>>20333341
We come to the conclusion that the Lancer is Cid. Can you see his stats, Luke?

As for what to do.

"How many more Servants do we need to kill before you realize we don't want to fight?"

Seriously, say it. Just for the WTF reaction. Then proceed with the "Grail is designed to end the world, this Ruler with us can confirm it".

>>20333341
Give them the low down.

>>20333341
Okay, so the servant is Cid Highwind from Final Fantasy VII. The purple/gold spear he's wielding is Venus Gospel, his most powerful weapon from that game. The closer his MP was to full, the harder it hit. Not sure how that would translate to the real world, but it's something to keep in mind, anyway.

Be polite, master. See what they want. Also, it might be a good idea to ask how they found your house.

"And who might you be? I mean no disrespect. my comrades have faced many new Servants this past day, and I'm afraid I'm still a little in shock with your sudden appearance. Might we ask your business here?"

I don't remember this guy, I'm just here for the Merlin pranks!

How's Shera Cid? Wanna save another world? We've got beer!!!

"If you attack us, we will kill you. We don't want any trouble!" Jackiechan.jpg

Will post the servant chart after I get off work.

"...What do you want? Why've you come?"

It's the Master who speaks up.
"You killed the most threatening Servant in the War." he said. "And bloodied the nose of the next worse." he adds. When he sees me looking at his Servant, he gestures, and the only thing I'm able to see are his basic stats:

Cid Highwind
Lancer
Str: C Agi: C ( B, A, EX) End: C Mana: C Luck: D


Huh. Very... average. "We wanted to make sure we weren't at risk." he says. "And we wanted to check something with the Ruler."

She raises an eyebrow.

"According to your information, there haven't been any deaths after Roland."

"That is correct."

"You're fulla shit." his Servant says. "Someone's been offing some of the other Servants. Someone..." he flicks away his ciggarette, "Has been killing off Servants and replacing them with dummy connections."

>>20333588
Looks like a work of a Caster. Our friend Ganon or someone else?
What is the reason to do so, though? Hide the body count?

"We were not aware of this... How did you come across this information? And what motive can whoever does it have?"

>>20333588
Well, that's probably not good. Any ideas on culprit, Bobs?

Also see if you can get more info, boss.

>>20333588
Okay, the first questions that come to mind are:
-How do you know this?
-Why would they do this? What's the point? They're killing other servants, which is what they SHOULD be doing in the grail war... why hide it?
-What are the mechanics behind these dummy connections, exactly?

Smith from the Matrix, maybe?

>>20333643
"How do you know this?" I ask.

"Because I saw it happen." he says, simply. "I saw a fella with a skull mask reach into a dissolving Servant, and then, bam. Stops dissolving. Dead as doornails, but the body's still there. Then he killed the Master." he says.

"What would the point be?" I ask.

Jeanne frowns.
"But why?"

Cid shrugs.
"An assassin offs a guard and hides the body. Why?"

Jeanne looks thoughtful. "That means that the counter for stalemate could be off by a fair margin." she says.

>>20333732
Ask if the guy who did this had a hat of any kind or a suit.

>>20333732
"So the total body count may be much higher than we imagined... Jeanne, can you or other Rulers check this dummies and find out who is really alive and who isn't? Then we should probably stop this Servant one way or another. He's too dangerous in our situation. By the way, wouldn't hiding such valuable information - information that could've... provoked a response - be considered breaking the rules of war?"

>>20333765
It is most likely Hassan. They all wear skull masks.

>>20333732
"Did the guy in the mask kill the other servant by himself? Did you see anything of their fight?"

>>20333765

Red Caster was already confirmed as Merlin.

That said, we shouldn't assume its Hassan just because Cid cited "assassin's hiding bodies." It was a metaphor.

I feel like Cid's assumption is wrong. Unless we're talking about a Caster that was trying to hide his area of operation and therefore the location of his workshop, I find it odd that the only benefit he's getting from this zombie act is anonymity in his kills. There must be something more going on.

But we can't worry too much about that for now.

We should ask Jeanne if, to her knowledge, this "zombification" would influence the transfer of mana to the grail by the servants dying. The grail can't do anything if it's not getting the full portion of mana from the servants that are dying.

>>20333822

"So the total body count may be much higher than we imagined... Jeanne, can you or other Rulers check this dummies and find out who is really alive and who isn't? Then we should probably stop this Servant one way or another. He's too dangerous in our situation. By the way, wouldn't hiding such valuable information - information that could've... provoked a response - be considered breaking the rules of war?"

"He's not revealing the Grail to the world. He's not attacking the Rulers. And he's not being inactive." she says. "His actions, while provoking action... Do not break any rules."

Cid nods.

"Would this prevent mana flowing into the Grail?"

"Yes - that's how we register kills."

So... technically he's working in our favor.

Technically. But without the kill counter to stop Ruler action... And what happens when he dies? Argh.

>>20333897

"Did the guy in the mask kill the other servant by himself? Did you see anything of their fight?"

"No - it was by sheer chance." he grumbles. "I was held back from action."

The master scoffs.
"We can't engage an enemy we know nothing about."

>>20333991
This guy could be our out. He could be the key to stopping the grail.

We have to find him, whoever he is. We should find one of these servant zombies and see if Arry can trace the mana back to it's source.

Oh hey, just thought of something. What happened to the masters?

>>20333948
You do get that he mentioned a skull mask, right?

That said, you are right that we can't be SURE it's a Hassan. At the very least, we should get info on their garb, and even then, it might be a disguise.

>>20333991
"So... we have an unknown Servant, possibly Hassan, though right now we can't be sure. We don't know what he gains from his actions aside from concealing his body count those flying under radar of most Masters, I assume. With the power of invisibility working against Servants, finding him would be hard... Not much we can do at the moment aside from being on our guard and contacting interested people... So, since you are here and told us a valuable information, would you like me to do the same? There is something about this war that you should know."

>>20333991
Your Master probably made the right decision, rushing into things like that gets you killed.

He is grabbing Zombie Servants and given that the mana isn't going to the Grail they might maintain some level of their capabilities or the Servant might get it. This could be very dangerous.

The servant with the skull mask could also be demongo from samurai jack, the reason the bodys aren't disappearing is because demongo is taking the servant soul, the grail doesnt register the servants death because it never gets their soul placed in it

>>20334049
For the one Cid saw, he killed the master. Might be able to check his progress from that.

As for having him help out, I don't trust this skull dude the slightest bit.

>>20334097
I think he'd mention if the guy's head was on fire, but still a possibility.

>>20334099
Well, he doesn't necessarily have to help us willingly.

>>20334097
>>20334115
Not really. He doesn't fit any of the Servant qualification. He's from a cartoon.

Tell Cid that if all he came here to find out was if he was in danger or not, that he isn't for now. The battle with Berserker was personal, and we're not interested in picking fights.

Then ask him if he's interested in learning WHY we're not interested in picking fights.

Really, we need more information. Let's NOT invite these guys into our warded safe house, and instead head over to where they saw the killing and check the body.

What about Shao Kahn?
"Your soul is mine."

>>20334225
(( No. :3c ))


"Was the body there when you checked?" I ask the master, who shakes his head.

"Well. Is there any other reason you came by?"

He stares at me for a while.
"No. And don't give me that spiel about the grail ending the world - I already heard it from the cowboy." he says, nodding to his Servant. Together they leave, in a car I had not seen to that point.

Astolfo sighs as we get inside and help Arry onto the bed. She's calmed herself, but still seems quite frightened of... well, everything.

>>20334301
Ask what exactly it is she's afraid of. I think it's her servant and what their connection is doing to her, but we can't be sure until we get confirmation from her.
Get her something to eat. Ask Astolfo to cook up something yummy, maybe.

