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

3! let's just assume he saw her fall. sometime before she wakes up completely

[sugegasa]

[The seat at her bedside was warm, probably having been heated by the sunlight falling up it, and upon her sleeping form.

He sat as soundlessly as he could, not wanting to disturb her restorative slumber or impede her healing. The package of pastries with fruit filling he'd brought, slightly sweet but more solid and nourishing than anything, found their way to the low table as he freed his hands to take one of hers in them both. If she didn't wake today, or had no appetite when she did, well...his plan was to return twice daily until she did, with fresh treats every time.

As he sat with her, he sent warm mana the color and texture of sakura petals kissed by the sun to her through their joined hands. It was a position and an activity he was incredibly used to by now, but one that would never be completely comfortable. Still, the mana he was sending felt enough like reiatsu that it didn't much matter, in the end.

He'd seen her fall. Had hated the unfairness of it all, and had run to the area as fast as he'd been able, sword and scythe and dark energy creating a bloodbath as he'd thought her dead. And she had been, until healed. He'd waited until it was done, of course, because like hell would he leave her.

He wouldn't now, either, at least not for long. But after an hour or two, he decided she'd probably grown weary of his mana signature and stood, bending to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.]

I'll be back this evening. You rest and try not to worry, eh?

[For all the thousands of times he'd said the words, he meant them no less now than he ever had.]

okay just step on my heart why don't you

[rememberher]

[ She could feel someone there, very close but very far away. Like the the feeling of spring, of the sun gently kissing her cheek, and of petals wafting through the breeze. Comforting, reassuring and warm, she almost didn't want to wake up, for if she did, this sensation might go away. It eased her pain, which tormented her even as she slept.

The funny thing about dying? Even after the wounds are tended to, there was that lingering ache that set in deep. Not an ache of the body, but an ache of the soul. They say a soul changes when they die, even if but for an instance, and something like that takes time, doesn't it? One might think of them as growing pains.

And oh, it hurt. But then, Shunsui might himself know a bit about that, if he remembered.

But every time he tended to her, he might feel it. Her colors. And they were that, not just one, but all, swirling around each other in a kaleidoscope of iridescence, neither warm nor cold, but present. But mingled within these prismatic hues was something else, like a scar, a void ribbing through the colors that made her what she was. A shadow.

Every time he visited, it got just a little stronger, curling around his fingers like a string, quietly working their way around, into, his, as if trying to work out who was there. Even sleeping, she was an inquisitive little thing.

But it was funny, how the gentle kiss to her forehead caused her eyelids to flutter, eyes slowly opening. Tipping her chin up slowly to look up, she blinked blearily, finally speaking, her voice feathery and light. ]

...Shunsui?

sorry, had to!

[sugegasa]

[Shunsui knew about those pains. And to know that Lux was feeling them hurt him too. He hated seeing her this way, and the swirl of her mana around his fingers comforted him a little, letting him know she was still there.

The void he felt in it was also terribly familiar to him, since he had the same. He'd been muting it as much as he could as he held her hand, not wanting to take away from the support he was trying to send. But he knew it hurt her, to carry it. It hurt him too, to carry his own.

Watching her eyelids flutter had him grinning, and at the soft question of his name, he beamed at her.]

Yes, it's me! Welcome back, my brave warrior.

[His voice was quiet, laced with affection and relief.]

[rememberher]

[ So that warmth, that gentle spring breeze that she felt radiating through her body (and lingering on her forehead, strangely enough), that was him? Somehow it seemed... appropriate, that his mana would feel that way.

But Shunsui, there was something strange here, that even her spell-addled brain could recognize. It was nice to see you, and the feeling of knowing that there was someone watching over her... well, she didn't actually know how to feel about that. Because you see, she wasn't used to anyone doing that for her. Even as a child. ]

What are you... doing here?

[ She looked genuinely perplexed.

And another thing dawned on her. ]

...Where are we?

[sugegasa]

[It was indeed! He would be happy to know that his mana felt comforting, that the shadow in it wasn't detectable to her.

And he would be around to watch over her as long as he could. He hadn't known her long, nor did he know her well, but he knew enough to know that she would be precious to him. Someone for him to protect.]

Where else would I be, when you're recovering?

[He smoothed a hand over her hair, trying to ease her discomfort a little.]

They brought you to the medical tents, just until you're able to go back home. We're safe; the battle is over and you were a very large part of that.

[rememberher]

[ How did he know she would—

And in that instant, she felt so small, and a bit insignificant. The battle was over, she could stop fighting now, but... then what? How could he know the impact she made, if any at all. She couldn't do anything about the ground riders, couldn't get a clear shot of the griffon riders with all the smoke and fire...

No, to say she was a huge part of their success... She didn't deserve those words. ]

Ah.

[ She startled, however, when he smoothed the hair on her forehead, so tenderly, a quiet gesture that sent her reeling. Surprised, she wasn't sure what to do with it; it was clear from her mana, fluttering like the wings of a butterfly, delicate but somehow unsure.

Like perhaps... she had never had someone do something like that for her before. At least, not in the way he had. A paternal hand, large and strong, yet gentle at the same time, reaching out to reassure.

She froze. What... should she do at a time like this? How should she react? Her eyes wide, she looked up at him nearly in a panic.

Why? Why were you..? ]

[sugegasa]

[Of course he knew, and of course she deserved the words. Everyone that had fought had had a role in their victory, and Lux had given one of the greatest sacrifices of all. She may not have thought she deserved it, but Shunsui knew it wholeheartedly.

He saw the look of panic and was quick to pull back, so there was no contact between them whatsoever! His hands raised, he looked at her sadly.]

Please forgive me, I'm a sentimental old man who's very fond of physical contact. I should have asked your permission beforehand, of course, and I'm very sorry I didn't! It won't happen again, I really didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!

[rememberher]

[ She blinked slowly a few times, looking more than a bit surprised. Her body settling, she took a breath, trying to sit up slowly (and wincing a bit as she did). ]

No, it... it's all right...

[ Mm, no, this wasn't a good idea. She had hoped to be able to meet him more at his level, but trying to sit up made her feel dizzy. She settled back down. ]

I... It isn't something I'm used to. It's not... It's not something that people do... Where I'm from.

[ She paused, closing her eyes. ]

It's all right. It... it felt nice.