intro ♚ october

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAPABLANCA

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 ♟ Déjà Vu Up in this Clue

Did you enjoy your time in the Kingdom of Gammon, Heroes? Blanc knows that you've been working hard on the international front, and they've never been prouder, but it's time to come home! Your work in Blanc is far from over, after all. Blanc wishes they could offer you a better welcome, for those returning from Gammon and those who just woke up in the Hall of Glory naked in their beds, as Heroes only have bad news to come home to. This time, it’s the coastal town of Capablanca that needs your help.

Some may recall the mysterious disappearances that happened not too long ago, and by the looks of it, the kidnappings apparently haven’t stopped. Although the number of disappearances isn't nearly as drastic as it was before, the townspeople are especially alarmed by the disappearance of Eric Caruana, the mayor's beloved son. After his disappearance, others began going missing as well, and Blanc needs the Heroes on this case before things that any worse! Upon arrival in Capablanca, the Heroes are met by Mayor Pierre Caruana, who looks like he's seen better days, and his butler, Charles.

Pierre Caruana My son has always been reckless, but never had he been away from home for so long. Not without saying a word. His wedding has been postponed because of this… but that isn’t important right now. Charles, please entertain our guests while I get them some refreshments. And… tell them what they need to know. [ dramatically sweeps across the room and retires to the back of the mansion ]

Charles Oh, but I can— do it… [ SIGHS ] I’m sorry about the master. After his wife died ten years ago, his son is all he has left. We can only imagine how distraught he is. He’s probably at the bar, drinking his sorrows away… That’s why we were hoping you would help us in our search. The young master is the adventurous sort, but he’s also not the type to worry his father. It's a miracle the D'Amore family hasn't called the wedding off. No one in Capablanca has seen him since Delphine… I just pray he comes home safely. [ tugs on the moon pendant he wears around his neck ] Don’t be a fool, Eric... —Ah! Um, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Investigating around the city with the help of the reticent Detective Bleu, you'll be able to observe ONE of the following clues, which may prove to be helpful to help solve the case. Work together with other Heroes to obtain information on-site, and share clues whenever possible!

Dreading the thought of walking around all of Capablanca alone, colleless and mountless? Not to worry: the mayor has arranged for group caravans to accompany Heroes as they travel and conduct their investigations. If Heroes prefer to investigate in smaller groups (or alone, you lone wolf, you), they may also borrow a mount of their choice from the city's stables. This mount will have to be returned after the day is over, so don't get too attached! Lastly, veteran Heroes with mounts of their own are welcome and encouraged to offer newbies rides. You were once in their position! Give them a hand, would you?

TWO ♟ Sharing over Herring

After a long week of investigating and gathering as much information as you can, Heroes will be asked to report to mayor Pierre Caruana's villa by dusk with their findings. When you arrive, you'll also be greeted by a familiar sight, waving cheerily at the Heroes from the mayor's side.

	Thierry Toussaint Heeeey, over here! [ gives each Hero a conchiglia la la ] Today must have been busy for everyone. Thank you for your hard work! Oh? That look in your eyes... I feel like you’ve found something that can help us.
	Pierre Caruana I am eager to listen to anything you may have found. But first, please, follow me, Heroes.

The mayor will lead you towards the shore, and eventually, to cross the Bridge of Perenne and reach Graupera. The great hall of the House of Solare has been set up for the Heroes. There are many luxurious couches and hammocks to rest your tired body on, and soft acoustic music fills the air. There is also a large table at the middle of the room with various dishes unique to Capablanca. Heroes may dine on dishes such as grilled lobster and tuna, ravioli with tomato sauce, crab gnocchi with white wine cream sauce, warm goat cheese salad, and various high-end wines.

During dinner, both Teddy and mayor Pierre Caruana will be making the rounds, listening to any information the Heroes are willing to share. If you haven't already, now is also a great time to discuss your clues with other Heroes and try to put together a bigger picture. Before the rest of the staff come in with desserts, the mayor asks everyone for their attention.

	Pierre Caruana There appears to be... substantial evidence that Merilorn Forest is connected to the recent disappearances, including my son. I don’t believe he’s lost. I… think that he might be hiding from us. As we all know, entering the forest won’t be without difficulty, so I don’t believe he wandered that far, but…
	Thierry Toussaint Our people looking into the matter. [ gives the Heroes a reassuring smile ] We’ll take it from here. If there are any updates on the case, we’ll be sure to notify you.

