pawnstorm | INTRO ♚ MARCH

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INTRO ♚ MARCH

WELCOME TO Palamède

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 ♟ The Narcissa Expo

Once you’re all dressed and ready, you and the rest of the Heroes are off to the ports to take a ferry! To where, you ask? If you ask your floor nanny or the Heroes who arrived last month, they can fill you in: to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Enprise’s world expositions, this year’s world expo (dubbed The Narcissa Expo) will be held at Palamède, Blanc! Palamède is an island one hour away from Caissa by ferry, so once they arrive, the Heroes will find themselves greeted by sunny weather and white beaches. Unfortunately, the temperatures won’t allow for a dip, but the world expo awaits!

Did the library books leave you curious what the other countries have to offer? Well, wonder no more! At each country’s grand exhibit, you might find Othellians displaying steel craftwork often found in their cathedrals, Mancalans proud of their cocoa concoctions and colorful pottery, L’adderans inviting you to try their spicy cuisine, Mahbusans leaving you in awe of their exotic jewelry, Ma Jiangs enchanting you with their vivid and flowing fabrics, or Gammons showing curious Heroes how to process a sheep’s wool! Shearing included! (The Kingdom of Gammon is not responsible for any injuries received, joining in will happen at the Hero’s own risk.) Heroes get discounts at all exhibits, and if they manage to impress these merchants, they might get some freebies, too!

After a few hours, many visitors will be drawn towards the center stage. The lights in the room dim and the buzzing of the crowd grows quieter amid their excitement. Then, neon lights, spotlights, and a big screen flashing the logo of Blanc’s number one 12-member idol group, Moon’s! The crowd goes wild. Attentive Heroes may have noticed the signs and posters announcing their arrival, who would have thought they were this popular? Some members of the audience are already throwing stuff onto the stage despite the show not having started yet and a starry-eyed man is bouncing up and down near the front. Is that a fairy wearing a I ☾ MOON’S shirt?

Phew! After the last idol has left the stage with a wave, the crowd begins to disperse. Mechanical cleaners swoop in and get rid of even the smallest piece of confetti, wilting flowers and the stray lingerie. If Heroes attempt to climb the stage, they will be shooed off by the broom brandishing robots. Looks like they want to do this on their own! What for?

If Heroes stick around, they may begin to notice the large stalls set up in a half circle near the stage. When did that happen? Anyway, it seems there are some contests going on, like the ever-popular eating contest. Another stall seems to be inviting Heroes to show off their cute carriers so the public can vote on the cutest one! For the brave, one stall offers wrangling with a sentient plant with large vines. Are you going to let a plant best you? On the stage, the robots are finally satisfied and move to the sides. The middle part of the stage begins to rise up a little with a hiss, small puffs of steam accompanying the sound. Is that a runway? Some Heroes may be asked by harried-looking staff members to act as models for fashions from around the world.

Those who have not forgotten the horror which greeted the Heroes over the last few weeks in the mess hall will be pleased to know that the various food stalls are offering free samples again! Time to regain all that weight you may have lost!

	Teddy Wow, just look at everything! Isn’t this fun? Let’s go look over there! [ gestures towards ten stalls ] And over there, too!
	Verdoni I cannot believe the Parliament still insisted on this ridiculous gathering when the war draws close. [ OBVIOUSLY PISSED ] Have they no sense of urgency?
	Teddy Why not take a break once in a while? You’ve earned it! I hear the ladies need someone to dance with.
	Verdoni [ heavy sigh ] Has your logic failed you, Prime Minister, or are you as dense as those fools? A break is out of the question when Noir is currently sailing our seas.

TWO ♟ Noir's Warning

It’s been a lovely day, right? Mechanic birds are singing and the streetlamps almost seem like blooming flowers. On a day like this, what could possibly go wrong? The answer is everything.

Mana crystal displays all over the world expo glitch and briefly switch to a peculiar black flag you haven’t seen since you arrived in this strange, new world. The crowd falls silent, and you get the feeling it isn’t out of excitement. Then, the feed pans to a lovely young woman clad in regal garb and jewelry. She raises a hand in mock surprise.

