intro ♚ september

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO Grantebrycge

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 ♟ Video Killed The Radio Star

Rise and shine, Heroes. It seems that today is filled with good fortune as the morning is very uneventful, aside from the monthly arrival of new comrades. This is the perfect time to grab your weapon, Carrier and uniform and use your time to look around Caissa. While exploring or catching up on the latest gossip, you might blow past the delivery carriages outside of the Hall of Glory, but you certainly won’t be missing the steampunk televisions and vending machines which will be set up around noon time by your lovely maids and butlers! The TVs are placed in every single bedroom as well as leisure rooms so you can enjoy your daily fix of popular cooking show Inferno Kitchen, primetime Cheoksan drama Summer Cantata or the Gammonian hit series Sport of Crowns! The vending machines can be found in the hallways and contain snacks and drinks such as canned mackin’ cheese (or as Noirs like to call it, Lovekraft Supper), Pooky, Cpt. Pepperoni, Mountin' Do, or Eight Up. You are free to come up with your own TV show or vending machine food items.

Thierry Toussaint My dearest Heroes! I hope today finds you well, and for once I bring good news! [ he laughs a little sheepishly. he’s dressed less formally than in previous somber declarations and his hair looks windblown, like he ran here ] As you well know, our recent victories and mostly importantly, a successful alliance with Gammon has brought no small amount of blessings: we have more resources, better manpower, and the invaluable help of our Gammonian colleagues not just in war, but also in advancing our civilization! And so it is my pleasure to unveil our new and improved broadcast technology— [ a pause, where he winks ] —do I look clearer to you? It’s a little harder to tell from this end, I’m afraid. You’ll be able to receive better, brighter and more varied content from our country’s talented producers. Oh… [ another, longer pause. teddy looks offscreen and then laughs ] I’m not getting paid for this, I promise. I don’t need any other motivation to be excited for my country, do I? In addition to the television programs, we will be helping with the release of newly developed vending machine technology that brings fresh and healthy snacks to the streets of our capital, and hopefully, beyond. It would be nice to have one for my office. I’ve mentioned our Gammonian friends, haven’t I? And I’ve saved the best for last: as a token of the friendship between our countries and all that we can do for each other, Gammon has assisted us in completing Platform 40— … 42 and 5/8ths, an instantaneous portal between our very own Caissa and Cochrane. I look forward to even more cultural and commercial exchange from all the way across the Rokirovka Ocean! And ah, speaking of exchange—the Platform has been completed just in time for you, dear Heroes. Gammon has actually extended another invitation to you: as national and international icons and users of magic, they would like you to visit their school of magecraft, Pigeonsblood, in Grant— Grant… [ … ] You will be able to reach the school easily through the Platform! Pigeonsblood’s Headmaster has assured me that you would be a great inspiration to their incoming class of aspiring mages; I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. Gammon’s knowledge and mastery of magic, as you may have seen during your previous visits, is nothing to take lightly! And if you like what you see, I’m told Gammon would be happy to sponsor classes for Heroes at the school. I’m sure they want to keep the inspiration flowing, hm? Thank you once again, all of you, for making such wonderful things possible. I’m sure your achievements will continue to open doors, both metaphorically and literally, for Blanc and for yourselves.

Meet up with your chums, old and new, and head over to Caissa’s train station. Once there, locating the Platform 42 and 5/8ths is an easy feat. There are two guards standing watch and they will stop curious civilians from sneaking past them. They will only let Heroes use the Platform and as such require proof of identification. A Hero’s uniform, rank badge or a passport identifying yourself as such should do the trick. As the platform functions as one of Gammon’s checkpoints, you will need to pay a small fee of 200 colle to pass. Should you be a new arrival, the Prime Minister will suddenly show up and pay the fee.

Where’s the portal, you might ask? Take a deep breath, walk through the wall between the guards and you’ll find yourself in Cochrane! Heroes might experience some sudden vertigo or a near insatiable hunger for pork. Very minor side effects vary from person to person.

