Scene #7168: Nobunaga's War

Owner	Pose
Nobunaga	The energy is electric. The music is invigorating. The catering is passable. This location appears to be fashioned into a sort of observation deck, easily accessible via a glass-walled elevator, all of it overlooking the beautiful blue-green of a simulated tropical sea, surrounding a lifelike island simulation. Some might recognize the phenomenan, though the exact layout isn't the same as the last time the Demon Archer hosted such an event. This time seems to be a bit more... Prepared? Like maybe she decided to do this a few months ago instead of literally last night. The observation deck at the top is set up as a celebratory party plaza, complete with thumping music, cool drinks, and snacks. And in the middle of it all, standing on a chair because she's remarkably S H O R T, is the event's one and only host: The Demon Archer, Oda Nobunaga. "Welcome, welcome to our humble opening ceremony!" She raises a hand, palm out, "Those who have not yet registered, speak to me! Those who have registered already, please relax and get to know your partners-- and your foes-- for the upcoming weeks! Once I'm certain we have everyone accounted for, the announcements shall begin!" Above the uniform-clad warlord is a banner ordered from online, spelling out in stylized text: GUDAGUDA BATTLE FESTIVAL CONQUEROR'S ETERNAL SUMMER WAR re:birth
Cordelay Levail	Cordelay walks up to Nobunaga and clasps her fist to her chest in a salute. "I am Cordelay Levail, daughter of Sartaire the Dragon of Sioran, and I am entering this contest." Energy seems to be coming off her in waves as she smiles slightly. "This is the perfect place for me to display my martial prowess, after all."
Hesinca	Over to one side of the plaza, a booth gets rapidly erected. SURRENDER TO HESINCA HERE ... reads the large, bolded-text banner on top of the booth, with smaller text just beneath it: Please form a single file line and have your unconditional surrender paperwork already filled out The demon centaur waits patiently at the booth. There's a plate of freshly baked chocolate brownies on the booth's counter. There's a note attached to the plate of brownies: 'These are for me, not you - Hesinca'
Sumiko	Sumiko is here already, enjoying the music and only passable catering. Though she wonders if there is an open bar. As this is a summer event, she arrives dressed the part. A two-piece swimsuit, with a towel tied so that the bulk of it hangs over her legs like a makeshift dress, and a loose white summer shirt over her top unbuttoned. She's also hanging out at Hesina's booth, occasionally attempting to steal a brownie just to see if she can. She is easily shooed off if caught. If not, she happily munches the brownie in plain slight. After all, this is more of a game to her than actually being malicious. "So think this is going to actually work? I mean, what do they get for surrendering?"
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha is already helping herself to some snacks, walking around the observation deck with a small plate in hand. It's dotted with several small sweets that she obtained from the food on offer. She pops one into her mouth and mmmms in mild joy, "That's good!" Nanoha is just in casual clothes right now, a pink blouse, brown pencil skirt and heels. Nanoha wanders past the rapidly erected booth, reading over its sign before giving Hesinca a grin and saying, "Never give up, never surrender!" She heard that somewhere before... Nanoha gives Sumiko a smile and wave and then continues on.
Hesinca	"They don't get pounded into paste by us. That's a pretty big perk, I think. It's practically a steal - we should start charging for them to surrender." Hesinca side-eyes Sumiko stealing brownies. She considers telling the Vice off, smacking her hand, or executing her for subordination. Being a student of sin, though, she decides on a different approach. 'These are for me ^and Sumiko, not you - Hesinca' the note now reads.
Ben d'Tarkanan	An opening ceremony. Grand, isn't it? As he emerges from the elevator, Ben is smiling in that approachable, genuine kind of way. He's dressed in light, breathable clothes, hued in vibrant summer tones, visibly expensive and finely spun, but not so much as to outshine Nobunaga. He looks like a wealthy guest on some noble's tropical pleasure cruise. He is fashionably late to Hesinca's booth, arriving only once he's had a chance to arm himself with a cool, preferably alcoholic drink--but punch or the like is fine. With drink in his left, mismatched hand, he peers at the sign, looking silent askance at Sumiko and Hesinca with a slight smile.