	??? My, my! All this and I wasn’t invited? Oh, how cruel of you to forget about poor Princess Katya!
	??? FOOLS! [ the princess bares her fangs and the background behind her goes up in flames ] Did you really think we wouldn’t strike without an invitation? With the whole world watching, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. [ smirks ] Hello, Blanc. And… Heroes. [ licks her lips ] Noir may have fallen once by your hand. However! From this day forth, I, Princess Yekaterina of Noir, shall show you the empire’s true power!
	Yekaterina [ bites her finger as her face flushes in bliss ] Haa, haa… I can’t wait to know what you Heroes taste like…
	Teddy Oh, it’s Katya! Ahaha, she really wanted to attend for you, Alex! Look at all her effort; only someone truly in love will strike fear into the hearts of many while trying to impress you with her vampire fangs. They’re obviously fake, though…
	Verdoni …Pardon. You knew of this, yet you didn’t bother to inform me?
	Teddy Oh! I thought I told you earlier. It must’ve slipped my mind!
	Teddy But never fear, I trust you. [ slaps a hand on his shoulder ] Show the Heroes the strategies that make you the greatest in all the land! [ RADIANT SMILE ] Go marry her.
	Verdoni I already married this job long ago.
	Yekaterina Noir couldn’t send a proper delegation, but I do hope you enjoy my presents. Don’t look away, Lord Verdoni… I’ll show you how beautiful I’ve become. [ strikes a pose ] In the name of the rose!

A scream pierces the air. The lovely sculptures Heroes may have gazed at with appreciative eyes seem to have lost any of their beauty as they begin to move forward with deadly intent. Their lips part in a soundless wail as they reach out and begin to strangle frightened civilians. The crowds scatter in a wild panic. Stands are knocked over in the relentless effort to get to safety. People are pushed to the ground, disappearing underneath hasty feet with a wordless cry of distress.

Verdoni
Everyone, attention! Immediately convert what is within reach into barricades and usher the citizens behind them. Do not hold back, and hurry! I could care less if that statue costs an organ and a limb. I better not see halfwits blocking the way—build on the sides. And stay away from the center if you value your lives.

Others running past a stall with instruments come to an abrupt stop, enthralled by the sight and sounds of a lovely music box. The dancers spin and spin and spin before they pull out clumsily crafted knives. It’s bewitching, lovely and hideous because soon, those who watched start attacking one another, scratching and raking fingernails and of they can get their hands on something sharp, they will attempt to stab one another.

Down the art galleries, some people stand frozen, staring at nothing. Their eyes are wide and their faces deathly pale as they find they can’t tear their gaze away from some of the paintings. They’re trapped in their own little world and anyone who tries to get them to safety will find the civilian fearful and confused, running into the opposite direction or struggling to get away from the helpful soul who tried to save them.

It is an utter nightmare.

Verdoni
Tch… They’ve got us. Focus on crowd control; we can clean up afterwards. Avoid running around like buffoons—I don’t need the Heroes adding to the chaos! Properly escort the citizens and continue leading them to the barricades. I trust that a majority of you know basic magic at this point… Soothe them with healing or calming spells! And if you don’t, then I permit to use your fist!

And that wasn’t even half of it. Explosions rock the building the exhibition is held in, and the brightly-colored lights that bloom out of nowhere only serve to disorient the crowd further. In addition to the enchanted exhibition items, monsters will burst out of summoning circles deliberately placed in stuffed animals and dolls, leaving children especially vulnerable. The monsters seem to reflect the toy which they came from so Heroes may find lions and bears running around, followed by the occasional, vicious sheep. Don’t be fooled: these monsters are dangerous. Their teeth and claws are real and they will not be holding back.

Verdoni
Good. Now, finish this unwanted celebration. Wipe them out, and ensure that they do not cross past the barricades. For the dimwitted, may I remind that aside from water magic, you can use thick cloth to put out flames. Be resourceful—there’s hundreds of tents here!

