boardmaster: (Default)
BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-03-07 09:52 pm

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!

couldntpullthetrigger: (Default)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-18 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Out like a light, she just stays slumped over, breathing lightly. Yukari.exe has officially stopped working.

So basically, it comes down to - just make sure no one sits on her.
]
tarotcards: ((`∩´ ;;))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-18 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well... Souji isn't very surprised at all. She totally seemed out of it those last couple of minutes so this is good. She can finally rest. He'll let her rest against him during the whole trip while he just patiently waits for their ride to be over. ]

[ Once they arrive back though, he'll try to shake her once more to wake up. He doesn't know if it'll actually work though, but maybe she got enough rest?? If she doesn't get up though, he'd have to resort to plan B... ]


Hey, we're here.
Edited 2016-03-18 18:14 (UTC)
couldntpullthetrigger: (I imagine the things we'd do)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-18 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[She barely stirs. If it weren't for her breathing, she might be confused for dead. And then Souji would really learn the pain of P3. In a very similar manner to the ending!

But, really, for now she's just that dead tired. Ten more minutes? Two more hours? No, the ferry'll move by then. Gotta get off, and she probably won't be up in time!
]
tarotcards: ((.﹒︣︿﹒︣.))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-18 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah... that's a bit of a problem. He wouldn't have minded to walk her back to the Hall so he knows that she got back fine and without falling asleep in some random alleyway, but she's still asleep. She didn't even stir so he doesn't really want to wake her up. He'd feel pretty bad otherwise when she seems that tired. So, the next best thing to do is to, well, carry her back. ]

[ It's hard to get an unconscious person onto his back on his own and without trying to wake them up, so he just carries her in his arms instead. Luckily enough for him, he's decently strong enough to do that (even if his arms will be slightly sore by the end of it). He'll carry her off the ferry and back to the Hall. ]

[ If she's still not awake by the time he arrives then... uh, he's stuck in a bind because he has no idea where her room is. He doesn't even know her name (oops) so uh, this is a problem. Okay, one last time, he'll try to shake her awake a bit because this is actually kind of important. If not, then he'd probably have to come up with another plan on what to do. ]
couldntpullthetrigger: (Default)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-19 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Too bad mana transfer, while helpful, doesn't completely alleviate the issue of pure physical and emotional exhaustion, and so Yukari is still more or less out cold.

If he knew her Carrier, the Carrier should be able to tell him! But he didn't speak to it, did he? And where in the world it flapped off to is - well, that's unimportant.

Yukari grumbles exactly nothing coherent at being picked up, but otherwise seems to pass right back out. This is even superseding her usual inclination to being able to spring awake at a moment's notice for Shadow attacks at night, and her usual predilection toward waking early!

AKA, Yukari is fucking tired. Keep at it, Sooj!

Also, taking a girl back to your room and not even knowing her name, smh, what a college move.
]
tarotcards: (fail duo)

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-19 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hey! He would have gotten her name if they weren't so busy with trying to treat everyone and she wasn't being a tsun about getting some proper rest. ]

[ But all right, it looks like he really has no choice but to bring her back to his room. He doesn't really want to because it does seem kind of improper but he doesn't know her name or where her Carrier is. He can't find her room and it's not right just to leave a sleeping girl out somewhere. He doesn't want to leave her alone somewhere so the next best thing is to let her rest in his room. At least this way, he can also keep an eye on her and make sure that she's doing okay. ]

[ So, he walks back to the Hall and makes his way to his room. He quietly opens his door and makes his way inside. After moving the covers, he carefully drops her off in his bed and makes sure to take off her shoes but otherwise, he makes sure not to touch her. He pulls the blankets up to her chin and drags a chair over to the side of the bed so he could keep watch. He doesn't know how long she'll stay asleep for but he could probably just take a small nap too. Sleeping in a chair is fine and it's waaaay better than sleeping in the same bed with her, so he'll just do that. He'll unbutton his jacket and place it on the back of the chair first so he's just down in his shirt before he folds his arms and leans back to rest. Wake him up whenever you do, Yukari. ]
couldntpullthetrigger: (AND SHUT UP STUPEI)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-20 07:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Get used to the tsun. She does it a lot.

A lot a lot.

Like excessively.

Regardless, she'll stir eventually - it may be a couple hours before she's up, but he'll know when she's awake.

Because for the second time in less than two days, the first floor King hall is rocked by the excessively loud shriek of one Yukari Takeba.

WAKEY WAKEY, PROTAG.
]
tarotcards: (((((;゜Д゜))))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-20 10:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ THIS IS NOT THE KIND OF WAKE UP CALL THAT HE WANTED ]

[ He jerks awake in his seat at her shriek and fumbles as he immediately reaches for his sheathed sword. She'd only scream like that if she's in danger or something, right? So he springs up from his chair to be on guard next to the bed. ]


Wh-- What's wrong?!
couldntpullthetrigger: (AND SHUT UP STUPEI)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
[At least she isn't naked this time? That's unimportant, she woke up and there was some guy just hovering over her.

