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

That depends on what man you refer to. If you would call one a man at all.

[It could be Gilgamesh or Kirei, though if the aura in the air is anything to go by...she means the latter. Of course she hates him, and in turn despises her.

It's almost enough to give her a small smile. Enjoying herself, just like he would.]

You wouldn't remember me. When I came to Fuyuki, there was a time anomly. I did what I could to end it.

[She inclines her head.]

But it is a pleasure, Saber. I'm sure we will fight well together.

[ She doesn't specify which man. In the end, she thinks it's not worth the clarity. She feels almost similarly to both Kirei and Gilgamesh, so... Anyway, wot the fok did u say m8? The time anomaly gets a perplexed look out of Saber. She shouldn't be surprised... They come from such a twisted world.

She recollects herself with a small nod. ] We are fellow Heroes with the same objective now. I look forward to the time where I can fight alongside you.

[ Even if though she has her doubts. ]

... Were you here for milk as well, Caren? [ A better, lighter topic. ]

[They might as well be the same, though one is grosser then the other. Which one is that, it's hard to decide. But...eh. There's only so much Caren can enjoy Artoria's discomfort when she's standing all the way over there.

Get back here you and come look at the milk and its by products.]

We'll work well together, I think. Your master and I did.

[Sort of. It's complicated. But oh, yes, milk.]

But yes, I did. It's an interesting variety. But I can't be certain if any of these would be better than the other when it comes to neutralizing spice.

[ She's so creeped out. This is not cool? She'll let it pass over, but it's obvious on her face for a couple of seconds. Milk is a better topic. It is.

Even if you're talking to Kirei 2.0! Actually, wouldn't that make this topic even worse? Unbearable even? Caren's presence is still... pressuring. ]

I wonder if the wasabi milk would only cause the opposite. [ It's a perplexing concept. ] The idea of drinking it after eating mapo tofu sounds disastrous.

[It's so cool, it's chill. Caren is enjoying herself far too much, and it shows. But ah...look, she's following with the whole wasabi and mapo tofu conversation even!

...she might be Kirei 2.0, but she's a polite version. When it suits her.]

You would only end up with your nose and your mouth on fire. Your throat might close up if you don't have the tolerance for the heat.

[Thoughtfully, she adds:]

As a torture device? I think you have stumbled across a wonderful idea, Saber.

[ 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.

[Wow someone doesn't know how to take teasing. But then again it was about food. Can't abide that, it's pure stomach churning awfulness.

Caren's mouth twitches.]

I wasn't planning to. [Not yet. And, innocently: ] How should food be used?

[ Did she ever really meet Saber? Saber is not one for jokes! Especially jokes about food...! ]

It should be made carefully. [ A stern nod. She has strong feelings about this. ] You should make and share food with your allies and loved ones.

[ Strong Feelings. ]

[Saber is entirely too serious, especially about food. Take a lesson from Alter Saber and enjoy a hamburger or two.]

Carefully?

[She tilts her head.]

It would be carefully offered, if it's torture. But perhaps...should I offer then, to make you a meal someday?

[ She has never eaten a hamburger yet, but perhaps in this life she'll be graced with one. While she's one for food, the offering from Caren comes with suspicion... ]

That is not necessary. [ Don't poison her, priestess!!! ] Perhaps you can cook for your roommates instead as a housewarming gift.

[ Throws them under the bus. ]

Maybe I will. But I'd want to serve them my best.

[Smooth priestess is totally smooth.]

I would need someone of talent and truly distinguishing palate to taste test for me.

[ Is this temptation? She's feeling distress signals not from someone else, but herself. There's something that tells her This Isn't A Good Idea, but she's considering that she may be prejudice and she should set her differences aside.

She's going to have to tolerate Caren eventually, so possibly... maybe... THERE IS A SIGH OF DREAD. ]

If you do not find someone, I... Would not mind volunteering if I fit your prerequisites. [ She minds, but we are here. ]

[It's temptation to do something all right. Most likely it is to run but...thankfully for Caren's sake, she's talking to a nice person. Not a reasonable one, but a nice one.

And she's working towards a compromise too. It's a good thing.]

You would, I assure you.

[She's smiling. It's a charming expression, isn't it?]

And I would be most thankful. Truly. I promise there would be no wasabi milk and mapo tofu during this taste test.

[But what would there be...hamburger?]

