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

[defenceless]

[she hmms agreeably in response, her lips humming against hakuno's. cute. it doesn't necessarily appear as if she's resisting—she's not contributing, either, but that makes things easier for rin.

it becomes necessary to pull back for breath, but even when she does, rin never strays far from hakuno, her warm breath brushing over her cheeks. kiss after kiss after kiss will follow unless she's stopped, though they're slow enough to leave her plenty of room to recover as the two girls' mana bleeds together.

the hand on her hip? like the kiss, it should be ignored, or maybe enjoyed. it drifts to the very top of her thigh, where the thickness is greatest, and for the moment rin only threatens to caress her hip underneath her skirt, instead squeezing her. eventually, her other hand glides down her neck, inching aside the collar of her uniform to touch her chest.]

[sealeted]

[Hakuno's mana is a mess, mixing into Rin's like tide-pools just after the waves pull out, sloshing and spinning. And, much like the ocean, soon enough they each might notice the faintest taste of salt water on their tongues. It takes Hakuno a slow, blurry blink of surprise before she realizes that it's from her.

She pulls back, then. It isn't more than maybe three tears, altogether, before she wipes them away and gently tugs Rin's hand out from beneath her shirt. That, Hakuno thinks, might have been the tipping point; the exhaustion plays a large part, but there's something that has been weighing on her, time and time again.

Perhaps she should air it out, before it grows into even more of an issue.]

Um, Rin-san. Is it... do I seem that much like a doll or a statue to you?

[Now, beneath the buzz of arousal and rejuvenation, Rin can probably feel the slightest twinge of sadness, lurking beneath the choppy surface of Hakuno's mana.]

Doing something like that in public on a whim... I do have feelings of my own, you know?

[defenceless]

... Huh?

[admittedly, rin wasn't expecting tears. she's not cruel-hearted or thinks she needs to force people, so she stops as soon as she senses something wrong, parting from hakuno completely and retrieving her hand. of course, the taste of them was pretty obvious, but she still tchs underneath her breath—a soft, worried complaint—once she spots the tears on her cheeks, using her fingers to wipe them away.]

What are you talking about? I was trying to help you. I'm being discreet about it; don't worry.

[oh, wow. what did she do now? to her credit, rin's words are truthful enough. though they're in public, she chose to visit hakuno when the crowds aren't really paying attention to two girls in the corner.]

[sealeted]

I know you were, but... anything more than a kiss, I don't want to do in public. I just don't.

[The last traces of something frustratingly built up are rubbed from her face, but Hakuno feels more tired than ever.]

Or, at the very least, I'd like to be asked, before you... um, take liberties with my body like that. Even if you have good intentions, it's still my choice, I think.

[defenceless]

[standing up, rin shifts her hair back into place. she feels (and looks) a little like she wants to just leave. naturally, that's impossible.]

I wasn't going to do anything more than kiss you.

[sealeted]

You already were.

[She plucks at the neckline of her shirt pointedly, heaving a little sigh.]

I suppose it's more a difference of standards than anything else. What might be a 'normal' part of kissing for you is... more than that, to me.

[Her eyes track across the room, catching on gold and a stately air almost unconsciously.]

...well, maybe I'm a bit too modest, compared to some.

1/2

[defenceless]

[she follows the path of her hand. rin then engages in the oh-so-ladylike gesture of rolling her eyes.]

It was designed to increase the mana flow! Skin-on-skin contact would give you more in less time, and you'd feel better faster because you're exchanging from multiple points. [is everything about mana science to you, tohsaka?

realizing she may not exactly be coming across super nicely, her tone eases into something apologetic, as she stares at hakuno from up above, her cheeks darkening.]

I-I mean, I wasn't going to cup your breast in my hand out here! [well, she did grope her before, so that's probably a bad example, rin.] It's... If anyone was close enough to have seen my hand up your skirt, they were almost certainly being a pervert, and I'd have to smack them!

[belatedly, her eyes scan in the same direction hakuno's do, and they land on gilgamesh.]

