pawnstorm | WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There's a reddish glow on the parapets of the wall; one of the cannons is pointed more or less in Yukari's general direction. Or a bit in front of her and the thin line of Gammonian soldiers, at least.

The distant hum escalates into a crackling roar, and a familiar red fire streaks overhead before impacting in the middle of the Noir charge. It sends a number of soldiers and mounts and...parts of both flying in every direction. The ground where they once stood was a smoldering, shallow crater, so uneven it turned ankles almost just by looking at it.

Kaede's looking out for you! At least for the moment. Isn't she nice.

The shot broke the back of that charge in particular, but there'd doubtless be others. There always were.]

[Broke the back of. I see what you did there.

Regardless, the sight of parts, blood, other things flying through the air is sickening, horrifying, but even though her stomach turns at the sight, Yukari can acknowledge two things - that shot saved her life, and the lives of those around her, and that she doesn't have time for nausea. Her life is right on the line, and the Noir soldiers have it out for her in particular, and she can't be incapacitated, so she swallows hard and tries to focus on what happened.

Alright, looks like the soldiers are dazed and scattered, and while it's hard to tell exactly who just blasted that hole right into the Noir charge, she has an idea. She acknowledges it with a wave back toward the wall, then lifts her bow and gets ready to start after what's left of this particular charge.

The thing is... Yukari doesn't go for kill shots. She shoots the mounts, legs, arms, even stomachs, but she's as always going for incapacitation rather than death.

That, of course, should leave the Noir soldiers vulnerable to those with less moral compunction. She might not even say anything.]

[Gosh what do you think she is, a killstealer??

Thanks for setting up those easy shots, though. Much easier to put targets out of their misery when they weren't galloping this way and that.

Kaede couldn't see many details from up here, between the sulfurous clouds and ashes, but she did see that wave. And vaguely who that wave came from. She kept her gun aimed in the gesture's direction feeding mana into the gun to speed the next shot.

The next burst of flames punched into the ground near the first crater, engulfing the charge's remnants. Both with fire, and when the shot pierced the ground right into a geyser.

Oops.]

[Killstealer? Yukari isn't even going for kills anyway.

... Kaede can have all the loot anyway. Yukari might secretly be starting to be a little apathetic to the idea of dying.

She at least has backup, it seems, and she levels the bow toward the remaining enemies, only to watch them all explode, as well. She flinches with a squawk though when the ground erupts into boiling hot water, and a bit of the steam catches her, forcing her away from the area.]

HEY. NOT ME! [NO FRIENDLY FIRE, KAEDE.]

[THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FRIENDLY FIRE THERE'S ONLY FRIENDLY RUNNING INTO ARTILLERY RANGE

Though the cannon doesn't fire again while Yukari is scrambling backwards. Probably because the cannon was cooling down again. Or, maybe, just maybe, Kaede was being nice!

There might be a very distant "Oops" somewhere in the background.

She's totally being nice, yep.]

[KAEDE SHE IS NOT ONE OF THE PEOPLE TRYING TO KILL YOU, SO STOP BEING ONE OF THE ONES TRYING TO KILL HER.

... Right. Okay. So she can retreat some... and some more. And some more.

Actually, she seems to be running toward a totally different part of the battlefield, away from whatever mess of broken soldiers is lying in the last pile. The Noir soldiers holler and follow her, and they start to group up again for round two. If they can get her, it'd be worth it but

man they're not being real smart about this with what just happened before.]

[It builds character!!

Oh fine. She supposes.

Yukari does get some more breathing room to retreat, as Kaede blasts away the column of soldiers following after her; they seemed very interested in wrecking the King's shit from here. Suicidally so.

...though she might have been a bit overzealous, as there isn't a quick follow-up shot like there had been. The cannon had overheated and needed to cool down--or it'd just melt.

Yukari will have to do without covering fire for now.]

[NO FRIENDLY FIRE.

... but at least, on the other hand, they seem to be after Yukari with such a single-minded determination it makes it almost too easy to down the strings of them as they fall into rank and file.

... until the cover fire stops, and Yukari realizes it a bit late - a bit after she's slowed down to try to catch her breath.

Adrenaline is a helluva drug, though, and as soon as she sees the soldiers after her again, she squawks and keeps running as fast as she can, but she is wearing down a bit. There's only so far her athleticism can carry her.]

WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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I STILL SEE IT

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