boardmaster: (Default)
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!
sealeted: (oh my moon)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
...

[After a moment, Hakuno brushes her hair behind her ears, letting two red little studs glitter in the light.]

The day after I found out about you from Archer, I got these done. And later on, he gave me this, too. I always wear it.

[She hooks a finger under a cord around her neck and pulls it up, displaying a crystal charm.]

Even without the memories, you've still been in my thoughts. Please don't doubt that.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 05:03 am (UTC)(link)
...?

[Nero doesn't make the connection immediately. She'd mostly been teasing; from her perspective, they'd only just begun their journey, so it's natural the girl would find investment in other things and other people. Even if Nero always demanded the very best from everyone. Even if this was the reason why she'd fallen apart.

But piercings and jewelry were symbolic in her culture. She knows that Hakuno must have attached some meaning to their reunion. She knows she had been waiting. It brings a softer smile to her features, reaching out and closing fingers around the shape of the charm. It is nice to be thought of. It is nice to be loved.

Naturally, Nero's mind makes a leap too far. So the seed has been planted.]


Never take it off.

[Her fist clenches tight.]

If I ever catch you without it, I will be most unhappy.
sealeted: (here in the moonsea)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 05:10 am (UTC)(link)
I haven't yet. ...ah, just so you know, one of the items I received upon reaching the King Rank is an outfit that transforms, along with anything under it—it bears my collarbone, and it looks like anything under it is gone, but when the transformation ends, everything is still there.

[Her bra AND her pendant. Damn Battle Shift...]

Um... also, there's something I've been thinking about. Gilgamesh put the thought in my head, but... since you're here now, I feel more comfortable doing it. Some time when we aren't busy, will you go somewhere with me? To... put my Command Seals on this body. You obviously aren't under any obligations, but...

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
Correct. I am not.

[Least of all when she's sure Gilgamesh believe himself entitled to each and every one of them. It's a tall order, asking Nero to think beyond her own wishes and desires, and she's tempted to refuse on the notion that even symbolic marks could be subjected to abuse.

But the show of dedication thus far has swayed her. As long as I am not forgotten, then...]


If you ask it of me, it shall be done. ...I have no further opinion on the matter, so don't ask.
sealeted: (look at the fire and think of me)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-13 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
...for so long, those things were the only tether I had. My 'proof of existence'. Since coming here, I've been... frequently torn between being dragged down by instincts trained into me by life in the Moon Cell, and trying to honor the memories of the people who died because I wanted to live just a few days more.

[For Gilgamesh, it's about control and acknowledgment. For Nero, it's different; a parallel line of thought. But it can never be so simple for Hakuno, who only ever used her Seals when a life was at stake—be it hers or a friend's, and whose fragile existence was thrown into danger each time.]

Thank you. Um... well, mostly I want to make sure the sigil is the same as the one I recall. ...it goes without saying, but I'd be happy if you felt comfortable enough to refuse me any time you feel I'm being unreasonable. I don't know you very well yet, and I... don't want to chase you off, because I'm fumbling to get closer.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-13 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
Describing yourself in such miserable terms is beyond depressing. So, if I am to refuse anything, it's your unwarranted pessimism before we've even begun.

[This Servant was a born taskmaster. However, there's warmth and earnest intent buried within that harsher tone. Hakuno would never learn and grow without steady instruction, and that's exactly what she means to provide. She can't and would frankly rather would not know how Gilgamesh and the others have treated her up until now, but any coddling ends with her.

Now, the real work begins.]


Hold your head high at my side and play the part of a worthy Master. That is the only way we are to face the challenges that lie ahead.
sealeted: (the pounding sound)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-14 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
Miserable terms?

[...well, Nero's not wrong.]

I'll do my best to meet your standards then.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-14 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
[And so Hakuno failed before she even began. Rest in pieces.]

There's a modern term that comes to mind here... ah, was it "fixer upper"?

[...ouch.]
sealeted: (look at the fire and think of me)

[personal profile] sealeted 2016-12-14 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
I've been called worse. And, I've been here for a few months already; I might surprise you with how much I've changed.

[personal profile] aurea 2016-12-14 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
Please do. I adore surprises.

[She's certainly plucky. It just remains to be seen how that will pan out in practice.]