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BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-12-09 03:56 am

intro ♚ december

WELCOME TO POLGAR



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 My Anaconda Don’t
Brace yourselves, Heroes, for Prime Minister Teddy has a special announcement for you today. It’ll be delivered either via carrier or mechanical pigeon.

Woman?
Hello, Heroes! Hmm? Who am I? If I don’t tell you who you are, you’re calling the police? Ahaha, no need to be so hasty!
Thierry Toussaint
It’s me, Teddy! The prime minister.

This might be overwhelming for the new arrivals, but we need everyone’s help for this mission. Have you heard of the Alfersa? They’re a proud warrior race that live in Polgar. They’re said to be blessed by the goddess Gladia since they’re naturally strong, sensitive to mana, and skilled in combat. I guess they’re pretty much like our Knights? Without the magical talent, of course. We’re hoping they’ll lend us a hand in protecting Blanc.

The Alfersa are distrustful of men, so negotiations have been difficult… Now that the Gladia Games are underway, I’m hoping to meet some beautiful women—I mean, recruits! It’s a recruitment drive, after all! Right, Alex?

Alexandre Verdoni
Prime Minister, I don’t know what possessed you to think your ridiculous ideas will actually work, but please refrain from making a scene at the Games.
Thierry Toussaint
Ah, ah. [ waves a finger at ] It’s not Prime Minister. It’s Zeed Stun, an enigmatic beauty from the East! Alex, come with us!
Alexandre Verdoni
No. Please refrain from making transparent aliases undercover.

Heroes, the Alfersans have an extremely matriarchal society. The Prime Minister recommends that you follow his example to fall in their leader’s good graces, but I personally find it unnecessary. Stand tall, be proud, and may Gladia bless you on your journey.

Oh, and… dress light. Get some sunscreen.
You’ll be given time to prepare before heading out. This is when you decide if you’ll follow after PM Teddy’s example or not. He has provided a generous number of colorful dresses to choose from. Unsure of how to pull off a good look? Ask your fellow Heroes or the maids and butlers of Hall of Glory for assistance.

Once you’ve made it safely to Polgar, you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes. A procession appears to be underway with several nubile women dancing to the beat of drums. For every pause in the drumming, anklets fill the air with a sweet, chiming sound. Leading the parade are scantily-clad shrine maidens. Should you happen to stumble too close, you will be greeted with an icy stare. Waiting at the end of the road is the matriarch of the Alfersans…

Thierry Toussaint
O Gracious One, I am Zeed Stun. Today, I am here to show you the dance of my people—
???
You have a snake.
Thierry Toussaint
I’m sorry?
???
You have [ grabs between his legs ] a snake.
Thierry Toussaint
Guh!
???
[ in one fluid motion, the woman smears Teddy’s makeup off and makes him her personal footrest. for the first time since the Heroes’ arrival, she smiles. ]

… Oh, praise Gladia. So these are the Heroes She said I would meet. I am Diana Serpente, Queen of the Alfersa, Lady of the Serpents, and head priestess of Gladia’s temple. Gladia has been telling me all about you.

Ever since you put the soul of my ancestor to rest, I’ve been thinking of a way to repay you. After receiving this [ digs her heels into Teddy’s back ] pitiful man’s request, I should have known it all along… Lending you our strength was the answer.

Thierry Toussaint
Thank y—ugh!!
Diana Serpente
[ steps off Teddy… ]

However, we don’t help just anyone. What’s friendship… [ lifts the chin of the nearest female Hero ] without a little intimacy? The Gladia Games are underway. I invite you all to join us in the festivities! Before we fight, let us make merry in the name of Gladia!

As you walk around Polgar, you’ll lay eyes on the various shops, with those specialized in weapons and armor the most renowned and high quality of them all. Female Heroes are in luck as they will receive discounts. Male Heroes will have to pay the regular price regardless of what they look like. However, those who didn’t decide to look pretty for the occasion will find a much increased price tag. If you’re in desperate need of colle, these shops will let you polish and arrange their merchandise for a decent wage.

TWO It’s a Jungle Out There
As per tradition, everyone participating in the Gladia Games must hunt down the monsters near the city. It is believed that Gladia herself sends them a different beast each year. This year, giant spiders crawl dangerously close to Polgar’s outskirts. Bring parts of the spider back to the city as proof of your skill and valor. Those who kill fifteen or more spiders win ONE of these fabulous prizes: one high quality weapon or armor, their very own pet anaconda or a night with Teddy!

In the Polgarian jungles, the humid air is thick with blood. Ferns and heavy branches covered in thick moss make the area difficult to navigate. Reedy sunlight filters in through the trees. You have a feeling that you are being watched… In fact, venomous snakes might jump out of the underbrush! Should you get bitten, have another Hero heal or help you suck out the venom. But don’t get distracted; danger looms from above as well. Like in the forests between Caissa and Petrosian, leafy vines are prone to descending and embracing Heroes rather intimately.

