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]

[ The weight of everything around them doesn't often sink in for Bolin; the lava, the lightning, the magic, and the soldiers cutting each other down. For better or for worse, he doesn't really try to be aware of it all, because that's when the weight settles in his bones, and his mind gets lost in all the possibilities and outcomes.

He'll have to ask Naruto about it later.

His gaze moves to where there's a noticeable concentration of soldiers, and he thinks that's it. ]

Okay, let's go. [ He can taste sulphur when he speaks, no longer jittery, but firm as he grips his weapon. ] I think we should to be there.

[acknowledges]

[It's a pretty big group of enemies. Naruto notices it the way people notice the weather and decide what they should wear for the day- and his weight rocks from one foot to the other. Of all of his friends back home he was probably the stockiest- well, except for Choji- and for that reason he'd always seemed deceptively agile. Maybe it was just because he was always running his mouth as a kid, and because he's still getting into trouble even though he's a man now. Whatever he's not thinking about it! His weight continues to rock, a build up of energy even as his gaze flicks to Bolin's shield and the corner of his mouth quirks. A thought.]

Hey hey, can you use that to knock a bunch of people out? Have you tried that before?

[sediments]

[ If only Bolin knew what a pinball was so that he could make the mental connection. Unfortunately, he doesn't, but as he considers his shield and moves it around in the air, carefully under his control, he's feeling pretty confident. ]

I haven't, but I can give it a shot.

[ He'd have to hit multiple targets right, and he might only bring a couple not and not actually knock them out, but he's not against trying something new. Especially when he's got Naruto next to him. ]

Why? Do you have an idea?

[acknowledges]

[Does he have an idea? Kinda. Does he have a plan? Not in the slightest.

Maybe, like whack-a-mole, if he can keep the guys distracted and make sure they're engaged in a fight with him- if he can make sure they don't really move- then Bolin'll be able to whack them a few times from behind. That way they don't have to kill anyone, but they won't have to worry about getting chased down after either.]

I'm just gonna try and keep some of 'em still!

[Yeah, because that sounds easy. Very articulate Naruto.
He reaches for the holster on his thigh, three fingers sliding into the loops of three individual throwing knives- and then they fly. Two of them pin guys to a rock wall- not enough to hold there forever but enough for a little bit of leverage for Bolin. The third grazes an opponent and brings his attention to the streak of gold heading into the crowd. Naruto uses the push of his gravity magic to send him backwards- against a wall as well, where he smacks into the surface and hits the ground.]

[sediments]

[ Bolin is used to fighting, but he wouldn't describe it as a fun past time. There's nothing fun to him about people trying to kill him or being forced to attack people, tear at them and break their bones. He loves bending, but he doesn't enjoy conflict.

But he does feel a sense of ease with Naruto here, and when the other boy lets his weapons and magic fly, Bolin gets moving. All of his attention is on the soldiers in front of him, as he holds his shield behind before

it shoots out. Released and moving of it's own momentum to keep the sharpness of its hits as Bolin balls up the shield, makes the impact greater as he cracks against skulls with the right about of force. His boots are kicking up dirt as his feet turn and pivot, moving with the rest of his body as he controls the projectile, making quick use of Naruto's help to ricochet the weapon from target to target. Mako's always believe that Bolin was a good shot, and he's glad to see that he hasn't lost it.

He's not sure if it matters whether or not Naruto has a plan, because more often than not things don't go according to plan in war. No matter how much careful precision is applied, things have a habit of going awry.

But this time it works. The hits are rapidfire, Bolin's weapon not stilling for a moment once he shoots it, swerving and accurate until each one of the soldiers is on the ground.

Clean. Better luck than they should be afforded but it— ]

Hey, you have really good ideas!

[acknowledges]

And no one ever believes me'attebayo!

[Against maybe all odds, Naruto is grinning as he shouts the words back. Bolin had pointed them to a fairly dense group of soldiers and it's only a matter of time before the numbers tip the balance in their favor. Naruto trusts his taijutsu- without meditating and by extension, without being able to become a Sage here- he can't feel the attacks before they reach him, but his instincts are enough to keep his head above metaphorical water.