In order to reach Grantebrycge, Heroes must travel from Cochrane to Friedgood and then a little ways further. They are free to make this journey by foot, mount or train. Directions to Grantebrycge are vague but you can’t miss the landmark of the Great Face Cliff, a monument depicting the faces of the towns’s founding members. Poobin and Cemron seem especially stern as they glare down at anyone who dares to visit.

TWO ♟ Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

Upon entering Grantebrycge, Heroes will be immediately be ambushed by swarms of eager students from Pigeonsblood’s welcoming committee. This committee consists of upperclassmen from each of the Four Branches - Achroite, Prehnite, Bixbite, and Citrine, and they are dressed in uniforms in their Branch color (pictured here in the Bixbite red). Officially, they’re here to help you learn more about Pigeonsblood, give you a tour of the campus, and show you what each Branch can offer you so that you can make an educated decision about which to enroll in. Unofficially, they’re there to try to talk you into enrolling into their particular Branch and some will ramble on about how their Branch is the best while others fight amongst each other to try to get your attention.

Once the tour is finished, the committee will lead Heroes to the administration building. There, they’ll part with you to attend to other duties, leaving you with a reminder to head to the center plaza in an hour for the freshman orientation party. Heroes can enroll in classes if they so choose and have made a decision as to which Branch is the best for them. It’s recommended as it’s free, courtesy of Gammon. If they enroll in classes, they will receive their class schedule, a permit for a uniform, and a key to their dorm room. Head to the university shops later to have them take your measurements!

NOTE: The rooming and class schedule are up to player discretion. If there is an official mission the professors will allow an absence - Heroes can’t save the world if they’re worrying about their GPA, after all!

For those who choose to not enroll in Pigeonsblood, they can explore the campus some more, but either way make sure to head down to the central plaza before the party!

THREE ♟ The Part Where They Rope You in with Free Food

Stepping into the center plaza puts you in the middle of excited back-to-school buzz. Several event booths line the plaza, all eager to get your attention. Some will try to recruit you to their school club. Others are simply there to provide information, such as maps of the school and information about the Four Branches. Still others get even more specific, headed by banners marked “THE TOTAL IDIOT'S GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL ACADEMY LIFE” and “GUIDE TO HAPPINESS: HOW TO NOT DIE DURING EXAMS”. A few generous booths will provide you with free food like “Splotted Richard” or “Bangers and Mash” to fill your tummy, as well as school merchandise, such as Branch-specific pens, face paint, flyswatters, and other bits of merchandise.

If those don't get your attention, the freshmen running your way definitely will. They're beyond excited to see a Hero among their ranks, and approach you eagerly, yelling things such as, “Did you enroll? Let's do our best together!”, “You're my inspiration! I hope we're classmates!” and “Please let me know if you need a tutor! I wouldn't mind…” Thankfully, their enthusiasm is brought to a stop by the welcoming committee, who make their way to the center plaza and hush the excited freshmen. After a heartwarming speech about youth and school spirit, the committee flashes their new classmates a bright smile and finishes with: “And now, it's time for some fun!”

What do they mean by fun? The freshmen are more than eager to demonstrate! Aside from the fun offered at the various booths, there are many magic games to partake in. There's “Splash Tag,” where players must use water magic in lieu of touch to play tag, “Air Races,” in which racers use psionic, gravity, or wind magic to boost their movement, “Hot Potato,” in which the temperature of the potato is increased with each pass until it explodes on the loser, and Illusion-based Pictionary.

A few steps away from the commotion, near where the welcoming committee made their speech, is a tall bulletin board. Various flyers are posted here-- club announcements, dating ads, tutoring offers, and of course, Pigeonsblood help wanted ads.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

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

Remember to check out the uniform contest for ranked Heroes!

