boardmaster: (Default)
BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-09-07 10:15 am

intro ♚ september

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!
brightcrest: (take me down to the riverbend)

[personal profile] brightcrest 2016-09-09 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And just when it seems like she's about to be completely absorbed into the fanatic circle closing in around her, someone else steps into the fray. Unperturbed, he fishes out a bottle and seems completely calm as the entire group erupts into practical hysteria around something so simple as a milk bottle. Aqua is, more or less, completely struck silently with how absurd it is.

This world is strange.

She doesn't, however, miss the hand that grabs hers and pulls her away. She follows without a word until they've successfully put enough distance between themselves the proverbial mob of students before she speaks, and even then, she's casting looks over her shoulder in anticipation of more following them. ]


That was close. Thank you. I really wasn't expecting them to be so...

[ Outrageous. But that's unkind. ]
quaria: my scans. (don't leave me)

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-11 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ After walking a significant distance and reaching a peaceful enough area, Setsuna carefully lets go of the new girl's hand. He follows up with a wordless nod, properly acknowledging the girl and her words of gratitude. ]

It is nothing.

[ She didn't need to continue her sentence either, as he already understands the situation. It definitely must've been overwhelming, considering there's much for her to take in right now. Because of that, he shows subtle concern across his face. ]

They are ridiculous, though they mean well. But nevermind them. Are you all right?
brightcrest: (open the floodgates up)

[personal profile] brightcrest 2016-09-11 08:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Just because we're Heroes? I haven't even done anything yet.

[ So it just seems rather silly that so many people still want to get her attention. In either case, the crowd is far behind them, and she has hope that she won't run into the same people again later in the day and have a repeat performance.

Aqua seems surprised at the concern. ]


Oh, yes, I'm fine. They didn't do anything; I was just surprised at how they would treat me with how new I am. And...how they treat Heroes in general. I've never seen anyone quite so excited at seeing a uniform.
quaria: (restlessness that lead to ambiguous jabs)

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-12 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
Our reputation is internationally well-received, because of our collective achievements throughout the months.

[ The girl might have heard at this point that they're in war. Fighting battles aside, there are many other factors that contributed to the overall impact, leading to the current overwhelming Hero popularity.

Setsuna is relieved to hear she's fine though, but that's not all he meant. ]


What about your adjustment?
brightcrest: (if you believe)

[personal profile] brightcrest 2016-09-15 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
Oh.

[ That's not going so well, admittedly. Sobering a bit, Aqua's expression shifts somewhat - brow briefly furrowed, her smile losing its luster - as she considers his question. ]

I'm all right.

[ Which is true. She has clothes, a bed, food. There are things to learn and people to meet. But she's been taken from a very important duty and she is more than frustrated at the prospect that she won't be able to return to Ven...and worse yet, that Terra might be lost to the darkness. ]

It's a very different world than what I'm used to. It doesn't seem as affected by the war as I thought on hearing of our duty to fight. Maybe I haven't seen enough. [ But back to his question: ] I'm fine. I am. It's...a lot to take in.
quaria: my scans. (warmly run down my cheeks)

sorry for the wait!!

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-20 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, that is... only what it appears on the surface.

[ The people of Blanc for instance, they put up a lot of celebrations and smile often, all in order to cheer up and help themselves get through the day. And not everyone is like this of course, as there are those who are against Heroes as well. Sooner or later, the young woman will witness it for herself.

Her answer is more or less expected, so here comes the part where he properly offers support. ]


That is understandable. If there is anything you wish clarification about, I do not mind answering your questions.
brightcrest: (I swear I don't want this)

no worries!!

[personal profile] brightcrest 2016-09-21 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
I had wondered. People seem to be smiling and content but...from the way I hear things, it sounds as if this world hasn't known peace in a long, long time.

[ And it doesn't help much that Kain has given her the idea that the Heroes are partially to blame. She begins to wonder if bringing Heroes into this world only adds to the darkness here, and that is what causes the escalation in destruction.

Still, that's her theory, and she has nothing to back it up. ]


Did you have anything with you when you were brought here? [ It might seem like a strange question, but... ] I had something important and now it's gone.
quaria: my scans. (don't leave me)

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-22 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
It has not.

[ It's been around two hundred years ago... There was a ceasefire treaty after the first war between Blanc and Noir, but that's all it was: a temporary solution. All these years, the people have been anxiously waiting. Now, the war is once again raging throughout the lands.

At the very least, the presence of Heroes here hasn't been entirely bad. After all, they've attained many achievements which led to Blanc's protection, and many innocent lives were spared from Noir's merciless sieges. Blanc itself isn't a nation of war and is weak compared to Noir, so they would've been ruined by now if it weren't for them.

Anyway, with regards to her next question... Setsuna doesn't find it strange at all. It's reasonable to ask that, as he would have as well. ]


No. Every one of us are the same... We have all arrived with nothing; not our clothes, not our abilities... At times, not ourselves.

[ There's been cases of people arriving in a different body entirely. ]