A spell is fired from his right and Naruto wraps his gravity magic around it, imagining the ability like two hands that grab hold of it and pull it off course. It leaves an explosion of fire sailing just inches from him to crash into the ground. The swing of an axe follows because even though he's stopped the magic from hitting him, he hasn't stopped the soldiers themselves. He swings himself up and over, stepping onto the blade of the axe as if it's a ledge to leap from and pitching the soldier into the ground in the process. He's running low on kunai and knows he has maybe four more left, they need to last because even if he was able to pin someone with each of them, it's still not enough for the crowd that's been drawn.

He flings two more- catching a soldier in the shoulder and causing another to trip in order to avoid being hit, but it's not without cost.] Plamevoda! [Naruto's feet hit the ground and the heat is everywhere. Knee deep in lava Naruto bites out a cry, feels his body sink into the uneven earth- and then it begins to lock up- a cooling spell that solidifies the lava into rock.]

Bolin!

[sediments]

[ He might've replied with something encouraging if he had the chance, too busy rolling out of the way of the remaining attackers. The spells are difficult for him to deal with, and he's not as proficient with his own magic as Naruto might be, so most of his efforts are spent trying to get out of the way, retaliating with strikes of metal bands to incapacitate his attackers and pin them to the ground; tricks that he learned from watching Kuvira.

Bolin keeps aware of Naruto position though he's not necessarily tracking him. It's just the type of coordination that he's used though, though these fights are a little more high stakes, a little more chaotic than the ones back home.

It's enough to get his heart to drop before Naruto even calls his name, and the steady rhythm that he'd worked out in the battle crashes to a halt. Thoughts scattering into pieces of lava— bend— not anymore—

But he's not afforded enough time to panic, another soldier taking a sword to him, scraping his side and drawing his attention with enough focus that, impossibly, magic swells in him out of instinct and he shouts at the attacker, shattering his eardrums and bringing him to his knees. Then his attention shifts, two of the metal bands that are part of his uniform flying out toward the soldier and mage closest to Naruto, wrapping around their head and neck respectively, his magic weapon working in tandem with gravity magic to shove them as he runs closer, just getting them away. ]

Naruto!

[ He's not frantic when he reaches Naruto, but he's not calm. his shield warped into a giant arrow that he shoves into the ground, the cooled lava brittle but still rock. His thoughts are rapid fire, thinking of faster ways to get Naruto out, keeping aware of their enemies around them. They're so vulnerable. He barely as any time to focus when another mage tries to fling a spell at him, the shield morphing back into it's original shape to catch the magic, the metal heating up as Bolin counterattacks, flinging the attacker again before knocking her out with his shield, burning through mana fast enough that he starts to feel the strain.

But he resumes, letting the shield keep its shape as he bashes at the rock around Naruto, unable to think of way that would tear the boy out. ]

Just—

[acknowledges]

[There's pain, and then there's what needs to be pushed through. Naruto can feel his skin burning off- he can smell it in the air and recognizes it for what it is because it isn't the first time he's felt it. Every time he'd gone too far back home, every time he'd let the kyuubi's chakra flood his own, it had gone the same way. He'd burned up from the inside out, skin peeling off of his body like pieces of paper, charred and turned to ash.

Naruto's trying to keep it together. Being a rook now means that his defensive abilities are better than they'd been before, and his cloak will make sure he doesn't die, even if it means he'll be badly hurt in the process. But it takes a lot out of him- it takes a lot just to keep standing, to try and string words together. Bolin comes running before Naruto even gets his name out but that doesn't mean he can relax, or that he can just accept that help is here and wait to be rescued. His friend is doing is best to get his legs free, but he's panicking too- it shows in the way his eyes move and the shape of his mouth. Naruto reaches up, bare hand pressed to the line of Bolin's throat and cradling the side of his neck, just beneath his ear. The moment they connect it's like his body opens up, desperate to replenish the mana he's burning through, eager to take in anything it can.]

It's okay.

[His voice is raw. Naruto tugs his last knife loose and keeps it folded in his one empty palm- a defensive posture that cages Bolin in and will allow him to cover his back while the man tries to pry him loose. A bead of sweat rolls like a tear drop down the side of his face.]

Take your time. I trust you.

[sediments]

[ It's not okay. Bolin eyes are wide and bright with distress, wishing that he didn't have to rely on Naruto to watch his back while he beats at the rock, but relieved all the same. It's not okay, and Bolin rarely feels guilt during a fight—they're unpredictable, and they all have a mutual understanding of cooperation and doing their best to ensure the safety of all—but he feels guilty now. Naruto shouldn't be in a position where he's trying to reassure Bolin; trying to calm him down.

He just needs to

breathe.

