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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P...pledge?

[Oh gosh.

Hakuno raises a hand, wracking her brain for any memory of this very memorable young woman. Her brows furrow, but nothing comes.]

...if you don't mind leading, I'd be happy to.

Are you alright?

[Hakuno's voice is quiet to begin with, so it takes very little effort to keep it hushed for safety purposes. And, you know, in order to avoid spooking the obvious newbie. Hakuno tries to offer up a small, reassuring smile.]

I'm a King, so if you need any healing I'd be happy to help.

A simple enough request.

[Nero grabs for her hand, and away they go.

Fortunately, there's not much room for Nero to make a fool of herself, as this manner of dancing hardly even qualified as such at all. It's wild, it's energetic, it's everything Nero was by her very nature, raw and primitive in an untameable and unknowable sort of way. Hakuno just gets pulled along for the ride and encouraged to let loose around the big, blazing fire in the center. The laughter and applause they draw suggests that, whatever they're doing, they're not half bad at it.

Or else Nero was so brimming with enthusiasm she more than made up for any lack of skill.]

There! Keep steady, keep up! I shall allow no room for error here!

[So she claims, but she's laughing, too.]

[It's not immediately weird that she's laughing him off, considering she did thoroughly kick his ass once before - and he's not actually planning on poisoning her, anyway.

That doesn't make it any less annoying, though.]

Maybe if you were cuter, I'd feed you, princess, but you're still the least cute girl I've ever met.

[She's actually quite attractive, of course, though it probably goes without saying that they both already know that.]

[ Don't scream! It's just a hit from probably a metal weapon, since the Alfersa are quite proud of their wares. That said, he appreciates the healing, it feels pretty soothing, like an ice pack without the cold! Or a warm cup of tea. ]

Hey, if I get in trouble, it's okay to smile it off, right? I won't do it again.

[ A beat. ]

Or try to. Otherwise I'll probably get knocked out.

[Hakuno's trepidation melts away under an onslaught of energy and Nero essentially slinging her around the dance floor. By about the third series of steps, she's more focused on trying to keep up, and a small smile begins to grow on her face.

By the second twirl, she's laughing along with the audience.]

I-I'll do my best!

That way? [ At least, he's hoping Naki saw something that he didn't. Sure enough, there's definitely something that just ran around and out of sight! Are either of them quick enough to catch it... ]

Mmm. Look, if you chase this way, I can come around the other side and catch it. There's no way it'll get away from either of us!

[ At least, he hopes so. Last thing any party-goer needs is a random bite from a scared snake! ]

Sound good? [ He's not really waiting for a response, there he goes... ]

[Perhaps even both! Since Vietnam's healing feels like relaxing water.]

I see that is very positive of you, but it would be better if you did not get hit at all.

[She wonders now how far his own healing is going.]

[oh, another person...she's got food though, so she probably won't join in the encouragement? maybe.

he's shaking his head, anyway. who's interested? not him! or no that's not entirely true, he's just more interested in watching than doing? or something....anyway, yes, the answer is no.]

Sorry.

[the ladies here are pretty, it's true...pretty strong! it's something to admire. naki does glance over at them again though, before giving the guy a vaguely questioning look.

what did you do! did you give yourself that injury! why would you give yourself an injury.]

...Don't break yourself.

[ It probably is strange to be offered help by a man. He's been turned down a few time, some not willing to go with this plan as far as the prime minister (he looks almost convincing), or perhaps the idea of a stranger going out his way to do it is well, a bit strange! But he's also had some take the offer, and they seemed happy. That's enough for Keiji to keep at it until they do need to go to Polgar. ]

Hm... How about I put the top half of it up? That's what I was thinking.

[ His first thought, anyway. He surveys her hair and easy it would be to manage, then does a sweeping motion from right above her ears to the back of her head so she can get a general idea. ]

It's a lovely color and pretty thick, so it would be a shame to pin back all of it. Would that work for you, miss?

[ This can go one of two ways. As in,

"Hi, nice to meet you!"

or

"NOPE.gif"

there's no in between. ]

[naki actually did open his mouth to answer, but keaton's gone already....sure, okay, that's fine. one less thing for him to say. he sets off as instructed! chasing after the maybe-hopefully-snake! and it is in fact a snake, once he's close enough to see it.

there's also a lot of obstacles in this alleyway, though. is that a tree in the middle of the street? it is.

but he'll catch it! eventually!! or herd it towards keaton whenever he reappears, that's also a good idea.]

[ wild rampaging tantou might describe an unholy fusion of Aizen, Atsushi, and Fudou, so definitely not Shinano. also, hearing Nakigitsune's voice makes him so happy? It's really rare back home, so something like that is special. even if it's more or less necessary here because Naki doesn't have his fox. ]

NakigitsuneI'msogladtoseeyouit'sbeenalongtimeandyousaidmynameI'msohappy--

[ ...the only thing that stopped that stream of consciousness was a need to breathe. He'll let go too... eventually. ]

Edited 2016-12-11 07:24 (UTC)

Emperor.

[Nero corrects him quickly. Sternly. The eyes of a powerful liege are upon him and now look less than pleased.]

And I believe I told you to step forward. Make haste before you displease me further.

