intro ♚ july

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAISSA

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Your Carriers and the floor nannies in your rooms relay, in unison and in the curt voice of Secretary Alexandre Verdoni, a public service announcement informing all Heroes of the Delphine Grand Ball, a masquerade hosted by the Gammonian Embassy to celebrate the Heroes’ successful defeat of Noir in the Lasker Incident and the safe arrival of international foccer superstar, Ryder Wreckham. It will be held tonight at 6 PM at the White Rose Multipurpose Function Building. There will be dancing, a live orchestra, a buffet and flowing drinks, and plenty of Blanc’s finest to schmooze with, so don’t miss it! The abrupt and lavish invitation might rattle the new arrivals, but those who’ve been here longer don’t seem surprised, and many don’t look very pleased, either.

Masks and formal wear are both said to be an absolute must, but if you’re strapped for cash or festive spirit, you could get away with wearing a clean Hero uniform. But why would you when Gammon’s elites are willing to provide Heroes with complementary masks, suits and dresses precisely for the occasion? And if you need any help with your clothes, hair, makeup, or date, don’t hesitate to ask your friends or the Hall of Glory’s maids and butlers for help.

As you get ready for the ball, your floor nannies may flip through a few radio stations to set the mood; one of them just so happens to be airing Voices from the Other Tide, a popular radio show based in Lasker’s The Shield. Its target audience is comprised of international refugees and immigrant communities, so you may have caught the show before during your stay in Lasker or your visits to Sparrow Towns all over the country.

Rocco Ricci: You are listening to Voices from the Other Tide! This fine Delphine evening, the suns are shining, the moons are just about to change color, and do YOU know where your trains are? I’m your host, Rocco Ricci, coming to you live from the center of The Shield! We’ve been looking at the fallout of the latest chapter in the war with Noir, the railway attacks that happened a few weeks ago right here in the heart of our very own city. I have with me today Nokoru Nokozaki, and it’s about that time. Time to let the survivors have their say, eh? What do you say, Nokozaki?

Nokoru Nokozaki: Ah, I’d like to say thank you for inviting me, and thank you very much for doing this show. I apologize if I am not able to give many clear answers, it was a very confusing time. A very confusing trip. I still don’t know how I survived, to be honest.

Ricci: Don’t sweat it, no sweat, eh? I’ll be asking all the questions and giving you half the answers, all you need to do is work with me and give our listeners a taste of what it was like, getting trapped in the middle of all that. Explosions and magic fireworks and what was that I heard, the Blanc military running around like chickens with their heads up their—

Nokozaki: Yes, thank you very much. It was a normal trip, to visit family in the— in The Shield, I believe you call this? I am not a refugee, but I know many who tried to settle in what we call the Blackest Empire, and tried to start again in the Lawless Lands, and failed. They came here, looking for something. I came here to see how they lived.

Ricci: Right, right, that’s how it always goes, isn’t it? Better bacon, better wallpaper, it’s what we’re all here for. Why, back when I was a— [ a sudden whine of feedback ] … Thank you, thank you, I’ll have that mic back. A recap for our listeners, a train with some 800 refugees was attacked and destroyed by Noir infiltrators just a couple weeks ago! Nokozaki here is one of the very few survivors. My condolences. Condolences.

Nokozaki: Thank you… It was lucky for me, I was in the mines in Shatranj. I have endurance, you know, I can walk very long distances without food, without water. No shelter. In the mountains we passed through, there is only bad weather. And when they blew up the train cars, we had to walk home on our own. Ah, but not home, you understand.

Ricci: I sure do. What was it, there was a rumor you came back with Commander de Lisbrand of the Blanc brass? There’s a firecracker if I’ve ever seen one — not that I’ve clapped my own eyes on her yet, may I be blessed — word has it she was stranded up in the mountains all on her lonesome for a while when Noir blew the whole army off the map, and she walked her fine self back to civilization! Why, we could do a whole segment on that alone!

