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!
radicalsix: (AREN_13)

[personal profile] radicalsix 2016-09-15 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
I was! I've been doing it for quite a few years, now. It's something I love doing, though! Still, though, that's...well, that's certainly strange, isn't it? Eheh...

[ And the likenesses just keep piling up. Just what is this girl's story? There's a lot she wants to know, but...well, talking about someone else seems a welcome distraction. ]

Ah, I have! She seems like a lovely person. I'm happy that she'll be in Bixbite with us; I'd love to get to know her a little better. She's a bit of a flirt, but...I think she means well.
medicament: (You and I)

[personal profile] medicament 2016-09-15 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
It is.

[Diana doesn't realize how strange this is yet...or maybe, subconsciously, she does. Luna couldn't tell. It is a bit scary to meet someone practically identical.]

I'm glad you're getting along. And she's going to Bixbite, too. I'm sure it'll be really fun.

[She's not really surprised about the news, though. Not about that news, at least.]

A flirt? I guess so...

[It's painted all over her face that she had no idea.]
radicalsix: (AREN_5)

[personal profile] radicalsix 2016-09-16 03:21 pm (UTC)(link)
It's been quite some time since I've been to school in general, and I've certainly never been to one like this. It seems like it could be nice, though. I think it'll certainly be a lot more enjoyable than medical school was...where are you from? I graduated from UNLV, myself...

[ This is assuming Luna is even from Earth, but... ]

Oh, that's right, she did say it sort of went over your head...but, you know, she comes on a little strong sometimes with people she thinks are cute. ...Her words, not mine. ...Sort of. I could be paraphrasing.
medicament: (I wasn't ready)

[personal profile] medicament 2016-09-18 12:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Of course she's from Earth?! Where else could she come from? Just look at her awful poker face.]

I'm... [Thank you for not uploading such an important piece of information, "dad".] It's rather complicated, actually. My education was a bit...different.

[Lying to Diana would feel really bad, which doesn't mean that not telling her everything doesn't. But being cryptic is the best what she can do, for now.]

I-I see...but how could you tell she's like that?

[Way to fluster Luna who's getting the picture, even though she's slow about it.]
radicalsix: (AREN_10)

[personal profile] radicalsix 2016-09-20 07:02 am (UTC)(link)
Huh? Different..?

[ Well, that's a bit odd. She didn't go to medical school..? Something tells her it's a bit of a sketchy story, and she doesn't want to pry, but...

Chalk that up for at least one difference between them. So they're not total copies of each other. ]


She was teasing me a pretty fair bit when I met her, not too long ago. ...Of course, though, I'm sort of a taken girl, so, she's still open, if you were interested in that sort of thing! I didn't ruin your chances, I promise!

[ diana please ]
medicament: (But all honesty knows)

[personal profile] medicament 2016-09-20 07:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Instead of an explanation, Luna offers her an apologetic smile. It's probably not the best moment to get right to the details and telling Diana about her past, is it?

But at Diana's mention of being taken, her smile changes slightly—it's definitely warmer now.]


In that sort of thing...? Ah, of course, in that sort of thing! [Sorry, she's been too lost in thoughts about others to think about herself. Luna please.] I-I'm not sure, actually?

[For a moment, Luna looks away, definitely being through an inner struggle.]

C-Could you tell me more about him?
radicalsix: (AREN_13)

[personal profile] radicalsix 2016-09-20 07:47 am (UTC)(link)
A-ah, yes, of course..! I mean...if you wouldn't mind, that is!

[ The chance to talk about Sigma makes her red as a beet, but, she's happy to keep going, since Luna clearly wants to hear more! ]

Well, his name is Sigma. He's gentle and sweet, and a little bit of a doofus? He tries very hard to be serious, but then he turns around and makes these stupid jokes...it's hard not to like him, honestly, even if sometimes he can be a bit distant. But at the end of the day, he really cares about the people close to him, and he always tries to make me laugh when I'm feeling nervous...which, um, that's something I need a lot, sometimes.

H-he's, uh, he's tall, and he's really muscular, like, really really muscular!

[ You can just say he's a hunk, Diana... ]

We have two children, too...twins, actually. But that's another story...
medicament: (This pair of wings worn and rusted)

[personal profile] medicament 2016-09-20 08:12 am (UTC)(link)
[Luna just shakes her head, as she doesn't want to interrupt Diana. For a moment there, she's a little worried that her curiosity may be a bit too weird, but how could she give up on hearing such a story? There's no way she would.]

He must be truly a good person. I'm really sorry that you got separated.

[It may look weird, but she even bows slightly in front of Diana, which is something she can't really help.]

I'm going to make sure you'll be safe until Sigma arrives to pick you up.

[Such a statement coming from Luna...of course she realizes it's bizarre to say something like that in the middle of a conversation, that's why she hastily tries to come up with something—too bad that nothing comes to her mind, and the moment of silence stretches over long seconds.]
radicalsix: (AREN_2)

[personal profile] radicalsix 2016-09-20 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
E-eh?

[ Well, that statement certainly feels...well, she doesn't know how to respond to it. First of all, was this woman just that sweet, or is there something else going on here? And second of all, perhaps more importantly... ]

Do you...really think he'll come here, too? I don't really know anything about how this place works, but...will he be here?

[ She can't deny, she misses him already, but... ]
medicament: (I wasn't ready)

[personal profile] medicament 2016-09-22 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah...I-I don't know that for sure, unfortunately. But...I'm not sure why, but I believe in him.

[If what she said just a while before didn't strike Diana as weird, Luna definitely can top her previous line with this.]

I mean, a good person would do just that, right? Any good person!