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

[footfalls]

[thanks mammon, for not being as rude as you could be]

[Lenalee pushes a stray branch out of her hair and doesn't look offended so much as she does... disappointed. Not with Mammon, but with herself by the way she's staring down at her bare feet like they've done her a personal wrong.]

...It wouldn't have worked if I climbed down.

[but it didn't work anyway, so]

[wantnotneed]

[ She observes Lenalee's actions, trying to figure out what she means by that. So while she's thinking about it, she makes an offhanded comment. ]

Do you need an adrenaline rush? Feeling of falling?

[ Her carrier, a small fox, looks at Mammon all "no

why you do this

stop that". ]

[footfalls]

[by all rights Lenalee should take these cues from Mammon's sensible af fox carrier, but instead she]

[pauses and]

[thinks about it because honestly, Mammon isn't that far off the mark??]

More like -- I needed to put myself in danger.

[that doesn't sound good either... at least lenalee's carrier is too busy whizzing around to judge her too. Lenalee finally, tentatively, pulls herself up, then offers Mammon a weak, 'haha i sound crazy' smile.]

If it had worked, then I would have flown.

[Her Innocence would have been back, then she could have flown straight out of this city and this world without a single look back.],/small>

[wantnotneed]

[ Ah, Mammon thinks she understands. She has that expression on her face that's arrived at the correct answer! Maybe. Maybe not. One way to find out. ]

So you can do magical things! [ Lenalee's predicament suddenly sounds very #relatable, since Mammon also lost her ability to transform into a stake. Which is not the same thing, but magic. Where is it. ]

They took a lot of things though. Not sure if you can get it back.

[footfalls]

[Lenalee's head jerks up at the term "magical things", looking startled. but then, she had sort of implied it... though this is the first time she's met someone so quick on the uptake. She considers Mammon seriously,]

In a fashion.

[sorcery and alchemy exist in her world, but they've always been differentiated from Innocence for canon reasons that don't make any sense probably.]

...They did, didn't they? [they took everything.... but Lenalee looks more steely-eyed than despairing, setting her mouth in a firm line.] But I can't give up just because they have. Even if this didn't work... I'll just have to try again.

[wantnotneed]

Oh...? [ Is this...

Is this tenacity...? Persistence? Hell, both of those ping Mammon a lot--probably because she's the Greed Demon™. She's not going to stop her. ]

You can try again and again until you're satisfied. I'm feeling generous! So, to help your cause, I'll lend you my bag to use as a cushion.

[ HEAVE-HO. Mammon quickly drags a huge brown bag. It seems to be full of... something. The bag isn't exactly tied up , so if Lenalee does decide to peek inside, she'll see loads of money in there.

MONEY CUSHION

It probably won't make a cha-ching sound if Lenalee does land on it though. ]

im cackling

[footfalls]

Thank... you. [things Lenalee expected: not this?? It's like Mammon's a giant katamori of surprises, she just keeps on spinning and catching Lenalee offguard...]

[Lenalee looks down at the bag, only looking 5% unsure as she pads closer to look at it and wonder why it's so big.... is that.... money???]

[that's a lot of foreign new world money there]

Are -- are you sure? This looks pretty important...

[and possibly PAINFUL TO LAND ON...]

bows

[wantnotneed]

If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't be lending it in the first place!

[ Apparently, that's her version of "you're welcome". There are lots wads of cash, so that might soften the landing.

Maybe.

Also, the fact that she's readily willing to lend this huge bag of money probably means she has a way of securing the money in case of theft, since she's not the type to trust easily.

The money cushion is waiting for your drop, Lenalee.

Do you take this chance?! ]

[footfalls]

[NO, NO SHE SHOULDN'T TAKE THIS CHANCE, but she's going to because she's too new and hasn't really accepted the idea that FALLING OFF STUFF WON'T BRING HER INNOCENCE BACK]

[She still looks a little unsure about using Mammon's giant bag of cash, but tbh it's more convenient than hunting for another place with a convenient bush. so. what has Lenalee got to lose]

Then, could we move to another location? I'd like to jump from a higher place.

[lenalee no.... but since the bag's portable, maybe they can take it to a skyscraper Lenalee can like leap off of]

[wantnotneed]

[ The bag is indeed portable, but it's about the same height as Mammon. Five feet or so. Still, she can carry it around.

i can be your angle or yuor devil ]

As long as it's not too far from here, I'll go. Lead the way.

[footfalls]

[lenalee will secretly marvel over her scrooge mcduck strength when she sees Mammon dragging it around.]

[but she doesn't need to be told twice, so she gives a quick nod and turns on her heel to look for something MORE DANGEROUS, and then heads on over to a stone wall flanking one of the houses. it's clearly built to keep out intruders, and it's a few feet taller than the tree.]

[it also has vines to climb on!! cONVENIENT even if Lenalee doesn't look 100% satisfied. a littler taller would be better...]

Here's good. [she looks at Mammon, and since she hadn't expected help from a complete stranger on her first day here] I'd like to thank you again, for your help.

[wantnotneed]

[ Mammon doesn't think the thanks is well-deserved because she's honestly here just to entertain herself. But... she likes attention and praise, so she'll take it. She waves her hand as if to say, "no problem" and puts down the bag of money where Lenalee could fall if she jumped off from the great height. ]

Don't hold back! Jump as if you'll fly!

1/2

[footfalls]

[look she's just met mammon she's giving her the benefit of the doubt!!!]

["jump as if you'll fly"]

[yes, Lenalee thinks while she gives Mammon a single, sharp nod, before starting to scale up the wall. if I show my resolve once more, then the Innocence has to respond.]