Nokozaki: Is that not what we are doing? I assumed… I was to talk about my experiences marching with the Lady de Lisbrand, they are calling it the Iron March, I hear? She was not alone, but trapped in the mountain with a very small number of soldiers. And us, we were in the car with them when the bomb went off, but we did not know what had happened then. Only after we returned to Lasker…

Ricci: Oh, we know all about the Iron March! Is it true you all had to survive on rock moss and wild mountain cat?! Our listeners have gone wild with speculation! [ some rustling and clearing of throat ] But of course, of course you’re quite traumatized, I’m sure. A very difficult time. This is just one of many, many stories we’ve heard coming out of the Sorokina Mountains in recent days, and many more of them feature our Lady de Lisbrand. Stay tuned for some important upcoming guests, several of whom are still searching for family members gone missing in the chaos…

Despite the flurry of preparations and rumors flying about the ball in every alleyway, not everyone is interested in Delphine’s most prestigious event. Many of Caissa’s most eligible maidens have never danced at something so public! Some otherwise upstanding citizens just can’t be bothered to go, especially since they’re not the ones getting sponsored for free clothes. What’s the point in dropping half a year’s worth in wages on a fancy suit and tie or a ball gown?

For those who don’t wish to have anything to do with Blanc’s upper echelon or its martial celebrations, Uptown Caissa is abuzz with the biggest civilian event of the month: Festivale de la Ceinturonne, named after the sparkling, silver galaxy you can see on clear, summer night skies.

How about you, Hero? Which celebration will you choose? Or perhaps you'd like to double dip?

TWO ♟ Delphine Grand Ball

As two men in dapper suits greet you with synchronized bows and throw open the doors to the grand ballroom, the mellow strains of a live orchestral waltz flow out, filling the extravagant hall with the sound of soulful strings and whimsical woodwinds. Beautifully-dressed dancers move in pairs on the marble floor, swaying and gliding under a brilliant, crystal sky of chandeliers. The large, open arches that line the west side of the hall are decorated with massive velvet curtains that billow gently in the night breeze and hide both shyer dancers and small tables of finger foods. Young, passionate couples and colleagues in cahoots alike—sometimes it’s hard to distinguish the two—throng the balconies outside, enjoying the clear starred sky and the glow of Oubliette close at hand.

The crown jewel of the evening is, of course, the exquisitely bedecked and room-length tables laden with high-class food and drink the likes of which neither you nor the vast majority of ordinary Caissans have ever seen or heard. And they keep bringing out more! No spot on the table is to be left bare for the remainder of the evening! (Gerald, Hall of Glory Head Butler, highly recommends the champagne!) Some tables, however, might hold familiar dishes from French and British—er, Blanc and Gammonian cuisine. Most eye-catching are the tiered displays of pastel marshmallow cups and the tall and ornate fondue fountains of cascading chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. They’re a homage to the mallow-colored moon of Delphine, the goddess of love, and tradition suggests you share a mallow with someone you care about.

Blanc’s richest and most influential are all present and accounted for. If they’re not waltzing or eating caviar, then they will be conversing among themselves over exquisite wine. Some try to catch the attention of Ryder, whose giant and suspiciously realistic fur coat and suit look wholly inappropriate for the weather. He smokes an expensive-looking pipe encrusted with diamonds while a small, diligent bodyguard serves as his very own footrest. Prime Minister Thierry Toussaint mingles with the noblest of families, his mask adorned with feathers that fall nearly to the floor. Both individuals are as sought after as they are difficult to approach… You’d have better luck simply mingling with other VIPs and soliciting their opinions.

Most are full of hot air and idle gossip, but some express open discontent with Ryder’s views; must be that speech he made a while ago. Others take issue with the Prime Minister’s handling of affairs; still others have whispered doubts of Secretary Verdoni’s loyalties to share with you; Commander de Lisbrand does not escape scrutiny either, despite not being present. There’s also talk of the new wave of Blanc leadership, though you can never quite get a name to go with the ambitious rumors. However, you will notice that, despite their poisonous tongues, Blanc’s best and brightest seem to be quite taken with you!

