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

one B

[overextend]

[ ...well, he vaguely remembers this young man from that unfortunate incident involving his bird lightly staining his clothing with excrement. He would quite like to forget that incident and walk away quickly, but he can't ignore someone in need, no matter what feelings are dredged up. It just wouldn't be honorable, and his lady has always been dedicated to selfless acts of service. He must do good by her will.

That is why he immediately sidles in to inspect the damage, wondering how he even got it stuck to begin with. That is quite a hand there-

-oh. He must have a similar power as Lord Corrin. He supposes that would be an occasional inconvenience. ]

Don't try pulling it out with brute force. You will only make matters worse. Do you remember what triggered the transformation? If you can calm down and reverse it, you should be able to slide out with no trouble at all.

[ He's not an expert in this matter, but he thinks that would be better than breaking his wrist trying to get it out. ]

[yaoihand]

[ ok why can't he meet subaki when actually respectable

Kija is also trying to forget about that incident but fate has brought them together there today, unfortunately.

As Subaki walks over, Kija continues to struggle, tugging and pulling at his trapped hand. With the stupid hand growing bigger and bigger (and expending his mana at the same time), it's actually a little painful having all those pointy mechanical edges digging into it. What can he do, though!

He can't actually reverse this reptile hand that he was born with, but what he can do is shrink it as tiny as it can go. It'll still be larger than a human hand but at least he'll have an easier time sliding out. ]

It's you ...? Ah, calm down ... I see, I can --

[ And then a cockroach crawls out from under the machine, climbing onto his lap. ]

AHHHHHHHH!!! [ Cue some girly screaming and squirming. As much as he wants to run, he can't while he's here trapped against the machine! ]

[overextend]

[ Oh, that is just disgusting. Fortunately, Subaki isn't one to shriek at such things given that he's brave, noble, and elegant at all times. Or at least tries to be, so he's holding in his fear and despair as best as he can before gently trying to coerce the cockroach away. ]

Calm down, it's only a bug. Hardly anything worth trifling with.

[ But it's so gross. Ew ew ew ew! He's weeping on the inside and exuding sparkling magnificence on the outside. Everything hurts.

Of course, he's also trying to avoid the urge to squish it, unwilling to dirty his nice new shoes with bug innards. ]

Shoo-! Go over there!

[ He lets the bug scuttle around while returning to trying to calm down Kija by placing both hands on his shoulders from behind. ]

Don't let the bug deter you from your inner meditation. You want to get out, don't you? You still need to relax and withdraw the spell.

[yaoihand]

[ Subaki's strong yaoi grip does provide him with some soothing, but it isn't nearly enough to quell the terror seizing him completely. Identifying Subaki as a source of comfort, though, Kija finds himself leaning back against him, getting as close as he can. He would be hiding behind him if not for the fact that he can't quite move from his spot at the moment. ]

H-H-How can I be calm with that disgusting thing crawling on me?! And I don't know anything about meditation!!

[ Tell him how to meditate ..... ]

[overextend]

[ Why does he submit himself to this kind of suffering? He immediately regrets it as he settles behind Kija, crouching down so he's more at his level. His hand follows along Kija's forearm, passing over the unusual texture of his arm to reach his hand. His own fingers then gently close around Kija's hand, squeezing ever so lightly around it and applying a restrained amount of pressure. The objective here is to relax him and not make him tense up any further. ]

Think of something pleasant -a childhood memory, a loved one, perhaps a pet you once owned that brought you joy? Don't think about the bug. It's over there now.

[ Actually, he lost sight of it not too long ago, so it could very well be anywhere, but Subaki is trying to focus on the matter at hand. He doesn't want to submit to any panic himself.

His fingers keep awkwardly massaging his hand, trying to see if he can somehow maneuver it from the hole without breaking any of his fingers. ]

Would you prefer for me to sing to you a pleasant melody? I am told my voice is rather soothing.

[yaoihand]

[ Awkward as it may be, the light pressure Subaki is putting on his right hand is really nice. Kija does find himself relaxing into him, closing his eyes (so he can't see the bug!!) and letting out a sigh. He doesn't know where the bug is now either, but he'll trust Subaki even if he barely knows him. ]

I-I'll think about my brothers ... [ His dragon brothers whom he's come to become so very attached to. Thinking about them and how much he loves them does calm him a little bit. Is this what meditation is after all? The hand does start to shrink, so whatever they were doing seems to be working (even if they're getting stares from all around). ]

Would you? Please ... I want to hear it.

