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BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-08-19 10:15 am

WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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.
penitents: (sᴏ ɪ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴍʏ ɪssᴜᴇs ᴅʀᴀᴡɴ)

[personal profile] penitents 2016-08-24 08:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ It isn't that he forgets the rest of these Heroes don't come from the same walk of life he does. This girl, quivering against his chest, was probably a civilian. She's squeamish and hesitant, things he can glean in the way she keeps her face turned, her eyes away from the field.

He doesn't forget, but what he knows couldn't be more different. Sasuke had been trained to kill a man at least five years younger than this young woman. He had fought for his life and tried to kill his best friend.

Steering his boar around with his knees, he puts an arm around Lola to keep her seated as his mount tosses it's head and barrels toward the back lines. ]


Why are you out so far?
drawmecute: (Left to Herself)

[personal profile] drawmecute 2016-08-24 08:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Some soldiers got wounded, there was a make-shift camp to try to heal the ones who couldn't be moved. I spotted a bunch of Noir soldiers and tried to buy them some more time.

*She's fine with being held, and with being protected. Because it helps her not to piece together how many soldiers she's killed. It's not as flashy or as sure as Sasuke's way, but if Lola ever did the math, most of her kicks had enough raw force to them to snap a guy's neck when they went face first into a wall. Her weapon had a lot of power, she just didn't use it.*

I was a really good distraction. I made a mess of them and they had to follow me. But I couldn't exactly lead them back the way I came and I ended up out here...

*Also Lola can't plan ahead to save her life.*
penitents: (ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ ʀᴇsᴛᴀʀᴛ)

[personal profile] penitents 2016-08-25 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
You should be more careful.

[ The plan was a good one, albeit self sacrificing. It would have been fine for someone who could get out of it, but the problem here seemed to be that Lola hadn't thought a head at all.

It was lucky he came across her when he did. ]


You aren't fighting alone.

[ Having her against his chest has been replenishing his mana in turn, and what he'd depleted fighting from boarback feels full and fresh again. The timing is good, because as they come toward the back lines his path is abruptly blocked by a mounted Noir soldier— the gold-horned beast screaming. Sasuke draws up his boar and it stops, pawing the earth. Behind his mask, he narrows his eyes. ]
drawmecute: (Quiet Whispers)

[personal profile] drawmecute 2016-08-25 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
*Lola's well aware that when it comes to maneuverability and motion she's got a gift. Sure, they are a stunning pair of boots, but they do the job. She hadn't thought about being so outnumbered she'd end up leaping toward a trap.*

I'm not, but I usually end up on my own. My weapons don't really-

*She's stopped by the soldier opposite of them. She can think of a dozen ways she can escape but her rescuer would be here, and she'd still be too far from the wall to really be able to regroup and resupply. She's not all that smart, but... she knows what she's good for and what a blade can do if aimed right.*

...Hit him when he's looking at me.

*Lola's just going to, slip off the boar and kick off the ground. Mana burst from her boots launching her high into the air above the pair. She's colorful, eyecatching, and human nature says to look at her. Especially when she lands on a pink glowing barrier in the air. Lola, is above all other things, very distracting. And her face is full of sorrow because she's told Sasuke how to kill this soldier.*
penitents: (ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴍɴᴇᴅ ɪғ ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ)

[personal profile] penitents 2016-08-26 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ The height to which she jumps only surprises Sasuke because it's been so long since he's seen that kind of feat. He understands better, what she had been about to say and didn't finish. As far as weapons go, hers were almost as unconventional as his own. Behind the petrified wood of his ornate mask, his eyes are all but invisible. They aren't as deadly as they had been in his home world, but an opponent taking their eyes off of him is still a mistake.

Opposite him, the soldier's eyes go up. Lola's movement draws his attention because she moves first, and that's a threat.

He's out of knives, so needs to get closer. Digging his heels in, the boar surges forward and the goat throws it's head. He gestures wide with his arm and the spark of electricity that jumps from his body to the Noir soldier is a crackling arc of lightning. It electrocutes the goat, which goes down, and throws it's rider. ]
drawmecute: (I'll just Stay Quiet)

[personal profile] drawmecute 2016-08-28 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
*Lola was not sitting idle as Sasuke worked. She wasn't as... intentionally lethal. She thought about asking, someone to walk her through what she's done that has almost certainly killed someone. But with that doubt she could not know. But she did fight. Her hands gestured a small ball of energy growing into something volleyball sized.*

*Which she accurately spiked into the thrown soldier. The ball exploded in a screeching loud sound. The soldier clutched at his ears rather than care about the incoming ground and landed very badly. Lola winced, she didn't expect his limbs to bend that way.*

Um... there are more guys coming our way!

*Advantage of getting to see things from her perspective, you get to see things others miss. Like the riders that were on the way.*
penitents: (ᴀɴᴅ ɪ'ᴍ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ᴛᴏ ʜᴏᴘᴇ)

cw wounded animals

[personal profile] penitents 2016-08-30 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ The goat isn't dead. Sasuke doesn't have the kind of power yet to knock something out that large, but it's certainly uncomfortable, twitching and eyes rolling as it starts struggling to get back to it's feet. Sasuke turns his boar away from it, looking up at the girl and then the direction she points.

He exhales, brow creasing. This was only going to slow their retreat, and most likely, it was important for this girl to get to the back lines to continue her support position. Thankfully, having ridden nearly halfway there with her against his chest has made his well of mana easier to reach in to. The boat shifts underneath him, Sasuke balancing with his knees and holding it steady with his one hand.

Sasuke waits until they are closer, close enough that he can see them, and only as they are coming close enough to be able to cast does he reach for the ability of his mask. ]


Amaterasu— [ A wall of black fire lunges up from the ground, hot and unnatural. It reaches for the sky, crackling, and trapping the approaching Noir behind it's line. Anyone in the immediate area shouts and runs to get out of the way. The mud surrounding it on the ground dries up immediately, cracked and charred.

He pulls his boar back around, to face her, and jerks his head: come on. ]