Also, you may want to ask Jeanne about the other rulers. Fucking with the grail like Cid's master claims is going on requires some high-level magic. Maybe one of the other rulers is also sort of working against the grail like Jeanne is?

>>20334301
Right so we got some interesting data from that conversation and we now know there's another competitor doing some seriously freaky stuff.

Make Arry a nice cup of something, probably not tea she just had some odd experiences with tea, some food, that sort of thing. Take care of her.

Huh. Okay then. So... what do? That was incredibly unhelpful, except for telling us that we have a much lower maximum time limit than expected and that there's an Assassin in this war. Anyone have ideas for foiling Ganon's plans? Or how we go about cracking the Grail problem?

>>20334410
Grail problem. Always the Grail problem. That one is the big problem. We have to find Skull Mask.

Oh right, Arry. This is going to be interesting. She needs time, which is always in short supply, particularly in a Grail War. So we need to calm her down and get used to feeling... feelings.

>>20334410
We'll contact Merlin, obviously. He is the one who supposed to work around the Grail. We meanwhile should probably investigate the Skullface. Knowing his motives is important.

Check on Arry. I've suspected that whatever the healing tea that Merlin gave us was, it might have cured her genetic disease. If thats the case, she's feeling touch for the first time, and its got to be terrifying.

Ask her what you can do to help. She's done so much for us lately, the least we can do is offer her a kind ear.

>>20334453
I call Merlin, who is chuckling.
"You liked the tea, I take it?"

I grunt.
"Listen, have you any progress on the grail?"

"Some." he replies. "It's very hastily thrown together. Some aspects of it are quite... Tangled." he grumbles. "However, I have already helped you - given you a new foot, and replaced a sizable amount of Arry's body. If you want more, I'll need more."

I sigh. Jeanne is carefully talking to Arry, with Astolpho's help. Together, they'll probably be able to help her along.

>>20334524
It's got to be a different thing. Not, well, whatever it is he made us do last time.

>>20334524
Merlin, someone else is fucking about with the Grail, they're taking dead Servants and preventing the mana from returning to the Grail. Their goal is currently unknown but I doubt that their intentions are pure. They could either be collected the Mana from Servants for themselves or they are making a puppet army to wipe out the rest of the competition.

Your thoughts?

>>20334524
"Fair enough. Arry probably won't join us this time around, though. She's been terrified ever since we woke up, and I'd rather not leave her alone if at all possible."

>>20334524
"And I'm not ungrateful... Though to be honest I'm concerned with the fate of the world a bit more than with my leg... And Arrie will need a time to adjust..."

Also, you should be with Arrie as well right after you talk with Merlin. Astie and Jeanne may be able to calm her, but it'll be good to show your concern. She did much for you after all.

>"You liked the tea, I take it?"

Not bad. To be honest, the herbal supplement tasted like ass. Nice effect though, we haven't gotten it that good since grade school.

So the Servants are calming Arry down. Can we talk about preventing the imminent end of the world now?

It could be baron Samedi as an assassin. Normally he'd be a caster, but he might be able to fit assassin class.

Not saying we should jump to conclusions but it might be a possibility.

Wouldn't Jeannes revelation skill give her foresight about merlons tea. Might need to ask her. Attempt to get her used to her new senses and emotions.

>>20334524

"Anything in particular you had in mind?"

>>20334599
"Fair enough. Arry probably won't join us this time around, though. She's been terrified ever since we woke up, and I'd rather not leave her alone if at all possible."

"I see." he replies. "Well, you can leave Jeanne with her, yes?"

"What will I get for this outing?"

"Well. Something more." he said. "Just bring him along to my place." he says.

"One last thing... someone else is fucking about with the Grail, they're taking dead Servants and preventing the mana from returning to the Grail. Their goal is currently unknown but I doubt that their intentions are pure. They could either be collected the Mana from Servants for themselves or they are making a puppet army to wipe out the rest of the competition. Thoughts?"

"Pah. Another wrinkle... Seems to me a Ruler is getting bored and wants to take action, so he's sending out someone to help make that happen." he says. "It's likely this effect isn't permanent, so he's within his capabilities." he says. "Now then, when can I expect you?"

>>20334872

Well, Master, you've got nothing better to do...or noBODY, as the case may be...

How 'bout now?

>>20334872
Right after you finish calming Arrie seems about right. We don't have any leads at the moment.
Warn Jeanne that one of the Rulers may be behind the Skullmask. Then go and do your duty with Astie.
For the sake of the world.
For the pastebins.

>>20334872
I can't think of anything else, other than calming Arry, you're doing so he can expect you pretty soon.

Help calm Arry, give Jeanne a kiss and head to Merlin's place with Astolfo.

>>20334920

Oh, and while you're drivIng around, grab some extra fuel for the prana generators.

>>20334872
Well, you don't really have a reliable form of transportation since Turok blew up your car. You need to get some new wheels. Tell Merlin you'll see him some time in the afternoon.
You haven't eaten anything today, master. Have some breakfast with the team, see how Arry is doing and ask Jeanne if she can look after her for the day. Then go get some new transportation with Astolfo and head over to Merlin's place.

>>20334990

We have Turok's Master's car. Although I'd be in favor of stealing an M1A2 Abrams MBT as a replacement mount for Astolfo

>>20335007
We have prana generators.
Finally, we can ride the Space Needle.

>>20335042

Was that some kind of innuendo?

>>20335093
No, but we need to make a point to not do it anywhere near Merlin. He'll... get ideas.

>>20335007
"i'll be there in a few hours."

"Excellent." he replies, and I move to help calm Arry. SHe seems to be doing well, relatively. Astolpho nods when I ask him to come along, and we ride out.

...No one's attacking me, right? Right? It wouldn't be out of place.

Looking out the window, I don't see anyone.

We arrive in Seattle without further issue, and begin heading to Merlin's place. Astolpho begins to tug at his collar, frowning.

>>20335342

What's wrong, buddy? Nervous?

>>20335342
"Anything the matter, my Knight?"

>>20335342
I forgot to ask, do you remember what happened after we drank the tea?

>>20335342
Place a hand on his shoulder and say that sacrifices must be made. At least this one isn't as bad as it could be and would be enjoyable if not for Merlin's presence.

>>20335463
"Some sacrifices must be made."

"I know." he mutters. I'ts just that... for some reason, my shirt feels really, really hot." he says, tugging at it more. "I don't understand..."

"...Do you remember the tea?"

"...No, and I don't really want to." he mutters.

File: 1345070906833.jpg-(14 KB, 125x126, 1330408805070.jpg)

>>20335535

'ere we go...

>>20335535
How far away are you from Merlin's territory? Could be Seducer. Watch out for Servants and Masters, warn Astie about the possibility.
Could be just Merlin wanting car sex, though.

>>20335535
Do you remember the recent news bulletin about an increase in streakers, master? I think Astolfo might be affected by whoever's causing it. It fits in Merlin's MO, but on the off-chance that it's someone else...

Keep Rider in the car for now. He can take off his shirt if he wants to, but he has to stay inside. Hit the gas, get over to Merlin as fast as you can. If the spell remains active, he may be able to trace it or at least analyze it enough to know what causes it, exactly.

>>20335586
"If we stay in the car it should be no problem." I tell him, and he nods, peeling away the shirt. He looks quite relieved, and we start to drive to Merlin's workshop, he begins to squirm in his seat.

It appears that this is a long-standing effect in the area - at least, that's what I can tell from my own senses. I can't ID more parts of the spell, as if it's hidden from me.

