INTRO ♚ FEBRUARY

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAISSA

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 ♟ Settling In

Welcome to Blanc! You wake up on one of the beds inside the Hall of Glory. You might still be feeling a little light-headed, but sudden dimensional travel will do that to a body. You could have sworn visions of a fantastic world flashed before your eyes not long ago: monsters, magic, and a mission to save the world. You can't quite recall much beyond the basics, but could this be it?

Save your questions for later! The room nannies are quick to urge Heroes into their uniforms (with their beaks if necessary) and to point them to the pick-up locations for their Blanc-issued Weapons and Carriers. Hopefully, nobody but the pigeon’s watching you change. On the other hand, maybe you're the type to turn every roommate into a new friend before you even step foot outside the room.

As you make your way down the halls, you might notice strangely familiar faces around you. But don’t linger too long to chat—the people in charge of the armory and the menagerie have gone through many Heroes before you, and still have many more to go after you. NPCs need meal breaks, too! If you don’t make a decision in time, the random Weapons and/or Carriers they pick for you can be just a little odd.

And if you’re hungry? No matter how rich you were in your homeworld, you’re penniless now until you earn some colle. Thankfully, the Hall of Glory provides free meals to Heroes and those associated with them! Sunday’s breakfast and lunch are bananalicious and seafood pasta. A friendly visiting scholar may have a word of advice for you: “Beware the dining hall on Mondays.”

But you’ll barely have time for lunch before guards come and round you up. “For the parade,” is the only reason they’ll give you.

TWO ♟ Welcome Celebrations

Trumpets sound, cymbals clang and the crowd roars as the parade gets underway! What’s all the fuss about? Well, you Heroes were sent by the gods to save Blanc, right? Of course they’d celebrate! Smiling and waving at the citizens of Caissa from your uniquely crafted float might be a chore, but hey, they love you. Are you really going to let them down, or lose the spotlight to the fellow Heroes sharing your float?

The reception after the Prime Minister’s speech is like some kind of idol session, with Caissa citizens coming up to shake hands and welcome the Heroes warmly. Some are even asking for autographs!

There’s a lot of things to do in festive and lively Caissa, even late into the night under a light fall of snow. Sparrow Town is all lit up, ready for another festival next week.

While some shops are closed for the holiday, others have buffet tables or are giving out free samples to the Heroes. The food stalls here are way better than the bizarre cafeteria menu at the Hall of Glory! Why waste the opportunity to finally gorge on real food? The shop owners have done their best to impress, showing off their local cuisines proudly along the city streets: from the local hamburger joint to the exotic L'adderan curries, you'll find a little of everything to whet your palate. Your growling stomach will likely thank you for the food. … Oh, wait. That wasn’t you? You think the fish sandwich on your plate just sang? Nonsense. That just means you had a marvelous piece of fish bread. Please remember to visit them again sometime when you have the colle, okay?

Various stalls with games and activities have also been set up. Maybe you can impress the crowd by nailing an apple with an arrow or by sacrificing your friend(s) at the water tanks! An unusual Go-style stall offers something like fish scooping, but be careful: touching the fish with your bare hands will leave you feeling funny… Wow, you’ve never seen that color before! But whatever it takes to impress the children, right?

Said children might try and get you to dance in the falling snow. Better not mess up, though, because everyone in Caissa seems to be watching.

THREE ♟ The Day After

Hopefully, you didn’t sleep too late after yesterday’s celebrations! Or maybe you slept badly, since it felt like something was watching you…

The free breakfast that awaits you at the dining hall is… something special. Please enjoy it to your heart’s content! Remember: no food fights, and leave no leftovers! Nothing will save you from the chef’s disapproving mustache swirl if you do!

If you want to make money (to get away from Monday’s Horrors), there are now jobs up for taking at the Hall of Glory and the Poisoned Pawn! If there’s nothing to your taste, check back again every so often. Something new might pop up!

Heroes not in the mood to be errand-runners (it’s understandable, you’re Heroes after all!) can hang out in the parlor, read in the library, or express yourself in one of the Hall’s many studios or other rooms.

If lying back and taking it slow isn’t your thing, you could train or spar! Being summoned to a new world takes a toll on the body, and some Heroes have lost abilities familiar to them. Besides, it’ll take a while to get used to your weapons. Some of them might even be disobedient, backfiring at worst and unresponsive at best. Try not to hit your fellow Heroes (including yourself), or you’ll either have to find enough Heroes to cast weak healing spells or carry the wounded to the infirmary. While the snow has been cleared overnight, it’s still very cold!

