Caster is pulling you frantically from the bed, a rapid-fire stream of indecipherable syllables issuing from her lips. As you groggily stumble along with her, barriers of pinkish energy are rapidly erected around you to keep the fire back. Behind you and Caster, you can see Matsuda dragging along a similarly half-asleep Ogawara.

The lot of you get out of the house just in time, as it collapses in flames. In fact, the entire neighborhood seems far worse-off than yesterday. The streets are swarming with skeletons, but they're all focused on destroying the houses, rather than attacking you. Every building is in flames, and even the street seems to have gone through a second round of destruction. You wonder faintly how you could have slept through all this, but before you have time to think, Caster is talking.

"Master, the magical energy that's causing this destruction is expanding rapidly from the South. Now it's intensified, though, I can tell it's bordered at the city limits. We need to head north as fast as possible in order to escape this ritual!"

Matsuda and Ogawara look to you for confirmation and a plan. You were the one who sat up talking with her, after all.

>[ ] "Alright, Caster, I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city."

>[ ] "Hang on, how do you know all this? I thought you didn't understand what was happening here."

>[ ] Some other response (Write in)

>>3328635
>[ ] "Alright, Caster, I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city."
But also
>[ ] "How do you know all this? I thought you didn't understand what was happening here."
We'll move and talk at the same time.

>>3328635
>[ ] "Alright, Caster, I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city.
Let's not doubt the spellcaster when it comes to
Y'know.
Spells.
We can get exposition when we are safe.

>>3328645
+1

>>3328635
>[ ] "Alright, Caster, I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city."

>>3328635
>>3328645
Exposition to go, please.

>>3328618
>[ ] "Alright, Caster, I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city."

Looks like getting the heck out of dodge takes it. Nobody wants to stick around and get burned.

WRITING...

Oh, roll d20. Best of 3, crits override. Almost forgot.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3328676

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3328676

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3328676

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3328676
Neva loss

File: 1544055082739.gif (43 KB, 981x1152)

43 KB GIF

>>3328680
HELL YEAH

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3328676
Rolling late just to see

>>3328680
>Rolled 19
No Tiger Dojo for you. Bo~ring!

File: Caster Without Robe.png (690 KB, 1024x768)

690 KB PNG

With the city rapidly disintegrating around you, there's no time to ask for more information. You need to get somewhere more safe as soon as possible.

"Alright, Caster. I'll take your word for it. Let's get out of the city."

Caster's face brightens. "Great! Follow me, and I'll lead you on the fastest route north."

With that, Caster's cloak dissolves in a shimmer of light, revealing beneath it a white tunic, quite a bit more gold jewelry, and large, eagle-like wings sprouting from her back. In fact, you're shocked she was able to keep them hidden under the cloak. Almost at the same time, another burst of golden light coalesces into a large ivory and silver staff, adorned with a complex pattern of interlocking rings, radiating lines, and gold feathers. The sorceress takes to the air above you to scout the terrain, and then begins rapidly flying Northwards, calling for you to follow.

As you, Matsuda, and Ogawara follow along behind the flying Servant, it's not long before a group of skeletons gathers to block your path. Caster gives no more reaction to this than a mild pout, however, and calls to them, "Hmph! Out of the way, you meatless puppets!"
With a flourish of her staff, a lion leaps out of the inferno beside the road and scatters the skeletons like bowling pins, crushing one of their skulls between its jaws. For the rest of your trip out of the city, the lion pads along beside you, keeping any other foes well away.

After about an hour of walking, you find that you've finally escaped the burning city, as the road enters a heavily forested area, losing its sidewalks in the process. There's even a battered sign identifying the city, standing bent over by the side of the road, but the letters are too degraded to read. As Caster had promised, the flames stop right at the city limits. Once you're between the lines of trees, the air cools, and you can see blue skies above.

Caster alights on the road, confidently declaring, "We should be safe now, Master. I don't detect any more enemies nearby."

Great. Now you can get some answers. As you continue walking Northwards into the forest, now alongside Caster rather than below, you pose your questions.

"That's good to hear, Caster. Now, can you tell me how you knew what was going on back there? Why did things change so much during the night? The residential area was almost untouched when we got there."

File: Clearing.jpg (781 KB, 1200x848)

781 KB JPG

Caster looks a bit troubled by the barrage of questions. "We~ell, I'm not sure how much you'll be able to follow, since you're not a magus, but let's see if I can explain it in simple terms. One of the most common types of magecraft uses a ritual magic circle, a pattern of geometric shapes and inscribed incantations, to channel the magical energy and achieve the desired effect." She uses the end of her staff to draw a small magic circle in glowing energy on the road, illustrating the point, before continuing.