There are Gammonion soldiers who have noticed their plight, rushing in around them instinctively, protecting their comrades as much as they are seeking to advance. It gives him focus. His shield is hot from the continuous impact; Bolin can feel its heat among everything else whenever it swings back toward his hands before he bashes it back down, and it helps, cracking through the upper crust of the rock and slicing down easily through the warmer contents below.

The relief hits him the same time as the smell of burnt flesh. His heart nearly stops at the memory, the deafening sound of an explosion and a woman brought to her death by twist metal, skin seared off. He could've gone at least another lifetime with that smell coming back to him, but there's no time to dwell on that. ]

Naruto, here. Come on.

[ His arms go around Naruto, pulling him toward his chest and carefully moving him away, the sight of those charred legs making his breaths deeper, and catching his gaze when he needs to focus. ]

I'll heal you. I'll heal you. [ Repeated as he keeps a tight hold on Naruto, one arm clutching him to his chest and the other extended with automatic use of magic, weak as though it may be with his Rook status and limited amount of available mana. ]

[acknowledges]

[He's hyper-aware of their surroundings because what else can he focus on? He has to cover their collective backs. Moving isn't an option and getting out of the way isn't possible and Bolin is here with him- fighting tooth and nail to dig him out. There's a clang when he deflects a projectile with the blade of his knife, and a puff of breath he uses gravity magic to snatch a spell out of the air. Naruto tries to measure his breathing, to keep himself under control or at the very least to be aware of it because he can feel his body going half in and half out. He remembers this feeling. He doesn't want to lose control like that again, especially if it means hurting someone he cares about in the process.

Bolin feels almost cool to the touch, and Naruto is distantly aware that the reason that feeling is possible at all is because his own temperature is climbing. Sweat sticks his shirt between his shoulder blades. And then the rock cracks, and there are arms around his body, tugging him up and out.]

It's okay, [He repeats, not an attempt to placate, but to let Bolin know that he isn't so far gone that he can't function. That he can still think. That he isn't a burden that needs to be carried in his entirety. He keeps one arm wrapped around his neck, keeping them pinned to one another as the exchange of mana ebbs and flows between them.] I'm okay. -Thanks.

[sediments]

[ He's so warm. Hotter than even Mako when Bolin would throw his arms around his brother after a probending match, when Mako's skin would be hot through his uniform from exertion and the fire still singing around his fists. It's not comforting and nostalgic as Bolin clutches at Naruto, both arms now around his waist to keep him up right, not trusting him to stand on his own.

How could he.

Naruto's reassuring, but Bolin ignores him, his eyes trained on the scarred appearance of his legs. He ignores Naruto out of frustration, because they clearly have two very different thresholds for what qualifies as "okay", and to Bolin the current state of his friend certainly doesn't make the cut. Nothing that renders Naruto half burnt, body trying desperately to cool down, and struggling to gather the strength to stand would ever qualify as all right. This isn't the kind of state he should be seeing someone he cares about in. ]

I'm going to carry you, and we'll get out of here.

[ The words barely have time to get out before Bolin is hauling Naruto up into his arms. It would be better for them if he could carry Naruto on his back - it would leave Bolin's hands free for defense at least, but he doesn't know if Naruto could hold on with his legs.

They'll stop if they have to, he thinks as he sets off, determined in the direction toward the wall. They'll make it work. ]

[acknowledges]

[He's trying to tell Bolin that he isn't going to die. Of course, Naruto's ability to articulate those things is skewed by a combination of life experience and the heat of the moment- but the thing is, he knows its bad. He knows its bad the way he did back home, when he'd used the rasen-shuriken for the first time and almost destroyed his own arm. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and a shinobi of all people should understand the place for pain or sacrifice. He's not trying to be reckless and he isn't trying to be a hero. It occurs to him, when Bolin scoops him up and doesn't meet his gaze, that this is a marked difference between them.

The desire to apologize is a knot in the pit of his stomach. Naruto makes himself breathe around it and wraps an arm around the back of his friend's neck.]

Sasuke. He's a king now.

[His exhales are shallow and focused around the pain- not because he's trying to keep it in check but because his gamble has resulted in Bolin needing to use both arms to carry him. It'll be up to Naruto to cover them, and their proximity means he has a steady supply of mana to keep himself going. He swallows, turns to look back over Bolin's shoulder, and uses his gravity magic to send a Noir soldier toppling into another, sprawling them both on the ground.]