intro ♚ december

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO POLGAR

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 ♟ My Anaconda Don’t

Brace yourselves, Heroes, for Prime Minister Teddy has a special announcement for you today. It’ll be delivered either via carrier or mechanical pigeon.

	Woman? Hello, Heroes! Hmm? Who am I? If I don’t tell you who you are, you’re calling the police? Ahaha, no need to be so hasty!
	Thierry Toussaint It’s me, Teddy! The prime minister. This might be overwhelming for the new arrivals, but we need everyone’s help for this mission. Have you heard of the Alfersa? They’re a proud warrior race that live in Polgar. They’re said to be blessed by the goddess Gladia since they’re naturally strong, sensitive to mana, and skilled in combat. I guess they’re pretty much like our Knights? Without the magical talent, of course. We’re hoping they’ll lend us a hand in protecting Blanc. The Alfersa are distrustful of men, so negotiations have been difficult… Now that the Gladia Games are underway, I’m hoping to meet some beautiful women—I mean, recruits! It’s a recruitment drive, after all! Right, Alex?
	Alexandre Verdoni Prime Minister, I don’t know what possessed you to think your ridiculous ideas will actually work, but please refrain from making a scene at the Games.
	Thierry Toussaint Ah, ah. [ waves a finger at ] It’s not Prime Minister. It’s Zeed Stun, an enigmatic beauty from the East! Alex, come with us!
	Alexandre Verdoni No. Please refrain from making transparent aliases undercover. Heroes, the Alfersans have an extremely matriarchal society. The Prime Minister recommends that you follow his example to fall in their leader’s good graces, but I personally find it unnecessary. Stand tall, be proud, and may Gladia bless you on your journey. Oh, and… dress light. Get some sunscreen.

You’ll be given time to prepare before heading out. This is when you decide if you’ll follow after PM Teddy’s example or not. He has provided a generous number of colorful dresses to choose from. Unsure of how to pull off a good look? Ask your fellow Heroes or the maids and butlers of Hall of Glory for assistance.

Once you’ve made it safely to Polgar, you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes. A procession appears to be underway with several nubile women dancing to the beat of drums. For every pause in the drumming, anklets fill the air with a sweet, chiming sound. Leading the parade are scantily-clad shrine maidens. Should you happen to stumble too close, you will be greeted with an icy stare. Waiting at the end of the road is the matriarch of the Alfersans…

	Thierry Toussaint O Gracious One, I am Zeed Stun. Today, I am here to show you the dance of my people—
	??? You have a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint I’m sorry?
	??? You have [ grabs between his legs ] a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint Guh!
	??? [ in one fluid motion, the woman smears Teddy’s makeup off and makes him her personal footrest. for the first time since the Heroes’ arrival, she smiles. ] … Oh, praise Gladia. So these are the Heroes She said I would meet. I am Diana Serpente, Queen of the Alfersa, Lady of the Serpents, and head priestess of Gladia’s temple. Gladia has been telling me all about you. Ever since you put the soul of my ancestor to rest, I’ve been thinking of a way to repay you. After receiving this [ digs her heels into Teddy’s back ] pitiful man’s request, I should have known it all along… Lending you our strength was the answer.
	Thierry Toussaint Thank y—ugh!!
	Diana Serpente [ steps off Teddy… ] However, we don’t help just anyone. What’s friendship… [ lifts the chin of the nearest female Hero ] without a little intimacy? The Gladia Games are underway. I invite you all to join us in the festivities! Before we fight, let us make merry in the name of Gladia!

As you walk around Polgar, you’ll lay eyes on the various shops, with those specialized in weapons and armor the most renowned and high quality of them all. Female Heroes are in luck as they will receive discounts. Male Heroes will have to pay the regular price regardless of what they look like. However, those who didn’t decide to look pretty for the occasion will find a much increased price tag. If you’re in desperate need of colle, these shops will let you polish and arrange their merchandise for a decent wage.

TWO ♟ It’s a Jungle Out There

As per tradition, everyone participating in the Gladia Games must hunt down the monsters near the city. It is believed that Gladia herself sends them a different beast each year. This year, giant spiders crawl dangerously close to Polgar’s outskirts. Bring parts of the spider back to the city as proof of your skill and valor. Those who kill fifteen or more spiders win ONE of these fabulous prizes: one high quality weapon or armor, their very own pet anaconda or a night with Teddy!