"Now, in that city, the leylines of the earth were actually shaped into a partial magic circle, and presumably someone had done a great deal of construction to complete it. The magical energy of the world was being channeled into an enormous ritual to consume the city in fire, killing everyone within its boundaries and levelling all the works of man within the city. Eventually, that city will be nothing more than a huge pit of flames. The same ritual was also channeling the souls of those it killed to summon two types of familiar: the skeletons we've encountered and revenant warriors. That second type would have been more of a challenge; they're based on a degraded form of the magecraft used to summon heroic spirits like myself. I wonder what they wanted the familiars for, though, when the ritual was destroying the city anyway..."

Caster seems lost in thought for a moment, pondering the ritual, before catching herself and finishing her explanation.

"Anyway, as to why I couldn't detect it last night, a ritual constrained within a magic circle doesn't happen all at once. The effects flow outwards from the center of the circle to the periphery. Usually this delay is too small to make a difference, since most magic circles are relatively small, but for a ritual on that scale it must have taken quite a while. As you can see, we were on the Northern edge of the city, so it hadn't gotten to us yet."

"The reason it happened so suddenly last night is a bit stranger. I can't tell you just what happened, but it seems like there was some kind of a change in the ritual just before I was summoned. The way the energy flowed, it was as if there was some powerful effect that had been holding it back, but that effect was removed last night. From your story, it sounds like that goblet in the church could have been holding back the ritual's power, but there's no way for me to investigate that now."

The road the four of you are travelling comes to a sudden end as you emerge into a large clearing in the woods, the asphalt crumbling into chunks scattered amongst green grass, and a soft breeze stirs the foliage. In the midst of the clearing, a decrepit cottage sits half submerged in a shallow lake. Caster raises a hand to warn you against continuing forward.

"Master, I feel a magical presence. There's another Servant in these woods."

Roll d20

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3328833

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3328833
Our first pokem- servant fight, boys!

>>3328866
>Enemy Master sees you from across the road
>Runs up
>"Our eyes met! You can't refuse a battle!"

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3328873
>Lose battle
>Other master punches your lights out
>Wake up to find your servant alive, but your wallet is gone

File: Illya Excite.jpg (80 KB, 352x338)

80 KB JPG

>>3328886
>Rolled 1
Yatta!

File: (CAN'T WAKE UP).png (56 KB, 166x205)

56 KB PNG

>>3328886
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I DID IT AGAIN
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

>>3328886
>Enter pokemon battle
>Roll a 1
>Lose fight
>Opponent throws a pokeball at you and successfully captures you

File: 1551783300552.jpg (41 KB, 326x326)

41 KB JPG

>>3328886
negro

File: Decapitation End.jpg (83 KB, 800x600)

83 KB JPG

Caster calls herself your Servant and yet has the nerve to block your path? Absurd! You won't cower in the shadows like some weakling. You brush right past Caster, marching confidently into the clearing, and call out to the foe.

"I've been told this is a war! If it's a war, then, step out of your hiding place! Face me head on, so-called Master, and we'll see who's the superior leader!"

This bold declaration resounds through the clearing, and you hear the sound of clapping coming from somewhere in the trees. Before you can identify the source, though, a shadow moves, and a blade strikes. A soldier leaps from the shadows, and before you can react your head is cut from your shoulders. The last thing you hear is the sickening sound of your own body crumpling and falling into the lake, bereft of the brain's animating control over its musculature.

DEAD END


Tiger Dojo is a strange hint corner.
If you would like to beat the game by yourself,
or if you would like to keep the characters' images, please be warned.

>>3328978
No anon, Sweets gives Tiger Dojos for every 1 rolled.

>>3328962
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_asNhzXq72w
I think it's kinda bullshit that a die roll decided how we act rather than an actual matter of chance, but whatever. Death isn't that big of a deal, really.

>>3328981
Hey, something got deleted! What was the reply I missed while writing this time's skit?

>>3328991
You'll understand what's up with this roll once you survive it. It only affects your behavior on a 1.

>>3328992
Someone (presumably) thought the whole quest was over because we died.

File: 1550861686225.png (134 KB, 256x283)

134 KB PNG

>>3328992
Just this face.

>>3328992
Somebody being sad because they thought it was Game Over for good.

>>3328962
Did we just pull a shinji?

>>3329012
Almost, but not quite. Shinji at least has the good sense to hide behind either an obstacle or a servant when he's talking like a big shot.

>>3329023
This servant is an asshole.
>challenged to show themselves
>decapitates challenger.
Where's the chivalry?

File: Dojo 3.jpg (165 KB, 800x600)

165 KB JPG

You come to back in the martial-arts hall. Honestly, this time even you know that was a mistake. You just couldn't keep cool.
Confronting you once again is the smiling chestnut-haired woman who claims to be a teacher.

