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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!
notwagging: <user name="bittenbittern"> (1)

[personal profile] notwagging 2016-12-12 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
How many? Okay, let's see.

[ He starts to count with his fingers. Five... ten... fifteen... twenty... twenty-five... he stops at thirty. Then, he reaches into his pockets, feeling around inside them while counting silently with his lips. Yep, thirty. How does he know? He pulls out one sticky, oozing eye, and proudly presents it to Toma. ]

I have a bunch of these in my pants. They're the easiest thing to fit in there. Have you tried cramming a giant spider's leg in a pocket? It's pretty difficult!

[ Though it does prevent him from telling a funny joke about being happy to see Toma and something else, but that's not really part of his schtick. ]

Is your bow that special? I want to see! [ Especially if his bow is anything like the one that the Hoshidan prince used? To see something that majestic on the battlefield, Keaton was glad that he wasn't on the other end of an arrow nocked in his weapon. And if on cue, his tail starts to beat against a nearby brush that totally doesn't deserve the abuse of an excited Wolfskin.

He once again closes the distance between the two of them, tongue sticking out of the corner of his lips. No doubt that water might splash a little onto Toma, though most of it has certainly gone lower and lower to where the light doesn't shine as brightly as it might on his musculature. ]


Heck, I could probably go find a spider or two. Or maybe they'll come to us--- they don't seem particularly dumb or smart, after all.
anti_altruisms: (I don't care.)

[personal profile] anti_altruisms 2016-12-12 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ ...well, that's an odd reaction. He doesn't think too much about it since this woman has already proven herself to be...well. A bit eccentric. She's clearly new, and that's what matters right now.

He does blink at the assumption she makes (this may very well be normal for her), but since she's called him over already, he doesn't see the harm in it this time. ]


Since I'm at your disposal, for the moment, if that's what you'd prefer, I can offer it.
foxhands: (or not....)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-12 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[there's nothing wrong with locking people up for safety reasons. at least, there's nothing wrong with locking swords away, so it's probably the same concept, right? it's not like it'd be his first time in a warehouse or a display case or something.

he nods at her explanation, though. this is a perfectly reasonable answer in a perfectly normal conversation.

does it count as a conversation if he's not really contributing.]
loudmouths: (🌟 oh man what could happen next?)

[personal profile] loudmouths 2016-12-12 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Keigo watched as the man checked his supplies, shifting his weight from one foot to the next, as if that would mask the anxiety that coursed through his veins. As if on cue, the question roused a bit of surprise in Keigo, followed by an unconvincing laugh.

"I mean... I'm not really excited about it..." he said, rubbing at his neck nervously. "Honestly, I'm still getting used to all of this." But hunting meant being rewarded and Keigo needed something to focus on.
notwagging: <user name="bittenbittern"> (7)

[personal profile] notwagging 2016-12-12 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It was the snake all this time... and it slowly slithers up to Keaton, the scaly body climbing up his dazed form and coiling on top of his head, making it a perch for the clearly powerful serpent!

Actually, it looks pretty festive. ]


Ugh... man, what hit me?

[ The snake hisses. Will Naki be brave enough to fight or get rid of holiday snek?! ]
kenran: (keiji03)

[personal profile] kenran 2016-12-12 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The bleeding stops, which he indicates by tilting his head curiously. ]

Of course... But I'm happy to be assisted by a lovely lady, so it wasn't all bad.

[ His tones of voice shifts to something more genuine, smiling. ]

Thanks.
starspangled: (pic#9418449)

[personal profile] starspangled 2016-12-13 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
[There are two things about Toma that Steve likes already: he obviously knows baseball, and he's an archer. It never hurts having a guy with a bow on your side. Steve knows this from experience.]

Nice shot. [Steve offers him a lopsided grin as he makes his way closer to offer the other man his hand.] And thanks for the heads-up. I didn't even hear it coming.
foxhands: (but you're not one)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-13 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
[all that stuff looks really nice...for things they can't afford. naki looks this way and that as they walk, curious about all the different shops and sales and people and things--but does turn back to keiji again, when he speaks.]

Nakigitsune.

[an easy answer! he'll throw in a foxhand too, belatedly.]
hoasen: (URM)

1b!

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-13 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[Good thing she doesn't mind spending, but at the same time--!!]

A-ah, well, one doesn't need to spend if you do not have to. Though I wonder if I want to get something. What of yourself?
hoasen: (FINISH HIM)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-13 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
[There. She should probably help him clean up that blood.]

L-lovely...surely you jest. [DON'T BE SMOOTH.]

You're welcome, though. Are you feeling better now?
hoasen: (do you need this?)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-12-13 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Does he even--wait that was fast!]

Is it good...?
kenran: (keiji14)

[personal profile] kenran 2016-12-13 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ How nice! If she doesn't mind, that hairbrush of hers might be pretty handy. For now, he sections off her hair at the top to get things started and smooth it out the best he can. Sansa made that easier for him, at least. ]

Yeah, I'm new. Is it obvious? I was trying to hide how lost I looked going around picking up my things, earlier... but having to get them meant I was new anyway.

[ This place is kind of silly, but he's not too bothered. If there's something that separates the newbies form the veterans... well, hopefully it's positive things from being here long enough. ]

How long have you been here?
foxhands: (are you?)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-13 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
[why is he apologizing again...why is he bowing??? naki raises his hands to try to wave off the apology, stops, looks back at the swords, back at gilbert again--]

Weird?

