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

mami, my old love... come into my arms

[babbylon]

[And yet it's a smile nonetheless, which means the proverbial door has been swung wide open for Gilgamesh to misinterpret intent. Gilgamesh being Gilgamesh, he chooses to see it as a warm invitation into her personal space. Accordingly, he accept it with great glee, leaning over and now nearly nose-to-nose.]

Of course you can cook. You waste your breath, woman.

[He's just striking out repeatedly here, isn't he?]

But cook what, exactly? I find it doubtful I've stumbled upon some gourmet in the midst.

only because you have fantastic earrings, sir!

[wishingalone]

[He's leaning into her personal space. Mami regrets two things; first, that she can't summon a pistol with a thought and soul-crushing alien magic, and more immediately, that she backs up. It's instinctive, but a show of weakness.

Then, she makes such a face at what he says.] My being a woman has nothing to do with my ability to cook, mister.

...But suffice to say. [Her nose wrinkles.] I am an accomplished cook. I have made fantastic cakes, for one. And pies. And things besides baked goods.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh thrives upon such weakness. His own smile broadens just as bit, like a predator sizing up their next meal. And in place of food, he'll certainly dine on other options if they prove themselves to be more enticing. A predator, and also a born opportunist in every way.]

Is that all you excel at? You are a "Hero", supposedly; I would assume you have other skills to your name.

[The mocking manner in which he says it, however, suggests quite the opposite.]

Unless you truly are just a child.

[wishingalone]

That is one of my skills. I have many others. [She scowls, then, and she keeps herself more composed after that slip-up. She's still a little too rigid in posture; that he got under her skin can't easily be hidden, now, even if she's being more reserved.

She frowns.] I lost several. As did many of us, I imagine, when we came here. I'm certain that you did.

[Then there's a glare. She heard the bit about being a child. She just doesn't want to respond to it.]

[babbylon]

Such as...?

[He's really not letting her off the hook here. Which may have been expected; Gilgamesh preferred his women young, blonde, and endearingly petite. Maybe not quite as busty, but he can forgive an imperfect feature or two if the overall catch seemed tasty or otherwise worth his time.

How unfortunate for you, Mami, that some monster wants to gobble you up all over again.]

[wishingalone]

I could summon old-fashioned firearms -- quite a few, in fact! And create a magical length of ribbon--or several. I would be lying to say I don't miss them.

[She sounds more thoughtful. Maybe, for a second, forgetting that he was antagonistic; she looks back, though, with a slight frown on her face.

Then, she shrugs.] But, I think I'll learn to do just fine with the magic here.

[babbylon]

...oh?

[Mami was so close to striking out and earning herself a one way ticket to Gilgamesh's dreaded stalkee list, but Gilgamesh now appears intrigued. Firearms were a specialty of his, and as an Archer, his curiosity is naturally piqued by the suggestion of a magic similar to own.]

That is rather impressive, presuming you speak truth. Would you be willing to put that to the test?

[...but of course, Gilgamesh just aims to make a competition out of it.]

[wishingalone]

Mm. Yes.

[A moment's pause, and then Mami looks at Gilgamesh with a slightly incredulous look. She would be lying, though, to say she isn't intrigued. Mami is, after all, a little competitive.

Then she shrugs. She's more interested than she dares pretend.]

I could. What did you have in mind, as a test?

[babbylon]

The mayor has a shooting range out back...

[This sounds like trouble. The trespassing sort of trouble. But arguably the fun sort of trouble, too.]

[wishingalone]

Does he? I think that he might frown on that.

[But... it's tempting. And, besides. She wants to show him up. She is mature. Really. She raises an eyebrow.

Then, she smiles. It's a little mean.] Can you shoot, then?

[babbylon]

I can, and I can do it better than you.

[And thus the gauntlet has been thrown.]

[wishingalone]

Is that so? I'm afraid you're quite mistaken. Shall I show you?

[Never let it be said Mami Tomoe can't be goaded into something.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh nods towards the great doors. Time to blow this popsicle stand.]

Ladies first, as the saying goes.

[wishingalone]

[She stands up, then dusts off her uniform's skirt. She's walking after that.]

Lead the way.