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

[hiryugaeshi]

[ Kojirou can also promise that he doesn't have any huge and/or pointy and metal body parts. At least... Not that huge. 😧 ]

You certainly could be. But since we're already here, things could certainly be much better for you too, no?

[ He leans in ever closer, bending over slightly so now he's practically whispering into her ear, one hand rising to gently cup her cheek. ]

[sealeted]

Better could be... interesting.

[Her voice sounds alien and breathy to her own ears, as though it belongs to some other girl. A girl about to get kissed by a handsome man.]

[hiryugaeshi]

I definitely have no desire to be boring...

[ His voice actually doesn't rise above a whisper now, as his lips touch the tip of her ear, slowly trailing down to her neck, where he murmurs: ]

I told you you were leaving it exposed.

[ He does kiss her now. Not on the lips, though, if that's what she was expecting. ]

[sealeted]

Y-Yeah.

[Her breath hitches and a delicate, expectant shudder runs through her shoulders. She's been kissed before, by women, Gilgamesh and even Kutenai, but it had been—straightforward. She has absolutely no built up resistance to something like this.]

TECHNICALLY STILL SFW BUT Y'KNOW

[hiryugaeshi]

[ Take in this new experience, Hakuno, and at least this means Kojirou isn't being boring! ]

It would be so easy to leave a mark here, let everyone see some proof of what just happened...

[ His lips barely touch her skin, the lightest of touches, but he presses in with just a tiny bit more force, as though to prove his point. ]

I wonder what they'd think of that?

[sealeted]

That, um...

[Her breath is a bit shorter, and the fingers of one hand come up to tangle loosely in the front of his shirt. It's nothing truly restrictive, but it's at least a physical indication she wants him to stay close.]

...we could find out.

[hiryugaeshi]

[ Hakuno wouldn't be able to see it, but Kojirou smiles. Permission's been granted, and while there might be hell to pay soon, how could be possibly deny a pretty girl asking for his attention? It would be quite the failure as a gentleman.

His hand lets go of her cheek, moving down instead to rest on her waist, putting a little bit of himself on all sides of her, keeping her against the wall despite not exerting any force at all. ]

We shall, then.

[ He descends upon her neck again, a little more force this time. There might even be just a bit of teeth. He fully intends to leave his mark, right on the side of her neck, where it might be obscured if she wears her hair straight, but would be obvious if she ties it up. ]

[sealeted]

[This was either a very poor life choice that will result in a minimum of one very loud, very kingly tantrum, or a very, very good one. From where she stands, it's looking—feeling—like the latter is the stronger contender. If she heard Kojirou call himself a gentleman in these circumstances, though, she would laugh outright.]

Mnn..!

[She leans into him with that little, involuntary noise, feeling her cheeks heat even further.]

[hiryugaeshi]

[ Kojirou isn't terribly interested in crossing blades with Gilgamesh, but he totally will for the right to keep flirting with Hakuno. (Not that it's his right to give away but y'know. To shut him up.)

He does straighten out after what seems like a really long time, satisfied with his handiwork. ]

This will have to do. You could heal it away if you had to, considering your rank, but I'd be glad if you let it fade naturally.

[ Covering all bases. ]

How are you feeling now?

[ He means mana wise but anything else works too. ]

[sealeted]

O-Okay.

[It's a thoughtless, knee-jerk answer, but it's one she decided to commit to, after she has a moment to review the thought. She usually does wear her hair down, after all, and if her roommates catch sight of it... Well, Hakuno is a young woman who can make her own choices. And... well, it's kind of thrilling, having proof that a nice, arguably sane person actually wanted her enough to leave a mark.

She bites her lip, peeking up at him through her eyelashes.]

I'm feeling... better. A lot more awake, that's for sure.

[hiryugaeshi]

[ Both nice and sane are honestly to be decided for Kojirou, but hey, Hakuno's never given reason for him to be anything but pleasant, especially not when she's practically melting in his hands right now. ]

Then there may be some truth to a little bit of pleasure making mana exchange more effective after all.

[ Caren brought the matter up to him, though he's not nearly crude enough to bring up another woman's name in this intimate setting, and he's never had the chance to test it out.

Next up: Find a person to have a terrible embrace with...? ]

We can rejoin the celebrations then, if you're feeling up to it now.

[sealeted]

...oh.

[Is that it? her eyes seem to say. She does her best to corral the disappointment that springs up. Just because he had flirted with her, invaded her space, and kissed her neck, it didn't automatically obligate him to tack on a proper kiss, too. She's not sure if it would be crude to actually ask for more, when he's indicated that he might want to get back to drinking, eating, and making merry.