>>20335535
Going to go out on a limb here and guess we're dealing with a Seducer. Joy, our trip is going to be attacked after all. Anyone know of someone with clothes heating powers?

Wait, is it only affecting Astolfo?

>>20335692
Not much to comment on. It's better to warn Merlin about this stuff. And I would much prefer to not fight some unknown Servant with lust powers right now. Drive faster.

>>20335692
Aren't you feeling all hot and bothered, master? Keep driving, see if there's an end to the affected zone or if it falls squarely at Merlins doorstep.

>>20335586

And we didn't ask Merlin about that, in spite of my suggestions that we do so.

>>20335779
((Passive-aggressiveness won't get your suggestions taken, yo.))

>>20335765
No, I feel fine. Maybe it only affects certain people?

Astolfo unbuttons his pants and squirms free, kicking them aside with relief.

I raise an eyebrow at him, and he shrugs back helplessly as he kicks off his shoes and socks. We stop in front of Merlin's, Astolfo wearing naught but small shorts.

>>20335964

If it's affecting Astie but not you, Master, then it probably only affects Servants. Be careful.

MANA TRANSFER

File: 1345073141539.gif-(454 KB, 320x240, 1333560971239.gif)

>>20335964

>>20335964
"We are heading into Merlin's house... I'm sure he'll... appreciate your appearance. Hopefully he can deal with this effect assuming it isn't his doing".

Well, lets go half-naked into the troll's lair.

>>20335999
Wasn't there a large number of streakers before? They couldn't have all been servants.

>>20336035
This. Let's see if Merlin knows what's up. Also, what he wants in exchange for help this time.

>>20336045

Servants and muggles, maybe? Master doesn't seem affected so maybe being a Magus makes him immune to it.

>>20336035
"Alright, what's the meaning of this." I say as we walk into Merlin's place. He laughs, then nods.
"I was hoping you'd take a bit longer. But this is fine." he says, snapping his fingers.

"There. Now then - I'm pretty sure what's going on with this Grail." he says, laying out a sheet of power. "We all know how Mana works, right?" he asks, the sheet a map of known mana movement patterns and sites of generation - leylines, sites of power, etc.

"Yes. Once depleted, it takes time to return."

"Right. And mana flows about the world, like air. So on and so forth. Now then - what if some idiot made a grail that didn't have the Mana inside it. But instead was a massive engine for taking the mana from other places?" he asked. "And folks made a wish that required "All the mana in the world"?" he went on. "And in doing so, it ruined every leyline, destroyed every site of power?"

>>20336347
Great. The Grail is powered by the world itself.
The Earth is the vessel. The wish is granted and the vessel is no more.
No, how do we fix it? And in which direction?

>>20336347
The good news: The vampires are fucked.

The bad news: Everything is fucked.

Were we ever told what pissed Solomon off enough to do this in the first place?

>>20336347

....I don't like the sound of this, fellow Bobs. Could a Ruler be doing this or could this be part of Solomon's Last Act of Defiance/"Up-Your-Twat" to Gaia?

>>20336347
So he is the one behind the streakers and marriage proposals?
At least now we know not to worry about it.

>>20336347
So... is there any way to safely wish from this thing, to subvert it, to tone it down or will we have to destroy it.

If you haven't noticed luke, jeanne and astolfo are kind of a thing and while luke wants to wish for power (this might be a really bad idea now) astolfo and jeanne (if freed from the grail) might want to wish for incarnation.

Out of curiosity ask merlin what he'd wish for, also you might want to talk to him about the mana generators - they're great as a temporary solution, but what luke would really like is more magic circuits, enough to potentially sustain two servants (astolfo and jeanne).

>>20336415
"So how do we fix it?"

"There's really only one way." he says with a sigh. "We need to get another vessel. We need to find someone able to generate as much mana as the entire god damn planet." he says.

I sit down heavily.
"What you're saying is..."

"We're fucked. Solomon did this, right? It's a right middle finger to the war, to Gaia, to everyone."

>>20336622
I don't suppose David would be willing to produce the mana of the god damn planet. He's still alive somewhere right?

>>20336622

Time to call up an old friend, Master...

>>20336648

Considering Master Luke somehow helped in the vampires' killing Mistress Liz and Attie, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

>>20336687
True but he's got that whole hero-complex going on so saving the world is right up his alley even if he hates Luke's guts.

>>20336622
What will happen if we free Rulers from the Grail and just continue the war for all eternity?
It's a temporal solution at best, but, well, with no other options...

>>20336703
He HAD the whole hero-complex going on, but that was, like, 70 years ago. People change, man.

It's a longshot, kiddo. But I can't think of anything else.

File: 1345076575712.png-(244 KB, 2192x2192, Graphthingnew.png)

Posted with some tiny speculation - it might be baron samedi mucking about with spirits and the initial discussion of him I believe included the possibility of him being an assassin class, he might even be able to fall under a class like saver.

>>20336703

On the other hand, I just remembered something: Master Luke has us prattling away in his head, so I assume we still have our 'trump card' from when Master David summoned us.

Theoretically, let's assume Master finds David: IF we use that 'trump card' before David and Master come to blows (temporarily take control of Luke and tell David something that only he and Bob the Skull would know about), David may realize that Bob is now part of Luke. That might give David pause enough for Master to call a truce and ask him for help.

Do you follow me, fellow Bobs?

>>20336793
Possibly, but the metagaming side of me says Ego's never going to let us play directly.

>>20336793
You know you can't control people directly. It's just not possible.

"... What of David?"

"....Possible. But you'd have to find him. Within a week. There's a whole lotta planet." Merlin says. "I could try to narrow it down, but god only knows how well-holed up that kid is..."

"Kid?"

he scoffs and waves his hand.
"Anyway. The only other option is to redirect the drain." he goes on.

Hm, even though the war has already started, would it be possible to somehow summon incarnations of Link and Zelda anyway?
When united, the Triforce is an artifact of tremendous power which is in theory capable of granting wishes while running on a different power source.

>>20336969
That sounds less terrible.

>>20336969
Redirect where? Other planets? TYPE war.

>>20336991
Except redirecting the drain likely means re-directing the drain at another planet which could kick off some funky interplanetary spirit war... or something.

>>20336969
And I'm guessing whatever we redirect to will be destroyed. Any chance we can redirect it to those shitty vampires? Two birds, one stone and all that.

>>20337017
Aren't TYPES Moon and Mercury currently on Earth?
If we can somehow force them to foot the bill, then I'd say that's a good thing for humanity.

If i remember correctly solomon needs his rings to cast magic via bound demons, if we find solomon master could steal his rings and use them to hopefully stop the grail

>>20336969
Redirect it where and how?

>>20337050
Solomon presumably isn't even in this war. He just created the new Grail system. He's dead.

I think we need to mention the prana engines to merlin... he might be able to come up with something.

Just an idea - if they could be replicated, and enough mana drawn into them, wouldn't it be impossible for the grail to either draw from them - or maybe come into existence?

Hey guys, maybe skull guy has the right idea?
Like if I understand correctly, the Grail doesn't consider the zombie Servants to be dead.
If that's the case, then once a week when the deadline is almost up, skull guy can just re-kill one of his zombies and boom, we have another week to save the world.

>>20337168
I think there are 2 problems with that, the Rulers might get involved and we have to believe that skull guy isn't going to fuck everything over for some stupid reason.

>>20337168
Doesn't work like that - rulers not noticing servants dying means that they eventually force a fight between two people.

In interest of fair play, we should drop a prana engine off with merlin and see what comes of it - tell him we could free a ruler from the grail if we had more circuits to sustain her and astolfo... If we run across tesla based on arry's statement of tesla's devices turning "nothing into something" he might be able to rework the prana engines into infinite free mana devices...

