pawnstorm | intro ♚ april

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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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Shinoa, are you alright...because Gilbert isn't. Heck, he's not even sure what he should say to that.

(At the same time he's thankful he wasn't snagged from his world while he was drunk, it would be so embarrassing...)

It feels like he should say something, though. Some clarification from their new roommate (unless he just had gotten lost and had flopped on the first free bed he saw) would be appreciated.]

What she said. Who are you, anyway? And how did you end up here?

Ahhhh. Pigeon-san, do you have my sake?

[The thing makes a noise that seems to say no and Jiroutachi wilts. Standing up, he casually wraps the blanket around his waist. He is taller than both of his new roommates and it looks like he's all muscle too. With that done, he shakes his hair back behind him and lifts a hand to give a wave.]

I'm the pretty Jiroutachiiiiii! I'm an Oodachi which is why I'm so big! [He leans forward like he's telling them a secret.] But I'm not bigger than my big brother. [He gives them a wink then stands straight again, tilting his head cutely.] I love alcohol, especially sake! I hope we can drink together lots!

[Jiroutachi, they didn't ask for all that information. And you still didn't say how you ended up here.]

Oh! And I woke up here! Helloooooo.

[The only thing he tells them that they didn't already know is his name. And that he's apparently a big sword. Is that supposed to be an euphemism?? She has the faint impression of the term- thinks it might be a type of old sword- but can't remember much more about it. Is it a euphemism???

His top half is definitely very handsome. In fact all of him is. But Shinoa is busy dealing with her new knowledge of the male anatomy, which is so much of a turnoff it nullifies everything else. Not to mention he's drunk off his butt. That's also kind of severely disappointing.]

Is that a euphemism? It wasn't that big. [You have literally no frame of reference Shinoa] Anyway, you're stuck here, this is an army there is a war, which means probable death! (Basically the same thing happened to us happened to him, Gil-chan. They must've run out of empty rooms.)

[The last line is said to Gilbert. She's emphasizing her words to Jiroutachi like he's a five-year-old because she's assuming that his default maturity level. The sword term might've implied he had experience with weapons, and he could definitely put those muscles to good use, but it's not like any swordsman worth his salt calls himself a sword.]

[The fact that it might have been a euphemism didn't cross his mind even once, but now that she mentions it, Gilbert takes a look...NO, we're not going this way (yet??). Which doesn't mean he can't be blushing when Jirou stands up.

They got a more or less proper introduction, at least. He still doesn't exactly know how to answer that, so he just nods in response.]

Yes, it's pretty dangerous out there. Getting drunk isn't a really good idea...

[Which makes him wonder if Jirou is even sober at this very moment. Eventually, he turns to Shinoa:]

I suppose so. Do you think it's safe to let him go out alone...?

[They're busy talking about dangerous this and dangerous that. And wars and death and something something boring because it's not alcohol. Getting drunk isn't good idea? Please.

So, Jiroutachi is just casually dropping the blanket to the floor and looking the Jirou between his legs. It doesn't look like it's gotten smaller. He jumps a couple of times and it still looks the same. Pretty long to go with how he's pretty long.

Yep, looks good enough for him.

He has no sense of shame, guys. Sorry.]

They've stuck people with no battle experience here, so. [Shinoa shrugs.] He's just going to have to figure it out, and if he doesn't figure it out I guess he'll die. If anyone's died they haven't made much of a fuss over it, so it's probably not a problem.

[Shinoa seems to have no problem predicting this acquaintance's end right in front of him. Death is a fact of life, guys. What she does have problem with is how he's naked again when she looks back, and she buries her face in the blankets with a scream.]

Clothes, or I'm getting my weapon!

[Showing her cold side right off the bat...Gilbert's surprised by her statement, but he can't really argue with that. While they're talking, in the corner of his eye he notices Jirou...doing...something...IS HE EVEN FOR REAL?]

There's an uniform on your bed! Put it on this instant!!

[He may or may not be averting his gaze from their new roommate who's quite busy examining his body.

Gilbert just hopes that this guy can do at least that much.]

[There's a slow blink of those golden eyes as he watches them both freak out over a little nudity. They really are just children. Jiroutachi smiles at them both, thoroughly amused, then quickly gets dressed. Of course, with them hiding how are they supposed to know that he's not naked anymore and that he dressed so nimbly?

Not bad for a drunk guy, right?

Oh and he loves his carrier by the way. There might have been a giggle and him naming the thing Tarou-chan before he lives it on the bed. So he can go over to the young man. And drape himself on him, arms wrapped around him like he just loooooooves his new roommate.]