THREE ♟ Leaf it to the Pros

While the disappearance of the Capablancan citizens is definitely a tragedy that needs to be solved, life continues to go on for the town. It's Calendi, and that means taking advantage of the changing seasons to earn a few extra colle. Or perhaps you just feel like doing something else in between investigations. Either way, stop killing time and start killing game! Chefs in Capablanca will pay top dollar for wild game, including elusive and vicious magical animals.

To make your job harder, the animals are capable of basic elemental magic, and will use it to defend themselves. Ducks are able to attack using water magic, foxes make use of wind, and rodents (such as rabbits and squirrels) use earth magic. It's actually quite difficult to discern what animal is in season right now, as a clever rabbit and a persistent duck seem to be fond of tearing down “rabbit season” and “duck season” posters around town and replacing them with the other.

If hunting wild game isn't your style, the chefs are also interested in acquiring fresh autumnal fruits and vegetables such as apples, pumpkins, squash, and sweet potato. You may either gather these in the wild, or harvest them from a farmer's field for a small cut of the commission.

Lastly, Bel Petto Beach happens to be Capablanca's pride and joy, and citizens would be very angry to see their shores littered with fallen leaves! Help sweep leaves off the sand and away from the ocean, where they tend to blow whenever there is a strong wind.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's October intro log! Please remember to read the Arrival Info! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Don't forget to vote for a Ranked Uniform Design, your character will be wearing one of these in the future! Voting will close on 10th October.

Comments

Sansa Stark | Open

[stonebird]

ONE ♟ DÉJÀ VU UP IN THIS CLUE

(The La Coniglietta Cabaret is not a place where Sansa likes to frequent, however she has long since learned to keep her emotions to herself. Besides, she isn't in the establishment for entertainment. She comes seeking a clue and the odd Mage near her is part of that clue.)

A bad rash? (She arches a brow delicately and gives said Wilbert Wobblebottom a charming smile.) Say, perhaps you could tell me more over another drink? It's on me.

(It's lucky that he is already well into his cups - otherwise he might not agree. However once she has his assent, she rises and walks to the bar, ordering more of what he seems to have a taste for - though this drink will have far less ice in it. There is no reason it needs to be too "on the rocks".

Her gaze takes in the other customers and it is only when she is turning, drink in hand, that she nearly knocks into a fellow hero.)

I'm so sorry! (It's a miracle her drink doesn't spill. At least not completely?) Are you alright?

TWO ♟ SHARING OVER HERRING

(After seeking answers, Sansa is tired. But her fatigue goes beyond simply looking for clues. She has barely adjusted to being in a new world. The front she puts up is, perhaps, admirable, but it is only skin deep. As chaotic and uncertain as Westeros has become for her, she misses Winterfell - her home - greatly.)

Lyanna, you would like it there. I would let you come inside. We could embroider by the fire or wander through the trees. There are even hot pools where you can soak if you like.

(Though the idea of a Dire-Wolf taking a soak is rather amusing.)

I know I can't take you back with me, but, if I leave, will you remember me?

(The wolf looks up from where she is lounging beside the sofa Sansa has chosen, looking quite put out. How could she forget her? What a silly question!)

THREE ♟ LEAF IT TO THE PROS

(Walking through the gardens and orchards reminds her of better days. Sansa, despite being a noble and, at one time, pampered lady, thoroughly enjoys plucking the fruit and vegetables (or digging them up as it were). She has a basket hanging on one arm and she hums a tune as she works.

When her basket is full and too heavy for her liking, she begins to make her way back, pausing now and then to listen to the birds overhead.)

Do you like their song too?

1!!

[forkouka]

[cabarets aren't really Soo-won's natural scene either, but where a clue is, a hero must go! apparently... He didn't expect almost stumbling into a fellow Hero at the bar though, and he can't even excuse his clumsiness from drinking!]

Oh -- [his hand reaches out instinctively to cup the bottom of the glass she's carrying, so that it doesn't slosh even more than it probably has. then when it seems as if it's steadied, he withdraws, smiling.] It's fine. I should have been more careful.

[REALLY!!! even if that spot on his sleeve is from the alcohol...He gives her a better look, noting her uniform. then down at the drink. are u gonna drink that sansa!!]

And yourself, miss? How's your drink? [it might need a refill...]

[stonebird]

(Neither can Sansa in truth. She knows better than to make herself weaker before strangers.)

Ah thank you. (He has quick hands! The majority of the drink is saved though she places a hand on it just in case.) I stained your sleeve. If you have some water on hand, I can help you remove it?

