pawnstorm | INTRO ♚ MARCH

Entry tags:

INTRO ♚ MARCH

WELCOME TO Palamède

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 ♟ The Narcissa Expo

Once you’re all dressed and ready, you and the rest of the Heroes are off to the ports to take a ferry! To where, you ask? If you ask your floor nanny or the Heroes who arrived last month, they can fill you in: to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Enprise’s world expositions, this year’s world expo (dubbed The Narcissa Expo) will be held at Palamède, Blanc! Palamède is an island one hour away from Caissa by ferry, so once they arrive, the Heroes will find themselves greeted by sunny weather and white beaches. Unfortunately, the temperatures won’t allow for a dip, but the world expo awaits!

Did the library books leave you curious what the other countries have to offer? Well, wonder no more! At each country’s grand exhibit, you might find Othellians displaying steel craftwork often found in their cathedrals, Mancalans proud of their cocoa concoctions and colorful pottery, L’adderans inviting you to try their spicy cuisine, Mahbusans leaving you in awe of their exotic jewelry, Ma Jiangs enchanting you with their vivid and flowing fabrics, or Gammons showing curious Heroes how to process a sheep’s wool! Shearing included! (The Kingdom of Gammon is not responsible for any injuries received, joining in will happen at the Hero’s own risk.) Heroes get discounts at all exhibits, and if they manage to impress these merchants, they might get some freebies, too!

After a few hours, many visitors will be drawn towards the center stage. The lights in the room dim and the buzzing of the crowd grows quieter amid their excitement. Then, neon lights, spotlights, and a big screen flashing the logo of Blanc’s number one 12-member idol group, Moon’s! The crowd goes wild. Attentive Heroes may have noticed the signs and posters announcing their arrival, who would have thought they were this popular? Some members of the audience are already throwing stuff onto the stage despite the show not having started yet and a starry-eyed man is bouncing up and down near the front. Is that a fairy wearing a I ☾ MOON’S shirt?

Phew! After the last idol has left the stage with a wave, the crowd begins to disperse. Mechanical cleaners swoop in and get rid of even the smallest piece of confetti, wilting flowers and the stray lingerie. If Heroes attempt to climb the stage, they will be shooed off by the broom brandishing robots. Looks like they want to do this on their own! What for?

If Heroes stick around, they may begin to notice the large stalls set up in a half circle near the stage. When did that happen? Anyway, it seems there are some contests going on, like the ever-popular eating contest. Another stall seems to be inviting Heroes to show off their cute carriers so the public can vote on the cutest one! For the brave, one stall offers wrangling with a sentient plant with large vines. Are you going to let a plant best you? On the stage, the robots are finally satisfied and move to the sides. The middle part of the stage begins to rise up a little with a hiss, small puffs of steam accompanying the sound. Is that a runway? Some Heroes may be asked by harried-looking staff members to act as models for fashions from around the world.

Those who have not forgotten the horror which greeted the Heroes over the last few weeks in the mess hall will be pleased to know that the various food stalls are offering free samples again! Time to regain all that weight you may have lost!

	Teddy Wow, just look at everything! Isn’t this fun? Let’s go look over there! [ gestures towards ten stalls ] And over there, too!
	Verdoni I cannot believe the Parliament still insisted on this ridiculous gathering when the war draws close. [ OBVIOUSLY PISSED ] Have they no sense of urgency?
	Teddy Why not take a break once in a while? You’ve earned it! I hear the ladies need someone to dance with.
	Verdoni [ heavy sigh ] Has your logic failed you, Prime Minister, or are you as dense as those fools? A break is out of the question when Noir is currently sailing our seas.

TWO ♟ Noir's Warning

It’s been a lovely day, right? Mechanic birds are singing and the streetlamps almost seem like blooming flowers. On a day like this, what could possibly go wrong? The answer is everything.

Mana crystal displays all over the world expo glitch and briefly switch to a peculiar black flag you haven’t seen since you arrived in this strange, new world. The crowd falls silent, and you get the feeling it isn’t out of excitement. Then, the feed pans to a lovely young woman clad in regal garb and jewelry. She raises a hand in mock surprise.

