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

[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.

[defenceless]

Hm.

[something's not making her happy, again. rin bends back, her hand at her hip, and raises an eyebrow critically.]

That doesn't work. I don't care what he allegedly promised you, because I have no trust in him that he'll respect that promise—yes, even if you do—and so in my opinion, you can't guarantee anything with that.

[she rolls up her shoulders and shrugs.]

I'm always going to be an extension of my father, Kishinami-san. I'm proud of that. But that's the whole issue entirely, isn't it? That I'm Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughter.

[rin would claim it's the reason why he threw her to the floor in the first place, but she hasn't gotten that far, yet.

still, this puts them at sort of a standstill.

she could tell hakuno she'll inform archer and saber about the issue, but she shouldn't have to do that. nor is it permissible to ask a close friend here to protect her. so... well, there's one person she can drag into this, if rin is being forced to position herself at a disadvantage.]

—Since you're so confident in yourself and what you can do with Gilgamesh, it should be easy. If he comes after me, it will be your fault. If anything happens to me, whether you're right next to me or not, it will be your fault. Do you accept those terms? Even if you don't, I'm going to hold you responsible if you chat with him and he gets angry enough to hurt me again. That's just the way it is.

You and him will both be my enemies, then.

If you agree to this, I'll share everything.

[sealeted]

I meant an extension of your father in the sense that you are culpable and should be held accountable for the sins that Gilgamesh would lay at that man's feet. He despises your father more than Kirei Kotomine, and he told me he'd probably kill the latter on sight if he ever showed up.

[Hakuno shrugs back.]

Alright. I can promise that for this, since I am confident, but this is a one time, one wrong instance. For this, I can assure you, he won't come after you. Naturally, if you incite him through some other way later on, one that's actually on you instead of him being the Enemy of All Women, ever, then I absolutely won't interfere unless it seems like he's going to fly off the handle. ...actually, yes, I probably will end up stepping in, under those terms.

[defenceless]

Heh. Right, right. And poor Gilgamesh never did anything wrong at all...

[rin mutters to herself, because she knows hakuno has never said he's flawless; this isn't directed towards her, for her ears to hear.]

I'm so done with this, already.

[speaking a bit louder, she rubs at her temple.]

Fair enough, Kishinami-san. Of course I don't expect this arrangement to hold beyond what we're discussing here. Sheesh. It can be frustrating, talking to you.

[she looks around her.]

... Not here. I don't want anyone to hear about it, and think bad things about me. Are you sure you're up for it, today? You were crying earlier. I don't want to make you cry more.

[sealeted]

I'll restrain myself. I'm feeling a lot less like I'm about to collapse, and anger can only perk me up more at this point.

[She says it with a deadpan sort of humor, but her eyes are still and serious as she moves to follow Rin's lead, wherever it might end up.]

Sorry if I seemed like I was splitting hairs but being held responsible for Gilgamesh is... a very daunting prospect, when it isn't clearly defined.

[defenceless]

[she'll "restrain" herself... huh. well, rin can relate to that deadpan sense of humor, and she's hoping hakuno isn't going to fall apart in a meltdown mid-story. it does seem like an unlikely thing. (and even if it does happen, hakuno was the one who wanted rin to talk.)]

Dealing with that man, period, is a very daunting prospect. Which should reflect badly on him.

[appearing to decide upon a destination, she offers her hand to her. it's... ah, she's blushing a little, and it could be clear rin's nervous this is too much too soon following the kissing incident earlier. but worry creases her brow, and worry is what propels her to go through with it.]

We'll head to that inn—the Bollox Inn. How crude. Um, you should hold my hand. If you're just going to faint, you'll be a burden for me, and I don't want that.

[her fingers flex, beckoning to her. come on.]

[sealeted]

You're certainly not wrong.

[Hakuno slips her hand into Rin's without hesitation, finally having a moment to be belatedly embarrassed over that moment of exhausted, involuntary melancholy. She's also a bit surprised that Rin is willing to do this, after they only just set down a contingency for establishing straight up memory of Hakuno's plan somehow fails or backfires.]

It's no Hall of Glory, but maybe the name doesn't suit the lodgings themselves.

[defenceless]

[rin's not unkind—she's just careful about protecting herself from an unhinged servant.]

It will have to do.

[part of her didn't lie, though; she really does want to get this over with. she's putting herself out there in a vulnerable place, for potentially no reward. she will have to tell hakuno about a man violating her, when this same man is someone hakuno (arguably others, like vietnam, as well) are going to continue to have a roughly positive opinion of even if they do learn what he did.

that sets her at a distinct disadvantage.

her hand clutches hakuno's and she heads for the inn swiftly, where they soon enough find a room and settle down to begin.]

Well...

[sealeted]

Start whenever you're ready.

