pawnstorm | intro ♚ december

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!

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[he's older than you, you know!! not that age really makes a difference with these guys, but.

anyway.

eight months...has it been that long since they last saw each other? but considering where they're from, the idea of some sort of time travel shenanigans doesn't seem far-fetched. was jirou lonely, though?...not sure if he should ask that.

he looks out at the festivities, thoughtful, as jirou refuels. so there's four of them here. helping these new people with whatever new mission they've been given. yeah, okay, he can work with that. right? yeah. three comrades is still more than the zero he had back in the day, anyway.

he doesn't scoot closer to jirou but he does stare at that bottle. as if that's somehow an equivalent.]

No Aruji? [a pause.] Or... [looking down at his empty hands in his lap. dress aside, he feels pretty naked without his sword body.]

[This is the sword who is older than Taroutachi and calls him older brother too. Shhhhhhhhh...

He listens to the fox sword and smiles a little sadly. He knows what he means. It's something that he's been having to deal with for awhile. It's true that he's spent a long time on display without a real master too but to have one again and then to have that taken away. To be a tsukomogami and then to be completely human...

Jiroutachi knows how that hurts. Knows what it's like to be alone for so long too. It's lonely and there's some pain. Honestly there are times when he wonders if he's just associating Gilbert with being a master. It's taking a lot of work to tell himself that isn't the case.

He sighs a little and rests his hand on Nakigitsune's head.]

Not here. It's not a good feeling is it.

[it isn't. it isn't a good feeling at all. he's lost his master and his mask and his fox and his own self - it's somehow much worse than 900 years of being locked away or sat on display, even if he's got a human body in exchange.

freedom, in exchange for everything he's ever known. new sights, new sounds, new everything, and a feeling like something really empty inside him somewhere. yet another thing he doesn't know how to explain out loud.

he makes a slight noise, a short sigh or an unhappy huff, and lets gravity push him to lean against the other sword.

if he still had his mask it'd be so much easier to hide how he was feeling right now.

]

[Jirou understands what that's like. No Taroutachi, no sake jug, no sake at first, no anything he's known for awhile. He smiles a bit and actually decides to be a little serious as he finishes the sake in his cup and sets cup and bottle to the side. Then his arms wrap around the smaller sword to offer some of that comfort to him.

There, there, little fox. Jirou knows and understands. He'll give you all the hugs and cuddles and so on to try to help because it's not easy but at least they have each other.

It's more than he had a few months back.]

[This feels like deja vu?! There was a time she first met someone and they had to on a shopping spree...well, that was a couple of meets later but still. The point stands.

Vietnam, to new people, doesn't mind spending for them though, only because she really is rolling in dough.

However, she jumps when her backside is touched.]

E-excuse me?!

[Maybe she did scream (half a scream) when she sees him bleeding, and immediately she rushes over to heal his head.]

I'm not entirely sure if you should be proud of that!

A: WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS

1: YOU CAN'T MAKE ME
Keigo had just gotten over the entire mistletoe situation when he came to learn there was yet another facet to his current nightmare. He'd received the message, just like everyone else, but there was little that could mask the true horror in his eyes when he realized what the implication of it was. They expected him to dress like a woman? They had to be joking. There was no way anyone in their right mind would expect any of the men to participate in such a thing, right?

How wrong he truly was.

Apparently, the suggestion was being taken Very Seriously by some. Keigo was seeing a lot more guys wearing makeup than he ever sought to. Was this really necessary?? Couldn't they just grovel to the women instead? Convincing him to go through with the charade would take some extreme coaxing... or perhaps a pretty face pleading with him? In either case, he was stalling out as long as possible; embarrassing himself was never high on his priority list. Part of him even considered hiding in his room until it all blew over. Unfortunately, that wasn't what was expected of the Heroes, was it?

2: ...OK I GUESS YOU CAN
Either through intimidation tactics or his own gullibility, Keigo found himself amidst the festivities in Polgar... dressed for the occasion, as it were. Someone (was it you, perhaps??) had painstakingly dolled Keigo up, much to his endless pain and suffering. If it wasn't for the broadness of his shoulders or his insistence in carrying himself like a man, he might have been able to fool someone. Maybe. His more delicate features were accentuated through the magic of makeup, and his hair was lovingly feathered, and his eyes simply popped with the colors chosen...

Someone kill him.

