. Idly, he brushes fingers up and down her arm, revitalizing her with traces of healing magic on her fingers.]

You are foolish indeed if so little contents you. And here I thought you an ambitious sort.

[He's just rambling, mostly. It becomes awkward if they lapse into silence like this.]

[sealeted]

'Ambitious'...?

[Hakuno outright laughs at that, soft and sweet.]

Can you call wanting to live a long, fulfilling life ambitious? ...ah, I guess you really could. But, aside from that, I do have some dissatisfaction left over from the Holy Grail War, you know? Back then...

[Her tone becomes a bit pensive, even as it gains strength from his efforts and overall presence. He's supporting her in was that go beyond literal; it's always hard, talking about her past trials, for all that she makes the effort to play it off casually as something well and truly behind her most days.]

Back then, knowing nothing, being able to do so little, I always ended up relying on other people. That was the most I could do, some times; that and serve as a vanguard, of sorts, or bait. Sometimes, people died for me, not just as a consequence of losing an Elimination Round. ...it was so frustrating. So, so frustrating.

[She toys with the hem of one stocking, hooking a finger underneath and tugging it up her thigh.]

So, it's not the only thing that matters to me, no. But it's a type of personal triumph, I guess you could say. I can do more now. And I will.

[babbylon]

Because you were weak.

[Ever the forthcoming one...

That also must have been what led to their partnership, he presumes. Weaklings would always aspire for the company of the strong. And even if he had been asleep for many, many years, a flick of his wrist could have eliminated her. She must've known that from the very beginning. She must know it even now, the disparities between them in terms of sheer power.

So to make some measure of difference—however small—must've been very significant to her. To a little bit of code that had become something much more.]

And thus remain. However, today, that may be slightly less so.

[It's the best sort of acknowledgment she can hope for from him.]

[sealeted]

Careful, I might get a swelled head if you keep on like that.

[She tilts her head back to look at him, and her voice makes it obvious she's joking. They both know he isn't one to dispense praise lightly. She appreciates even that minor concession, but the disparity between them is so large that she ends up being able to let it fade into the background, focusing on her little sapling of a tree as it inches upwards, rather than his ancient, grandiose forest.]

...but still, I'm glad. Even if I might have... maybe overdid it. A little bit.

[babbylon]

Not even the likes of the great King of Heroes might school you otherwise.

[A quiet confession that, for all of his own teasing, he won't force her to act against herself. Partially because he realizes that, for all his apparent flaws, she would afford him the same courtesy. And sometimes, Gilgamesh really could be polite in his own way.

He sneaks in a kiss to her forehead when he thinks no one's looking.]

We had best put you to bed early at this rate. No partying for you, I am afraid...

[Tsk, tsk. Now he actually does sound disappointed.]

[sealeted]

Oh, come on. I'm not that hard up for mana.

[...well, not now, anyways. She's very close, and she certainly was before he interceded, but right now she's not feeling as drained as she was a few moments ago.]

[babbylon]

Because a magnificent Hero came to the rescue?

[Puffing himself up. Predictably.]

[sealeted]

Well, something like that I suppose.

[She pats his chest gently.]

So, is there any good food at this party?

[babbylon]

They're making pork sausage, so I hear.

[Gilgamesh loosens his hold on her, allowing her to rise if she chooses.]

If you are feeling plucky, go and bring us both some. A King needs a moment to rest, too.

[sealeted]

...maybe in a minute.

[She's not inclined to get up just yet. He's comfortable, and the mana is still working its way through her body.]

Did you have fun today?

[babbylon]

...?

[That's a curious question to ask. Did he have fun today...]

I suppose. It was more of a matter of duty than fun, though a few provided me decent entertainment.

[sealeted]

[Is it really?

Battle is as much a pastime for him as adventuring or gardening, from what she knows. Today, with fire raining down and enemies swooping in, she thought he might have had a good time, relatively speaking. She hadn't actually gone near him, despite her instincts screaming at her to find him and stick to his back, because if nothing else the train proved that she can't trust her instincts not to make her rush in at the sight of him hurt.]

Well, that's good. Did you get hurt?

[babbylon]

There were a few brushes with near death...

[Which he totally admits on purpose, just to worry her.]

[sealeted]

But you valiantly and heroically persevered?

[It's difficult to be worried, when he's warm and whole beneath her. So he gets gentle amusement instead.]

[babbylon]

Surely on the account of some sparing thoughts from a lovely maiden.

[Just who could he be referring to here...]

[sealeted]

Well, if you say so. And here I thought you'd chalk it up to your superior skills.

[babbylon]

My superior skills will make themselves apparent when I bed said maiden later this evening.

[sealeted]

Okay, we've gone from banter to overshare. I don't need to know the particulars of what you and Vietnam get up to.

[babbylon]

[Yanks on her ears.]

I was not referring to Vietnam, you philistine.

[sealeted]

—ow?!

[She pulls away, cradling her injured ear gingerly and pouting at him ever so slightly.]

Well, how am I supposed to know all of your lovers?

[babbylon]

Look in the mirror.

[Does he need to put this up in blinding white lights, or...]

[sealeted]

Jeeze.

[She rolls her eyes and shakes her head, easing her way onto her feet as she stands up.]

I'm not that hard up for mana.

[...actually, she might be, technically.]

Sausage, you said?

[babbylon]

That depends on what sort of sausage you're after—

[#gil no]

[sealeted]

I'd say from a 'pig' but that might get misconstrued as a come on.

[She scampers before he can realize she just mouthed off to him, and doesn't come back until she has a peace offering of real pork sausage.]

[babbylon]

[Oh, dammit.

Fine, but he's just going to look pissy when she gets back.]

I don't want it anymore.

[Yes he does, please shove it in his mouth.]