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 hand weapons he has seen, like the one this young man carries, are still unfamiliar to Damianos. He knows what they can do, having suffered the effects of one at the carnival, but that such power can be packed into such a small thing is still wonderful and terrible. From where he stands, he can't clearly see where the shot struck true. Bullets fly with more speed and are so much smaller than arrows.

But such long range things are not meant for close combat. Damianos watches the griffon beat it's great wings back, head thrown wildly with the fall of it's rider. He has never seen animals react so wildly to their masters, not even trained attack hounds. It stretches it's long claws and clacks it's sharp beak and Damianos reaches out his left hand to fist into the back of the shooter's clothing, pulling the Hero back behind him.

With his right, he draws his massive sword in preparation to counter and puts himself between the beast and the young man. ]

[quaria]

[ After the mysterious man pulls him back, Setsuna is met with a faint surprise for the gentle gesture. Is this man trying to protect him? After all this time, he's still unused to the motion of being protected by others. In fact, he doesn't think he'll ever get used to it, as he would rather be the one to protect them. Regardless, he's thankful for their feelings... Their kindness only motivates him to fight even harder.

In order to return the favor for this man, Setsuna will do what he can. He quietly refocuses, getting ready to properly assist when right timing is presented before him. For now, he stays put behind the man patiently, allowing the two of them to concentrate. Within the next few seconds, the griffon threateningly angles its sharp talons. It's likely that its intention is either to rip the man apart or to pick him up.

But after that display of skill not long ago, Setsuna has faith this man knows what to do. ]

[goldbound]

[ The griffon dives close and Damianos swings his sword. The glancing of the blade off the talons of the beast clangs like sword off sword, and it beats it's massive wings to remain narrowly airborne. Damen, even with his height, is at the disadvantage. These mounts are trained for riding but they are also natural predators that hunt from the sky. Each thump of it's wings buffets his body, but with the other Hero behind him, this prevents much of the air current from getting to the younger man.

Damen's tightly corded body sways back, trying to keep his balance and keep the beast at bay in equal measure with each swing of his sword. For a moment, this back and forth continues, until the griffon rears itself up and strikes at him with it's hind paws. He cannot dodge both, and it is only the guarded twist of his body that prevents it's dagger-sharp claws from gutting his belly open. Instead, he is torn down shoulder to hip and the roar that leaves him is almost as animalistic as the scream the griffon unleashes when he retaliates by driving his sword through it's left flank. ]

[quaria]

[ The monstrous bird proves its intelligence and might before their eyes. Driven by instinct for survival, the griffon didn't allow Setsuna to interfere at all. Before he has the chance to lift and aim the gun, the creature strikes ahead, and the following wind pressure causes him to nearly lose balance. It was already too late when he looks back, eyes widening as he could only witness the violent scene playing before him. Two screams resonate before him, echoing through his ears.

Setsuna's eyes steel up shortly, not allowing himself to be delayed like that again. Before the beast flies away, he points the gun forward after clicking it, and then fires upon the griffon's eyes to try blinding it. He is thankfully successful, and the creature begins to violently thrash around from the exhilarating pain. Through desperate struggles, it attempts locating where the two Heroes are by constantly beating its wings or slashing its claws.

But it was temporary. As the man's sword is still pierced against the beast, it keeps bleeding out. Soon enough, it loses strength and collapses on the ground. Setsuna then runs forward, taking the sword from the griffon's flesh before ramming it against its head to finally end its suffering. He doesn't look at the fallen bird for long, as he immediately turns back to the man to check his condition. He quickly walks to help support him. ]

Please hold on!

[goldbound]

[ Damianos is not an easy man to fell. He is a monster of a person, brutal in battle— he can remember the expressions on the faces of the men at Charcy, the blacking out of his vision as he'd slaughtered half a field to get to his target. This was not the same sort of fight, but his stamina and strength are not diminished because if it.

Still, those claws were designed for predation. Damen has never fought an animal like that head on before, not even the hunting of the lions was like this. He bleeds freely from his arm, the flesh split horrifically. Adrenalin pumps through him strong and so Damen can't fully appreciate the pain he is in, but he can feel the tingle of his damaged flesh beyond that and it tells him how bad it is without looking.

The young Hero finishes what he had started before turning back to him. Damianos is pale and shaking, even through the determination in his expression. Blood spills between his fingers where he holds his arm shut. ]

Well done.

[quaria]

[ The brutal sight of torn flesh isn't new to Setsuna, but it nevertheless makes him frown. He does his best to maintain his calm stature, thinking over what he should do. He's a Knight, not a King... He won't be able to take care of this wound completely, but he can at least ease it and stop it from bleeding any further.

But first, they have to move away from here. So without wasting time, he reaches into his pocket and slides a handkerchief out. He partially rips it at one end to make it longer, then begins to wrap it around the man's wounded arm. He tightens the cloth right away, securing it to seal the wound as much as possible. He keeps a hold on the man to allow their mana to transfer as well, hoping it'll ease him as they head to a safer corner. ]

Let us move...

