intro ♚ september

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO Grantebrycge

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 ♟ Video Killed The Radio Star

Rise and shine, Heroes. It seems that today is filled with good fortune as the morning is very uneventful, aside from the monthly arrival of new comrades. This is the perfect time to grab your weapon, Carrier and uniform and use your time to look around Caissa. While exploring or catching up on the latest gossip, you might blow past the delivery carriages outside of the Hall of Glory, but you certainly won’t be missing the steampunk televisions and vending machines which will be set up around noon time by your lovely maids and butlers! The TVs are placed in every single bedroom as well as leisure rooms so you can enjoy your daily fix of popular cooking show Inferno Kitchen, primetime Cheoksan drama Summer Cantata or the Gammonian hit series Sport of Crowns! The vending machines can be found in the hallways and contain snacks and drinks such as canned mackin’ cheese (or as Noirs like to call it, Lovekraft Supper), Pooky, Cpt. Pepperoni, Mountin' Do, or Eight Up. You are free to come up with your own TV show or vending machine food items.

Thierry Toussaint My dearest Heroes! I hope today finds you well, and for once I bring good news! [ he laughs a little sheepishly. he’s dressed less formally than in previous somber declarations and his hair looks windblown, like he ran here ] As you well know, our recent victories and mostly importantly, a successful alliance with Gammon has brought no small amount of blessings: we have more resources, better manpower, and the invaluable help of our Gammonian colleagues not just in war, but also in advancing our civilization! And so it is my pleasure to unveil our new and improved broadcast technology— [ a pause, where he winks ] —do I look clearer to you? It’s a little harder to tell from this end, I’m afraid. You’ll be able to receive better, brighter and more varied content from our country’s talented producers. Oh… [ another, longer pause. teddy looks offscreen and then laughs ] I’m not getting paid for this, I promise. I don’t need any other motivation to be excited for my country, do I? In addition to the television programs, we will be helping with the release of newly developed vending machine technology that brings fresh and healthy snacks to the streets of our capital, and hopefully, beyond. It would be nice to have one for my office. I’ve mentioned our Gammonian friends, haven’t I? And I’ve saved the best for last: as a token of the friendship between our countries and all that we can do for each other, Gammon has assisted us in completing Platform 40— … 42 and 5/8ths, an instantaneous portal between our very own Caissa and Cochrane. I look forward to even more cultural and commercial exchange from all the way across the Rokirovka Ocean! And ah, speaking of exchange—the Platform has been completed just in time for you, dear Heroes. Gammon has actually extended another invitation to you: as national and international icons and users of magic, they would like you to visit their school of magecraft, Pigeonsblood, in Grant— Grant… [ … ] You will be able to reach the school easily through the Platform! Pigeonsblood’s Headmaster has assured me that you would be a great inspiration to their incoming class of aspiring mages; I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. Gammon’s knowledge and mastery of magic, as you may have seen during your previous visits, is nothing to take lightly! And if you like what you see, I’m told Gammon would be happy to sponsor classes for Heroes at the school. I’m sure they want to keep the inspiration flowing, hm? Thank you once again, all of you, for making such wonderful things possible. I’m sure your achievements will continue to open doors, both metaphorically and literally, for Blanc and for yourselves.

Meet up with your chums, old and new, and head over to Caissa’s train station. Once there, locating the Platform 42 and 5/8ths is an easy feat. There are two guards standing watch and they will stop curious civilians from sneaking past them. They will only let Heroes use the Platform and as such require proof of identification. A Hero’s uniform, rank badge or a passport identifying yourself as such should do the trick. As the platform functions as one of Gammon’s checkpoints, you will need to pay a small fee of 200 colle to pass. Should you be a new arrival, the Prime Minister will suddenly show up and pay the fee.

Where’s the portal, you might ask? Take a deep breath, walk through the wall between the guards and you’ll find yourself in Cochrane! Heroes might experience some sudden vertigo or a near insatiable hunger for pork. Very minor side effects vary from person to person.

In order to reach Grantebrycge, Heroes must travel from Cochrane to Friedgood and then a little ways further. They are free to make this journey by foot, mount or train. Directions to Grantebrycge are vague but you can’t miss the landmark of the Great Face Cliff, a monument depicting the faces of the towns’s founding members. Poobin and Cemron seem especially stern as they glare down at anyone who dares to visit.