In the Polgarian jungles, the humid air is thick with blood. Ferns and heavy branches covered in thick moss make the area difficult to navigate. Reedy sunlight filters in through the trees. You have a feeling that you are being watched… In fact, venomous snakes might jump out of the underbrush! Should you get bitten, have another Hero heal or help you suck out the venom. But don’t get distracted; danger looms from above as well. Like in the forests between Caissa and Petrosian, leafy vines are prone to descending and embracing Heroes rather intimately.

Heroes who have paid a visit to Salamanca Temple back in the day might recognize the spider nests once they’ve found them. These arachnids the size of a car will leap very high into the air and scuttle between branches to camouflage themselves during the battle. Some might even spin a cocoon for you until they come back to snack on you later. Avoid getting bitten—their venom can render you numb and unintelligible.

Kill the spiders and take down the nests, but remember: no one wants a forest fire. Safety first!

THREE ♟ Light and Sweet, Hot and Heavy

The Alfersans will welcome you back once you return to Polgar and are happy to take the spider parts off your hands. You didn’t forget to bring them with you, did you?

The festivities are now in full swing! Heroes, hit the streets for the citywide party! Large trays with food are being passed around as Alfersans view the close sharing of food as an act of camaraderie. It is customary for men to feed the women by hand. Yes, with their fingers. Alfersans will also encourage Heroes to join their dances, and some will keep dancing in front of you until you agree. As it turns out, dancing together actually only means holding hands and taking a jovial stroll around the shrines. You should be light on your feet and stay in rhythm, but the ritual isn’t too difficult.

Dancing may be good for the soul but your feet can only carry you so long until you are tired. Why not check into one of the many resorts? Or check out the far more numerous high-class brothels? Or perhaps you’d rather spend a relaxing day at the hot springs, spas or restaurants? The hot springs in particular are quite special here, as they are heated by the kiss of molten hot magma, blessed by Gladia herself. They possess healing properties, yes, but more curiously, if you happen to soak in the warmth for too long, you may start to feel a bit… virile.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's Month 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!

Comments

Keiji Maeda | Sengoku Basara

[kenran]

1-A

[ The good news? Keiji knows how to dress pretty. It won't get him a discount or any favors of course, later on everyone learns the Alfersa are perceptive and it'd be best to not get... grabbed down there. But the bishounen upkeep is enough of a natural skill for him that he'd be happy to help fellow heroes out, whether they're guy or girl. Or if they actually want to go through with this silly plan of Mister, er, Miss Stun. ]

Do you want me to fix your hair? It helps make it convincing! You know, complete the look and all.

[ His own hair goes down his back and looks pretty tidy with some hairpins, it might be a good offer. He managed to get a comb and some accessories from one of the maids that took well to getting an extra hand for all this dress-up. One wonders how they feel about their Prime Minister's plans. ]


1-B

[ Well! That is certainly one hell of a way to welcome Heroes. Or heaven in Keiji's case, because look at all those lovely ladies in clothes that do their job and accentuate the right things... They sure are proud ladies.

Yeah, you can expect how well having an attitude like that does for a guy in Polgar. ].

Don't worry about it! I've been hit with worse in my life.

[ He's bleeding. It's right at his temple and drips down the side of his face before he rubs it away and applies some pressure to the wound. He sounds very light-hearted about it, hoping that his fellow Hero won't worry... or go easy on the scolding. Either or. ]

It's hard not to stare, to be honest.

[ A sheepish smile. He can't say he regrets it though... He likes women, and he likes strong, competent women too! Something something poetic about passion and fiery hearts. However, "quiet appreciation" of the female from does not fly here unless you want to end up a footstool. One imagines even saying it out loud, instead of being quiet ends up worse...

