BOARDMASTER (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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pawnstorm2016-05-08 12:00 pm
boardmaster) wrote in pawnstorm2016-05-08 12:00 pm
Entry tags:
- !intro,
- !job,
- aigis (persona),
- aisha clanclan (outlaw star),
- akito/agito wanijima (air gear),
- allelujah haptism (mobile suit gundam 00,
- allen walker (d.grayman),
- anakin skywalker (star wars),
- arjuna (fate/),
- artoria pendragon (fate/),
- bolin (legend of korra),
- chloe (lacrimosa),
- cirno (touhou project),
- gaius (fire emblem: awakening),
- gilgamesh (fate/),
- hajime hinata (dangan ronpa 2),
- haruna (kantai collection),
- henry jekyll (fate/),
- ichigo hitofuri (touken ranbu),
- illidan stormrage (warcraft),
- irisviel von einzbern (fate/),
- jolyne kujo (jjba),
- juzumaru tsunetsugu (touken ranbu),
- kaede (elfen lied),
- kasen kanesada (touken ranbu),
- kojirou sasaki (fate/),
- lapis fathalla (original character),
- lola pacini (degrassi),
- luna (zero escape),
- makoto sako (devil survivor 2),
- minato arisato (persona),
- namazuo toushirou (touken ranbu),
- naruto uzumaki (naruto),
- natasha romanova (avengers academy),
- nobunaga oda (fate/),
- nora (nora),
- one (drakengard 3),
- patricia watson (skullgirls),
- sakura (fire emblem: fates),
- sakura haruno (naruto),
- sasuke uchiha (naruto),
- scathach (fate/),
- setsuna f. seiei (mobile suit gundam 00),
- shin-ah (akatsuki no yona),
- shinn asuka (mobile suit gundam seed),
- sion astal (lolheroes),
- souji seta (persona),
- vietnam (axis powers hetalia),
- wukong (league of legends),
- xander (fire emblem: fates),
- yukari takeba (persona)
intro ♚ may
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.
WARNING: Contains death and related graphic descriptions.
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 ♟ P.S. I Love You
It's a perfectly ordinary morning in Caissa. Enprise’s two suns peer over the horizon and smack into your face through the large bay window. At half past six in the morning, the floor nanny’s built-in alarm goes off and plays Prime Minister Teddy’s hit song Love Me Like Your Doughnuts. Once everyone in their rooms is up and awake, this mechanical pigeon announces that letters and small packages have been delivered to every Hero’s personal box in the mailroom. Yes, even you, Naked Newcomer! These letters are from the Heroes’ many fans all over Blanc. No matter who you are, there are small tokens of appreciation attached to the letters: these may include candies shaped like stars, chocolates with a surprise gooey center, or even a can of rainbow beans for those not fond of sweets.
Letters for veteran Heroes are full of praise and gratitude for the success of the naval battle at Graupera. New Heroes receive mail that express support towards their future endeavors as the Blanc military’s most formidable task force. That’s not all the letters contain, however; the citizens also plead for our Heroes’ help with new problems that have arisen in the fields surrounding Caissa. However, the details the letters provide are scant and vague. The fans seem more concerned with recent damage caused by some unknown entity. There is a 15-page narrative of how a man built this beautiful house for his lovely, sweet wife who did nothing wrong, but nothing about why the house is in shambles now. A market on the outskirts of Caissa lost 30,000 colle’s worth of food, but the writer neglects to explain what happened to the food. All you know is that this person stayed up all week taking inventory and now it has gone to waste.
Sharing letters with each other might give you a clue on where to start your investigations and figure out which areas were hit the hardest. Or you can talk about how cute your adoring fans are. One way or another, you’ll have to get tongues wagging to make any progress. Unfortunately, Blanc isn’t going to save itself and from the sound of it, this problem is bigger than expected...
Letters for veteran Heroes are full of praise and gratitude for the success of the naval battle at Graupera. New Heroes receive mail that express support towards their future endeavors as the Blanc military’s most formidable task force. That’s not all the letters contain, however; the citizens also plead for our Heroes’ help with new problems that have arisen in the fields surrounding Caissa. However, the details the letters provide are scant and vague. The fans seem more concerned with recent damage caused by some unknown entity. There is a 15-page narrative of how a man built this beautiful house for his lovely, sweet wife who did nothing wrong, but nothing about why the house is in shambles now. A market on the outskirts of Caissa lost 30,000 colle’s worth of food, but the writer neglects to explain what happened to the food. All you know is that this person stayed up all week taking inventory and now it has gone to waste.
