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

ZERO

[twosidedsword]

[After dealing with the new roommate stuff, he's gone through his usual daily routine. He sits on his bed and starts to name people that he knows and cares about. All the people here in this place and then all the people from home. So far everyone is where they should be as far as he can...

Hak. Hak is here.

It takes a moment for him to figure out where the pulse is coming from but soon he's heading that way. He realizes that Hak is in the other dorm building and he runs as fast as he can. Which means he's breathless when he finds him.

It doesn't matter that Hak is naked. Shin-Ah runs at him and embraces him hard.]

[fortheprincess]

[ Alright. So. This whole being naked thing is pretty bad, especially when he realizes he's out in semi-public where people can actually see him. He should really get back in his room and at least get something to cover up, but he realizes it a second too late.

There's a set of footsteps he hears, and his defensive instincts kick in as he prepares himself for an imminent threat; but said threat is wrapping his arms around him, and Hak registers those bright golden eyes before anything else. ]

Shin-Ah?

[ JESUS you scared him. It's also kind of worrying that Shin-Ah is hugging him?? Well, he figures that Shin-Ah was probably worried. They all woke up in a strange place, seemingly separated, after all. After getting over the surprise, Hak pats him on his back once or twice...before he tries to slowly push himself away. ]

Er--Shin-Ah, now's not the time...

[ Clothes??? Clothes are a thing??? Does he not care about Hak being naked. ]

[twosidedsword]

[No. Shin-Ah does not care that Hak is naked. He doesn't care in the slightest. Hak could be without this sheet too and he'd still be clinging to him now. He's missed him so much and hasn't seen him in half a year now. The fact that they can be together again is a miracle to say the least.

Give him another moment. He'll pull back soon. Promise.

So yeah. Pretty boy hugging hot guy in hallway. Nothing to see here.]

[fortheprincess]

[ Oh my god. Okay, well, at least Shin-Ah's blocking the donger; Hak moves his hand from Shin-Ah's back, and uses both hands to cover his exposed rear end, hoping that nobody comes from behind and sees this spectacle. ]

Can you at least let me put some clothes on?!

[ YOU CAN HUG HIM MORE AFTER...promise ]

[twosidedsword]

[Oh. Clothes? He pulls back and looks at him. Huh. That sure is a naked Hak.]

The clothes are at the end of your bed.

[Did you not check?]

[fortheprincess]

Hah...?

[ Are you serious. Hold up.

THERE THEY ARE...except the tiger's now sitting on top of them, making an all-too-innocent face at the both of them. ]

Why is there an animal in my room?

[twosidedsword]

[He looks at the tiger. Then at Hak.]

That's your carrier.

[He reaches into his own coat and pulls out a ball of fur about the size of a baseball. See? He has a carrier too.]

[fortheprincess]

Oh.

[ The carrier wandered out from the lobby and into Hak's room, somehow? Just his luck. Also, the mechanical pigeon in his room finally speaks up--"Please put on your uniform"--and Hak takes the hint before turning to Shin-Ah. ]

Wait outside.

[ He's just gonna close the door in Shin-Ah's face?? R u d e ]

[twosidedsword]

[Okay.

He'll just stand here.

Ball of fur in his hands.

It's okay.

He can wait.]

[fortheprincess]

[ HE WILL ASK ABOUT THAT LATER

Give him a few minutes to change and then he's out with his belongings in hand. The pigeon says something about giving him a tour of the place, which is kind of confusing to him. How is that pigeon talking? ]

Where are we?

[twosidedsword]

Caissa. We will be relocating soon.

[Shin-Ah looks him over then...]

You need your weapon.

[fortheprincess]

...They took my spear.

[ Someone doesn't look happy about this. ]

I can skip the tour, right?

[twosidedsword]

Mm.

[Mainly because if he wants to know where something is, he'll ask Shin-Ah. Shin-Ah knows that already.

Oh and he's already turning to head to where they get their weapons. This way, Hak.]

[fortheprincess]

[ Hak's just grateful Shin-Ah found him so quickly. He'd be a lost piece of naked disaster without him. While the pigeon protests about not going on the tour, Hak ignores it and would prefer to ask Shin-Ah about everything.

When they do arrive for weapon collection, Hak is given not his staff, but a sapphire ring with a golden band on it. It's titled Good Looks, which is highly appropriate, but it's not what he's looking for. ]

I want my spear, not this.

[ Not this shitty excuse for a real weapon, wtf man ]

[twosidedsword]

[Huh. They both have magic rings. Well, at least getting Hak a weapon is done. He'll have to get him something else though because fighting like this is not the man's style.]

We can go where they sell ones without magic.

[That will get him a weapon, right? And he can pick a heavy spear for himself.]

[fortheprincess]

Sure. As long as it's something more useful.

[ He doesn't need invisibility powers, holy shit, that's not really his style. He doesn't bother to argue about the ring's usefulness with the staff and instead leaves with Shin-Ah. ]

[twosidedsword]

They have blacksmiths. In the city.

[Shin-Ah is no longer holding the ball of blue fur at this point. Mostly because said fur is up on his head, bouncing up there even as he walks along with Hak. Yep. That thing sure does move.

He's used to her doing this though. So he doesn't even react to it.]

[fortheprincess]

[ He's just gonna let Shin-Ah take the lead. Hak's inspecting the ring first, giving it a thorough look even has he snarls at it. Well...he might as well carry it around with him. It'll probably come in handy at some point.

He then looks up, about to ask Shin-Ah something, but then that ball of fur starts bouncing around and his tiger looks like he wants to play. ]

That's your carrier?

[twosidedsword]

Mm. Ao.

[...yeah...that's...her name. He sure did name his carrier the same thing as his squirrel. He's so good at this name thing.]

[fortheprincess]

[ He notices. ]

Where'd the other Ao run off to?

[ He'd be a little sad if Ao were hurt tbh...not like he'd admit it but cmon she's a squirrel ]

[twosidedsword]

[Sad baby dragon time.]

Ao isn't here.

[fortheprincess]

...Oh.

[ Well. Dropping that subject. ]

Is that just supposed to be a ball of fur?

[twosidedsword]

Mm.

[He nods. Yep. That sure is a ball of blue fur, Hak.

...

Shin-Ah might not have fully understood the question though honestly.]

[fortheprincess]

...That's not an animal.

[ He seriously thought they were supposed to be actual creatures?? Not this?? ]

[twosidedsword]

...ah...oh.

[Um...well...Jae-Ha's isn't an animal either. It hasn't occurred to him they have to be...animals. Or that Ao isn't one.

So he's...staring at Hak as he walks. Because...

...what to say.

Help.]