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

[geneolgian]

No kidding!

[ That's what he's counting on. Be the pyro you've always wanted to be, Anna.

A soldier flings a fireball at him, which he manages to dodge well enough, and he sidesteps the oncoming shockwave of an axe hitting the ground. This isn't much different from facing imperial guards, but he doesn't have Tiz, Magnolia, or Edea to rely on this time. He's got to keep up his provocations though (QUICK, WHAT WOULD JANNE TO DO BE A RUDE LITTLE SHIT), so with a bit of a cheeky grin solely intended to piss them off (even if he's sweating just a little trying to handle three enemies at once): ]

Is that all you've got? With that aim, are you sure you still don't have the stench of a sheep's stomach on you?

[ Implying that they're drunkards: a step above calling them cowards, waaaay more liable to make them see red, but also very effective at keeping attention back on him, as proven by the soldier with the spear who charges right at him at the insult. ]

[sommer]

DINKY KICK!!!

[ Anna suddenly kicks a soldier from behind. In the nuts. Yes, this is the best thing she could think of. Also she didn't have to name the attack?? The soldier is paralyzed from pain and Anna immediately pivots to throw a rock at another soldier's family jewels. ]

ROCK BLOCK!!

[ She hurls the stone and it hits the target's... area. Except this soldier is a woman and all it did was piss her off more. Anna has drawn aggro again... ]

Uh... Y-Yew? I'm out of ideas!

[ Well. She can still do her fire magic, but that seems excessive... (in a kill-or-be-killed situation??) ]

[geneolgian]

[ Why does the plan-making fall to him?! Well, it's too late now. They can't keep it going on like this forever (especially if one of them is typically a non-combatant), and every second they wait is another second until the paralysis potion wears off and it becomes a 4v2 instead of a (relatively more equal?) 3v2. They need an escape plan. Why does it have to be so hot? It's like being in the Eisen region, volcanos and all. And the geysers here are certainly not helping matters, given what he associates with Geyser Grotto...

...geysers. Boiling hot jets of water. Jet. Of water. Apparently, it's time for video game logic to kick in. The ground trembles, and he spots an area behind Anna that's starting to bubble over. It doesn't look like it's on a plain, flat surface either, but at an angle instead. ]

Anna! How much do you mind being frozen!?

[ Probably not a lot. But whatever her answer is, he won't even hear it. (How rude, Yew.) He doesn't have enough mana for him to end up unscathed after this dumb gamble of his, but it's a gamble for a reason. The stakes are kind of high, and he plans to launch them even higher.

After sidestepping another strike, he dashes forward with as much speed as he can muster, and activates his magic weapon again. The first action he "spends" is to slash across in an arc as wide as 180 degrees, significantly wounding the two soldiers in front of him (incuding the woman with no family jewels). The next action? He doesn't stop rushing forward.

Instead, he keeps going.

And going.

And then shoves Anna (and himself as a result) right into the geyser as he freezes the both of them with the ice magic spell he prepared, encasing them in a ball of ice to protect them from the angled boiling jet of water that's suddenly propelled them up, up, and away with the power of fantasy land geyser water pressure (tm).

He'd scream if his mouth could move. ]

1/???

[sommer]

[ TRIGGERED. ]

2/???

[sommer]

[ YEW, YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE, WHY-- ]

3/3

[sommer]

[ Just kidding, that was some A+ recklessness that Anna would approve of.

As they're being propelled mid-air, Anna's special power activates and her Toasty Mitts glow red hot, instantly melting any ice around it and anything else she touches with her gloves. She's not sure why she's being careful not to burn Yew's flesh considering they're about to plummet to their death anyway. ]

--h-heheh, you call this frozen? [ Nothing like an inside joke to add some levity to their predicament. Some literal levity would be nice, too, however! ]

O-Okay, calm down! I have a plan! [ Here we go again. ]

[geneolgian]

Really?! Do tell! Or, uh, do!

[ Now that he can talk, and the more he thinks on it, this moment of recklessness will probably end up with them in bad shape. He'll apologize for it later, if he can. ]

1/2

[sommer]

[ Anna smiles dubiously. ]

Well, how much do you mind being--

2/2

[sommer]

[ Before Anna can finish her terrible idea, they somehow crash land on the back of a flying griffon, which is also being manned by a rider who looks just as surprised by the sudden company. ]

--nevermind!! This will do! Hi!

[ Anna grabs an emergency parachute and shoves it at the rider, before punching him off the griffon. (why didn't they just use the parachute for themselves...) ]

Bye!

[ There he goes, poor Soldier-chan... ]

[geneolgian]

Wha—!

[ Soldier-chan has to think fast...and so do they. He's not complaining about their sudden mount, though, far from it. ]

...H-Have you ever ridden a griffon before?! Because I think you need to learn really, really quickly! You see...I kind of can't move.

[ He surmises that this is because of his magical weapon's ability, to leave him paralyzed when he tries to bravely default. He'd be quietly geeking out about it if he wasn't very obviously freaking out about it. Or, erm, as much as he can freak out about it when his limbs are temporarily paralyzed. ]

[sommer]

[ She'll deal with the griffon situation in a second. ]

--wait, what? What do you mean you can't move? I unfroze you -- pay attention, Yew!

[geneolgian]

I mean that I can't move! Now, I'm certain this is because of my magic weapon so all I need to do is wait it out a little, since it's similar to bravely defaulting—

[ what the fuck does that even mean

Nevertheless, the griffon lets out a shriek because having 2 unfamiliar riders crash onto your back is not the most pleasant experience. ]

E-Easy there! Just keep on...flying! Don't mind us!

[ WHEN IT COMES TO ANIMALS, HE CAN ONLY SPEAK CAT ]

[sommer]

Augh, Yew, I don't have time for your word games, just be quiet for a second!

[ Anna tries wrangling the beast under her control, and it appears as if she's succeeding... ]

--hey, I think I figured it out.

[ ...until an arrow pierces the creature's skull. Prepare for a rough landing. ]

[geneolgian]

[ He doesn't want to call it too little too late but...that's exactly what it is.

Just.

Screams internally and externally, although he's at least yelling into the griffon's feathers.................

Maybe they'll land on a wind platform or something??? A griffon serving as a cushion of sorts works fine too. ]

[sommer]

Oh, for f--

[ That's exactly what happens. The fall is rough, but nowhere near fatal with the griffon absorbing the impact for them - just like a pillow! ]

.......Did we make it in one piece? [ She's hesitant to open her eyes until Yew answers.




Just in case he's splattered all across the ground. ]

[geneolgian]

[ He coughs a few times, having had the wind knocked out of him, and moves his fingers and arms a little to confirm that yes, he can move now. Whew. ]

W-Well...we're alive.

[ So yes. ]