Guzma	Guzma is here. He's dressed differently than usual - white hair and black sunglasses, watches, and bracelets, sure, but his pants are now black shorts with white zigzags, and a jacket over his shoulders, no undershirt. It's very 'summer-y', and shows off his body - which is actually much nicer than you'd expect from a completely mundane non-sportsy guy, since he tries to take care of himself. "Hey, Ben!" Guzma approaches, holding a cup of fruit punch. He looks over the brownies, and doesn't take one, instead munching at a chocolate chip cookie he grabbed. "You're in this event with the ladies, right? Good luck." He means it, though there's a snide tone - a bully aura, Ben could probably guess. "You'll need it to beat me." A glance towards Sumiko and Hesinca. "You're bringing your a-game, right? We're all Concord! We gotta show what we can do."
Muramasa	Among those providing food, sticking out like a sore thumb due to the sheer difference in height and proportion between himself and Nobunaga's 'Nobu' familiars that were flitting about like waiters and menial workers, was a mysterious masked man with deep red hair. At that particular moment, he was creatively slicing watermelon into cute shapes to skewer and serve, garbed in a floral and silky red hawaiian shirt and white jean-shorts, or, jorts as you might call them that matched well with his air pump tennis shoes. "Here you go, for working hard. Remember .. Summer is also a time to relax and energize yourself." As it was, he was also giving out free samples to the Nobu themselves. Above his stand was a simple banner depicting a red dot with red streaks shooting out from it, subtitled with "KOHA-SUMMER SHOP" in a plain sprawl.
Hesinca	"You know it!" says Hesinca. "We're here to win, and nothing less. And good on you for making the right choice. Just sign at the bottom, please." A clipboard with unconditional surrender paperwork is pressed into Guzma's hands forcefully. "You'd better hurry - I think a line's starting to form, and you don't want to have to wait around to surrender to me, right?" A line is not starting to form.
Sumiko	Sumiko immediately loses interest in the brownies now that she can't steal them. Curse your stupid plan. Ben walks up, then realizes something. Then she has a dilemma. If she gives Ben a brownie, she is giving him something for free...but if she does so then she's TECHNICALLY stealing it, right? She looks absolutely unsure about it for a moment. Thankfully, Guzma distracts her, and now she doesn't have to respond at all! "Ha, of course. Just because it's a friendly game doesn't mean I'm not going to give it my all. I expect the same from you!" she says towards the Punkoman trainer. Nanoha walks by basically saying fuck the police, but the wave is returned. "Hey, you into this too? Well, now that'll be interesting. Finally, back towards Hesinca, she considers. "So why don't we charge them a fee to surrender? I can't be apart of any charities."
Ben d'Tarkanan	Ben turns at the sound a familiar voice. With a broad grin, he gives Guzma a firm handshake, taking his challenge in stride. "I don't doubt it, old chap. You look healthy as an ox!" He chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. Sumiko's mention of charging a fee to surrender prompts him to nudge Guzma jokingly. "Of course, we'll not hold back, either. You /could/ surrender," he utters in a mock-conspiratorial tone, smirking at the trainer. "But I doubt you would. Team 'Hesinca and Some Other People' stands ready to meet you on the field of battle!"
Guzma	Guzma taps knuckles with Ben as part of the handshake, because he's a young punk. As he's forced the surrender chart into his hands, he blinks at it, then laughs. "You really expect me to surrender? That's bold. I'm just here to scope out the competition. My Pokemon are ready and roarin' to go bust some heads. The goons are off getting food." He shrugs, as he downs his punch like it's a shot. He paces off if not stopped after he returns the chart, moving towards the KOHA-SUMMER SHOP, to get some watermelon and talk to the masked guy. "Man, what a doofy mask. Where'd she find someone willing to dress up like that?" There's a selfish laugh, but he's laid-back right now, as he goes to look at the shop. "So, what's for sale?"
Nanoha Takamachi	"Yes! I look forward to clashing with you!" Having finished her hellos with Sumiko, Nanoha makes her way over to the watermelon stand. She ohhhhs at the sight of the cutely chopped watermelon, "Ohhhh, I haven't had watermelon in quite some time." She adds a couple of pieces to her plate and takes a bite from one, "Mmmmm, so juicy!" Nanoha is still standing beside the offered watermelon when Guzma comments on the doofy mask. Nanoha smiles at the masked man and comforts him with, "Don't mind him. I think it makes you very dashing!"