	??? My, my! All this and I wasn’t invited? Oh, how cruel of you to forget about poor Princess Katya!
	??? FOOLS! [ the princess bares her fangs and the background behind her goes up in flames ] Did you really think we wouldn’t strike without an invitation? With the whole world watching, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. [ smirks ] Hello, Blanc. And… Heroes. [ licks her lips ] Noir may have fallen once by your hand. However! From this day forth, I, Princess Yekaterina of Noir, shall show you the empire’s true power!
	Yekaterina [ bites her finger as her face flushes in bliss ] Haa, haa… I can’t wait to know what you Heroes taste like…
	Teddy Oh, it’s Katya! Ahaha, she really wanted to attend for you, Alex! Look at all her effort; only someone truly in love will strike fear into the hearts of many while trying to impress you with her vampire fangs. They’re obviously fake, though…
	Verdoni …Pardon. You knew of this, yet you didn’t bother to inform me?
	Teddy Oh! I thought I told you earlier. It must’ve slipped my mind!
	Teddy But never fear, I trust you. [ slaps a hand on his shoulder ] Show the Heroes the strategies that make you the greatest in all the land! [ RADIANT SMILE ] Go marry her.
	Verdoni I already married this job long ago.
	Yekaterina Noir couldn’t send a proper delegation, but I do hope you enjoy my presents. Don’t look away, Lord Verdoni… I’ll show you how beautiful I’ve become. [ strikes a pose ] In the name of the rose!

A scream pierces the air. The lovely sculptures Heroes may have gazed at with appreciative eyes seem to have lost any of their beauty as they begin to move forward with deadly intent. Their lips part in a soundless wail as they reach out and begin to strangle frightened civilians. The crowds scatter in a wild panic. Stands are knocked over in the relentless effort to get to safety. People are pushed to the ground, disappearing underneath hasty feet with a wordless cry of distress.

Verdoni
Everyone, attention! Immediately convert what is within reach into barricades and usher the citizens behind them. Do not hold back, and hurry! I could care less if that statue costs an organ and a limb. I better not see halfwits blocking the way—build on the sides. And stay away from the center if you value your lives.

Others running past a stall with instruments come to an abrupt stop, enthralled by the sight and sounds of a lovely music box. The dancers spin and spin and spin before they pull out clumsily crafted knives. It’s bewitching, lovely and hideous because soon, those who watched start attacking one another, scratching and raking fingernails and of they can get their hands on something sharp, they will attempt to stab one another.

Down the art galleries, some people stand frozen, staring at nothing. Their eyes are wide and their faces deathly pale as they find they can’t tear their gaze away from some of the paintings. They’re trapped in their own little world and anyone who tries to get them to safety will find the civilian fearful and confused, running into the opposite direction or struggling to get away from the helpful soul who tried to save them.

It is an utter nightmare.

Verdoni
Tch… They’ve got us. Focus on crowd control; we can clean up afterwards. Avoid running around like buffoons—I don’t need the Heroes adding to the chaos! Properly escort the citizens and continue leading them to the barricades. I trust that a majority of you know basic magic at this point… Soothe them with healing or calming spells! And if you don’t, then I permit to use your fist!

And that wasn’t even half of it. Explosions rock the building the exhibition is held in, and the brightly-colored lights that bloom out of nowhere only serve to disorient the crowd further. In addition to the enchanted exhibition items, monsters will burst out of summoning circles deliberately placed in stuffed animals and dolls, leaving children especially vulnerable. The monsters seem to reflect the toy which they came from so Heroes may find lions and bears running around, followed by the occasional, vicious sheep. Don’t be fooled: these monsters are dangerous. Their teeth and claws are real and they will not be holding back.

Verdoni
Good. Now, finish this unwanted celebration. Wipe them out, and ensure that they do not cross past the barricades. For the dimwitted, may I remind that aside from water magic, you can use thick cloth to put out flames. Be resourceful—there’s hundreds of tents here!

It’s time to show why you hold your title, brave Hero.

THREE ♟ Aftermath

	Yekaterina That’s right, run! Scream for your lives! Ahaha, watching all this chaos is getting me excited… Mm, I’m so close! Oh, Verdoni… Lord Verdoni, are you watching—
	Verdoni [ not here; he has good priorities. what about you? ]
	Yekaterina Tch! … No matter. I suppose this is, how you say, drawing first blood?
	Yekaterina [ chuckles ] Da svidaniya, Blanc.

What was once a cheerful exhibition now lies in shambles. Most of the stalls and exhibits have been destroyed in the frenzied fighting and horrified bystanders have huddled together in corners. Others lie gasping on the ground, clutching open wounds in hopes of stemming the blood flow. Some already lie still, their eyes glassy.

