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

[showsnopiety]

[It's like a race more then a fight. Least, that's how it feels at first.But she doesn't feel nervous. Not exactly. She has a job to do, and she wants to get it done. She's never fought like this before.

It doesn't really matter. She can feel Jae-ha's mana following into her, through their intertwined fingers. If she tried to focus on it, she'd feel the dragon, flowing and flying in mist.

Very poetic, and not something to be bothered with on the battlefield. She's nearly dragged behind. His legs are far longer then hers, but she's determined to keep up.

...besides if he picks her up this early into battle, she might have to punch him, then himself.]

You know what you want your first move to be?

[Hell, they could be practical and try to do a coordinated attack.]

[flirtations]

[ In the beginning, he still has an abundance of energy-- of willpower, even, to keep Friedgood safe. What little he's seen of how Noir hasn't left a favorable impression, and the people of Blanc have treated them kindly. That's more than enough to fight on their behalf. So he looks to Caren with a smile, one that says he might be looking to take more of a risk than usual.

They are very nearly head-to-head with the opposing army, but still a few feet away. ]

I want to try something. Do you mind wrangling a couple of soldiers to have fun with?

[ With those restraints he's seen at work before, or whatever other creative ideas Caren might have up her sleeve. ]

[showsnopiety]

[He always had will power and energy-whether it came from protecting Friedgood, or from protecting a precious someone. She could have admired it, or taken advantage of it.

She'll do neither today. Instead, she offers a barely there nod, and her hand flicks out. Wires burst from her gloves, and wrap around two poor Noir soilders. She yanks her hand back, and the wires retract so they come stumbling Jae-ha's way.

Hope you like your present.]

[flirtations]

[ He isn't a man that delights in the sheer act of violence. He can appreciate the worth of human life, and realizes that the "enemy" is no more than men and women who are simply trying to survive and do the best for their country.

But that doesn't mean he holds back when it is time to fight. Kill them before they kill you, because they certainly wouldn't hesitate either. He lets go of Caren's hand and rushes forward, to the convenient bundle of bodies she has wrangled for him, and lands the first few blows with his legs. Perhaps it's too easy like this, but it's efficient.

Because with each of those hits, the physical damage manifests in the form of mana drain. Quickly, their composure is broken, and they fall, while his own pool of mana grows and grows. It's a dark, slightly sickening spell, one that fills him with an odd sort of dread, but in that way, it's invigorating, as well.

And Jae-ha wants to thank her for her gift, so he charges forward, using his elevated speed to confuse and herd a group of melee fighters in her direction. ]

[showsnopiety]

[She isn't so certain that the motivations of the soldiers are so pure as that. Revenge seemed to be a motivation; that was something, mind control as well.

Either way, she didn't see the point of holding back, most of the time. At least with Jae-ha, he didn't waste their time with morals or something. Her wires let the people go, and Jae-ha has his bit of fun.

Giving her time for hers. She smirks, and her shawl is pulled off from her waist. It's time.

She rushes into the frey, and she moves into the melee group. Her shawl twists around limbs, to bring them down. Her feet snap out in kicks-and she vaults onto one of the soldiers backs to give an attacking solider a mouth full of feet.]

[flirtations]

[ Jae-ha wishes he could devote more time to watching her work-- aside from lethal, her attacks were also beautiful to behold. Though he doesn't particularly enjoy war as a concept, fighting is a different story, and especially her style of fighting, which was nearly an art. He focuses on the task at hand, at least mostly, activating the ability in his boots to hit faster, to impact the soldier's heads with a high kick before their weapons can swing down on him.

A wave of fire follows each hit. Just his luck that it would be an element they're strong against, but anything was better than nothing. Still, he impact of his hits continues to leech mana from the soldiers before him. The energy grows and grows, threatening to overfill, and he can't help but feel incredibly greedy from all of this.

Eventually, he falls back, taking a leap back to where Caren stood, and appraising the damage they've caused. A second wave is soon approaching, but at least they can catch their breath. ]

When is it going to be my turn, my love? [ To be wrapped up in that shawl, he means. He asks, eyes bright, despite his increased breathing pace. He's not tired yet though, thankfully.

It's a joke. Probably. ]

[showsnopiety]

[She wouldn't have minded, but he would have been in danger. And that would simply not do. She'd like to watch him get to work-she never got a good chance to see his fighting, but for the knives. Maybe she will in the next wave.

There's the flashes of light in her eye, but she doesn't watch. She doesn't use magic either, wanting to save it for when she needs it. (Or use it to show off slash intidate the enemy).

By the time they're done, she's a little breathless. and she takes a moment to press a hand against him. Partially for the mana exchange.

...though his words-my love-earns him a whack on the back. Maybe his ass, if she's lucky.]

When you kneel in front of me and say please.

[She huffs lightly.]

It's too bad it's not like my shroud at home. I could have truly protected you back then if I had it.

[Pity. But if he was restricted or confined, he couldn't fly.]

[flirtations]

[ He laughs and stumbles forward as she gives him a whack on his back (and yes, it totally hit his ass), smiling fondly when she takes his hand. It serves for a quick recharge, if nothing else, and the vitality of her mana signature is encouraging. ]

Eh? Why are you making me work for it, and these guys get the treatment for free? [ He readies himself, however, as the second wave comes.

This time, still not letting go of her hand, he focuses his mana unlike ever before. He has to work fast, because the Noir Vanguard is gaining quick ground, but with each passing second, his mana signature becomes more...

Well, she's certainly felt it before. That presence, constantly looming in the background, stronger and angrier when his emotions began to skirt beyond his control. It's come out to play-- or rather, is trying to. ]

Do you mind covering for me, just for a moment? [ He turns to her, giving her a small smile, but given the transformation his mana is taking on, something unholy and unsettling (though perhaps not to Caren, since so little seemed to unsettle her), the intended warmth behind it doesn't reach his eyes. ]

[showsnopiety]

[Quick and steady recharge, like nothing else. Though she is a little glad she managed to get him on the butt.]

Jae-ha, that's how you know quality over inferiority.

[He's insisting on holding onto her hand, huh? Well. She can still use one hand, and her legs, as well as her magic. It'll be fine, though...she can feel it. Something is rising.

It feels destructive, and there is the knee jerk reaction, of hyper awareness-almost giddiness at what may come bursting forth. (He really was having a hard time, wasn't he). She wanted to see it. She wanted to see the dragon burst from his human restraints. See the wrath of heaven.

So there are a few moments were she looks at him, fully aware of whatever he's planning-regaining control or something else-it's not good for her or the vanguard.]

Of course.

[Her voice comes too smooth, and her fingers reach up, high over her head. Wires burst from the gloves, and much like living piano wire, they strike, becoming taut when something soild is touched. If not killing the enemy, then she is hopefully distracting them enough. Enough to give them space to think.

Or gather breath.]

Will this do?