Cordelay Levail	Cordelay arrives at the shop table alongside Nanoha and Guzma, a bright expression on her face. "Lady Nanoha, Master Guzma! It's been some time." She smiles to both of them, her excitement palpable. "I suppose I should have expected to see you both at an event like this, given your skills." "So, Master Guzma, who are you teaming with for this contest? You will need all the strength at your disposal to claim victory, after all."
Muramasa	The man smiles genially as he crosses his arms, nodding his head slightly in appreciation for Nanoha's kindness, "Oh? If you think it's silly, there's no need to spare my feelings .. but I'm glad you said it, either way." The golden mask gleams in the hard summer sunlight as his smile turned into something of a well-meaning smirk, "Right now, I'm only selling food and drink ... though, be sure to check back once everything kicks off. Would you care for a lassi?" He motions with one hand to one of the drinks he'd set out. "It's a kind of yogurt-based drink, with a distinctly seasonal flavor." "Until the event officially begins, everything's free."
Guzma	Guzma just scoffs at Nanoha as she compliments Summer Island Mask, before getting interrupted by Cordelay. "Huh? Oh, you! It's been a while. Levali or something like that, right?" He just smirks himself. "That's gonna have to be a surprise. I haven't met with them yet, and I don't want to butt in on any cool introduction they have." And then, Guzma nods and takes a lassi. He sniffs it first, before giving it a drink. "Hey, not bad. It's like a fruity milkshake."
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha grins as Cordelay comes over and joins them at SIM's stand, "Ah, Cordelay!" She hehs, "Of course I'm interested in an event like this! It's not often I get to test myself out against people other than my fellow Mages." Nanoha hmmms as she taps her chin, "Usually I'm just blowing up my students... I think it's actually been several months since my last fight against an elite." Nanoha ohhhhs as Guzma keeps the secret of his fellow teammates, "I see, I see... Well then. I hope it'll be a pleasant surprise!" She grins, "I was at last year's Summer War too. It's quite fun. I hope you two enjoy yourselves!"
Ben d'Tarkanan	Ben waves Guzma off with a grin. How exciting--the two of them will soon meet in battle. He's looking forward to seeing the mettle of Guzma and his trained companions. In the meantime, it might do him some good to get to know his team a little better. Sumiko he's acquainted with, having worked with her in Eora and spoken on a few occasions over the radio. Her motivations are simple enough to understand, if she speaks truthfully of them. He can't say that he knows much of Hesinca at all, however. "Hesinca, you hard-hearted villain," says Ben with a friendly tone entirely at odds with the way he addresses the centaur. "Goodlady Sumiko I've worked with before, but I can't say I know you as well as I'd like to. Which hell are you from, if you don't mind my asking?"
Hesinca	"The Netherworld. It's dark, crowded, chaotic, and full of people that will kill you as soon as look at you... but it's got some bad points too, I suppose." "And at least it's not Celestia." "I run a Redemption business - you know, the usual stuff - torture human souls, squeeze out the juice, turn the crank that grinds the gears of reincarnation, yadda yadda, nothing all that exciting." "For the most part, I'm out here now, though," she says, gesturing around. "The Multiverse. It's amazing, isn't it? So many sights to crush into rubble, so many people to smoosh underhoof, so many interesting things to take apart piece by piece. My world unifying was the best thing to ever happen to me." She grins.
Sumiko	Sumiko is interested in hearing more about people herself, though it looks like Hesinca is first on the list of stuff to learn from. That's fine, Centaur lady can do what she pleases. "Yeah, and apparently explosive minions because of how souls are instable," She chips in, remembering that conversation. It seems pretty neat. "I heard that unification was the best thing. Finally could get out of the garbage fire that is my world," She comments, shrugging, "Though you still hang out in yours?" Looking over to Ben, "So what about you? You seem to know a lot of people, especially ones in high places."
Cordelay Levail	A flash of annoyance crosses Cordelay's face at Guzma's misremembering her name. "It's 'Levail.' And I look forward to facing you and whoever has chosen to fight alongside you." Her smile returns as she looks to Nanoha. "Lady Nanoha and I, along with our third partner I've yet to meet, will display the full extent of our abilities. After all, what self-respecting warrior could pass up such an opportunity to make our prowess known without lethal consequences?" She grabs a lassi and takes a slow drink, eyes drifting half-closed with enjoyment. "My, this is good."