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's grand opening log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[umberly]

[ No coddling. Message received loud and clear. Kavi hides a smile by biting down on the inside of his cheek. There is something familiar about this boy... Hmm.

Doesn't matter, he's probably imagining it.

Kavi makes sure to watch Setsuna so he won't flop over and unwillingly make a snow angel. Once the other Hero is inside the orphanage, Kavi turns back to the snowman he was working on and gives it a thoughtful look.

Needs more snow. Lots and lots of snow.

And maybe wet the snow after, so the bottom part will work as a solid basis. ]

[quaria]

[ Even from outside, the cheerful voices of children can be clearly heard. They seem to be happy to have Setsuna inside with them... The voices are excitable, indicating their motive to play with him.

Since he's still freezing though, the most that he could do is pat their heads for now. They seem content with that and settle around him as he sits by the fireplace. He doesn't seem to mind either, as the children feels warm and helps his condition...

He intends to keep his words however, so he'll be at work once he's able to. ]

[umberly]

[ While Setsuna is recovering inside and getting hogged by and getting stared at by children, Kavi is coating the bottom layer of snowman with ice. Given the temperatures, it should freeze very soon. And it looks a little helper has arrived and is patting more snow against the snowman with a look of concentration on his face.

They work together for a bit but after a while, Kavi glances towards the building again and, at the child's unspoken command, puffed out cheeks and grabby hands, hauls the kid up on his shoulders to check in his fellow Hero. ]

You okay in there?

[quaria]

[ It's getting... harder and harder to move. The kids are stockpiled on him now; two on his lap, another two on his shoulders, and one trying to hug his head. He's allowing them to do as they please, but it's troubling him. He's not used to this overwhelming physical contact... It's warm though, and he doesn't really have anything to complain about in the end. He just feels awkward. It's probably showing on his face.

He looks at the man in faint desperation. As if his eyes are pleading help. Other than that, he seems fine overall. Is this even considered a problem? Just ignore Setsuna and let him deal! Ah... But now that he's not on the verge of collapsing anymore, he's able to have a better look at the man's face. Why... does this person look familiar? He clearly has never seen him before. He ends up staring, trying to figure out why he feels this way. ]

... I will join you shortly.

[umberly]

[ Heh.

Again, Kavi hides his smile behind a hand as he sees the pile of clearly enamored children clamoring for Setsuna's attention. Who knows, maybe Matron told them to keep the guy warm and the children ran with it. They were enthusiastic about helping before but being able to flop all over a Hero? Sure beats running around outside in the snow. ]

Alright, alright. I'm sure he's warm enough by now and you guys want your amazing snowman, yeah? For a task that difficult, I'm going to need another Hero at my side. [ If only so one can stand on the other's shoulders and make the snowman big enough.

And it seems to have worked. Some children are clearly reluctant to let go but they are shuffling away with forlorn looks.

Enjoy your freedom, Setsuna. ]

[quaria]

[ Whew... Well, at least the mana exchange helped him recover faster. Setsuna believes he's sat around enough, so in a matter of seconds he's already standing back up. Once he has his balance in place, he rearranges his Hero uniform for a moment before turning to face the man properly. ]

Apologies, I am ready now.

[ ... Or is it really complete freedom? Setsuna blinks when he feels something attached to him. And after a light turn, it's revealed that someone's holding his uniform's tail. There's one little girl that remained at his side, wearing a mischievous, adorable grin. Looks like she wants to stay with these two for a while more. ]

[umberly]

[ It would seem they both have acquired a child who doesn't take no for an answer. Got to hand it to them, they're gutsy. The kid on Kavi's shoulder gives the little girl a wave and giggles.

Alright. Their new little helpers can direct them and manage their snowman building exercises. ]

A team of four it is. You coming?

[ Because Kavi is halfway out the door already. ]

[quaria]

[ Naturally. He did say he was ready. Without further delay, Setsuna moves forward. He moves gently since the little girl is still tugging on his Hero uniform. He tries to match her pace as they follow Kavi and the other child out.

Setsuna doesn't actually like winter... But he can't just stay indoors all day. Being productive like this will help him adjust to this world faster, plus earn him money. In addition, getting around town is a good physical exercise as well as weapon practice. It's beneficial no matter what, so he's not going to complain about the cold now or ever. ]

How many snowmen did the children want?

[umberly]

One for each child.

