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!
careosene: (when the call came down the line)

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-13 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's the mention of gods that makes her wonder if she isn't completely out of her depth, having heard only the flimsiest stories of what religions were like before her time. It doesn't take long for Katniss to make a decision. ]

I don't know the number, but I know where it is. [ She turns, conveying her choice to trust the woman, but instead of dropping the shard merely taps it thoughtfully. ] ...Actually what I meant was that you must've been brought here from somewhere else. [ Unfortunately even she can't keep a note of hope from rising in her voice. ]
armorial: (pic#5238723)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-13 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
... Yes. However, it isn't uncommon in my world to summon Heroes of legend, but that doesn't change that I've been taken from my world very much like yourself.

[ And her fate has been rewritten entirely from there. She's wondering if that's what the other woman is asking? Saber, in general, lacks simple mannerisms that would be found in most people. She can only try to grasp at things.

At least she follows after Katniss diligently, even walking by her side rather than behind her. It's to show that they were to stand as equals--also, no worries about back stabs.
]

Once you're dressed, I would suggest going to the armory. There should be a suitable weapon for you.

[ cause that mirror shard is pitiful, my girl. ]
careosene: (it's dangerous to take this path)

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-13 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The word "world" doesn't escape her; suddenly she wants to kick herself. How much did she miss in her frantic flight, determined as she was to escape the room?

Quite a lot, apparently, if there's an armory. Saber's war story is becoming more and more believable by the minute. ]


You know, when I woke up? I thought I was hallucinating. There's an insect in my - world [ so weird ] called a tracker jacker. Hits you with poisonous venom that causes delirium. [ She doesn't know why she's explaining this, except perhaps as a way to organise her own scrambled thoughts out loud. ] I suppose it's normal to be foggy when you first arrive, huh?

[ Which is when she comes up short, abruptly turning to the woman as if she's remembered something important. ]

How long have you been here?
armorial: (pic#10133793)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-14 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
... That is quite some insect. I hope you are not ailed by its toxins still. I have been gifted with the ability to heal and bless as a member of the King rank. If you would like me to cleanse your body of poison or lift your spirits, do ask.

[ Saber could have very well cast the spell without asking, but with how paranoid the other woman is, she thinks words speak louder than actions at the moment. Overall, Saber seems attentive and listens well despite her rather cold demeanor. ]

I have been here for five months and we have progressed well in terms of the war. However, there have been many casualties on our way.

[ She's quiet, but picks up something from the question. ]

Are you perhaps wondering if you'll be able to return home?
careosene: (face to face)

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-14 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her eyes fall to the floor, taking in the polished gleam of marble. ]

You haven't.

[ The implication here being that she knows how unlikely it is for her to catch a break if Saber hasn't. Strangely, the idea of being stuck here until further notice doesn't drum up the feelings of dread Katniss expects. It could be that she's just in shock, but also... ]

Actually, what I'd like to see is the bigger picture. How is any of this even possible? Will– [ She hesitates because this is rather new for her, revealing cards she typically holds close to the heart. She decides to compromise by leaving the names out of it for now. ] Will... the people I left behind know I'm gone?

[ Because LET'S BE REAL her plan was to look for Peeta ASAP. And it's only now that she dares to entertain the possibility of his absence.

The colour drains from her face accordingly. She might be free from tracker jacker poison, but suddenly she feels just as sick. ]
armorial: (pic#10134254)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-14 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ Saber's expression falls as Katniss asks the hard question. Saber had never though too much of it since this is so similar to her predicament at home. She at least is aware that it's not the same for others. Actually, a good handful have never heard of magic. In some worlds, it doesn't exist at all. ]

Magic may not mean much to you, but it's an integral part of this world, strong enough to pull us here. The rest... I wish I had the answers to give you.

[ That's all she can say. ]

Are you all right? You've grown pale.
careosene: (WE'RE MARCHING ON)

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-16 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Since speaking would carry with it the risk of being sick all over the plush carpet, Katniss makes do with a nod until they've walked a few more steps.

When she does speak, her voice is little more than a hoarse whisper. ]
I'm sorry. For attacking you. I wouldn't have really killed you [ a revelation that makes her feel somewhat better ] I just... [ Her mind goes blank. How even to begin to explain? This stranger has been kind to her, though, and that's more than she either expected or deserves. ] I'm sorry. What's your name?
armorial: (pic#10134246)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-17 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I understand you were disoriented and felt the need to protect yourself. You need not apologize.

[ But Saber appreciates the apology anyway! If anything, she respects the other woman a little more aside from her risque entrance. She continues to look, looking at the room numbers without much sense of danger or urgency.

She does have questions for Katniss... Her instincts are telling her that this stranger has gone through a lot. It's rude to pry though. She can at least cast a quick spell that makes relaxes Katniss' muscles a bit. Hopefully, that is relieving.
]

My name is Artoria Pendragon, but you may call me Saber. What should I call you, fellow Hero?
careosene: (and my pose i suppose again)

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-18 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ The laugh that escapes her takes her somewhat by surprise. One minute she's torn by guilt and worrying over Peeta, the next she's caught up in how funny "fellow Hero" sounds to her ears. ]

Not that, that's for sure. My name's Katniss. And - hm. Saber, huh? [ And she's smiling! It's remarkable how much better she feels. Perhaps it's having another person's understanding? Though she suspects there might be more to it, she can find no reason to resist. ] Pretty intimidating. What is it, a nickname?
armorial: (pic#10133861)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-18 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
It is a pleasure to meet you, Katniss. [ There's a small bow of her head as they continue walking down the hall. It's a bit strange to have a casual conversation with a naked woman, but this isn't the first time. She does perk up at the mention of her name. ]

Do you think so...? [ She has never thought about it like that. Scratching her cheek, she does want to be someone most people can approach. Would Artoria be better? ] Saber was a title given to me for my prowess with the sword. I grew fond of it over time.
careosene: (001 (buttercup dress))

[personal profile] careosene 2016-09-20 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, it's nice. And it suits you. [ There's definitely something more than the comfort of another human being at work here: Katniss feels downright chillaxed. This isn't the first time she's had to make conversation with nothing on, but it is the first time she's been kidnapped, so perhaps she ought to be more concerned.

Before she can question it any further, though, the pair arrive at an open door. Just to make sure, she pops her head in. Seeing the mess of sheets and, indeed, what looks like a uniform on the floor, Katniss sighs. ]


Looks like you were right. I must've missed it. [ Talk about a rookie mistake. ]
armorial: (pic#10133793)

[personal profile] armorial 2016-09-21 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
It would seem so. I'm glad I was able to escort you back safely. While most of our heroes have merits behind them, there are some that do not uphold their title well.

[ It's her way of saying that there are perverts around. She can easily name a couple that would probably revel in the sights of a naked girl--even one that would like that with her threatening to kill him. The universe is a strange place, Katniss.

Saber stays outside of the room though. It's impolite to come in when one isn't invited.
]

I'll stand guard as you get dressed.