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

[yaoihand]

Do not lie. You are not ready yet. [ If it were true, she would be breaking out of his grasp and getting on her own feet. The fact that she's still lying helplessly in his arms meant that she was just as vulnerable as she looked at the moment. He's usually gullible but sometimes!!! he can see through bullshit!!!!

She did seem to be regaining some of her movement though. He'll be keeping her close until she's ready to defend herself. ] Is the spell wearing off ...?

[showsnopiety]

[How rude, he's holding her in his arms! And she can't get up yet, it's true, it's still wearing off. Guess he's too focused on her to go around like a mushroom. Least about her right now.

Drat.]

Yes. I think it's the mana exchange.

[Which might mean...in order to get her up and heal him...]

[yaoihand]

Oh. [ He hadn't actually made the connection until she mentioned it. In fact, he hadn't even noticed how close they were until she mentioned it. He was only acting out of concern for her.

Kija blinks, going a little pink. ] I-I see. So, to break the spell, we'll have to -- [ Exchange more mana. It's a mystery why he's going red now when he was calm and composed about this before, but Kija starts to get a little nervous. He knows what he has to do, though. The both of them were sitting ducks at the moment, and they would continue to be vulnerable until Caren breaks the spell. ]

Is it ... fine for me to hold you closer? [ why is he asking NOW when he was just doing it minutes before....... ]

[showsnopiety]

[She knew how close they were the moment he picked her up! She could smell him, and he mostly smelt like smoke and gore, but there was also Kija scent which...

Isn't bad? Yoon, what do you make Kija wash with? Yeah this is starting to border on creepy let's stop this train. She swallowed, and closed her eyes briefly.]

Yes, you may.

If you would like, you may touch my hair again.

[yaoihand]

[ nammah go to sleep please

When did the atmosphere suddenly get so thick? Right, ever since he realised just how intimate of a position they were in. Though he's becoming increasingly stressed, he does know what the priority was at the moment. Kija shifts, so he has Caren lying more comfortably across his lap, and squeezes her a little closer to his chest, offering his mana generously. It should feel like a burst of white energy, bright and uplifting. Very much like Kija himself. ]

If ... that would help. [ It definitely helps, given how quickly she's regaining her movement. With his dragon hand, he combs the scaley fingers through her hair, his movements gentle despite how monstrous the claw looked. ] You must be more careful. I do not know what would have happened if you stayed there, frozen in place.

[ She probably wouldn't have made it if no one had came to her aid. ]

[showsnopiety]

[I did I promise

He was thinking too much, she thought. And while there is that white burst, far too bright, she managed to move her arm. It was loosening, with all of the cuddling and the hair touching.

All they needed, she thought, was background music and sitting in a teenagers bedroom. Not hers, since that would be a mood killer. Just...ugh. This tenderness is so difficult to deal with.]

I would have died.

[She sighs, and glances away. She can feel his nails go through her tangles, easily. Guess he was a hairbrush too.]

It's painful, but you get used to it.

[yaoihand]

[ A tall, skinny hairbrush apparently .....

He's so, so nervous, but there's also something strangely calming about what they were doing. It's probably the gentle exchange of mana between them. It brings him much guilt to say he doesn't hate it, though that's probably something he'll only admit to at gunpoint. This world was strange and confusing, forcing them to do the things he would only do for a lover as a means of survival.

His hands still when she drops that little bomb, and his eyes widen for a second. ]

Used to ... dying? [ WHAT. ]

[showsnopiety]

[What better way to get to all those tangles really...

She's getting more movement; she can feel it, curled against him. Her toe twitches, and her arm decides yes, it will move by her will. Though it seems she's blown him away.]

Mmhmm. Kings can revive the dead, and there was a time loop back in my world. Dungeons...that seems to have consequences, but I've never died there.

I'm not sure if I would be permanently dead though in this case.

[Maybe she should try?]

