pawnstorm | INTRO ♚ MARCH

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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

[ He knows better than to ask her to take another break. He is concerned about her wellbeing but he also doesn't want to be super unbearable and pushy about this. He figures that even if he did insist again, she wouldn't listen and it'd just sour the mood. He'll just stick close and keep an eye on her in the meanwhile. ]

[ He gives a small smile at her thanks. ]

It's the least I could do. [ He'd feel like complete shit if he just stood around and didn't help anyone. There's seriously no reason for him not to go around to help. ] You're pretty good at this though. Everything seems to be going smoother with your help.

Um... I kinda have experience? Well, not like this, I guess. [How much does she want to reveal about this.] Normally, I can heal in other ways but... they kinda took that away here. And I haven't figured out the other ways to do it, exactly. They didn't give me much time to ask questions before I got shoved on that boat out here.

[ Other ways, huh? Hmm, Souji can understand since he also had his Personas taken away but he doesn't know if it's the same thing and if he exactly wants to reveal any of this as well. ]

You mean something similar to the magic here?

[ He hasn't used any himself since he didn't really learn any or read about it, but he did gather some info and based on how that one guy started yelling during Noir's warning about magic, he at least knows that it's a thing here. Plus, he guesses this is a good way for him to ask what she means by other experience without directly asking her what it is. ]

[Well, if it's common here, maybe she can...] Yeah, something like that. But whatever they have here is definitely different in... practice, I guess, than what I'm used to. So I have no idea how to do healing spells. I was gonna look it up, but... [She motions toward the fair. Again, she got stuck here.]

But they threw us out here first. [ He finishes her sentence for her. He gets what she's trying to say and feels the frustration, being tossed onto a boat without much time for anything else. ] Well, I know how you're feeling.

[ How she's feeling? About how magic is different here or that he doesn't know how to do any of the spells as well? He'll just leave that vague for her to wonder. ]

How about we hit up the library together after everything calms down?

Yeah. [SIGH. This is her enjoying this. At all. (Not at all). She doesn't much wonder about it, because her thought train is derailed by his next statement.

Hmmm... is the protag swag getting to her or is she just tired? Now there's the question of the year, because she pauses for long enough to just. Look at him...

.. And then looks away.] Yeah. Well, we'll have to go back, right? That's where our 'rooms' are or whatever, so I guess it's good we won't be stuck here.

[ Fall into the protag swag, Yukari, you cannot deny it for so long, or at least accept it then deny it once you see him eating a bunch of random grass. ]

They'll probably send a ferry for us to get back. It wouldn't make too much sense having us stranded here if we're their "heroes".

[ Or at least he doesn't think it'd make any sense. ]

I'll come pick you up after and we can try looking up some spells together. Then we'll be prepared for next time.

["Come pick her up", what is this, a date?

...

...

... She's reading too much into it. Because she always does, so it makes her not so surprisingly, additionally... tensed up.]

Y-yeah. You um... have any kind of specialty? The best I could do back home was a lot of healing and wind-element spells.

[Yeah, talk more about your Persona to divert from the swag and how it affects your poor Lovers Arcana soul, Yukari. She does smile, though! It's... about as fake as it can be.]

[ She's definitely reading too much into it. Souji doesn't even intend to sound really smooth half the time. It's just natural to him. ]

[ Healing and wind, huh? That sounds... a bit similar to the stuff back in the TV World but he guesses that can be kind of common. He figures that he doesn't really have to keep the whole special abilities thing a secret here, not when it seems kind of commonplace for magic, and when she's sharing what she could do, but he'll still keep it vague. You now, just in case. ]

I was pretty lucky. I wasn't really limited to just one type but I guess if I had to pick, electricity was my specialty. Probably only because I started with it. [ He still used Izanagi from time to time as well. It's hard getting rid of your very first Persona. ] A friend of mine is similar to you, though he wasn't as good with healing as he was with wind-based skills.

[Lovers Arcana does take a -5 penalty against Protag Charm, as well. So it's her own fault, really.]

Yeah? That was the best I could do, though. My - ... Um, I mean, the only real thing I could do physically is hit with a bow. I kinda bruise easily, too. [V. V. mage-type.] I guess it doesn't matter here, though. Maybe I should take up learning something else? [She grimaces as she thinks of the attacks not long ago. She'd been able to fight down some of the constructs, and the other monsters, but that just made her more tired. And it still hurt when she got smacked a couple times.] ... Nah, I think I'll probably stick to helping and healing people.

[ The girls of the Lovers Arcana never do seem to catch a break against the protags. Lisa, Yukari, Rise... They apparently yearn for that protag lovin'. ]

It'd never hurt to learn a little bit about close combat though. You don't have to give up on archery completely but maybe you could pick up something just to help if you get cornered.

[And then you give them another protag and it's honestly second verse, same as the first! Good times, good times.]

Maybe. Or work on dodging better, I guess. But I don't think they give us any kind of new, fancy footwear here, yeah? [Which was what mandated their dodge skills in her game. Except Koro. Koro just had his own paws and they were great.]

... I'll figure it out. I really just wanna get back to learning what I'm used to at the moment.

[ Someone should really separate the Lovers Arcana girls away from protags or else they'll just be swooning for everyone! ]

They gave everyone a weapon, right? Did they at least give you a bow, or did they give you something else?

