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

[chronosynthesis]

Ah. [Exorcists. It's familiar, but where he's heard it slowly escapes. It sounds noble. So noble, to save lives without having to shed blood.

He slows down and turns to Allen fully, pursing his lips with an expression of--pain.]

Allen. [He's guarded. He must expect a lecture. They were soldiers in a very human war, yet--]

You shouldn't be out here in all of this. It's all bloodshed. [He doesn't have to carry that burden.]

1/2

[likethelight]

[ The reaction is immediate protest. ]

That's exactly why—! [ It's stiff; sharp. Something so very pinched and painful about his expression and the way he cuts himself off, the way he moves. Like he's conflicted about what to do or how to feel despite being so fiercely stubborn about it.

It's sympathy, the way Syrlya is looking at him, but... ]

2/2

[likethelight]

...that's why.

[ Repose then, given how he's drawn himself together. Inward, contained, and tall even if he isn't very. ]

If I can't be here to protect anyone from that then what's the point?

[ Even if he says it so very gravely for someone that normally speaks so gently. ]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya blinks slowly, his attention drifting only enough to be certain they were not in immediate danger.]

What is the point? [He lets out a soft, almost weary breath, digging the tip of his sword into the dirt.] I don't know. I suppose that depends what it is you are trying to protect.

[He reaches to brush one of his leaves back with a soft smile.] I couldn't protect without carrying that burden. Could you be strong enough to?

[Can he avoid trading the lives of his enemies for the lives of innocent people?]

[likethelight]

[ To be strong enough to carry that burden...

It's funny, because that's not the part Allen struggles with.

Which is why his eyes level on the sylvari with very unshakeable, very calm (bare) sort certainty, getting a slight lift to his chin. ]

"To protect the humans that should be protected whatever it takes."

That's what I swore, even if one day that becomes a burden.

[ Gentleness and strength, the way of an oath. ]

If a man lays a hand on my comrades and means to kill them then I won't hesitate. I won't abandon them. Especially not in a place like this.

[ ...and the whiteness of perplexity. The thing that runs through Allen as the very definition of himself. ]

But until there is no other possible choice left to me, I will not make that one for someone else. [ The one whether they live...

..or die. ]

[chronosynthesis]

[So noble.]

I hope you never have to make that choice. [He says it earnestly. Genuinely. It's hard being the one to have to kill. Harder to be aware of it.

He turns his attention to the fire in the distance.]

1/2

[likethelight]

[ He gets a quiet sort of sideways look at that. Curious, and a little heavy as well.

The choice...

As light-hearted and gentle as you are, Syrlya, you're also far more of a soldier than he is. Just from how you carry yourself in the face of that. "I couldn't protect without carrying that burden..."

Ah.

Tokusa was a better soldier than him, too. ]

2/2

[likethelight]

[ So he's quiet for a second before he turns in kind towards the glow, the lava that's rolling in from the distant eruption, fingers flared to his right side like one might begin to reach for their holster. ]

Do you still think this isn't my battle? [ Though he shan't retreat—

Or compromise. ]

[chronosynthesis]

[He looks sideways at Allen with a wry expression.] That isn't my decision to make.

But if you intend to make this your battle, then I would be honored to fight by your side.

If you would have me there, that is.

[likethelight]

...

[ Ah.

(The relief—and appreciation—in Allen's smile is noticeable at that.)

He might hate it, this way of fighting—that you fight like that, Syrlya—but.. ]

I think I'd be honored, too.

[chronosynthesis]

Ah--[Syrlya smiles brightly--even if it's also an agreement to fight, it's an agreement of camaraderie.

He tilts his head, gesturing forward.] Shall we?

[Back into the field. He's a little curious just how Allen compromises his morals in this war.]

Friedgood

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya just makes his way past the infirmary to the inn when he sees Allen stepping out. Ah, then he must have seen Lux... and anyone else who came out bruised.

Syrlya himself has some bandages on his arms, his coat all but ruined with stains--some of which are oddly gold. There's a tear on his pants too,but he doesn't seem to be hobbling.

He steps beside Allen to walk with him, stuffing his hands in his pockets.] It's good to see you at the end of it, Allen.

[likethelight]

[ Compromise?

He will not have.

While he might have battled at Syrlya's side, while he might have allowed the other to cut others down and end their lives, Allen had actually pledged a long time ago he would bury that sort of pain if that is what it meant to continue onward. And while if he thought there was another way he would have insisted on it... he's not so naive as to think war can be bloodless.

He just won't compromise the fact he won't be the one to draw blood unless he is absolutely forced to in order to prevent more innocent or pure blood from being spilled.

Even though it does pain him. Greatly. But he can also respect a newfound comrade enough to press his lips oh-so-tightly together to keep that to himself. But Syrlya...

It is a surprising fact of you. That you would make a better warrior (soldier) than he. Though it's nothing Allen has ever really claimed for himself, that sort of title. "Exorcist" is different and the reason why he hates fighting in this sort of role. So let's focus more on protecting each other and our friends, ne?

( Ne... )

Even so, he seems a little surprising when the sylvari appears suddenly at his side, though that might partially be his own displacement from being lost in his thoughts (and a little tired still) upon exiting the infirmary. ]

Syrlya? [ They'd parted and been separated only a short while before he and Lux found themselves where they'd been... And so his eyes naturally sweep to take in the other's somewhat tattered appearance. Though Allen's is still by far worse, the upper part of his uniform all but obliterated as he hasn't had a chance to change yet. ]

You're alright, then?

[ Ah, he sounds relieved (and is). ]

[chronosynthesis]

[Perhaps their time together had not been long--Syrlya had a way of weaving through the battlefield and he found himself from one place to the other quickly, easily. Every so often he would come back to find Allen just the same, standing tall and bloodless while Syrlya's uniform continued to grow stained until a griffon took him off the field.

