pawnstorm | WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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.

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[ Let's never speak of this again, Caren. They are proper ladies, and if anyone asked they exchanged as proper ladies do.

Whatever that means. ]

Obviously that means that we should do something about it.

[ Her bracelet began to glow faintly, and she flashed the woman a dangerous smile before looking up to the skies. Let's see, how many griffon riders could she peg... ]

[Is it gently touching pinkies while sipping tea and daintily reading poetry to one another? Because that ain't Caren's scene. Mostly. Not unless she's annoying someone.]

Naturally.

[She keeps half an eye around them, and glances to Lux. What is she planning to do...]

What's the plan, and how can I contribute?

[Protection detail? She's fine with that, so long as something goes splat.]

[ Shame. But tea parties were so much fun.

Her eyes scanned the skies, making a note of where the griffon riders were moving, watching them circle overhead, ready to strike. ]

I can knock them out of the sky with my magic, but that will draw fire from the surrounding troops.

[The cups were really nice too!

But yes, she has a point. Caren hums, and she spreads her arms far apart. Wires are summoned through the rings, and start to braid together in front of her, swiftly and in front of her.]

I can take care of them. You don't have to worry about that.

[ Oh, well isn't that an interesting weapon. Watching as the wires began to braid, blinking a few times in surprise, her smile grew. The bracelet on her wrist ignited with light, drawing it in.

No, this was more interesting. Change of plans. ]

Do you trust me?

[She can do a lot more with her weapon, but it's a start and it'll give it some weight, especially if she decides to ram it against someone. She saw some light in the corner of her eye, but not knowing what the weapon did, she didn't ask.

It could negate a surprise attack.]

I trust that you won't kill me without reason.

[Close enough?]

[ That's...

You don't get invited to very many tea parties, do you Caren? With that kind of personality... ]

Hah.

[ She smiled sheepishly. ]

I guess I'll have to take it.

[ Letting one hand rest over her bracelet, she drew the light stored within its gems outward, drawing it in an arc before slamming it into the ground like a lump of clay. Staring at the woman in front of her, looking her up and down, taking in every feature she could, she brought that hand upward again, the light following it in kind, taking form. Legs. Torso. Head. Molding into a shape, like a doll made of light.

One that looked shocking like Caren. It was imperfect in some places (the face was a bit different, and there were some features she simply would not be able to get right with this much of a rush job), and the edges of the illusion shimmered gently like a mirage. But in this heat especially, no one would notice.

It moved and breathed like a living doll, the light-crafted doppelgänger, and Lux took that moment to study her mannerisms, willing the illusion to act in kind. ]

Show me what you can do, and I'll follow your lead. Pull as many as you can out of the sky. I'll keep their spells off you.

Edited 2016-08-23 07:17 (UTC)

[Not a lot of them, no. Then again, she was never much for tea parties and wouldn't know what to do if she was invited to one.

She nods and then...oh, look at that. If she hadn't seen Jae-ha make illusions of them, and Alice's ghost comb at work, she might have been startled. Instead, she tilted her head, noticing that there was some things that were softer on her face. Her mouth didn't look as hard as she thought it would be.

But Caren shifts from foot to foot, and takes in a slow, deep breath.]

I'll show you. Have fun with this.

[Her eyes flick over to the braided wires. Should be long and strong enough by now. So she starts to swing around as if she's in discus, and let's it fly to whack griffons in the face. She'll start touching on the sound magic when they move closer, and she can make their days miserable.]

[ Caren, don't be like that. It didn't need to be perfect at this point, it just needed to be good enough. Perfection would come with more practice and, apologies, they were going to endure a bit of trial by fire together.

Hopefully not literally.

She was used to a different tempo, and when the other woman issued a challenge, the Queen smirked. Oh, so that's how it would be? Well then, she would make sure that she did. But the way that Caren moved, with all the grace of a seasoned dancer, yet the voracity of a woman with a score to settle...

It was very different than what she was used to mimicking. Hah, maybe she had bit off more than she could chew.

Raising a single hand, her bracelet hummed gently with power, her light-bound construct moving, taking a similar but somewhat different route. It danced, spinning and flourishing (the steps were different, closer to something Lux knew), but as she watched the other woman move, they fell into a similar rhythm, moving in time. Anticipating and intercepting.

So please, have fun with your wires and your devastatingly strong magics, Caren. Let her study you a while, learn how you fight, how you dance with beauty and fury. She would keep them guessing. ]

[Just good enough? Well. That's not good enough. She wants to get close enough to perfection, and even go past that. They're going through a bit of fire together on this.

Even if there is some fire around here. Fire of challenge, and actual fire. The dance was slightly different, looking more classical in form then what Caren does. At least from her eyes. She's going to keep spinning, and bringing down griffons, though her favourite magic, her sound magic is different.

It's more of a song, or a banchee's wail, depending on who listens-or her intention. But there is imbalance, causing crashes, and gagging. Or sometimes they look as if they had someone step on their grave, and use that moment of distraction to bring them down.

