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

[stonehead]

[she plays the part well, lying still below him as he rambles on. it's a pity, really. if he didn't relish the sound of his own voice so much- if he hadn't stayed to taunt her further and instead chosen to flee immediately he probably could have managed to avoid what's next.

he'll find escape does not come easily when Shiki Ryougi is the one in pursuit. which is why his promise to abandon his own chase is meaningless. Gilgamesh should not always assume himself to be the predator- when in fact there is a fair chance of him winding up the prey. of course it's a matter of what he's accustomed to, he's used to being the one who's better, faster, stronger, the star of that Kanye West/Daft Punk song. to be fair, old habits can be hard to break and sometimes men like him need a reminder every now and again that they're not invincible. he may consider the score settled, however she feels she still owes him this much. payback's a bitch- and a murderous one at that.]

Interesting.

[having regained control of her legs even before he stood up and started talking, she swings them towards him from behind and in one quick deft motion knocks his own feet out from under him. Shiki lurches upwards, using the force of her own body weight to tackle him the rest of the way to the ground. she makes certain he lands on his back, straddling his hips in the process and effectively flipping their earlier positioning. before he has a chance to gather his wits, he'll feel something sharp pressed against his throat- Shiki's knife. the same one that wrecked his arm the last time they'd met, just shy of enough pressure to draw blood. harsh rainfall pounds against her back as she's bent over his torso, her dripping wet hair falling forward to curtain either side of her face as she looms above him. the smirk on Shiki's lips is unsettling- but even more so is how frighteningly beautiful she appears from this angle, dark eyes dilated with excitement as they bear down into his blood red irises.]

I wonder, who'll be the one with the most regrets, in the end...?

[the way she says it, seemingly entirely untroubled by the prospect of killing him here and now, makes one wonder if she's even truly human.]

[babbylon]

[Well, shit, Gilgamesh thinks, as he slowly but surely descends to hell.

Had Gilgamesh been fully powered as a Servant, he could've reacted with time to spare. But as a Queen, he winds up tripping all over himself, falling backwards, and getting topped by this uppity little bitch. He snarls back at her though doesn't dare move much further, well-acquainted with her knife and what it can do. He can think of more than a few things she might chop off here and all of them are essential to his present life of pleasure and indulgence in Enprise.

So he just sort of stews, instead, glaring into that pretty little face with angry red eyes and trying for the life of him to not appear bothered by this. But Gilgamesh exists in a permanent state of butthurt so naturally he fails at such an endeavor and looks like a big bitter baby instead.]

Are you attempting to intimidate me, child?

[He hisses. He spits. She'd best maintain her grip on him or else he's going to wriggle away and kick her in her pretty little teeth. And failing that...]

Get off. I did not authorize this assault upon my person; remove yourself before I retaliate with one against yours.

[Another one, he means. A much harsher one.]

[stonehead]

[she presses the knife a bit harder- but still refrains from cutting into his skin.]

Funny, I don't recall giving you permission to shove your tongue down my throat, but that sure didn't stop you.

[who's attempting to intimidate who??? he's in no position to threaten or order her around, she could kill him in an instant if she so wished. and logically speaking he hasn't given her much reason not to. is she simply toying with him? a bit of anger peeks through at that remark of his having assaulted her, she's clearly holding a grudge.]

Should I relieve you of any future temptation to repeat such a maneuver? Since you clearly lack any semblance of self control.

[her hold on him is surprisingly strong for someone so lithe by comparison. it's quite pitiful, really, how easy it was to force him on his back. her legs wrapping his hips keep him grounded while the knife at his throat ensures there are no sudden movements. she hasn't killed him yet, though. perhaps she's waiting for something??? like maybe an apology. or maybe she's just curious to see what he'll do when forced to admit defeat.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh just scoffs, a grating sound in itself.]

I do not need permission to act as I please.

[And that's that. He does wince, at the sting of the blade, not because he's scared but because he'd rather keep all of his flesh in one piece. His fingers claw uselessly into the dirt, and he shifts, uneasily beneath her weight. His lips begin to move a bit bizarrely as he speaks—a warning sign he's up to something.]

And I will offer you no apologies, as I have done nothing to warrant such a concession.

[This close, she can see his eyes are just as ethereal, just as chilling. Serpentine pupils dilate, then turn razor thin, in a single breath.]

I warn you one last time: move. Or I will move you in such a way you are guaranteed to dislike.

[stonehead]

[Shiki's no fool and her eyes are as sharp as a cat's, picking up on the irregular movements his mouth makes. a spell caster- not that it's terribly surprising, given the world they're in. she'd seen a bit of his magic the last time they'd met, but even that hadn't been enough to prove much of a challenge. she's more than a bit curious to see what he has up his sleeve this time. perhaps it will prove more impactful than his prior halfhearted attempts to ruin her- in fact, she's counting on it.]

I'd like to see you try it.

[she's braced herself for the worst- ready to react at a split seconds notice to prevent fatality if need be, but there's really no way of knowing what he'll do for certain.]

cw: asphyxiation

[babbylon]

[He warned her. There's no turning back now; a King must honor his word, carry out his own punishments. That was what it meant to a crown, after all.

With a sharp click of his teeth, the spell completes. From thin air, great lengths of golden chain burst to bind her body, though primarily they ensnare her neck. It will be a fight to breathe. Her lungs will burn. Her limbs will ache, frozen in place. And even if she wishes to make another swipe at him with that knife of hers, she cannot. The same spell that hindered her before captures her completely now. She is, in effect, his puppet. A fitting fate for such an ornery bitch, he thinks.

Gilgamesh remains still. There's no need for him to move, not when she's at perfect range to rub it all in.]

You are fortunate I've left you eyes to see with. I could just as easily claim them for myself...

[Pitiless voids that they are. He stares into them. Stares into her, into emptiness.]

What is it that keeps drawing us together? Is it that fickle thing called "fate"? Or do you fancy me after all, in that bottomless black heart of yours?