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

[dishevelment]

Your Dantalion sounds to be an interesting person, [He intoned, idly wondering what the Dantalion that he had only exchanged words with a scant few times would think of this. Having that paralleled connection, even if it took a different form, was still decidedly odd to him.]

Perhaps the politics of Demons are different? I know that a single person who carries a contract with a Djinn can be strong enough to take on entire armies, which can ruin an entire strategy before the battle's even begun. If Demons are similarly powerful...it might make sense for them to think they can work alone.

[Curious, very curious. But, to the question, all he can do is offer William a weary look.]

It doesn't really become easier, no. You just find yourself getting used to carrying that weight and moving forward. The ones who stop and weep are the ones who meet the funeral pyre later on.

[notsolomon]

Interesting? Don't tell him that. His ego doesn't need the boost.

[Interesting was a word for the flamboyant, loud meathead. He still couldn't believe there was a version that was female and more concerned with choosing people to be King than being King herself.]

It is very different. Very might based. He is very strong. But he needs to stop jumping into things like thinking he can save the world on his own. Stupid. I don't need protecting.

[But it's time to clear his head of drunk, angry thoughts.]

I hardly have intention of stopping and weeping. And if that's all it takes, I can manage.

[dishevelment]

[It was a mess of politics involving Solomon's role in his world's creation that put Dantalion in the position she was in. When left on her own, Koumei was certain that she would have more interest in pranking others or teasing Leraje about her terrible love life than in choosing candidates for King.]

Hm...'Troublesome' might be a better word for him, then.

[At least the two versions of the figure shared that much in common.]

It's good that you've that spark-- you'll be needing it, so be sure to take care of yourself when you're able to. And, I'm sure that you'll be able to prove yourself to your Dantalion the next time you've that opportunity.

After all, you did survive this battle.

[notsolomon]

Troublesome is the perfect word for all of them.

[Too much trouble by half. Everyone was always going away where he couldn't easily follow.

Which made this perfect. For once William was the one who would be away and unreachable. It had been a bit worrisome before, but now, in his less lucid state of mind, a small part of William was feeling... strangely smug? Sure, let them worry while he went off and had some adventure without them. And made it without relying on others.]

...prove anything? As if. I just want to put him in his place. Without any stupid contract at play.

[Which was exactly what proving himself was, but his brain is still addled.]

Whatever though. We can apparently learn magic here, so I will just have to do it all over again. Maybe it will even be easier to study it here. They have actual schools and all, so I would think it would be more sensible. An actual, developed body of science.

[dishevelment]

[...It seemed that William and Dantalion had quite the antagonistic relationship! Koumei, in his biases, was no incredibly about what this Dantalion was like, even if the odds of the two of them meeting were incrediby slim.]

We shall see what happens in due time, [He intoned, unbothered by William's irritability.]

In the meanwhile, I look forward to the same. It sounds more intuitive than scientific, so that may affect the learning curve for the both of us...

But, to be honest, I don't see it being impossible for either of us to accomplish.

[notsolomon]

[Not so much these days, but yell about the demon had become a habit of his. Woe befall Dantalion if he should actually arrive in this place.]

Of course it shouldn't be impossible. We are both geniuses after all, so such a thing should be simplicity itself.

[The arrogance isn't necessary, but it does a bit to boost his spirits. But he nods to himself, satisfied.]

And if I am good at anything, it is studying.

[dishevelment]

[There was no hiding the amused little chuckle that Koumei huffed at those words. William's certainty and conviction in his beliefs in something as simple as studying were heartening to see in the aftermath of the war, for it showed that William was far sturdier than he seemed.]

We are-- and having a goal like that is something you'll find helpful in the future.

[It was nice to have a distraction as the tides of war swirled around you.]

[notsolomon]

[When he feels like it, William has enough conviction for five men. But he is feeling a bit pumped now.]

It would definitely be not just to my own benefit, but for everyone here. Knowledge should be shared.

[This is half selflessness, half ego inflating at the thought of people admiring him for this.]

[dishevelment]

Of course it should be, [Koumei replied, smiling warmly at the firmness and dedication of those words.] I was merely talking about an avenue that would give you something else to do-- a hobby, if you will.

[Not that the pursuit of knowledge and sharing any findings was a 'hobby'. It was quite a noble goal in Koumei's opinion, and one that he would help William with should his aid ever be sought.]

[notsolomon]

It is appreciated though. [He probably would have thought of it on his own anyways, but the suggestion is still helpful. Especially coming from someone like minded.

Knowledge could empower him in this situation, allowing William to be ahead of the game. How exciting!]

Besides, this world is pretty interesting when I let myself stop being annoyed.

[dishevelment]

There's many parts of it that are fascinating, [Koumei agreed. Both the politics and the sciences of this land fascinated him-- and he knew that he could spend a month in the libraries and still not know enough to properly see the larger picture.]

And it seems we'll have ample time to study during our off periods. We would be wise to use it.

[notsolomon]

When you put it like that, none of it seems so bad.

[It's enough to almost make a man feel positive about being kidnapped and taken away to a strange other world. Almost.]

But we'll see what research yields down the road.

[His mind was a little clearer right now at least, the booze having worn off a bit.]