The dress he was somehow fitted into was elegant enough for any proper lady, but to Keigo, it was a finely crafted torture device. He was fidgeting in place, resisting the urge to readjust himself in public through all the clambering of the parade and pounding of the drums. At the very least, he had some lovely eye candy for his trouble... those dancers? Man, some of them were stacked. Hopefully no one would notice a rather tall... lady... paying a bit too close of attention to said dancers. Or maybe they would and give him a proper thrashing.

B: LET'S GO HUNTING

Getting out of the dress had been such a high priority for Keigo, he didn't really care what the price was. Even if said price meant going spider-hunting. Didn't Orihime mention something about giant spiders a month or so ago? Or did he dream that up? Either way, Keigo was eagerly stomping through the forest, shedding the dress but not quite all of the makeup... Though he was in more traditional exploratory attire, that eyeliner and mascara were difficult to remove fully. So slaying spiders with stunning eyes would have to do.

"So... how big are these spiders, exactly?" Perhaps his fellow Hero would know the answer. After all, Keigo had a right to know how much shit he'd gotten himself into before it hit the fan, right?

C: JUST DON'T

After all was said and done, the idea of a hot spring sounded way too tempting to pass up. Keigo couldn't recall the last time he'd been in one, but that was all the more reason to investigate the ones open to him. Having sustained a number of minor scrapes and cuts in his journeys, the news that the springs held healing properties to them only bolstered his excitement. To think, a few months back, he would have laughed at the very idea of a hot spring having those kinds of qualities to it. Now? Now, he was expecting it. As he sunk into the waters, he let his mind drift. The steam had such a lulling effect, and everything felt like a warm blanket, coiled around him. He thought of his bed, back in Naruki, the soft covers and plush pillows that were the highlight of his home. How he could spend all day nestled in them, escaping the stress of his life, of his problems... It was so comforting...

...Maybe someone should say something about the guy slowly sinking into the springs? That can't be a good sign, right?

D: WILDCARD

[ HELLO FRIENDS. throw your ideas my way if these prompts don't work for you! /o/ let's plot! either PM me here or at heartsigh and we can hash something fun out! as always, i will gladly match format if action is more your jam! ]

[ It's a relief and a puzzle to see Keaton act just as confused. To watch him move around the room nervously, to see the tail slow and only occasionally wag. The hand brushing through his hair. A nervous habit? A way to get rid of the excess energy? Whatever it is, it's eating away at them both.

Keaton's body language is telling.

Toma knows he's never met Keaton before. Not once, couldn't have. But the way the ears move, the tone of his voice strikes a chord within him. Curious and curiouser still. Has his head been meddled with? Subtly, Toma checks his arms. Nothing. No injection marks. They could still be elsewhere though. Shouldn't Keaton be more worried about his disappeared roommate, too? Who knows what happened to them? ]

Really? It got lost on the way here? [ :| ] ...that sounds like a convenient excuse. [ Toma ain't buying it.

But Keaton. Keaton seems to have bought it so Toma sits up, blanket pooling around his hips as his eyes focus on Keaton once more. ]

How long have you been here? And why are we here in the first place?

[ ~~nice~~

It's a good thing that Keaton is being incredibly noisy as he moves towards Toma. Otherwise, he might have found himself turned into a pincushion. No more Wolfskin, more Hedgehogskin.

Though the way he utterly slaughtered the spider and turned it into a fine paste might have given away the fact that this is a Hero's doing, too. And it's with a sigh of relief that Toma lowers his bow again, instead looking at Keaton with a small, amused grin on his face. Sweat trickles down his brow and Toma takes a second to wipe it away before forcing himself to meet Keaton halfway.

He's glad to see Keaton again, especially considering the circumstances.

Keaton's choice of attire is questionable at best, however. ]

It's me. What happened to your uniform? Are you hurt?

[ Oh? What are his hands doing! Keaton is compelled to match them, making his own little wolfhand and nodding in kind. ]

Okay. Here, let me show you.

[ With his other hand, he opens up the bag and reveals the contents.

A skunk. ]

Eh? What are you doing in there? Where's the thing? [ He grimaces and shakes his head. ] You didn't eat it, did you?

[ The fluffy black and white creature wiggles around inside. Apparently, this is not the surprise... which is why his attention turns to Naki. ]

Uh... are you afraid of snakes?

{The light of his sword seems to be a deterrent; the vines that are not cut back away from it, understanding, perhaps, that it can do them more damage. Aragorn glances at Nero to ascertain she is in one piece before shifting the light to the undergrowth.}

They would snare you and keep you, that is true, but I know naught what they would do with you after. There are beasts that would consider you a trapped meal and the vines would not be able to guard you as their "prize".