[Hakuno hasn't let go of her hand yet, and takes the chance to squeeze it reassuringly. Her face, however, seems to have gained a determined, set edge. She keeps remembering the look on Rin's face as she saw Gilgamesh, the pure light of fear in her eyes, and Hakuno has to prepare herself for the very worst she can suspect of her Servant. It's a particularly deep pitfall of possible crimes, none of which he would have a second's worth of trouble justifying to himself.

Her grip is steady, and so is her gaze.]

Don't think you need to spare my feelings. If you want to insult him while you explain, feel free to do your absolute worst. I won't mind.

tw: discussion of questionable consent/harassment from this point forward

[defenceless]

[oh... they weren't supposed to still be holding hands! rin shakes hers free of hakuno's, slowly and thankfully after she's already squeezed it. how embarrassing.]

I-I don't need your permission to insult him...

[but that's mostly the defensive personality speaking, and rin drops right into explaining the night at the ball, despite her discomfort. she looks away—suddenly, the edge of the bed, the floor, is very interesting.]

Gilgamesh... It happened at the ball. Everything I wore that night was gold, so I think it caught his eye, or something— It was absolutely disgusting. He kept pestering me. He really wouldn't leave me alone. He offered to...

[she huffs and grits her teeth, scowling, evidently offended by it even in the aftermath.]

He wanted to "make me a woman" behind the curtains, if you understand; he knew I was... [um.] a virgin. I said no,

so he cast a spell on me.

[sealeted]

I just want you to know I won't defend him if you want to.

[Hakuno rubs the bridge of her nose, a bleak look flitting through her eyes.]

Yeah, that's... he has a thing about virgins. Several things, actually. I can pretty much picture how that played out at first, and I've seen him abuse his charm magic when he doesn't get his way buying things. With a solid no from a pretty, alluring woman...

[She sighs.]

God. And to think he had the gall to come to a committed agreement with Vietnam that same night. I'm going to assume it gets worse from here on?

[defenceless]

[mentioning vietnam makes rin huddle up on herself even more uncomfortably, and she tries to turn her head even farther away from hakuno, if that's possible.]

... By varying definitions.

Obviously, it's like looking back on a poor movie of myself, because I have the memories but I wasn't able to actively participate according to my will at the time, under his charm magic... I know I kissed him repeatedly. I even ate off his fingers like some common floozy. He embarrassed me, in front of all those people.

Then, we went somewhere more private, and he asked me who I had kissed. I had to tell him about who my date was. [the color of her face, and the distress in her eyes, just keeps building. she was (and is) humiliated.] He also made me confide something in him that he could use against me, to destroy me, later. I'm not going to tell you what it was.

[although, comparatively, rin's most hidden fears are rather mild.]

I think he just got bored with me. I offered to sleep with him, and he—he said no, this time, that he was doing it so I would feel rejected and be ashamed by that. I woke up from the magic, at that point.

[sealeted]

I see... Um, not to belittle what you've been through, and not that it doesn't all sound horrifying, but... at the very least, I'm thankful you didn't have to bear losing your first time to those sorts of underhanded methods.

[It's something that deserves to be voiced, but the apprehensiveness twanging through her stiff posture doesn't abate at all. After all, the naked fear in Rin's eyes still had to come from somewhere, and so far Hakuno hasn't heard anything that wouldn't have mutated into rage in the time between today and the ball.]

What happened next?

[defenceless]

[it's debatable that she would be in a much worse state if she had.

rin nods, a quick duck of her head that really isn't all that grateful.]

I... reacted. I wasn't going to just let him walk off after saying all of that crap to me.

[she isn't going to describe her reaction, either, but hakuno is free to imagine it—rage, violence, rin pulling him back in and trying to punch him several times, slapping him across the face.]

He brought up my father... I demanded to know why he manipulated me... He exploded with anger. He threw me to the floor, and I thought he was going to kill me right there in the ballroom, with how he towered over me.

He really doesn't like being told he's ridiculous, or that you don't want anything from him—or losing an argument and being put in his place.

[sealeted]

[Actually, I have it on good authority he likes all of those things.

She doesn't say it of course, because the fact is that Rin is not within the circle of people he allows those indignities from, and his anger overturns any expectation a person could have of him. When angry, he's a force few dare to reckon with, a tumultuous experience rather than just a maddening, sensual, infuriating Servant like he usually is. She can identify with the image Rin must have had burned into her brain.

The first time, in the Moon Cell, when he was about to kill her and she was scrambling for some way to answer, to live...

Yes. Hakuno knows what it's like, to have the King of Heroes loom above you, with your death being considered behind flashing, scarlet eyes.]

...I see. Did somebody interrupt, then, or did he decide to stomp off? Or... is there even more?

[defenceless]

He left, luckily.

[she breathes out, as though the exhalation was being held for a long time.]

Vietnam was there to attend to me.

[sealeted]

I see... she's good at being comforting, and taking care of people. The day we met, she princess-carried me to a couch, tucked me in, and fussed over me until I felt better.

[defenceless]

Yeah. I don't know what she sees in Gilgamesh... But what I do know is that the man I marry will never be like him.