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

[femmefailtale]

Good job, you figured it out. [Meliora claps slowly, a sarcastic tint to it.]

Morons are no good either. The earnest sort that tries hard are great for making you want to gag... but they're the sort who always let you down.

Doesn't matter how earnest or how 'good' they are. Nothing lasts. Everyone leaves. Only person I can rely on is me.

[showsnopiety]

You weren't that big of a puzzle.

[Harsh truth, at its finest.]

I have my doubts though. To me, you don't sound that reliable to yourself-you're only going to knock yourself onto your ass. What's the point of carrying you if you're going to moan about how you're so edgy, and no one is worthy of your trust?

You're already dead if that's all you think. Moron.

[femmefailtale]

I was plenty reliable before I got transplanted into some weird world where nothing works the way it was supposed to. I did my job, and watched the backs of the people who were watching mine, but I never needed 'em to be closer than arm's length to get anything done.

[showsnopiety]

Mmhmm. So you really don't want to commit yourself to anyone. You're quite the coward, aren't you? When all is said and done. It's kind of pitiful.

[femmefailtale]

...Oh I know you didn't just call me a coward.

I'm not a godsdamn coward. I just have discretion, and a lot of it. [No, Mel, you're 100% a coward.]

[showsnopiety]

No, you're a coward. You're so afraid, that you can't even admit it to yourself.

I'd ask who's hurt you, but frankly? I don't care. And you wouldn't tell me anyway because you're already certain you'll be hurt.

That's a pitiful way to go through life.

[femmefailtale]

Oh, I see what this is. This is the part where you pretend you don't care so that suddenly I wanna tell you so that I can prove you wrong or some shit because I just have to prove myself to you because I'm invested or something. Really good job, that.

Joke's on you, though, there's nothing back there that can still cause me problems here. So I can just say 'everyone' and leave it at that.

[showsnopiety]

No, I actually don't care.

[Really, it's a good tactic and it does work, but they're both playing battle of the stoics aren't they.]

If what was back there wasn't causing problems here, then you would at least say that you're willing to give it a shot.

[She pulls away then, and starts to sunder off.]

Emo girls are so boring, so...angsty. Tell me when you're likely to come out of your shell Meloria. Then that way we can actually have a half way decent conversation.

[femmefailtale]

Wha--hey! You don't get to go breaking people's fingers or calling them cowards or whatever and then tell me that I'm the bad conversationalist!

Especially when you hide just as much shit as me! You... angsty emo girl!

[showsnopiety]

[You're getting flipped the bird Meloria.]

You never ask about me, or want to know. Why should I share?

[femmefailtale]

Oh well excuse me for not godsdamn thinking to ask you all about yourself while you're busy sending me the weirdest godsdamn signals I've ever gotten. You treat me like a bug. I get that. And you're the sort of ass who goes and hurts people or teases them or--whatever--just because you can!

Why bother asking shit you're not gonna' get a straight answer to?!

[showsnopiety]

Signals?

[She has signals? What is she, a television?]

You're right, I am that asshole. Everyone is a bug.

But if you were curious about something, you could ask.

[femmefailtale]

Well then, lets maybe start with why are you such an ass?

[showsnopiety]

[She takes a moment to think about it, her head cocked to the side.]

Now while I could blame it on my background, that's only the building block for who I am today, and is not a complete, concise answer.

Perhaps it would be best to say that my emotions are stunted if they exist at all, which makes my view point more pragmatic and that geared towards practicality, rather then morals.

Also, I'm an ass because...I'm an ass.

[Duh.]

[femmefailtale]

[This feels like a trap, if only because that was too easy.]

So... lemme get this straight. You're all about the practicality, and you don't need people to get by. And you're telling me that I'm a coward for trying to do the same thing?

[showsnopiety]

[Surprisingly enough, that's the trap. Or maybe it's not a trap at all.]

There's a difference between us Meloria. And that is while I will use people, hurt them, even kill them...

I will first put myself forward as sacrifice first. It's causes no small amount of pain and distress from others, I assure you. People give me purpose. Even if they'd rather I didn't exist.

That's fine. In time, I die for someone else. So long as they survive, it's good enough for me.

[femmefailtale]

[That's... insane. Utterly insane. Even a super-pragmatic predator lady like Caren finds purpose in people? She'd lay her life down for someone, so long as they could live?]

[She's... a bleeding heart!]

[Meliora's not sure what to do with the information, so she chews on it for a moment before trying to reply with something of her own. 'Trust' for 'trust,' as it were.]

...the first time I ever got left for dead, I was eight. It wasn't anyone hurting me, it was me learning how the world really works. I was the one who fell, I was the one who deserved to suffer for it.

After all, if you can't keep up, you're better off dead. Right? Least then you're not getting in anyone's way.

[showsnopiety]

[Well, she wouldn't say that she's sane. She might have never been sane. But bleeding heart would make her kick Meloria for that.]

Is that how it works?

[She raises her eyebrows.]

Selfishness?

[femmefailtale]

Yeah. That's how it works. I'm... a legendary Phantom, you know? [It's true, even if she told the old man to shove the pomp and circumstance up his ass it's still officially her title now.] The baddest of the badasses. The current successor to a deific title.

If I can't get by on my own, nobody'll come to help me. Not the people I'm hanging out with, certainly not the real gods, and nobody who'd be working with me. I have to be good enough to keep up with everyone, or else I'm... Nothing. Just a burden.

I don't want that. I don't want to rely on anyone, and I don't want to fail either. So I just have to be that damn good. I just have to be stronger than whatever's coming at me.

[showsnopiety]

[A legendary Phantom? Really? Okay she's not going to comment on it though she's kind of keeping quiet about it. Though her eyebrows raise a little.]

You are a bigger moron than I realized.

[Wow. Talk about trust issues.]

[femmefailtale]

...Yeah. That's about what I expected you'd say.

Dunno why I even bothered telling you any of that. I mean, hey. You already said it--you're an ass. Why should I expect you to be anything but an ass?

[Mel doesn't merely have issues, she has a full-on subscription.]

Just... forget it.

[showsnopiety]

Because I can keep it to myself? Also while I may call you a moron-it might be best if you did get some help.

[Life time subscription. Time to wean her off of it.]

And I'm not the one to do it, even if I will listen and give you everything you may want or expect.

You should find someone you respect, and talk to them.

[femmefailtale]

...yeah, I'm sure that'll go over well. [She slides her eyepatch back into place, brushing her hair out of her face as she looks away.]

None of the people I respect deserve to listen to me complain about what a sad life I've got. They've got their own problems--usually of the sort they don't deserve to have. S'not right to just up and demand their attention like that.

[showsnopiety]

If you respect them, they should be able to respect your opinion Meloria. That's part of what makes a respectable, decent person, unlike someone like myself.

[She sighs quietly.]

You ask. You don't dump it on them or try to do too much at once. This is a mission, not just one job, so it must be done in a series of events, over time for this to work.

Does that make sense?

[femmefailtale]

[She looks away, falling silent for a bit.]

[There's a very large internal monologue here, but it really all boils down to one sentence, which she goes ahead and says out loud after she's done.]

I don't know. ...I just... I don't know.

It doesn't feel like something I can do. I'm more someone like yourself too, in the end.