It’s time to show why you hold your title, brave Hero.

THREE ♟ Aftermath

	Yekaterina That’s right, run! Scream for your lives! Ahaha, watching all this chaos is getting me excited… Mm, I’m so close! Oh, Verdoni… Lord Verdoni, are you watching—
	Verdoni [ not here; he has good priorities. what about you? ]
	Yekaterina Tch! … No matter. I suppose this is, how you say, drawing first blood?
	Yekaterina [ chuckles ] Da svidaniya, Blanc.

What was once a cheerful exhibition now lies in shambles. Most of the stalls and exhibits have been destroyed in the frenzied fighting and horrified bystanders have huddled together in corners. Others lie gasping on the ground, clutching open wounds in hopes of stemming the blood flow. Some already lie still, their eyes glassy.

A young woman keeps walking in circles and lashes out at everyone who approaches, still suffering under the confusion clouding her mind. Some children wander the halls, their cheeks tear stained and blotchy as they call for their parents. Near the stage, a fashionably dressed man is clutching the remains of what used to be a dress, bemoaning the loss of his masterpiece, the love of his life and muse all rolled into one. It is clear these people require aid: healing, potions and someone talking them through the worst.

As Verdoni mentioned earlier, Heroes who have been practicing their healing spells and status spells which soothe the heart will be of use here, but even those who haven’t will find someone asking for help, whether it involves joining search parties or rescue missions dedicated to clearing the rubble to save the civilians trapped inside. Some may choose to organize the various groups within the area and restore some semblance of order. Others may find their calling in comforting lost souls, those who cannot deal easily with harrowing experiences.

After all, they thought they were safe.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hux is in decidedly better condition than poor overextended Adra. He had eventually found higher ground away from most of the combat and instead made himself useful as a sniper. Once he stopped panicking, that is. Not that he'll ever admit to that.

As it is, he's passing by Adra when he speaks; Hux wouldn't have paid him any mind otherwise. However, at that sort of statement gives him pause, and causes him to snort in disgust when Adra finishes]

Considering how much of a easy target this expo was, it is hardly surprising that they did strike.

Edited 2016-03-15 19:08 (UTC)

[ Adra looks up sharply, his eyes narrowed, his focus instantly locked on to this contemptuous man in front of him. ]

Easy target, you say? You mean a significant gathering of people trying to enjoy themselves and relax with their families? You mean just about any public place, in any city, anywhere? Is that what you're trying to say?

[ He grinds his teeth. ]

The issue isn't the target, so spare me the myopia. The issue is that these people are unprepared, their enemy is not, and that enemy has no qualms about ignoring the rules of engagement.

[ He stands up, though it's with some effort. ]

The issue is that we are between the cowards of Noir and the blithe incompetence of Blanc, and it's these poor civilians who will suffer for it. Sneering remarks about how they're a soft target don't help anything. Of course they are. They're civilians.

[At first, in response, Hux only clasps his hands behind his back, standing quite still as he looks at him, all sharp lines and angles and a gaze that is suddenly very focused on Adra. When he does speak, his voice is level.]

Yes, I would agree. That is an issue. Thus the results of whatever happens reflects on us and our ability to keep these people safe both now and in the future, whether we are willing to be drafted into such a situation or not. Both Noir and Blanc are at fault in this massacre: Noir for the attack itself and Blanc for its failure to protect.

[his eyes narrow slightly, though he still keeps his intense focus on Adra]

Thus, I would also disagree. The issue is the fact that this expo was an easy target. It is a large, well-known gathering of people situated on an island. It was known to the Prime Minister that Noir was sailing the seas, and that the woman from Noir who attacked intended to make an appearance. Thus, this expo was especially vulnerable given the circumstances. So why, then, was it left so unguarded, thus making it the easy target it was? Why were none of those charged with its protection informed of the possibility of attack? Why was such an attack not preemptively prepared for? Blanc certainly has an army they could have used as additional guards; why were they not utilized in the expo’s protection? Why did the leaders of Blanc allow a massacre of this magnitude to take place when it could have been, with the proper preparation, reduced to a much smaller scale attack, if not avoided altogether?