David is the only other guarantee option unless we want to kick off a TYPE war (we dont).

>>20337057
"Redirect?"

"Create a prana channel to another planet." he says. "If we hurry, Mars will come awful close to earth in a few weeks." he says. "Of course, god only knows what would happen then."

"I can get you a Prana generator. Would that help matters?"

Merlin thinks for a moment.
"If myself, Ganon, and... Possibly White Caster work together, I don't see why not." he says. "So please, go get that."

I nod, and so does Astolfo, stretching as we leave. A smile graces his face as he looks up at me.
"What now, Luke?"

>>20337292
"The same thing we do every day, Astie. Try to save the world."

Seriously, you probably should try to investigate the Skullface. The guy has a right idea but can be dangerous. No idea how to start... Maybe speak with other Rulers? Find out their opinions on the matter.

>>20337292

So now we need to find White Caster and convince him to help Team Save the World, as well as fill Ganondorf in (only as much as he needs to know; I expect him to pull a double-cross).

Maybe we should try to tell Zeldrech, with his help we could possibly redirect the grail to a different universe

>>20337292
luke didn't just actually agree to redirect shit to mars did he? please tell me he didnt

We want to look for the skullface... and white caster. We also might want to ask if merlin if he got a call from a business-type woman.

After that... we check on arry and see how she's adjusting. Getting her familiar with her new sense and not quite so terrified all the time.

>>20337334
>>20337347
These two. White Caster needs to be found and added to our little alliance. Ganondorf needs to be informed as well, although I think I'd rather leave that to Merlin if at all possible.

Meanwhile, we should contact Jeanne and find out if she knows anything about the other Rulers possibly having an agenda of their own as well.

>>20337515

>Meanwhile, we should contact Jeanne and find out if she knows anything about the other Rulers possibly having an agenda of their own as well.

I give her a call. She picks up on the third ring, sounding almost out of breath.

"Are you alright?"

"We're fine. Fine. What is the matter?"

"Would any of the Rulers have an agenda of their own?"

She pauses, as my phone beeps with a text. She swears.

"I guess we will find out about that." she says quietly.

I look at the text.

ALL MASTERS TO COME TO
TACOMA CONVENTION CENTER
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Shit.

>>20337584
And thus we go.

>>20337211
I guess I didn't explain it properly.
Like right now Skull Guy is reanimating Servants he killed, and the Rulers are none the wiser.
But if Skull Guy -stops- animating a Servant, then I'd wager that the Rulers would perceive it as a death.
Thus if he stops animating one Servant a week, we can draw this shit out.

>>20337584
...I wouldn't be surprised if whoever organized this get together is going to try to convince everyone that Jeanne's gone rogue and make people start fighting again.

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>>20337584

Go, Master. But stay hidden. Stay out of sight. Observe, without revealing your presence. This could mean any number of things.

>>20337584
Well, no choice but to go. Bring everyone. Preferably go home to catch them. Alternatively meet somewhere in the middle.

>>20337584
Ask Jeanne to bring Arry. Meet up somewhere close to the convention center, but don't go there alone or let Arry go there alone. If Jeanne can't bring Arry for some reason, go pick her up. Let Astolfo drive and break every speed limit there is, it's not like it's your car anyway.

Wait a second, seeing as his Master was dead and useless, this means that Ganondorf isn't invited.
...Should we give him a call anyway?
Like if it's a trap (and he isn't the one who made it) he could come in handy.

>>20337753
Show up with entire retinue incase shit goes down?

Sounds like a fucking plan. I do believe we should bring ganondorf as he is essentially his own master at this point.

It is a short drive.

However, something bothers me.
"Aren't you going to get dressed?"

"What do you mean?" Astolpho asks.

"You're in your underwear."

"And?"

>Merlin snaps his fingers

FUCKING CREEPY OLD MAN.

"...Nevermind. I'll just have to grin and bear it."

We arrive, and Ganon is here, as well as Jeanne and Arry.

Who are wearing different clothes than before.

...Huh.

There's only one Master on the stage. The incredibly angry man from before. Jeanne frowns.

This can't be good.

>>20337865
... did we just get fucking ambushed? or are we very, very early.

I have to say I'm a bit suspicious of cid's listed skills/noble phantasms (ie FUCKING NOTHING).

>>20337865
((Ruler, not master))

>>20337865

Doomguy. Brilliant. What's he want?

Also, prepare for battle, Master.

...Doesn't Merlin have a Master?
Or to be more accurate, didn't some foolish mage summon Merlin and promptly fall victim to infinite troll works?

>>20337865
Here comes the new boss, angrier than the old boss. Prepare to fight. By which I mean, hide behind Ganon.
Let Jeanne speak.
Also, look around. Did someone pull Henderson on us? We may need to leave the building very fast.

>>20337865
Give Astolfo your coat, or something. Be a gentleman, master. Greet Arry and Jeanne, try to see how our favorite unstable girl is doing.

Look around, try to see if you can identify any other masters and servants.

>>20337917
I highly suspect Merlin's Master was one of the ladies left with Zelritch.

>>20337865
"YO ARRY. RULER IS A GIRL THAT MEANS YOU'RE GAY. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZNKntZ6CU

>>20337917
... I can only wonder as Jeanne turns to face the Ruler.
"Why did you call this meeting?!"

"SILENCE" he roars. "SOMEONE SUBVERTING THE GRAIL HAS NO PLACE TO TALK HERE - THAT IS WHY I CALLED THIS MEETING"

"What!?"

"A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS ARE AIMING TO SUBVERT AND DESTROY THE GRAIL, AND A RULER STANDS AT THEIR HEAD. THROUGH VARIOUS CONNECTIONS, I LEARNED IT WAS YOU!" he screams, indicating Jeanne. "OUT THE REST OF YOUR GROUP FOR EXECUTION, OR BE DESTROYED, IN THEIR STEAD!"

Jeanne's eyes go wide, and she falls to her knees, a soft red glow about her.

>>20337865
"So, you had sex with a girl. Does that mean you're gay?"

More seriously, awwww shit. Dis not good. Wave to the not-nice space marine.

>>20337865
>I give her a call. She picks up on the third ring, sounding almost out of breath.
>Who are wearing different clothes than before.
That's the sound of us just being locked out of the Jeanne route.
Ah well, Asolfo's still great.

>>20337999
So... what you're saying essentially boils down to "I am standing in the way of saving the world and am threatening your friends, please please kill me"?
...
CAN DO

>>20337999
Now would be a good time to find the magic within yourself required to steal Jeanne from the grail.

>>20337999
Steal jeanne, give her servant bond to arry. tell doomguy to fucking shove it because she's no longer a ruler.

>>20338029
>>20338031
Or if you don't have the power to do that, time to make a deal with the devil and give the final boss his princess.
Have Ganondorf give you some of his Power like he would a minion and steal Jeanne for him.
Only do this if the alternative is letting Jeanne die.

>>20337999
Wait shit, belay that, we really are fucked. Someone on this team is a SPAH. First we dust this fool, then we go on a SPAH HUNT.

Master Luke, the Servant's stats please. We have killing to do.

>>20338029
>>20338031
No can do. Theft can only grab physical objects and Jeanne's Grail connection is not. And before you ask, yes that prevents us from stealing Noble Phantasms.

>>20337999
Now or never. Arrie needs to use Slim Jim to kill Doomguy. We can't do much against him and Ganon is unreliable in this. Slim Jim it is. Be sure to look away and warn others to do the same.
What to do with Jeanne I don't know. We can't steal her because we need something physical to steal and we don't have enough mana anyway.