2/2

[defenceless]

[it's quite unexpected. her reaction is definitely what any onlooker who knows her well might label as... instinctive, or perhaps just unconscious. her body stiffens. her eyes grow wide, and her breath catches in her throat, stopping. her face pales. she—shivers, bringing a hand to her chest almost in defense of her heart, glancing back to the other girl quickly to (hopefully) mask everything from hakuno.

but, yes, rin tohsaka is afraid.]

I promise it's not about this, but anyway, I really have to get going. Sorry. I'll catch you later.

[sealeted]

[Hakuno catches it.

Hakuno catches it and everything about her seems to chill and go solid, composed and hyperfocused as she catches the other girl's sleeve before she can slip away.]

...Rin. What did he do?

[She's furious, she realizes as if from a far ways off. It shouldn't bother her this much, but... it's Rin. Seeing her shaken, scared, eager to retreat, of all things...]

[defenceless]

[sorry, hakuno, but rin isn't keen on sticking around to discuss it. she knocks her arm out of her grip, frowning more to herself than her as she turns to really walk off.]

We aren't having this conversation.

[it'll just be her singing gilgamesh's praises to rin, at some point—she has no time for that.]

[sealeted]

We should. I want to know how long and loudly I need to yell at him.

[defenceless]

Hmph. As if that will do anything...

[with a brief wave of her hand, rin steps away and makes a beeline towards the nearest alleyway. if hakuno wants to catch up, at least she might be more likely to speak in private?]

That man won't listen to a word anyone says to him.

[sealeted]

[Rin's earlier... thoughtful gesture gives Hakuno enough energy to follow, her fists clenching somewhere along the way.]

I may not seem like it, since I'm soft-spoken and easy to overlook most of the time, but I am...

[She pauses, her expression cooling further as she recalls her days of searching out Secret Gardens and using them as weapons when confronting the women who owned them.]

I am very adept at making a point, when necessary.

[defenceless]

[rin folds her arms across her chest, shrugging her shoulders.]

If he sees you trailing after me, you're more of a threat than a help to me—you understand that, right? It's nice that you can tell me that, but I have no reason to believe it. [breathing out,] I never brought it up because I didn't want you to have to deal with what's between me and him, you know. Why follow me, anyway? Go lavish over your Servant.

[sealeted]

The only assurance I have that he won't hurt the people I care about is his solemn promise that when it eventually happens, he won't ever do it in front of me. So if you're scared of him... hurting you in any sense, by my side is probably the safest place to be.

[Hakuno rests er hands on her hips, shoulders sagging slightly.]

We've talked about it, he and I, because we both know exactly what type of person he is, and it's unavoidable that he'll do something galling and I'll get mad at him. Why should I 'lavish' him? Why should he get pampered for doing something I can already tell crossed a line?

[defenceless]

—You're already pampering him.

[she stops. she's a full halfway down the alleyway, bringing the back of her hand up to her head and pressing it against her forehead.]

I don't intend to be any part of it. "Stay by your side"? Hah. [she may laugh, but the sound is entirely drained of happiness.] It seems to me that the far wiser option is to stay away from Gilgamesh, whenever I can. I owe him nothing. Once again, the problem is not us, it's him... and I refuse to enable his behavior.

[when next she utters a response, it's possible to think it's close to inaudible for a second or two, rin mumbles it so quietly.]

Enlighten me, Kishinami-san. Why should I explain what terrible things he did to me if you're just going to dismiss it as inevitable? Really, I don't need that pain... for you two to pat each other on the backs.

[sealeted]

That isn't how I meant it. I meant, I always knew he had the potential to do something terrible, so I won't just be kind to him now that it's finally happened. This... isn't a place filled only with enemies and allies who disappear one by one. My existence doesn't hinge on him. Comprehending his nature isn't anywhere near the same as applauding or supporting it.

[It's frustrating, but she can't blame Rin's hesitance. 'Once bitten,' the saying goes.

The little ball of anger in Hakuno's chest goes hotter, and condenses even more.]

I'm not saying you need to be anywhere near him. You have no reason to have that sort of insane request posed to you.

tw: mentions of violence, dubious consent

[defenceless]

[the reluctance is especially honed in a tohsaka. she's proud, strong, smart, and an individual: she shouldn't need to depend on hakuno for anything. and considering gilgamesh is just one of many in a long line of threats... even if he treated her violently, even if she was about to lose her decency, she has to face it like it didn't affect her at all.

her hands drop to her sides. her fingers fist in her skirt, knuckles whitening.]

