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

[sediments]

You? A burden? [ He smiles at her as he keeps a hand on her shoulder, steadying and to show that there's no way he'd think that. ] But you're my precious friend!

[ He's flowering the statement up for effect, but he's feeling lighthearted about her presence nonetheless.

And certainly, he's being serious as he turns his back to her. ]

Hop on! We can exchange mana and then get whatever's bothering you fixed up.

[showsnopiety]

[She snorts and rolls her eyes a little. Precious friend...she doesn't know what to make of him sometimes, but she punches him lightly.

Very lightly. Since she doesn't know how squishy he is, at least as of late.]

You're quite dramatic, aren't you?

[It's very fond, but she moves to hop onto him, her arms moving over his shoulders. Her legs are stiffer when it comes to getting onto him.]

I think it's mostly bruises. It won't take much, I think.

[sediments]

Sometimes.

[ He picks up the staff that he'd set beside himself, rather rusty and unprofessional in make because Bolin had forged it himself when he'd realised that he was running low on magic power, but good enough nonetheless. ]

Hang on, I'll get our blood pumping!

[ Perhaps not the best idea when he's got gashes furrowed into his shoulder, but it's not as through they're given too much of a choice. Once they're no longer on the floor and standing, their threat levels in the eyes of the Noir soldiers increases back to a level where they dare to engage them.

And that's fine, he thinks, meeting the blow of a charging soldier's sword with his staff, sliding it along the metal surface to deflect it and use the end of his weapon to trip the soldier up instead, getting her to stumble enough that he can bash the staff against her head. ]

You're keeping an eye out for me, right?

[showsnopiety]

[It's kind of crude, but she's not going to quibble about it? If it works it works. At least his weapon will work without magic, unlike hers.

He talks about blood pumping, and she glances to his shoulders. Yeah, that's right-that really did need to be taken care of. There's a murmured healing spell (curatio) so the pain will fade and the skin will close up-she should look to that later-but she's glancing all over, her making sure he's not surprised by a whack to the head.]

Of course. I don't want us to die.

[Doesn't want Bolin to die, rather, but upsetting him while they're in the midst of fighting? Bad idea. Speaking of ideas...]

Give me another minute, and I'll see about making them easier to hit. But as a warning: I will be sticking my fingers against your ears.

[sediments]

[ He's more relaxed now that he's moving. At least in the sense that he no longer seems jittery, though the tension of battle still lines his shoulders, keeping his movements controls as he fights. He'd traded his wooden staff in for his metal shield a month ago, but he hadn't wasted the skills he'd gained in having that as a weapon, and the staff moves smoothly over his palms, spinning and keeping continuous motion to block and counter, whether by tripping his opponents or hitting them hard enough to get them to go down.

It's close combat though, and the second he encounters a mage or someone a little more magical in their attacks, he'll be in trouble. He barely has enough mana to be casting spells, and even if he should replenish, there's no reserve to start casting because he'll find himself exhausted again.

So he'll be relying on Caren. ]

You've got all the time you need.

[ It's easier for him to fight when he has here anyway, regardless of his fatigue, Bolin has always worked better in a team. ]

[showsnopiety]

[He's better when he's moving, it seems. She can feel him almost...not relaxed, but poised under her legs. Bolin might be a lot of things, but she can't deny he is a fighter.

But she can't be distracted by admiration or infernal planning. Instead, she focuses on healing him, before working on her legs. A minor spell as it goes, but her muscles relax.

That's better. She's able to grip him better and move her fingers this way. Which means...

A spellcaster found themselves pulled off their ride, another was cracked in the mouth. Ouch.]

If I've all the time, then I'll make sure you have space.

[She'll see about using her wires to keep the mages and the like away from Bolin.]

[sediments]

[ They work well. It makes Bolin feel good and gives him spirit as he spins on his heel, avoiding an incoming soldier and getting them in the back of his head. He never would've dreamed of taking on a stream of opponents like this a few months ago, but things had changed since he'd lost his bending, and he'd been forced to adapt, as painful as it was. His reactions are still a fraction slower than someone who's trained in close combat for years, but Bolin's good at dodging, if not attacking.

And now he's got Caren to rely on, and that puts at him at ease. He doesn't particularly enjoy fighting, and wouldn't call it "fun", but he enjoys the trust it builds between people; the camaraderie and the knowledge that he can move so in sync with another person.

When he hears the crackle of lightning above him, the heavy beat of a griffon's winds, he doesn't panic, eyes going comically wide with the assurance that they'll be all right. That's the problem with Bolin: he's got too much optimism. ]

Whoa! You better hold on.

[ And the griffon's got him in its sights, but Bolin's running on the ground now, trying at least not to stay in one place. He probably looks like a mouse to beast. ]

[showsnopiety]

[They work surprisingly well together. It's as if they've done this before-and really this is the first time that Caren has fought while riding someone piggy back.

They're just doing well so far. So far. There's some effort, and they sync together-she gives him space, and he gives her time to protect him. Until it comes to the griffon and their lightning strikes. Her lips press together, displeased; such a thing is not easy to protect oneself with. But-she has to retract her wires, and grab onto him, twisting to stare back at the griffon and its rider.

Yeah. She can try it. It won't be easy but...]

Bolin? I'm going to plug your ears now.

[Sound magic had range, and she could make them fall. Her voice box would be hurting but at least they won't be electrocuted.]

[sediments]

[ The weight of what Caren is asking him doesn't really occur to Bolin. If she plugs his ears, she'll be dulling one of his senses, something vital when there are so many aerial enemies; such chaos around them that the threats around him aren't always in his line of sight. He won't be able to defend himself as effectively if she covers his ears.