Nobunaga	The very first person Nobunaga interacts with gets an appraising stare from the warlord's scarlet eyes. After a moment, she grins, "Excellent! Seems that Nanoha's team has an opening for someone of your talents. I'll arrange the registration for you!" Presumably that happened a while ago, as some things had to be worked out on the downlow to organize who is actually doing what. The details aren't as important as the final roster setup. The Demon Archer glances askew at the actual demons setting up a ... Surrendering Booth. Well. That's moxie she can appreciate, and she fully expects none of the competitors to take the offer anyway. With things in swing, Nobunaga hops from her chair onto one of the catering tables, so she can be EVEN TALLER. "Alright! Welcome to the start of the Gudaguda Battle Festival, Re:Birth Edition! It looks like that's what we're getting, so I'll let Intern-san work out the particulars while I handle the first matter of important business!" One hand raises, sweeping over towards the mysterious Summer Island Mask, "As you battle, gather Cherry Coins. Use Craft Essence to get more of them. Spend them here for curious and souveniers! And maybe some ascension materials, but we're not working on that kind of system so that's also kinda just a souvenier!" That same hand sweeps forward, pointing across the entire crowd, "As the Demon Archer, I am granting each and every one of you command over my soldiers for use within the Summer War! Command them in battle as you seize territory! Use them as you see fit, sacrifice them as you deem necessary! I can always make more, they're pretty cheap." Nobunaga then places her hands on her hips, "And now, introducing our four teams! Consisting of Hesinca, Sumiko, and Ben d'Tarkann, the Green Team-- HESINCA AND SOME OTHER PEOPLE Consisting of Theurgus, Nanoha Takamachi, and Cordelay Levail, the Yellow Team-- MAIDENS OF ASSURED DESTRUCTION Consisting of Damocles and Tamamo no Mae, the Blue Team-- CHAOS GODDESS And consisting of Guzma and Remilia Scarlet, the Red Team-- RED SKULL" A tiny brunette pops up from under the tablecloth, whispering to the Warlord. Nobunaga pauses, "What? We can't use that? Why?" Angry whispering, "Copyright?" ... "Scratch that, the red team is called SCARLET SKULL!"
Muramasa	With a hearty grin, Summer Island Mask brings out a chopping board, a pearing knife, and a handful of kiwi to get to work on. "I'm happy you're enjoying it," he says to Cordelay. "That's a good perspective to have for such a hot-blooded event. Competition is the spirit of summer, too .. and hesitation is defeat. Which is to say that you won't get anywhere without putting all your eggs in one basket, this year." With his somewhat ominous advice, he tri-quarters one of the kiwis after skinning it, depositing the skin to the side so he can use it to make a syrup, later. For now, the fruit itself was being sprinkled with sea-salt and coconut shavings, a chuckle emenating from his lips at the abrupt fanfare.
Nobunaga	With a billow of her cape, Nobunaga raises both arms. It appears that Intern-San (whoever that is) is done, and behind her projects a map of the island below. It's a simple rendition, and various territories fade out from their representations into splotches of color: Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, and Gray. "Each unit of land is one point; Each team starts with 45 points of land! That gray land is fair game, but be wary that it is not unguarded! When the Summer War is over, whoever controls the most land will possess the most unique treasure of Summer I could acquire-- and it's actually a treasure this time!" Resting her hands on her hips, Nobunaga announces, "Now go forth, and see which of your armies has the might to unify this island!"
Hesinca	"Hang on, dood, are we green or purple?" says a prinny. "Also he misspelled Hesinca's name, dood," says another prinny. "I mean, I own stuff there," says Hesinca to Sumiko, ignoring both prinnies. "Though mostly I live in the Pocket Netherworld that I stole." "Since it has a spa."
