boardmaster: (Default)
BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-04-09 04:30 am

intro ♚ april

WELCOME TO GRAUPERA



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 CAPABLANCA & AIRY
As much as Blanc’s capital welcomes its Heroes, new arrivals such as yourself won’t have much time to settle. Get dressed and pick up your weapon and Carrier, because sometime in the afternoon, all floor nannies and Carriers will broadcast an announcement by Commander Lisbrand. She delivers a brief greeting to their new members, but gets straight to the point: they will be headed for Capablanca and the open sea beyond, in order to restore the fortress of Graupera for battle with Noir looming on the horizon. All new Heroes are expected to report to the Airy at the Caissa aeroport on the 8th along with their seniors.

On the morning of the 11th, Airy alights on Graupera, an island about two hours away from Capablanca by ferry. From here, you can either help the navy with Graupera repairs or assist in Verdoni’s investigations and head for Capablanca proper. Heroes will be staying in the (in)famous Hotel Caruana: they say you can check in anytime you like, but you can never truly leave. Nobody will quite meet your eyes or tell you what it means.

Wherever you are, the Airy will remain parked at Graupera.

TWO GRAUPERA, CAPABLANCA SEA FORT
What was once a heavily fortified island rests a ways off the coast of Capablanca; it looks a little too much like one of the thunderclouds slowly swarming on the horizon. Graupera has seen many battles and withstood the ebb and flow of wars. Formerly the city’s first line of defense until it was abandoned after the Reclamation, its dilapidated condition is the current bane of the Blanc navy. Blanc needs to bring it back to its former glory before it can face a single warship, much less Noir’s fleet of magical cannons. Blanc’s government has no doubt Heroes will do a fine job at returning the fortress to its former glory!

A ♙ The great stone and iron wall facing the wide open ocean has seen better days and is full of holes overgrown with stubborn clinging vines; cannonballs used a lifetime ago litter the grounds. The vines are extremely thick and may tangle the careless beyond hope of escape, not to mention filled with a pungent sap that will seep into your clothes and hair for days. It makes a great adhesive, though? Conveniently, parts of the wall are strewn across the floor, so at least some of the cannon holes can be repaired with enough improvisation, desperation and a bit of spit. The rest need new material provided by our helpful Heroes in Option C. Furthermore, the lingering damage from a previous attack and old age have turned the floorboards weak and unstable. The wood creaks ominously beneath the mass of even a single average-sized person, so watch your step.

B ♟ You might want to get your weapon before you descend into the dank depths beneath the castle. Once you make it down the steep, slippery stairs, you’ll be meeting the gigantic, hostile rats that infest the castle cellar from top to bottom. It looks like magical residue from long-ago battles has seeped into both the foundation and its inhabitants. The cellars have become a huge warren filled with strange mana currents, and sometimes flooded with water. If you're going to start an extermination campaign, you may want to recall the magical residue: chopping off a rat’s head and limbs will barely slow it down. It will keep going for hours unless you either lop off all its limbs or pierce its heart.

If you manage to make it all the way up into the castle’s two intact towers (the other two are half-collapsed), the uppermost levels are utterly covered in bird crap. You’ll be encountering the kings of this castle: the unusually large, grey-feathered sea birds that have taken up residence here. Albatrosses, gulls, pelicans, even sand pipers: they all share nesting and pooping space here. The feathers of each bird seem to have taken on stone-like properties not unlike the castle’s walls. They’re extremely ferocious and protective of their nests, which are filled with all kinds of things: twigs, shiny things, coin money, Option C’s supplies, feathers of all kinds, and some completely ordinary tools that seem too small for human hands, and much older than anything else in the place save for the walls. If you look closely, you might be able to see a few baby rats scattered in amongst the eggs and the peeping chicks. They’re being fed, too.

You’re meant to be moving the birds out of the place, but you might have enough trouble just moving their offal.

C ♙ Don’t feel like dealing with pest control? No problem! Blanc will need materials for rebuilding and other supplies for the coming battle! Everyone knows how important it is for the fortress to remain standing, so Heroes will be provided with gadgets and weaponry that should make it difficult for enemies to penetrate the walls yet again. Word has spread that the Heroes are transporting valuable goods, though, so you might have to fend off the occasional hopeful man or annoying mouse (rat) who wishes to borrow much-needed material.

