intro ♚ october

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAPABLANCA

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 ♟ Déjà Vu Up in this Clue

Did you enjoy your time in the Kingdom of Gammon, Heroes? Blanc knows that you've been working hard on the international front, and they've never been prouder, but it's time to come home! Your work in Blanc is far from over, after all. Blanc wishes they could offer you a better welcome, for those returning from Gammon and those who just woke up in the Hall of Glory naked in their beds, as Heroes only have bad news to come home to. This time, it’s the coastal town of Capablanca that needs your help.

Some may recall the mysterious disappearances that happened not too long ago, and by the looks of it, the kidnappings apparently haven’t stopped. Although the number of disappearances isn't nearly as drastic as it was before, the townspeople are especially alarmed by the disappearance of Eric Caruana, the mayor's beloved son. After his disappearance, others began going missing as well, and Blanc needs the Heroes on this case before things that any worse! Upon arrival in Capablanca, the Heroes are met by Mayor Pierre Caruana, who looks like he's seen better days, and his butler, Charles.

Pierre Caruana My son has always been reckless, but never had he been away from home for so long. Not without saying a word. His wedding has been postponed because of this… but that isn’t important right now. Charles, please entertain our guests while I get them some refreshments. And… tell them what they need to know. [ dramatically sweeps across the room and retires to the back of the mansion ]

Charles Oh, but I can— do it… [ SIGHS ] I’m sorry about the master. After his wife died ten years ago, his son is all he has left. We can only imagine how distraught he is. He’s probably at the bar, drinking his sorrows away… That’s why we were hoping you would help us in our search. The young master is the adventurous sort, but he’s also not the type to worry his father. It's a miracle the D'Amore family hasn't called the wedding off. No one in Capablanca has seen him since Delphine… I just pray he comes home safely. [ tugs on the moon pendant he wears around his neck ] Don’t be a fool, Eric... —Ah! Um, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Investigating around the city with the help of the reticent Detective Bleu, you'll be able to observe ONE of the following clues, which may prove to be helpful to help solve the case. Work together with other Heroes to obtain information on-site, and share clues whenever possible!

Dreading the thought of walking around all of Capablanca alone, colleless and mountless? Not to worry: the mayor has arranged for group caravans to accompany Heroes as they travel and conduct their investigations. If Heroes prefer to investigate in smaller groups (or alone, you lone wolf, you), they may also borrow a mount of their choice from the city's stables. This mount will have to be returned after the day is over, so don't get too attached! Lastly, veteran Heroes with mounts of their own are welcome and encouraged to offer newbies rides. You were once in their position! Give them a hand, would you?

TWO ♟ Sharing over Herring

After a long week of investigating and gathering as much information as you can, Heroes will be asked to report to mayor Pierre Caruana's villa by dusk with their findings. When you arrive, you'll also be greeted by a familiar sight, waving cheerily at the Heroes from the mayor's side.

	Thierry Toussaint Heeeey, over here! [ gives each Hero a conchiglia la la ] Today must have been busy for everyone. Thank you for your hard work! Oh? That look in your eyes... I feel like you’ve found something that can help us.
	Pierre Caruana I am eager to listen to anything you may have found. But first, please, follow me, Heroes.

The mayor will lead you towards the shore, and eventually, to cross the Bridge of Perenne and reach Graupera. The great hall of the House of Solare has been set up for the Heroes. There are many luxurious couches and hammocks to rest your tired body on, and soft acoustic music fills the air. There is also a large table at the middle of the room with various dishes unique to Capablanca. Heroes may dine on dishes such as grilled lobster and tuna, ravioli with tomato sauce, crab gnocchi with white wine cream sauce, warm goat cheese salad, and various high-end wines.

During dinner, both Teddy and mayor Pierre Caruana will be making the rounds, listening to any information the Heroes are willing to share. If you haven't already, now is also a great time to discuss your clues with other Heroes and try to put together a bigger picture. Before the rest of the staff come in with desserts, the mayor asks everyone for their attention.