No fair, no faaaaaair! I don't know your names! How are we supposed to drink as friends if I don't know your names?

[Shinoa literally is just a child!!!! Look at her she's tiny!!!! Only five feet tall!!!

Shinoa peeks to make sure he's dressed, then lifts her head with a sigh. She would ask for some affection too, maybe, except this new guy leaves a lot to be desired.]

I don't think Gil-chan like cuddles.

[The first time she used that nickname on him he'd turned bright red, so.]

I'm Shinoa. Do you like meeting people? Do you want to meet my Carrier?

[I don't think Gil-chan likes cuddles is putting it mildly. Once Jirou shamelessly wraps his arms around him, Gilbert doesn't even move an inch, trying to take a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

The worst part is that it doesn't work, so instead he just lets out a shriek that could wake everyone in neighboring rooms for sure.]

GILBERT!! I'M GILBERT!!

[How elaborate. But it's the best he can do...

Speaking of carriers, Gilbert's own carrier—which happens to be a small, fat crow—peeks out from one of the pockets on Gil's uniform, really curious about the commotion in the room.]

Aren't you...a little...too close!!

Shi-chan, I think that Gi-chan is embarrassed!

[Those are their names now. They have to live with them.

Jirou gives Gil an extra cuddle just because he's gone to such an effort to scream like a little child of someone snuggling up to him like this. Really he's just asking for someone to troll him and here is one sword obviously ready to provide.

Besides, don't think he hasn't noticed that mana exchange happening even if he has no idea what mana is yet.]

Gi-chan, if you keep flailing you'll forget to tell me where we can get alcohol!

[Yes, he's still going on about that.]

[Gilbert's internal meltdown is very amusing to watch. Shinoa pulls up part of the blanket to giggle into it, and the giggle turns into a steady bubble of laughter as Jiroutachi addresses her. He just did in under five minutes what she hasn't seen anyone manage in a month; make her roommate scream.

She was going to set her vulture on Jiroutachi, but this is too good to interrupt. Sorry Gilbert.]

You think rightly, Ji-chan. [Nicknaming her is clear invitation for her to nickname him back. Okay, maybe this guy is good for a few things after all.]

[It gets pretty external, though...especially after the extra cuddle. And it seems like he can't really count on anyone to come to his help.

Which makes him flail ever harder, obviously.]

Hey, what's with the nicknames?!

[This isn't his biggest problem right now, but still he feels like it needs to be addressed right away.]

And I'm not telling you where you can get alcohol, Jirou...Ji-chan!!

[HA, TAKE THAT.]

[Gil. Do you know who is currently holding you? I bet you don't. But Shinoa can sure see the way his face shifts for juuuuust a second at the mention of him not getting alcohol. What's that look? Who knows but it sure suggests that he's not as stupid as he's acting.

But then he's pouting and nuzzling his cheek right against the boy's. Because that's just how you get someone to tell you where the booze is, right?]

Gi-chaaaaaaan! That's not how you treat friends! I even put clothes on like you two wanted me to! Hmmmm...

[Pretending to think and...]

Ah! What if I carry you around until you tell me!

[Don't think he can't do it, Gil. You saw his muscles. He was naked not that long ago.]

[Ji-chan is a man with a mission. Watching her roommates cuddle is hilarious- not to mention a little awkward now that she's slowly realizing that this just a real-life version of one of those BL novels rare enough after the apocalypse to be luxuries- and the thought occurs to her that maybe she should help.

Maaaybe? It's an option.

She thinks on it, and the conclusion is to pose a question to Jiroutachi (it's.... a start)-]

What're you willing to do for alcohol, Ji-chan?

[Is there a brain in his skull? Inquiring minds want to know. Talking about Jirou's one established interest may yet bring a semi-intelligent answer.]

YOU'RE SO NOT ALLOWED TO DO THAT!

[When will he realize that getting worked up about all this is making things even worse for him? Maybe after a while.

Blissfully unaware of what's going in Shinoa's mind (if he knew he'd run away as fast as he could, most likely), he's trying to push Jirou away, but he needs to put a little more strength to it if he wants to succeed, because as for now, he's poking him more than anything.]

There's only one answer to that, I suppose...will you leave me alone if I show you?

[He still doubts it's a good idea, but does he have any choice, really?]

[Shinoa. You have his attention.

Gilbert. You're being ignored. And cuddled. Congrats.]

What did you have in mind, Shi-chan?