This is your chance. What you say to the VIPs can influence their opinions of Blanc’s leadership, the Lasker incident, and Blanc’s course of action from here on out, for better or for worse. (You are allowed to control the unnamed VIP NPCs. What did you tell them?)

THREE ♟ Wish Upon A Star

Maybe you looked at the people around you, the ones you’d be dancing and schmoozing and seen with in the papers the morning after, and thought, ”Not happening.” Perhaps the ballroom is too grand, the people too snazzy, or the music too classy; it makes your head spin right round. Some fresh air and eavesdropping on the veranda may just clear your head.

On the way out, you may notice a certain someone sitting at one of the veranda tables, surrounded by paperwork and a delicately stacked pile of beignets. Shouldn’t Secretary Verdoni allow himself to celebrate for once in his life? Upon closer (and discreet) inspection, it looks as if the paperwork is exclusively composed of reports on the Lasker incident. Does Verdoni look increasingly unhappy the deeper he digs into the stack? It’s also possible his face is just stuck that way.

It may be best to leave him to his work; though trying to engage him in conversation will lead to:

Verdoni Do I look like I have the time to speak with you? [ he says briskly, but relents quickly ] Perhaps just a moment. The situation in Lasker is improving, thanks to your efforts. Well done. Your work in reaching out to residents of The Shield has eased tensions, though it’s still a long ways away from what I’d consider good. Of course, our work is never done. [ his gaze flicks back to the paperwork before him; it’s clear by ‘our’ he means ‘my’ ] That’s not even getting into the reports I’ve been hearing from Petrosian. People disappearing, strange things in the river… it may be nothing, but keep your eyes open.

Should you leave the premises entirely and walk on through Uptown Caissa, you’ll find the chance to experience an entirely different aspect of Blanc culture. Around this time of the year, the week-long Festivale de la Ceinturonne is taking place in the streets and skies of the capital: the people of Caissa are heavily encouraged to write poetry about their dreams and desires so as to receive blessings from Delphine, goddess of love and the arts. These small wishes are folded and tied to trees around the Oubliette Temple Shrine.

Many commoners appear cheerful as they gather and offer their wishes to Delphine. The bright, star-shaped lanterns hanging from buildings and trees create a mellow atmosphere and attract crowds of lovey-dovey couples around who seem too happy to have wishes at all. Maybe you feel up to taking a peek at some of the local merchandise: colored cookies and good luck charms lovingly made in bird and mermaid shapes, or well-coveted couple bracelets with two parts that make one whole. But be careful! Losing your bracelet is said to bring bad luck!

The streets are also absolutely bustling with errant performers of all kinds, many of whom tell their own versions of the story of la Ceinturonne: said to be the sash of Delphine herself stretched across the sky in a river of stars, it separates the famous doomed couple of legend. The bluebird Ilatar and the mermaid weaver Geva are said to have been cursed by Delphine for their carelessness, and may only meet once a year at the mouth of the great river. Some performers may be looking for helping hands to play roles in the story! Let your inner thespian shine!

But not everyone can be happy, even once a year: the rumblings of civil unrest in Lasker have increased in volume ever since the train attacks. Many of the aforementioned street performers this year seem to have added a political or darker bend to our annual tale of great romance: in some versions, Ilatar and Geva backstab Delphine outright, while in others, the river itself turns against the lovers, and so on and so forth. A great deal of graffiti has been smeared over the pristine walls behind the temple, lambasting the Prime Minister for selling his country to the Gammonian and Noir old money.

If you wish to quell the unrest, you may put on counter performances, clean the graffiti, or invent your own, more creative means of quieting the people. Be advised, though: Blanc’s masses have had their eyes opened, and it will take some fancy footwork to close them again.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's July intro log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

ii!!

[hoasen]

[...Vietnam watched this entire scene because he was right there, and she had parked herself by the buffet table because it meant she can just Eat Everything if need be. It's easy to notice a man with flowing red hair trying to be stealthy because of it.