(Her eyebrows rise in unison at his assumption.) This is not for me, ser. (Glancing quickly to a certain Professor Wererabbit, she motions with her head.)

It is for him.

Sharing is herring!

[showsnopiety]

[Sansa has been working hard, it seemed, but she couldn't help but listen in to what she was talking about to her Dire-Wolf. She was a little amused at overhearing what they were going about.

But Caren couldn't help but take her cue for the conversation, a wine glass in her hand.]

There are hot pools, or springs in one of the Blanc regions. We uncovered it during one of the dungeons.

[She doesn't take a seat, but stands. She hasn't been invited to sit with her after all.]

So it's possible to see Lyanna go swimming in the hot springs.

[In short...hello Sansa.]

[stonebird]

(She jumps slightly, barely concealing her surprise to see Caren again. Lyanna is less shocked - her ears are better. Caren will get a brief tail wag.)

Are there? Have you visited them?

(Sansa shifts and offers the other woman a seat on the sofa she had been reclining on.)

I think she would like that. A bath might be out of the question unless I can trick her into hot water.

(The Dire-Wolf lifts her head, frowning. Trick her, huh? She nips at one of Sansa's ankles half-heartedly.)

[showsnopiety]

[Sorry Sansa, Caren might have enjoyed the jumping a bit, slightly. But she's glad that Lyanna isn't trying to take her out or something.]

I have. There were many who visited them when they first opened.

[She moves to take a seat on the couch, but she gives Sansa space. She sits pretty primly, all things considered.]

There would be plenty of room for your companion to swim in the hot springs if you wanted to give her a bath. But there may be grooming parlours as well.

[stonebird]

(Lyanna has better judgment than that. Besides, if Caren looks close, she will see the Dire-Wolf has a toy she is chewing on. What? It's fun!)

Are they large pools or small pools that are meant for individual soaking?

(They both have impeccable posture, then - very befitting two ladies!)

I honestly could not see her subjecting herself to such! (The idea is laughable to her. Grooming? For a wolf?) I have not seen your Carrier as of yet. What form do they take?

[showsnopiety]

[Well, it's better then a bone. That'd be messy around here.]

Large pools, most of them; they can have well over a dozen people within them.

[These two have the best posture.]

She might like it for the treats they give her. As for mine-he's under my clothing. Some people have a fear of serpents, and he's warm, so it suits us both.

3

[mageater]

[ Kiritsugu was here to check out the possible bestiary and farmlands of the place, but when he ends up getting this kind of tranquility, he's relatively happy about it. ]

They're calming, at the very least.

[ He can't be really honest with himself. He's actually really liking the current atmosphere. ]

[stonebird]

I haven't heard birds singing so much in...ages. (It deserves a pause at the very least, yet her expression is wary in regards to him.) Are you gathering fruits and vegetables too?

[mageater]

[ Wary expression is something that he got in daily basis, so Kiritsugu's keeping his face stern in return.

That, and he's very wary to everything himself in particular. ]

Not my intention originally. Was here only to check the flora and fauna. [ He makes a short glance towards one of the fruit trees, studying in briefly. ] They seems to resemble those from my world as well.

[ As far as the appearance goes, yes. Who knows about the taste though. ]

[stonebird]

Forgive me for intruding, then, ser. (She understands all too well the need for silence and solitary thought - or even no thought at all.)

Are there any other Heroes from your world? I am the only one from Westeros.

two

[exp]

( it is a bit exhausting being thrown into a new situation—but at least he has a companion in the form of the golden retriever squirming in his arms. really, he should be mingling with the other heroes… but… at the moment it seems a little bit daunting. he ends up catching the tail end of a question if i leave, will you remember me? and ends up moving towards the girl on the sofa before he can think better of it. )

I’m sure she won’t forget you!

( not that… she asked his opinion on the matter. )

[stonebird]

(A pair of Tully blue eyes will assess him almost instantly and Sansa sits up, adopting a perfect posture. The teachings of her youth have not been forgotten; some are ingrained in her bones.)

You are too kind. (Lyanna lifts her head, smiling faintly at the golden retriever.) He has a beautiful coat. It's almost like spun gold.