Sharing letters with each other might give you a clue on where to start your investigations and figure out which areas were hit the hardest. Or you can talk about how cute your adoring fans are. One way or another, you’ll have to get tongues wagging to make any progress. Unfortunately, Blanc isn’t going to save itself and from the sound of it, this problem is bigger than expected...
TWO ♟ Distant Howling
After pooling information, the new objective is clear: to investigate the damages. The vast, vibrant fields around Caissa seem a good place to start. They are mostly empty, but here or there you will see some people from nearby smaller villages and farms. The villagers will admit to having seen threatening shadows move over the fields and having heard harsh, high-pitched howling. They are willing to point Heroes toward possible shadow sightings, but are otherwise reluctant to act as guides. They are simple townsfolk who wish to return to their quiet lifestyle.
You may come up with small settlements (e.g. villages, farms, inns, taverns, etc.) as they are considered minor locations.
Heroes will soon discover that some of the smaller villages have been burned down entirely. The smell of ash and charred wood is thick in the air, though some buildings are also smashed as as though by something large and heavy. Nearby trees which haven’t been uprooted or knocked over are scorched and their blackened branches crackle ominously in the breeze. There are large marks dug deep into the ground and—is that a cow? Heroes will find tagged fruit cows scattered everywhere, scared, confused and mooing sadly next to their dead fruit cow friends. Fruit cows are usually found in Gresser, how strange...
A couple of days’ worth of exploration may help you realize that whatever is terrorizing Blanc doesn’t only devour hapless animals. While trying to navigate the numerous backcountry roads and farmlands, Heroes may stumble upon some gruesome clues: a charred limb—or what’s left of it; teeth, half-eaten ribcages, melted jewelry, and other smaller bits; the less fortunate may actually trip over a corpse staring unseeingly into the sky. It has been gutted, half-roasted, and seems to have lain in the sun for some time; and if someone is brave enough to roll the body onto its stomach, they may discover claw marks on its back. The victim must have tried to flee from something.
The amount of damage grows the more our Heroes travel south. What could be awaiting them?
You may come up with small settlements (e.g. villages, farms, inns, taverns, etc.) as they are considered minor locations.
Heroes will soon discover that some of the smaller villages have been burned down entirely. The smell of ash and charred wood is thick in the air, though some buildings are also smashed as as though by something large and heavy. Nearby trees which haven’t been uprooted or knocked over are scorched and their blackened branches crackle ominously in the breeze. There are large marks dug deep into the ground and—is that a cow? Heroes will find tagged fruit cows scattered everywhere, scared, confused and mooing sadly next to their dead fruit cow friends. Fruit cows are usually found in Gresser, how strange...
A couple of days’ worth of exploration may help you realize that whatever is terrorizing Blanc doesn’t only devour hapless animals. While trying to navigate the numerous backcountry roads and farmlands, Heroes may stumble upon some gruesome clues: a charred limb—or what’s left of it; teeth, half-eaten ribcages, melted jewelry, and other smaller bits; the less fortunate may actually trip over a corpse staring unseeingly into the sky. It has been gutted, half-roasted, and seems to have lain in the sun for some time; and if someone is brave enough to roll the body onto its stomach, they may discover claw marks on its back. The victim must have tried to flee from something.
The amount of damage grows the more our Heroes travel south. What could be awaiting them?
THREE ♟ Breath of Fire
Let’s put the clues together. Fire? Check. Claw marks? Check. Large shadows seemingly from something flying overhead? Check and check. Congratulations, Blanc, you are suffering from a dragon plague.
It will take several days for the Heroes to locate the source of the rumors. The dragons seem to have taken up residence in the hilly area near Caissa, where the slopes grow steeper and then drop suddenly off into cliffs. The beasts are quite willing to greet guests warmly: there’s nothing like a burst of dragonfire and a deafening screech to brighten your day.
The only warning you’ll get before they launch themselves into the air and at Heroes is the sound of trees bursting beneath their claws. Beware: a single swipe can cause some serious damage and their fire breath, fast, frequent and garnished with the occasional, boiling hot drop of saliva, is nothing you want to stick around for. The dragons cannot be reasoned with, nor can they be tamed. A queen’s Charm magic WILL NOT work. Should someone try and reach out with their senses to see if the dragons are somehow hurting, they will only feel something alien and terrible.
Heroes aren't the only ones suffering under the dragons’ claws, unfortunately. Scattered around the area are a few small and isolated farms, and the animals and the farmers are easy prey and unlikely to flee in time. Heroes will want to intervene before the dragons can devour and destroy. If they are too late, they will need to provide support. Put out fires, heal the injured, catch panicked cows before they become pot roast! The dragons might be coming around for another attack, so it would be a good time to test barriers and other damage control skills.