[They are, as ever, a true and destined pair.

Even as a Pawn, it takes a lot to tire Nero out. But eventually Hakuno runs her so breathless that they wind up falling down together somewhere near the edge of the fire, where they are rewarded with platters of food aplenty for their efforts. Nero looks contented; it's all she could ask for, to have such a dedicated Master.]

You've improved since last we spoke, Praetor.

[Not to call her a slouch, but... she didn't expect her to be quite so spirited. At least it's a good sign.]

I am a woman of my word, of course. I am none other than your Saber—Servant of the Moon Cell, soon-to-be champion of the Holy Grail War.

[ to answer the rhetorical questionnaire:

1. he got hit by a lady
2. technically yes he did
3. because he learns things the hard way ]

I won't!

[ that's an interesting way to phrase it... but naki still gets the message across to keiji with his few words and sword-isms. ]

Um, you want to take a walk with me? I can talk with you and keep myself distracted. You also look a little lonely!

Mm, well... I would accept nearly anything, in truth, so long as it is provided in good spirit and with good intent.

[She sounds very dedicated to her own ruse, as it were, but she also favors negotiation over more forceful approaches and thus she'll hear the woman out. Granted, she still lingers much too close for comfort, but Vietnam may be used to that by now.]

From where do you hail, young lady? Perhaps we can come to some sort of compromise.

[...maybe she's not used to "young lady", though. Talk about flattery.]

You are a newcomer here, no? Then whatever I offer you will definitely be of good intent. We are in the same position here, taken from some other world. So it will be nice to look out for each other.

[Read: They're all comrades here! Besides, if she's willing to talk, Vietnam will not refuse her. Granted, they're still holding hands and she's very eager. It's true that Vietnam remains unfazed! With them so close, Vietnam's began to notice something else. The woman doesn't just remind her of her husband, she also kind of reminds her of Saber.]

I come from Vietnam, South East of the continent of Asia--... [Wait she might not be from Earth!] Earth. [Nailed it.] What of yourself...Emperor...? [She assumes this is the correct title after she introduced herself as such, anyway.]

[ jumin.......

Toma straightens from where he's half crouched in front of a greave and gives his pants a quick pat to get rid of the dust. Technically, he's just here to polish armor and make sure it looks spotless but since the storekeeper is busy in the back, it won't hurt to direct Jumin to the whips. ]

Right this way. [ A gesture towards where the weapons are being kept. ] I haven't been here for very long, just a few days. ...Is it normal to get thrown directly into the fray upon arrival?

[ And he follows. What a helpful man. ]

The last time Heroes were brought to this world, Noir attacked and civilians almost died, so frankly, you're in no position to complain.

[ just saying, man. ]

[ Thank you, Hakuno, for being so considerate. Toma does tense at the sudden voice but seeing as it's lacking in any spider-like quality, he relaxes again and shoots Hakuno a smile of his own. For a moment, Toma thinks about turning her down if only for the sake of not wanting to appear weak or unreliable but that wouldn't be the smartest of decisions.

Not in a forest filled with monsters and with little to no fighting experience under his belt. Not if he intends to keep going. ]

Please.

[ His voice is slightly strained when he holds out his arm to Hakuno and the smile turns tight around the edges when the movement brings with it a new pang of discomfort. ]

I got bit by a snake- [ Which is now, thankfully, very dead. ] -so if you could take a look at the wound, I'd appreciate it.

[ That makes Toma's steps falter. He hadn't meant his comment to be a complaint but after Jumin's blunt but informative words, Toma realizes he must have stepped on some toes. He could blame his ignorance but that isn't fair to the people who got injured in the attack nor to the people who fought to protect them.

Compared to that, Toma's arrival is definitely a walk in the park. ]

In that case, I will appreciate the lack of chaos. [ And death. ] Thank you for telling me about the attack.

[ And that's when they arrive at the stands filled with weapons. ] Does anything catch your eye?

What of myself? I am Rome! From this day forward, you too shall belong to Rome, as one of my countrymen!

[Oh... well, it's not said to be disparaging or offensive. Quite to the contrary, it's a compassionate offer, born of an earnest desire to please. It would seem this tyrant worries more for the affairs of others than her Babylonian counterpart. Moreover, despite surface appearances being the same, this Saber was loud and boisterous. The best and worst of both worlds.]

How does it feel, being part of me? Amazing, right? No need for thanks, your patronage will more than suffice...!

[It almost feels sneaky, except she's so overwhelmingly forthright about it it's hard to call her anything but sincere.]

["I am Rome"? Not to mention, she belongs to Rome, now? This reminds her very much of the Roman Empire himself, back when she was very small. He was loud, boisterous, and probably wanted the entire world under his heel. In fact, he behaved very much like a ruler himself.

But this confused her, because is this like Gilgamesh 2.0, where he announced himself as Sumeria, or is she actually Rome, but in another universe? A version with the face of Saber?! It's like Gilgamesh in Saber's body--he would dream.]

Should I call you Rome? Ah, I work with Rome's grandchildren, North Italy and South Italy, but I am myself, younger sister of China. I am not a country that lives in the house of another empire anymore, but I am very willing to be an ally.

[This made sense in Vietnam's head.]

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intro ♚ december

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