[overextend]

[ It's just going to keep getting more and more awkward by the second. It's time to saddle himself in and commit 100% to this. No turning back now. Subaki is anything but a coward. ]

Yes, keep them in mind while I serenade you then. Remember to relax. Loosen all the tension in your muscles. Let the remaining vestiges of your mana revert the spell on your form.

[ At least, there's no one around to see them at the moment, not that he minds a live performance or the chance to show off his perfect vocals. He'd just rather not do it while massaging a near-stranger's hand and trying to free him from an unknown contraption.

Closing his eyes and forcing himself into the mood, Subaki leans over close to Kija's ear, gently singing a sweet lullaby to him that he recalls from his childhood. The soothing melody pours free from his lips as he very carefully continues to tug Kija's hand, hoping he'll shrink it down enough to free him.

If not, his next plan is to butter every inch of it, so this better work. ]

this sure took long ............ it's okay to drop this!

[yaoihand]

[ This is turning out to be a bit more uncomfortable than he had expected??? Subaki was leaning in much too close for comfort, so close that Kija could feel his breathing by his ear and each lyric that bounced right off his skin. For some reason, the closeness was making him nervous, his cheeks coloring and heating up and his heart quickening by a beat. This is definitely not a position he had expected to be in today.

Still, Subaki's tone was smooth and melodious, very pleasing to the ear. The words distract him from both their awkward position and his unfortunate predicament. He listens with fascination, allowing his imagination to wander and craft for him a possible meaning behind the lyrics. Though Kija remains nervous, there is some appreciation that he has for Subaki's singing. ]

Y-You have a beautiful voice. It is not often that I am treated to such a melodious tone. [ Said with complete honesty. There's little shame he has in admitting to that! ] Is this a lullaby from home?

I need to finish serenading him romantically

[overextend]

[ This is awkward and uncomfortable for him, too. There is no getting around how strange this feels. They'd only just met recently, after all, and hadn't quite spoken much, but Subaki isn't the type of person to ignore someone in need. He just wishes this would work faster so he can let go and not feel so invasive and warm himself. The sensation of sweating under his clothes is vastly unpleasant.

He keeps moving his hand along Kija's, clenching around it and tugging lightly before pausing in his singing as he hears his question. ]

It is! A very special one. It has a lot of meaning to me. I was hoping my dulcet tones would sooth you.

[ But his hand is still tragically stuck. Honestly, what else can he do...? He tries giving it another awkward tug. ]

What other things do you find relaxing? Do you like the sea?

[ Oceans are relaxing. Soothing waves. Whale noises! Perhaps thinking of those will calm him down. ]

i'm not letting you one up me in the game of yaoi 1/2

[yaoihand]

[ Those dulcet tones are definitely pleasing his his ear. Back in his village, there were singers who would put up performances for Kija on his birthdays - but those singers were all women with sweet, angelic voices. He's never had a man sing to him, no less one with such a beautiful tone. If this were happening back home, he might request for this mysterious singer to come perform for him several times more. ]

I see. I thank you ... for treating me to this part of your home. [ The singing and their general position (inches from pressing against each other) isn't actually helping that hand of his, though. In fact, it may be growing larger as Kija continues to sweat under Subaki's touch. ] I do like the sea, but it is not often that I get to see it.

[ In this current, awkward state, it's a little difficult to find something relaxing to think about. Kija can only focus his thoughts on the sound of Subaki's voice, as he speaks against his ear...

He hadn't spent enough time with the other man to notice before, but Subaki's hair came in such a deep, vibrant shade of red. It was brighter than Yona's, but rich in colour all the same. In the stories, King Hiryuu was said to be a beautiful man, with locks of fiery red hair cascading down his shoulders. Maybe it's the general mood of things, but Kija gets a strange thought --

If his revered king of legend were still alive to this day, would he look something like this ...? ]

[yaoihand]

[ and he's doomed now. The hand triples in size, sharp claws tearing through the machine. ]

... Ah.

[overextend]

...