Thus, the issue is not simply that this expo was an easy target. It is also that it should not have been.

[ Adra, being sharp-eyed and unwavering himself, hardly shies from Hux's gaze. He stares right back, his pupils pale, white scars in an overwhelming iris of burning felfire, his jaw set, his teeth clenched. ]

That's a lot of words to say that our hosts are goddamn incompetent, which I think has been extraordinarily obvious from day one. The government here is complacent, removed, sluggish. Just like any other lumbering hierarchy. Its people suffer for it, and so do we, by extension.

But I won't blame the civilians for the action--or inaction--of their leaders. They deserve our compassion. Our help. We should work to prevent something like this from happening again.

[there's only a brief pause, expression not shifting, before Hux replies]

Taking into consideration that this is my "day one," as you put it, I agree. From this display, they are disorganized and chaotic; completely unfit for rule.

[his head tilts just slightly, assessing] Again, I find myself agreeing with your statement, despite how we seem to be at odds. I did not mean to imply that this attack was the fault of the civilians; it is the fault of the governments of Blanc and Noir and the blame lies on them alone. I would personally say that preventing a massacre like this from happening again is paramount. [and if that means dismantling the whole government and replacing it with one of Hux's creation, well...]

I'm so glad we're on the same page, but, listen. Swanning around here declaring the obvious doesn't help anyone, just in case we're unclear.

[ He gestures to the scene around him--the injured, the tired, the weeping. It's not so much Hux's philosophy that rankles him, as the fact that he reads as so--distant. Arrogant. Above. He walks and talks like someone accustomed to a position of authority, and it's irritating. ]

Most of us are exhausted from comforting these people. Healing them. Bandaging them. Feeding them whatever potions we could scrounge up. Whereas you look fresh as a goddamn daisy. And fit enough to make stupid speeches, too! Why is that?

I wasn't aware that one needed to expend themselves to the point of exhaustion in order to be helpful. [dryly.] However, I don't believe that is the answer you are looking for. So, in the interest of attempting to answer your query, I will say this: I know well where my strengths lie. They do not lie in comforting victims.

One needs to expend some measurable effort.

[ He folds his arms. ]

Oh? And where are your strengths?

My strengths lie in battlefield tactics. I function best when I have a view of the entire situation and am able to pick out targets one by one. A sniper, if you will.

[he sniffs, once] I also excel in the investigation of causes of an incident as well as implementing measures to either prevent it from happening in the first place or to ensure that it does not happen again.

[ To Adra, that just comes off as 'someone who lets others do the tough work'. But he might be working from bias. ]

Tell me something. What's your name?

I an General Hux. [he pauses] And you?

[ General. Adra's lip curls, as if that title alone tells him everything he needs to know, as if it confirms every one of his worst suspicions about this human. Because, of course, it does. ]

Adrasteius. So, tell me, Hux -- how does it feel? Having to be part of the rank and file? Hmm? Having no one to do the dirty work?

[Honestly? It rankles. It sticks and irritates and frustrates and he hates it already. He hates that he's been thrust into this war without his consent, he hates the way that Blanc seems to have no idea of what they're doing, or are creating this sort of chaos on purpose. It's disorderly, disruptive, plain stupid, and Hux despises that he must be a part of it.

Not that he'll let on about any of that. As it is, he only arches an eyebrow]

I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean by "dirty work." I hardly consider anything my subordinates do to be "dirty." On the contrary: every member of the First Order is an essential piece of a well-oiled machine that will help bring order to a chaotic and violent world.

[ He rolls his eyes, as he's sure Hux knows exactly what he means. ]

Bringing order, huh? And what sorts of tactics do you employ for that noble goal?

[ignoring that eye roll, Adra.] I employ the use of a well-trained, well-organized, efficient militia in order to enforce actual law where it is needed. There are too many places in the galaxy rife with starvation, destruction--places where people live in constant fear for their lives. The First Order brings safety, security, and prosperity to every planet it aids.