She can't do as long as a Queen could but she's very careful about control. Also: lot of mana exchange this battle, it's great to have fuel.]

[ Chaotic but elegant, hauntingly beautiful yet devastating all the same. Chilling. Brutal. A cacophony of sound, movement, unhinged, wild, but still somehow... beautiful. Caren's song.

One, two, three...

Lux couldn't look away, the way she seemed to float, light as air despite her Rank. If she had not been concentrating, she might find herself staring, having never seen anything like it. She danced like a woman possessed by her own song, wires an extension of her own arms, their lines perfect in seemingly every way as she dragged rider after rider to the ground.

But as she watched, her own movements beginning to catch in the rhythm, in the feeling, the Rook's double dipped its left shoulder low, leaning into the motion, its hand soft.

(And Lux, unconscious to it, moved as well, her head and shoulder leaning into the beat, the bracelet on her left hand practically trembling in anticipation. A captive to the song, to the dance.)

One, two, three...

Then all at once, the doppelgänger swept on the downbeat, pivoting...

(Her bracelet exploded with light, with life.)

And charging after Caren.

You gave her such a haunting melody, so it would only be fair that she dance with you.

Her light-bound double was a quick learner, it seemed, its steps becoming less practiced, less courtly and more brutal, and while it never once touched any of the mounted riders, it began to create quite the spectacular distraction. Which one was it, throwing wires sharp as knives into the sky, spinning and flying over the battlefield?

(And just once, Caren might feel it, a cool tingle of mana on her back, her partner leaning in, tipping her chin toward her, a gentle lilt in its step before taking off again. It might not be much, but perhaps she might be able to draw a bit of Lux's expended mana from it. If she were lucky.)

Their troops were thinning, riders sent reeling by the show. It didn't look like they would be asking them back for an encore. Shame, that. ]

[Brutality and elegance, all folded together into one package. Cruelty and beauty too, expressed in song and the motion of her body. If nothing else, she is committed to following through, in taking down as many as possible.

Caren is not, as some might expect by hearing 'rook' tall, or a mountain of muscle. She is light, and seemingly delicate, easy to knock around. But here...she is strength. Effort causes her hair to fling, her forehead to bead with sweat. But Lux brings in her light and she now has a partner.

And Caren played with it, with her other, as if it was the most natural thing to the world. And even as she spins once again, her efforts redouble. Thinning comes faster, as the clone was used to cover attacks, a flung wire, another directed song. Where she had been becoming a touch listless, she straightened with the mana bursting through her back.

And when she saw that the enemy was too far away, were fallen, the wires were unbraided, retracted, before coming back into her gloves. A shaky breath comes into her, and she pivots.

A dance, she thinks, isn't over, until she bows, arms sweeping like wings by her sides.

So she does.]

[ It was exhausting, keeping up with Caren's dance. The other woman was so incredibly demanding, and Lux, being the sort that she was, did not want to disappoint. It was so rare that she was able to dance with another, that, Light Touch seeming to bathe her in intense luminescence, a bead of sweat rolling down her own brow, she dug deep.

Even if it took everything she had within her, every soft tendril of mana buzzing with life within her, she would make sure that you could dance to your heart's content, Caren Ortensia.

But their dance would only last so long, and as the Noir riders retreated, the blond eased slightly. A hand swept out (her left hand), her light-bound doll moved in kind, facing Caren and mirroring the Queen's movements. A bow, sweeping and graceful, to the lady—it was only right, after all—before it slowly dissipated in a gentle rising of colors.

Lux's hands shaking, her body taxed beyond what was normal for such a spell, she stood, making her way toward the Rook and doing her best to disguise how much their duet had truly taken out of her, magically and physically.

(You really were a demanding partner, weren't you Caren?) ]

I think that's the last of them. We should be safe for now.

[ Offering a hand to her, her fingers still trembling gently despite how she tried to steady them, the younger blond gave her a tired smile, her face shimmering gently with overexertion. Here, you could use a bit of a recharge, right? ]

[Caren was very demanding of herself; she could not do anything less. And even if it meant shaking with exhaustion, she would still move gracefully, carefully, a butterfly of death and destruction on this battlefield.

Even if the bow was slightly ridiculous way to end things, she knew that was how some dances ended.

And since there was a lull, she could stand still for a moment. A breath, another, and a hand was offered. After a few moments, Caren took it, and stepped closer, her other hand lightly touching Lux's cheek.]

Safe...perhaps. I think you need more then a tentative touch, little Queen.

[Look at you, all sweaty. Won't you take a Rook's kiss?]

[ Just when Lux was convinced that Caren was going to reject her offer of assistance, the other woman took her hand, and the teen smiled, canting her head slightly as her own mana swirled around them.

Interesting, how it didn't seem to have any one color, but, rather, a spectrum, a prismatic kaleidoscope of light that, in the extreme heat, was refreshingly cool. It was imperfect, however, a scar of pure shadow ribboning its way through the colorful tapestry that was her signature, subtle but still present.