>>20338067
Actually, we could try Operation: Steal Triforce of Power. Then use said power to steal Jeanne. Then get the fuck out because both Doomguy and Ganondorf will be pissed at us.

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>>20337999

NO.

Step forward.

"We are to blame for this, not her. And even if we weren't, I'm not about to stand by and let you hurt someone I care about - much less kill her. ESPECIALLY because she's a girl - look up "hitting girls" in the dictionary; you'll see a little picture of me in there with the caption, 'OVER MY DEAD BODY!'

If it's a fight you're looking for, it's a fight you'll get - but my Servant and I are your opponents, not her. I won't let you hurt her. She means too much to all of us."

>>20338089
I wholeheartedly agree with Cu, except you should fit a "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK WE ARE?!" in there somewhere.

>>20338082
Ganondorf wouldn't rat us out because Ganondorf fears no man.
Merlin wouldn't rat us out because he doesn't fear us and is just in it for fun pretty much.
I don't think we've left Arry alone at any point, like she's always been supervised by either Luke, Astolfo, or Jeanne.
I'd wager that Jeanne being a Ruler means that the Grail is on some level aware of her actions.

>>20338082
Luke stole astolfo's fate from gaia, he can steal jeanne too. He isn't limited to physical objects, only things that he can grasp within his hands being as jeanne holds part of the servant/master bond he could steal it. Concepts that can have a physical representation can be stolen

>>20338031
I frown, opening my circuits.

My hands move of their own accord, crasping domething indefinite I cannot see. But it's not enough! I need more! I need more power! Blood wells from my throat, from my nose, from my ears, from my eyes as I scream. The connection is there! It's physical! I can feel it!

"I AM... THE THIEF!" I feel something within me well up. A gentle glove rests on my shoulder, and a soft-sweet voice whispers in my ear.

no, it says.

Like this.

My hand twists, my fingers burning. My palms like fire.

>>20338089
"I'M NOT ABOUT TO STAND BY AND LET YOU HURT SOMEONE I CARE ABOUT - I'M NOT ABOUT TO LET YOU TOUCH HER!"

Something breaks, and the red glow around her shakes.

Then she has something to say.

"Non mea voluntas hominis structura ego solius Dei!" she roars, and the glow shatters, like so much glass. My hands burn, they hurt. It feels like my circuits are screaming.

((Suggested music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrkppeogD0s ))

"IS THAT HOW IT IS, THEN? ALL RIGHT, YOU MOTHER FUCKERS." he roars, cracking his knuckles. Armor shines on his body, green and solid, with a heavy helmet.

"LET'S DANCE."

>>20338104
Although then again, we haven't really been making our plans a secret.
Like Gene, Turok, Cid, and all their masters have been alerted of the Grail's true purpose.
Not hard to believe that this Ruler learned about it just by word of mouth.

>>20338140
Oh good, Carmen Sandeigo's got our back. Maybe she can just steal all of us and we'll get the hell out of here.

Actually be careful around her Luke she can steal all sorts of shit and I wouldn't put it past her to try stealing your favorite familiar.

>>20338140
IT IS TIME. TIME TO SHOW EVERYONE WHAT YOU ARE WORTH.

It is time to bravely run away and let Fatman deal with Doomguy. Because fuck them both.

>>20338140
Should have gone with Ganondorf.
Ah well, just try not to die master.
Pretty sure you're in for a show.

>>20338176
Fuck me, it is Carmen Sandiego isn't it?
If she takes on Luke as a protoge, things are going to get very interesting.

>>20338140
Dance music? "All right motherfucker, put on your red shoes, let's dance."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RdlfTQ0_sQ

Everyone else, lend your power with SONG. Post boss battle music to fight DOOMGUY to.

>>20338140
It should be noted that Doomguy is probably fucking ridiculous. He killed the entire legions of hell, died, went to hell, killed the all demons again, and then left hell.

Try stealing Doomguy's BFG.

>>20338140
Fight vs doomguy eh? Watch out for plasma weaponry and that fucking shotgun.

If he runs at you screaming you get the fuck out of the way. No more losing limbs Gaiar style, I'd say arrie should wake SLENDERMAN the fuck up, but that's aaaaawful risky given it's fucking DOOMGUY.

Lets hope Ganon decides to step into the fight too.

>>20338140
YOURE HUGE
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE HUGE GUTS
RIP AND TEAR
RIP AND TEAR YOUR GUTS

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>>20338233
It's not how Fearful Legend works. Screaming his name just marks US for him to target. We need to use command seals to get him into fight. Or relay on geas.
Mental Pollution.

>>20338232
But it looks like none of his guns are holy.
Which means he doesn't have enough gun to put down the great king of evil.

...Of course Ganondorf has very little reason to stick around.

>>20338140
Okay, this guy has guns. Lots and lots of guns. He has -literally- been to hell and back. Twice. You'll want to take him out FAST, before he uses his more destructive Noble Phantasms.

Get Arry to safety first, there's not much you two will be able to do combat-wise. You may be able to steal his guns from a distance.

Is Ganondorf still around? Does he look like he's helping?

>>20338176
>>20338189
>>20338190
>>20338232
>>20338240
No running - doomguy is faster, it's boss battle time.

>>20338270
Doomguy can just shoot at the Cyber -er Ganon until he dies.

Plus the BFG9000 kills like everything on the screen so that's probably overpowered as fuck.

He's gaeas'd not to harm us or our servants and he can't harm arry because she's his master - we're protected from his name, although we shouldn't necessarily be dropping it all the time.

>>20338312
>>20338265
Meant to quote this post.

>>20338233
Holy shit he is FAST. Within a few seconds he's halfway across the several hundred feet between us. But then - Ganon appears, fist shining with purple light. And the fist rockets forth - And is caught. The sheer force from the blow sends the chairs behind the Marine flying. And then comes the other fist, into Ganon's gut.

The fight is a trade of powerful blows which shake the arena. Ganon grins madly as he matches the beast blow for blow.

I move to Arry and the very tired Jeanne, myself and Astolpho (Now thankfully in armor) leading them away as the place empties. I stop at the doors to watch.

And then there's the roar of a combustion engine. A huge roaring blade drawn from nowhere. I can't see Doomguy's stats, but... I know its legend.

Anyone who's ever played any FPS knows its legend.

A weapon that tore through a thousand - through a million demons. Soaked in the blood of the fallen. Unending fuel and hate. The Chainsaw. It roars as it rips through the air, and Ganon's arm falls to the floor.

>>20338333
So much for Ganondorf.
Do we still have the Nuke Horse?
We need Ganon alive for the redirection

Master call merlin and run, run faster than you have ever run before

>>20338333
Ganon is a caster - harvest the circuits from his arm as fast as possible, we need it. If we can somehow steal a portion of access to the triforce of power too we do it.

If we have prana engines we need to get them cooking.

>>20338333
Doomguy killed Satan. I think Satan outranks the King of Evil.

>>20338333
As much as I'd love to let Doomguy take care of our Great King of Evil problem for us, Merlin did say we'd need Ganon. See if Ganon can damage Doomguy, then send in the cavalry/Sillyman. Do we have a generator in the car? I doubt it, but maybe....

>>20338333
QUICK!
IS IT THE TRIFORCE ARM?
If it is, try to steal it. Ganon doesn't know anything about the Grail. What he has is infinite mana via Triforce. If we can have it, we can take his place in trio of wise men.
And he's the King of Evil. You don't play fair with them.

>>20338373
What Watashiwa said. We can't afford to let Ganon die on us right now.

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>>20338333

Quick, while he's distracted!

Ganon roars in pain, then does the one thing that Doomguy can't.