"Hi, is everyone doing well? This is the Tiger Dojo, the place to save those who fought hard in vain and died!"

She gives a little wave. You look around for 'everyone,' but you're the only one here.

"Wait." There it is, the rage coming up in her face. This is going to be a repeat of last time, you just know it.

"YOU DIDN'T FIGHT AT ALL, THOUGH! Or more like, you were too eager to fight! Too eager! Chesto~!"

You receive a shinai strike right to the neck. It's too appropriate! The sensitivity from having just been decapitated magnifies the pain.

"And so, since no advice will be helpful for someone who made such an obvious mistake, today we'll be doing striking practice! On this target right here! Introducing... Disciple #1!"

A young girl in a gym uniform, with white hair and red eyes, enters through a side door, carrying her own smaller shinai.

"Hi~. Pleased to meet you, Onii-chan!"

Unfortunately for you, 'Disciple #1' seems as eager and gleeful as her instructor to dish out the punishment. As she gets into her stance, the instructor continues speaking.

"In conclusion: Watch out for surprise attacks! Take this Tiger Stamp! Not, Disciple #1, get ready..."

STRIKE!
STRIKE!
STRIKE!
STRIKE!
STRIKE!
...
..
.

Roll d20. Best of 5, since this is your second try.

>>3329066
>Not, Disciple #1
Oops. Should read "Now, Disciple #1".

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3329066
Heart of the dice, guide me.

>>3329096
Y'all are taking this fight straight from one extreme to the other. I love it.

WRITING...

File: closer.png (855 KB, 680x816)

855 KB PNG

>>3329096
OOOOOOOH BABY

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3329096
Is that our first 20?
Also rolling for what could have been

Heeding Caster's advice, you hang back just outside the circle of trees. Caster begins chanting, low enough that the sound of the wind masks her words.
A few moments pass in the near-stillness, and then, in a blur of motion, a figure leaps from the darkness to strike.

Unfortunately, he's left it too late, and the trees around you weave into a protective shield, animated by Caster's spell. The attacking figure is caught like a fly in a web, and you can see he's clad as an ancient soldier of some kind, lightly clothed in a red and white cloth uniform tunic, armed with a long spear that's been stopped mid-thrust, a few inches from your throat. An ornate bronze helmet, cast with rich decoration, covers his head and face.

Before you can inspect the enemy further, the stretched tree-limbs bounce back, launching the enemy Servant across the clearing with great force. He slams bodily into the ruined cottage and falls into the lake limply, presumably unconscious.

"Master!" Caster calls out, "Your orders, please!"

>[ ] "Go on the offensive. Make sure the enemy Servant is destroyed." (Pride)

>[ ] "Stay defensive; above all, make sure we're protected." (Self-preservation)

>[ ] Something else (Write in)

This would be a good time to mention what I've decided regarding the request for character development. At the last vote, you folks ended up split between pride and self-preservation as your motivations. That's how I'm writing Rushorou now, but the choices you make will push him towards one or the other extreme. Of course, there will be other options, and custom write-ins are always available. If you want to change Rushorou's focus, shape it through his actions and I'll adjust accordingly over time.

>>3329096
So this is the power of the superior lifeform..

>>3328991
As you can now (hopefully) see, the roll was for how well Caster defended you. You only ignored her because it was a critical fail.

>>3329169
>[ ] "Go on the offensive. Make sure the enemy Servant is destroyed." (Pride)

>>3329169
>[ ] "Go on the offensive. Make sure the enemy Servant is destroyed." (Pride)
Fucking Lancer. What an asshole.

>>3329169
>[ ] "Go on the offensive. Make sure the enemy Servant is destroyed." (Pride)
Let's make good use of that 20. Also, quietly tell the boys to take cover and be ready to strike. Servants have Masters, after all, and while none of us are mages, a 3v1 (or 2v1, Ogawara's combat prowess is iffy) might yield results.

>>3329219
Yeah a normal human being fighting a servant or magus is begging for death.
In terms of parameters if 1 was the normal value then E is 10.
Which is
Really odd.

>>3329227
I don't expect to be able to take on a servant. We don't know the enemy master's capabilities, but if Caster goes on the offensive, we should at least be ready to not keel over immediately if the enemy master comes after us while she's busy.

Rolled 11, 14 = 25 (2d20)

>>3329169
>[X] "Go on the offensive. Make sure the enemy Servant is destroyed." (Pride)
>[X] "Matsuda, Ogawara. Take cover, and be ready in case the enemy Master comes after us." (Duty)

Roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3329260

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3329260
Kill him, kill him now...

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3329260

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3329260
Let's see if I can roll well for once...