Comments

Jakob | Fire Emblem: Fates

[inyourservice]

ONE

[ Jakob looks positively askance at the food that's in the glass box. They didn't look healthy, fresh or appetising in any manner. So what if it was able to be kept in a glass box without spoiling? It was not worth it, not in the slightest. Regardless, the drinks may be... acceptable. Without much ceremony, he ends up with a can of Doctor Pepperoni open in his hand. The fizz and the smell was... unusual to say the least.

The Hall of Glory was overwhelming with all these things that he couldn't fathom, given him a butter knife that was supposedly a weapon and a corgi with a hat that was following him. Plus, he didn't know whether Corrin was safe or not.

He looks positively cranky. So when someone comes into the rec room to open the TV to look at it, he's not going to take too happily to the noise and lights and jumps back a few paces from it, the can now leaving his hand and arching upwards towards the other person in the room. Without much of a second thought, Jakob jumps into action and leaps to grab the can. He flies in the air over the other person in the room with grace and grabs the can, before landing like a cat in front of the television. ]

TWO

Excuse me.

[ Jakob's curt voice cuts through the chatter as he approaches someone in a similar uniform to him. ]

I hope you will excuse my boldness but my name is Jakob and I am looking for my master.

[ He offers the other person a polite bow. ]

She is grace and elegance embodied, with white hair that accentuates her delicate features.

[ Pause. Does he mention this? How many people named Corrin are there? Perhaps it is worth mentioning it. ]

... Additionally she can turn into a dragon though my understanding is that she is unable to do so here without assistance.

[ Jakob straightens up and looks the other person straight in the eye. ]

If you have not seen her then I thank you for your time and please enjoy the rest of the campus.

two

[royaliability]

[He could've been describing Gwendolyn for a second there...not that she'd think that herself, of course. She's too modest.

But the dragon part...yeah, sure can't be her then. She shakes her head in response.]

I'm sorry, but I haven't met anyone fitting that description. [Although it's not like she has anything else to do, so...] If you'd like, I could assist you in your search.

[inyourservice]

It is no problem, I feel that it would be inappropriate for me to take any more of your time.

[ he offers her another bow, because despite her petite frame - she seemed pretty regal in her own right. ]

One

[maidhem]

[Jakob's grace would have been impressive and all-- if not for Felicia moving in the same instant to try to catch the can.]

Oh, no! [She squeaked-- and wasn't quick enough to stop her movement before barrelling into Jakob, knocking over both the can of soda and the obnoxiously loud television set!

Somewhere on the other side of the room, a tiny white fox was yapping relentlessly. There was trouble! Big trouble!!!]

[inyourservice]

[ One moment, he sees a flash of pink hair. The next moment, they had crashed into the loud television set with a can of Doctor Pepperoni spilled mostly over Felicia and on the floor next to them. Felicia was on top of Jakob and he felt greatly... bothered. So he coughs gently, as if to implore her to move of her own volition. ]

two

[brightsmile]

Oh, uh... I haven't seen anyone by the description.

[The dragon part sounded familiar and...this guy looked pretty familiar. Though she can't recall speaking with him too often or at all. So she's going to let the nag at the back of her head for a little while.]

I can help you out! What is your master's name?

[Because wow, that sure sounded like he was describing someone super lovingly.]

[inyourservice]

Corrin. Her name is Corrin.

[ he says, looking a little sad as he did so. To be away from her for so long made her feel... uneasy. ]

two

[gilttrip]

Haven't seen anyone like that around, but knowing her name might help.

[Pacifica shrugs, taking in his polite speech and bowing.]

Are you a servant or something?

[inyourservice]

I am a butler in her employ, yes.

[ He gives Pacifica a bow, before straightening up to look at her. ]

Her name is Corrin.

TWO

[dragonspawn]

[ He listens to Jakob prattling on, eyes going wider by the moment at everything he's saying. When he'd approached him, his expression had visibly brightened, because Jakob had ended up here! Not that it was a good thing at all, but he was here and that was the most important thing- that he'd found him at all. But then Jakob looked... like he didn't recognize him at all, and the more he went on, the more his own confusion increased.

