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

[wantnotneed]

Oh, don't worry about that. I'll do my fair share. After all, I have my portion of the letters in my own bag! And I'll be training the pigs in my downtime. Not a problem for you, right...?

[ Of course it sounds good and all, but that tone of her voice makes it seem like there's something else behind it. And it's on purpose. ]

[kyusei]

You're doing a horrible job at reassuring me.

[ He shoots her a glower as they meet their first house. While there's a doorbell, Takumi chooses to knock instead. Houses aren't so thick where they don't echo, so there's a rather quick response. ]

Hello. We are here to deliver a letter from Pigeonsblood for Ashley Weatherhen. [ It looks like the person is Ashely Weatherhen and she looks ecstatic?! So much that she dares open the letter in front of them.

Then her face practically falls. ]

[wantnotneed]

[ Despite saying that she would be training the pig while she wasn't delivering letters, Mammon isn't and is watching the situation seriously. Rejection hurts, and she knows it. Nobody likes being denied of what they want--that is also an aspect she understands as greed. She didn't think about how emotionally taxing this job could be, and she only realizes it now.

So she watches the situation unfold before her, carefully observing as to what Takumi will do after. They're here for their job and they're certainly not getting paid to comfort the rejected students. She wouldn't blame him if he decides to leave.

Mammon stays quiet as the student starts crying quietly, her hands shaking with the letter in her grip.

wat do taku ]

[kyusei]

[ Of all things, he didn't want to deal with this. It's to be expected, but he's still taken aback by the tears. For someone to cry in public is still too forthright for him. He comes from the land of ~reading the air~ and vague gestures.

At first, he only stays quiet with such a concerned (for himself) look on his face. He looks over to Mammon and it looks like she's going to end up crying, too?! Now he's starting to get anxious. ]

There's no point in crying. [ This seems harsh, but... ] Study harder when you apply next year.

[ it's not much of a pep talk, but she's has lessened to sniffling and wiping her eyes. Nodding a couple of times, she thanks the two of them for delivering the letter and consoling her.

GODS. It's obvious, but Takumi is extremely uncomfortable--he tries to brush it off. ]

[wantnotneed]

[ After the observation, the student closes the door and Mammon pats Takumi on the back to help brush off the obvious discomfort that lingers. ]

Good job, good job. You did so well--I might have to follow your example. [ Not really. But Mammon is satisfied with what she saw, and she totally wasn't crying--just some kind of solemn look that is usually not seen on her face was there. It's weird, but it happens occasionally. ]

Say, I heard that there was some kind of charm magic here. You wouldn't happen to know any, right? [ Because you don't look charming much, sir prince.

This is also a jab to lighten the mood. ]

[kyusei]

[ UGH. At first he's startled at the pat, but finds it comforting. However, he doesn't need comforting. He isn't a child? So he looks to be in a state of malcontent anyway. ]

Even if I did, I wouldn't be so deceitful as to manipulate other for the sake of avoiding their genuine distress.

[ And of course the prince of Hoshido, land of the grand moral compass, is against such treachery. If it was supposed to be a joke, Takumi doesn't seem to notice... Possession magic is a rather sore spot for him yet he's not sure why.

He moves onto the next house--except these people aren't so sorrowful. Instead, they seem angry? And also picking up blunt weapons?? ]

[wantnotneed]

[ Um, Takumi.

That would be why.

Her fox looks alarmed. The pig might be sweating. As for Mammon, well... she pulls Takumi back by the back of his collar. ]

That's all we're here for! Take care~

[ we're gonna go

like right now

AND NOT THE FIGHTING KIND ]

[kyusei]

[ His own carrier only growls a bit and barks. His master is a great one!! How dare you threaten them with sticks!

However they're getting dragged?! Takumi stumbles as he's pulled away. He was going to excuse himself anyway?! ]

What are you--[ And when he looks behind them, the family is actually chasing them. ] Run faster!

[ why ]

[wantnotneed]

[ TAKUMI, SHE ISN'T A KNIGHT...

As magical demons can be, super strength is not one of them. She isn't built or anything. She can't carry him!! But she does make an effort to run faster, but grabbing Takumi by the back of his collar is... inefficient.

So she swaps over to grabbing his arm now.

But you know what? She's a pawn. So she's gonna zoom out like Sonic™ and maybe literally drag Takumi in the process. ]

[kyusei]

[ They've gained enough distance at this point... The family has decided to return and, instead, throw their anger at Pigeonsblood through a bunch of hatemail and even protesting? Is what Takumi heard.

Whatever... They're sage now. The micropig barely caught up, but is latching onto one of them so it can save energy. ]

What's with these people? There's no point in killing the messenger!

[wantnotneed]

[ She has never run this much in all her (fictional) years of existence. This sensation is weird, being out of breath by merely running. At times like these, she wishes she could teleport again, but alas. ]

You're right, but humans are irrational, so they do unreasonable things.

[ It makes sense for her--not like she hasn't been unreasonable anyway. She's not going to mention that.

She looks down at her mailbag though. It's still chock full of letters and she groans out of frustration. y dis ]

We missed a lot of houses. [ And to be honest, she's not sure if she can run like that again. She asks anyway: ] Do you want to go back?