And let's say I do tell you what he did to me, and you aren't kind to him in return. Say you scold him. Am I supposed to believe he won't come after me and violate me, or beat me up worse than he did before?!

[sealeted]

[I'm going to break him.

Hakuno cant see it, can't even feel it, but a look flashes across her face. Her original Servant from the Moon Cell might have called it that special brand of 'savage valor' he associated with her, and it's an apt description. It's a look of violent, protective intent, for all that it's schooled back into her blank resting-face soon enough.]

I'll take care of it. One way or another. No matter what, he shouldn't have violently laid hands on you.

[defenceless]

[rin peeks over her shoulder, just in time for the look to have disappeared—but for a weird, alien calm to remain. perhaps it would be expected that her eyes are fiery and angry; they really look only exhausted, and hurt.]

No. You don't get to do that, without my permission. You don't even know the full story. You don't get to tell me you'll take care of it, when you don't even know what he did, as if that will fix everything.

To start off with, you assume I think there's any way of "fixing" it.

[sealeted]

I don't think I like you putting words in my mouth, no matter how justifiably upset you might be.

[Her voice is mild. Very obviously, very intentionally mild.]

Did I ever say I would 'fix' anything? Did I imply, for one, stupid, brainless, naive second, that I thought this was something that could be fixed, or that I would have any hand in forgiving or absolving anybody of anything? I might have existed for a matter of months, Rin-san, but I assure you: I'm neither a hopeful idiot or a happy-go-lucky child. What I do know, is that right now, there is most likely less than nothing you could do to teach Gilgamesh a real, memorable lesson about letting his temper rule him. But, with or without specifics, I can.

[There isn't a hint of arrogance in any part of her. Just a cold, steady, comfortable knowledge that she is telling the truth, however Rin might take it.]

Whether that's enough for you or not—and I'm not implying it should be, before you jam more words I don't mean down my throat—it's something I should do regardless. If he'll do it to somebody he's spoken to me about in arguably positive terms, then if he doesn't get rattled he'll only do worse things to less involved people later on.

[defenceless]

[there are a few things that always injure rin's mood, and flipping her own direct language back on her is one of them. her lips twist into an awkward pout when she thinks she's being scolded like a child for something gilgamesh did. it's honestly not a tempting prospect to have to negotiate her feelings once she's already been through the incident with him and spoken to vietnam, besides.

ultimately, though, it's the dig at how gilgamesh will just keep hurting others that wins her over. you're too soft. that's how she complains mentally, chiding herself. lowering her head, rin tries to ensure she understands.]

So you're claiming that if I let you do whatever you're going to do, there's a chance he'll shape up.

[sealeted]

[That little bit of yielding is enough to usher some of the usual softness back into Hakuno's face, and some warmth into her voice.]

I'm telling you that I'm going to hurt him, for this.

[She lays out the blunt core of her current plan of action.]

And, if you feel up to giving out specifics, any at all, I can use those to tailor how I'm going to do it, I can grind his face into it. I can make him hyperaware of a line he crossed without even caring it existed.

[defenceless]

Well— [the bold promises of cruelty and bringing gilgamesh to heel win rin over even more. she swishes around to ease daintily up to hakuno like she's slinking to her side in her bedroom, the look on her face is that pleased and sly.] I can't deny that prospect sounds very tempting. The only way I'll be happy, I think, is if Gilgamesh is crushed.

[while she's sad she can't do it on her own, hakuno as a substitute works fine, if she really does grind him into the floor.]

I would be stupid if I didn't look out for myself, though. How can you guarantee my safety? He has it out for me because I'm my father's daughter.

[sealeted]

Well, the only thing I can guarantee for sure is that he won't lash out at you in front of me. That was his exact promise—"...but at least in your presence, I will not act to displease you. I will do no such thing before your eyes; you have my word." It wouldn't be fair to just follow you around all the time, since you have your own life and hobbies, but I am one hundred percent certain I can get him to stop seeing you as nothing more than an extension of one of the Masters he completely despises.