Thinking quickly, you conclude that the only way to resolve this situation is decisive action. At the same time, you can't ignore your companions.

"Caster, go on the offensive! Make sure the enemy Servant is utterly destroyed! Matsuda, Ogawara, take cover and get ready in case the enemy Master attacks. We don't know how powerful they are yet."

Ogawara agrees eagerly, quickly hiding himself in the undergrowth, but Matsuda is more reluctant. He grumbles as he steps behind a sheet of hanging leaves, keeping his fists out and eyeing the scenery in every direction. You can't watch these two forever, though; you return focus to Caster's fight.

Caster is using her flight to maintain a steady advantage, hovering over the lake and pouring magical energy into it. Under the bombardment, nothing can get out, and you're satisfied to see steam rising from the water. Even if the enemy remains submerged, he'll cook soon enough.

Unfortunately, you're surprised out of this satisfying view of overwhelming victory by a deep voice from behind you.

"Why don't you call that Servant of yours off. I really don't think it would be wise for you to continue."

You whirl around to see a tall man in a priest's cassock about ten feet behind you, with shoulder-length dark hair and a malicious smirk. He has one hand pinning Matsuda's arms behind him and the other pressing a knife to the delinquent's neck, and although you can see Matsuda straining the priest's grip is unshakable.

"I just came to have a friendly chat with you, to be honest. Unfortunately, Assassin and I don't always see... eye-to-eye on such matters, and he jumped the gun. So why don't we let bygones be bygones and talk, like gentlemen?"

How do you respond?

>[ ] "...fine. We'll talk. Caster, stand down!" (Duty/Compassion)

>[ ] "Caster, keep up the bombardment! Destroy the enemy!" (Pride/Sadism)

>[ ] "I'm sorry, Matsuda, but I can't surrender for your sake." (Pride/Duty)

>>3329362
>[ ] "...fine. We'll talk. Caster, stand down!" (Duty/Compassion)
God damn it.
We should ask Caster if she can give us buffs.

>Finish the fight
VS
>Protect your charge
Fuuuuck man.
>>3329362
>[ ] "...fine. We'll talk. Caster, stand down!" (Duty/Compassion)

>>3329362
>[ ] "I'm sorry, Matsuda, but I can't surrender for your sake." (Pride/Duty)

>>3329362
>[ ] "...fine. We'll talk. Caster, stand down!" (Duty/Compassion)
Shit. If nothing else, we've learned what another master looks like. Though if this is really Assassin, how did Caster see through Presence Concealment? Might be worth asking her later to see if we're being lied to.

Out of curiosity, would this priest happen to have the voice of Jouji Nakata?

>>3329385
We should try to learn to be Kuzuki 2.0 as soon as possible.

>[X] "...fine. We'll talk. Caster, stand down!" (Duty/Compassion)

>>3329428
This is an entirely original character voiced by Nakata Jouji, yes.

Seeing Matsuda pinned like that drains the will to fight from you. To sacrifice him now, for the sake of a transient victory, would make you the kind of brutal commander history always reviles; an Oda Nobunaga, rather than a Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Keeping your eyes locked to the enemy Master's, you reluctantly assent.

"...fine, we'll talk. Caster, stand down!"

Caster is audibly confused at the command, but complies nonetheless, tapering off her magical attacks as she asks, "Are you sure, Master? It shouldn't take much longer to boil this weasel!"

"Yes, I'm sure. Come down here."

As Caster alights beside you, she gasps, realizing the situation. At the same time, the priest lets out a sigh of relief.

"Fuuu... I'm glad you can see sense, young man. Assassin, to me!"

After a splash and a rustle of foliage, the damp soldier is standing at attention behind the priest, who hands off Matsuda with practiced grace and stows his knife somewhere within his cassock. Silently, Assassin takes up the duty of holding Matsuda, with his spearpoint resting on the delinquent's carotid.

"Now," the priest says, at his ease, "I think an introduction is in order. My name is Cid Ajisartous; you can call me Cid." He extends a hand to shake, smirking all the while, and you can't help but feel you're being forced to act out a play in decidedly poor taste.
As you shake the proffered hand and open your mouth to provide your own introduction, Cid cuts you off. "Now, I don't have any questions for you, Yumigawa Rushorou, but I'm certain you have plenty you'd like to ask me. You see, I'm the one organizing this little tournament, and I'm sure your Servant has been able to provide you with only a partial explanation. Tell me, young man. What would you like to know about the Holy Grail War?"

>[ ] Ask away (Write in your questions) (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] "I'd like to know when you'll let Matsuda go and get out of my sight. No other questions, though." (Pride)

>>3329704
>[ ] "I'd like to know when you'll let Matsuda go and get out of my sight. No other questions, though." (Pride)
Fucking priests.

