intro ♚ december

[boardmaster]

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!

Comments

nero claudius | open

[aurea]

l'armour. {one}

[As a lover of things aplenty, especially sharp and dangerous things, Nero had naturally been attracted to Polgar's mercantile offerings. Unfortunately, there's just one problem: even with a generous discount applied, she's absolutely broke, and she also absolutely must have the golden breastplate shimmering in the window. Talk about a dilemma.

...except it isn't, really. Begging may be beneath her as an emperor, but negotiating certainly was not. That's why she "negotiates" her way to the side of the nearest Hero and smiles.]

Oh, what's this I see? From first glance, your pocketbook seems rather stuffed.

[Pat, pat. Yes, she just felt up your backside, shamelessly.]

We should take care to lighten this immediately, I feel! This way, this way...!

on the vine. {two}

[Nero was many things at heart: an emperor, an artist, a visionary, a scholar. But in her heart of hearts, she was also an adventurer, a Hero in her own eyes and for all history, so of course she jumped at the chance to strut her stuff and collect a few spider parts. Not even for the reward as much as the thrill, although... this may have been more thrill than she bargained for.

Or perhaps not enough. Because right now, she's caught in the grips of a rather friendly snag of vines, though she doesn't look too bothered by it. This too was valuable experience.]

Now, mind yourself. I am no mere floozy to be courted through brutish tactics alone!

[...actually, it looks like she's trying to scold the beast into submission. That's certainly an interesting tactic.]

feed me. {three}

[And thus Nero has found herself a throne.

Should she have been allowed such a luxury? Probably not, but she'd caught on fast to the Polgar tradition of feminine domination and quickly played it to her advantage. Seated high above the festivities on a golden pillow, Nero chats up the Alfersa while sizing up her food for the evening. Her food not being the literal kind, but the men she will soon devour.

When she sees someone she likes, she calls out to them.]

You there. Come forth.

[If they are male, she will demand to be fed. If they are female, she will demand a dance. If they are clearly neither, she'll try to pull them straight onto her lap! How forward.]

wildcard.

[Spider battles, brothel visits, a dip in the hot springs, whatever! Nero can be found almost everywhere, so don't be afraid to invent your own prompt.]

On the Vine

[rangerandking]

I do not think your tactics will work. {He may seem like nothing more than a glowing sword at first. Aragorn cuts at the vines, keeping a cautious eye on any movement in the undergrowth.} They do not listen to reason.

{And more dangerous beasts lurk within the shadows.}

[aurea]

[They drop her in due haste, and being a graceful sort she lands on her feet with a huff, dusting herself off and rearranging her clothes presentably again. Apparently Nero doesn't much listen to reason, either, as she immediately retorts:]

They've reason enough to snare a prize such as myself! But I do appreciate your efforts all the same.

[Nero hunts for her own sword, which she's dropped... somewhere. She'll find it eventually.]

All this time and not a single spider has appeared to me. I'd think it bad luck, but that simply could not be possible in my case.

[rangerandking]

{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.

one

[soulshift]

Saber...?

[ Irisviel was very worried because not only was she concerned that Saber was... addressing her strangely, plus was that her hand on her backside?! She blinks, rather alarmed as she was lead towards the stalls. ]

Are you alright?

[ Then she sees that Saber is indicating towards the golden breastplate. ]

Um... this looks like something Gilgamesh would have in his Gate of Babylon.

[ which was her way of saying it was kinda gaudy....... ]

[aurea]

[Nero does not much help the case of mistaken identity, as she nods at once.]

Indeed, I am she.

[Glancing back at the merchandise in question... well, unlike Gilgamesh, Nero doesn't seem particularly offended by the presumption. She just sighs over it some more and continues to invade Irisviel's space without much thought.]

A most flattering piece, is it not? It sings to me, but my funds are not so sparing this day.

1/2

[gwenhwyfar]

[ It's food and if there's one thing she loves unconditionally next to handsome men, it's food. So she sits and takes up a rather big plate for a woman (the again, she is fairly tall) in clothing that has a bit of a Celtic flare and-

What was that?

]

[gwenhwyfar]

[ She's not talking to her, is she? With a slow blink- ]

Are you talking to me?

[ Oh. That's precious. With a slow sip a wine and with the utmost grace. ]

Make me.

[ The most mature response. ]

[aurea]

I most certainly could.

[And the most mature retort.]

[gwenhwyfar]

[ This is going south real fast. Oh, well. Nonetheless, this gets a laugh from Regina after she's sized her up. Height shouldn't mean anything but- ]

I would like to see you try, shorty.

3

[guerrilla]

[It takes Robin a few seconds to recognize where he's heard that voice before. He'd mistaken her for Artoria at a glance, but...no, that's definitely Hakuno's Saber.

As with her Master, there's a certain sense of indebtedness Robin feels toward her for giving him a chance to fight the way a real hero would. It hasn't stuck in Caissa, because he can't justify losing the effectiveness of underhanded tactics, but trying it even once was kind of nice.