Everything he was describing- well, aside from that whole grace and elegance defined thing and white hair.. (..his hair is light, though... it's close?)- was mostly him, so it had to be Jakob, right? He'd know he was a dragon, but... there's visible confusion (and admittedly, upset) in his eyes when he finishes, unsure of how to address it. In all the time he'd spent here, he'd admittedly missed his butler and maids, and his Nohrian siblings a lot- not that he has no love for his Hoshidan siblings, but even so... it was one thing to have found your family by birthright, but the family he had by association and growing up included his retainers and friends.

And to see the one he was closest to addressing him as a stranger was- to put it simply, a little heartbreaking. But at least he's been here long enough to know that this place tends to do things like this. He just never expected that he'd see someone he knew and would trust with his very life addressing him as an unknown. It does make the bite of other encounters with people from different times feel a little less daunting, but after a brief silence, he finally musters up the strength to shake his head 'no'. He doesn't know if he should say that he recognizes him, but he does add... ]

I haven't... but I could let her know you were looking for her if I find her.

[ He manages to compose himself enough, though the dejection is clear on his face even if he forces it down to a businesslike tone. He should investigate this Jakob a bit... ]

What- what is she called...? And who should I say was looking for her?

[inyourservice]

Her name is Corrin. A fine name, if I do say so myself.

[ he says, with a lot of certainty. The more he remembers her, the more fond his face becomes. ]

She means the world to me, as she gives my life meaning. I followed her through her various... adventures.

[ now he's a little unsure as he says that last bit. "Adventures" was stretching it but there was no need to go into the history of war between Nohr and Hoshido and her pivotal place.

Still, he bows again to this fine looking gentleman - he looked eerily familiar. ]

You may say that her butler is looking for her.

two

[tailend]

[Favaro's only half listening to most of what this guy says, busy instead trying to open his drink from one of these weird machines. He nods and looks for all the world like he's totally concerned, but man, can this guy talk...

Of course, midway through his latest "mhm," he chokes on his first sip of the drink. Another goddamn dragon-??]

She can turn into a what now? How do you lose a dragon?!

[LIKE....]

[inyourservice]

She can't be a dragon all the time.

[ he replies, snippily. ]

Think of it as not being able to control one's temper, except she turns into a dragon. Do you see why it is imperative I find her?

Two.

[overextend]

[ Of course, he will take all the classes. Of course. Because someone must learn all there is to learn -and ace the classes perfectly.

Of course.

However, mid-way between walking from one class to another, carrying a stack of books already, Subaki pauses at the familiar sight. Wouldn't that be Lord Corrin's personal butler? He certainly looks less... severe than he's used to seeing him, he supposes. He leans in just a bit to overhear what he's asking -out of curiosity not nosiness-, and he pauses.

...she?

That sounds quite like Corrin. He is white-haired. And delicate. Also graceful and elegant, but there is definitely that one detail that is a little off. ]

You didn't happen to hit your head when you happened upon this land, did you?

[ He moves to his front to check his pupils. He doesn't look particularly out of sorts. Maybe he misheard... which he knows is impossible. His hearing is perfect. ]

What exactly is the last thing you remember before coming here?

[inyourservice]

Of course not, Subaki.

[ he coughs as she adjusts the ascot that he had made out of a scarf that was issued to them. ]

The last I remember was jumping into the Bottomless Canyon with Corrin and everyone else. We were... to fight something.

[ Jakob's a little hazy on the details, but he remembers they were going to fight the thing that was at the bottom of the canyon. Whatever it was. ]

two

[demoiselled]

Oooh, Jakob!

[ after his latest attempt to speak to someone, he'll get elise running up to stop by his side. it's definitely jakob, right? even if he got one major fact about her brother wrong...but maybe he has a headache or something. ]

I thought that was you! Wow, you were being super nice to them even though it wasn't Corrin...good job!

[inyourservice]

It would not do well to make enemies on the first day, Lady Elise.