[at least her legs and arms are working, it's not like the time when the Innocence swallowed her up and spat her out, trembling and lame. she still has her strength, just not the strength she wants. she swings herself up on the lip of the wall and then stands, toes curling out as she takes in the city. then she looks down to mark the spot of Mammon's magic weapon bag.]

[and takes a deep breath]

[I don't care if I get hurt, if that means I can get it back. So, please]

Please --

[anD THEN SHE JUMPS OFF THE WALL]

[footfalls]

[and maybe if this was the climax of a tragic arc, then some miracle would have descended on Lenalee and given her exactly the thing she asked for]

[but it's not, so Lenalee's single moment of freefalling (that feels so much like flying for .5 seconds) ends up just the same as the first time. she falls.]

[and lands. hard.]

[but on money, so she's not dead. but the wind gets knocked out of her all the same. she like falls on her right shoulder hard on top of the bag, then slides off in a graceless tumble onto the ground, like some kind of manic flutterbye doll and just lays there on the ground, breathing hard and staring up at the sky.]

[this could have been all avoided if she actually wore the magic shoes she got from the treasury tbh....]

[wantnotneed]

[ Mammon knows that people don't have to carry around their weapon everywhere. She hasn't been carrying her money bag everywhere, mostly because it's heavy... and annoying to take everywhere. It's handy, but... so impractical.

Her eyes land on Lenalee and then at her bag. Then back to Lenalee. She wonders what her weapon is. Or maybe... ]

Hey, is your weapon broken?

[footfalls]

[glancing over at Mammon, still on the ground.]

...I don't know.

[oh wait, then her eyes shift to the shoes on the ground beside her, the ones she was holding while jumping off things (and not wearing??? lenalee why).]

I haven't tried the one I got here yet.

[bc she's a Rebel]

[wantnotneed]

[ Girl, shoes are meant for wearing, not holding. Mammon looks at Lenalee for a bit, a bit puzzled. ]

Why don't you try it out? You can at least find out its special ability if it has one. Maybe it'll even aid you with flying.

[ Be one with the weapon.

It compels you. ]

[footfalls]

[stop??? she doesn't want the Innocence Redux???]

[...]

I do want to fly. But with my own power. [mmm how can she word it in a better way] I guess -- I'm not grateful enough to appreciate the things they've given me.

...I know I'll end up using them later, but for now...

[SHE'S THROWING A TANTRUM, a silent, very passive-aggressive tantrum. but she looks a little awkward now, so at least she's self-aware on how stupid this sounds...]

[wantnotneed]

[ Stubborn indeed. It almost reminds her of home, until she realizes that this grade S stubbornness can be found anywhere. She chuckles though, a little amused. ]

I do hope you end up using it later. They're fighting a war here, they said. So you'd be a sitting duck without a weapon, no better than the civilians here who hope that heroes will protect them.

[ Basically, "you can't do anything if you're dead". Same goes for "pride is meaningless if you're dead". Though, that's not her territory. ]

I think if you keep this up, you'll be sore all tomorrow.

[footfalls]

[Lenalee listens and digests the logic in those words. It's the truth. Without it, she'd probably die in this war she didn't ask for, to protect people she barely even knows.]

Mm. [She dips her head, acknowledging the truth in Mammon's words, then lifts it up to smile.]

I've had worse. [she knows she's not replying to the point, but she does understand. beating herself up on the first day in a strange new world is stupid...] But, I know. If I've going to stay here, then I'll have to be strong enough to try again tomorrow.

[OR HOPEFULLY NOT TOMORROW, hopefully she'll get the picture by the end of this day. she pauses, finally pulling herself up properly to face Mammon.]

I just realized -- I went ahead and accepted your help without even introducing myself. [that was very Rude of her and not a thing she'd normally do, if they were not in a brand new magical world!!] My name's Lenalee Lee.

[wantnotneed]

[ She waves her hand a little, clearly not a problem with her regarding lack of introduction. ]

Mammon of Greed, fifth Sister of Purgatory, currently not in anybody's service! [ aka sup i'm a demon ]

[footfalls]

[????? that's such a weird self-introduction]

[the only verse Lenalee's read in the Bible are probably the ones covering Noah and Noah's Ark, so she doesn't immediately clutch at her imaginary rosary and shriek about the word 'Purgatory'. she's a bad catholic tbh]

Of Greed? [that part though, that gets Lenalee to think a little. the last group of individuals she met that fashioned themselves after the seven sins.... they weren't fun. still,]

I see... It's nice to meet you, Mammon. Is Purgatory the name of your organization?

[service??? maybe it's like the black order???]

[wantnotneed]

No, it's the real thing!

[ Her "organization", would be something else, but honestly... it's probably not so important right now.

She's a little disappointed that her name doesn't ping recognition, but that's just Mammon, really. Instead, she laughs a bit. ]

I didn't think I'd ever hear anyone say, "it's nice to meet you", to me. That's a first!

[footfalls]

[???? THE REAL THING... but before Lenalee can mull that over in her head, she takes in Mammon's words. ah... Lenalee can't imagine why??? but then again, no one had ever said that to Krory, and Krory was the sweetest not!vampire to exist on earth, so she doesn't think too much on it.... instead, she smiles!]

It's the same for me as well. [well technically] Since you're the first person who helped me here, after all.

[look... mammon helped...]

I know it was pretty silly of me to do, but I still appreciate the fact that you let me do it.

[wantnotneed]

Like I said, don't thank me! [ It was 100% for amusement, to be honest. Mammon grins though. Lenalee is a cute girl! She seems nice and friendly. Mammon feels like she'll be easy to get along with. ]

But with the way you say it, you're definitely not going to try again, huh?

[ At least... for today. Spare your bones, Lenalee. ]