[ As charming as Kirei's speech if Saber ever heard it. She's in a rather sour mood about this in general, but there's a deep breath in and out. One must stay strong in front of any adversary. ]

What did you have in mind then? If you don't mind my asking. [ At least to put her mind at peace. ]

[What a Judgey Mcjugderson. But she might be right to be so worried.]

I don't mind. But I'm not entirely certain, since I don't know the food staples.

[Thoughtfully:]

Pasta, perhaps?

[ Saber is one of prejudice and pride, get it? Either way, she seems pinged by the prospect of a different type of cuisine. While she is familiar with pasta, Shirou has never made it for her.

Her interests. They are piqued. ]

Pasta... I never took you for a chef, Caren. [ You look like a hooker kind of like your father. Just kidding. ]

[And pride and prejudice. Too bad they didn't get her in one of those lovely dresses either. (But it seems that no one here is like Medea.)]

Out of necessity, I assure you.

[Please, hookers get paid.]

But I know a few different kinds. It's more of an issue to see if I would have the right components to make what I know, or if I would have to adapt.

[ No one needs to be like Medea and we don't need to relive those indecent moments, okay. The talk about food definitely calms her down from her earlier distress. Caren is also becoming rather tolerable when she isn't trying to creep on others. ]

I'm sure you would be able to find resources. This... place seems to be bustling. It's strange being able to experience all of this. [ Saber has only been tied to the events of the grail for so long, it's all so different. ]

[But Saber, it made you look like a morning lily. At least Caren isn't trying to actively back the Servant into a corner.]

It's certainly possible. And it is possible too that some of the meals I found bland before could be livened up.

[Read: spicy as heck and likely to burn the unwary like souls being pulled into Hade's realm.]

This is a new experience for me as well. Air planes are nothing like this, and the way people operate here, of all places...

[Her eyes narrow, before relaxing.]

It disturbs me.

[Mostly because it's so happy and cheerful. It's enough to make her want to casually ruin someone's day. Possibly with murder. Maybe two murders. That'd be fun.]

... It disturbs you? [ She's keen on the atmosphere change, it almost startles her. With a slight glower, she looks over to Caren. She never conversed with her father, let alone stayed close to him. Avoiding the church had been her way to put distance yet there's this woman here that gives off the same vibe.

But she's young. ] Are you uncomfortable...?

[ She's wondering if there's something she can do to rid of this Kirei feeling. ]

Yes. I usually am. There's nothing to be done about it.

[Her shoulders lift in a slight shrug. She isn't even aware of how much she's producing the priest vibe. Caren is more thinking of how happy and cheerful everything is. It's awful. Disturbing. But there is a certain comfort that comes with self denial.]

It's no fault of your own, Saber. My apologies.

... There's no need to apologize, Caren. I am only concerned. [ Even if it isn't her fault, she wishes to be able to do something. She's already stripped of her sword, given a protective grail, and it would do her good if she can do something for others. Even if it's the daughter of someone she finds insufferable. ]

Is there anything on the Airy that catches your attention? [ Just in general... Saber may accompany her to wherever she wishes. ]

I'm aware. However...

[She sighs, before she takes in a few steps. Closer, and closer, so she's in Saber's space, and able to touch her. A gentle hand to brush over her cheek, if the once and future king allows it.]

I would dislike to force more of my presence on you when it makes you so uncomfortable. We should start off light with one another.

[She's smiling a little as she makes to back off.]

It was truly a pleasure to see you again.

[ She would be lying if Caren's presence wasn't off-putting to her, but there's this pang of guilt in her chest. The other woman hasn't done anything to her, yet Saber is here placing the expectations of her father onto her. So far now, she allows the gently brush as much as it's not something she would approve. It is something she can at least grant for her own insolence. ]

I apologize, Caren. [ That's all she can say because there's no justification aside from that small sense of fear. This person remembers her, yet she can't recall even one memory of the priestess. There is a small bow. ]

Perhaps another time. [ She will do her best to get along... For the most part. However, this is all quite considerate of Saber's state. Something she wasn't expecting. ] Thank you.

You owe me no apologies, and no thanks.

[She turns, but even as she moves to walk away, Caren offers a small smile over her shoulder.

Truly, she had meant to make the other woman feel a little off center, cause a bit of discomfort. After all, there was little else that would make this meeting enjoyable.]

But...it truly was a pleasure. Take care.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

intro ♚ april

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