If he's really that hungry? She holds out a plate for him. Of those pastries.]

[overextend]

[ He's so engrossed in cramming the chunk of pastry down his throat that he misses the young lady there. He doesn't know how. His keen observation skills are the highest in the whole army, yet here he is -being Mr. Oblivious.

He only becomes aware of her presence when the plate is offered to him, and it takes every effort not to jump three feet in the air in shock. ]

Y-you! How long were you there?!

[ His face is starting to match the cherry-flavored icing, and he feels the shame washing over him at having been so... so... so exposed. ]

I was only trying to get rid of some of the excess. They were overflowing off the platter. It could have fallen on the floor.

[ What a waste of food that would have been. Surely. ]

I was compensating for our hosts' negligence. They shouldn't have prepared this much food.

[hoasen]

[She probably counted at least 2 minutes. Just for him to really enjoy his pastry. The cherry-flavour is really fresh!!

But since he only just discovered her...]

Perhaps a minute. [She'll round down, for now.]

They have too many, I have been planning on taking some home.

[This wasn't said to help with his saving his dignity. She was really planning on taking a lot of the food home. It would be an excellent Fuck You to the few higher ups who talk shit about them.]

But before one can plot how to do that, you should take more pastries. I am sure more will come.

[overextend]

[ A minute is far too long to remain unaware. That could easily mean the difference between life and death, though he's certain were he in real danger, he could have easily evaded it. After all, they have a Niles in their camp back home. He's learned to sleep very little and always expect death at every corner.

His hands immediately rise at the offer of more pastries, resisting the temptation. He didn't come here to eat. He came here to find information and find his comrades. ]

There is no need. I've eaten more than enough to sustain me. Duty comes first, after all.

[ His stomach would beg to differ, but it's not making noise at the moment so that's one relief. Now, to change the subject quickly and get down to business. ]

Are you a native here? A loyal warrior under the banner of the Blanc Kingdom?

[hoasen]

[The way he speaks about how duty comes first, and refusing the rest of the pastries, Vietnam is certain that he's at least from the military. Not this world's one, but wherever he was from.

Still, she's not putting the pastries away. He's allowed to relax a little here, if only because as a rich event, the security is probably tight.] If you need any more, it's right here. [She directs her gaze towards the pastries, just to show him.

As for his next question, the answer comes fast. And blunt.]

Neither. I am someone who was brought here against my will and called a Hero.

[overextend]

[ Foul temptress. He's just going to subtly slide the plate further away from himself. Not that he's a weak-willed man. Far from it. He has nerves of steel. He just thinks it should be placed in a spot where others can have easy access to the food. ]

Again, there is no need.

[ His smile is tight this time, though he considers the rest of her words carefully. ]

While I do appreciate being acknowledged for my efforts, I wouldn't deign to call myself a hero, either. I'm merely performing a knight's proper duty.

[ Besides, heroes fight with swords and axes in his world. As skilled as he is with those weapons, he much rather stick to his mount and his naginata. ]

What position did you hold in your own world?

[hoasen]

[That took nerves of steel alright. She would've eaten it. And she has excellent self control!]

Perhaps later...

[One must always be well fed if on duty!]

So you are a knight? [But she is sure not the type of Rank that a Knight is here. A real knight, serving a real king, of some sort.] What is your country?

Ah...in the army, if that is more familiar to you, I am a captain. But also, I am a country.

[overextend]

A falcon knight to be precise. I fight mounted on a glorious steed, a purebred I handpicked and trained myself.

[ Which he's sorely missing right now. He'll have to try and find something to compensate, though he's yet to see anything here outside of horses. Being a paladin, of all things, is ...far less fitting for him.

He will take care of that later. He'd rather focus on the present at the moment and not let his mind meander while speaking to this young lady. ]

I hail from the Kingdom of Hoshido and serve the youngest princess of the royal family, Lady Sa- ...wait, did you just say you are a country?

[ His expression suddenly twists in confusion, wondering if he heard that right. Surely, that must be a poor translation of sorts... ]

A country is a body of land, which you are clearly not. Did you mean to say you are perhaps the ruler of a country? Or a country girl?