So he's equally relieved to find Allen in one piece... weary, perhaps, but alive.]

I am... but I feel as if I should be asking you that. [He glances over his form once with a wry smile.] Is everything all right with you?

[likethelight]

[ Is it?

(?!)

There's a blink and a briefly mixed up sort of expression, before Allen's eyes slip to the side. ]

... mn.

[ He's just worrying at his lower lip a little. ]

I think so, actually.

[ And he's actually being honest. If confused. ]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya clasps his hands behind his back and leans over to peer at Allen as he turns away.]

Ah--you know, I worry enough about what war does to any soldier. But you are not what I would normally expect to see on such a field.

[Of course Allen's health is of more concern to him. It's a problem if Syrlya hadn't weathered the pain.] You held yourself well out there.

[likethelight]

[ The compliment, if it's meant to be one, seems to pass him by as Allen just looks a little distant at that. Perhaps a little regretful. ]

It isn't something I'm unused to... [ Lux sacrificing herself for him though—

He looks back to Syrlya and tries to smile, although it's a tired and soft sort of one. ]

I'm just not accustomed to a war between humans.

I'm sorry, it's probably a little strange to understand.

[chronosynthesis]

But non-humans...? [What that doesn't tell him is, whether he knows a war between people.]

What is it like, the fight you are used to?

1/2

[likethelight]

[ Perhaps because of his more somber and reflective mood—perhaps because Syrlya himself isn't human and clearly comes from a world of battle and war—he will get the long and uncensored version. At least how Allen tells it, the idealist he still is and forever will be. ]

In my world it's a little different—there are normal wars, but as an Exorcist...

As an Exorcist, we exist for the sake of a holy war. One for the souls and survival of mankind itself. Because what we fight are akuma... living weapons born from despair and made from human souls that mourn what they've become and exist only to kill others. Weapons that exist because someone grieving their lost loved one was tricked into trying to call them back—only they come back corrupted as an akuma and so grief-stricken they kill that person they loved. And because they kill more people who in turn have loved ones who grieve them and curse God for letting it happen...

...it's an endless cycle of suffering.

That's the kind of fight it is. And that's why Exorcists exist.

[ In a small sort of way, he tips his head back to look at Syrlya, expression a gentle sort of sobriety. ]

Because of the power we have, when we destroy an akuma we purify its soul in the process. Because of that, they can rest in peace again.

All the suffering they've known, no matter how much they've grieved or how far they've fallen from how many they've killed—we can release them from that. [ What is redemption—

—and what Alma rejected when he was to fade from existence. ]

So to me, it's not about fighting to erase an existence, but to save it. To stop that suffering from repeating itself over and over.

That—

2/2

[likethelight]

[ If he's realized how he's brought his left hand up to his chest and touched his wrist lightly with a small sort of smile faintly... one couldn't tell.

His left hand which, because of the battle is ungloved and in fact most of his sleeve was ripped off, is quite apparent as distinctly not-human. Wine red and plated in such a way it's almost demonic and Orrian armorlike in appearance. ]

...That's why I don't understand a war like this one.

[chronosynthesis]

[Akuma...

That war for humanity. Being an Exorcist... that's right, it was Lavi who said something like that once.

He opens his mouth, because it's his first thought to compare it to the dragons. But he chokes on a sound quickly, because the sheer grief of lost love, that suffering of the soul... perhaps that isn't quite like the loss of war. Of life.]

... You must see the most raw aspects of people. [He smiles with a warm, wistful expression.] I... think you could understand. But a better fight is one that relieves suffering, not causes more of it.

[It explains so much now, that Allen fought with hands to save. To ease pain, and not exchange it with another's.]

How do you save them, Allen? [What power do Exorcists have to be so noble?]

[likethelight]

[ He blinks a little at that, like that wasn't quite the question he expected.

Or the implication, perhaps. That Syrlya used "save" too. ]

It's called Innocence—

[ ah ] A substance that chooses someone to be its host by recognizing their heart and convictions. When it does, it can be shaped into a weapon then.

After that, it's tied to our hearts. Even after death.

I guess you could say using it isn't entirely unlike learning how to tap into your own mana here and the weapons we get bonded with. [ At least for a parasitic-type whose Innocence was so tightly bound to his emotions and convictions like Allen. And at least for Allen, who feels strongly connected to at least the first weapon he was given here. ]

The closer the bond we form with our weapon, the stronger we become.

[chronosynthesis]

Innocence. [Versus "magical weapon", it sounds very poetic. He can't say he understand the sentience of the bond, but if even Allen's weapon can be touched by his heart...]

That sounds incredible. Is it... hard? Being away from your Innocence here? I can hardly fathom what it must be like.

[likethelight]

[ Hard? ]

..A little. [ It's ironic, because of his weapon here and still feeling—now, after castling—like Crown Clown is still somewhere within him... it's actually his cursed left eye he feels more without.

More without without akuma. ]

It's more like it's still with me but harder to reach.

[ Still, with hand clasped to wrist like that, he lifts his head to smile a little to Syrlya at that. With a quiet sort of certainty—and if it did bother him, being without his Innocence, it doesn't show. ]

But I can't imagine it's easy for anyone, being away from what they know.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya's gaze drifts down, finally, to stop at the red arm--from a distance he has simply assumed it tried blood, but now that he actually focused--the heavy black fingernails and strange texture...

Somehow, unmarred despite the rest of Allen.] Oh--oh, your arm?

[He almost reaches out for it, but stops, hovering his hands in the air with hesitance.] My, it really is part of you... may I? [May he look?]