He flies, into the air. Doomguy screams at him, staring up at him with fire in his eyes. Then he looks at me.

... fuck.

He moves, but a bullet pings off his helmet, the sound of it being fired cacophonous.

We all look to see the cowboy and his master staring down at one another, as he reloads his one spent chamber calmly.

"You sure about this, Master?" he asks quietly.

He nods.

"Marine." the cowboy calls, "I challenge you to a duel!"

A scream roars across the hall, and he charges forth like a bullet. "Ten paces. Turn. And fire." he says - and then all three of them vanish in a whorl of dust.

>>20338474
Oh shit son.
It's A Gentlemanly Duel.

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>>20338474

Oh, Lord, this is gonna be something.

>>20338474
It's a great time to get the fuck away. Regardless of the outcome, not much we can do.

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>>20338474
Keep your eye on your goal!
There's just one rule that can save you your life,
It's a hand on your knife
And a devil in your soul.

>>20338518
Dude, this guy can run faster than anything. His sole purpose for existing is to safeguard the grail, which we are threatening. He will NEVER stop hunting us. Even if we run, we eventually have to rest. He doesn't. We don't have the prana to summon Rider's more dangerous mounts, so I doubt we could flee even if we WANTED to.

No. We stand, and we fight.

>>20338562
Also see if we can somehow drain Ganondorf's arm?
Maybe do some sympathetic magic with it?
...What happened to Merlin?

>>20338562
Yeah this guy has a point.
Like I wouldn't be surprised if Doomguy would slaughter his way through Seattle to bring us down.

We can't run from doomguy fast enough to make it meaningful - his footspeed is fucking insane, even if we get away temporarily it will lead to Luke's house getting BFG'd because we threaten the grail.

Harvesting the circuits from ganon's arm (if he has them, which is possible because he *is* a magi) would be a damn good idea - or we could ask for a portion of the triforce of power (lol, fucking hilariously unlikely). For the moment doomguy is engaged in a duel with the cowboy (white archer) inside a reality marble, if white archer doesn't kill doomguy we need to be prepared to gank the fucker when the bubble pops. If we don't kill doomguy here we are *FUCKED*.

Jeanne is currently bound to no-one I believe, Arry might be able to take her, but we need to have a fuckin plan because she only has a single day of independent action (unless MANA TRANSFER)

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>>20338474
“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."

From that one Doomguy copypasta:

Another fun fact about Doom guy:
His maximum run speed is 819.52 map units / second.
Approximately 32 is equal to one meter (based on Doom guy's height in terms of map units.)
Therefore he runs about 25.61 meters per second, that is equal to about 57.2879 MPH.

The current record for the 100 meter dash is 9.69 seconds and held by Usain Bolt. The Doomguy can run this in about 3.905 seconds, nearly 148% than Usain Bolt.

The DOOMGUY is capable of outrunning a Lion, and maintaining that speed. Keep in mind that he can do this in all probability, 200 pounds of equipment.

Running away from Doomguy is pointless, he insanely fast and doesn't tire.

>>20338675
...There is one thing he can't do. A smirk crosses my lips. "Astolfo, how well do you think you can drive in a city center?"

"My Riding is A+. What do you think?"

"Everyone get in the car! We're going to the fucking Space Needle!"

We move as fast as we can and as soon as we start the car, I look out the window to see the Marine rushing down the steps. He's fast.

But Astolpho is faster.

"GO" I scream, and the car peels out. I look out the back window, and Doomguy is racing for us - missing an arm, but still coming.

I look ahead and see a congestion of traffic.

"AstolphooooaaaaAAAAAAAA" I scream, as he slams onto the curb and then the sidewalk, leaning on the horn. People leap out of the way, and then we crest the sharp hill.

Going seventy miles per hour. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

"Stop screaming." Astolpho replies as we land, the Marine still rushing after us not far behind.

"NEW PLAN: GET ON A ROOF." I yell,

and then

We're flying.

"H-how?!"

I look out the window, and holding us up with one arm, is Ganon.
"May I have my arm back?" he asks politely, as the Marine shouts obscenities from below.

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>>20338756
Rip Cowboy
You were truly the Man With No Name
Give Ganon his arm

>>20338756
Sure, give him a friendly hand.
Also, fucking yeah, but do you have enough prana?

>>20338756
"Why? Does it re-attach you evil sunnofabitch?"

Also, expect rockets to be flying towards us any second now.

>>20338756
Give the man his arm back.

Also what do you think about turning the Space Needle into a mount? You know you want to. You may have to engage Operation: Piggyback to pull it off but I believe in you.

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>>20338756

What the shit just happened?

Pick your jaw up off the floor and give the man his arm back.

>>20338756
Wait, won't giving him his arm back RIGHT THIS INSTANT mean that he'll drop you? He's only got one hand to work with, after all. Maybe it's better to wait a bit.

Also, that guy will start firing missiles at you very very soon. Be careful.

>>20338756
How in the fuck did we outrun Doomguy?
Oh whatever, give Ganon his arm back before he throws us to Doomguy.

>>20338831
Head start. Plus he can only run 50MPH, we're going 70-odd.

He lands us on a building with no roof access, dodging a few missiles. Finally, we get out, and hand him back his arm.

"So why here?" Ganon asks.

"He can't jump." I say simply as he fuses his arm back on.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"And because he's berserking, his other phantasms..."

"Are sealed." Ganon finishes for me. "Well done."

"Thanks. I guess that leaves us with the problem of Jeanne's mana..."

Ganon chuckles.
"I have no Servant presently."

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>>20339015
Hahahahaha NO.

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>>20338831
White archer and their master paid back the favor owed by reality-marbling doomguy, blowing and blowing off one of his arms. 6 unmissing shots with quaddamage wasn't enough to kill anything that moved apparently, doomguy tore that poor unnamed cowboy the fuck apart. Lets hope his master is still alive.

>>20339015

"Why don't we ask Jeanne herself?"

Master, I'm pretty sure you could use those prana generators. Or...direct...prana transfers.

>>20339015
"I would prefer to deal with our friend down here first before we make any important decisions."

Now, if you have fuckton of prana or can get it (from Ganon if needs be and if he doesn't have strong enough ranged attacks), hey, broken animated mounts. Lots and lots of them. Provided you have enough prana.

>>20339048
I can only imagine Doomguy shaking his fists going all
"DAMN YOU HIGH ALTITUDE PLACES!"

>>20339015
Do we really have a choice? Because I can totally see Ganon ripping Jeanne out of the car and throwing us down to street level if we don't give the guy what he wants.

>>20339015
Not even if hell freezes over. Arry only has to feed her servant mana when he's present seemingly, I suggest she bond Jeanne if at all possible.

I'd rather hand Jeanne over to fucking *MERLIN* than ganondorf, Arry is the temporary solution - and while I'm not too keen on bothering merlin again if we survive this we need to tell him that the rulers know about our attempting to resist the grail, Jeanne gave the middle finger to the grail and we had to kill doomguy. The church might put a bounty out on luke. If merlin knows any ways to get extra circuits without having to rip people apart for them we'd appreciate it if he coughed up.

>>20339015
How badly does Jeanne need mana right now? If she can survive for a while yet, we should get her to our place and hook her up to the generators. We go to the harbor, get a boat and start sailing around the harbors for a while. Doomguy can't swim, so we SHOULD be safe for now.

Not sure how Ganondorf will respond to a refusal, though.

Also: I don't think Slim Jim takes up all that much of Arry's prana. Maybe she could shoulder a second servant?

>>20339015
"If i say no, will you kill me?"