That said, hand-feeding her is going too far, especially when he's pretty sure she's just fucking with him.]

Are you sure? I'm the last person here who should be handling food, you know...it might end up tasting a little funny.

[He doesn't have any real quarrel with her now that the Grail War is over, but that doesn't mean he's going to get too friendly with her, either.]

[aurea]

[Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, this Nero has yet to fully wage her own Grail War. As a result, no recognition crosses her features when Robin makes himself known. She just regards him as she does anyone else: with an inherent air of superiority. ...though perhaps not the stifling sort, courtesy of another tyrant stomping about.]

Are you threatening me with poison?

[Nero laughs at the very idea of it, shaking her head.]

How delightfully ironic. I assure you, however, I'm quite serious. It's tradition here, you know?

[Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Except she can't at this distance, get over here and feed her already.]

[guerrilla]

[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.]

one?!

[hoasen]

[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?!

[aurea]

You are excused, naturally!

[What was this, another Gilgamesh... Nero laughs and laughs at Vietnam's reaction, and spins around to her front, where she catches the woman by the hands. She practically overflows with energy and enthusiasm, boisterous though notably without a borderline violent edge she may have become accustomed to.]

But only if you pay proper tribute to your Emperor, as all good citizens do.

["But this isn't even Rome!", you say? Too bad, it makes no difference to the great and glorious Nero.]

Feed Me

[stonebird]

(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.)

[aurea]

[Truly, Sansa's instincts weren't too far off the mark.

However, it's a pleasant face that greets her rather than the sadistic smile of a boy king or the snarky grin of a ferocious mother hen. At first glance neither male nor female, this person carries themselves with an air of androgynous beauty not often found in her homeland. And past that briefly domineering air, there's warmth in her words.]

Are you not the lovely maiden who holds her head so noble, so proud?

[Apparently Sansa's confidence had not gone unnoticed. And in fact, had attracted this individual to her in the first place.]

You would flatter me with a dance, however fleeting. 'tis the season, as the saying goes.

feed me

[sealeted]

[Hakuno turns at the call, her cheeks flushed and and her eyes glancing around furtively—their hosts had been very attentive, and she's been trying to find a way to politely turn down the very attractive man trying to hand-feed her.

A strange feeling of deja vu wells up within her.]

...me?

[aurea]

[Nero snorts, like an owner dealing with a very unruly pet.]

Should it not have been obvious from the start that I desired your attention?

[No deja vu on Nero's end; she's very much aware of just who she hails. She waves more insistently, though she doesn't quite dislodge herself from her makeshift throne yet. She may have been the Servant in this equation, but at times she acted very much the Master.]

Make haste, Hakuno! The night is young, and deserves to be filled by our merrymaking.

one

[ateaist]

[Well, that's the best way to get her attention. Shameless behaviour like that speaks to Nobunaga, deep in the heart.]

Hm? What're you-?

[oh wait, that's...]

...red saber?

[aurea]

Indeed!

[Nero beams at the moniker and somehow seems to immediately understand.]

You know me well! Have we met before? Perhaps in a dream, or a world far, far away...?

feed me.

[anti_altruisms]

[ The festivities here really aren't to his tastes, but Archer is, at least, making the effort to appear engaged for the sake of diplomacy. He's polite as can be and samples the food he's offered, even as he attempts to avoid some of the more questionable activities taking place elsewhere.

He's been hailed a few times already so by the time he's called again, he's already tired of it to some degree. Granted, he does have a bit of a double-take when he pairs the voice with the face, but a second look dispels his initial assumption. The resemblance is a uncanny, though, so he approaches with some care. ]

I take it you were addressing me?

[aurea]

Oho...

[Nero hadn't gotten a good look at first, simply calling out to anyone in the immediate vicinity, but once Archer gets close Nero whistles her approval loud enough for all to hear. This man was built, with a silvery crop of hair that appeals to the gerontophile in her.

Nero admires him, and openly so, with an enchantingly brash smile that seems out of place on a face so similar to Saber's.]

How could I not? Such a handsome soul appearing before me, all but begging for my attention! The heart sings!

[She's certainly melodramatic... but her words are sincere, however bluntly they come across.]

three

[cutcrease]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[ Hold on. ]

No. [ As much as she'd like to do either of those things, Junko isn't fond of being told to do anything if it isn't a command from herself. She can appreciate how Nero works the situation to her advantage, at the very least. ] Unfortunately, it's gonna take a lot more than hollering like some prehistoric ape to get me to dance with you.

[ Especially when she's been avoiding having people unnecessarily touch her this entire time. Not just anyone can have that luxury!! ]

Unless.....

[aurea]

Like an ape?!

[The nerve! Nero huffs and puffs and... oh, boy. It seems Junko didn't even need to try and troll here for a successful baiting. Nero ungracefully falls from her perch and scrambles right up to the other woman, red in the face and gnashing her teeth like, well, like a monkey on the loose. Whoops.]

Unless what! You cannot mock me so thoroughly and then refuse to specify! Out with it!