[ Subaki instantly lurches back, narrowly missing the debris from the destroyed vending machine. It definitely does make quite a mess as it bursts and falls apart, but at least, Kija is free... at the expense of public property. Just what had he done to make the opposite effect happen? He thought he had been effectively calming him down so why would his hand grow larger?

Unless...

Oh.

Oh.

He turns a bit red as he releases Kija completely and politely looks away. It's best not to disturb someone when they're in that state, and really, it's only natural. He can't say Kija is the first person who's had that effect from being touched by him. ]

W-well! It looks as though my plan worked!

[ Yes, this was totally his plan all along. Just roll with it. ]

I can see about replacing the machine or at least paying for it, but you should carry on safely now that you're free. Just leave the mess to me!

[yaoihand]

[ oh my god it's not a boner

One would think their problems would be solved the moment Kija finally gets out, that they would no longer have to engage in such awkward acts. Kija certainly thought so, but how wrong he was on that front. Now he's out, but this friendly acquaintance appears nervous and embarrassed for some reason, unable to keep eye contact. It makes Kija feel like he had done something very wrong.

-- Something other than rip apart a vending machine.

He's briefly reminded once again about the connection he had made between Subaki and King Hiryuu, and it embarrasses him that it had happened at all. Did Subaki pick up on his thoughts?? Kija goes a little pink too, looking away. ]

No, this is my fault. You should not be bearing the consequences. I will fix it!

[ And so Kija 'fixes' it ... by slowly bending all the dented metal back into place with his monstrous hand. ]

[overextend]

[ Whatever it is, he's just going to keep politely facing away.

...The vending machine still looks like it was taken apart, but he guesses it's at least in one piece. It probably won't still work, but Subaki can't fault him for trying to clean up after his mess. It's admirable to say the least.

He also helps to try and arrange the wreckage and make it at least look somewhat presentable. In all likelihood, it will just have to be hauled away and destroyed. Fortunately, Kija is no longer attached to it. ]

It was also my fault. Had I not riled you up, your arm wouldn't have ...grown in size. I suppose it can't be helped.

[ He's just too good-looking and charming for his own good really. He shouldn't have gone overboard as he himself had. ]

At least, you can go free now. I can take care of the rest if you'd like to ice down your arm.

[yaoihand]

Riled me up ...? [ There's a pause, as he wonders what they could mean. It isn't like Subaki made him angry. For a moment, Kija almost Gets It --

JK, he has no idea he made such a debauched first impression on Subaki. Finding himself thoroughly confused, Kija decides to move on ?? ]

But I could not leave you to clean up after me! If one of the butlers find this machine, you would surely be punished.

[overextend]

I will explain the situation carefully and get the butlers to understand. Leave it to me. I can easily win their favor.

[ He can squeeze out all the charm from himself to convince them that this isn't worth any punishment, though he really wishes his methods had been more effective. He really had been trying to avoid this kind of circumstance. How irritating.

No matter. He can fix the situation if need be as it would be better than simply allowing the poor boy to take the fall for losing control on his own account. Why must he be so beautiful? It really is his own fault for paying too much care to his appearance this morning. At least, that in itself is a compliment. ]

Is your hand doing better at least? Did you injure it at all?

[ He hadn't seen any blood, but he should make certain anyway. ]

[yaoihand]

[ subaki ... you're 2 much ]

Oh, no ... I am quite fine. [ He was so distracted by how uncomfortable the whole situation was that he wasn't even paying attention to that hand of his. Now, Kija finally takes a good look at it, and there's a small cut over it where the metal had dug too far into his scales. ]

EH?! MY BEAUTIFUL HAND!

[overextend]

[ That simply won't do, especially if it gets infected. ]

Find a wash room and rinse it thoroughly before wrapping it up. It's not large enough to require stitching, but you also wouldn't want it to get dirty.

[ Of course, had he retained his healing abilities, he could have easily had it taken care of. He also doesn't want to disturb Sakura from her own preoccupations to heal a cut this small. Kija's a big boy. He can handle it himself. ]

I know, scars are unsightly, but this is small enough that it won't leave anything lasting. I also have a good healing ointment recipe that will cause the scars to fade quickly.

[ He shows off his own beautiful arms, all pristine and scar free. ]