[congrats, you got a word!]
bowknot: (03)

it's okay, naki in all forms is a gift

[personal profile] bowknot 2016-12-13 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
...Oh!

[ The realizations hits, looking up from the kind headpat. Something is missing! Like, Shinano was expecting this squeaky voice greeting him and saying nice things about either him or Nakigitsune, and the owner of that voice riding on his best friend's shoulder. ]

You don't have your fox friend, do you?

[ Arrivals don't come with anything, not even their vessels. Naki is Naki still... but how is he without his talkative companion? ]
sealeted: (I live in my head)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
...right. Um, when exactly was—

[Her breath stutters and catches. Her veins flood with ice.

She feels as though the world has suddenly stopped spinning, as though everything has gone still and quiet. It hasn't of course—the crowd and music is still roaring merrily in their ears. Clumsily, as though shaking out a sleeping limb, words tumble out.]


You're—her. My Servant that the Moon Cell Archer remembers, the one who came before Berserker and Gilgamesh.

[Is she trembling? She's not sure. It's all she can do to drink in every inch of this woman that she can see, trying with obvious desperation to burn her image to memory.]

...Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus of Rome.

[Her voice is just short of a wavering breath. She swallows, with difficulty, and tries again, louder.]

I-I'm. I... am Hakuno Kishinami. Victor of the Moon Cell at least once, and... and participant probably upwards of twice, from what I've been able to piece together.
guerrilla: <user name="deepsea"> dns (vigilant; adjective.)

[personal profile] guerrilla 2016-12-13 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Robin is rapidly coming to the realization that the locals are less than happy with his conduct. And while on a personal level, he doesn't really care, Teddy had mentioned negotiations were difficult...he doesn't think the whole thing would fall through based on one guy making an ass of himself, but if Robin knows anything about his own gender, it's that he isn't the first man here to make an ass of himself here, and he probably won't be the last. One incident probably isn't a big deal, but several...

...It would be bad to lose this alliance, so from a tactical standpoint, the best thing is to grin and bear it.]


No thanks. I've got some choice words for you once we get back to Caissa, so it'd be great if you let me keep it.

[He dips his head in the laziest attempt at a bow in human history, obviously intending to offend with his half-assed displays of respect.]

All I have to do is help you stuff your face, right?
foxhands: (how do humans work)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-13 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
[naki is.....not sure what to do at this moment, actually. does keaton want it alive? how would he kill it anyway, without his trusty sword body...even if he did have a sword, it'd be difficult to fight a snake sitting on somebody's head. but he's not wearing his gloves either, so what if it bites.....

he's just gonna stay frozen there, a few feet away.]


.....The snake...
foxhands: (it's tasty too)

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-13 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
.......It's good.

[except he swallowed it in order to answer her question, so now it's gone....time to fidget.]

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero kindly rests both of her hands upon one of Hakuno's and smiles.]

Calm yourself. I understand it natural to be excited in my presence, but you act as though I might disappear at any moment. It shall not be the case.

[Whether it be the Moon Cell, Enprise, or somewhere else entirely, Nero will always adapt and excel. And of course, now that she's found Hakuno once more, she won't be straying too far. They made a pact, and even if she's no longer bound by Seals, she intends to see it through. Hakuno has a lot to prove, but for now, Nero's loyalty remains.

That's just the sort of Servant Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was.]


Be at ease. Let us fight on, together.
foxhands: (it's just how i am)

but is he as much of a gift as shinano

[personal profile] foxhands 2016-12-13 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ah....his face falls at that. it's true, he's foxless. where is the fox now? how is he doing? naki's been worrying about that since he first realized the loss...

the response shinano gets, though, is just a lowered head.]

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
I'll tear them from your sorry tongue.

[Huffing, Nero turns away, meaning to return to her lap of luxury.]

Until then, yes. You may.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero nudges at the platter beside her excitedly, like a dog with a bone.]

Then indulge me! Please me well enough and I would return the favor.
sealeted: (at the end of my day)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
[And just like that, something in Hakuno settles.

Maybe it's a piece of her soul that the Moon Cell hadn't properly wiped clean. Maybe it's because she and Nero really are well suited to fight together. Maybe it's because this is far from the first time Nero has had to deal with Hakuno's extenuating circumstances.

Whatever the cat, a small smile rises to her lips.]


...yes. Thank you. Um, here I've attained the magical Rank of King—that is to say, I'm especially good at Healing magic and Barriers. And... Curses. So, please feel free to rely on me if you ever need aid.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Nero laughs in her typical boastful sort of way.]

I think not! It is you who should rely on me, as your rightful Servant. My sword remains yours, just as before. Although it should be interesting, seeing you get your hands dirty out there. Do your best to uphold my dignity, alright? You're representing both of us now.

[Ironic, given that Nero would probably cause enough embarrassment for the two of them and then some, but certain things will never change regardless of setting—egos included. Nero waves down a platter of food and quite merrily shares a juicy portion of shrimp with Hakuno.]

In the meantime, you should catch me up on current affairs. The more information I have, the better I'll be able to act in your stead.
sealeted: (your gravity reaches)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. Ah, but first, let me just...

[She murmurs under her breath, and a nearly invisible, curving wall shimmers into being around them. Best to be on the safe side and set a barrier, rather than let another spider or snake get the drop on them while they're otherwise occupied. Hakuno carefully inspects the injured part of his arm, probing it gingerly with her fingers before summoning her mana.

Another murmur, and her fingers light up with a spell that fizzes, soft and a bit ticklish, through the damaged tissue.]

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