>>3329704
>>3329704
>[ ] "I'd like to know when you'll let Matsuda go and get out of my sight. No other questions, though." (Pride)
Kill the other masters, don’t die like an idiot. Simple as. Damn if I wouldn’t prefer to have this super-threat already done and dusted, even if it cost us one of the boys. Internally wonder how much sense it makes for and organizer of such an event to have a servant, thereby directly involving them in the proceedings

>>3329704
>[ ] Ask away (Write in your questions) (Self-Preservation)
Well, since you opened the floodgates, Sweets...
>"You're organizing the tournament AND participating? That hardly seems fair - what gives?"
>"I've heard the basics, but are there any rules beyond 'don't die'?"
(This hardly seems to be a standard Church-overseen HGW, after all)
>"How do you know who I am, and why did you choose me to participate?"
>"Who destroyed the city and why?"

>>3329740
>Well, since you opened the floodgates, Sweets...
Have to hit all the proper HGW story-beats and get the character's knowledge as close as possible to parity with the players', after all.
Of course, if you folks want to reject exposition, go right ahead.

>>3329704
ah god damn it
>>3329714 will switch to >>3329740

>>3329704
I support >>3329740

Much as you'd like to tell this bastard to let Matsuda go and begone, you do have a number of questions about the Holy Grail War, since Caster's knowledge was anything but complete.
After considering the most important information for a few moments, you compile a mental list of questions and rattle them off to the priest. You want this conversation over and done with as soon as possible.

"Alright, Cid, I do have some questions for you. First, are you organizing and participating in this 'tournament'? That hardly seems like the fair thing to do, for someone who'd describe it like a game. Second, are there any more rules to the war? All I've heard so far is 'don't die.' Third, how do you know who I am, and why did you choose me to participate? In short, what's your relation to me? Lastly, who destroyed the city, and what for?"

The priest just smiles in the face of your angry stream of questions. He waits until you're quite done, and explains with the measured speech of an experienced preacher.

"To answer your first question, I am not participating in the tournament. The Holy Grail War has seven participants, including yourself, and I do not number among them. There is one Master for each class of Servant. My own is merely a useful adminitrative tool, ensuring my safety in the face of the power at the competitors' disposal. As I said earlier, I had no intention of attacking you. Unfortunately, you're the seventh person I've spoken to on the subject this morning, and Assassin became quite tired of peaceful conversation, it seems."

Cid chuckles, turning an eye to his Servant. Assassin is, as he implied, visibly tense, his eyes focused on Caster.

"As to your second question, there is only one rule. When only one Servant of the seven survives, his or her Master is the victor; to that victorious pair is granted a wish, by the omnipotent power of the Holy Grail. Each Servant was summoned by their yearning, some unfulfilled desire or great regret which they attained during the course of their life. Similarly, every participant chosen bears a great desire within himself, whether conscious or unconscious.
Masters and Servants, before you is the golden opportunity to have your heart's desire made manifest. I have no doubt that your hearts fill even now with gratitude to almighty God for granting you this good fortune.
Ah, but I am becoming distracted. I was speaking of the rules. Whether you kill the enemy Masters and Servants together or only slay the Servants is immaterial. Even targeting the Masters is a valid strategy, as Servants subsist on their energy. I should warn you, though, that if a Masterless Servant and a Master without a Servant meet, they can forge a new contract. That, I believe, is everything you need to know about the conduct of the War."

As the priest lectures on the details of the Holy Grail War, you have ample time to observe him, idly speculating as to his nature and origins. The first thing that stands out about him is his height. You're tall for your age, but he still overtops you by a head; he's 6'4", at least. The second notable detail is his ethnicity. He clearly isn't Asian, but he doesn't match your expectations of a European, either. He's darker than that, and his hair is quite wavy. If you had to place him, it would be somewhere in the Middle East, or possibly Mediterranean Europe.

"Regarding your identity and participation, I must first explain the nature of the world in which you find yourself. This is not, as you no doubt imagined, reality. Rather, it is a parallel realm, created through a highly potent and time-consuming ritual. Indeed, it is a work of magecraft approaching the realm of True Magic. When I speak of organizing the Holy Grail War, I do so because it was I who conducted this ritual.
You see, the summoning of the Holy Grail is an art that is no longer possible in reality. Thanks to the efforts of some highly determined anti-establishment members of the Mages' Association, all traces of the mystery facilitating the Holy Grail War were destroyed. It was only by creating an alternate realm, modeled on the past, that I was able to retrieve the technique. It is this artificial world which you now inhabit.
Now, moving on to your selection, and why I first needed to explain the nature of this world. I did not select you or your six opponents specifically. Instead, I brought to this world a random assortment of 1,050 inhabitants of developed nations around the world which regularly produce mages. I then spread these contestants through seven cities, identical to that in which you awoke. These cities provided the preliminary round of the tournament, in which the tasks were to survive, find a Place of Purity where they could obtain a Servant, and escape the city as it was destroyed. Although thirty of these initial contestants succeeded in surviving and escaping, the Grail War needs only seven participants. The rest of the survivors will be... backup, I suppose. Potential replacement Masters.
Now, I believe that covers all of your questions. Are you ready to go forth and obtain your wish?"