To make matters worse, Blanc’s weather has decided that now is the perfect time for a hailstorm. It’s barely anything at first, beginning with small kernels the size of corn here and there to wet the grass and ruin your footing. Then it becomes much larger and greater in number. Dragons are not exempt from this hailhole: large enough pieces may rip holes in their wings! Heroes may want to use this to their advantage; additionally, casting ice and wind spells will suddenly become a lot easier, and the dragons will struggle to navigate in the stormy weather, forcing them to land more often. Better get up on that dragon’s back!
In the end, survivors of the dragon horde let out one last, collective shriek before they turn southward. The battle has been won, but the war is just beginning: the dragons have only been chased away. Their nest seems to be elsewhere and that is a worrying prospect. Dragons aren’t native to Blanc, which can only mean one thing…
Meanwhile, a new job opening has appeared at Gresser. At least you finally know what to do with all those fruit cows.
It will take several days for the Heroes to locate the source of the rumors. The dragons seem to have taken up residence in the hilly area near Caissa, where the slopes grow steeper and then drop suddenly off into cliffs. The beasts are quite willing to greet guests warmly: there’s nothing like a burst of dragonfire and a deafening screech to brighten your day.
The only warning you’ll get before they launch themselves into the air and at Heroes is the sound of trees bursting beneath their claws. Beware: a single swipe can cause some serious damage and their fire breath, fast, frequent and garnished with the occasional, boiling hot drop of saliva, is nothing you want to stick around for. The dragons cannot be reasoned with, nor can they be tamed. A queen’s Charm magic WILL NOT work. Should someone try and reach out with their senses to see if the dragons are somehow hurting, they will only feel something alien and terrible.
Heroes aren't the only ones suffering under the dragons’ claws, unfortunately. Scattered around the area are a few small and isolated farms, and the animals and the farmers are easy prey and unlikely to flee in time. Heroes will want to intervene before the dragons can devour and destroy. If they are too late, they will need to provide support. Put out fires, heal the injured, catch panicked cows before they become pot roast! The dragons might be coming around for another attack, so it would be a good time to test barriers and other damage control skills.
To make matters worse, Blanc’s weather has decided that now is the perfect time for a hailstorm. It’s barely anything at first, beginning with small kernels the size of corn here and there to wet the grass and ruin your footing. Then it becomes much larger and greater in number. Dragons are not exempt from this hailhole: large enough pieces may rip holes in their wings! Heroes may want to use this to their advantage; additionally, casting ice and wind spells will suddenly become a lot easier, and the dragons will struggle to navigate in the stormy weather, forcing them to land more often. Better get up on that dragon’s back!
In the end, survivors of the dragon horde let out one last, collective shriek before they turn southward. The battle has been won, but the war is just beginning: the dragons have only been chased away. Their nest seems to be elsewhere and that is a worrying prospect. Dragons aren’t native to Blanc, which can only mean one thing…
Meanwhile, a new job opening has appeared at Gresser. At least you finally know what to do with all those fruit cows.
INFO ♟ Welcome!
Welcome to Crosscheck's May intro log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!
Also by request, here are some Player Endorsements that may be of interest!
Heaven's Feel: Looking for something else to do? In the mood for more light-hearted mingling? Check out Heaven’s Feel, Caissa’s first heroic matchmaking service! Opening week is going on now.
Training Notice: This training notice is located on the bulletin board. You might want to take a look.
Also by request, here are some Player Endorsements that may be of interest!
Heaven's Feel: Looking for something else to do? In the mood for more light-hearted mingling? Check out Heaven’s Feel, Caissa’s first heroic matchmaking service! Opening week is going on now.
Training Notice: This training notice is located on the bulletin board. You might want to take a look.
no refunds I'm afraid!
[Yeah, he belted that all in one breath, it's a talent and a reflex when strangers (and non-strangers, and sort-of strangers) try to boss him around. Even the worst of the worst would probably be a little tactful or slightly gentlemanly at this point, but Nora has never been either of those things. Ever.
It probably doesn't help that he doesn't remember his own initial arrival very well at all; nor does he really think about it too hard. So. Random girls in his room might be not entirely unexpected, but it is unwelcome.
Luna's polite inquiry gets a quick scowl in her direction, too:]
What'd I just say about-- [well, okay, even he has to pause with getting an up-close eyeful here; suddenly flustered, he... promptly falls off the bed, but close enough] WHY are there TWO of you!!
/RETURN TO SENDER
I don't know. [ And that's probably the most annoying part. ] That's why I'm asking for an explanation.
