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

[dishevelment]

"Some tactics are ones that should never be used," Koumei intoned quietly, Watching Shunsui drink from the bottle before returning his attention to the battlefield around them to keep watch for incoming assailants.

The smile was returned with a wry, somewhat bitter one of his own, for Koumei had seen such mistreatment of troops-- and worse-- in previous battlefields. For all of the needless bloodshed here, Koumei knew that nothing here would compare to some of the crimes that he was guilty of or the horrors he had already witnessed over a lifetime spent on and off the battefield. Not even Shunsui's uncharacteristic fervor in this bout could rattle him...although, it was possible that facing war at such a young age had left Koumei bent, with such a high degree of emotional control that he simply acted without thought.

It was a curious trait earned at a high cost, but it was one that was already helping out in this world.

Koumei met the unintended question with a subtle shake of his head, and his gaze flicked back to Shunsui for a scant moment before returning back to keep watch. "I am uninjured," he confirmed. "For all their brutality, the tactics these soldiers are using are terribly simple. It's easy to avoid enemies if you watch your timing."

[sugegasa]

Shunsui had seen incredible cruelty himself, and while the tactics here were less than savory, they didn't compare to the horrors he'd seen elsewhere. Still, it had angered him enough to have him fighting more strenuously than normal, and the water was very much appreciated!

He had to admire Koumei's stability, in this. It made him a bit sad, for he had been a young soldier himself once upon a time, and knew the sort of cold calculating calm it could instill. Perhaps he would ask about it later, if the younger man was in the mood to talk about it.

But for now...

"I'm glad to hear it. Would you be averse to helping me gather the wounded in the vicinity? I'm sure they'd appreciate some healing, now that the direct threat has been dealt with for the moment."

[dishevelment]

"Of course," he said, as if the answer would should have been seen as a given. His status as a mere pawn on the battlefield should have been to anyone who looked closely at his uniform-- and, as such, there was little that he could actually do for the moment.

It was a frustrating dilemma, but one that Koumei took in stride.

"I've been scouting the area for safe paths," he added, "Which should ease everyone's burden considerably."

[sugegasa]

Ah, the rank was obvious - it wasn't very long since Shunsui had been promoted himself. But he'd meant it more in terms of energy and if Koumei had enough strength left to help him carry people, more than anything else.

"It should indeed! I appreciate it. If you could show me the way, I'm fairly certain I can carry at least two of the fallen."

[dishevelment]

He could help carry if it was necessary, although he was so slender and untrained from a lifetime of hitting the books that it was fairly easy to assume that he probably couldn't carry more than a single person. The last three years may have toned his body in ways he never could have imagined, but he still wasn't nearly as strong as his two brothers.

That said:

"I can probably carry one, or provide support for a couple of the ones who can still move some," he said. "And the path looks fairly level from here, so we should find no trouble."

[sugegasa]

Shunsui took a quick look at him and nodded. He'd try to avoid needing to use Koumei to carry anyone, simply because it would be quicker if he could help the somewhat mobile rather than try to carry what amounted to the dead weight of the unconscious.

"There are several in the immediate area with injured legs, but aside from that they should at least be able to hobble, if you wouldn't mind! And I'm glad to hear that!"

With a friendly smile, he bent to pick up a fallen soldier in each arm. He was large, so it wasn't really too much trouble, but they were both unconscious, so this might get a bit wearing.

"If you might be able to lead us to the path, I'd be in your debt!"

[dishevelment]

Koumei followed suit, helping wounded soldiers onto their feet and supporting them with his own body as he offered some friendly word and a smile. He could do this much without problem, although he hoped that their opening would last long enough for them to pass through. The griffons soaring overhead, striking at battalions, were a factor that he was unfamiliar with like many other things in this world.

"Please save your thanks for later," he said calmly, not showing any worry beyond the barest flicker through his eyes. "We still need to reach our destination."

He didn't doubt that they would make it. Blanc's forces were strong and skilled in ways he still couldn't fully imagine.

After all, they were Heroes.

[sugegasa]

"Very true! I'll revisit the topic later though, you can be sure!"

He wasn't the type of man to leave his gratitude unexpressed, after all, especially over a battlefield as volatile as this one! But for now, Koumei was correct, they needed to hurry!

Carrying the injured was nothing to him, but the repeated trips and the impending lava and fire raining down, as well as the enemy forces, wore on him and he soon found himself needing to rest a bit.

"I'm sorry, but I have to slow down a little. Would you be able to get a few more of the more mobile ones in? I just need to catch my breath!"

Which in this smoke might be harder than he'd anticipated.

[dishevelment]

The chaos of the battlefield was wearisome for them all. Even with Koumei aiding the more mobile of the wounded along, they still had to contend with the lava, the fire, the enemies that threatened them from all sides...

It was wearing Koumei down too-- but, not as bad as Shunsui, surely.

"...I won't leave you," he said firmly to Shunsui, casting a concerned look at the well experienced swordsman. "They're safe for the moment-- but it won't help anyone if you hurt youself doing this."

Breaking his own personal decorum, Koumei reached out to touch Shunsui on the arm in hopes that the man would accept some help himself. Although there was little that Koumei could do...

Surely there was something.