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

[tigereyes]

[Poor Phil. Atsushi just wasn't fast enough to rescue him, and for a few moments he can only stare at where Phil was, because what kind of failure can't even save one person, even if they were an enemy?

A battlefield is certainly the wrong place to stop and stare for any amount of time, and it's not as though Atsushi wants to stay there and stare at the spot where he almost maybe could have saved someone, but when he turns back and sees Kain's very... very special weapon, he does just. Stop and stare, because what? Those sure are some shutter shades doing very strange things to something that could easily claw his face right off.

He can mull over the many, many questions he has about pretty much everything going on later, because Kain is right, and they should absolutely not be hanging out here.]

R-right. You're right. [Goodbye, Phil. He does still have a lot of hustle in his step though; the sooner they can be away from this entire weird and upsetting chain of events, the better.]

I came back to this and was like what the fuck happened.

[ordealer]

[Yeah, later, asshole. They're running. Or at least speed walking away. Point being, momentum is salvation and-] What were you thinking?

a hot mess. the best kind of mess.

[tigereyes]

[A speedy escape is an excellent escape, and the less time they spend possibly getting murdered, the better.]

I... guess I wasn't, really. It's just that, nobody deserves to die like that, and maybe if he hadn't been stuck like that things might... he might not have wanted to be fighting, either?

[Trailing off sure makes it seem like he had a lot of confidence in his actions.] I just wanted to do something.

[ordealer]

...what?

[While it wasn't the stupidest thing he ever heard by a long shot (and if had been said with more conviction he perhaps could've been convinced to move to, "I can respect where you're coming from and your resolve even if it's not necessarily what I'd do, but you do you." with a stoic nod and perhaps a fist bump except the more knightly version thereof of a fist bump) it was one of the weenier things he'd heard, mainly because of the delivery and the voice trailing off.

Griffon'll follow them eventually but they can cross that bridge when they get there. (SCREEEE went the griffon in the distance.)]

You realize you could have gotten killed, yes? [Please reassure him that you knew what you were doing, weeniekid. Even if you didn't.] ...of course you didn't.

[tigereyes]

I realize it. [He's not angry at being talked to like that, because he knows it was foolish, and most people would probably be reacting even worse. Even with their own version of Angry Griffons probably waiting for later, it feels worse to have let anyone down, especially as badly as he has.]

I just. I really hate not being able to help someone, even if they are supposed to be the enemy. There's a difference between someone attacking you and just watching someone die, isn't there? I couldn't just let it happen. [Maybe that's not reassuring enough, but it's all he's got.] I'd never be able to forgive myself if I didn't at least try.

1/2

[ordealer]

While it's-

[But then they were interrupted. Beams of lightning crashed down from above as if a storm had it, but it wasn't a storm. It was a griffon, which shrieked in triumph. A different one, though, as this one had a rider who raised an arm in the air and chanted out the cool syllables of the Gristrelki spell with authority and grace, the sounds slithering forth like a snake.]

We-

[And as the spell reached completion the-

...oh.

The rider got...kind of shot, huh? Probably by one of the archers like Niles or Takumi or Nina or something- who knows which one. They're all kind of interexchangable after a point.]

I FUCKED UP

[kyusei]

[ Yes, it's Takumi that shoots the griffon rider down. While Kaine is very much a stranger, he recognizes Atsushi on the battlefield. Not that it matters--every soldier counts. Unfortunately, it's only the rider who plops off to griffon like a heavy potato sack. The griffon stays in the air, watching in disbelief as its beloved master falls. Pretend this is in slow-mo with some sad music from the 90s.

They may or may not have crashed onto Atsushi or at least land right in front of his feet.

While he can decide to finish off the Griffon before it goes on a rampage, he trusts his fellow allies to handle this themselves. He has other things to deal with, so there's no victory pose nor does he call out to them. ]

2/2

[ordealer]

[Well it's great they're not having to deal with fire and brimstone except now-

This means they've technically got two berserk griffons chasing after them, huh? He made a noise which sounds suspiciously disgusted and/or why this horseshit. Oh how the tables continue to turn...consistently against them.]

what is happening!!

[tigereyes]

[None of these riders seem to be having very much luck, today. Sad Celine Dion music video of a falling griffon rider aside, Atsushi also has a look of utter disbelief about the most recent events.

Going from certain death to certain falling body almost ending him is a lot to take in in a short span, and while he still isn't as fast as he is used to being, he has enough presence of mind to at least scramble out of the way, falling backwards onto the ground but narrowly avoiding being crushed by the fallen rider.

Thanks, Takumi.

In the interest of trying a bit harder at this whole 'self-preservation' thing, he immediately climbs back to his feet, though the noise he makes is more despairing that disgusted. If he was worried about one griffon, two is certainly more than he is prepared to handle, even though he's not alone.]

Shouldn't-- shouldn't we just keep going? [He looks down a bit sadly at his second dead rider of the day, but he's not exactly eager to join them in the afterlife.] I don't want to see how many more of these things we can get to chase us.

I like how you ask that as if I fucking know.

[ordealer]

[...that's a good call, yes, they're going to keep on going, Atsushi even gets a nod that's the silent version of good call even if he's somewhat pleasantly surprised that the guy who tried to save the first rider isn't crumpling or whatever, weeping over the unfairness of war.

Kain's not arguing, though, because he really wouldn't want to deal with something like that.]

What's your weapon? [Because, you know, it seems like very important information at this point but it's probably something like claws opposed to a gun, isn't it.]

[tigereyes]

[At least he's managed to do something right, even if it is just running away so as not to have to contend with some very pissed off riderless griffons. Besides, there's plenty of time for crumpling about various problems later, provided they make it through this alive.]

My weapon? [That's a great call on Kain's part, because that's exactly what his weapon is. He holds one hand up, fingerless gloves looking plain as usual as he makes a fist. With a bit of mana channeled into it, he's able to manifest its power: claws that are suspiciously cat-like.] Um, this.

[ordealer]

[What, seriously?] I didn't think you to be the monk type. [Aren't monks supposed to be shirtless with muscles everywhere?] -duck. [Hey look, more support fire from afar managing to actually...not hit the griffon again good job at this rate he'll have to use his javelin.]

[tigereyes]

Monk...? [What do reserved, chanting men in temples have to do with his weapon??] --Duck? [As in the bird... nope, duck as in not suffering from fire, friendly or otherwise. He can do that much, though his incredulous look at how bad their luck is, even for being in a battle, probably says a lot.]