	Pierre Caruana There appears to be... substantial evidence that Merilorn Forest is connected to the recent disappearances, including my son. I don’t believe he’s lost. I… think that he might be hiding from us. As we all know, entering the forest won’t be without difficulty, so I don’t believe he wandered that far, but…
	Thierry Toussaint Our people looking into the matter. [ gives the Heroes a reassuring smile ] We’ll take it from here. If there are any updates on the case, we’ll be sure to notify you.

THREE ♟ Leaf it to the Pros

While the disappearance of the Capablancan citizens is definitely a tragedy that needs to be solved, life continues to go on for the town. It's Calendi, and that means taking advantage of the changing seasons to earn a few extra colle. Or perhaps you just feel like doing something else in between investigations. Either way, stop killing time and start killing game! Chefs in Capablanca will pay top dollar for wild game, including elusive and vicious magical animals.

To make your job harder, the animals are capable of basic elemental magic, and will use it to defend themselves. Ducks are able to attack using water magic, foxes make use of wind, and rodents (such as rabbits and squirrels) use earth magic. It's actually quite difficult to discern what animal is in season right now, as a clever rabbit and a persistent duck seem to be fond of tearing down “rabbit season” and “duck season” posters around town and replacing them with the other.

If hunting wild game isn't your style, the chefs are also interested in acquiring fresh autumnal fruits and vegetables such as apples, pumpkins, squash, and sweet potato. You may either gather these in the wild, or harvest them from a farmer's field for a small cut of the commission.

Lastly, Bel Petto Beach happens to be Capablanca's pride and joy, and citizens would be very angry to see their shores littered with fallen leaves! Help sweep leaves off the sand and away from the ocean, where they tend to blow whenever there is a strong wind.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's October intro log! Please remember to read the Arrival Info! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Don't forget to vote for a Ranked Uniform Design, your character will be wearing one of these in the future! Voting will close on 10th October.

Comments

[assent]

[ This was a terrible idea.

An hour later, the people in charge in handling out the carriers can't seem to get rid of Sonia as she spends way too much time with carriers signed up for other people. She's petted rabbits, played with cats, been curious about a snake that had slithered away after she peeked at it for too long...

Frankly, they probably need help.

The bright side is that she already has her head -- a small grey hamster. It's tucked itself into her hair, but keeps sniffing the air anytime she goes to a new animal until finally she leans forward and it almost goes flying off her head. Thankfully her hand reaches out to steady it, but that's when it realises... she's sharing its sunflower seeds with another hamster?!

Sonia yelps as teeth bite down on the side of her hand, the bag scattering across the floor. ]

Wha-- [ The other hamster makes a run for it, while her carrier... just runs around scooping up the seeds into its pouches. ]

Truly... you do not need all of those! [ It probably looks weird to onlookers in that she's scolding a hamster but whatever. ]

[wishingalone]

[Mami, when she arrived to get her Carrier, was quick about it. Oh, she thought all of the animals were very adorable, of course! But, after the initial shock faded, her usual sense of drive set in. Mami decided that she needed to go collect her Carrier right away. It's easier to distract herself from certain thoughts by...

Well, by focusing on the mission. For all that things change, some things stay the same.

Which is why, when she walks up, she has a slightly plump cat not in her arms, but draped around her shoulder. His tail is curled around her back, as she walks, and she hesitates as she hears Sonia yelp, and then looks down at her hampster. She lifts a hand to her mouth, before she looks at Sonia with a smile.

It's really funny, but she's polite enough to only giggle a couple of times.] It looks like he might be a handful.

[assent]

[ Well, if she thinks it over, it probably does look ridiculous. She isn't exactly equipped with the knowledge of how to train animals outside of what she's seen Gundham do back home -- and really that's impossible to actually try and aim for.

With a sigh, she picks up the bag of seeds and clips it up. ]

I have only just collected him but... [ She frowns as the hamster finally stops and turns to look at her, cheeks stuffed to the brim with seeds. ] ...I believe he might love these seeds too much.

[ What is he gets too fat?! ]

[wishingalone]

Hmm. It seems like it could be a problem, but... [Mami kneels down and reaches out, petting the hamster gently on the head. When she does, her shoulder cat adjusts to keep from falling off.