[ Walking closer cautiously, but still entirely ugh-butt naked, she sets her jaw on a most obstinate line but softens her tone. ]
It won't do us any good to shout at each other like this. Will you stand down if I do?
no subject
[As much as Luna would like to elaborate, she just doesn't have enough information. Hence her question:]
Where are we? Please, tell us.
[She's trying her luck, looking down at Nora and slowly wrapping the comforter around herself like it's no big deal. Actually, she'll profit if he answers Makoto's question too, but he doesn't seem to be too willing, does he...]
no subject
Nora deflates just a little, because actually, expecting a fight and not getting one is kind of annoying and disorienting. But. He still scuttles back when Makoto approaches, gracefully bangs his head on the overturned dresser, and tries to punch the pigeon still hovering over it before scowling in a don't-come-closer-or-I'll-throw-the-pigeon manner.]
I'll stand down once you put some damn clothes on! Even the other one's-- [points rudely at Luna because why not] --got better sense than you!! And anyway, you're just in Blank, but it's not like that's gonna mean anything to you, anyway.
[... and then he literally makes a hmph noise and turns his head so Makoto's cleavage isn't in his line of sight anymore. He also completely mispronounced the place name but, well, beggars and choosers, you know?]
no subject
Agreed.
[ On most points, anyway. Makoto beats a hasty retreat back to her bed and looks surreptitiously down at the given attire (previously neatly folded and placed on the foot of her bed but now in an untidy pile against the wall). It's...a little flashier and probably stiffer than she's used to, but there doesn't seem to be any other garments otherwise.
At this point, she'd rather get some answers, and the idea of having to converse naked is rather...embarrassing, anyway.
(She's ruined for marriage already, what's the difference at this point!)
So let's say that she pulls on most of the outfit - and will probably wait for Luna to do so as well if she shows any inclination to do so - before she goes to face him again. ]
no subject
But...where is Blank, exactly? I haven't heard of it before.
[Sitting on her bed now, she turns her gaze to Nora again. Moreover, she's trying to speak ever so softly, hoping that may help with getting some questions out of him.]
sorry for the wait ):
[It's halfway to himself, Nora blurting it out in surprise, because people actually listening to him or agreeing with his point of view is still a bit of a novelty in this day and age. (Maybe he'd be more used to it if he weren't, well, himself.) His head jerks around by reflex to stare in confusion before he jerks it away again; despite appearing to be a teenaged boy in every way, he's really not interested in peeking.
(Women are really scary in certain ways; even morons learn this after a while.)
The interlude gives him a moment to chew on the pickle he -- they, fine, they -- are now in. It's not like he can get rid of them that easy, short of setting Fool or the pigeon on them (unlikely) or throwing them out the window (too much trouble, they'd probably come back, see above about women being scary). So the conclusion is...]
... FINE. Listen up and don't complain if I don't tell you everything! It's not like I'm from here either! [arms crossed, still talking like he's arguing with them, but apparently this is him cooperating] It's a country by the sea! They're supposed to be fighting a war, but they're making us do it for them 'cause they're useless! They give you really stupid weapons, and I still don't have my phone back!
[Yeah, apparently, that's it.]
no subject
...a complicated situation, to be sure. ]
That's a good start.
[ She buttons up the last of her shirt before making her way over once again. ]
Tell us more. What have they done that makes you fight for them? [ He's been talking in the present tense, that has to be significant. ] Surely someone must have refused their demands.
[ She would. ]
no subject
What do you mean by "useless"? Did something happen to the people inhabiting this country? And... [She briefly gazes at Makoto; it's connected to her question, after all.] What if someone doesn't want to fight?
no subject
[Even if he keeps grumbling, Nora's gotten over his fight or fight response -- and now that everyone present is wearing at least one layer of clothing, he also finally remembers to pick himself up off the floor. He avoids the bed, though, and perches on the upturned dresser like a particularly angry and partially fluffy vulture.
One that's settling in for the long haul, it looks like. He may be whining about being the exposition monkey here... but he's actually puffing up a bit. It's kind of nice not to be the fish out water for once.]
And they didn't make me fight for them, they didn't make me do anything! As if they could! [This is apparently the most important part.] None of them are as powerful as me, or even the biggest weakling around here, so they pay money and food to make up for it!
[... this is apparently the other important part. There's a pause where his face scrunches up.]
--I dunno anybody who doesn't fight when somebody's trying to kill them?
no subject
...it's not unheard of.
[ Either fight or run, and the latter isn't too unpopular an option. But human nature isn't the problem here, and they've been dancing around the most important question at hand: How To Go Home. ]