You want to have done with it and say goodbye to Cid. You really, truly are absolutely fed up with his droning, monotonous voice and smug manner. There is one more detail nagging at you, though, and you can't finish the conversation until you get an answer.

"Not quite. There's something wrong with that setup: the coins. When I woke up here, I had five coins, and they were consumed by a goblet; I assume that thing, and the church it was in, are the 'place of purity' you're referring to, but that doesn't make sense. Matsuda and Ogawara didn't have coins; how would they have gotten Servants, if they were potential Masters?"

Cid smiles, like a teacher whose favorite student has volunteered an important answer.

"That's right, the coins. Good catch. There were only enough to summon seven Servants; as I said, the War needs no more. However, money does change hands quite often, doesn't it? I'll tell you now, you are the only one of the seven Masters who woke up here with the necessary funds to obtain a Servant. As to how the others got them... I'll leave it to your imagination."

Before you can think of a reply, Cid has signalled Assassin to release Matsuda, turned on his heel, and retreated into the shadows of the forest. He leaves one more piece of advice behind him:

"Keep heading North, young man! It's there, in the eighth city, that you'll find the War!"

What do you do?

>[ ] Head North, as Cid suggested. (Duty)

>[ ] Talk to Caster (Write In) (Attribute dependent on subject)

>[ ] Talk to Matsuda (Write In) (Attribute dependent on subject)

>>3330186
>[ ] Talk to Matsuda ("I'm going to fight. Do you want to come?")
>[ ] Talk to Caster ("Was he lying at all?" "What could you get out of Assassin?")

>>3330186
>[ ] Talk to Matsuda
>Pull out Ogawara for this too
“The reality of the matter here is that, by following me, your life will be in danger do to the nature of this competition. Are you willing to accept that?”
Or something along those lines at least. Failing to eliminate this servant due to the presence of lessers is.... mildly bothersome to one such as ourself.

File: orz.jpg (76 KB, 600x450)

76 KB JPG

>>3330233
>Ogawara
>I forgot about Ogawara
>Legitimately just forgot he was there, didn't think of him at all while writing this
I now know how it feels to be a failure of a QM

>>3330244
Poor guy is forgettable by nature, and we did basically throw him into the bushes for this encounter. It’s a reasonable mistake. If anything, it’s a testament to your ability to stay IC!

>>3330233
>do to the
I have a typo in every damned writein I make, I swear on my life

Reminder, I'm still looking for someone to archive the last thread. Anyone?

>>3330233
This is actually a very important point to consider before proceeding.

>>3330216
>>3330233
Both of these, basically. Ask Caster those questions and ask Ogawara and Matsuda if they still want to join us.

>>3330316
Alright, if nobody's opposed I'm going to lock that in as the player consensus and start writing.

>>3330301
I don't know if it's ideal, but I'm pretty sure archived.moe archives everything automatically.
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/3319225/

>>3330341
Interesting. All the other multi-thread quests use suptg, so I figured that was the way to go. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to set the thing up.

>>3330216
What do you mean by "What could you get out of Assassin?" Normally I'd assume that meant interrogation, but that's obviously not what's happening here.

>>3330353
I think I archived it right in suptg

File: EDDE3A85-075E-4AB3-B952-1(...).jpg (101 KB, 1242x448)

101 KB JPG

>>3330353
Suptg is a tradition dating back to the earliest quests, back in the primidorial days of teegee and the prime days of the chans. It’s actually quite simple to archive there: go to this link http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/requestqstinterface.html?

And fill out the form provided. I suggest looking through the archive and emulating the formats of quests well into their 30th thread.

>>3330383
Looked it up; you did indeed, thanks!
>>3330386
Thank you for pointing that out! I got to that page, and somehow only read the manual archival instructions, because I am a moron! From this point on, I'll use the request form.

>>3330362
By that I meant "What could you figure out about Assassin during the fight?"
Basically, what does Circe have to say about Assassin beyond "sneaky and stabby"?

As the priest fades from view, you reflect on what he's said. It's a lot to take in, and it's more than a little difficult to believe. An omnipotent wish-granting device that can only be summoned in an artificial reality? You'd certainly have called him insane a few days ago, but now, after battling animate skeletons and watching Caster at her work, you have a much harder time denying anything.