Mami stands up, then, and smiles at Sonia.] You see, you now have a treat to give him as a reward! That's an important part of owning a pet.

[Even if Mami hasn't owned a pet in years.]

[assent]

No, I-- [ She stares down at the hamster then, pressing her hand to the floor so it can run onto it. Even if its cheeks are full of seeds and it doesn't seem to want to let go. It's her turn now to give it a gentle pet. If Mami is looking, she'll notice her expression saddens slightly before she fixes it into a smile. ]

I chose this animal because it is not the first time I have taken care of one, but... this little one is rather obsessive, I believe.

[wishingalone]

Hmm. You've taken care of one before? [Convenient, she imagines. It's similar with Cannoli; she knows how to take care of a cat, at least. She looks down at him, before she looks at Sonia. She sees the sad look.

Then how she pushes it to a smile. She's familiar with those sentiments.] You may need to train him. But... perhaps your past knowledge will be of us?

[assent]

Mm... Though I never had to train them myself. [ She gives Mami a sheepish smile. ] I suppose I assumed it would be easier.

[ Sadly she just knows someone who is pro at it and makes it look flawless. She, on the other hand, is not experienced in this at all. ]

Hopefully it will be. I considered a rabbit instead but-- [ There's a small shake of her head. ] That isn't important. Your cat seems to like you.

[wishingalone]

Ah? Your pets already came trained? [She supposes they could. Maybe if she knew a trainer. (Or was pretty wealthy or lucky.)

She tilts her head to the side, then she smiles.] He does, doesn't he? I haven't had a cat since I was little! I never had time for one recently.

[Before she came here.]

[assent]

It... [ She clearly looks a little torn about what to say, so instead just switches her attention to the cat. ]

He does. Did you name him? [ Keeping the hamster in her hands she finally stands up properly, but unlike the scolding before, she is giving it pets now. Ah. ]

[wishingalone]

I did. Cannoli. It's a cute name, isn't it?

[She winks. And spots the discomfort, but doesn't call it out as such.] Did you name yours?

[assent]

È buono! [ She gives the other girl a bright smile--well... that's an Italian dessert why not burst out her agreement in Italian??? Ok then. ]

And I did. It took a while but I settled on "G-Ham" [ Though the way she says it is actually like "Jam", just so this is a little less embarrassing and sentimental. ]

[wishingalone]

Grazie! [All of her attacks have Italian names. Mami, of course, has learned some of the language. Not quite enough to have a full conversation, but enough to do that.

And be mighty impressed with Sonia.

She grins, then, and she nods at the name.] G-Ham? It's very cute! I like it. And... I suppose, it sounds like something delicious. I think it fits him.

[assent]

[ Well Sonia speaks 30 different languages because apparently... that's a thing. So it comes naturally to her. Some are stronger than others, naturally, but Italian, Spanish and French seem to be up there at the top. ]

You are correct, we both seem to have chosen names related to desserts.

[ And honestly, five minutes later the hamster seems to be regretting its life choices because it has no where to store the seeds other than its mouth... ]

Were you going to leave now?

[wishingalone]

That we did. It's a solid basis for naming a pet. [Mami winks, then she tilts her head.

She nods.] Shortly. There's still so much to do, now that we're here!

[assent]

Indeed. [ She actually lets out a tiny laugh this time, a little more upbeat. ]

Do you mind if I join you?

[wishingalone]

I don't at all! [She smiles, before she flusters -- and then extends a hand, quickly.] Oh, my apologies. My name is Mami. Mami Tomoe.

[assent]

Oh--! [ She says it like a gasp, her hand covering her mouth briefly before she extends it to meet Mami's half way. ] My name is Sonia Nevermind, I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself as well.

[wishingalone]

It's quite all right! I think we can be forgiven. It's not as if we're swept away to another world every day.

[assent]

[ Well................. sort of. Though that doesn't matter right now. ]

Of course. Have you met many others thus far? It seems that there are actually quite a lot of people here like us.