Heroes who have paid a visit to Salamanca Temple back in the day might recognize the spider nests once they’ve found them. These arachnids the size of a car will leap very high into the air and scuttle between branches to camouflage themselves during the battle. Some might even spin a cocoon for you until they come back to snack on you later. Avoid getting bitten—their venom can render you numb and unintelligible.

Kill the spiders and take down the nests, but remember: no one wants a forest fire. Safety first!

THREE Light and Sweet, Hot and Heavy
The Alfersans will welcome you back once you return to Polgar and are happy to take the spider parts off your hands. You didn’t forget to bring them with you, did you?

The festivities are now in full swing! Heroes, hit the streets for the citywide party! Large trays with food are being passed around as Alfersans view the close sharing of food as an act of camaraderie. It is customary for men to feed the women by hand. Yes, with their fingers. Alfersans will also encourage Heroes to join their dances, and some will keep dancing in front of you until you agree. As it turns out, dancing together actually only means holding hands and taking a jovial stroll around the shrines. You should be light on your feet and stay in rhythm, but the ritual isn’t too difficult.

Dancing may be good for the soul but your feet can only carry you so long until you are tired. Why not check into one of the many resorts? Or check out the far more numerous high-class brothels? Or perhaps you’d rather spend a relaxing day at the hot springs, spas or restaurants? The hot springs in particular are quite special here, as they are heated by the kiss of molten hot magma, blessed by Gladia herself. They possess healing properties, yes, but more curiously, if you happen to soak in the warmth for too long, you may start to feel a bit… virile.

INFO Welcome!
Welcome to Crosscheck's Month 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!
hoasen: (URM)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-23 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
[THIS REMINDS HER OF SOMEONE AGAIN.]

A-ah, I suppose so...and what is the reward?

[NOT THAT SHE NEEDS ANY.]
gwenhwyfar: (Come bearing heritage divine)

[personal profile] gwenhwyfar 2016-12-23 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
It's an ugly scar.

[ That insecurity isn't very charming. She makes a face, feeling her hair touched behind her ear. It's a nice gesture, isn't it? She hadn't realized how starved she was for any sort affection. How embarrassing. She keeps that bottled up, leaving her hands as they are, casually resting on the table. ]

But I am glad for that. Truth be told, I always thought it made me look ugly.

[ "I was pretty once" she almost adds. ]

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-23 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
You are beautiful always.

[Spoken as if she heard it anyway.]

If anyone should ever tell you different, pity them, for they are full of envy for all that you are.
foxhands: (i'm not really sure)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-23 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
[it was so hard....this conversation is exhausting already. words are hard!! no comment on the hair mussing though, he can live with that.

....hasn't he heard of nobunaga.....isn't nobunaga a famous person?

but they're not in whichever time period nobunaga's from so does any of that even matter.

he nods!

and then, just to make sure she doesn't shake him again--]
...That's right.
foxhands: (i've got a no-share policy)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-23 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ohhhhhhh that explains a lot! he gives another nod.]

Nakigitsune. [is his own name. nice to meet you! also, he tilts his head slightly, still staring.]

You're red.
interchained: (The master and his servant)

[personal profile] interchained 2016-12-23 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not—

[Okay, at this point even he can feel his cheeks burning, so maybe it's better to simply admit it rather than denying it.]

It's nice to meet you. And...you better get used to it, I suppose.

[His red face. Because it happens a lot]
hoasen: (decisions)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-24 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Too late, he's forced to talk forever now!!]

You're welcome. My name is Vietnam. What should I call you?

[He seems even more shy than she is.]
hoasen: (netflix and what??)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-24 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
[WOW JUNKO, that does sound harsh in some perspectives. Though Vietnam on the other hand, think Taiwan's actually great SO--] It is, she teaches me a great many things.

[...DAMMIT, Junko's boobs are actually epic too so SHE'S RIGHT. If using womanly charms...

Vietnam pulls out her wallet.]
A-ah, I mean I'm not sure if I need anything now, but if they would bring it down even more cheaper after your discount if we purchase in bulk...
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (19)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-12-24 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
I see...well, heroes are meant to work as a team. You won't get anywhere around here going solo.

[In no time flat, she's gone from messing up his hair to reaching forward and tapping him between the eyes instead.]

So I suggest you work on that quietness of yours. It's fine to be shy, but when the time comes for fighting, if you neglect to communicate with others you're better off dead.

[err...]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (12)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-12-24 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
[When all's said and handled at the counter, Nobunaga returns to see...this.]

...

[Next to Nero, she starts unbuttoning her shirt as well, as if this is no big deal.]

Hm? I admire that enthusiasm, but don't think I'll be letting you try on my armour. Not even if you throw yourself at me in a shinsengumi uniform and beg.

[There it is.]
hoasen: (guuugh)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-24 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
[HE'S TOO SMOOTH THAT SHE'S GOING TO LOST IT OKAY.]

A r-rare flower! [Goodbye world.] I-I mean I am thankful that you think that way, really!