Ii Naotora, if you were here, eat your heart out, Miss Protector of women's hearts. ]


3-something

[ FOOD. After a day of spider hunting and vine-cutting, what a perfect way to end the day. It's not all stuff that he recognizes, and while it can't compare to stuff back home from Sis Matsu's kitchen, the feeling of celebration is a welcome one. Still, this is a new place, a new world even, and Keiji's curiosity is getting the better of him. The Hero thing may be starting to settle in his mind, but it's not going to change that he likes a free-spirited lifestyle. One that comes and goes... like now. ]

Hey, you want to take a walk? I want to go explore, and I bet you too. C'mon!

[ Whoever they are that was approaches, Keiji gently tugs on their sleeve with one hand, the other has a plate of dumplings snagged from the table he was at. The filling is a mystery for the non-natives, but still delicious with the spongy bread shell! also perfect for snacking on the go. ]


wildcard option!

((Want to do something else from this log's prompts? Sure! I'm up for anything.))

3

[soulshift]

Oh! Certainly...

[ says Irisviel with a small smile. Unlike the other the new people she's encountered, he seems much more... happy? And less concerned about where he is and what he's doing here.

And then she notices the dumplings in his hand. ]

Are you sure those are safe to eat?

[kenran]

[ Behold, the power of optimism in the face of adversity. Also good company. Pretty company! He might be a little concerned about what he's doing here (and another issue whenever they get back to Caissa), but it's nothing that he can put off and deal with later! ]

Thanks! I feel honored to share a walk with such a gentle beauty.

[ A wink. The Alfersa are stunning and have every right to be proud, no doubt about that. But it's important to befriend other Heroes! Compliments help with that. ]

I'm sure! I cleared a plate earlier, and I'm pretty sure this is the same kind.

[ Just is case, he takes a bite out of one. It's still not pork filling, but when he's sure it's alright with a nod, he holds out a fresh one for Iri as he balances the plate in his free hand.

...The hand feeding thing is cute, but she's free to just grab it. ]

1-B

[hoasen]

[Maybe she did scream (half a scream) when she sees him bleeding, and immediately she rushes over to heal his head.]

I'm not entirely sure if you should be proud of that!

[kenran]

[ Don't scream! It's just a hit from probably a metal weapon, since the Alfersa are quite proud of their wares. That said, he appreciates the healing, it feels pretty soothing, like an ice pack without the cold! Or a warm cup of tea. ]

Hey, if I get in trouble, it's okay to smile it off, right? I won't do it again.

[ A beat. ]

Or try to. Otherwise I'll probably get knocked out.

[hoasen]

[Perhaps even both! Since Vietnam's healing feels like relaxing water.]

I see that is very positive of you, but it would be better if you did not get hit at all.

[She wonders now how far his own healing is going.]

[kenran]

[ The bleeding stops, which he indicates by tilting his head curiously. ]

Of course... But I'm happy to be assisted by a lovely lady, so it wasn't all bad.

[ His tones of voice shifts to something more genuine, smiling. ]

Thanks.

1-A

[stonebird]

(The offer is amusing to her and, for a moment, she gives a bemused smile. Sansa has always either seen to her hair herself or depended on her mother and/or servants to complete the task. It is no small job considering how she likes to wear it - up and away from her face - but she has yet to be offered assistance by a man.)

What would you do with it? (She is genuinely curious. At the moment, her thick, red hair is laying against her back as she has only begun to brush it.)

[kenran]

[ It probably is strange to be offered help by a man. He's been turned down a few time, some not willing to go with this plan as far as the prime minister (he looks almost convincing), or perhaps the idea of a stranger going out his way to do it is well, a bit strange! But he's also had some take the offer, and they seemed happy. That's enough for Keiji to keep at it until they do need to go to Polgar. ]

Hm... How about I put the top half of it up? That's what I was thinking.

[ His first thought, anyway. He surveys her hair and easy it would be to manage, then does a sweeping motion from right above her ears to the back of her head so she can get a general idea. ]

It's a lovely color and pretty thick, so it would be a shame to pin back all of it. Would that work for you, miss?

[stonebird]

(She is too intrigued to turn him down. If he has a talent for arranging hair, she will welcome his aid. One should not look a gift horse in the mouth!)

I am always torn between leaving it partially down and putting it all up. (But his reasoning makes her smile and she turns to face him graciously.) I like your idea. Please go ahead if you so wish.

(She has learned not to order - it will truly get her nowhere - and kindness is always better understood.)