[yaoihand]

[ Okay, he did know about kings reviving the dead and he also knows about dungeons, but ... he's really not sure how the conversation had shifted to his topic. Caren's casual way of speaking about it is even more off-putting. ]

Even if there is a chance of revival, I'd rather it not happen at all. [ So please don't think about trying. He will get mad at you, girlfriend. ]

... Why are we talking about this? [ which he has her in his lap, and they're practically cuddling? ]

[showsnopiety]

[Oh, he'd get mad? She can deal with him being mad. It's when he's tender that she doesn't know what to do but maybe, just maybe, attack him in underhanded ways.]

It's something to think on.

[Or something like that. Caren...]

We're talking about it because I'm not worried about dying?

[yaoihand]

[ UHH, OKAY CAREN ... Kija isn't worried about dying either but he doesn't talk about it like he's musing over whether to go get groceries or not. ]

I will not allow it, Caren. [ he's keeping your stupid butt alive ] How are you feeling now?

[showsnopiety]

[Well you never know what you want to get at the grocery store! Also: is his life his own to lose?]

Do I even deserve it?

[She laughs a little, and moves to stand up.]

I can fight. My thanks Kija. But next time: a kiss would have been quicker.

[yaoihand]

[ If she's still weak, he will offer a (scaly) hand to help her up. Otherwise, he's watching her in some measure of concern, making sure she's really okay. She's definitely the type who would say she is even if she isn't.

That joke about a kiss (is it a joke tho??) makes him huffy, because he knows she's trying to tease him again. His face colours pink in both embarrassment and petulance, but he otherwise ignores it!!! Take that, Caren!!! ]

Of course you deserve it. You are my friend. [ well Kija kind of decided that on his own but ... yeah. Now that they're up, they might have to return to the fray soon. ]

[showsnopiety]

[She'll make sure that she can get up and onto her feet, despite or because of that offer of help. SHe might be a little pale, still be a little stiff, but seeing him sulk a little perks her right off.

Though his last words had her raise an eyebrow, before scoffing.]

No, we are not.

[First Allen, now Kija...well, she supposes Jae Ha counts on that exasperation too but there's benefits to that too.]

I don't have friends. Don't argue.

[yaoihand]

[ Oh, that kind of stings a little. Caren does get on his nerves at times, but the worry and the fussing and the care that he has for her isn't just for show. It's all genuine, and it's not the best feeling knowing that only he may be feeling this way. It's not a point he'll argue, however. After all, it isn't like she asked him to start caring. ]

... If that is how you feel. [ There's a quieter tone to his voice, but he doesn't retort back. It's easy to make out when he's unhappy, however. Kija frowns, keeping his eyes turned away, and looks forward instead, at the battle before them. ]

Will you need more rest?

[showsnopiety]

[She stares at him for a few moments. She did hurt him. Maybe a little too much. There's no joy in this, even if she might have another time, in another way.

It won't do. Lightly, she brushes her fingers over his shoulder, and to his cheek, if he would allow such a breach.]

No. But as thanks, I should tell you something.

[She turns away, showing him her back. It's not meant to be dramatic; she just wants to see what's going on around them. She's spent too much time rock still, and she wants to move.]

You know I'm not normal. I don't think you understand how abnormal I really am. I don't feel things as people do. Another person would say I was cursed by God, but I am what I am.

No one is my friend. Just people to use. And people that will use me in turn. So what I said-it was not a personal slight. Do you understand?

[yaoihand]

[ The light touch does soften the blow he had received from her, and he actually appreciates that she thought to explain. It still stings that she can't accept his friendship, but the more he thinks about what she's saying, the more he starts to understand.

It's not something he can relate to, because Kija is the kind of person who feels a little too much, but ... he'll accept how she is.

There's a glance back at her, but he doesn't turn around fully. He has to guard this side after all. ]

It is fine if you cannot feel the same. But you should not assume that others are always trying to use you.

[showsnopiety]

[It's a kindness, and in itself-that could be cruel. But it might have taken away a bit of that sting. A bit, but maybe not enough.

At least they're not getting killed in midst of this discussion, foolish or needful as it may be. She'd rather he didn't die while here.

That was her job.]

I was envied for what I could do, even when it caused me suffering. I was only paid attention to when I could do something for someone else.

[Her smile widens, though mirth does not touch her eyes.]

How else can I see the world Kija? Not everyone is cherished like you.