Ben d'Tarkanan	Ben smiles over his glass as Hesinca describes the Netherworld. Chaotic, crowded, full of people with murderous intent... "It sounds familiar," he says, fondly thinking of Sharn. "I have a place like that, too--but I think you and I are alike. Even when I'm home, I often find myself watching the lights from the warpgate." Why stay at home when the whole of innumerable worlds is just a short distance away? The bit about torturing souls doesn't seem to bother him. She's pretty open with what she's about and where she's from. What does a demon in a hell do, if not torture? Sumiko asks about him. He shrugs his shoulders slightly. "I do," he admits. "Noble birth and means tend to open doors," he offers as an explanation. "I quite enjoy having guests at my estate in Sharn. I think you'd both enjoy the City of Towers, for any number of reasons." His smile takes on a mirthful shade as he slowly gestures around the celebration with a finger. "Not the least of which being all the parties. I do so love a good little get-together." He also loves a bit of pomp and circumstance for his own benefit, which is why when the name of the Green Team is announced, he gives a cordial wave to everyone gathered here and makes a deep bow, his drink-hand extended to the side so as not to spill it. It looks like something he's quite used to doing, and when he rises, there's a certain pride in his posture. He turns to his teammates, still smiling. "Goodman Damocles and..." He can't call her Goodlady anymore, knowing she's a goddess. Maybe... "Her Worship Tamamo directly neighbor our lands," he cautions. "When all of the middle has been claimed--perhaps even before--they may attempt incursions on our holdings."
Sumiko	"Man, I still haven't gotten a chance to get into one of your parties," Sumiko says with a fake pout, but her attention is nearly stolen by the BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS. It's still very off-putting to have one of the most famous people in your country's history being...this... Just don't think about it, Sumiko. "Hmm...neutral but not undefended.." She muses. "Actually, I wonder if most people will attempt to go after the neutral territory first. I suggest we wait and see what The fox and the edgelord do first, and then if they go for neutral territory, take stuff from them. It's the only border we share."
Cordelay Levail	Cordelay's bright smile morphs into more of a confident smirk as she surveys the map. "So our territory borders that of Chaos Goddess and Scarlet Skull... I have yet to witness Master Damocles, Lady Tamamo or Lady Remilia in combat, though I have fought alongside Master Guzma once. Lady Nanoha, do you or Lady Theurgus have experience commanding troops in battle?" Her mind is already racing as she considers the possibility. While she has engaged in combat many a time since her world's unification, this is the first time she's put her training in leadership to proper use.
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha turns to watch as Nobunaga begins her introduction. She's a little familiar with the setup, having participated before. But it's still fun to watch. And of course, get a glimpse at the overview of the island they will be fighting on. It's different than the last one, though mostly just in shape. Some terrain differences, but nothing major. As her team is announced, Nanoha laughs a little embarrassed and rubs the back of her head. She was pretty proud of the name they came up with. It was a little sudden, with Cordelay's last minute joining. But she muses out loud, "I think I actually like this name better than the one we were going to go for originally." As Cordelay mentions some of the people involved, Nanoha nods along, "There are quite a few people I'm not familiar with here." She grins, "Which just makes it all the more fun!" Though as to the question of command ability, Nanoha tilts her head, "I'm not sure about Theurgus... I know she's a great magician. But I haven't heard anything about her leadership skills." But she gives Cordelay a reassuring smile, "Not to worry though. In addition to being a combat instructor, teaching people to fight as a team, I've also led teams in live combat." She purses her lips, "I'm not much of a tactician or strategist like some though... I wonder if Theurgus is..." Nanoha looks at Cordelay, "What about you, Cordelay? Do you have much command or tactical experience?"
Cordelay Levail	Cordelay nods confidently. "I have training in both, though I'll admit my lessons were focused more on tactics than strategy. Still, this is a relatively small battleground, so the tactical level is likely to be more important overall." Her eyes are practically sparkling with anticipation at this point. "With at least two-thirds of our team skilled in command as well as personal combat, I would say we are well-prepared for this contest. Here's to us, Lady Nanoha!" She raises the last remnants of the lassi she's been savoring in a toast to victory with those words.
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha nods along in agreement as Cordelay suggests that tactics are probably going to have a stronger effect here, "Good to know. Then where possible, I'll be relying on you for tactical direction!" As Cordelay proceeds to go into a toast, Nanoha looks down at what she has available and realises she has no drink. So, she grabs the largest piece of watermelon she has-it's practically just water anyway-and raises it. Her eyes are shining just as much as Cordelay's in anticipation of the battles to come, "Yes! Let's show these other teams what we Maidens of Assured Destruction can do!"