Before she realized it, Caren's hand was on her cheek, holding her face gently. The blond blinked a few times, a bit of color brushing her cheeks, and she stood a bit stiff, shoulders back. Her eyes wide, she blinked a few times, the hair on the back of her neck standing up straight. ]

Caren, what are you—

[ Poor girl, she would never see it coming. ]

[Refuse mana? When she had expanded so much that she was exhausted? That was just fair foolish. She wasn't so proud as to pass that up. But why just have it one way, when she could have more?

Especially when there was that strange rainbow prism going on. Lux...light...of course. She'd laugh, if she were the type to.

But it's time to get a better look. She ignores the question, leaning in with her eyes closing and her lips firmly pressing against Lux's.

And other parts of her body as well; she's gone for a full body press. Her other hand snakes around and touches the small of her back, anchoring herself for support.

That is for a few long seconds, before she drops her hands, her expression rather neutral. Too neutral, for a kiss.]

Would you like another?

[As if she were asking if she wanted butter passed her way.]

[ Coming from a society that was more focused on the utilitarian rather than romantic, she had no real idea what Caren had in mind. If she did, she would back away, making very clear that, no, hand holding would work just fine, and that anything more was simply not tolerated. This wasn't something that was done back home, least of all in public, and it was for that reason why the Rook's behavior... confused her, at best.

The poor idiot.

Seeing Caren lean in, the blond wasn't given enough time to pull herself away, the other woman's lips planting firmly upon her own.

(Soft.)

Her brain derailing for the briefest moment (enough for Caren to make things just a bit more intimate, apparently), Lux's eyes snapped open, a small, desperate squeal escaping her as the other woman held her fast. Look, Caren, you got a screamer! Aren't you lucky?

Pushing hard against the other woman to try to get her away (she wasn't injured this time, she didn't have to take this!), her face crimson and hot, she refused to even look at her.

(She always imagined her first kiss would be something more... gentle. The man she cared about sweeping her hair aside, perhaps resting a finger delicately under her chin, tipping it upward and...)

Basically: Not this.

HER SECOND KISS, CAREN. SECOND. WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?! ]

No I would not like another!

[ It was practically sputtered, spat out in frustration and embarrassment. Because why this? ]

Edited 2016-09-03 17:07 (UTC)

[Oh, she's got herself a screamer. A squealer rather. She thought it was kind of romantic. Wasn't it? Had the kiss, victory...no blood everywhere...oh wait, wrong kind of romantic, that was more like hooking up with Gilgamesh.

Poor woman. Lux never stood a chance.

She didn't push the hands away. Contact still meant mana exchange, even if it lessened.]

I see you've regained enough to feel energetic. But would you still like to retreat?

[She's being very polite, but...she's also enjoying the reaction. Waaaay too much.]

[ THERE IS NOTHING ROMANTIC ABOUT THIS CAREN AND YOU KNOW IT.

Well, if Caren wasn't going to let her go, then Lux was going to move out of her grasp. Forcefully, if she had to. Her face still a stunning shade of crimson, she stood rigid, looking absolutely livid. ]

I would thank you, but I've never been a fan of your type.

[ Oh, the venom is coming out now. ]

[ Whoops, wrong romantic section. Still, Caren moves gracefully away, her hands dropping to her sides. Though Lux's statemrnt, no accusation...Caren's eyebrows slowly lift.]

My type?

[Her eyes wander around them, before settling back on Lux. She seems more bemused, and amused, if anything.]

Pray tell, what is my type Lux? The kind that will ensure you will have whatever energy and protection you can have to protect yourself?

[ Ugh please don't make this more awkward than it needs to be, Caren! ]

The kind that does what she wants without any sort of consideration for anyone else involved.

[ Don't give her that look! ]

[But it's fun!]

If I had no consideration for you whatsoever, I wouldn't have gone for such contact. You're a Queen; you need the mana more than I simply to defend yourself.

This is war. We don't have time to tiptoe around manners and social taboos.

Holding hands, like I had offered, would have been more than sufficient.

[ Her voice dripped with venom, both at Caren's actions, as well as her complete refusal to respect her own morals. Social taboos, she said. You really had no idea. ]

With the way things are going?

You're being stubborn for the sake of being stubborn. Now you don't have to retire from the field as you would for hand holding.

Inflexibility will only get you killed. It only has as much weight as you're willing to give it.

How many people have you exhausted or killed because you couldn't stand a few seconds close to that person? How many more could you have helped if you kept your mana pool fresh?

[She makes a cutting motion, and makes to walk away.]

If you will excuse me, I've other things to do then soothe sore egos.

[ Yes, she was being stubborn. She would acknowledge that to some degree. But Caren, there was a difference between holding someone's hand, giving them a quick embrace (which, yes, she would do if it absolutely called for it), and what she did.

Even on the battlefield, she had morals.

Standing there, Lux clenched a fist at her side, anger beginning to bubble over as she watched her walk away.

How dare you. ]

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WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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do your worst.

oh honey no

Sorry to keep you waiting!

WORTH IT

Her scandalized reactions are always worth it tbh

Re: Her scandalized reactions are always worth it tbh

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