Of course, all this rebuilding will be for naught if you are not prepared to defend the stronghold! Ammunition such as cannonballs, bullets and arrows needs to be transported to Graupera en masse, pronto. Equally important essentials include first aid supplies and enough non-perishable food and water to last a small army (you) a month or two. You wouldn’t want to have to scavenge for rat meat.

No one knows just how long this battle is going to last.

THREE Training
It’s time for you landlubbers to learn how to swim! Commander Lisbrand won’t be tolerating any sinking stones on her task force. The upcoming battle will be fought on the sea so your instructor, one of Blanc’s many fine captains (when she isn’t intoxicated), will make every single individual who hesitates at the sight of the open ocean walk the plank. She’ll even give you a helpful kick if necessary! Once that’s over, she will show you how to steer a ship. However, wandering eyes that land anywhere on the inebriated captain’s assets will be swiftly and spectacularly dealt a large bottle of the harbor’s best swill right where it hurts.

Blanc has also provided training dummies dressed suspiciously like prominent figures of the Othellian underworld. Now might be a good time to branch out and learn about your affinities. Heroes who have recently been promoted in Rank might want to set some time aside for getting used to their new abilities, too. Power and responsibility come hand in hand, after all!

INFO Welcome!
Welcome to Crosscheck's April intro log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!
sakeplz: (Wink Wink)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
In case I'm too drunk and I hit you with my ability. [He says that so cheerfully and with a giggle in his voice. Like he didn't just say he might hurt cute little Nama or whatever his ability is.]
armorial: (pic#10133771)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ What has she done?! Saber looks... Not okay with that idea either. It's supposed to be a situation that passes warning, not to be turned into a torture device. It's tame, but the malice behind it she can't stomach!

She probably would have a hard time with that kind of torture, too. Hand on her hip now.
]

... I wouldn't call it a wonderful idea if you put it to that kind of use, Caren. [ Also, ] Food shouldn't be used as a weapon.
sakeplz: (Kyaaaaa!  So Cute!)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Amazing! Teach me one! [Jirou...you know you're supposed to be fighting right?]
sakeplz: (Party King)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Nope. Wine tastes good no matter what time you drink it! Unless it's bad wine but I don't drink that stuff.

[Not quite the way to bribe him sadly. Try again?]
sakeplz: (Dance Dance)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
I'll take care of you, Kase-san! [Waving his hand, he gets drinks for both of them. Two of the bright blue ones! With his new drink in his hand, he sips at it then licks his lips as he pulls the other sword right against him.

Hey, if they're going to be mistaken for lovers then he's really going to sell it. Mainly because who would look twice at pretty lovers sitting together getting tipsy? Or toasted in his case.]


Proooomise! [A giggle and he rests his head on his shoulder, nuzzling his neck in the process. Partially because he's pretty sure he heard something fun in this direction so if he leans all over Kasen then he can get closer to it! Never question the drunken cleverness. It can work well.]
convictionary: (She looked at me)

2a, yeah, hey, sup

[personal profile] convictionary 2016-04-16 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
[It wasn't the sound or the motion which caught his attention. It was the aura of shame, and the fact she reminded him of someone he knew in certain respects. Not in terms of looks, but a little in terms of bearing and the fact that if she was pissed off she could probably kick someone's ass in her own special way. (How, he couldn't say - it could be physical, magical, or something more esoteric like a cunning series of law suits or the closest Ylissean equivalent thereof designed to sap resources through legal methods before enacting a takeover - but he could see it.)]

Stuck?

[It should be established that he wasn't in a hurry to run over and extract her foot and instead was carefully leaning against a wall, unwrapping a sucker, dropping the wrapper, and sticking the sucker in his mouth, rolling it as he did so. It was, apparently, mangolange flavored, which he still wasn't sure about.

But because they all could use a break from the hard work around them.]
tsyoon: (if I wear suede boots am I a hipster?)

[personal profile] tsyoon 2016-04-16 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ Even though it's his second time hearing it, Yoon listens again-- but it doesn't make him feel any better or explain a whole lot more than it did the first time, and he already knows the bird refuses to answer more detailed questions.