[exp]

( the girl, now that he’s looking at her straight on… isn’t she really pretty?! not only that but she gives off the air of someone… out of his league. for a moment he feels her gaze like a weight, like she’s taking the estimate of him, and he shifts his balance rocking back on his heels. nervous. he hopes he isn’t found lacking. )

Kind? I wasn’t trying to be… ( the sentence is punctuated by a nervous, yet obviously pleased chuckle. ) though, I’m glad you think so. I can’t help but be happy hearing that. I only meant, pets and their owners, they have a special bond, don’t they?

( honey, in his arms, uses a paw to swipe up at his nose— the paw connects with the bridge of it, and he huffs resisting the urge to rub the spot of impact with his hand. he doesn’t want to look like a baby who can’t take the slightest discomfort. )

I’m sure Honey’s glad you complimented him as well.

( a beat of hesitation. ) Is ah— is this seat taken?

( meaning the one next to her on the sofa, of course! )

[stonebird]

(He would be surprised - horrified most likely - at how desperate she is for kindness and a true friend. Even his nervousness is charming to her and she nods at the cushion beside her, welcoming him to join her.)

Then it must come naturally. (A rare, RARE talent in Westeros, believe her.) I believe they do - otherwise, why are they drawn to one another?

(She smiles at the little swipe, reaching out to rub over Honey's ear.)

I have never seen a dog like him.

3!

[wishingalone]

[For Mami, picking fruit is... well... new. She lived in an intensely urbanized part of Japan; she mostly saw small gardens and parks. This is quite new. She stops in front of an apple, peering at it, with her hands on it. She stops, though, when she hears the birds singing. She looks up at them, curiously.

She blinks, when Sansa speaks up.

She looks sideways at her, before she smiles. She nods.] I do. I always thought birds had pretty songs, back home. I'm glad that's true, here.

[stonebird]

(Her innate wariness of all people is eased when she sees Mami. Men frighten her more than women, though the majority of men she has met have been nothing but courteous. Some habits will take a long time to break if they ever do. Sansa knows that the moment she lets down her guard, someone will attack. Even in an orchard with birds singing.)

I felt like the birds of Westeros lost some of their song, but maybe that was only my perception.

(Her world had certainly lost its song. Why would the birds be immune to that shift in her mind?)

Do you need help? My name is Sansa.

[wishingalone]

Westeros? Ah... [People came from different worlds here. She learned that with a little bit of talking. It's a knowledge that has stuck with her.

She tilts her head to the side, before she shakes her head.] I'm sorry to hear that. No, well--perhaps a lot. [There's a smile entirely too calm and confident to suggest Mami really believes that.] I'm new here.

[stonebird]

It wasn't your doing. (She tries to lighten the conversation with a small smile. Her basket is set aside and she comes closer.) I would be happy to assist you. I do not claim to be an expert in gathering food, but I have learned much about settling into this world.

[wishingalone]

[She smiles back. She won't ask more -- at least, not yet -- about Westeros. Instead, she nods, as she looks at the trees.] Would you? I've never picked fruit in my life. I'm afraid I mostly shopped at supermarkets.

I suspect that Blanc doesn't have those...

3!

[careosene]

Huh? [ Katniss looks up from two baskets so heavily laden with produce that she has to concentrate on carrying to the exclusion of anything else. It’s not an unwelcome interruption, though as she’s hardly the type people leap at the chance to approach, she’s more than a little caught off-guard by the question and takes an especially long moment to collect herself. ]

Oh, the - birds. Yeah. [ She smiles, finally placing Sansa as the one roommate she's yet to do much talking with. ] I didn't think anyone else noticed. It's the first thing that's reminded me of home since I arrived.

[stonebird]

(As sexist as it might be, Katniss's gender makes it easier for Sansa to approach her. Since they are working at the same task, there's no reason to be silent - especially when the birds above their heads are so bright.)

Its been a long time since I've enjoyed their song. (She tilts her auburn head, biting her lip.) Forgive me if I am mistaken, but are we not rooming together?

[careosene]

We must be. You've just read my mind. [ The other girl's style and manner of speech is like nothing she's ever heard. Not silly and affected like the Capitol accent, but musical and with a curious lilt. Katniss tries adjusting one of her baskets but it doesn't look like a handshake is going to happen any time soon. ]

I guess our schedules hadn't crossed until now. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors where you're from?

[stonebird]

This introduction is overdue, then. I am Sansa Stark and I hail from Winterfell in Westeros. (She was a lady at three; speaking properly comes naturally to her, though time and circumstance have taught her to be more empathetic to others.)

I do not spend as much time outdoors as I would like. The name might give it away, but Winterfell is located in the North. It is very cold there. Even so, I liked to wander through the trees.