[hoasen]

Falcon...falcon knight? [NOW THERE is something she's never heard of.] Like...you ride a giant falcon?

[She's imagining eagles with wingspans so mighty they probably stretch further than these buffet tables. She's certain those exist here, her own mount looks like a weirdo mix.

Whenever he pauses too look around, she looks also. Just to make sure he hasn't missed anything.] I apologise, I have never heard of the Kingdom of Hoshido. [She truly looks sorry.]

Oh, I meant...[Hang on, both of those aren't entirely wrong.] Well, those are fair observations. I think the easiest way to describe me is a spirit of a country. Someone in human form who lives along side it and its history.

[overextend]

[ No, no the country thing is several times weirder. Let's forget the falcon for a second. ]

So you are a human avatar ...of a country?

[ Now, Subaki doesn't consider himself anywhere close to the definition of dense. He's a well-learned young man -a scholar, if you will. He's studied all the great Hoshidan philosphers, rulers, and masters of war. He's read countless books and scrolls. He's intelligent.

And the fact that he can't wrap his mind around what she just said is a bit... hard to cope with. ]

E-excuse me? What do you mean...

[ Please tell him he isn't the only one this doesn't make sense to. ]

[hoasen]

[That's...a really good way to put it.]

I think that might be one of the best ways to describe it

[Well done, Subaki, who has hit up so many books that he practically made this sound a lot more better than how she could've described it.]

Let me see...once a country takes shape and form, and has people and history, then we exist. Or at least, that is how I think we came about. [She doesn't quite remember the beginning. Because Himaruya is a dick and hasn't confirmed how they originated yet. ASS.]

[overextend]

[ At least, his knowledge is good for something even if he still can't exactly wrap his head around it. On the other hand, he comes from a land with dragons and faceless, so this can't be the strangest thing he's encountered. At least, she looks fairly human and isn't trying to devour him. Already a step up from half of the weird things in his world. ]

That is ...unique.

[ He hates floundering for words here and sounding less than intelligent. Surely, he has something better to say than this. ]

I mean, it is certainly something I have not encountered in my travels, but what does it mean for your people if you are here and not in your own world? Are they unprotected?

[ She seems rather calm for someone who just left behind a country of people just like that, unguarded and vulnerable. ]

[hoasen]

[DEVOUR HIM...no he's safe from her. She's not going to devour anyone! What kind of world is he from!

Hearing it as a unique situation is always strange to her, but she finds new things that are normal for others to be unique, so she can't even fault him.]

I'm not sure... [She sighs, her expression falling. Just slightly.] All I can do is trust in my people while I am gone. It is fine, they are strong and spirited, and I learn much from them every day. [She even manages a tiny fist pump now.] For now, I try to find a way home. You would be trying to, no? What kind of world did you leave behind?

[overextend]

[ That's rather noble at least. He can't imagine what kind of situation her people must be left behind in, though he also doesn't know what the full extent of her abilities are and how she'd been guiding and protecting them, either. He thinks that's what country spirits do at least. Either way, it's crucial that he not only get himself, his lady, and her brothers back but also the others trapped here. He sees that now more than ever. It's not just their world that's being compromised by their absence but everyone else's as well. ]

My world was much like this one with a war brewing between two kingdoms, but there was something more sinister underlying the dispute. We were only just beginning to find answers.

[ There were so many things they had left to discover, but he trusts Corrin. He knows he wouldn't lead them poorly. He also trusts what the prince seems to know regarding Garon and the faceless even if he hasn't revealed all of it to them yet. ]

I have no issue helping the Blanc kingdom if it will get them all home sooner, but I must ask if you think they are trustworthy...

[ He's yet to devise his own opinion on the matter yet, preferring to do a bit more research and reconnaissance, but he might as well gauge everyone else's opinion on this place in the meantime. ]

[hoasen]

[They should be fine, or at least she hopes so. There are rumours that say that stay too long away from a place and the people begin to feel lethargic, but she can only hope that if she is returned, it will be to the exact time she was taken. That shouldn't be too bad, right?