[CLEARS THROAT. She starts pulling down her sleeve so she can help brush the blood off of him.]

Well, I can't be too certain.

[Look at her husband.]
foxhands: (i've got a no-share policy)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-24 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
[the kitchen at the capital...doesn't sound like a kitchen in walking distance.

also there's more ingredients in inari sushi than you might expect! naki thinks for a moment, nods, wonders if they can--no he doesn't have money, he'll just have to wait on that.]


It's made with tofu and rice. [...] You can add mushrooms and wasabi and things to it. [the spice!]
gwenhwyfar: (Thou wouldst not on of a hundred)

[personal profile] gwenhwyfar 2016-12-24 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
I'm flattered.

[ More or less. Large scars and insecurities aside, Regina can get a vague gauge of how far apart Nero is from her. With little to not hesitation, she lays a hand over her's, leaning in close.

Height differences are such a pain. ]


I'm really undeserving of such kind words, especially from the likes of you.

[ A Roman to a practicing druid for crying out loud. ]
anti_altruisms: (Cautiously watching.)

[personal profile] anti_altruisms 2016-12-24 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ Archer withdraws his hand. ]

In the minds of some, perhaps.
kenran: (keiji05)

[personal profile] kenran 2016-12-24 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ This is unexpected, to say the least. It's also rude to eat when he's being examined so closely? So, he'll wait until she's done and satisfied. ]

Yeah...? I mean, thank you greatly for the the food, but--

[ He'd go on, but now he's staring at Nobunaga with a noticeably confused look on his face. He doesn't recognize her, and she doesn't exactly look like a warlord who would know that as his actual lord. She went from teasing him, which he doesn't mind, to being pretty bemused. It's quite a shift. ]

How does a little lady like you come to that knowledge? It's not that important. The Maeda Clan... Toshiie and Matsu are good to me.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-24 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
[She just laughs.]

Are you always this cordial?

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-24 07:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero doesn't seem to mind it, at least, sitting up nice and tall to compensate. She plucks a gentle and chaste kiss upon Regina's cheek for her efforts and looks all the merrier for it. She doesn't mind the audience, either. If anything, it excites her.]

I will whisper such sweet things to you all night long if such is your desire.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-24 07:50 am (UTC)(link)
Your armour?

[Girl, please. Don't start this. Don't.]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (6)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-12-24 12:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, of course it's mine you silly girl. What? You thought I'd buy it for you just like that? Oh dear, ufufu...seems we've had a miscommunication.

[She knew exactly what she was doing.]
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (5)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-12-24 12:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmph.

[From teasing to bemused to just straight up irritated now. Nobunaga removes her hand and steps back, hands on her hips.]

Of course. "How would you know that" indeed; I shouldn't expect any recognition, should I? I'm doomed to obscurity. Perhaps the gods truly are punishing me.

[Alright, it isn't that big a deal...she's just kind of dramatic.]

You can save any disbelief you might have on hearing this, but the woman standing before you is none other than Nobunaga Oda, lad.

You served under me for a spell alongside that uncle of yours.
kenran: (keiji03)

[personal profile] kenran 2016-12-24 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
...

[ Oh. That explains things.

Haha. Ha. Munch munch munch, he's not so nervous about this reveal that he can't enjoy his food in a few bites. But he'll bow his head at this incarnation of the Demon Lord and smile. Look Basara lets him buy anything, and Senbasa-flavored Oda is so over the top evil that any other version of that fellow is... ]


I think I like you better this way, Lord Nobunaga.
ateaist: pixiv id=74573578 (15)

[personal profile] ateaist 2016-12-24 06:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm almost afraid to ask, but my curiosity has gotten the better of me...so listen closely.

[She leans closer, one hand on his shoulder. From the way she sounds, you'd think he was about to confirm whether she was going to live or die.]

He has it, doesn't it? [A beat.] ...that awful facial hair.
notwagging: punishedrozi@tumblr (20)

[personal profile] notwagging 2016-12-25 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. [ Wince! ] No meat?

[ Tofu just sounds bad to him. You can't spell 'tofu' without 'out', and without meat, that means sushi sounds like it should be... out. Like, out away from his face and life forever?

But if Naki wants it, then that's what he'll have to make! At least he won't have to eat it, right? ]


Okay. So now all that's left is... well, do you want to return to the dancing? It's kind of strange, isn't it?
anti_altruisms: (Look how many shits I give.)

[personal profile] anti_altruisms 2016-12-26 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
I offered to take you to a theater, didn't I?

[ Clearly a picture of gentle-manliness right here. ]
kenran: (keiji07)

[personal profile] kenran 2016-12-26 06:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ So serious a Nobu, one would think she had a sudden existential crisis over her gag character status when the plot shit hits the fan—

But nah. Her grave question has Keiji give a sheepish nod, with some reservation about telling her because... Well. ]


The mustache? It almost works, but yeah. Completely terrible.

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