While it talks, Yoon examines his uniform more closely, and eventually manages to wriggle into the pants under the blanket so he can toss it back onto the bed. ]
armorial: (pic#10133801)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
Do not worry. I will position myself accordingly. [ Saber is a well-seasoned soldier in a sense. She has seen many battles and fought with different kinds of allies. It also helps that her instincts is that similar of a sixth sense... But... not an actual ability. Guts? Maybe.

After seeing how One's weapons works, Saber notes it would be best for Saber to stay in the back. Taking a step back, she starts surveying the corridor to the best of her ability. It's... Dark, but she, too, noticed the mana current. It's as One says. This causes some worry in Saber. If this is the aftermath of mana, what else might they have to face?
]

They're still moving. [ As if not expected, the rats that were cut down, come back at them. Saber quickly channels a small amount of mana into her chalice and throws water above them. It forms a quick barrier in mere milliseconds. This time, she's behind One, but still close... She's hoping in the future the radius will be larger, but she makes due. The rats hit the barrier and bounce back due to the force of their lunge, suffering from the recoil. This barrier falls instantly. ]
sakeplz: (Lalala~)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Does it?

[He seems amazed by this revelation! Of course, there's this fooooooggy dream he sort of maybe thinks might have happened but maybe not.]

I feel like I've already danced with you though.

[Pause.] Who are you?
tsyoon: (u know those shoes don't match right)

[personal profile] tsyoon 2016-04-16 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ So formal...

Yoon dips his head politely too, feeling vaguely awkward. There's usually little reason for him to be formal with others, but he also doesn't want to come off as super rude meeting a girl for the first time. Even if the circumstances aren't the greatest. ]


I'm Yoon. Nice to meet you too.

[ She's wearing one of those uniforms too. Another 'Hero' in that case...? ]

You're not from here either, right?
armorial: (pic#10134246)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
You are quite thin already. [ That's her opinion. While Saber is small, SHE HAS MUSCLES. Kind of. I think. And also doesn't gain weight. ]

Yes. [ She turns back to Maki, now tomato milk in her free hand. There's a tilt at her head at the girl's expression. Maki loves tomatoes?! Why is she reacting this way?! Saber is starting to think the other girl is rather peculiar... Which isn't bad, either. ]

Is there a problem? [ Should she put it back? She's not sure, but she waits for Maki's answer. ]
sakeplz: (Here You Go!)

that starbucks line must have been killer

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
It's wine but it's red! I think they said a dessert wine?

[He wasn't paying thaaaat much attention to be honest. But he pours the other sword a nice big cup of it before handing it over.]

But it's really tasty, Tsu-san! Even if it's not sake!

[He's still looking for sake.]
armorial: (pic#10133791)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's some surprise when Minato pulls out the bottle and offers her a drink. Looking up at him, then looking at the bottle in his hand, she's still not used to any kind of attention aside from some talk. After staring at the bottle a little longer, she looks back down to her chalice. ]

I appreciate your kindness, but you should spend your money for yourself. [ She'll kindly reject his offer, though it's tempting. ]
tsyoon: (when was Macy's having that sale again)

[personal profile] tsyoon 2016-04-16 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yoon watches raptly, paying attention to the gestures or words the stranger uses, trying to figure out which ones he has an affinity for. It's not hard to tell, once he realizes. ]

Oh, okay. I think I get it. So it's best to focus on the basic magic skills first and worry about the weapon later.

[ Not that his weapon is much of a weapon. He'll have to figure that out later... ]

Thank you for demonstrating.
armorial: (pic#10133861)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
If you say so. [ She has her doubts, but arguing more would be rude. Speaking of rude, she'll introduce herself first as well. ]

My name is Saber. [ There's a small bow of her head. ] It's a pleasure to meet you. I will do my best to learn quickly.
sakeplz: (Don't You Wanna Play?)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
Ahhhh you're so amazing, Juzu-san! You even sound a little like my brother!