Would that be the same for him? If he says that there is a war, then she can only hope he goes back to the exact same time he was taken. Imagine the war continuing without him.]

A mystery that you will need to find out...this will stop the war, no? [She can only hope, for his sake. She knows how tiring it can be.

Vietnam's face then tenses up. What does she think of Blanc?]

Indifferent. Likewise, I have no issue helping Blanc if it will help us find a way home. [And she will try for him too. They all have things they must do.] It is not my world, and I hold no love for it. But I can help the people out. They have not shown me reason to distrust them. [She looks from side to side, and then carefully.] I do not hate them, and I will choose them over Noir. That kingdom has only been cruel.

[overextend]

[ It sounds reasonable enough, and he can't say he disagrees, though he also wants to know more about their opponents. He's only heard them being spoken poorly of but not about their actual activities so far. He should know what potential threats they could face here so he can protect the royal family better while they're here. ]

Have you actually witnessed them being cruel or are these from tales you've heard? I've only heard so far that they aim to take the mana that the Blanc Kingdom possesses.

[ And they were wasteful with it apparently. He wonders if they're anything like their own enemies in Nohr, though he's come to see them in a different light since some of their members started to join them, but he's sure if the Noir kingdom were equally misunderstood, someone would have come to their defense by now. ]

I do hope to see them myself personally and make my own judgments, but I won't discount another opinion.

[ Unless it's a really dumb and poorly thought-out opinion. Then his own opinion is clearly superior. ]

[hoasen]

[This here is actually a good question. One she probably didn't get to talk at length about recently, now that others such as General Hux have gone home. Not so much about Noir, but Blanc's not very good at what they're trying to achieve.

Now about Noir.]

At least two instances. When I first arrived, there was this expo. Ah, an international affair, delegates from other places came by, and it was very exciting for the people here, people who traveled far. Somehow, Noir chose that very moment to attack. It was tragic. [Who knows what could've happened if they didn't help, since they barely got out of that with their necks.]

The second time, it was recently. [She gestures towards the crowds, dancers around them.] You see them, they celebrate a victory. But while they were saved, another incident involved a train that took away the lives many innocent, poor civilians and refugees, and the military themselves. Many things are said about them. But whatever is the truth, Noir still attacked to make this all happen.

[She sighs quietly.] But that is the nature of war as well. Perhaps what they are doing, they believe it to be right. But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

I hope that helps you? It is something where I do not mind if our opinions do not align. [That's war and all.]

[overextend]

You opinions do give me more perspective. I appreciate the information. You are wiser than I first gave you credit for. Looks are occasionally deceiving, I suppose.

[ Must have been the plate of food. It is unbecoming of a young lady to cram so much down her mouth at once, but perhaps, spirits didn't have to worry about manners or waistlines. How fortunate for her. Not everyone gets that luxury. Even he will have to run laps later to keep his trim figure.

Either way, there is still much research to be done here, and he's already spent enough time eating and conversing. ]

I should hope our paths cross again soon, but for now, I must continue to search for my lady.

[ He's certain Sakura has to be around here close by, and he still doesn't plan to rest until he knows she's safe and unharmed. Which leads him to his parting words- ]

Let us not mention ...the thing from before. Just to make it certain- you saw nothing.

[hoasen]

You are welcome, I am glad that I was able to help. I tried to keep it as objective as possible. [She manages a soft laugh. She's hoping it means she looks youthful?!?!?!?] I am small, and perhaps I was holding a plate of food. You look like a knight, though.

[He does, even if he's hiding and was hungry. Knights get hungry too.

She nods and bows politely. It wouldn't be hard to cross paths.] Can I have your Carrier ID? I will be able to contact you should I find any information on...your lady? The one you serve?

[Or his wife?? She's not sure what context he is using.

Also, she presses her finger to her lips.] Your secret is safe with me.

[overextend]

[ Continued here ]