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

[notwagging]

I mean, being capable is different than having experience. I'm capable of doing many things too! [ Not to diminished Toma's abilities, but the last thing he'd want to see is the kind-of-archer testing himself against some aggressive fighters? Possibly some of those strange dancing trees with the fruits and pens? Or one of those strange fighters that screamed and had evil dragon balls? Maybe the giant phoenix that sang sad songs and made him and Jumin embrace?

The thought of Toma being injured sparks a tiny flame in the depths of his heart. He would knot be able to control himself, even if that someone who is barely a stranger now would be hurt under his care. ]

Well, of course. [ Because even softly, those keen ears pick up on Toma's words, and he flashes a thumbs up and a toothy grin. ] Archers aren't supposed to be in the open, anyway. You'll be surprised how good I am at defending someone like you!

[ As a Wolfskin, as a partner, as a... well, a growing friend. ]

So don't worry. I'll make sure you get some good practice!

[encaging]

You really aren't lacking in confidence, are you?

[ Though part of Toma is irritated, he must admit that Keaton has a point. Being capable of shooting something or someone in theory is different than doing it in practice. What if Toma finds himself facing some soldier and has to choose between defending himself or letting the other person get a shot in? Would he be able to take the shot? Would he be able to kill someone?

...

Again, Toma brings his hand to his mouth. The gesture is thoughtful as he looks to the side.

(Yes.)

But it would still be good for someone to keep an eye out for him. Though Toma doesn't necessarily appreciate having to be protected, dislikes it quite a lot, in fact, he can agree that it is much safer in the beginning. And Keaton, with his eager eyes and quick words and solid foundation seems like a reliable shield.

Or so Toma hopes. ]

I think I should try and find the right weapon for me first. [ For all Toma knows he'll end up with a pair of fancy glass slippers. ] So can you point me towards the armory?

[notwagging]

Better than the alternative, right?

[ A question for a question. Why go into a fight thinking you'll lose? That just breeds inadequacies and fears! Keaton is everything but those, including slightly annoying and naive but overly affectionate when it comes to finding new and exotic treasures--- and one simply can't find those stuck in a cage or stuck in a room somewhere. Hence his confidence! ]

Oh, yeah. I can do that. [ Out the door, into the hallway, with his tail beating against the wall a few times for good measure and sending some dust onto Toma's bed. He looks around to get his bearing (it's weird being on the opposite side of the hall). ]

Which way is it... I think it's... Uh. Hold on.

[ The door is now completely open, so that Toma can see which way Keaton is pointing, which is the one that is hopefully correct. ]

Yeah! I mean, if it's not the right direction, you can just turn around and go the other way.

[encaging]

Point taken.

[ It's not as if Toma hates people who are lacking in confidence. But feeling inadequate, for whatever reason, is sure to make your like difficult. You struggle and kick your feet while some weight is dragging you under. Confidence keeps you afloat, keeps your hopes from running through your fingers and your senses keen. Unmuddled. So you can find what is worth treasuring in your life.

Toma feels a sudden pang of loneliness in his chest though it doesn't show on his face. For the first time in his life, Shin and she are out of range. People he treasures. ]

If I end up in the washing room, I'll let you know. [ Toma's tone is dry when he brushes the dust off his bed before following Keaton and his eager tail. He follows the line of the hallway with his eyes and squares his shoulders. ] Thanks, Keaton. I'll see you around?

[notwagging]

[ Washing room. His ears fold back in irritation and leeriness. No way he's going to be tricked into a bath that he didn't choose to have. Those who have tried have lost limbs, eyes, even their life in the pursuit to cleaning a Wolfskin who didn't need to schedule such a silly ritualistic thing like bath time.

At least, in his imagination, he'd like to think he eviscerated those who put him in the water without any remorse. ]

If you do, you can keep that place a secret from me for the rest of my life. [ If he's joking, it's the best flat tone he's ever been able to create ever since finding his own voice.

The 'thanks' makes Keaton brighten, makes him feel a lot better. He did a Good, helping someone new. Even if he barged into an unfamiliar room and encountered someone he may have dreamt up, that's fine! In the end, he's made a good friend, right? Nothing bad about that.

He carefully takes Toma's hand into both of his, giving it a firm shake while his tail did the same. ]

Of course! We're basically neighbors, aren't we?

[ And unconsciously, he writes out Toma's name in his palm with a thumb. He doesn't even know he's doing it, it just... happens. Once, twice, three times before he lets go and heads back over to his door and opens it up. ]

Don't be a stranger, Toma.

[encaging]

[ The bitterness in Keaton's voice at the mention of the washing room makes Toma's eyebrows climb up. Seems as if someone is averse to having a wash and while Toma doesn't visibly react, he knows he is going to avoid physical contact as much as he can without appearing impolite.

It's the reason why he takes Keaton's hand and the words he was about to say die on his lips while his brows furrow. The movements against his palm seem like an odd coincidence, maybe a nervous habit Keaton has (not unlike the tail. Maybe Keaton can't control his thumbs either, who knows) but by the third time Keaton draws Toma's name into his palm, Toma is giving him an intense, scrutinizing look.

Vivid orange eyes follow Keaton as he walks back to his room.

Something isn't right. This shouldn't make Toma feel like he's missing two pieces of a puzzle he's been trying to put together ever since he woke up.

Still, he musters a smile to cover up his distrust. ]

No worries, Keaton. You'll be seeing me around from now on. We'll be something like coworkers, won't we?

[ ...There is no way Keaton is involved in a scheme, his instincts are telling him as much. He is too wide eyed, too willing, apparently from elsewhere, too. Something bigger? Is this a test? The hallway looks bright, the statues polished, too much pomp for strangers. Something else has to be going on here.

And if this country is trying to cheat them all, Toma won't stand by and watch. ]

...I'll be seeing you around.