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!
armorial: (pic#10135382)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-10 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They don't want none even if you got buns, hun. She only listens to him. Seeing someone so vehement about a tail is... quite something. She does have questions--couldn't he have cut a slit to the back of his trousers for his tail?

Some things are best left unanswered. There's an intent stare here before looking away.
]

It is not a problem. While I do not wish to be called upon for any detailed inspections, I am willing to assist you with other topics since you are a new Hero.

[ Quiet. ]

However, I will hold you to some degree of decency and will act accordingly if that is not met. [ basically she'll shank you ] What is your name?
tailend: (one more shot another round)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-10 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Detailed inspections... give him a break, it was one time!! He takes advantage of her looking away to make a face, very much imitating her Haughty Attitude because he's 12. But he'll stop in time to look hassled about being told to keep his pants on, instead.]

Yeah, yeah... I'm feeling real lucky you came along. [pfff anyway] It's Favaro.
armorial: (pic#5238723)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-11 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
Is that so?

[ She can tell that he's merely jesting, but she'll go along with it. It must be disorienting, so this makes it a lot easier for her. ]

Then I might as well escort you today, Favaro. [ Good going. ] You may call me Saber.
tailend: (we're up all night to the sun)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-11 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[His very own serious lady knight escort?? How... great...]

Saber? Like a sword? [questioning that immediately is the best way to make a good impression on her, yeah, great choice Favaro!!] Your old man a knight, or something?

[Who would name their kid Saber...]
armorial: (pic#10133860)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-11 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
It is merely a title of sorts, but I was raised by a knight.

[ Well, she is a knight, too, but that isn't what he asked. Hands on her hips, she looks up to him with a questioning stare. ]

Is that a problem?
tailend: (the force from the beginning)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-11 08:38 am (UTC)(link)
Nooo, no way. All of my friends are knights! [All One of them.] Knights, you know, they're great— even I was knighted once, but it wasn't that big a deal.

[why is he talking]
armorial: (pic#10133887)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-11 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Is that so? I do not mean any offense, but...

[ She looks him up and down--she has never even seen someone his kind of haircut before. ]

You don't seem to fit the part.
tailend: (end of the night it's going down)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-11 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
That's what I said! [Exasperated, already— how many times can he insist he shouldn't be a knight?? Honestly.] You know what royalty are like, though, just doing whatever the hell they want whether you like it or not...

[He waves a hand, like, Kings, man. Kings.]
armorial: (pic#10133749)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-11 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She may or may not look just a little bit offended? It isn't exactly upset, but it does seem like that strikes a spot.

Only a little.
]

Only some kings believe they have the authority to do as they wish and that their desires align with their nation's. However, that is not true for all kings.

[ White knight mode. ]

A king should do what is best for his people.
tailend: (bring your girls)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-12 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Knights sure are sensitive... He's not really surprised by this, all things considered.]

Yeah, yeah, should. Nobody's perfect, right? I just don't have time for all that courtly stuff.
armorial: (pic#10133793)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
You're right. [ She isn't sensitive!! She's only adding another possibility here? ]

Unfortunately, you are now a soldier. It's not the same as being a knight, but there are things expected of us Heroes.
tailend: (got me crazy got me hypnotized)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-13 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Could be sensitive!! Could be.

The face Favaro makes sure is indicative of what he thinks of being a soldier, i.e. nothing that great.]


It's all uniforms and staying in line and taking orders to me. I'd rather be out in the world following the wind! [For this, he has a grand gesture out with his arms to accompany it for emphasis - but that falters a moment later.] Whatever that means.
armorial: (pic#5238724)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
I see. [ She squints just a little bit. While she understands there are people like that, she may or may not be taking this the wrong way.

HAND ON ONE HIP.
]

Are you saying you'll cast away your responsibilities?
tailend: (what keeps the planets spinning)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-13 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
[See, this is probably sensitive.]

What? Do I look like that kind of guy? Look me in the eyes and say that!

[Countdown to goofy face in 3... 2...]
armorial: (pic#10133891)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ SHE LOOKS AT HIM IN THE EYES (she always had been). ]

I am not attacking your person, but you are not presenting yourself in a positive light. Though I do guess being in high regard with royalty is worth noting.

[ But didn't he say nobles just do what they wanted?? How does she know they have their head screwed on right? ]
tailend: (she's up all night for good fun)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-13 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
[SUSPICIOUS... He leans toward her a little, squinting. What's up with this response...]

What did I say that wasn't positive? You're the one who's assuming I'm gonna run off!

[He would, but. That's not the point.]
armorial: (pic#10134257)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ She doesn't budge at all. If anything, she digs her heels to the ground. ]

I never said you were going to run off.

[ Which is true, but she was totally thinking it. Casting away responsibilities could have meant being a lazy bum and mooching off of military benefits. ]
tailend: (i'm up all night to get lucky)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-13 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, caught. Sort of.]

You— it was implied! What else could that mean?!

[Being a lazy bum on somebody else's dime just isn't appealing when he has to stay as part of the non-deal. So clearly, making a run for it is the only option.]
armorial: (pic#10133807)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ THIS FACE? She doesn't believe him. ]

Loafing around while leaving your duties to others.

[ Running off might actually be more admirable than being useless while reaping the free lodging, food, and civilian affection. ]
tailend: (now gimme that sweet)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-13 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[That's him, admirable asshole. The perks are great, but the way everyone's eyes are already on him - and not just because he let his ass hang out for the public - is going to get to him sooner rather than later.]

I'd never hear the end of it from good little soldiers like you. [favaro] Anyway, I haven't put a toe out of line! All my toes are right where they're supposed to be!
armorial: (pic#10135382)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-14 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
Good.

[ ... She finally realizes she may have been too overbearing? And kind of off-putting. It's unbecoming of her, really, so she tries to reel this back. ]

I apologize for accusing you without giving you the opportunity to redeem yourself.
tailend: (i need your love i need you closer)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-16 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
[...Hmm.]

Well, thanks. I'll graciously accept that apology, so long as you don't ever do it again!

[Is the Ass Man asking too much here? Stay tuned.]
armorial: (pic#10308250)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-17 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I am not making any promises aside from acting accordingly.

[ Basically, however she sees fit. So long as he behaves, she won't lecture him!! ]

Did you have a place you wish you visit? I can at least cover a meal for you for my insolence.

[ She can at least try to be helpful in being his tour guide. ]
tailend: (i wanna be contigo)

[personal profile] tailend 2016-09-17 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[How did he go from being yelled at for public indecency to being offered a free meal? Is this real life?]

Are all the soldiers around here as generous as you? Maybe I'll like it here more than I thought I would.

[Free food.....] But I just got here! I don't know anything about the local cuisine.
armorial: (pic#10390437)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-17 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's because she shouldn't have yelled in the first place. Anyway, she raises her eyebrows. When she was dreading the idea of paying for his meal

she gets to pick where to eat? Almost instantly, she beams a radiance that most would call saintly.
]

Very well, then. Have you ever had traditional Japanese cuisine?

[ saber's a weeb thanks to master ]

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