She immediately recoils to the other side of the bed and jabs an accusing finger at him.
] W-what the hell do you think you're doing!? Where am I!?
tarotcards: ((〃°‸°〃))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 03:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ ???????? ]

[ Okay, be careful here, Seta. You have a really angry tsun girl in your bed who's demanding to know where she is. You need to be super careful and thoughtful of your words so you don't make this a million times worse. ]


You fell asleep on the ferry so I brought you to my room to sleep in since I didn't know where yours was.
couldntpullthetrigger: (I can't wait for the nights with you)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
You couldn't have just asked around? What makes you think that was in any way okay!? [The Yukari Is Not Appeased.]
tarotcards: (( 。・_・。))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
I didn't know your name so I couldn't really ask.

[ And no one would really know who she is when she just arrived today but quick, defuse!! Defuse!!! ]

I'm really sorry, I am, but I couldn't just let you sleep somewhere out in the open.
couldntpullthetrigger: (AND SHUT UP STUPEI)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
I have a roommate, I guess, you could have run into her! Or Minato-kun or Aigis, they could've told you! Waking up like this the first time was bad enough, but how the hell do I know you're not one of those creepy guys, huh? [This train is going full steam ahead.]
tarotcards: ((´⌒`。))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, she knows Aigis-san and Minato-kun? Well... too late now. Souji is really in a bind here but he can't get flustered or anything. He's gotta keep trying to defuse and show that he's really sorry here... ]

Sorry, I would have asked them if I knew.

I swear that I didn't do anything but there's no way for you to know for sure if I'm a creep or not so all you have is my word. I know it isn't much but it's all I can give right now. I'll make it up to you if I could.
couldntpullthetrigger: (I can't wait for the nights with you)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
I bet you would! Ugh, god, at least you were smart enough to leave my clothes on. [SCOOCHING OVER TO THE EDGE OF THE BED, ANGRILY.] I better not find anything wrong.

[That's his one warning before she stands up suddenly - and wavers a little because though she had a few hours' nap, she did just wake up, and the headrush makes her dizzy, before she immediately looks around.] Where're my sh- there they are. [GLOWERING BACK AT HIM.] Don't move.
tarotcards: ((´⌓`。))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Souji was about to reach out a hand to catch her if she fell but then she told him not to move so it's, uh, better if he does exactly that. He won't even say anything, he'll just awkwardly stand there and watch her until she tells him to do something else. ]

[ This is the worst. ]
couldntpullthetrigger: (There's no one like you)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
[At least he can obey orders. Now that he's been caught.

She's still not letting him off the hook yet.

It's only a moment after she has her shoes back on and a moment to assess the situation that she looks back over at him, and the anger... doesn't actually fade, but if he knew her a little better, he might be able to tell the slight shift in her demeanor.
]

What room is this, anyway?
tarotcards: ((;¬_¬))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He didn't get caught doing anything wrong! He just put a sleeping girl in his bed where he was also sleeping in just hours ago but totally naked... It's a big misunderstanding. ]

It's King 108. [ He doesn't know if that's close to her room or not. ] Do you want me to walk you back to your room?
couldntpullthetrigger: (Default)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Totally a misunderstanding!]

... Ugh, great, you're a neighbor.

[Somehow, there's not as much bite to that as there usually is.]

No, I'm fine at the whole 'walking back' thing, it's right down the hall. 104.

[She straightens out the skirt on her uniform, and looks back up at him. This time, she holds the look for a good, long moment.] Don't do this again.
tarotcards: ((。•́︿•̀。))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Just kick him while he's down, why don't you? Souji might be great at linefacing and all but even he has feelings... He does maintain eye contact when she looks at him and nods. ]

I won't. I promise you that. [ Which he knows it's just as empty as his word but he fully intends to keep it and prove that he's not really a creep. ] ... I'm Souji Seta, if you need to find me later about anything.

[ Including yelling or if she does find something wrong, though he really didn't do anything but just carry her back. He figures that he should at least tell her his name so it's not like he's running away or that he'd just suddenly disappear. ]
couldntpullthetrigger: (I don't want my feelings restrained)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ugh, he had to do the introduction, didn't he?

She tilts her head, but she still doesn't look too happy.
] Yukari. Takeba Yukari. [He better not use this information to do anything weird!]

... I'll see you later.

[WALKING THE FUCK OUT NOW.]
tarotcards: ((▰˘︹˘▰))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hey, she didn't have to introduce herself or anything! He just introduced himself because he felt like he should... but okay, he won't stop her or anything. She is more than free to leave. ]

[ ... Goodbye chance at a second Lovers arcana social link. ;o; ]
couldntpullthetrigger: (I don't want my feelings restrained)

[personal profile] couldntpullthetrigger 2016-03-21 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh wait, before she forgets.]

I'll be at the library probably in a couple days.

[Okay, now she's out.

Study partners is apparently still a go.
]
tarotcards: (( ´ ▽ ` ))

[personal profile] tarotcards 2016-03-21 07:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A-Ah, there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel...!! Souji can't help but give a small smile when Yukari says that before she leaves. Well, that makes him feel a little better, to see that she's not so mad that she'd drop their study date. ]

[ He doesn't know if she'll actually come and if she was just saying this but guess he'll find out. ]