Caster. Your mind reeling, you fix on her. She's your Servant, and a powerful magus; she should be able to help you work out whether anything the priest was saying is true.

"Caster, did what he said seem true to you? It's bizarre, to say the least. Was he lying?"

"We~ell," she hesitates before answering, "it does all seem very odd. Even when I was alive, magi didn't go around creating their own worlds. Still, I'd say he was telling the truth; at least as far as he believes. I've spent a lot of time with liars, and I've learned pretty well how to spot a lie. As far as that priest is concerned, he was giving you the Gods' own truth."

"I see," you respond, tone grim. It's not the kind of definite answer you were hoping for, and Cid didn't display any incredible world-shaping powers. What if he's just a maniac who found out your name through some other means? Caster said he didn't lie, but it's not as if he specifically stated how he learned your name, and that's the most impressive ability he demonstrated.

At any rate, it's not a question you can answer definitely right now. You may as well operate on the assumption that what he said was at least partially true; there are six other Masters, and another city to the North that will serve as the battleground. For the sake of the unknown desire within you, you'll seek after the Grail, whether it's real or not.

"One other thing," you continue, shifting topics from the priest, "What could you tell about Assassin from the fight?"

"Not much," Caster declares bluntly. "He seems to be a fairly weak heroic spirit; there was relatively little energy animating him. He did have a lot of it clinging to him, though, as if he's under some kind of powerful passive effect. In terms of his actual combat ability, you saw the whole thing; he was a trivial enemy."

"Oh, that's right!" Caster brightens, remembering anothe subject, "This has to do with what Cid said, as well as Assassin's abilities. Assassins usually have an ability called Presence Concealment, which allows them to hide from other Servants. This one wasn't using it when we ran into him, though, which certainly implies that the decision to attack was a spur-of-the-moment thing."

"Interesting." That certainly does hold the whole 'lost control of Assassin' story together, although it doesn't do anything for the rest of Cid's spiel.

(Continued)

File: qa2c04f24.jpg (19 KB, 175x400)

19 KB JPG

>>3330728
Also, does Assassin look a bit like this?
That would imply that he's a Hoplite, so he might be from the Trojan War.
If he's Greek, Circe might recognize him.

>>3330772
>He seems to be a fairly weak heroic spirit; there was relatively little energy animating him.
So he's a C-lister hero, or has Uncrowned Arms Mastership.
>He did have a lot of it clinging to him, though, as if he's under some kind of powerful passive effect.
A skill or NP? Circe couldn't tell a lot about him, so maybe he has something like Helm of Hidden Infidelity, or she just didn't see much during the fight.

>>3330797
I'm still writing the continuation of this scene, but I'll take a moment here to say this.
She didn't see much. Assassin spent 90% of the fight at the bottom of the lake.
There are several details that differ a fair amount from that art, but the spear and tunic are somewhat correct. More detail in a bit.

Having made your resolve to fight, you turn to Matsuda and Ogawara, who's finally crawled out of the bushes now that he's certain the danger is gone. These two are problematic. They're baggage, of a sort. As a natural leader, you already feel it's your responsibility to keep them safe, but in this War that could mean your own death. And so, you mentally prepare a statement that will prepare them for the danger to come and send them away if they aren't resolved to face it.

"You two, I have to tell you this. If you continue to follow me, your lives will be put in danger due to the nature of this competition. According to that priest, there are six other Masters, with Servants as powerful as Caster, all looking to kill me. I can't promise I'll always be able to protect you; Matsuda, your experience just now made that painfully clear. I want you to know that if you decide to part ways with me here, I won't hold it against you. Knowing all that, will you still follow me?"

The two stare at you for a long moment, caught between the possibilities. Matsuda is the first to speak, putting a scarred hand on your shoulder.

"Kaichou, you've saved my life twice since we showed up here. Four times, if ya count when missy over there saved the lot o' us from those skeletons. When that bastard had his knife to my throat, you knew it might mean yer own death if ya gave up. But ya still did, 'cause ya didn't want ta see me dead. That's how a real man leads, Kaichou. How a real badass leads. If I left ya here an' never paid ya back, I'd be tha shame o' Cromartie High."

Matsuda pats you heavily on the shoulder, which is probably the closest he can get to a hug. Then he turns to Ogawara, waiting for the smaller boy's response. Ogawara trembles, manifestly feeling the effects, not only of the battle, but also of Matsuda's declaration. Finally he opens his mouth to speak.

