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 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.]

[You thought you were out of his reach? That's adorable! He's taller than you!

And has an arm around you again.]

Gi-chan! Don't be silly. You should totally let me drink lots and lots of alcohol!

[He giggles then maybe possibly kisses his cheek. Assuming it's not dodged. But the attempt is there.

After that his attention is on the bird.]

Thank you, Pi-san! I will listen to everything you say!

[Good thing too because the bird is now leading them toward the weapons area.]

That'd be impractical. We'd need considerable authority to enforce an alcohol ban on Ji-chan, or other means to obtain considerable brute force.

[A lot of brute force, look at those muscles. Shinoa sneaks a glance back at Jiroutachi, remembers what she'd seen earlier, and looks away NOPE NOPE NEVERMIND.]

If Blanc bribes him into cooperating, everyone's happy! [except gilbert maybe.]

Hff, I guess we'll have to pop by a bar on the way to the Airy. Shouldn't be too hard! Sorry about the wait, Ji-chan.

[The pigeon directs Jiroutachi through the halls, narrating about Hero Hall and the history of Blanc. Shinoa follows idly, since one roommate is dragging the other along anyway. The exposition sounds exactly like what the bird gave them last month.]

[As much as he'd like to dodge the cheek kiss, his struggle is futile because his life is suffering.]

Why don't you hug Shinoa!!

[This strategy is destined to be a failure, though—the pigeon is already about to start the tour, so there's simply no time for that.]

They should have plenty on the Airy. But it's still...

[Still too early, but never mind. It's impossible to make them change their minds, isn't it?

He needs a cigarette. Now. This is just too much for his nerves. Actually, he remembers that he should have some of them left in the pocket and a lighter in another.]

Ugh, I need a break...

[Gilbert is saved when Jirou has to let go to go get himself a weapon. Which turns out to be a very, very long sword. He's hugging it with a hum before going over to Shinoa.]

Would you like a ride? Then we can both make Gi-chan cuddle with us!

[He's offering you the chance to help him troll Gilbert, Shinoa. What is your decision? Because he'll totally just lower himself down if the answer is yes!

This is totally not what Gilbert wanted when he said Jirou should hug Shinoa. Isn't that great?]

[She's tempted. Rides don't come by every day, but Jiroutachi's reputation as Previously Naked Man has not entirely faded, and she's not too thrilled to go near a guy whose silliness puts Shinya Hiiragi to shame.]

I don't know.... I don't know you that well yet. I only want a hug from Gil-chan!

[She says it unflinchingly, turning to smile cheekily at Gilbert. But at least to her merit she doesn't show any sign of being about to pounce.]

[Listening to their conversation makes him think whether the cigarettes he has will be enough. Probably not.

The two of them seem to be in good mood, at least.]

I'm not giving hugs to anyone... [Mumble, mumble.] I just want to get over with it...I can't believe I'm saying that. [Mumble, mumble.] Let's look for the Airy. We're done here, right?

[Awwww. Did you think you were immune to cuddles because Jirou's been trolling Gil, Shinoa? That's adorable!

And wrong.

So wrong.

Jiroutachi immediately gives her a BIG hug and a nuzzle to her cheek before just dancing off with sword in hand and carrier on his shoulder. Lalala~ He's heard the Airy has alcohol! He's been paying more attention than you think!]

Thank you, Pi-san! See you when we get home!

[At least Shinoa doesn't fly off the handle like Gilbert- she struggles a bit, clearly not expecting the hug, but only grumbles about it when she's let go. It's not.... bad.... but she's petty and so she's going to complain about it.]

Gross, that was a gross hug. I'm sure Gil-chan gives better hugs than you!

[Gil-chan doesn't even give hugs, but okay.

As she watches Jiroutachi dance away she glances to Gilbert with a question.]

Are we going to go with him to the Airy or let him navigate on his own?

[Y'know.... the Airy doesn't provide free alcohol, does it... if they manage to lose their teammate, Shinoa still gets to keep her money. And Jirou can do the dance of the newly-arrived Hero trying to acquire goods and services while penniless.]

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