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

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.

1/2

[dragonspawn]

[ The widening of his eyes would indicate to anyone that didn't know him that he had placed that he recognized this missing "Corrin" - only, of course, it was actually because that's his name and all this time, Jakob's not only talking about another woman as his mistress, but a woman with his name and (mostly) his appearance. On the other hand, the confusion is enough to offset the upset he can feel building up, and he calms himself before giving a weak smile to the other man. ]

She's... fortunate. To have the services of such a loyal butler. I'm sure if she'd been here without someone so dedicated all this time, she'd certainly be at a loss on how to look after herself.

[dragonspawn]

[ What Jakob won't know is that he's talking about how he's felt all these months without him and Felicia and Flora- and Gunter, of course, because even at home, at least, when he'd chosen not to side with either kingdom, he still had his family supporting him. Azura, Felicia, Sakura... they'd been there when no one else had. Jakob had found his way to him and he couldn't have been happier, but right now, it's almost like the wind has been knocked out of him.

On the one hand, he's happy, that whoever he's talking about has him as a butler at all, because Jakob rarely got along with others as well as himself. On the other, he... feels a little lost on how to treat him. The Jakob he knows knows him and his needs very intimately, but this one- is it possible he'd know this other Corrin's needs as well? Are they the same as his? Are they just as good friends as they were? He wonders, idly, if this is how Silas felt when he couldn't remember him, but he shakes himself out of his reverie before chancing another question- perhaps, just wanting to find some familiarity from who he'd been longing for for it. ]

What sort of adventures did you go on, then? Caissa's got just about as much to do- I'm sure she'd have handled them better with a companion like yourself by her side.

[ Ah, haha... ]

[inyourservice]

[ Jakob gives a light laugh, curious at this man's interest in his lady. When it comes to Corrin, his vision gets a little focused and narrow and he finds it hard to concentrate on some of the details. ]

She was the daughter from a country called Hoshido, but was kidnapped by their sworn enemy Nohr. She was raised by the Nohrian royal family so she was clearly beloved by both sides and yet... yet it was a cause of great pain to her.

[ He coughs, catching himself. ]

Excuse me, I am nothing but a dutiful servant. I'm sure this is not particularly interesting to you at all, sir...?

1/2

[dragonspawn]

[ This is... a little strange and twisted to him. He's the same Jakob, but he keeps saying he's serving a lady- a lady who, by all accounts, is pretty much mirroring his life. He's really not sure how to react or understand it, and had he not been in this place long enough to know that even familiar faces could come in with unfamiliar experiences, he'd have thought of an impostor taking his place...

But Jakob is the same, isn't he? He's speaking of his lady so kindly that it almost hurts a little, and of experiences he hasn't had with him, but... this other him. Who's a lady.

And who Jakob seems to be really devoted to.

That's what makes him hesitate when he asks him who he is, though... there's no harm in a name, right?

He's not the same person... ]

I... I see. It sounds like you've both... experienced a lot together. But please don't worry— ...it's important to hear out those that have newly arrived here.

[ He shifts a little, feeling uncomfortable, but he does give Jakob a small smile. ]

Oh, sorry, I'm‐

2/2

[dragonspawn]

Asal!


[ Convenient interruption is convenient, Corrin's carrier, the little honey dragon Asal is looking out for a new head of hair to attack, and what better head of hair than the shiniest, sugary-looking one he can find? With a happy chirp, the little dragon is launching itself right into Jakob's pretty hair from behind and... if Jakob manages to escape that, there's the fact that he's going to get his hair chewed on and slobbered over because the cretin is pretty good at dodging.

Thankfully, Corrin's running forward to grab it before it does too much damage. ]

Sorry! He always thinks people are candy! And I fed him before we left... honestly, you silly honey dragon.

[ He'll just be trying to tug him away now, excuse him. ]

[inyourservice]

[ With skill and grace, Jakob dodges the first time before the dragon assaults him again and he feels his hair being chewed on. He grimaces as he feels "Asal" pulling his carrier out of his hair, but he flicks the slobber on his hair away and onto the ground before straightening his hair and his collar again. ]

Lord Asal, is it? What a very rambunctious courier you have. Mine is merely...

[ Sir Winston comes trotting into view, all fluffy in his top hatted, monocled glory. He looks up to "Asal" and barks, its tail wagging enthusiastically. ]

Ah, Sir Winston. Glad you could join us.