A young woman keeps walking in circles and lashes out at everyone who approaches, still suffering under the confusion clouding her mind. Some children wander the halls, their cheeks tear stained and blotchy as they call for their parents. Near the stage, a fashionably dressed man is clutching the remains of what used to be a dress, bemoaning the loss of his masterpiece, the love of his life and muse all rolled into one. It is clear these people require aid: healing, potions and someone talking them through the worst.

As Verdoni mentioned earlier, Heroes who have been practicing their healing spells and status spells which soothe the heart will be of use here, but even those who haven’t will find someone asking for help, whether it involves joining search parties or rescue missions dedicated to clearing the rubble to save the civilians trapped inside. Some may choose to organize the various groups within the area and restore some semblance of order. Others may find their calling in comforting lost souls, those who cannot deal easily with harrowing experiences.

After all, they thought they were safe.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's March 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

( 1a )

[ Honestly... after gaining the power to enter into TVs, being able to summon giant green penises, and battling Japanese Gods, nothing really surprises Souji as much anymore. Of course, waking up in a brand new place (totally naked as the day he was born) and having a mechanical pigeon speaking to him is still something else though. He's calm about the whole thing though, all things considering. He knows that panicking is never a good way of handling things and besides... things aren't so bad yet. ]

[ In fact, he's enjoying himself at the stands after the idol group leaves. The one that he's currently preoccupied with is the one to show off some cute carriers. Souji is very much about his adorable little carrier. He's only really had her for a few hours but he's grown very fond of her already. How couldn't you, if you had a kitty like that? He's pretty proud. ]

She's pretty cute, right?

[ He's going to brag about his cat to everyone. ]

( 1b )

[ Did someone say free food samples? Souji is totally there. He may not have a black hole for a stomach like some other Persona characters, but he is still all about trying new things, especially the super weird things. He stands there, overlooking one of the more exotic looking food stands, hand on his chin as he ponders what he wants to try first. ]

I don't think I've ever heard fish singing before...

[ Why does he still want to try and eat a singing fish sandwich?? ]

( 2 )

[ Figures that it wouldn't be peaceful for long. Souji feels lucky that he's been given a sword that's similar to the one he used back home, but he cannot express his frustration enough that he can no longer summon his Personas. He doesn't necessarily need them to battle since he has enough experience cutting down Shadows on his own, but he'd be lying if he said that they wouldn't be useful right now. ]

[ When the civilians start attacking one another, he finds it difficult to try and subdue them without physically harming them or getting hurt himself. He immediately places his sword back in its sheath and attempts to pull a fully grown man off a child. It's easier said than done though, when there's kicking and screaming and clawing. He does have the advantage of being behind the man and holding him by the arms but it's still just as difficult. ]

Grab the child!

[ The kid is frightened out of their mind and clutches onto her stuffed dog (which hasn't summoned anything just yet) as a safety blanket, crying her eyes out. Souji can only hold this guy back for so long and he still needs to figure out a way to restrain him without having to worry about someone else attacking her. ]

( 3 )

[ Souji understands that it's important that they take care of the civilians first and to ensure that they get all the medical treatment that they can get, but he also understands that it's important for heroes to also take a break. Who will take care of the civilians if they're not around at their best? So he goes around approaching anyone who seems to be pushing themselves a bit too hard or anyone who hasn't taken care of themselves yet. ]

Hey, take a break.

[Given that this is before all of the commotion, Aigis still has her uniform on, and it's still intact. So it's easy to mistake her for a normal human girl.

She is struck by Souji's suggestion, however.] Fish can sing?

I did not think they had the vocal cords or other body parts necessary to do such a thing!

[ As of yet, Souji doesn't have any reason to suspect that Aigis isn't a human girl. He might suspect that she's a little clueless but that's pretty normal and okay. He's come across naive people before in the past. ]

I didn't think so either. Maybe it's just fish here that can. [ Because he's pretty sure that he has not heard of singing fish back home, but what does he know? He woke up in this world super naked and is contemplating whether he wants to eat a singing sandwich or not. Speaking of its singing though... ] ... It's got a pretty good soprano.

[She peers more closely at his sandwich. Her temperature sensors are still on the fritz (or at least, they seem to be) but she can read enough to tell that:] Your sandwich is exhibiting no other traces of life. If you were worried about eating something that is still alive, I believe you should be in no danger of that.

I wonder... which part of the sandwich is it that is producing the sound?

Souji Seta / OTA

1b

no subject

no subject

3

no subject

no subject

1a

no subject

I agonized a lot over the name of the turtle, don't worry

3

no subject

no subject