TWO ♟ Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

Upon entering Grantebrycge, Heroes will be immediately be ambushed by swarms of eager students from Pigeonsblood’s welcoming committee. This committee consists of upperclassmen from each of the Four Branches - Achroite, Prehnite, Bixbite, and Citrine, and they are dressed in uniforms in their Branch color (pictured here in the Bixbite red). Officially, they’re here to help you learn more about Pigeonsblood, give you a tour of the campus, and show you what each Branch can offer you so that you can make an educated decision about which to enroll in. Unofficially, they’re there to try to talk you into enrolling into their particular Branch and some will ramble on about how their Branch is the best while others fight amongst each other to try to get your attention.

Once the tour is finished, the committee will lead Heroes to the administration building. There, they’ll part with you to attend to other duties, leaving you with a reminder to head to the center plaza in an hour for the freshman orientation party. Heroes can enroll in classes if they so choose and have made a decision as to which Branch is the best for them. It’s recommended as it’s free, courtesy of Gammon. If they enroll in classes, they will receive their class schedule, a permit for a uniform, and a key to their dorm room. Head to the university shops later to have them take your measurements!

NOTE: The rooming and class schedule are up to player discretion. If there is an official mission the professors will allow an absence - Heroes can’t save the world if they’re worrying about their GPA, after all!

For those who choose to not enroll in Pigeonsblood, they can explore the campus some more, but either way make sure to head down to the central plaza before the party!

THREE ♟ The Part Where They Rope You in with Free Food

Stepping into the center plaza puts you in the middle of excited back-to-school buzz. Several event booths line the plaza, all eager to get your attention. Some will try to recruit you to their school club. Others are simply there to provide information, such as maps of the school and information about the Four Branches. Still others get even more specific, headed by banners marked “THE TOTAL IDIOT'S GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL ACADEMY LIFE” and “GUIDE TO HAPPINESS: HOW TO NOT DIE DURING EXAMS”. A few generous booths will provide you with free food like “Splotted Richard” or “Bangers and Mash” to fill your tummy, as well as school merchandise, such as Branch-specific pens, face paint, flyswatters, and other bits of merchandise.

If those don't get your attention, the freshmen running your way definitely will. They're beyond excited to see a Hero among their ranks, and approach you eagerly, yelling things such as, “Did you enroll? Let's do our best together!”, “You're my inspiration! I hope we're classmates!” and “Please let me know if you need a tutor! I wouldn't mind…” Thankfully, their enthusiasm is brought to a stop by the welcoming committee, who make their way to the center plaza and hush the excited freshmen. After a heartwarming speech about youth and school spirit, the committee flashes their new classmates a bright smile and finishes with: “And now, it's time for some fun!”

What do they mean by fun? The freshmen are more than eager to demonstrate! Aside from the fun offered at the various booths, there are many magic games to partake in. There's “Splash Tag,” where players must use water magic in lieu of touch to play tag, “Air Races,” in which racers use psionic, gravity, or wind magic to boost their movement, “Hot Potato,” in which the temperature of the potato is increased with each pass until it explodes on the loser, and Illusion-based Pictionary.

A few steps away from the commotion, near where the welcoming committee made their speech, is a tall bulletin board. Various flyers are posted here-- club announcements, dating ads, tutoring offers, and of course, Pigeonsblood help wanted ads.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

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

Remember to check out the uniform contest for ranked Heroes!

Comments

angry(??) birds

[acknowledges]

[Ah, Naruto knows that expression; it's one that had been on his own face plenty of times when he'd first arrived. Actually, even though he's had time to get used to his own carrier he still ends up making that face- the one where he's not sure if he likes it or not.

He pauses halfway down the hall, though the skittering of claws around his ankles doesn't stop. Taco Salad has gotten used to being around quite a few bird carriers looming over him, but it's hard to know whether the growling garbling noises he makes are because he's scared of the eagle or just- trying to fight the floorboards. Some mysteries might never be solved. Naruto's arms fold behind his head, expression bright with curiosity.]

Heh, you too huh? At least he seems to like you!

[starspangled]

I'm not so sure about that. I think he might be insulting my hairstyle.

[Steve takes a step back away from the doorway before the eagle really does get any ideas about initiating a fight that'll probably end badly for the both of them - he suddenly wonders if this is how Bucky used to feel.