[ Which might be a little bit difficult. There probably isn't enough snow in the yard to make more than two or so snowmen. There are already some tiny ones standing around, clearly made by childish, clumsy hands but adorned with enthusiasm and smiles made of small, round stones. ]

But I convinced them that making that many snowmen wouldn't be fair to the other Heroes who want to visit and help so they agreed to one snowman per Hero.

[ He's good at this negotiation thing if he does say so himself. ]

[quaria]

[ Setsuna doesn't actually mind extra labor. It only means more training for him... Though, it's probably better that Kavi raised that suggestion. Setsuna would've tried to make more than he could handle.

As they walk, he looks around the orphanage's environment, trying to scope the amount of snow available. With the rate of snowfall, they probably didn't need to worry that much. But just in case... ]

If we need more snow, I will go around the neighborhood to gather them.

[umberly]

Keep an eye out for overly large top hats if you do? Or carrots?

[ Oomph--! Kavi lifts the kid from his shoulders and sets it down, watching him run excitedly over to Setsuna. Cute. Kavi smiles and bends down to form a snowball. It's going to take a bit but this? This is going to be the largest snowman chest known to mankind. ]

You know how to build snowmen, right? [ Just making sure. ]

[quaria]

Um. All right...

[ When another kid decides to cling on him, Setsuna's awkward face returns. Now there's two kids trying to play ring-around-the-rosie on his clothes... Seeing them momentarily distracted him from replying, but eventually remembers to.

... Wait, what kind of question is that? It makes it seem there's complicated steps involved the art of snowman building! Don't tell him that there really is!? Setsuna's never made one before, but if children are capable of it... He's sure that he's more than able to. ]

And I believe so. I simply need to gather and roll them, do I not?

[ RIGHT?? He isn't really sure, since he's never played with snow. ]

[umberly]

[ S e t s u n a

Kavi's eyebrows furrow at Setsuna's words. Somehow, they sounded more like a question than a confirmation and if that turns out to be true then that's... slightly sad. Then again, maybe he's just shy or bad with words. It happens to the best of them and hey, he got the gist right.

He passes the Snowman test. ]

Yes, that's essentially it. Just make sure to turn the ball this or that was unless you want to end up with a cylinder shape.

[ And the kids are still dancing around Setsuna. Excuse Kavi as he hides his smile behind a hand. ]

[quaria]

[ What!? It's not his fault that he never played with snow... It's this man that made it sound like snowbuilding is rocket science! He would've believed it.

At least he confirmed for him that it isn't. Yeah, he can surely handle it without problems. ]

I know that much...

[ Maybe he's slow, but he's not that slow...! Ah, but how is he supposed to leave and gather snow if the children keeps following him... Would it be all right if they left the premises with him? ]

... I will go now.

[umberly]

[ You keep telling yourself that, Setsuna. The odd comment makes Kavi shoot Setsuna puzzled look before he looks around and realizes- The snow in the courtyard really won't be enough if they have to build two entire snowmen. Kavi may be halfway done but Setsuna still needs to do everything.

And who is Kavi to not lend a helping hand? ]

I'll come with you if you want me to. It'll be faster that way and I'll help you keep an eye on the kids. They can help us carry the various snowman parts.

[ Look at the excited faces of the children, Setsuna. Look at them and tell them no. ]

[quaria]

[ Honestly, Setsuna believes that he can do it faster alone. But seeing the children look at him so expectantly... It's causing his resolve to waver. If it's really all right for them to come along, then he supposes there isn't much of a problem. Having someone to help him babysit may be good, though. ]

I understand.

[ Hearing his positive answer easily causes the children to jump in joy. They're still holding on his uniform though, so their gestures cause it to get ruffled up. He doesn't seem to mind however, so he doesn't do anything about it. Instead, he turns to start heading out with the kids. ]

[umberly]

[ Leisurely, Kavi follows a little ways behind Setsuna and the children to keep an eye on them. The kids are chatting away excitedly, pointing out this and that to Setsuna and it's a sight which feels a little nostalgic.

There are heaps of snow in the grassy area near the orphanage so the children, aware of this, lead Setsuna towards it. ]

The kids like you. [ ...Even if Setsuna seems a little clumsy. ] Are you used to having some around?

[quaria]

[ ... Did he give that kind of impression? Setsuna actually has no idea of why the kids like him so much. Perhaps it's due to the Hero status...? Or is it because he looks young that he's approachable in their eyes? It could be both. ]

Not... really.

