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!
cutiepanther: (56)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-09-26 06:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She literally has never played hide and seek.

She has however, been teased to such degrees before, even if her defenses are weak, and she looks like she might pop.
]

K-Kaede!!! [ Her puffed up cheeks only serve as better fodder for poking as which point she screams. ]

S-Stop itttttt!!
long_live_the_queen: (okay who shot me)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-09-26 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Maki was behaving much like a small animal fluffing itself out to defend itself from predators. One that also used shrill screeching as a valid tactic.

Kaede is subsequently a bit startled. Her hand snaps back, her head jerks away, and--ow, her ears are still ringing.

She sure did stop, though.
]
cutiepanther: (143)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-09-28 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That's 100% exactly how she was acting, not that she thinks of it that way. It's just natural instinct for Maki. She's so used to being teased like this by her friends that she can't help it.

But apparently... that did the trick?! Eyes opening wider, Maki's eyebrows knit together for a moment before softening, as if she were worried she somehow upset Kaede....

Right before she gives a loud "hmph" and turns half away again.
]
long_live_the_queen: (lookin kinda smug there)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-09-28 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Once the ringing in Kaede's head stopped, she shook her shoulders and...turned away herself, facing forwards again. See, nothing happened. Obviously.

Her griffon was fully awake and staring at her a bit quizzically, making some curious trilling chirps. It looked over its owner's head at Maki, bobbing its head a little from side to side while it decided if the strange screeching creature was a threat or not.

...and apparently decided that no Maki wasn't, because it started to preen Kaede's hair instead. Kaede immediately grumbled, but it was a token noise.
]
cutiepanther: (189)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-09-30 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh good. So neither of them are going to talk? They're just going to sit here next to each other in silence because one is embarrassed and the other is... Kaede.

Maki can't believe how she was so playful one moment and now all of a sudden she acts like Maki's scream was somehow offensive?! Well she shouldn't have teased her in the first place if she couldn't handle it! If you can't handle her at her worst you don't deserve her at her best, and all that!

Except, Maki is growing tense the more she thinks about it, unable to read her book at all. She's like a ticking time bomb, holding it all in until finally it just explodes out before she can stop it.
]

A-Aren't you going to say anything?!
long_live_the_queen: (half turn)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-09-30 12:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Kaede was somewhat content in just mutually ignoring and being ignored—at least, until Maki said something. Nearly shouted, almost. Kaede's horns were for once useful, showing how her head turned in Maki's general direction even though her eyes stayed hidden.

Grumpy cat noises optional.
]

What should I say?

[Her voice was equal parts dismissive and strangely perplexed. What was she supposed to do?

Why were people so difficult??
]
cutiepanther: (2)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-06 02:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ As much as Maki would proport to enjoy the silence so she could just read and not be bothered.. she's still the one who broke it in the first place. The awkwardness just overwrote her desire for peace it seems. Plus, she's pretty sure Kaede was only being quiet to get back at her somehow!! ]

I-I don't know!

[ She's quick to answer that, only to actually think for a moment after, and decide there is something she can ask. ]

You really don't remember, do you?
long_live_the_queen: (are you talking about my hat)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-06 04:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kaede doesn't turn her head further back or face entirely forward again, though she does frown.

Remember what?
cutiepanther: (pic#8292949)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-07 03:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ [ The hard thing with Kaede is that Maki can't just assume she'd understand what she's talking about even if she did remember. Which makes this all the more difficult as Maki tri ]es to think of the right way to put it.. ]

Do you remember going to a uh... burlesque show together? [ Nailed it? No wait-- ]

W-Wait, that sounds completely wrong!!
long_live_the_queen: (kouta put your pants back on)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-07 03:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[This time Kaede does look at Maki in an entirely bewildered way.]

...what?

[What did she do in her sleep this time??]
cutiepanther: (133)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-07 04:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Nevermind!

