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!
maidhem: (questioning)

oh nooooo

[personal profile] maidhem 2016-09-17 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alas, Felicia's true strength was in taking down magicians-- a skill that she wasn't entirely aware of and likely would not work in the same manner in this world. Being able to interrupt the magicians during their casting and breaking through the spells in their tomes was a talent that few had; then again, none expected a mere servant to be of any use on the battlefield, either.

At Setsuna's question, though, Felicia fumbled around for the map she had asked for a copy of...]


Actually... [She showed it to him, and tapped on the place where her room was supposed to be at.]

That's where I'm trying to go, but I keep getting turned around. Can you help me, or is that asking too much?
quaria: my scans. (when i'm searching for the truth)

weh, so sorry for the wait!!

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-28 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Getting turned around?

[ That's the first time Setsuna heard of such happening... Who is turning her away from her own room? Or maybe she means that she's lost and can't find it? Well, he supposes what's really important is accompanying her to that particular room. He can think about the rest later. ]

Understood. I shall take you there.

[ After finishing his drink, he properly disposes of it to a trash can, then gestures for her to follow him. He leads the way, but is careful with his steps so she wouldn't get separated from him. The Hall of Glory is pretty big... ]
maidhem: (just her smile)

It's okay!

[personal profile] maidhem 2016-09-28 09:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh~ Thank you so much!

[And Felicia trotted after him, a bounce in her step as she stayed close to her newfound 'guide' in this maze of a building.]

After going through the palace in Nohr so many times, you'd think I wouldn't get lost so easily any more....but a new place means new everything, doesn't it?

[She was mostly babbling for her own benefit, just glad to have someone to talk to.]

--That's right, [She added.] You can call me Felicia. What's your name?
quaria: my scans. (we can believe in each other)

[personal profile] quaria 2016-09-30 09:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Cute... Setsuna watches the girl, Felicia, quietly before moving his eyes forward again as they walk together. It's amusing to him, since she already received the map properly, but she's still lost. But it's the kind of innocence that's definitely charming.

He keeps his thoughts to himself, though. He might accidentally upset her and he wouldn't want that, even if he means well. At least she's talking, which makes up for his lack of words. It helps distract the two of them, too. ]


Setsuna F. Seiei... And did you just say "Noir?"

[ Has she been in enemy territory before? No... That doesn't seem right. Maybe it just coincidentally has a similar name. ]
maidhem: (questioning)

[personal profile] maidhem 2016-10-01 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
Setsuna....

[How very curious-- she found herself thinking of the boundlessly bright skies above Hoshido, their rice balls, their paper doors...]

So does that mean I should be doing....this? [She offered a quick and awkward little bow while still following a few pace behind Setsuna, and smiled brightly.] I mean, in order to thank you properly!

[Hoshido and their strange customs would alway intrigue and confuse Felicia to some degree, no matter how much she tried to understand.]

And no, I said 'NOOOHHHR', not 'NWAAAARRR'. They sound kinda similar, but the letters in the middle are different.
Edited 2016-10-01 01:34 (UTC)
quaria: commissioned. (like flowers dancing in the wind)

[personal profile] quaria 2016-10-10 08:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ How is it possible for anyone to keep getting cuter... Setsuna can believe that now, considering he keeps meeting such colorful people here in Enprise. He shakes his head a little, indicating it's nothing to worry about. He does appreciate the sentiment, though. ]

Ah, no... It is fine.

[ And it's good to have a confirmation about Noir and Nohr. It's relieving to know that it has a difference, since it'll get tricky in conversations... Especially considering the reputation of Noir around here.

Eventually, they finally reach Felicia's room. ]


Here. This is Q206. ... We are neighbors.

[ It's a nice coincidence. Setsuna calmly points to the door right next to her room, indicating Q208. ]
maidhem: livebites (earnest)

[personal profile] maidhem 2016-10-11 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[She followed Setsuna's gesture, noting the letters and numbers on the doors that marked their rooms, and found a spark of hope dancing in her chest at this revelation.]

We are, [Felicia said, turning around and grinning at the young man.] That's...that's really good.

Uhm....

[She seemed almost bashful for a second before charging ahead, determined to not let her time in this country be colored by her life in her homeland. She was a new Felicia here-- she might even just be a Super Felicia!]

Do you think we can walk together again sometime? It's really nice talking with you, Mister Setsuna.
quaria: my scans. (still connected in spite of pain)

last tag!! sorry for the wait, and ty for the thread \;u;/

[personal profile] quaria 2016-10-21 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "Really good." Setsuna has to blink at that confident declaration, wondering why Felicia is so certain that it's a good thing. There are many other Heroes here who are more interesting and fun than someone like him... In his personal opinion, someone as cute and lively as her would be better off with a friendlier neighbor.

Still... he's touched. He'll definitely try to do his best to maintain that smile of hers. It's at least he can do for her trust in him. ]


... Yes. Please do not hesitate to call me if you need assistance anytime. My ID is "Gundam."

[ With Felicia safely accompanied to her room, she should be able to handle the rest on her own. So he bows to dismiss himself, entering Q208 now afterwards. ]