[ He barely sees children. The times he personally does is when he's down on Earth... That's not a frequent occasion, though. He's more often out in space back at home. And with the way he keeps to himself, interacting with kids is even rarer.

As the children lead him to where the snow is, Setsuna quietly allows them to tug him along. Eventually, he kneels down together with the kids to start picking up snow to bring. ]

[umberly]

You're a natural kid magnet then.

[ Not much of a talker but Kavi can talk enough for both of them. Beside, the kid still seems... familiar.

Kavi kneels down near Setsuna and quickly forms a snowball before proceeding to roll it around until it has become bigger. The children keep darting between the two Heroes and before long, Kavi is able to roll the ball around in order to gather more snow. ]

What did you do back in your home world? [ It's an innocent question. Chit chat to fill the air. ]

[quaria]

[ Is he... Again, Setsuna doesn't really know. So in response to that first comment, he simply closes his eyes to neither acknowledge or deny the statement. He shortly stands up, beginning to roll his own snowball around.

The next question causes him to fall into further silence. Had Kavi asked this in his home world, Setsuna wouldn't have an answer for this either. But in a world so detached from his, everything about his own is probably irrelevant here. Even so, the burden is the same. Maybe no one in this world cares about that, but he does. His eyes narrow as his gaze grow distant, not looking anything in particular.

But there's one thing that he can say. ]

... I have always been. Fighting.

[ And seems that'll continue, despite already so far away from home ground. ]

[umberly]

[ It's a sad, quiet statement which makes Kavi glance towards Setsuna before he focuses on the task at hand, forming and rolling the snow. Always. Always? Kavi knows what it's like to start young but he also knows there are people who learn how to fight before they've been allowed to go to school.

Is Setsuna one of those who had to fight, pick pocket, threaten and struggle against all odds? Was there a war going on, much like between Noir and Blanc in this world?

Kavi can't deny the bitter truth that Setsuna won't, at least, have to adapt too much to this. ]

How old were you when you started?

[ No disgust. No horror. The same, conversational tone as before. The only change is the softness around the edges and Kavi throwing a snowball at the children to distract them from this heavy topic. ]

[quaria]

[ How old... Setsuna momentarily moves his eyes to the happy children beside them. He was younger than these kids for sure. He will never forget how everything started. But he's not ready to say it, to someone he doesn't even know. He didn't have to feel anything from withholding either, it's not as if they're connected apart from their fellow Hero status. It doesn't matter.

He actually didn't want to think about it, too. If he avoids the question, he wouldn't have to be reminded of the past that he's trying to change away from. He's a different person now... No longer the same child from back then. He's living on... as a completely different person.

That's right, it— ]

... It does not matter.

[ Why is this person even asking... He closes his eyes again, walking away as he rolls the snowball with him, seemingly ready to head back to the orphanage now. ]

[umberly]

[ A fair point, one Kavi accepts wordlessly as he bends down and scoops up his snowman part as well. He offers a hand to one of the children, watching with a smile as the girl eagerly takes it. The trip back to the orphanage is quiet, with only the sound of the snow crunching beneath their shoes.

Snowflakes begin to drift down again gently, blown this or that way by the light breeze.

There are still questions Kavi would like to ask Setsuna. Partly because he's curious but mostly because there is something about this quiet, pale man which makes Kavi want to make sure that he's fine. But words and promises and reassurances can be entirely too empty.

So Kavi changes the subject. ]

The bike you rode in on. Is that your weapon?

[quaria]

[ The silence doesn't seem to bother the children, which is good. They keep themselves entertained by playing tag with each other, singing as the snow continues to fall. Setsuna keeps an eye on them, just in case they would trip or slip by accident.

When the man changes the subject, he's quietly relieved. Though it's hard to tell with his unchanging expression. ]

It is. I have yet to understand its mechanism. It does not work against the way I am used to.

[ He can ride a bike just fine, but this particular bike doesn't want to acknowledge that fact. He has a number of theories of why that is, but that's all they will ever be. Rather than ponder on it, he would rather just keep practicing until he gets it right. ]

[umberly]

Seems to be a common problem.

[ Because Kavi's pipe? No amount of sweet talking and staring and trying to get it to keep it lit has worked yet. It either splutters out within three seconds or the smoke suddenly starts billowing up until Kavi is hacking up both of his lungs.

And the smoke burns. Terribly.

It's kind of uncomfortable. ]

You work a lot with bikes back home then? [ More idle chit chat but at least Kavi won't be stepping on any toes. He hopes. ]