[ There is a quiet screech of fear from Maki, she tries to keep her volume down this time, but it's hard she's a trained singer after all! But clearly Kaede doesn't remember and she isn't going to admit that they were at a topless bar together! ]

J-Just forget it!
long_live_the_queen: (kouta put your pants back on)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-07 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ow, her ears again. But, that sounds like very important information.]

You took me to a fucking strip club?!

[How???

Why?????
]
cutiepanther: (56)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-10 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ Maki just stops. Like she realizes in that instance she made a huge mistake, and now she's definitely afraid she's going to be eaten. ]

Y-You went there on your own volition! It's not my fault!!
long_live_the_queen: (murder does not cure headaches)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-10 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
[Kaede kept right on staring, eyes narrowed and expression incredulous. She did...what? Her other self did that? That...had to be a mistake.

Yet why would Maki lie about something like that? Any of that? She hardly seemed like the kind of person who could drag anyone anywhere they didn't want to go.

But her other self was meek, and quiet, and stupid and—
]

Just—augh!

[Kaede turned away, curling up where she sat and clutching her temples, fingers twining in her hair near her horns. And she muttered.

A few of them sounded like 'nyu'.
]
cutiepanther: (134)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-13 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Maki still feels a lot like that whole night was a mistake. But she had made a new friend in Nyu so she couldn't completely forget about it, sadly.

She tries though.
]

E-eh?!

[ That is unexpected. And it brings out the caring side of Maki (as much as Kaede might hate it) as she quickly leans forward, a worried look on her face. ]

Are you alright?! What's wrong??
long_live_the_queen: (it's Monday)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-13 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's not that she doesn't care!! Or...care about others caring. Kaede still had problems believing people would care about her, is all. Kindness is strange.]

It's—nothing. My head hurts.

[She didn't quite look up or move away, still rubbing her temples. Her expression was...odd. Not quite Kaede's harshness, but with some. Not Nyu's wide-eyed curiosity, but a little. Both at once, instead of neither.

Her head had a bit of a problem with that.
]
cutiepanther: (1)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-17 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ One day. Maki will open Kaede up to the world of being honest with her feelings! Except, Maki is the worst sort of role model for that sort of attitude, tsundere as she is. ]

Did you hit it at all? You could have a concussion! Or maybe internal hemorrhaging... It could also be a tumor if it's centralized in one location...

[ Someone is training to be a doctor, but that might mean she needs to learn a little better bedside manner. Even as worried as she looks, reaching out to touch Kaede's shoulder without thinking. ]
long_live_the_queen: (murder does not cure headaches)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-17 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[She finally did look up! Not to say anything, though; not to call what she was hearing stupid, not to ask a question. Kaede's(?) brows furrowed and she frowned at what Maki was saying, trying to make sense of this new babble in addition to trying to sort her own head out. It still felt confusingly like seeing double; with herself wanting to be out of this situation that badly she tried to relinquish control to her other self, that maneuver not exactly working, and winding up stuck in a too-small crossroads.

She didn't lean or wiggle or try to pull back when Maki touched her shoulder, just...blinked at her some more.
]
cutiepanther: (153)

[personal profile] cutiepanther 2016-10-20 06:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This isn't good. Kaede has gone non-verbal. Maki nearly freaks out, trying to remember her training, her studies, whether this was a symptom of something, or maybe a side-effect... ]

C-Can you talk?! Tell me what's wrong!
Edited (had to fix it....) 2016-10-20 18:55 (UTC)
long_live_the_queen: (I forget what she's looking at)

[personal profile] long_live_the_queen 2016-10-20 07:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[More blinking, a few more confused and burbling nyus. This place was safe. Why was this person worrying?

Kaede had finally gotten to somewhere in her mind she could stick her head under metaphorical pillows for awhile and screech in frustration, leaving her other self mostly at the wheel.

She wasn't...supposed to do that, though, so there were some Issues.
]

Yes?

[Nyu...de, no.]