[ It's then that Setsuna gently leads the way, carefully walking on to not aggravate any pain on the man. ]

[goldbound]

[ The hankerchief is crude and does little to truly mend his skin, but it works at least partially as a tourniquet and that does something. Damen thinks of how bare his people are when they ride into battle on horseback, and of what a foolish mistake he seems to have made to put him out of the fight so early. He has full use of his right arm, but this wound will send him frustratingly into shock for the loss of blood if he does not find a physician soon.

It's only another reminder of how different things are in this world, where they fight great clawed beasts instead of men and their horses and their frightening intellect.

Still, Damianos does not flinch as the dark haired Hero guides him away from the forefront of battle. The use of his magic was very minimal to this point, but the mana transfer makes him feel more alert. They've put up a good defense, so as they move into an underhang, most of the chaos comes from the other side of the wall. Damen looks down at the young warrior, gripping his arm across his middle, fingers pressed into the ragged bandage given to him. ]

You should go back. They need you up there.

[quaria]

I cannot leave you yet.

[ With a deep wound like that, it will be difficult to treat alone considering its location and its size. Setsuna wouldn't feel right if he just left the man like this. The handkerchief is only a temporary solution after all, it's not a proper one. If they can't find a King, then he'll do what he can on his own. As they walk, he constantly looks left and right for any sight of a King, but... it seems he'll have to do it by himself at this point.

Once they manage to arrive to a safer corner, Setsuna runs toward the nearest Gammonian soldier to ask for a first aid kit. And while waiting for it, he returns to the man's side before he begins to concentrate. He quiets down, looking as if he's in a prayer as he casts a light healing spell. It's not going to be a perfect heal, but it will be enough; he's practiced hard enough to become capable of soothing pain and stopping the bleeding.

Shortly, the spell activates; a gentle blue light surrounds the affected area as Setsuna keeps his eyes focused. And as if on cue when it finishes, the earlier soldier returns with the first aid. The young Knight takes it, then hurries on with the rest of the process: undoing the handkerchief, disinfecting the wound, applying ointment, and finally wrapping it with bandages. ]

[goldbound]

[ Damianos recognizes the signs when they come. The settled expression on the young Hero's face, the low sweep of his lashes, the concentration as he focuses on the injury. The sensation is different than the other healing salves he's experienced thus far— each person, he now knows, feels as different as they look and fight and talk. A chill pools along his body, radiating out from the faint blue glow on his skin. The ice cold prickle makes him think of Laurent.

Damianos does not need to watch it to know that it works: he can feel the pain ease like a medicine, knows abstractly that the bleeding stops when that cool sensation is not replaced by the slow ooze of heat. Instead, he watches the knight's face, glancing away only briefly when the other soldier rushes back with a kit much more familiar to Damianos than mana.

It's far from perfect. The skin is still split, though not bleeding. If he uses his arm strenuously, it will likely reopen the wound, but the absolute worst of it has been gentled by that small magic. Damianos will have to return to the fight. He will probably bleed through his bandages.

He allows the Hero to tend to him without protest, no flinch in his expression as the oil is applied and the bandages produced. As the knight draws close to finishing, Damianos finally says, low and grateful: ] What is your name?

sorry for the wait!!

[quaria]

[ There are no immediate words that follow afterwards. Setsuna isn't the kind of person to stop someone from making a decision they wish to make, unless it was a crucial matter or foolish enough to warrant a comment. That's why despite finishing the process, he doesn't say anything to advise the man from returning to battle; it's his own choice to continue fighting or not. He trusts this man to handle his own, so he simply finishes up.

Once Setsuna closes the first aid kit and hears the other Hero's voice again, he gently lifts his gaze to meet eyes with him. Soft motion of his fluffy hair follows his head movement, staying still once they're properly facing each other. His eyes are calm, yet beyond those irises lie a subtle concern that doesn't need a vocal cue. He's worried despite how accepting he is. ]

Setsuna F. Seiei.

0w0!!!

[goldbound]

[ The gentleness of his eyes draws Damen in, though he can't quite place why. Historically speaking, what Damianos finds aesthetically pleasing is almost opposite to Setsuna. It might be, he'll muse later, the exoticness in their appearance to him. In Akielos, it was fair hair and pale skin that was beyond the norm, but he has never seen the cat-like eyes and deep dark hair set against milky skin of people like this young man, and Vietnam.

But that isn't it. It's the tender efficiency he'd tended to Damen with that reminded him of gold chains and chamomile and cotton wiping the paint on his face. ]

Setsuna. [ Even though there is no language barrier between them, he fumbles the middle syllables of his name. The roll of them together is unlike his own language, and unlike Veretian. He'd had the same issue with Vietnam's name. ] Thank you.

Don't worry, it'll take more than a scratch to bring me down.

*u*///

[quaria]

[ This is hardly called a scratch... But that must be the man's way of telling him that it will be all right. So Setsuna nods once to acknowledge it, as well as the words of thanks. He'll believe in him and his strength. He's witnessed it right before him after all, so that unforgettable sight shall remain as reassurance.

Setsuna knows that from that sight alone, this man has fought many battles before. This man... must have suffered too, having to know how to endure. He knows this kind of perseverance, similar to his own strong will. It makes him wonder what kind of world he came from. Was there war like this as well? ]

Stay strong.

[ Finished with the treatment, Setsuna stands ahead before offering his hand out to the other Hero. He already understands that he wishes to return to the battlefield, so he shall accompany him, fight right beside him again. ]