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

[goldbound]

[ The rider unseated the griffon screams, pinwheeling to dive after it's fallen rider. The tension is solid across Damianos' shoulders, the battle throbbing heavy through his blood. He doesn't feel the bruise forming in the soft part of his hand. It would have been worse without the gloves, and later he will be thankful he didn't take them off. Damen says: ]

We need to get them out of the sky.

[ Whether through javelin or cannon. ]

[hoasen]

[Here she thinks, what would Damianos be just marching through battle? A mighty warrior? Would he sweep down numbers of Noir soldiers? There is no beauty in battle. But there are heroes who look inspiring doing the deeds.

But he can't do all the fighting.

She nods and looks over at the cannons, but before that, starts transforming her long oar to that of a sniper rifle.]

I will cover in two ways. The cannon and my gun. Do you need anything right now, Damianos?

[goldbound]

[ He glances at her and the change in her weapon. Another narrow projectile, the kind he is becoming familiar with by sight alone. It is good, in retrospect, that his first introduction to such things had been remarkably benevolent compared to what he knows they can now do.

Opening his mouth to speak he is cut off by the crackle of lightning above their heads. The beating of a new rider's flying mount as it sweeps low over their heads. Damianos is an easy target for their outstretched talons, and he only narrowly misses being caught in it's claws when it misses it's target and wheels back into the sky.

His arm is cut open for the effort, but he would rather be bleeding than up in the air. Whirling, he shoves a cannon ball into the nearest cannon, down on one knee. There is no time to talk. With luck, Vietnam will already konw what to do. If she is a country, as she says, Damen thinks there is no way she is unfamiliar with war. ]

[hoasen]

[Damianos moves so cleanly, so quick. His reflexes were trained for battle, as she watches him load up the cannon, despite his new injuries after that griffon rider cast that spell.

Cursed rider! They dare hurt him under her watch? She has no time to look after him right now, after he worked so hard to get the cannon loaded, so she aims it and fires, her goal to knock the bird straight in the skull. And once she is sure that it was going to at least be a damaging shot, she turns to her companion.]

Does your arm need healing?! [She has plenty of mana right now.]

[goldbound]

[ The beast swerves at the behest of it's rider but it doesn't move fast enough. The cannonball slams not into it's skull, but into it's neck, and it's close enough to them that he can hear the sickening crunch of spine breaking. The griffon doesn't even scream, only falls. Damen's arm is bleeding freely. Fighting an animal like that is nothing like fighting with swords, then and dangerous. Those claws were designed to rend flesh from bone.

He can feel it burning all down the powerful muscles of his arm, clenching his jaw. Damianos doesn't even consider healing it, his mind jumping briefly to binding it, before Vietnam speaks behind him. Brown eyes turn to her, uncomprehending for a moment, before he realizes what she means.

Damen glances back to the sky, but they are not a target right now. He turns to her to offer his injured arm. His arm is grotesquely split, it would have been a terrible scar in his own world. ]

Please.

[hoasen]

[Success! A tragic success, for while they succeed, another two victims fall to the storms of war. But Vietnam thinks nothing of it after it is certain that the bird and the rider will not be attacking them again.

At Damianos' cue, Vietnam moves away from the cannon and towards him, holding out her hands so that she can deliver a stream of mana into his arm and mend it. Binding is always a plan that they usually should take, making sure that his wound stays put, but as someone who is used to regenerating after some time, her mind always defaults to healing to quicken one's recovery. And Damen truly needs it.

Her mana courses through him, like a gentle rush of water, more volatile than usual only because she wants to make sure he is well. Soon, what was a gruesome wound no longer bleeds.]

Just a little bit more... [He's only a Pawn...what would he be when he's promoted!]

[goldbound]

[ The sensation of rapid healing is still not one he is used to, despite having been on the receiving end of it a number of times. It's the strange juxtaposition of the skin knitting and the pain receding, of something foreign seeping into his body. It's different for each person. When Laurent had healed him, his mana had felt like ice. Vietnam's feels completely different to that.

He watches as though he might learn something from it, but he knows no more from watching her heal him than he would form watching Pascal perform a minor surgery on a patient. ]

Thank you. [ He says, relief clear in the smoothing of his brow. ]

[hoasen]

[And to think she once healed Laurent too. She still did not make the connection that these two knew each other yet, but really, she is comfortable in their presence. Vietnam learns this now of Damianos, that even in war, she can feel at ease around him, despite worrying over his arm. He's definitely coolheaded for someone who just withstood the talons of a griffon.]

You're welcome, really. We have each other's backs here, no?

[goldbound]

I'm glad to have you.

[ He means it sincerely, his eyes going to Vietnam's face as he says so. It was one thing to be among his people, to ride into battle with Nikandros and his Akielons at his back— it was another entirely to be battling in a war with no true unified front. They are not lead in the conventional sense of the word, but instead flung into the fight with what seems more a hope and a prayer.

How they manage to organize themselves with any modicum of efficiency still baffles Damen. He keeps finding himself craving to draw the people around him and direct them himself. As her magic does it's work, he shakes his arm out, and squeezes his fist experimentally.

The ache is entirely gone, and he shakes his head with amazement, despite himself. ]

[hoasen]

[Well, now she's just bashful. If she was the type to be toeing the ground, she would, but instead she just shuffles on the spot.]

A-ah, well. Because I am glad to have you, of course. You're very strong!

[She's sure she should say it again, that for a Pawn, he's already mighty. So what he would be like when he ranks up? He'd be unstoppable. As long as he has the support to be healed, she's sure.

It's that kind of strength she's sure is how they're keeping this battle afloat.]

Better? My heals are nothing like a king's but I try.

[goldbound]

[ Some part of it may be Damen's old resilience, or that the wound could have been a lot worse than it was. His skin is still pink, dusky in the place it had been torn open, but while the healing is new the damage is all but vanished. ]

Much better.

[ His smile is genuine, creased only by the seriousness of their situation. Damianos lifts his gaze, scanning the sky and watching the swooping griffons. Below, a retreat has been sounded by the Noirian fleet, but it likely attempting to get in a last hit, the airborne soldiers return full force. ]

[hoasen]

[She's going to have to make sure to give him a refresher later, since Damianos probably really gets into the thick of things. He would make a magnificent Rook, she thinks. Or a Knight. Depends on how offensive he is.

Still, she brightens up, just a bit, when he says he feels much better.]

In that case, are we ready to show them that this attack will do nothing?

[The riders may confidently back up the groups now, but they too will fall. These cannons still have much of the battle to see.]

[goldbound]

I'd love nothing more.

[ It comes out a determined growl. Her healing has done much, whatever her class, but Damianos doesn't have the time to really consider the wonder of it. They are in the middle of battle and as such, must defend their line.

The walls are closed, now. Damen can hear the cry go up behind him of returned soldiers, of regrouping for the last push. He steps forward, putting his shoulder against the griffin to heave the mas sive creature out of the way so they might load the cannon again. ]