Yeah, I've still got a bow. I put it down over there. [She motions to where the eagle from earlier seems to have set up post with one claw on a bow, the other on a quiver of arrows, watching them both silently and almost without blinking.] So I at least get something to work with for now. But I'm um... I'm so used to using my abilities that my hands are really tied. [She almost, almost laughs, but instead it does turn up the corner of her lips.] It meant our leader couldn't tell me to conserve my energy in a fight, or the best I could do is use items.

[ He takes a look over at the fine looking eagle. That is one cool carrier to have. Souji still has his sword with him right now, in its sheath at his side. His own little carrier is somewhere nearby, probably just sleeping off the chaos from moments ago. ]

Then I guess we better start learning how to use the magic in this world soon. [ He'd like to get some elemental magic back as well. He didn't rely on them as much but it was still nice to have. ] I'm not too skilled at close combat without a sword but I can help you on dodging. We might have to get used to whatever footwear we got now.

[Little impractical to physically heal people with a bow slung over one's shoulders, so she's letting the Carrier hold onto it for now.]

Yeah. But, we can't do that here, so... [She looks down as someone tugs at her sleeve, and kneels down to explain a few things to them. When she's done, she stands back upright, and brushes her hands off on her skirt.] Um, but I think that's everyone with just minor bumps and bruises. A lot of this looks like it's going to be just... going home and recovering naturally.

[She motions toward her bow, and then starts walking that way.] Since I tend to fight from at range, it's not usually hard for me to dodge things like physical attacks, unless someone's already in reach. But I guess practice won't hurt.

[ Souji holds onto his weapon just in case that he needs it again. God forbid if there's another attack but you never know, so keeps it on him. He keeps on standing but he keeps a close eye on her. He's still concerned about her well being. ]

That's good. We'd be in trouble if they were in worse shape. [ Since it seems like a good chunk of the people here aren't super strong with healing and he doesn't know if there's something like a hospital around here. ] And better safe than sorry. Never hurts to be a bit quicker on your feet.

[ That means a lot for him since he's normally up close and personal in battle, but he always advises that people should be ready for anything. Never know when someone might take advantage of a long ranged fighter and try to close the distance. ]

But how are you feeling now?

[She's pretty sure that her Carrier could bring her weapon over to her on a command if necessary, so she'll leave it where it is. If nothing else, as creepy as the eagle is with its sitting and staring, it's otherwise been really responsive to commands, so that's good, at least.] Yeah, that's true. I should do that stuff anyway... keeps you in shape, if nothing else. Not that running around fighting things isn't gonna keep us up anyway, right?

[As for how she's feeling.] Like I really just want to get back and take a nap, but that's not an option right now. [Oh look, she admitted a little weakness. He might just be making headway with her.]

You can't just rely on the fights to keep you in shape though.

[ It'd be bad news if you're not fit during battle to dodge or run away! Also he looks around to assess the current situation. Hmmm. ]

It looks like things are calming down now. I think almost everyone's been looked after so we might be able to go back soon.

Ugh, I hope so. I'm gonna do another walk of the nearby relief tents, just make sure there's nothing else to do before we go. [She waves a little on her feet as she stands back up, but shakes her head out of it, and, after regaining her balance, heads back toward the other nearby relief tent.

Might wanna follow her.] And I know it's not the only thing to rely on to keep in shape, but it'll definitely help.

[ Souji holds out a hand, to catch her if she falls, but she regains her balance on her own so he lowers his hand. Hm, he'll definitely have to keep an eye and stay close. ]

I'll check with you. [ Both to make sure that Yukari will be okay but also just in case he needs to help. ] And yeah, it will, but hopefully the next attack won't be so soon or so close to the civilians. If it's outside the city then it'd be easier for everyone.

[SHE'S FINE SHE DOESN'T NEED HELP DON'T HELP she gets mad when she says she's got something and someone tries to help either way. Oh wait, he doesn't know about that yet. And he... doesn't find out yet because she's just out of it enough that she doesn't see the reach forward.

Keep talking. Keep moving. It's keeping her awake.]

I'm hoping not, either. This is... this is too much. I know it's supposed to be a war, but this was purposefully against civilians. [She shakes her head.] I just... hope we never have to be on the other end of something like this. [That's her fear. That there will be similar retaliation. And they'll have to be the ones to dish it out.]

[ HE'LL HELP IF HE WANTS TO or because he doesn't know about Yukari's whole tsunning nature about receiving help when she doesn't want it. Once he learns though, he'd do his best to respect whatever wishes she has. ]

[ He follows along, checking on the statuses of each tent as they move along. So far, it seems like everyone is okay and that there isn't much else to do, but he grows quiet once she mentions a possibility of them moving over to the other side. ]

If that ever happens, we don't have to cooperate. They can't force us to follow an order like that.

... I dunno, they managed to force us to come to this place without us even volunteering. [She sighs, looks down.] Someone I was talking to earlier was right - this is a war. You don't... win wars just by staying entirely on the defensive and waiting for them to wear themselves out. You gotta attack sometime. And who d'ya think they're gonna rely on to lead that?

... I guess it's best if I do just stick to healing. [You know. She knows what it's like to watch someone get murdered. She winces, and presses her lips together. She's getting too tired, she's getting emotional. They're mostly through the relief tents, and Yukari's tireless efforts have been working, along with all the others that have been helping out.] Ya think they're running the ferries back yet?

We can agree to fight in their war, but we don't have to win this by fighting dirty. There's a difference between attacking their forces directly and attacking an innocent village.

[ He understands that war isn't always like that, but he isn't one to really fight in wars in the first place. He'd rather do this the extremely hard way of fighting fair instead of fighting dirty. ]

And there're a probably a few still running. Ready to head back?

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