{He aids her in her search, holding his sword aloft so that the shadows around them scatter.}

We have all experienced ill luck; I think you better make yourself accustomed to such.

"Large enough." Aragorn glanced up from ensuring he had enough rations for the hunt, one brow rising skeptically, "Are you frightened?"

While fear was a suitable response to giant arachnids, he knew that a hunter could not risk such a reaction. Freezing at the wrong moment or not thinking clearly could have deadly consequences.

"They are not as nimble as us." if that gave any comfort whatsoever.

(Polgar traditions are downright refreshing for Sansa - who has learned, both to her benefit and detriment, how to exist in a male-ruled society. She finds a new strength - and a new pride - in herself as she watches and participates in the festivities. Her laughter, however, is cut off abruptly at the order and, for a moment, she feels herself stiffen in uncertainty and a barely contained fear.

Who dares to order her so? Who believes they have that right? She is rather angry at the memories the voice produces and, when she turns, she is frowning faintly.)

Were you speaking to me? (The woman is...lovely, but something about her brings a certain pair of Lannisters to mind.)

(The offer is amusing to her and, for a moment, she gives a bemused smile. Sansa has always either seen to her hair herself or depended on her mother and/or servants to complete the task. It is no small job considering how she likes to wear it - up and away from her face - but she has yet to be offered assistance by a man.)

What would you do with it? (She is genuinely curious. At the moment, her thick, red hair is laying against her back as she has only begun to brush it.)

(Sansa has had more than her fill of dancing. She feels breathless and thirsty as she finds a drink and takes a generous sip. Her cheeks are flushed red and her hair has somewhat fallen loose from the style she had given it. But she looks happy and that is no small change.

As she sets her drink down, she senses him watching her. Tully blue eyes will quickly catch his gaze and a small smile will bloom on her lips.)

I have seen you dancing much this eve as well.

[ Normally, Jumin would think this was business as usual, but Toma's in a Hero uniform so that's difficult to manage. Instead, he gives the man a curious cant of his head. ]

Is this what they call roleplay?

No, really. I even asked one of Blanc's leaders. He's some guy that can turn into a bat! His name is Verdoni, he's a little grumpy, but I think he's pretty trustworthy.

[ He's only that way once he received Keaton's Seal of Approval--- who cares that he's probably been the Prime Minister's secretary AND the Secretary of State? But he chides himself for rambling about someone that Toma's never met. After all, that doesn't really answer his questions or his skepticism, and Keaton tries to rebound with a toothy smile and a thoughtful hum. ]

Not long. Maybe a few weeks. I woke up in a room not too far from yours, just across the hall. [ A shrug, before he takes a seat on one of the empty and unmade beds and makes himself comfortable. ]

Something about fighting in a war as heroes. I don't know, it seems there are a lot of heroic figures around here already. Don't know how many started like that, but...

[ And Keaton was lucky he had been fighting in his own war before arriving. Not a fact that's easily forgotten, though he's definitely not as powerful as he was before. Still, the one sense he has that hasn't gone away is the one that marks Toma as a possible... threat? No, not a threat. An uncertainty. Unlike every other hero he's met, he's automatically thought of them as good and genuine.

This guy makes his fur stand on end. ]

[ ...Well, Jumin isn't wrong. Kind of. Enjoy the perplexed and chagrined look on Toma's face because it lasts only for a few seconds before he's laughing softly. The shop's atmosphere is too much like the café's back home.

And then he decides to roll with it and answer a question with a question. ]

Is there anything I can do for you today, young Master?

[naki looks in the bag...stares........looks back up again?]

Snakes?

[why, did the fluffy thing not eat a snake? is fluff-san not a snake-eater!]

[ That's the secret to Keaton's success. It doesn't matter how aware a possible enemy is of your location, because in a straight one-on-one, a Wolfskin with powerful blows and a pair of extremely cute looking spiked collars wrapped around his knuckles is going to beat the stuffing out of anything in his way. ]

Oh, I'm fine. [ Looking proud and smug, he tugs at both of the ripped portions that framed a toned, tanned chest. ] I'm just not used to wearing such formal things. I want to look good while doing good. Don't you agree?

[ Which includes a tail that looks to be covered in spider web as he spins in place, a quick 360 that will allow Toma to see the the various juices, hairs, and other things that may have accumulated on him as he performed the Obligatory Gathering Quest for the Alfersans. ]

But are you okay? You're looking a little tired, but I guess you're not used to these kinds of things, huh.