[ He gives her a bow, looking very much the part of a butler despite the new uniform. Jakob had fashioned an ascot out of a scarf that he had found and he was feeling like himself again. ]

I am surprised that you are here. I would offer you a cup of tea but it seems like we are not at the place to do so.

2.

[dragoonage]

[ Estinien wasn't in the room that morning, so Estinien is still unaware that this man is his new roommate. Still, he could have been seen moving in and out of it during the day; if this man noticed, Estinien doesn't know.

He stops, raises a white eyebrow, then spreads his arms in a casual shrug. ]

Someone told me of a prince who could turn into a dragon. [ For a moment, 'white hair' and 'elegance' reminds him of Iceheart—Ysayle. While they had not gotten along well... at all... ever... in the entire time they knew each other... he still... had respect for her. The thought wouldn't come up if it weren't for the dragons; she had aimed for peace between man and dragon for longer than anyone else. His next words are heavy, but barely noticeably so. ] I've yet to hear the same for a woman.

[inyourservice]

A prince? No, I assure you, the woman I am looking for is a princess.

[ But this man looked very elegant and upright, very much the point of a warrior. In many ways, he reminded him of the lance wielding knights of the air. Very tall. ]

1;

[geneolgian]

[ He's beauty, he's grace, and he's a lot of things Yew isn't, made most obvious by the fact that Yew himself reflexively threw up his hands to defend himself from any fizzy beverage spillage (as if that would somehow stop it..........) instead, only for this pro butler dude to intervene. ]

Wow! That was very impressive, sir.

[inyourservice]

[ Jakob straightens up, holding the can in his hand. ]

Can I offer you a drink, young master?

[ He's not actually in the mood for the fizzy drink now that he was surprised by it. ]

two.

[putty]

[ things that we probably shouldn't disclose to jakob upon first meeting: the 'clothing' that enkidu bears, in striking similarity to the uniform that jakob is wearing, is actually just clay molded around its body. but it had the proper effect on the angry individuals at the train station, which is all that enkidu really needed at the time, even though it still doesn't quite understand why being naked gets people all up in arms and some such.

that being said, waking up here and traveling this far for no reason other than out of its own curiosity has left it with an odd, sickening sense of vertigo that it struggles with even throughout the polite young man's description of his... master? being unable to sense the other Servant's mana is a little odd, but then again, this entire situation has been... odd. so it simply smiles and goes with it. ]

Your Master sounds like an unforgettable individual. As such, I'm quite sorry that I cannot point you in her direction. [ a dragon, however? that immediately piques its interest. it hasn't seen a dragon in literal ages, and thought the entire race extinct. enkidu's heart gladdens at the thought of a survivor, if only one. ] However, as I, too, am searching for my Master, shall we two lost Servants search together?

[inyourservice]

Certainly. I would appreciate your help.

[ Enkidu was remarkably well mannered, though he was the first servant that he had encountered that wasn't himself or Felicia. In fact, he was the first servant that seemed to share his sentiments from another world - which perplexed him a tiny bit, but he puts these thoughts aside and gives him a short bow. ]

And of your master? Would you have any description of them?

two

[rememberher]

[ Normally Lux would only don her uniform for important situations, but with the sudden influx of new heroes arriving, playing welcoming committee had become something of a hobby of hers. So it came as no surprise when the man approached her and, turning, the shorter blond smiled up at him. ]

Your master?

[ Oh, he was bowing? And the way he doted upon the woman that was his master... Blinking a few times, she quickly fell into step, giving a gentle nod herself. Poised, as a proper noblewoman should be.

(It was strange how quickly she could still turn on, even after being gone so long.) ]

Of course, I would be more than happy to assist you. Perhaps you could tell me her name, or what she looks like?

[inyourservice]

Her name is Corrin. She has long silver hair and she can turn into a dragon.

[ he smiles, all charm and grace. ]

I would be grateful for your assistance, though please do not feel indebt to help me. You seem to be helping others who are more...

[ how to put this delicately? ]

Lost than I am.