[Which is nice because he misses said brother. Who knows when he'll get to see Taroutachi again. Ah well. Best to enjoy moments he has until he sees him again!]
armorial: (pic#10133808)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-04-16 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ SHE WOULD BE OPPOSED, but constantly rejecting someone's kindness may come off rude to their hospitality. For now, she yields. ]

I am not opposed to that, no. [ Her eyes follow him as he looks at the paper cups and now down to the selection of milk. There's some silence as if she's trying to decide. It's true, she is thinking of which may be best to share. ]

That is a fine selection. [ She doesn't feel anything particular to any of the flavors, actually. Beggars can't be choosers. Instead, she waits for him to pick himself. Maybe this is just a strange ritual for him? It's not like he asked her to pick one even though she is assuming right now. There's some silence as there's no decision yet. ]

What about the strawberry cream? [ She's at least keen enough to know when something must be done. ]
sakeplz: (Ahh~  It's So Cute!)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-04-16 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
Japanese, hm?

[That's nice. He can appreciate someone who understands the joy of sake.]

I'd be willing to help them taste the products to find out if the sake is any good!

[Of course you would, Jirou. You just want to drink sake again.]
topkong: gaelriz (22)

[personal profile] topkong 2016-04-16 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Good thing she was able to stifle her laughter, otherwise Wukong would be more than happy to share his newly acquired knowledge through force feeding. Shame it's so sticky, it'd probably be crazy difficult to get someone to eat it.

Except for Wukong, of course.

Carrying an armful over now, they definitely have a LOT of them--- enough for quite a few soldiers and volunteers to carry sap to some sort of container for easy use. Putting them down in the coconut pile, he reaches up to wipe his head and...

GREAT! AWESOME! FANTASTIC!

There's one stuck on his finger, because of his earlier experiment. It's REALLY clinging on. Swinging his hand, it's not giving whatsoever. ]


... hey, could you help me with this...

[ Help a monkey out? ]
topkong: gaelriz (11)

[personal profile] topkong 2016-04-16 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ ... ?! ]

No! No, I mean... look. I believe you. Just be gentle, okay?

[ Wukong's all about Sorey proving his sword as a tool for healing rather than a weapon, but not like that! He'd rather be the test animal for this experiment. So he closes his eyes and tears open his uniform (thank goodness he has so many extra ones in his room)... ]

Just be quick.
twosidedsword: (Derp Derp)

[personal profile] twosidedsword 2016-04-16 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
[He shakes his head. Nope. He never trained Ao to do anything at all. She's just always known how to respond to him.

It's why she's been a good companion to him.

And why he misses her so much now.]
couldntpullthetrigger: (pic#10154389)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-04-16 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, that thing Fuuka never wanted to be. Yukari has very little time to figure out what they're doing, so she grabs a second arrow, and holds it in her drawing hand. She might be the one that has to do it fast...

And then there is fire, and Yukari looses the wind-based attack of her bow, creating a hellacious tailwind that knocks a chunk of the birds into either those that tried to dodge, or straight into others, knocking them into the fire, leaving a column in the middle.

And then, sufficiently funneled, she nocks the other arrow, and looses it right into the middle, tearing birds from the sky.

There's not many left afterward, but really...

Then...

Yukari squawks.
] Ew! We're kneeling in it!

[Yep.]
twosidedsword: (Who?  Me?)

[personal profile] twosidedsword 2016-04-16 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
He...was going to assume that cancer was something bad. It wasn't a word that he recognized, after all. But since it was a negative consequence of being out in the sun...

Anyway, he looked down at his extremely pale hands. "I'm not..."

Tan. He's not tan. He's wondering if that's good or not.
twosidedsword: (Actually A Cinnamon Roll)

[personal profile] twosidedsword 2016-04-16 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
The Hall...

[It's public over at the Hall of Glory he means. Everyone bathes together there.

But he nods and goes over to where he can put his clothes and just starts stripping down. No big deal here. Just gotta get these off so he can get himself in the water, you know.

With that done, he grabs a towel and goes to get into the water.]
tsyoon: (meganbmoore1)

[personal profile] tsyoon 2016-04-16 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
That sounds really helpful, yes! How do you find out what your affinity is? [ Yoon presses, excited to finally be making some sort of ground... even if he hasn't really learned anything yet. Having someone willing to teach him is exciting all on its own though. ]