She manages a small smile, faking composure with passable results.]

I suppose I am, yes.

[hiryugaeshi]

Very good. Let us be going before any rumours start, shall we?

[ He straightens up and makes to leave, but pauses halfway through his about turn. ]

Ah, but before I forget.

[ He happens to be rather confident in his ability to read women. Not that he hasn't been misled before, but nevertheless...

He spins back around and grabs Hakuno's wrist, pinning her to the wall in that single action, and gives her a kiss. A proper one, this time, right on her lips. ]

[sealeted]

Right.

[Do they count as rumors if they're fact? Hakuno has a moment to mull on that before something seems to catch Kojirou's attention. She pauses from where she's straightened up as well, much more slowly, and glances at him.

Just in time to get pinned.

...it's perhaps a bit more thrilling than she thought she might find the experience, but then his mouth is sealed over hers and those sort of thoughts go out the window entirely. Her other hand slips up, cradling the side of his neck once she's managed to gather her wits enough to kiss back.]

[hiryugaeshi]

[ There have definitely been rumours which turned out to be true in the long and storied history of rumours, and that rarely makes them less scandalous. So Kojirou would answer, if he had that much insight into Hakuno's thoughts.

He'll just have to make do with the ones he can read, shown in her actions, the changes in her body and mana that tell him all he needs to know about how she's feeling about this sudden kiss.

It's a slow, lingering affair, Kojirou more than willing to take his time despite earlier proclamations of wanting to see the rest of the festivities, and it's not until he feels her reciprocating that he presses on harder, free hand sliding to her hip, then her thigh, ready to practically lift her off the ground if she so desires.

He's kissed others before, certainly. And he's also been kissed. Not even that long ago, in fact. But it's the first time since he's arrived in Enprise, no, the first time since he's taken on this identity that he's kissing someone just because they're beautiful, and he wants them. ]

Mm, [ he finally retreats from her lips, and looks into Hakuno's eyes ] I hoped you enjoyed that.

[sealeted]

[Hakuno has been wanted, and Hakuno has been kissed. But the two have rarely coincided, and never at this level. It leaves her hungry and eager, soaking up his attention and tugging him closer still. She doesn't fight to raise the pace, but she keeps up seamlessly.

It's definitely a lot bolder than she usually is, but she hasn't completely lost her head over him. When he pulls back, she's left flushed, a bit breathless, but not speechless.]

...because a little pleasure makes a mana exchange more effective?

[There's a faint curve to her lips.]

[hiryugaeshi]

Who did you hear that from, I wonder?

[ It takes a fair bit to surprise Kojirou, and Hakuno's just about managed it with that statement. It's not exactly bad surprise though. Not great either, just surprise. ]

It might, but that's not the main reason why I'm here. I can't say I'd object to causing you no small amount of tiredness either, as long as it's me causing it of course.

[ Whatever could he mean? ]

[sealeted]

Oh, just a certain ruffian I know.

[She's so mellow and unassuming on the surface, nobody ever seems to be prepared for the inevitable moments of pure, unfiltered sass. That said, her smile does grow a touch sweeter.]

As fun as spending time with you might be, today I'm tired in ways that even topping off my mana can't fully compensate for. The price of zipping around every which way dealing with that damn paralysis spell and doling out healing spells, I guess. Have a little mercy on me, okay?

[His meaning isn't clicking. Yet.

Give it an hour or two and she'll probably bolt upright in bed, once the penny drops.]

[hiryugaeshi]

Oh, these ruffians sure are incorrigible. It almost sounds like a way to cheat pure maidens into sharing their lips.

[ Kojirou recovers quickly, and it really does sound pretty silly hearing it come from someone else's lips. Mana is Very Silly. ]

I do hope my company isn't something that requires mercy from, but I can't say I don't understand, and I don't hate chasing after something hard to get.

[ Because really it does sound like she's playing the part. ]

So I suppose this is where I'll take my leave?

[sealeted]

It's hardly cheating if the maidens are completely complicit, is it?

[She manages a small laugh, shaking her head slightly. A forelock slips loose at the motion, sagging and then slipping down with a flutter against the column of her throat.]

It is when you're tempting me into exhausting myself for the umpteenth time today.

[She's a natural.]

You could, or we could do what you said before we, ah... got sidetracked, and go join the celebrations.

[hiryugaeshi]

At the very least, my charm isn't magic.

[ it's au naturel baybee, or so he's trying to say, except in a somewhat less obnoxious manner. ]

I shall refrain from continuing to tempt you then. We can admire the collection of snacks and spirits laid before us instead.

[ But who can say? Perhaps his control might slip? ]