[ That's a pretty good spin, Hux.

Just one problem. ]

You're making it sound like you're a peacekeeping organization. Thing is--those types of groups are not usually lead by generals.

Really? [he arches an eyebrow] In my world, they most certainly are. Every organization needs a leader, after all.

[granted, he's not the highest authority in the First Order but well...details.]

Yes. But they do not need war leaders.

As I did state before, we are a militia. Therefore our ranks should reflect as such.

[ He's out of patience with this obfuscation. ]

Then you don't have anything to do with peace! Stop trying to talk in circles. State something you do, plainly, to aid other worlds.

[ He leans forward, hissing. ]

And don't lie, human.

Edited 2016-05-17 19:23 (UTC)

[Hux does not lean back, only narrows his eyes. He's half-tempted to walk away now--why should he have to justify himself? This man apparently thinks as though anything military automatically implies destruction. It's far too much like the New Republic, with their frantic deweaponization to the point where it left them open, weak, vulnerable, and unable to care for a galaxy in distress. The corner of Hux's mouth curls slightly in distaste. Not to mention the way he pronounces human, as if it is disgusting. It is not the first time Hux has encountered such prejudice; there are all manner of creatures across the galaxy, and certainly some that underestimated humans on the general whole.

His chin lifts, just slightly, look down his nose at Adra with cool distaste]

I have no need to lie, and have not done so since we began speaking. You may perhaps immediately correlate any militia with destruction, but that is where your analysis fails. The First Order, through its organization and discipline, has liberated those trapped in the labor camps on Iktotch, helped bring peace and security to the miners at Pressy's Tumble who were besieged by bandits and had their livelihood threatened on a daily basis, cleared out the violent underground Black Market trade and restored proper commerce to the Bormea sector, and provided shelter and safety from preying vandals during the famine.

I could provide many more examples of how The First Order, through its efforts, has provided peace, security and order to a chaotic galaxy, but we would then be standing here all day.

[now, it is him that leans forward] Now, then, since you seem to be so certain that a militia can only bring destruction which, despite such baseless suspicion and insult towards my organization, I have provided clear to answer to; tell me, Adrasteius: what have you done?

Edited 2016-05-18 08:09 (UTC)

[ Adra barks laughter at this speech. He finds weasel words embedded everywhere: 'cleared out' the violent underground. Brought 'security' to the 'besieged'. Hmm, hmm. ]

I've been alive for centuries. We don't have that kind of time, do we?

[ He shrugs; he doesn't care to prove himself to Hux, either way. ]

Instead, tell me one more thing. What happens when you visit some poor, disorganized place that doesn't want your help? What then? Do you pack up and leave, quietly? Hmm?

[Adra's laugh pricks at him, and Hux straightens, slowly, eyes narrowing as he assesses him. At the question, he once again affects a cool indifference]

Well, since you cannot seem to provide me any examples, no matter how long you have been alive, I can see that you have no real stake or interest in this as a proper discussion. You only wish to cling what you consider as wisdom and ignore anything I have to say, deeming it unfit as to your standards without even considering its worth. Thus, I shall conclude with this:

[he clasps his hands behind his back, standing perfectly straight]

Such a place does not exist. A peaceful society is an ordered society. Whether a small town or an entire galaxy; where there is order, there is peace and stability. Where there is disorder, there is chaos and destruction. The only beings who do not wish for the help of the First Order are those that either have created and secured their own order, or those that revel in chaos and deem such things as murder and theft justifiable for their own personal gain. They care nothing for others aside from themselves, and will do whatever they can, destroy what they can in order to ensure that they are successful. They care nothing for anyone else and, in their apathy, cause pain to others and to society as a whole.

Therefore, I reiterate: such a place does not exist. Good day.

[and with that he turns on his heel, moving to walk away]

[ Adra doesn't give one fuck what Hux thinks of him, so he just sneers at this fresh diatribe. ]

Excellent dodge, buddy. Shorel'aran.

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INTRO ♚ MARCH

Aftermath B

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