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

[yancat]

[ 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. ]

[encaging]

[ 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?

[yancat]

[ Jumin's glad Toma gets the point. He's even happier that he said thank you. But none of this shows on his face, and he certainly wouldn't let Toma in on anything he felt. ]

No, I'm not a weapons expert. [ He's honest, blunt. Also kind of difficult to deal with. ] Are you?

[ He hopes so. ]

[encaging]

[ It's easier to deal with blunt people. Blunt people do not dance around the subject or try to act cuter than they really are. ]

Neither am I, I'm afraid. [ Especially not when it comes to whips. Bows, sure, he could point out the advantages and disadvantages of some of the bows on display. Whips? Not so much.

But Jumin is a costumer. The costumers wishes should be fulfilled as much as possible. ] Would you like me to get the owner from the backroom?

[yancat]

That won't be necessary.

[ He doesn't want to deal with women of Polgar right now—especially if they're only going to be difficult. So, he looks for one on his own. ]

My magical weapon allows me to bind people, but since it's merely ribbon, it doesn't have the same force behind it. Well, I'm not one for violence to begin with, anyway.

[encaging]

[ Defending yourself by flailing a ribbon at someone or something does sound rather particular. And useless. No wonder Jumin is looking for something more sturdy to defend himself with.

Toma picks up one of the whips and holds it out for Jumin to inspect. ]

Hmm... I agree. There have to be different ways, some which won't need to be directly forceful.

[ Though sometimes, force is necessary. Sometimes, people are unable to see the danger they are really in. ]

But if you need to protect yourself...

[yancat]

Then I will resort to other means. Although I've had to use it, I do not like that which forces us to become barbarians. We are a civilized species. We should stand by it.

[ He examines the whip, but it's not classy enough, so he only gives it a passing look before he moves onto the next. He's a picky one. ]

That said, I'm more partial to magic. You could say the whip is merely an accessory.

[encaging]

I see.

[ It's a non-committal comment but on that front, Toma can agree. They are a civilized species and everyone returning to Neanderthal ways of thinking would only lead to chaos. He also quietly appreciates that Jumin will stick to his own moral code.

If only everyone worked that way. ]

Your last line of defense when you run out of mana? Or do you want something with a wide range so you will be able to free space around yourself to cast?

[ Something strong? The nine-tails high up on the wall, perhaps? ]

[yancat]

Both. I have a gun, but I also dislike it.

[ Pass on the nine-tails. It's a weapon of torture, and Jumin doesn't condone that sort of behavior. He'd like something sleeker. Something that goes with his suit, too. ]

Besides, rather than injury, I prefer... placing restraints. Keeping someone in place is far from violence, isn't it? [ Their eyes meet for a moment, and it's as if Toma's peering into an ominous calm before the storm. ]

Then again, some argue that lack of freedom is a form of violence. Do you believe so?

[encaging]

[ What a conversation to be having with a near-stranger. There is no denying that Jumin's words strike something deep within Toma and he pauses to meet Jumin's gaze.

Stare into the void and the void stares back.

Toma makes a thoughtful noise but it was carefully selected and presented. Lack of freedom is violence. He isn't about to sugarcoat any of that for his own or anyone's sake. Locking them up, keeping others away...

But. ]

Doesn't that depend on whether or not someone chooses to give up their freedom? Some feel safer being restrained, feel more comfortable with strict boundaries.

[ Toma picks up a riding crop and examines it before lowering it and directing a piercing stare at Jumin. ]

Sometimes, protection is all that matters.

[yancat]

[ And Jumin meets Toma's eyes, unwavering—a sign of acknowledgement. It isn't often that he has the chance to speak with someone like Toma, much less about a topic such as this. Rarer, he thinks, is the moment that someone would agree.

It tugs at the corner of his lips. Interesting. ]

We're of the same opinion, then.

My apologies. [ He rarely apologizes. ] I haven't introduced myself.

[ He invites Toma for a handshake. ]

Jumin Han. And you are?

[encaging]

[ It is only for a very brief moment but Toma seems surprised by Jumin's easy acceptance. The expression doesn't last long and melts into something skin to understanding.

If this had been anyone other than Jumin, they would have reacted with disapproval and opposition. Shin has pointed out plenty of times that Toma's views on protectiveness are more bothersome than rational. ]

Toma.

[ Jumin's offered hand is taken, Toma's grip firm. His tone is growing warmer, replacing the bland but polite one he used before. ] Nice to meet you... [ He trails off for a moment, then picks up where he left off, voice questioning. He doesn't want to be impolite. ] Han-san?

[yancat]

[ Jumin returns the firm grip with that of his own, his smile still small but the look in his eyes softer. ]

Please, call me Jumin. [ The handshake is brief. ] Come to think of it, I do believe we've met before. Do you remember?

[encaging]

[ Have they? Toma's brows furrow as he tries to remember the meeting Jumin mentioned. Did they briefly pass one another on their way here? Back in the headquarters? Or--

Ah.

Toma brings his hand to his mouth, the gesture more reflex than conscious habit. ]

You're right. There was a child, wasn't there?

[ The memory is hazy, fuzzy around the edges. ]

[yancat]

Yes. You helped her. [ How and in what circumstances, he doesn't know. ] You were... an archer, I believe. Is that why you're here?

[ Polishing weapons and all. It helps if one is interested in some aspect of his job to begin with. Most people simply have to deal with it otherwise. ]

I'm surprised they hired a man.

[encaging]

Don't give me all the credit. You were the one who... [ A thoughtful look to the side. Jumin did something but Toma can't place his finger on what. It's as if he's forgotten part of a dream. ] --But no, that's not why I'm here. My bow is in the back, I wanted to earn money for additional supplies.

[ Toma isn't one to rely on the goodwill on the citizens just because he has a fancy new title. Everyone needs to work for they money. ]

Maybe they think men can handle physical labor better. Besides, I'm tall. It makes it easier for me to reach the merchandise. [ Like that whip up there. Is this the whip of your dreams, Jumin? ]

[yancat]

[ A hard worker. Consider his interest piqued. Well, not that he wasn't interested after that exchange on restraint.

He hums. ]

If that were the case, they would have hired just about anyone. [ Because Jumin is six feet tall, but you don't see him shining shoes.

Which is why he can say this: ] Fetch me that whip. I want to see it.

[encaging]

I see your point.

[ The only time Jumin would polish shoes would to take a closer look at their cat socks.

Jumin's wish is Toma's command. Especially now that he finally appears to be interested in a product. The leather creaks slightly as Toma wraps his fingers around it, looks as if the top merchandise was hiding higher up.

Once fetched, the whip is presented to Jumin. ]

Does this one have your approval?