[Really there's nothing more to add here. Alcohol is on the brain and Shinoa seems to be offering a way to get him some. Maybe. Hopefully.

Please before sober comes.]

[Woah, look at that serious face. So maybe he has to be constantly bribed by alcohol, but at least it's something the army can work with. She deserves an award.]

Make me an offer? It's time to see how much attention you paid to our interests through this conversation!

Or you can convince me you really need that alcohol. Like, how much do you need it right now? You'd-burn-down-a-building need it? I'd rather not waste. Getting you the stuff is not gonna be free, y'know.

[She really means money, which is depleting fast, but she's young enough that anything more than a thousand colle sounds endless. How much could booze cost, right?]

[Clearing his throat a few times doesn't help at all, it seems. He's still here, guys. Trying to get your attention, but how is he supposed to win with booze? There's simply no way he would be able to do that.]

Just remember that she's underage...!

[Please? He's not as lively in Jirou's arms as he was a few moments ago, at least. Is being calm the key?]

And I think you should get your weap—

[Is giving a weapon to Jiroutachi right now a really good idea? Probably not, that's why he stops in the middle of the sentence.]

[He's not really got a good concept of what underage means, Gil. He's a sword.]

Underage? Because she's Tantou sized?

[Yeah that's...pretty much his only frame of reference here sadly.

Anyway, he thinks about that and looks over. Riiiiight. His sword isn't here. That's a little odd to not have the sword of himself for him who is a sword to hold onto. (Don't ask.) Humming, he considers that before looking at the girl again, chin on Gil's shoulder.]

Hmmm? Making an offer of someone who you saw literally has nothing doesn't seem very wise. Unless you're thinking of having a servant. In that case, this sword happens to have a master already. [He gives her a calm and steady smile. Would you believe he actually is quite drunk off his ass currently?]

I don't like to be sober, Shi-chan.

[Then the silliness is back and he giggles.] Gi-chan! You said weapons!

[So he can be bribed into use. Well, semi-use. Time will tell if he's only sounding coherent. She can work with this!

If he can be somewhat useful while being drunk off his ass, Shinoa doesn't care if he's drunk off his ass.]

Okay, let's get you some alcohol! Tell me more about your master on the way. How does he wield you, exactly?

[She reaches into her pockets to count the colle she has on hand.]

Don't worry, Gil-chan. I'm not planning to drink. [Much. She's not opposed to a few sips, if she can get away with it.] We can just give him the money and he can get it himself from the stores!

Oh, we might have to arm him first before the army lets him go, though.

Shi...Shinoa?!

[As much as Gilbert didn't want to be included in the Jirou + Shinoa + alcohol equation, he couldn't just let them go alone, could he? Someone has to be an adult here. Yes, that's right.

He has to admit that he's a bit curious about Jirou's master, too.]

We'll better go with him...I mean, just look at him. He'll get into trouble in no time, I'm sure of it.

[Talking like Jirou's hasn't been draping over him for a while now and couldn't hear him, that's rude, Gil.]

Alcohol! Drinks!

[He lets go of Gil to go gather up Tarou-chan who is making squeaks of excitement. Oooooh boy. There are two lushes living in this room. And both of them think alcohol for breakfast is a GREAT IDEA.

This is your life now, you two. This is your life.]

Swords like me have been brought in and given bodies like this so we can fight demons. So I go and slash them. Not that I like to because all that activity sobers me up pretty fast.

[Apparently he can fight.]

Where are the weapons?

[It's finally starting to make sense.] Ooh. So.... they turn you into a human and then give you another sword to fight with?? [It's arguably a legitimate way to extend manpower, but couldn't they turn rocks into people or something to save on swords?

Anyway.]

Pigeon! [She snaps her fingers in a business like manner to their room nanny, who ruffles its wings with a whrrrr and flies with an intent to land on Jirou's shoulder.

"About time. Welcome, new Hero, allow me to give you a tour of the Hall you'll be staying at during your time here....."]

Gil-chan, do you know if they serve alcohol at the dining hall? That'll save us the trouble of going out to find a bar.

[FINALLY FREE, thank you Tarou-chan! Gilbert's in your debt. He even smiles (but only briefly!!) at the squeaking carrier, taking a few steps away, just to make sure he's not in Jirou's reach.

It's unbelievable that someone so carefree is supposed to fight demons but Gilbert doesn't say that out loud. Most likely, he wouldn't be heard anyway.]

No. Actually, even bringing alcohol in is forbidden. I guess we'll have to go out later to get some...

But I still don't think it's a good idea to let him drink...

[You're no fun, Gil.]

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