[ On the contrary, he's pretty impressed a human like him is able to keep up--- even if he's a little sweaty. He can smell him pretty distinctly. In fact, maybe it's just Keaton (and it probably is, he IS the only one there)... but is Toma sweating more than normal? Something doesn't seem right. ]

[naki only keeps up eye contact a short moment after catching her gaze - then quietly looks down to her cup instead. eye contact is strangely more difficult than it was, without his mask to hide behind.

he nods though, at her comment, mouth set in its usual neutral line.]

More than I'm used to.

[ah, he's bleeding. he's bleeding but smiling? light damage, nothing to worry about? naki stares, thinks, looks over at the ladies, goes back to staring.]

It is?

[he doesn't understand.]

[ Why does half of the things which come out of Keaton's mouth sound like something straight out of a manga? Some guy that can turn into a bat? Unbelievable. ...Though there is a dog... wolf person standing in front of him. Maybe this is still a dream. Maybe he's still asleep.

...No. Everything points towards Keaton's story being the truth. Keaton's toothy smile is real. If anything, he's convinced what he's telling is a fact. And until Toma obtains different information, he's going to believe him. ]

Fighting a war...? [ Toma's voice is low, words mostly muttered to himself. He is no soldier. Archery classes don't make anyone a soldier. Especially not in this day and age.

...

Abruptly, Toma smiles at Keaton once more. It's always fooled costumers, always fooled teachers and coworkers and even his own parents. (Not Shin. Never Shin.) For as much as the smile is supposed to convey something akin to confidence, it falls flat. Stained with warmth but hollow at the edges. ]

Thank you for telling me all of this. [ And then, abruptly, he changes tracks. ] Have you been handling all of this alright? Are other people not upset that they are now here?

[ Pfft- Toma grins at Keaton's choice of words and promptly puts on a light, teasing tone. There is no way he's letting this opportunity slip past him and having Shin and her around has given him plenty of opportunities to sharpen his tongue. And Keaton is too much like a pup to not play with for a little bit. ]

I would agree but you happen to have some spider web stuck to your everything. As well as many other things. You do know there is a pincer stuck in your pant leg, don't you?

[ What a mess. It's without even having to think about it that Toma reaches out and begins to brush away the spider web and gunk and pieces from Keaton's shoulders. Not touching the bare chest though. Keaton can clean that up by himself.

Toma is very thorough, however, making sure to tug and pluck at any stray strings. Especially the one stuck to Keaton's jaw. ]

You're right, I'm not used to this but don't worry. With some rest, I should be fine. A snake managed to get the drop on me but it's dead now.

[ Crushed under Toma's heel, in fact. They might be standing in the gory remains. His fingers shakes when he finally lets them drop from Keaton's shoulders but Toma resolutely blames the adrenaline. Not the itching and hurting wound on his arm.

It is awfully hot in the jungle so he's going to focus on that. ] You're part wolf, aren't you? How come you can stand the heat?

Edited 2016-12-10 18:36 (UTC)

[ As unbelievable as his information may seem, he knows that that his own past experienced allowed him to digest and accept the little things he knows as fact. Perhaps his relationships with other heroes have also enabled him to fight alongside them, such as the stuffy man who said he'd take him clothes shopping and the skilled samurai who used a wooden sword for a weapon.

So, it must be up to Keaton to introduce Toma to all of this. Whether it was fate that led him to this room, or an undeniable feeling of déjà vu that makes every little fiber of his being still rather than frenetic... ]

You're welcome. [ Though his next question brings a slump of the shoulders and a generally displeased frown, his tail smacking the bed that he sits on and sends dust bunnies flying--- certainly not from the clean looking mattress! ]

Yeah. I guess. [ Snort. ] Even though I'm missing my Beaststone and I can't do what I do best anymore, things COULD be worse. [ Snort again. ]

Others? I don't know. [ At least he can be honest with Toma, he has nothing to hide, unlike that smile that seems oddly fake. There are plenty of humans who put on one but try to deceive. Is he like one of them? Aren't heroes supposed to be good? ]

I just want to take care of some of my friends. You know, if you need help getting your feet underneath you, I'll do what I can.

[ Another feeling, a need to protect a not-complete stranger. If he had been home and Toma stumbled upon him and his pack, Keaton would undoubtedly have sided with his Wolfskin family. Here, though?... ]

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intro ♚ december

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