Fortunately(?) the eagle seems to forgotten all about the mechanical pigeon, his attention turning on Taco Salad instead, neck craning forward as it watches. The bird might just be half buzzard.]

Looks like you've got a pretty energetic friend there. [And something about the young man gives off that same vibe. It's the light in his expression, his eyes.] I'm Steve.

[acknowledges]

Why would he do that? It looks okay t'me. [If the fox is troubled at all by some giant feathered bird looming over him, he doesn't show it. Then again, Sasuke's carrier is always looking at Taco like he's food, so maybe it isn't that big of a deal comparatively? This is about the time that Taco Salad trips over one of Naruto's feet and then begins screaming at absolutely nothing. There's a part of his owner that's long-suffering but really... he's just happy that he isn't peeing all over stuff again.]

My name's Naruto. I guess this means you're pretty new huh?

[He doesn't extend an arm to shake hands, but that's mostly because it's a gesture that's too formal for him to leap right into. Instead Naruto is stepping into his space to peer into the room Steve had been lingering outside of.] I haven't been here a long time or anythin' but- is that thing a robot?!

[starspangled]

Thank you. And I pretty much just got here.

[He's had just time enough to get dressed, get a few basics, pick up a weapon and his carrier. Oh, and be recognized as a newb one or two other times.]

And yeah, it seems to be something like that. Definitely mechanical. [He glances quickly into the room before looking back at Naruto. Steve has a thing or two more to tell him about robots, but first-] Is he okay?

[Steve nods down at Taco Salad, because that screaming.]

[acknowledges]

Eh? [It's a look of genuine confusion because Naruto's attention is really only moving between Steve and his giant bird- to the fake one inside. But is it really fake? It's still moving around like its alive. This isn't even the strangest thing he's seen since he's been here but somehow it's one of the hardest things to process. Accepting magical weapons and new worlds was one thing- but they can't even just have normal animals now?

The small fox has taken this time to begin walking in slow circles around Steve's legs like an unwanted dollar store Halloween decoration. He's still screaming.

It takes him a moment to register the nod the guy makes, but once he does, Naruto's chin drops. Taco Salad does not take this as his cue to stop the nightmare serenade.]

Ah... [Speaking of normal animals.] It's when he stops that you gotta worry. He won't stop peein' on stuff.

[starspangled]

Right. As long as you're sure that he's okay. You'd know best.

[What else do you say to that? Steve has experience with a few things, but screaming, peeing foxes aren't one of them. He doesn't want to be rude either, but all he can think about while T.S. is circling his legs is the fox hiking one of his own.]

You like robots? [He returns to the earlier subject, subtly shuffling a little to one side.] I know someone else who's really into them.

[For better or worse - mostly better. But thinking about Tony is still a painful thing. Steve sighs without realizing that he's doing it.]

[acknowledges]

[The give and take of space is something that Naruto understands on an instinctive level. He's quick to socialize with others and easy to befriend, but when Steve shifts Naruto eases right in, takes the wordless permission for what it is to continue marveling at robo-bird. Is it even breathing? If it's made of metal does it have to breathe at all? He's so caught up in the wondering that he almost misses the question entirely, craning his neck up to look back at the guy.]

Eh? No I've never seen anything like that. We don't have stuff like that back home, we just have real birds.

[One hand lifts to scratch thoughtfully at the whiskers on his cheek.]

Every time I think I'm starting to figure all these worlds out something else surprises me'attebayo.

-I guess it's not like that for you, huh?

[starspangled]

My friend has a bird that's something like that. [Steve smiles again, nodding to the one inside the room.] In fact, he kinda is one himself, in his own way.

[Great, confuse the kid even more, Steve. But something that Naruto says in return surprises him just as much.]

I'm sorry, worlds? Have you experienced this sort of thing before?

[acknowledges]

Ah. Well kindof, but it sort of happened in the middle of a war back home and some of us got put in a different dimension.

[Only after the words are out does it occur to Naruto that that might sound a little weird. He tries to clarify.]

The whole world was fighting and the moon might've attacked us and there was a rabbit goddess and a tree that would make people sleep forever.

[Not helpful. Instead he's going to just leap to the worst possible conclusion.]

It's a long story. And it doesn't sound as cool as being friends with lots of birds. D'you keep 'em all as pets? Do they got names? Unless you're talkin' bout robots. Are you friends with robots?

[starspangled]

You've been in a war before?