Are you a new arrival, ser?

[kenran]

[ How nice! If she doesn't mind, that hairbrush of hers might be pretty handy. For now, he sections off her hair at the top to get things started and smooth it out the best he can. Sansa made that easier for him, at least. ]

Yeah, I'm new. Is it obvious? I was trying to hide how lost I looked going around picking up my things, earlier... but having to get them meant I was new anyway.

[ This place is kind of silly, but he's not too bothered. If there's something that separates the newbies form the veterans... well, hopefully it's positive things from being here long enough. ]

How long have you been here?

1-b

[foxhands]

[ah, he's bleeding. he's bleeding but smiling? light damage, nothing to worry about? naki stares, thinks, looks over at the ladies, goes back to staring.]

It is?

[he doesn't understand.]

[kenran]

[ Oh, hello young man. He doesn't mind the staring, but he laughs in response to how very... innocent that question is. ]

Well yeah. The ladies here are super pretty, haven't you noticed?

[ He'd point at them to make a better point, but... Wait. He backpedals, gesturing to his head injury. ]

...Actually, stay a good kid and don't do what I did, okay?

[foxhands]

[the ladies here are pretty, it's true...pretty strong! it's something to admire. naki does glance over at them again though, before giving the guy a vaguely questioning look.

what did you do! did you give yourself that injury! why would you give yourself an injury.]

...Don't break yourself.

[kenran]

[ to answer the rhetorical questionnaire:

1. he got hit by a lady
2. technically yes he did
3. because he learns things the hard way ]

I won't!

[ that's an interesting way to phrase it... but naki still gets the message across to keiji with his few words and sword-isms. ]

Um, you want to take a walk with me? I can talk with you and keep myself distracted. You also look a little lonely!

1/2

[ateaist]

[At first he's just met with a rather stern glare; he's interrupted her in the middle of schmoozing with some of the locals.]

Idiot. Don't you have any tact at all? I'm hardly going to-

[ateaist]

[ARE THOSE DUMPLINGS.]

-say no to such a spirited plea, ahaha!

[Her attempt isn't even worth the effort, because rather than even try to look as if she isn't focused entirely on the food, she just snatches the plate out of his hand.

But she also gestures for him to follow once she walks away. So much for conversation; her former companions are just left high and dry without so much as a goodbye.]

Come on, come on! Keep up now!

[kenran]

Eh--? Uh, coming!

[ GOODBYE DUMPLINGS HE KNEW YOUR FAMILY WELL... except Keiji will follow this very chipper (and hungry) warlord along. She kinda agreed to it in her own way, which is good in his eyes! He barely felt that whiplash of Nobu's mood shift. ]

Thanks for taking my offer, little lady! Um... Can I have my food back? Just one dumpling?

[ateaist]

Just one, huh?

[She's a bit of a mischievous glint in her eye as she tosses a look over her shoulder towards him.]

Tell you what-[She picks up a dumpling and holds it up at eye level, turning it in her hand.]-you have that puppy dog look about you, so if you beg a little, I'll throw you a bone.

[That is to say: a dumpling.]

1A

[openhanded]

[Sorey is certainly fretting. He's wearing a white and gold dress vaguely reminiscent of something from home, but it's really tight in some places and he just isn't used to dressing... quite like this. Mikleo would look so much better. Then again, Mikleo looks good in everything. His hair is woefully short and brown, and he thinks it can't be anything but boyish.

Having muscles kinda sucks, though he's lean compared to Keiji here.]

Should I... I don't know, get a wig or something? Or is wearing a dress enough? My hair's just-- really short... [All the girls he knows have at least shoulder-length hair.] I feel like I'm going to stick out.

[He has blue feathered ear cuffs, but more feathers in his hair can't hurt anything, right?]

If I'm being honest, I don't know anything about fashion. Or... girls... really. So whatever you think, it's probably better than what I can come up with.

[Awful trusting of strangers, but he's grown to really appreciate other Heroes like himself.]

[kenran]

[ There had to be someone with a Y chromosome who took the Teddy Scheme seriously, and it happened to be Sorey. Whether Keiji does is... up in the air? Maybe the better answer is that he takes everything seriously in Keiji sort of way. This fretting fellow on his hands does make him feel sympathetic though. It reminds of someone he knows, even...

