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

[gwenhwyfar]

[ Regina takes a moment, feigning that she's thinking it over as she taps her spear against her shoulder. ]

We have a deal.

[ Why not? At least someone around here is entertaining her. She slides off her perch, adjusting the white druid robes over her uniform. ]

If you can show me to make it less cumbersome, by all means.

[ Aside from playful flirting, her gaze shifted to him and the battlefield. As much as she found them complicated, she could see the need for them. Between the spells and the Noir forces, something was needed to take a big chunk out of their forces.

Truly, if something like this existed in her homeland, maybe she wouldn't have been taken. It's odd, at that moment as she surveys the chaos, she felt some sympathy towards Blanc. ]

It's not so much the spear, it's the person who wields it, Gilgamesh. But if you want-

[ Spears were good. Spears were nice, they created distance. ]

I'll be more than happy to show you.

[babbylon]

The cannons may be loaded with physical ammunition, or powered by magic. In your case, it would be best to utilize your mana. Channel it appropriately...

[Gilgamesh shuts his eyes and draws upon his focus. He wills energy from within to drip slowly into the cannon, which begins to glow brightly as Gilgamesh feeds mana into it. Eventually, it starts to shake, at which point Gilgamesh stops and steps back.]

In this state, it is ready. Line up the shot with an appropriate target; by firing once, you'll get a better idea of the angle.

[Gilgamesh tilts the cannon back with guiding magic and aims for a group of griffon riders in the distance. Naturally, as an Archer, he's able to take them down in one shot, with enviable perfection. But he doesn't expect her to replicate his tactics right away. Rather, the point of the demonstration was to show how magic could do much of the heavy lifting in this exercise.

Gilgamesh gestures to the cooling cannon, expectantly.]

Try again, with this method. We shall it a "freebie", as you are still learning.

[gwenhwyfar]

[ Being that she has no demonic senses to rely on and having one eye, it may be a bit trickier for her to replicate it. Not only is she proud, she's a perfectionist, wanting to replicate it exactly. She gives a silent regard to the griffon riders off in the distance, suddenly finding herself overcome with a quiet anger that she's been holding onto for quite some time.

Her mana pool is limited, but it's a concept that she's quickly learned. It's not too unusual of a concept, channeling energy into something and using it instead of a physical weapon. Either of the two will exert her, so in addition to channeling mana, it has to monitored carefully. Her bandaged hands trace over the cannon's surface and her red eye focusing on one particular griffon rider off in the distance. What she assumes would take a great time to hone in that energy, she does, determined to blow them off from the sky.

If only such a thing existed in her homeland, they wouldn't have half of the problems that they did now. But she nearly scoffs at the thought; the current king of her family's territory is sloppy. She thinks for a moment how much she hates him, how much torment he puts her mother through and eventually uses that to channel mana better. Her anger is a hot white anger, and so her mana has started to manifest in such a way.

For a first shot, it isn't so bad; her depth perception hinders her, she has no extra senses to channel to clear the haze of a lack of sight to shoot the rider more accurately. Barely. She barely misses, but she is successful to knock the griffon and the rider clear off the sky. Being her own worst critic, she scoffs at herself. ]

That could be better.

[ It would be better if she could blow them both up into pieces, but beggers can't be choosers. She takes a breath, speaking more openly- ]

For such impressive weapons, you would think this kingdom could hold better against this Noir.

[ Maybe no kingdom could prevent invasions. Maybe there was no long term solution to ward off invasions. At that point, she became even more cynical. She's ready to do it again, moving that cannon with relative ease -- Regina has her own muscles, after all. ]

They won't be able to do this forever.

[babbylon]

You will do better.

[He encourages her, not with lukewarm reassurances, but with the presumption that she will and therefore she must. Gilgamesh finds another cannon nearby and commandeers it; for all the time he spent instructing her, he fires off a second shot within a fraction of it. It did not bode well for her chances, in terms of a competition, but if she continues to watch his methodology carefully she may just learn quite a bit more herself.]

But this Noir... if I had my true strength, I could eliminate them in a day. In an hour, even. It is most unfortunate we arrive in this state.

[Boom. Three more griffons disposed of. Gilgamesh takes a break, though it's unnecessary, to give her at least an opportunity to catch up.]

No war can be waged forever, so they say. But they are wrong. War never truly ends, not among humans.

[He would know, being charged with overseeing them and being part human themselves. And being shackled to an endless war of his own.]

[gwenhwyfar]

[ Fortunately for him, she's a competitive type, if only for a need to assert her strength. She will always be driven by some sort of need to show to others that she isn't a pushover. For far too long, she was too meek and timid, so it serves as all the more reason to go against the opposite. It's all about showing to others she's not a woman to be trifled with. As she's been raised, knowledge holds more strength over weaponry, sometimes. Learning has been one way she's managed to climb this far up without breaking from hostage crises completely.

She won't wait any longer; once she starts to understand the basic pattern of channeling mana and using it with the cannon, she's starting to catch up. Still, having one eye and her lack of senses is her reason for struggling with accuracy. ]

As soon as Noir would fall, another would emerge, ready to swarm in, just like Saxons and Picts.

[ She says the latter more to herself, not expecting him to know what she's talking about. ]

You're right.

[ And there's number four, just barely, again. This time, her mana starts to shift from the white-hot anger to something frankly more demonic. ]

War will not end, it just continues, with another set of invaders.

[babbylon]

[His eyes flicker over to her, studying this shift of mana. He's no Knight, but he can nonetheless detect a certain change in how she's funneling her energies now. It makes her powerful, of course... but he's wiser than he seems, and so he knows it also made her very dangerous. A curious combination, to be so beautiful yet so searing, like flame.]

You lived during a time of great strife in the world, I presume. The continent of "Europe" did not yet exist, but rather was a collection of warring territories.

[Gilgamesh resumes firing, at this point, and so keeps them neck in neck with each other. It speaks less to her prowess—though she is improving—and more to a rare sense of fair play. Perhaps because he's interested in what she'd do with a leash in her hands, if she'd be kind or cruel or some mixture or both. If she'd last out at him or extend mercy, despite appearances.

Or perhaps because he knows what he'd do and he'd tire of her body quickly enough. He's about as selfish as he seems, to be honest.]

Humans... are rather detestable, aren't they?

[Whether he believes or disbelieves this does not matter. He's testing her.]

[gwenhwyfar]

Not quite. The kingdoms of Briton rarely wage war against one another, they merely bicker. [ Speaking of conquered kingdoms and territories that simply didn't get along was actually starting to invoke a lot of her ire. Judging from how she was using the cannon by now, firing with rapport, she was none to pleased with the situation back at home. ]

Perhaps, in due time. Without Rome breathing down our necks, they'll do more than bicker.

[ Europe? Maybe that would be the future of a united land without territories and kingdoms getting into ugly spats. Without the empire, there's really no high king and everything that the druids had hoped for with the Romans losing their grip on them was resulting in chaos. Still, all of this, the wall, and thinking of home was making her forget that she wanted to beat him in this contest.

Humans... are rather detestable, aren't they?

She hated to agree with this statement. She was always reminded how she was not completely human; no one spared any of her kind from such a statement. This? This actually gets her to stop what she's doing and look at him. A few years ago- no, months ago, she would jump on it. For once, there's actually some slight hesitation by the look she gives him before she returns to her fury. Oh, she'll try, she'll certainly try to win. ]

So they are. Did you not say that all heroes start from you? I'm sure you've seen plenty of their folly.