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>>20339015

File: 1345089800675.gif-(374 KB, 500x226, Fuckthisguy.gif)

>>20339119
Independant action gives her a day without a master. Arrys servant doesn't seem to take up too much mana, not to mention her and jeanne seem to get along well (*cough cough*) it would also keep jeanne in our house and under our protection.

>>20339135
This is the only question that needs asking.
Like even wounded, I'm pretty sure he can kill us all in a fair fight.
And unfortunately the odds are stacked in his favor.
Like he can just shove us off the tower.
Or even punch it down.

>>20339135

"If I say no, will you kill me?"

He stares at me quietly.

"Boys, I'm afraid the choice has been made already." Jeanne says primly. "But this leaves the problem of where to set up shop, sleep, and eat."

"My castle is safe." he replies simply. "Even from him." he says, with a lopsided grin.

>>20339248

Hrmph. If she goes, we all go.

>>20339248
No. The choice is not made. Arry will bond jeanne now.

"You are an ally of necessity, not one of trust we know you intend to betray us whenever it is convenient for you - take Jeanne and we will consider it a betrayal of the nature of our cooperation. We would immediately Gather another Servant we know can kill you and come after you immediately. La Pucelle is ours, Arry can sustain two servants".

>>20339248
"It seems like an appropriate time to mention it. Red Caster has a plan how to deal with the Grail. The vessel is the Earth, by the way. Yours and White Caster's help is needed for it. I think sticking together for a time being is a good idea. Easier to protect against the wrath of Rulers, easier to coordinate actions."

>>20339248
>>20339347
Ah, actually, it seems like Arry and Jeanne are already contracted. The point is somewhat moot now.

>>20339350
Seems legit. We should head over to our house to pick up the prana generators, though. They're essential to our plans.

>>20339248
So now we're Ganondorf's minions?
It was inevitable really.
But yeah, we gotta somehow kill Doomguy if we want to do anything but cower.
Like how can we meet the White Ruler if the Blue Ruler will never stop hunting us?
...Maybe master can steal Doomguy from the Grail and we pray that Doomguy doesn't have independent action?

>>20339248
Ups, misunderstanding. Provide alternative: fucking boat. Worked for 6th war, will work for 7th. Some yacht.
Constant movement.

>>20339347
You act like we have a leg to stand on.
Remember that while Ganondorf is needed to save the world, we have no indication that the same goes for our master.

>>20339388
It is very unlikely doomguy has independant action - of all the rulers he is probably the most bound to the grail, the most violent, the least in touch with humanity and the least sane. The other rulers are likely to be much more reasonable or able to resist the grail although chances are we will have to fight them too.

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>>20339400
LET'S DO IT.

And let's name the boat King of Red Lions.

>>20339417
No one trusts ganon enough to cooperate with him. If he wants to save the world (only to rule over it later) he needs us every bit as much as we need him as we are the only people willing to be the go-between.

Gene would kill Ganon in a heartbeat, Merlin does *not like* evil wizards (thats about as much of an understatement as saying the irish mildly dislike the english) and everyone else is either to terrified of him, lacks the cohones luke has or is too worried about betrayal. Ganon isn't our only option - merely our best one at this point in time.

"I don't see another option." I mutter. "Lead the way."

Ganon nods, and snaps his fingers.

We simply /appear/ in his front hall. It's absolutely enormous. Opulent, even. White, blonde girls in maid dresses bow to him as he sends them on tasks. The place smells a bit of mint or lime.

"There are plenty of rooms for all of you." he says. "I'm not so slimy as to force our good ruler into my chambers."

She scoffs.
"As if you could." she says icily. He frowns, then stalks off to his study. "You're rubbing off on me, Luke." she mutters.

>>20339712
I know, and I like it on you.

So shall we get some dinner and find a room with a bed large enough for the four of us. Solely for tactical reasons of course, we don't want the King of Evil to be able to separate us from each other in the center of his power.

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>>20339712

Raise a single brow.

"Thank you...I think?"

So is Jeanne's class still Ruler, or did that switch?

>>20339712
Good grief Arry works fast. Barely was our lady separated from her previous entanglement when they tied the knot. I suppose we ought to ask when the honeymoon is?

et al. Now, how long do we have until Doomguy storms the castle? And what can we do to make him not have a good time?

>>20339712
Well at least it has style.
So should we even bother plotting how to kill Doomguy, or is that pointless?

>>20339712
"You said to me earlier that courage was no bad thing Jeanne. Now if I may be so bold, I do not trust Ganondorf at all it may be improper, but I want everyone to sleep in the same bed... If you'd like you can sleep between Arry and Myself"

>>20339806
He might not know where we are.
Like he seems to be very... direct in his thinking.
Honestly I'm surprised he even thought to make a trap for us.

Ask Astolfo and Arry if they saw a woman in a red hat and coat show up while you were stealing Jeanne.

>>20339804
I Look.

Still Ruler.

Huh.
>>20339806
"That was some quick contracting."

"It doesn't take long." Arry says. "A few words, really. And you and Ganon were arguing and staring each other down for so long I thought you'd go into gay chicken."

"Speaking of which, Jeanne is a girl." I say, finding it impossible to resist further. "That makes you gay." I grin as I drag the word out and both of them grow red, Astolpho laughing and repeating after me.

"We'll go to our quarters." Jeanne says.

"Gay~!" Astolpho calls,

"SEPERATELY!" Arry barks, leaving us both laughing again.

>>20339884
I'm sorry Arry, we ought to share quarters. I trust Ganon about as far as I can throw him and we should not be separated within his seat of power. Isn't that right Astolfo?

>>20339884
I really don't think that's a good idea, it could end up with ganon acquiring two princesses instead of one. Explain for tactical reasons everyone needs to be in the same room... and for gods sake luke just kiss jeanne.

>>20339910
Actually you can trust him more than that.
I mean think about it, we are in the seat of his power and he's probably fully healed by now.
He has no reason to stoop to underhanded tactics when direct ones would work just as well.
Plus creeping on people while they're sleeping in his room lacks any kind of style as an evil overlord.

>>20339938
Why would you kiss Jeanne?
I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed.

>>20339884

Go visit Jeanne after a bit. Bring wine. No wait, better yet. Bring tea. Ask her how she is, now that she's not a Servant of the Grail anymore.

>>20339975
I'm inclined to agree. Ganondorf has been nothing but courteous so far. I wouldn't trust him AT ALL, but he's a classic villain. Speeches, grandstands, the works. He's not the type for nighttime sneaking around when a sword to your throat works just as well.

That said, you should still sleep with Astolpho tonight.

>>20339991
Never say never, dude. Keep hope alive!

>>20339975
Noooooo, everyone sleeps together and lukas damn well needs to kiss jeanne (right in front of arry), then relationship discussion - polyamoury for everyone.

>>20340013
Eh, since it seems very probable that she and Arry had sex prior to us all meeting Doomguy, continuing to court her feels kind of skeevy.
Especially since Arry only recently regained the ability to feel feelings again.
Like maybe if we're lucky we can get a foursome, but I think we should stick to the route we've chosen.

>>20340002
I wait a few hours, and bring her some tea (Prepared by the lovely maids). She smiles at me.

"What's the occasion?"

"Being alive." I reply. "So... What did you say back there?"

"I told the Grail I belong to God. YOu weakened the connection enough for me to break it." she says, looking away. "You... Saved me." she says quietly. "I'm not sure what to say to that."

"You don't need to say anything." I reply. "Being able to talk with and see you is thanks enough."

"Can I be honest with you?"

"...That's an odd question."

"Don't tell anyone. I... knew what Merlin's tea would do."

"And that was..." she shrugs.