[If the eagle could roll his eyes, he probably would be, because he obviously needed a parrot for a carrier. But then he stops repeating to listen, and it does sound weird...really weird.

But then Steve's life won't exactly sound normal.]

Sam's definitely not a pet. [Steve laughs and shakes his head.] He's a man, he just has a suit that makes him able to fly. As for robots...definitely not friends. At least not with the ones that tried to destroy my world a little while back.

[Steve smiles sheepishly at him.]

Sounds like we've both been through a thing or two.

[acknowledges]

[One hand moves to the nape of his neck, scrubbing at the short crop of hair there. There's something strangely comforting about talking to someone that's come from equally weird circumstances, even if he might not know exactly what it was. Just saying it aloud it occurs to Naruto that this was the first time he'd really mentioned it.

But then something the guy says hits close to home and Naruto's shoulders soften in what's probably a moment of relief. At least not with the ones that tried to destroy my world a little while back.]

Aw man, one of your friends too? That's the worst isn't it.

What happened? Were you able to bring 'em around?

[starspangled]

We stopped it from happening.

[That's the important thing; at least that's what Steve tells himself when the losses start bringing him down. Pietro. Charlie Spencer. Zemo's family. He wishes they could've saved them too.

Steve takes a breath, blinks a couple of times before pushing a smile back onto his lips.]

So what's it like here, by comparison?

[Naruto's opinion seems like one he can trust when it comes to this.]

[acknowledges]

[Stopped it from happening. Naruto doesn't need to know this guy particularly well to feel a wash of relief at hearing that. He remembers what it'd been like when Sasuke first disappeared, when they were a bunch of kids trying to follow after him, from stopping before things got too bad- before he did something he couldn't undo. Naruto had spent years after that wondering what would have happened if he'd just been a little bit stronger. If he could have held on, would that have been enough to change their histories?

Even now, after his friend has told them that everything works out in the end, he can't help but think about it. Was there a choice he could have made, something he could have done sooner, that would change the man he is now? Could he have kept his arm? Could he have more than just painful memories and an uncertain future?

Naruto smiles because it feels like the thing to do, and is genuinely happy for the stranger he's standing with. It's hard, when it's someone you care about. He's glad it turned out alright.]

What's it like here... [He mulls the words over, perhaps unexpectedly thoughtful, only to end with a shake of his head.] I think... it's more confusing somehow.

We don't really know these Noir guys. We only ever see 'em when they're attacking Blanc or something, and we have to be out there fighting them. The books say it's been going on for a long time, but if it has, have they tried anything else?

I don't like fighting someone that way, when you don't know anything about them. They're fighting for things that're important to them too. We're just stuck in the middle.

[starspangled]

[Steve had already developed a certain impression of Naruto - lively, energetic, cheerful. But now he reminds him that people can have a lot of sides to them, and people who've been through war often have more going on than just what's on the surface. So he adds a few more adjectives to the list: thoughtful, caring, fair.]

Diplomacy. [Steve smiles sadly, lowering his head for a moment.] It would be nice if people could learn to settle their differences some other ways. I might be able to retire for good.

[And do what, he's not sure. But it doesn't matter when there's a bigger picture at stake.]

There's really no way of finding out more about this whole thing? Both sides of it.

[acknowledges]

[Steve is like a breath of fresh air. It isn't that the people here, the one's he's met since he's been here, are terrible or have accepted a kind of defeat. Instead it's as if there's a sense of the inevitable that just hangs over everything. Like there's only one outcome- or like even if there was more than one, no one could figure out how to reach it.

It isn't the first time he's felt this way. Once, his sibling disciple had asked him what he would do to make peace when their world was held together and defined by the cycle of war and hatred. He still doesn't have an answer.

His shoulders slump.]

I'd like to go to Noir sometime, but I dunno if anybody really has. Everything else I mostly found out by going to the library.

-Maybe you can find some stuff too! I bet you'll find out lots of things I missed!

[starspangled]

Sounds like the kind of thing that could get us into trouble.

[Says Mr. It's Illegal to Lie on Your Enlistment Forms. But he's kind of in agreement with him.]

I'll keep my eyes open.

[acknowledges]

Lemme know what you find, okay?

[It sounds like they're both in good company- Naruto hasn't really stopped being the kid spray painting village monuments even if he does wind up having his own face carved into the stone one day.]

And I'll let you know too.

I don't want to believe we've only got one option.