Also yes, guys with delicate features and silvery hair tend to be really attractive, aren't they? Not that he'll ever admit that out loud. The decidedly-not-pretty-in-the-slightest silver-haired man he knows would probably make his life more miserable for it with an awful smile. Do not want. ]

Hey, hey, you don't have to worry so much! If you have fun with this, then it looks natural... It's not like you'd be an unattractive girl, but I don't think a lot of us are going to do as well as the Prime Minister guy at any rate.

[ The problem with being manly brunettes. lease be happy he's not imparting his fashion advice, it's... very colorful. Out of curiosity though, Keiji tries gently smoothing down one of Sorey's spikes. That works as well as you think with JRPG hair. His hair does it too, so he smiles followed by a small laugh. ]

If it helps you though, let's go find a wig. I saw some when I was grabbing some hairpins.

[openhanded]

[Sorey is the kind of guy who is basically Always On, so it's probably no surprise he took the Prime Minister seriously. He's kind of a fan of Teddy after getting a little goblin cart for a present. Teddy's a good guy.

Then again, Sorey's kinda biased towards idealistic blonde royals.]

Ah, you're right! He has short hair, too.

[He blinks as Keiji smooths down his hair, or tries. They'd need some serious hair gel to slick that mess down. It's not impossible, but usually Mikleo's the one who does it... Speaking of which, where is he? Ah, well, they'll catch up outside.]

I've never worn a wig before. I mean, I made a beard out of dandelions once, but that's different.

If we can't find one, I guess I can wear more hair pins? Or maybe a... [He remembers a bunch of girls accusing him of being raised in a barn.] ... barrette?

3

[rememberher]

[ Yeah no Lux is 1000% not about this. Food is one thing, but being fed, especially by someone of the opposite sex? Hahahaha yeah no. Nope. Uh uh. Not happening. Keiji might have even seen this slight blond make something of a scene about the whole thing ("proper lady of noble upbringing" etc., etc.).

Regardless, it seems the little Queen has taken a moment to get her head back and to catch some fresh air. Expecting him to be someone else offering to let her eat from his hand (////!), she whirls, ready to lay into him—

Only to stop suddenly, blinking a few times. Oh. ]

Ah, sure?

[ Looking him up and down, the lady looks more than a little stunned. Relieved, but stunned. ]

Of course. What did you have in mind?

[kenran]

[ While Keiji's not the most... subtle of people here in accepting the festivities as good fun (hand-feeding, dancing, all that), he can understand people not enjoying it as much, being from a good respectful household that would haves words to say about it. That may be the reason he makes an attempt to approach Lux like so; catching a glimpse of this blonde girl during the party, making a fuss is more likely than not. Is he helping her out a bit and knocking out two birds with one stone? Hopefully. ]

The nearby shrine has a garden with animals you can see up close, and I heard the night market's fun for shopping, too.

[ He already let go when she turned to him and responded, now holding up his hand in a carefree half-shrug. It's somewhat of a contrast compared to her reaction... But he is a total stranger, just not one with food to feed her. ]

Take your pick. You're the one who probably needs a reason out of here.

[ It's said teasingly. ]

[rememberher]

[ Yeah let's not feed her, her brain would probably short circuit.

And while Lux is usually the sort to enjoy these kinds of social get-togethers, the combination of lack of clothing (and having to wear such a short skirt, how scandalous), as well as... well, the aforementioned uncomfortableness makes for her somewhat prickly exterior. It isn't you, Keiji. Still, once he explains himself, she eases somewhat, even looking a bit grateful at the suggestion. Yes please let's go ]

There is a night market here?

[ The last time she heard of such a thing... was it Ionia? She hadn't gotten a chance to go herself, but something like that... Lux visibly brightens at the suggestion. Well, for a brief moment until he decides to turn it back on her. Was he teasing her? ]

I'll have you know that a lady such as myself doesn't ever need a reason to go anywhere. She is always exactly where she needs to be, when she needs to be there.

[ A pause.

Then that bright, although now somewhat impish smile. ]

And I believe that I am needed at the night market. Just a hunch, of course.