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

[brightsmile]

[It's not like she hasn't fought on front lines before! So she didn't question where she was right now. She knows that her personal skills weren't suitable for much else.

As far as Soleil is aware...Lux would be coming along with her right. She couldn't leave her ally behind at a time like this. She had to at least hold out a little hope, right? The next request is a little suspicious, but okay. She'll choose to trust her. ]

Okay, I won't fight you.

[She's slipping her other hand into Lux's. Waiting for the next instruction.]

[rememberher]

[ Holding both of Soleil's hands, the light of her bracelet hummed with prismatic radiance, drawing in the light around it.

(It would be difficult to shape this without her other hand, but she needed the extra assistance. Her own reserves were beginning to run dry. Now focus.)

Something shimmered beside Soleil, almost like a mirage, a trick of the light. And that was what it was, slowly forming next to her, taking on the lady-Pawn's shape, her posture, everything. It wasn't perfect by any means, but from a distance, this illusion, it could be her twin, her doppelgänger. It moved and breathed, lifelike and almost uncanny, like a living thing forged of light and magic.

Then something else happened, something somehow stranger still.

Their signatures rescinded, drawing back and slowly... disappearing from sight completely. Soleil would still feel her there, Lux's mana weaving into the spaces between their fingers, and while she could still feel her own mana clear as day, it was invisible, cloaked from sight. ]

Neither spell will last long.

[ Still holding the other woman's hands, it was clear that she was focusing on maintaining the illusions. ]

I'll send this decoy out, then I'll need you to run the other way. They won't be able to sense you, but you'll have a minute at most.

[brightsmile]

[Soleil was nothing short of in awe, how did Lux do that? There were so many questions that she wanted answered. But now wasn't the time for those. She wants to know, and so maybe she'll ask another time. It was beyond her what Lux was asking now.

She was asking her to run.

She was asking her to go the other way? She has to question it.]

What will you do, Lux? What will happen if I run the other way? I won't fight you on it, I promised I wouldn't. But I need to know.

[She doesn't know Lux well, but she can care about someone she's made even a small connection to. It wouldn't be fair to leave her new friend in the line of danger.]

[rememberher]

I'll catch up.

[ She smiled, as she always seemed to do, but there was something else there. It was restrained, a bit rehearsed, and not at all honest. ]

Don't worry about me, okay? I can handle this.

[brightsmile]

[It makes Soleil worry anyways. But Lux is the veteran hero in this situation, and Soleil has decided to put the utmost trust into her right now. Soleil knows that she too has other places to be on this battlefield, and if meant she could go help out her other allies... she'll do as she's told.]

Okay, let's do it. I'll run on your count.

[There is a pause before she squeezes both of Lux's hands one more time.]

We'll definitely catch up later. Be safe.

[rememberher]

[ A veteran hero who was more than willing to put her own neck out in order to make sure that others were safe. Whether or not that made her a good hero was hard to say.

Good girl. Lux looked relieved before giving Soleil a nod. Fly, my friend. ]

Go!

[ Releasing her hands, the clone barreled through the battlefield, to the north, its movements light, as if it were dancing. Sliding between soldiers, just far enough to make the illusion seem real. ]

[[OOC: If you want to wrap this up with the next round here, otherwise we can do something post this encounter, anywhere in this war log timeline. Up to you!]]

[brightsmile]

[Soleil darts off in the other direction like she's told, not looking back, trusting Lux.

She'd have no idea what happened later on in the battle. She had not an ounce of a clue that her fellow hero had been in greater harms way. But, she promised herself that she would follow up with Lux after the battle. That she would thank her for helping out when she was nearly out of mana.

It takes her a while, but she's finally pointed to the medical tents (it makes her worry). She's antsy walking into a tent looking for her. Eyes darting around at all of the other war tired heroes.]

Lux...?

[It won't take her long to find her, thankfully.]

[rememberher]

[ And there she was, the resting Queen, asleep on a cot deep within the infirmary. Her color was a bit off, and she looked strangely small, not the woman full of life and vivacity that she had been in every instance that Soleil had known her. She had been through Hell and back, quite literally, run through with a javelin saving another hero, only to be resurrected in the heat of battle.

She hadn't awoken then, but judging from the partially empty glass of water on the table next to her, and a few lightly nibbled-upon lemon cookies, she had been at one point. Unless some other visitor left their things behind.

Hearing someone at her bedside, it took a moment before Lux finally stirred, whimpering gently as she did. It always hurt, waking up. And looking over her bedside, the blond froze, her eyes (a bit hazy, admittedly) widening slightly. ]

...Soleil?

[brightsmile]

[Soleil is going to take a seat by the cot when she hears the softness of Lux's voice. She was getting a good look at her at this moment. Something was definitely off. Something was off and something happened to Lux after she'd run away.

She can't blame herself though. She knows anything could have happened to her in this battle. That she could be in the same position.]

I wanted to follow up with you after battle.

[She's honest to a fault. She wouldn't hide that she'd been worried from the start.]

I asked around for you afterwards, and it lead me here.

[But no one told her what happened. So maybe that's why there is a tinge of concern in her voice.]

[rememberher]

[ No. No no no this wasn't what she wanted to happen. Soleil, who she looked out for on the battlefield, had protected and given wings to escape. Why were you here? Why now? This isn't what she wanted at all!