"It removed from us all inhibitions, and restored ourselves to 'normal'." she says, flushing heavily.

>>20340025
...Even though I did just say that we can trust Ganondorf not to mess with people in their sleep, I don't think we can trust him to not have us under some form of surveillance.
Do you really want to have small orgy while knowing that somewhere Ganondorf is either staring hungrily into a crystal ball or television screen?

>>20339991
Still a lot of feelings there, Luke and Jeanne are attracted because they're pretty similar (while at the same time drastically different). They both collected a bunch of misfits, rallied them together and led that shit when they needed to. I'm not saying Luke should just walk up, grab her and kiss her.

Luke asks her politely to have dinner with him and pulls a classy candle-lit affair, bring up whats happening between arry and her is the exact same as what happened between astolfo ond luke... luke then confesses he's pretty head over heels about jeanne and astolfo... and that he hopes jeanne feels the same way about him and arry. Perfectly open relationship between the two pairs.

>>20340070
I figured as much.
So Astolfo got his Noble Phantasm back?
Although I'm not sure what that means for Jeanne.

>>20340070
So... is it a good thing we didn't have a chance to watch the news recently?

>>20340070
What, exactly, does that mean for a nigh-godlike spirit of a hero from legend? Flesh and blood? Normal human prowess? No seriously, what did it do to Jeanne and why did she imbibe it?

>>20340070
"Jeanne, how do you feel about arry? How do you feel about me?"

>>20340070

"Would you care to elaborate? I'll understand if you don't want to. I just want to understand what makes you tick, I guess. And I kind of want to know how you feel about me. I know how I feel about you, but not the other way 'round. I've been wanting to ask for a while now, but I dreaded the answer would crush my hopes."

>>20340070
Any inhibitions I once had were eroded by the time I drank that tea by the voices inside my head. And I will say your clothing was remarkably comfortable, perhaps I can borrow it some time later, Astolfo ought to enjoy me wearing it.

What exactly do you mean by "normal"?

To not tiptoe and dance around the subject, how do you feel about me, Arry and Astolfo?

>>20340133
Luke regrew his foot, Astolfo regained his mount, Arry had all her wounds and scars fixed as well as her mental state and congenital insensitivity to pain (she really got the biggest benefit from this)... Jeanne probably just partook because well, she seems to like both Luke and Arry - it's like how a guy has a couple of drinks for 'courage' (to loosen inhibitions) before he tries to pick up women. Jeanne probably wanted something that would keep 'her' from being too proper and saying "no".

>>20340070
"Everything old is new again. That's what Arry told me. I guess all of us were affected in some way, except maybe Astolpho. He doesn't really feel like talking about it either."

"The removal of inhibitions... Seems to be one of the center parts of Merlins magic. It's scary how strong it can be. The restrictions we lay upon ourselves can be quite severe sometimes. 'I shouldn't feel like this', 'I shouldn't want this', 'I shouldn't be enjoying this'... We're constantly trying to convince ourselves that our deepest, most hidden desires aren't real. We're ashamed of them, scared to let anyone get a glimpse for fear of being judged. Everyone does it. To let go of all that, to be completely honest with yourself and with other... it's liberating."

Do we really want to talk about feelings in the castle of the archetypical evil wizard?
Like can't this wait until we get a yacht or something?

>>20340192
This seems pretty good.

>>20340186
"That's one hell of a liquid courage." I say, chuckling. "But I don't want to beat around the bush. How do you feel about me? About Arry? About Astolpho."

She frowns, staring at the table. The frown grows, as it seems indecision wracks her.
"I... I am a terrible woman." she mutters, her forehead thumping on the table. "I cannot choose between you - The brave and wild Luke, the chivalrous and beautiful Astolfo, the quiet and timid Arry." she sighs. "I took the drink because I thought I could decide that way. But it didn't help at all."

>>20340241
That's what I was hoping to hear.

>>20340241
So it looks like I'll just have to steal all of your hearts, I am a Thief after all. And one of your dresses, because quite honestly I looked damn good in it.

Jeanne, you haven't considered the obvious fourth choice, choose all of us and all of us will choose the other three.

More tea?

>>20340241

Give her your best, most tender smile, Master.

"Jeanne, that's the beauty of this - you don't HAVE to choose between us. You can have ALL of us. You know how I feel about you, and Astolfo feels the same. And unless my powers of deduction have failed me utterly, Arry is in the same boat. We all love you, Jeanne; you don't have to pick and choose."

>>20340241
"Jeanne - if everyone is happy with it... You don't have to choose. Astolfo and I are quite enamored of each other and of you... We can't speak for Arry, but back when she scared the ever loving piss out of me by breathing into my ear while I was sleeping she seemed rather interested in me. To explain that, the voices in my head initially thought it was her servant, I am most pleased to see that merlins drink has allowed to recover the parts of herself that were lost to her, I only wish she didn't seem so timid and terrified of everything.

I almost find it amusing that for a time, I thought I had made allies of the most dangerous thing in this war."

>>20340241
"Brave and wild"?

She digs you, Master.

It might be better not to push too hard, though. She's clearly confused, and it seems as though Astolpho's been a little worried himself. I hope we didn't say anything TOO dumb while drunk on magitea.

I'm thinking we reassure Jeanne that indecision's natural - we just took a pretty big plunge ourselves - and make sure Astie hasn't been too badly shaken by the whole thing. It threw Arry for a loop and seems to have freaked Jeanne out a little... Astolpho might just be trying to do his knight thing and play it off.

>>20340309
This, although we don't really know how Arry feels about the whole thing, and I'm against doing anything untoward with Jeanne until we know for sure.

>>20340354
She slept with ruler. Ruler is a girl. That means she's gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

>>20340370
I meant the 'polygamy' thing. We already know that Arry is gaaaaaaay.

>>20340354

see

>>20339884
and
>>20340370

>>20340354
Exactly.
I don't want to put Arry in a situation she's uncomfortable with.
Especially since Merlin gifted her the ability to feel uncomfortable with situations only recently.

>>20340354
Jeanne probably has A rank or so Charisma, Astolfo has A rank charisma and Luke has Bob and his doctorate in seduction with him. I don't foresee any problems. Also given the earlier events which led to fearboners we're aware that she is attracted to Luke.

We still should involve her in these discussions though because it'd be horribly rude to do otherwise.

>>20340395
So plain and simple, call arry into the room and explain things. Ask if she's okay with it, not everyone needs to be sleeping with each other so long as they're all okay with things.

>>20340311


"Jeanne - if everyone is happy with it... You don't have to choose. Astolfo and I are quite enamored of each other and of you... We can't speak for Arry, but back when she scared the ever loving piss out of me by breathing into my ear while I was sleeping she seemed rather interested in me. To explain that, the voices in my head initially thought it was her servant, I am most pleased to see that merlins drink has allowed to recover the parts of herself that were lost to her, I only wish she didn't seem so timid and terrified of everything. I almost find it amusing that for a time, I thought I had made allies of the most dangerous thing in this war."

She frowns.
"But... That..." she takes a deep breath. "That would require you loving me, Arry, and Astolfo in equal measure. And me loving all of you, and Astolfo and Arry loving all of each other and..." she frowns further. "It would be so complicated. So... fragile."

"I know that. But... It would be nice to try, right?"

She seems... indecisive, unable to come to a conclusion.

>>20340547
"Look, Jeanne, we're talking about a four-person relationship with only two of the people involved actually here. What do you say we get Astolpho and Arry so we can all lay our feelings on the table? Would that put your mind at ease?"

>>20340547

Kiss her.

"I may not be a Saint, Jeanne, but I'm willing to give it my best shot if you'll do the same. Between the four of us, we can make it work."