He'll need to rely on her.

But that's something that Bolin has always been good at doing. He trusts people, especially those he's spent time with - negative or positive.

He likes Caren; he trusts her and he thinks she's funny, and fierce. He likes her knowledge about cuisine and that's she's so candid. It's cute how she's good at domestic tasks. ]

Okay. [ His attention shifts briefly to give her a smile. ] Knock 'em out, Caren!

[showsnopiety]

[Something that he needs for protection; something that he needs in case she's knocked off of him. They'd have to depend on each other, and he gives it so easily it's...

She's not sure how to feel about that. Mixed, honestly, because she knows, someday, she may betray that trust-but knowing that she needed it too, for the thing she was about to do.]

You smile too easily, Bolin.

[Care so easily, protect on a dime, asks all the questions and thinks nothing of it, and is hopeless at shirt folding.

Does she care about him? She doesn't know. But her hands slide to his ears easily, and her head tilts back. Lungs expand, and her mouth opens. She's fine whenever she does this but those around her-they might be affected too.

They could be caught in the haunting wail of a song. It's a wordless application of sound magic, and she's focused completely on her targets-something that means she has to rely on Bolin completely for protection.

Maybe that's trust.

But still, her focus and control means the griffon wavers like a drunk, and the fighter jerks off of her ride and...no more rider. The griffon is soon to follow, even as it screams in agony.

Caren stops, and coughs, slowly worming her fingers away from Bolin's ears. Bet she got ear wax all over them.]

[sediments]

[ He watches out for her. It’s something innate in him, something that feels camaraderie with her regardless of the differences between them. She had told him that she enjoys suffering the same way other people enjoy happiness, and that’s fine for her. Despite their label, he doesn’t fancy himself some hero destined to save the world and bring peace and happiness or everyone. (That’s Korra, if anyone, and even she would know that such an idea is juvenile.)

But he is different from her, and he’s not accommodating enough to change for her. He pulls his magic weapon from his pocket, the metal ball melting into his skin as he presses it between his palms, granting him an ability similar to the metalbending he’d struggled so hard to learn back home. It’s not as good as real bending of course, and he can already feel the mana consumption, but it’ll do.

There are metal bands that he’d affixed to his uniform, similar to the design of Kuvira’s uniform, and he spins them out around them, wrapping them around any attackers and using it as leverage to drag them to the ground, bodies smashing to the dirt around them. He could still use his staff, but he doesn’t want to move too much and upset Caren’s aim. He doesn’t want to waste any of her effort.

He probably needn’t worry however; she’s exceptional. His eyes trace the fall of the rider with awe, and he looks up at her when he removes his hands. ]

Whoa! That was incredible!

[ And then he trips as he continues to move, wary of the now greatly pained griffon, the ground underneath becoming uneven—the result of cooled lava. ]

[showsnopiety]

[They're very different people, there's no doubt about that. Seeing the griffons fall, there is a grim satisfaction, knowing that they're no longer with their master, and crying out in pain. She enjoys it. Bolin strikes her more of the type that would feel the satisfaction of winning a battle, but perhaps a pang or two of guilt later about their suffering. If it was brought up at least.

Caren didn't see him do his metalbending though, or watch him smash the bodies that had gotten too close.

She does see the results though, even as she took in deep breaths. It always strains her throat, this magic. She needs to find a better mobile way to do this.]

It was-

[She squeaked, thrown off balance and started to fall. She might need a moment, whether or not she fell onto her butt.]

[sediments]

[ He manages to fall forward onto his face so that he doesn’t end up killing Caren by falling back onto her, though there had been a lot of uneven stumbling around before he finally succumbed to gravity, so she might’ve fall clean off or ended up sitting on top of him.

Regardless, Bolin presses his cheek into the cooled rock with a sigh. ]

Sorry, I think I ruined our cool ending.

[ He’s still tired, though Caren had replenished some of his mana. But lacking adrenaline, he can feel the fatigue, even if his battle senses have him pushing himself back up soon enough, checking to see if Caren’s all right. ]

[showsnopiety]

[Broken nose better then broken Caren. She can take on a room full of bad guys but Bolin could have done some serious damage to her ribs.

So instead she ended up falling onto her butt, with her legs kind of on his body still. Yeah that's...that's a thing.]

We had a cool ending?

[She didn't think she was cool at all. But she does think they're done for now, especially when he comes over to check on him.]

Let's get you back. Don't worry about me.

[Her thighs and butt are sore but eh. She's had worse. She's coming up onto her feet, and moves to touch his shoulder. She'll escort him back now.]

[sediments]

I think so.

[ He does! An amazing duo even. Or maybe he's just feeling a lazy happiness from the fatigue, the relief and the slight power that comes from the mana replenishment. Bolin is most certainly the type to get tired of despair, and force unnecessarily cheer into a situation, regardless of how appropriate it is.

The touch to his shoulder is welcomed easily, and he reaches out to set his own hand on her elbow, giving her a little smile. ]

Yeah? You don't need me to carry you?

[showsnopiety]

[She shakes her head slightly, but she's smiling a little. He almost seems punch drunk, but she doesn't think that's the case. Just tired and needing to retreat before he gets shot at.

Though the offer to carry her surprises a small chuckle out of her. It's gravelly, but it sounds worse then it is. She just needs to warm up her voice before she battles, is all.]

No, I warmed my legs up. I could try to carry you instead.