(Don't look at her, not like this. Not as frail and weak as she was now...)

She struggled with a smile, but the brightness that the other woman had seen in every smile beforehand had been drained there completely. This was doubt. This was uncertainty. This was the fear that someone that she had been strong for (as she had been for so many. As she had to be for so many) could see how weak she as in this moment.

It was forced. So very, very forced. ]

Oh. You don't... need to do that for me.

[ Even her body betrayed her as she struggled to bring even a modicum of strength into her voice, into her features. Everything betrayed her here. ]

[brightsmile]

[Soleil doesn't look at her any differently. It... it wasn't like that. Lux gave her the chance to help other people. She gave her the chance to turn the battle around in her own right. She did. She did that, and as much more as she could.

She can tell it's forced, there was no reason to hide....was there?

Even so, Soleil doesn't leave her bedside. She stays right where she is, shaking her head.]

There is a difference between not needing to and just wanting to. I want to.

[Soleil wouldn't leave unless Lux really wanted her gone.]

[rememberher]

[ Soleil, you don't understand how important something like that is to her, whether she wants to admit it or not. She could not show weakness like this to others, it felt like she was losing something. What, it was hard to say.

But she settled down a bit, knowing that Soleil wasn't likely going to leave... Not that she wanted her to, of course. ]

They told me... the fighting is over. That they retreated. ...That I need to stay here.

[ She paused, smiling grimly. ]

They would be disappointed in me... The people where I'm from...

[brightsmile]

[No, Soleil doesn't understand. But maybe she yearns to understand. She was taught herself that weakness didn't mean that you were weak, but strong in your own way. It was a difference of course. Not everyone could be raised to think the same things.

She won't leave though, she'd come here because she was worried.]

It's over, and we've won. They retreated after a while.

[She still doesn't know what happened to Lux, but she can be worried.]

If you're injured, I think everyone would feel better if you stayed in a place that you could get better... right?

[Soleil... doesn't know what to make of the next part.

Disappointed? Her expression falls back to something more concerned.]

For what? You did everything that you could out there.

[rememberher]

[ What good was a soldier who couldn't fight, Soleil? That was the thought kicking around in her head, even as her smile began to fade. What good was she?

Lowering her head, her lashes heavy and eyes averted downward, her smile falls. ]

They would never accept that...

[brightsmile]

[Soleil wants to tell Lux how good she is. How much that it was okay to not always be okay. To have moments of weakness is to be a human being. At least, that is what she was taught.

Carefully, Soleil is going to reach of one of Lux's hands. Taking it in her own if she is allowed.]

Who would never accept that?

[rememberher]

[ Perhaps it was what she went through, or the dull buzz of healing spells addling her brain. Normally she would avoid this sort of conversation altogether, especially with someone like Soleil. She was a sweet girl, and one that Lux did not know well, but somehow...

She was tired, and letting the other woman take her hand, she continued to stare forward. ]

The people back home. My people. My family.

[brightsmile]

They...would fault you for mistakes?

[She seems a bit concerned about that. Grasping Lux's hand a little tighter. Oh, if only she knew how to make it better. She wanted to know what she could do to help her more. To support her.

Soleil finds herself drawn to her, but in a more caring way.]

[rememberher]

[ She nodded simply, her gaze lowered as she found herself unable to look Soleil in the eye. They had every right to, to be disappointed in her for not performing as they felt she should.

Feeling the other woman grip her hand tighter, she didn't respond, her eyes closing in shame. ]

[brightsmile]

If it means anything, Lux. I'm really grateful that you came to my side when I needed help. That's what comrades and friends are for. If someone else can't be proud of you...

[She pauses a moment, knowing what needed to be said. For Lux's sake. She didn't want Lux to feel shame. There was no reason!

Soleil squeezes her hand again.]

If someone else can't be proud of you! Then I'll be proud of you!

[1/2]

[rememberher]

!!

[ Soleil, you... ]

[rememberher]

[ That wasn't fair, saying something like that when she was in such a way. Looking up suddenly, bewildered by her words, the wall she erected there began to crumble. Her brows furrowing deeply, Lux lowers her head again. ]

Soleil...

[ Emotion bubbling over in her voice, her grip tightens around Soleil's hand as she tries to keep it in. Don't cry, Lux. Not here, not now... ]

[brightsmile]

[She keeps the grip on her hand. Letting Lux sort out her emotions. It's been a hard day. She doesn't know if she could really stick her nose further into the situation than she already had. The concern that she held was still very much evident.]

I promise you that I'm not just saying that.

[There was no waver to her words, she wouldn't afford being misunderstood or being accused of being untruthful right now.]

[rememberher]

I know...

[ Despite her best efforts to keep from choking up, it was clear from her voice that she was holding back. ]

[brightsmile]

I don't mean to make you upset.

[Soleil is even more gentle. Holding her hand tenderly, speaking to her carefully.]

We don't have to keep talking about this. You look like you need to rest. Is there anything else I can do for you right now? Do you need anything?

[rememberher]

[ N-no, that wasn't... That wasn't it at all. Soleil, this wasn't her fault, not at all, and her gaze still drawn elsewhere, Lux shook her head. ]

...

[ Taking a breath, she still couldn't quite meet the other woman's gaze. ]

...Stay with me a while? Like this.

[ And gently, tentatively, she gripped the other woman's hand, squeezing and not letting go. ]