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!

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[ That's... a rather bold thing to claim, but he trusts Saber and her serious countenance. She seems to be the sort to know what she's talking about. However, he still can't shake his worry now that they've actually started talking. ]

Alright. [ He's leaving it in her hopefully-capable hands for now. And since he doesn't want to be rude... ] Could I have your name?

[ She's independent blond girl that needs no man, especially blond ones! This has been a rather nice encounter. Good man, she thinks as he's about to take his leave. There's some surprise when he asks for her name, making her perk up a bit. ]

Yes, you may. [ HER NAME?? Well... ] You may call me Saber. What is yours if you don't mind my asking?

[ Saber.

It's evident in his expression that it means something to him - yet another Servant amongst them, but one he does not recognize. One that Master has not called. ]

I go by the name of Assassin. [ Which basically confirms both their identities to each other. ] Does the word 'Holy Grail' mean anything to you, Lady Saber?

[ He's optimistic that she wouldn't try to stab him on sight, but whether she thinks the same of him is another question altogether. ]

... Yes. [ She looks at him with utmost surprise, but recovers fairly quickly. She has been in two wars and this is an assassin she hasn't seen before. However, it does occur to her that if she is summoned, then others would be, too.

Luckily, she hasn't tried to stab him. With the Grail. Super Lucky. ]

It would seem that I need to start differentiating your names. I know of another Assassin. [ Kojiro fake servant swallow dude. ]

I apologize for not bringing this up before - I have not met you before, Lady Saber. We are not summoned here for a war.

[ That, he thinks, is the most important thing to establish right now. If they are both Heroes, it's important that they work together. ]

We are not the only Servants here, either. There is another Assassin here as well. Both of us served under the same Master.

[ Maybe that would ping Saber's memory? There are Servants that his Master has met but not summoned. She may be one of them. ]

Edited 2016-04-17 13:50 (UTC)

... Is that so? [ Okay, this just fucked up whatever she thought she knew? She has always been under the assumption that Kojiro was the one she knew from her war and she definitely doesn't remember this man. While Caster has a lot of mana, she doesn't think... it's possible to summon more.

She's quiet, not sure of what to say. It's apparent to her that the Assassin she thought she knew is not the same. It doesn't bother her, but this is all what the fuck nasu. ]

It doesn't change that I look forward to fighting by your side, Assassin. Even if we come from different backgrounds and experiences, I am sure we can overcome. [ Dodges the topic so fast. Then again, she's rather accepting of all this strange stuff. ]

[ Saber is very receptive. If anything, he counts it as a boon, as evident by the smile on his face becoming more firm. ]

Thank you, Saber. I am glad, there is much that needs to be done here. Not only helping the people, but unraveling the mystery of why we are here. I trust that we both have duties to our Masters that we need to return to.

[ Unless she doesn't have one right now, then hopefully that statement would get her to provide an answer. ]

I could introduce you to him, if you prefer. He can be quick-witted, but I believe he has a good heart. [ That probably doesn't help Saber identify who Kojiro is, but it's Henry's own opinion. But she's still standing with wet clothes, so... ] If you have some business here, I apologise for holding you up. If this is not appropriate, we could talk another time.

[ He's hoping that she would talk more to him, but he wouldn't force her company out of conscience. ]

[ To the master bit, she only nods. There's no reason to dump unnecessary information of her predicament especially when it's possibly not relevant to Henry's inquiries. ]

I know of the samurai--possibly another version of him. [ The grail works in ways beyond her imagination in case that it's a different version from the one she met. It's all new to her, but nothing beyond her understanding. ] Unless you mean there is someone else.

I do not mind we talk this over maybe some tea--[ Money. ] Water. I am rather curious and I'm sure it would benefit the both of us.

[ So she does know of Kojiro! That's interesting. She may be someone from his time, but then again Japanese history seemed to contradict that. Perhaps they fought together in some other situation - that's what he decides. ]

The Assassin with a skill to cut down a flying swallow. Is he who you speak of?

[ When she mentions tea and abruptly changes it to water, it's not difficult to grasp what she means. ]

I have some tea with me, Saber. I can make us some - but after you have changed, perhaps?

[ Being here longer means he has a bit more money, and as an English guy he's bound to have at least a few tins lying around. ]

Yes. [ Kojiro, despite obscure, has impressed her for the most part. She will never forget that man... Anyway, the mention of her clothes gets her to look back down to see she's still drenched, leaving a puddle at her position. It's a little embarrassing, now that she considers it. They are having a serious conversation...

And it's like she's underdressed. ]

Of course. Where shall we rendezvous? Or should I return here?

[ If anything, Henry isn't looking. ]

Anywhere that is convenient for you. I have no other commitments for the day.

