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

[rememberher]

[ They just keep running into each other, at least this time it was on the battlefield. No chance of looking like a drowned rat here, thankfully for him.

Lux grabbed for the nearest Hero, which, well, seemed to be coming to her special delivery thanks to one of the geysers. She plucked him over with her arm even before she realized he was moving as well, nearly taken by the force of his spell as well. She skidded then...

Promptly crumpled, letting go of his arm and gasping out in pain. That wasn't... a good... movement for her leg, the side of her leg caked in brown and red. ]

Just go!

[ Minato, the oblivious protagonist thing could be endearing, but right now, you really needed to run. ]

[burnmydread]

[ He doesn't.

Minato slides to a stop almost instantly, despite the fact she didn't pull her with him. He may be a bit of a jerk at times, a little removed, and not what one would consider an ideal leader, but he's not a cruel person. Not in the least. And despite how he may seem, he's learned a lot about the value of others, which means you don't leave someone on the battlefield.

Rushing back over to her, he notes the leg. Minato can do a very basic healing spell, but she really needs a King or a Bishiop. ]

No.

[ She can argue with that if she wants. He kneels beside her, keeping his gaze out about them for a second. ]

...--Duck!

[ Grabbing her shoulders, he pulls her down to the ground with him as they narrowly avoid a sweep from a griffon rider. ]

[rememberher]

[ Keep running, Minato. It's all right. She wouldn't want to burden you.

While somehow she knew she couldn't expect him to simply leave her there (and something in her hoped, pleaded that he would help), her heart still leapt when he turned back, when he, almost curtly, denied her request.

"No."

Even in the height of chaos, it struck her, forcing the wind out of her. Watching him kneel beside her, almost protectively, her heart drummed in her ears, eyes wide in surprise.

Minato, you...

She felt him force her down, yelling an order to duck, and she flattened herself as best she could.

Could you feel it, Minato? How her mana was practically screaming, crying, fluttering in fear and frustration? Don't save her, you fool! You were going to get yourself killed! Please...

Reaching out to take a hold of something—an arm, perhaps, or a knee—her hand trembled hard. ]

Minato, I told you to...

[burnmydread]

[ He holds her down for another moment, making sure the air raid is as brief as it seemed. Once he straightens enough, he feels her hand on the crook of his arm. He looks down at her, his expression a little too calm for the situation, but that's really just how he looks most of the time, betraying how seriously he takes things.

Her mana is in turmoil. It reaches out to his, sharp and poignant, mixing with the eternally calm but always a little too cold wash of his own. ]

I heard you.

[ A simple acknowledgment and denial of her request. He pulls his arm away from her hand if she'll let him, instead turning around so that his back is facing her front. He holds his arms out. ]

Climb on.

[rememberher]

[ ...How could he be calm at a moment like this? Her hand still shaking, her eyes opened wide when he clearly denied her request to run. Why? You have to go, she would just slow you down...

Letting him move his arm, she watched as he turned. Wait, was he..? ]

...

[ You've got to be kidding. Hesitating for a moment, trying not to get choked up (you're a damned idiot, Minato), she dragged herself to him, groaning in pain as she eased herself onto his back. Draping her small frame over him, still trembling like a leaf, she wrapped her arms around him.

Please... don't let this be a mistake. ]

[burnmydread]

[ He waits patiently, feeling that his own stubbornness in the moment will win out in the end. And it does, when he finally can hear her shift and groan behind him. Once she's at his back, he carefully loops his arms around her knees, adjusting as he keeps her close.

Okay.

One...two...

And up. ]

Hold on.

[ Sure, there's a battle being waged around them, but that isn't a deterrent at all. They have to get back to the wall. Much of the support is stationed around there, where she can finally get some attention. ]

[rememberher]

[ She felt silly, really. What was she doing fighting on the front lines with a staff? With her specializations, she could be devastating, she knew, but her spells were inconsistent at best, and would often either hit a different target or miss completely. Between that and the goats, she was not having a good time of it.

Biting down on her lip as he wrapped his arm under her knee, she took a few quick, shallow breaths to will her stomach down, bracing hard against his back before giving a single nod.

This was Hell. The pain, the war waging around them—it was Hell. But feeling the cool calm of him helped abate the turmoil circling around her and, still trembling gently, her grip eased. ]

...Thank you.

[burnmydread]

[ The mana exchange from their contact may help a bit, yes, but he knows that he's not a healer. His first instinct is to find Yukari, but picking out any specific person in this mess will be difficult. The nearest station will have to do.

It's not the easiest run. Minato is able to hold her weight well enough, but after being promoted to a Queen, he's found it more difficult to keep up his physical abilities. He's motivated, at least.

Her voice is quiet, but close. Minato just gives a nod in acknowledgment. ]

I'm taking you to the nearest Support Station.

[ Let's just hope there's nothing too wild that gets in their way... ]

[rememberher]

But the others—!

[ And where his voice was calm and quiet, hers roared over the chaos.

Those people who needed help getting to the wall, who might not be able to defend themselves on their own power, what about them? She hardly mattered, so long as her fellow comrades were able to make it back safe! ]

[burnmydread]

[ It's not the first time he's seen the desire to serve and protect to beyond any bit of self-preservation. He knows that he can be reckless and not always for altruistic goals. But he's also learned that sometimes someone else needs to step in on your own behalf. Self-destructing doesn't do anyone any good.

Might as well lay it on thick in the heat of battle, right? ]

Why do you think you're not worth helping?

[rememberher]

[ Minato, you were far too forward.

Drawing in a deep breath, the blond winced. Not just because of the pain in her leg, but the pain of his words. Tightening her grip around him, she buried her head into his back. ]

...

That doesn't matter right now.

[burnmydread]

[ He's never much seen the point in mincing words. It can be callous, intended or otherwise, but not always inaccurate. He offers a small huff, but that's all. She's right, what matters is getting her fixed up first. Her issues with self-worth or overeagerness to sacrifice can be addressed later.

It's only a minute or so later until Minato comes up to the support station. It's tucked behind a dip in the wall where some stone comes out to form a small protected alcove. ]

I'm gonna set you down.