[ It barks, clearly looking for head pats. ]

[dragonspawn]

No, I— Ack, that's enough!!

[ His hand circles around the dragon's snout to keep him from trying to attack poor Jakob anymore, though his attention is taken by the little puppy that comes on in. Corrin can't help but blink, staring at it though he finally manages to wrestle his dragon back onto his shoulder before stuffing a toffee into his mouth and staring at this "Sir Winston"... who he can't help but smile at. ]

"Sir Winston", is it? That sounds like something you'd pick, Jakob...

[ He can't help but chuckle softly as he kneels and gives the puppy some chin scritches instead, not realizing he just used Jakob's name when he's only introduced himself as "the butler"... ]

Takumi's is just as playful, but just as cute... it's so fluffy. Though Sir Winston seems to be quite fluffy himself...

[ He's just talking to himself now, but he stops himself and glances up at Jakob worriedly before finally standing again. ]

H-Have you been assigned a room yet, by the way? You'll probably want to make sure you're good to the maids here... one of my roommates started a fight with one, and I haven't had anyone coming in to clean for weeks, so I've had to do it all myself!

[ Why is he telling him this. He should get away as fast as he can, because the longer he stays chatting like a simpleton, the more he risks.. not letting Jakob find the "Lady" Corrin he serves. Would it even be possible for someone like that to arrive here, he wonders...? ]

[inyourservice]

Lord Takumi is here?

[ A shudder runs up his spine. He can never dislodge the feeling of terror he feels whenever he sees Takumi, having been used for target practise upon his lady's behest. ]

Well, I suppose I should serve him and Lady Elise to the best of my ability now that I know they are here... thank you milord, that information is greatly helpful.

[ he trails off, muttering to himself. But now "Lord Asal" is talking about rooming and arrangements and he laughs. ]

I have a way with maids. I'm sure that we will get on, dedicated to the art of domestic service. If it suits, I would happily have a look at your own room once I have found my lady.

[dragonspawn]

[ Serve him and Lady Elise... then, this Jakob knows them too. It's just adding to his confusion as to why only he happens to be replaced in Jakob's memories, and he frowns a bit. But, he's also becoming a little more guarded, knowing that... it means he can't expect the same sort of loyalty from this Jakob at all.

He... doesn't know him as himself. It wouldn't be right. The thought makes his heart ache in a way he never imagined it could, and he shakes his head. ]

Th-there's no need... I've been handling it fine, myself. I'm sure my new roommates will be happy to help, too...

[ The more he stays, the more he risks saying something that might make this Jakob worry. He doesn't want to, knowing his butler's personality all too well... even if he isn't his Corrin, he'd still worry for him, wouldn't he?

Or... he might deny the idea that he's Corrin- the Corrin he could know, at all. And to be completely dismissed like that isn't something he thinks he can take. He stands quickly, feeling that sinking and aching feeling settle in his chest, and he looks aside.

He hates that he's not familiar to Jakob, and his own self-entitledness on the matter is shocking him too. He can't do that to him... it's not fair. ]

I should get going. [ It's abrupt, and he doesn't face Jakob after. ] I hope you'll find your lady... I'll let you know if I find anything. Through the carrier... if you need anything, just- contact me. I'll help however I can.

[ He does brave a look back at him, feeling his own mood grow more morose. ]

Take care, Jakob.

[ Quick as ever, he turns to leave as fast as he can, his dragon staring confused between them before following his master. But Corrin can't turn around- he shouldn't be this way. He should stay and help Jakob... help him adjust, it's not their world, he's not going to know anything, he should guide him, the way he guided Felicia, he should stop and stay with him. Even if he served another Corrin, he served one, didn't he?

But he can't. This other Corrin is the one he's loyal to, not him. A Corrin that's a woman, who's been through all the experiences with him that he had- and Jakob doesn't even know him for it. How will he ever see him as the same person, or find that same friendship with him? What if this "Lady Corrin" shows up? What if she doesn't? What will Jakob feel...? He's already in a strange place, why's he making this worse for him?

He realizes he's being selfish, but... he's hurting and he picks up his pace before he decides to change his mind.

Poor Jakob- it doesn't occur to him until it's far too late that he won't be able to reach a "Lord Asal" here. But by then, he's already running away. ]