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 lightning doesn’t really frazzle Bolin – one of the perks of having a lightningbending brother – and he’s ready for the counterattack the second that he’s finished dodging, ready to slice the neck of the beast if it should decide to go after him.

It does, and Bolin’s reacts out of instinct, body turning with the movement of his attack when—

When Rin comes into view.

It’s a good thing, in this case, that Bolin isn’t fast and deadly like his brother. He’s accurate, precise, and measured in his attacks, and even if this is one of the rare moments that he’s moving to kill, his weapon doesn’t even get close to Rin. He draws back; aggressive stance dropping in an instant as he stumbles backwards a little, watching Rin shove the bird into the geyser, the creature’s shrieks muffling as it struggles, claws burrowing into the ground before Bolin redirects his attack, bringing his shield down on its neck to end its life.

He breathes out, affixing his shield onto his back again before he turns back to Rin with a wide grin. There’s really no room for celebration, but they’ve done a good job, clearing the area around them of danger. They’d done a good job, so he hobbles over to her, starting to feel the weight of the damage that the lava had done to him.

But his arms don’t wind around her shoulders for support, at least not the physical sort, as he squeezes her unabashedly before pulling away to give her shoulders a slight shake. ]

Hey, that was pretty good! [ But his grip does tighten on her shoulders as he winces. ] I think we should try and find a healer now though.

[defenceless]

[she makes it a promise to herself to never regret what she chooses to do.

nothing is different, here. she can't trust the battle, the enemy, or luck—what she can trust is rin tohsaka. so, she should be happy. this was a good resolution. they're both safe. bolin is unmarked.

facing him again lets her watch him walk over to her, and the embrace is everything she expected. his arms are warm and comforting. it feels like what a hug from bolin would feel like. she appreciates it, but she's too blankfaced to show that gratitude. her body is a little limp and definitely frail; her frame rocks with her shoulders. still, she smiles.]

Y-Yes...

[she messed up.

he might not notice it immediately, but there's fresh, dark, thick blood stained across his arm and into the palm of his hand, where he'd handled her around her left arm. peering at it, the reason is clear—

she's not "slightly scuffed up" at all—

a giant gash cuts through her left arm near where it joins with her shoulder, and the limb is mangled, the clothing torn through, the bones broken, a final prize from a griffon careening into her body at top speed. it hangs uselessly at her side. the corners of her lips, upturned into her smile, flag.]

I'm sorry... I didn't want you to see it right away. [she cast an illusion on herself.] I think it'll be all right until we find help.

[sediments]

[ It takes him a moment to catch up, because he was so certain that they’d made it out okay, that when his gaze hits the mangled mess of her arm, he doesn’t even realise what she means at first. And then it dawns on him, his heart clenching into something quiet and sad.

She hadn’t wanted him to see, so he doesn’t freak out. ]

It’s okay. [ Voice thick with concern despite his resolve; concern laced with disapproval.

His hands don’t leave her, one hand going to the mess of a shoulder to summon a healing spell, feeling the tug at his mana, exhausted and left defenceless from exertion if they should encounter enemies. With his minimal amount of mana, and Rook-level abilities it doesn’t do much other than stem the bleeding, and Bolin only hopes that he doesn’t make it worse as he picks her up, carefully with the injured arm tucked in toward his chest. ]

Don’t worry; we’ll get you patched up! Don’t worry.

[defenceless]

[the world is such a new blur for her now, with the pain and her gut-wrenching worry (her left arm is important), that rin isn't able to oppose it when he scoops her up into his arms. he's weak, too. this isn't fair. she hardly notices the healing magic he sprinkles on her, because her arm continues to bleed, but what hurts her far more is something like guilt—anguish, shame, loss, and twisted, belated regret—deep inside her chest.

her emotions bubble up. the abrupt end to the rush of fighting and an imperfect victory collide with thoughts of having her left arm removed, and failing bolin. she failed her ally. failing another hero looks exactly like this: they're both bleeding, prey to the enemy, struggling.]

I'm so sorry. [she can't help it. cradled in his arms, her voice is wet, and difficult tears spill from her eyes as she speaks, trembling.] You shouldn't have to—! You don't have to... c-carry me...

[even here, even in this situation, he's trying to encourage her to think positively. but he's staying with her. and they're both vulnerable, because of her. for some reason, knowing that it will sadden him to see her cry isn't enough to stop, this time.]

I'm sorry. Bolin, I...!

[sediments]

[ The despair, the catch to her voice and the tears he knows she's shedding are enough to create a tightness in his own chest; dark and pulsing and and making it difficult to breathe as his throat closes up and his body threatens to join her in her weeping.

But he just breathes, fighting off the instinct to panic, and the deep desire to mourn because sometimes this place can be so bleak. Who fights like this? With intent to destroy. With savagery.

Then there's Rin, who's sorrow is palpable, and she's apologizing with something incomprehensible to him. He's her friend, here for her. Whenever Bolin is beaten down and one of the others would come for him, he couldn't feel anything but relief, gratitude. It's the nature of their relationship so full of understanding and support. He misses that, and wishes he could give it to Rin right now. Even her body is so hurt to just give her some sense of relief. She deserves that. ]

It's okay.

[ It is, he's alert as he carries her, quickly and held close to his chest. His gaze darts around the area as he moves, closer to the wall, and planning counterattacks for anyone that try to take advantage of their state. ]

It's okay. [ The light of magic ahead of them, barriers and blessings. ] Don't worry about a thing.

[defenceless]

[suddenly, with the distant clamor and flash of the wall coming near—]

Okay.

[the heartache and distress of everything is too much for her to deal with, so she doesn't. time to stop grieving, tohsaka. there's nothing you can do about any of it, so just make do. what she can concentrate on is bolin's body heat, warm and strong up against her, and the words he repeats to her like a maxim. she realizes it's foolish; she wants to be wry and cynical as her personality commands of her, but, finally, with a big sniff,]

I won't worry about even one of them. Maybe I'll say... not "sorry", but "thank you", instead... Because I believe in you.

[the loss of blood makes her mind hazy. will she lose her arm? more and more, it seems like a passing daydream. even if she does, she's probably going to be okay. it's just as he says. she refuses to pay him back with anything but optimism, when she's already embarrassed herself with tears and blood. rin becomes quiet and calm for the remainder of their journey, tamping down on her emotions and biding her time.

as they approach the wall, they're spotted, a shout calling for healers ringing out immediately. rin smiles grimly—but there's a sweet note to it, too. he couldn't be blamed if he thinks she's just dazed off of the blood loss when she announces,]

Hey, you're really my hero today. Thank you.

[while a strong-looking gammon soldier reaches them, gesturing for him to pass her over.]