[kyusei]

Even if being human means being flawed, it's a whole new level to kill over a rejection letter.

[ He finds it ridiculous despite not being the most calm and collected individual when it comes to his own emotions. He looks back, seeing that they've come a long way--many houses that have been left without a visit, many letters addressed to them not delivered. ]

We can get to those houses when we make a full round.

[ It isn't a big deal where they should go all the way back... At least this way, it will seem like they're making remarkable progress. ]

Do you want to give the next house a try?

1/?

[wantnotneed]

[ They'd kill each other for gold--she merely brushes that off and addresses the next part. ]

Yup, I got a letter for that house right there. [ It's not so far off. In fact, they're almost standing on its lawn. Mammon gently pries off the micropig and hands it over to Takumi because like hell she's gonna go knock on someone's door with a pig attacked to her arm like an accessory. ]

2/4

[wantnotneed]

[ She knocks on the door and is soon greeted with a tired looking guy who look as if they've been gaming all night or something. Mammon cheerfully hands him his rejection letter as if all that running before was a lie. He takes it, opens the letter lethargically, and upon reading the contents of the letter, a single tear drops down his face with the same blank expression.

Mammon isn't sure how to react, so she just... parts ways quietly.

God, that was awkward. ]

[wantnotneed]

[ She moves onto the next house, which is the next one over. She does the same delivering, but as soon as the girl accepts the letter, the door closes at her face.

???

What did she do--at least she doesn't have to see the girl's reaction when she finds out that she got rejected. ]

done

[wantnotneed]

[ Finally, she makes her way where Takumi is, looking triumphant. ]

Easy!

[ Or just. Lucky. Probably. ]

[kyusei]

You mean "lucky".

[ Takumi had been going to the other houses nearby while Mammon does hers and half of his ended up with tears and a lot of clinging. Actually, she probably heard one of his recipients wail so loudly about their rejection.

There's a long and exasperated sigh. ]

This academy must be top-notch if people are getting so upset over it.

[ Which is hypocritical of him to say. He would be the type to be heartbroken over a rejection, but work so hard that he gets accepted instantly the next time. Their next house...

Looks abandoned? And haunted? ]

[wantnotneed]

It just means they weren't ambitious enough to get into the school they wanted. Not enough passion! Not enough studying. [ needs moar greed

Mammon looks ahead at the next house and squints. ]

You'd think the government would tell them to clean their house or they'd issue a fine.

[kyusei]

That's true. They need to really embrace the spirit of competition... How else are you going to rise to the top?

[ Takumi isn't greedy per se... But he does crave acknowledgment and praise in the end, looking for self-worth in the small things he does as well. Takumi looks up and sown at this crap shack.

Holy shit. ]

Maybe this is... a style?

[ Benefit of the doubt, but he is reluctant to walk up to its porch. ]

[wantnotneed]

If it's a style, they clearly need a better one!

[ This house though... It's assigned to Takumi, isn't it? The only thing that puts Mammon off this house is how unsanitary it looks. Other than that, she's right at home with the creepy feeling. Hell, she is the creepy thing, but details. ]

Do you want me to do it?

[ She offers, but that smile of hers is obviously saying "for a price". ]

[kyusei]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with you.

[ ... That came out without a second thought. Only after he says it does he wonder why does he have this deja vu feeling--as if they've met before and it gave him the impression that he shouldn't be strung around by her whims.

It's a strange feeling, but he brushes it off to focus on the house. ]

If you're going to bribe me, I might as well do it myself.

[ There's a vehement huff before he heads to the porch and... Hesitantly knocks on the door. It creaks awkwardly as the door opens slightly. An eye pops up and he nearly jerks back.

CHRIST. ]

[wantnotneed]

[ Takumi's reaction has Mammon laughing. So sorry, Takumi. She finds it really amusing and continues to watch on without interference.

The shadows make it difficult to see, but that is definitely a person in there. A voice as soft as normal whispers ask of him what does he want.

Mammon vaguely wonders if this person had gotten into the school, they'd be big bully bait.

Poor guy. ]

[kyusei]

[ He turns back to hiss at her: ] Stop laughing!

[ It isn't funny?! He almost had a heart attack. He turns, apologizes to the resident before giving them their letter. They watch him with a critical eye before snatching the letter right out of his hands before closing the door.

... Well, that was anticlimactic? Takumi returns to Mammon. ]

The people here are so strange--[ Then there are some pretty loud shrieks and cultist phrases being thrown around from inside the house. ]

[wantnotneed]

Oh, you might want to watch your back now! You might even get cursed! Voodoo, even.

[ There is no end to this laughing train, but she calms down eventually. ]

There was never a rule saying that we had to see the people who these are addressed to. Why not we just slip the letters under the door to get them over with?

[kyusei]

Stop that!

[ He isn't a child, so he doesn't believe it completely!! But curses are a thing from his world, even more so here. Suddenly, his expression twists, but he tries to consider her suggestion instead. ]

While that's true, I wonder if that too dismissive and impersonal.

[ He thinks back on the family that was out for blood-- ]

Let's do it.

[ He isn't scared! This is just efficient? ]