[ It feels weird asking her to come to his room, though - so maybe it'd be better if it was outside and somewhere with a table so he can bring tea. ]

Do you have a tea flavour preference?

I am not fond of a flavor in particular... [ Any tea is fine for her, really. However, she knows that isn't helpful, so she'll think of one. ]

Earl Grey? [ It has been a while. ] However, anything in your disposal will be appreciated.

I will meet you at the nearby park. [ She has interests in seeing all of the things, so it would benefit her as well. With that, she'll bow out and go get a change of clothes before meeting him in dry clothes at said destination. ]

[ Earl Grey. That's easy to get. ]

Alright. I will prepare the tea. [ He wouldn't dare to keep her waiting here any longer, after all. ] Till then, Lady Saber.

[ When she leaves, he would be returning to his own rooms as well. Brewing the tea is easy enough, what with his care to bring a portable flask and kettle about. Securing a second cup, however, is a slight problem - and he ends up purchasing another to bring with him.

He would arrive at the entrance of the park about twenty minutes later, flask in hand as well as other things in a small carrying bag. If Saber wasn't here first, he would wait ant the conspicuous location. ]

[ She is a simple one most of the time. Anyway, she makes haste with getting changed and gets to the park as soon as possible. ]

Assassin. [ She calls out to him as he walks over, now wearing the skirt version of the uniform. The man probably only arrived a minute ago, but it's not like she knows that. ]

I hope I didn't keep you waiting. [ Please go in first, sir. She is a knight and will escort you. ]

[ And he's a gentleman and he wants to escort you too...! ]

You did not. Shall we?

[ He'll lead the way into the park, looking for an unoccupied table or pavilion where they can sit. Once he's found one, he'll set his things down and start pouring tea for the both of them.

There's a bit of silence now, though, as he tries to think of something to say. ]

Did you just arrive in Caissa, Saber? I've been here a while. If there's anything I can help with, please let me know.

Thank you, Assassin. [ She'll hold onto her cup with both hands, not lifting it above the table just yet. The fragrance of the tea brings her memories, but she keeps them to herself and instead focuses on the other man, an Assassin she doesn't know. ]

Yes, recently. Anything would be helpful, actually. All of this is... Overwhelming. [ Despite saying that, she seems to be adapting fine. Let her take a sip and look elegant here. ]

[ To that, he nods. Relaying information is something he's good at. ]

This is a foreign land named Blanc, on the planet of Enprise. It is very far from our homeworld of Earth, I have asked around about it to no avail. We, along with many others from different worlds altogether, have been summoned here by their gods to aid this country's people. They are at war with another nation that seeks to invade and take this country for their own.

[ That's the main gist of it, anyway. ]

This world has mana in itself, presumably this is why we can exist without being linked to our Masters. However, it seems that a way to return has not yet been found. I have been researching to find very little answers. We may have to bide our time until an avenue opens up. Till then, the people here wishes us to become their protectors, for they have only a small army.

[ There's a bit more elaboration here about the people who's in charge, as well as what's happened in the previous month - mostly observations and things that Henry deems important enough for Saber's understanding. He doesn't want to inconvenience her, after all. ]

Were you given a Carrier and some sort of weapon as well? I believe we are intended to use them. The Carrier helps us coordinate, and our weapon is for us to fight in place of our Noble Phantasms. There is a sizeable learning curve, from what I've seen.

Edited 2016-05-03 15:25 (UTC)

[ She listens intently, nodding every once in a while to show that she's understanding each detail. It isn't hard to follow along, if anything, it's all comforting how similar it feels to their own world--for the most part. She listens intently on the happenings of previous months and the names of those in charge, appreciative of Henry's attention to detail and priorities.

It's only does he fall onto the last part. ]

... Yes. [ She looks over to her lion cub that has been hiding all this time around other objects. It's across the park watching them behind a bush. ]

A weapon to fight. [ So Sour. ] I would rather be given a normal sword.

[ It's a sentiment he can very much understand. He's seen other Heroes being given impractical weapons - he counts himself lucky that his was actually fitting to his usual combat style. ]

I believe it is possible to purchase one in the city. It might be pricey, but it's attainable. I can assist you.

[ For a Servant to be deprived of their very class identifier... it's ironic, really. ]

Thank you for your kindness, Assassin. [ It's actually a lot more than she expected from a stranger servant. Even if they're all supposed to work together.

But she ain't a hussie. ]

However, you do not need to burden yourself. I will purchase one myself in due time. [ She sounds SURE ABOUT THIS and there's no way he can convince her aside from buying it without her permission. Also not a good idea.

She sips her tea and they will probably discuss mundane stuff and talk shit about servants here, etc. Then take their leaves like graceful gentlemen. ]

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intro ♚ april

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