"Th-th-th-th-tha-" Matsuda falters again and again on the first syllable, finally stopping and taking a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to try and dispell his omnipresent nervous tension.
"That's a-absurd, Yumigawa-san!" When he finally gets the nerve up to speak, Ogawara practically shouts his resolve. "This is amazing; it's exactly the kind of thing I used to, ah, to watch in anime, or act out in g-games! You don't, um. You don't think I'd really w-want to go back h-home, do you? I, I, I want to be a p-part of this War! I'll keep following you e-even if it means, well, even, ah, e-e-even if I could die!"

So, Ogawara is resolved as well. You're not sure how to feel about the dedication these two are showing. On the one hand, it's heartening to know they're so loyal, but on the other you remain worried over the potential for them to end up as liabilities. As you're pondering the future course of your small squadron in this War, Matsuda speaks up.

(Continued)

"Look, Kaichou. I didn't get a chance to say this 'til now. Things just didn't seem quite right with everythin' goin' on, but now we've got a minute, and well..." He's being uncharacteristically hesitant, piquing your curiosity. What could have the stalwart Matsuda so spooked?

"Look, you just oughta take a look at yer reflection in that lake, alright?"

Behind Matsuda, you can see Ogawara nodding frantically, and looking... anticipatory? It's true that you haven't seen your reflection since you appeared in this world, but what about your appearance could trigger this kind of response in the two? Going along with matters, you walk over to the lake, which has returned to its pre-battle calm. Leaning over and peering at yourself, you see...

"GAH!"

What the hell was that! You fall backwards in shock, stumbling into a seated position on the ground! In the water you saw yourself... changed. You look again, hoping it was an illusion or momentary trick of the light, but no such luck. Your hair and skin have both become pure white; unnaturally so, as if sculpted from marble. Your eyes have changed as well, becoming a deep wine-red. Besides this upheaval of coloration, your features seem to have shifted subtly, becoming sharper and more prominent. The structure of your face has a commanding, regal air to it that was never there before, as if some inner spirit of command has manifested to reshape your profile.

Utterly shocked, you turn to Matsuda and shout, "When did that happen? How long have I been like that?" Even as the words leave your lips, though, you have the sinking feeling that you know.
As if to confirm your suspicions, it's Caster, not Matsuda, who next speaks up.
"You've looked like that at least since I first saw you, Master. Did something happen? You used to have a different face, is that it?"

You'd normally be unnerved by the accuracy of her guess, but that's not what's on your mind now, as Matsuda sheepishly answers your question.

"Ta be honest, Kaichou, ya changed while ya were out, in that church. It was tha craziest thing, just watchin' yer face flow and change like that. I thought ya were dead, 'til ya woke up; it was Ogawara who said we had ta stay behind, and that ye'd be sure ta pull through."

Sure enough, the change came over you during that strange dream. You wouldn't have guessed that "directing the power within" would shift your appearance, though.

At any rate, it seems there's nothing more to do in the clearing. Do you...

>[ ] Head North, to the Eighth City (Write in any notes on formation, plans, or other aspects of how you travel)

>[ ] Do something else in this glade (I really can't imagine what you'd do here, but I wanted to give you folks an option after all these sequential posts.)

>>3330860
>[ ] Head North, to the Eighth City (Write in any notes on formation, plans, or other aspects of how you travel)

Matsuda, us, ogawara, caster. At a moderate pace. While tal ko ingredients tactics with matsuda and caster.

Have we been told about what command seals actually do? Also if we are not a mage how effective/efficient is caster?

>>3330900
>While tal ko ingredients

Is ment to be while talking about

>>3330773
While I'm waiting for more votes on the next course of action, I'll address this. The spear is generally on that model, as is the tunic.
I'm a bit iffy on that short-sword. It looks like a gladius, but the rest of the soldier's appearance marks him as a Greek hoplite, and the gladius didn't make it out of Iberia until the Romans adopted the weapon.
At any rate, Assassin has no cape or shield, and his helmet doesn't have a horsehair brush. It's completely made out of bronze, ornamented with cast animal forms; pouncing lions on either side of the head and an eagle's upper body and head rising from the temple.

>>3331026
Interesting. However since I am not a history buff I will look to other anons to help solve who the servant is.

>>3330860
Support: >>3330900

>>3331026
>As a secondary weapon, hoplites are known to have carried a short sword known as the xiphos
It's a xiphos.

>>3330860
Supporting >>3330900
As I recall, we know command spells tie masters to servants, but not what they do beyond that. Caster has yet to complain about her supply, and didn't even know we weren't a mage at first, so we might have been given some solid magic circuits by the cup. The fact that we look like an Einzbern homunculus now also suggests that.

We should probably use this chance to ask if Caster can buff us and our crew.

>>3331069
Good point. I didn't even consider half of them.

>[X] Head North. Matsuda and Yumigawa will be in front with Ogawara and Caster in the rear. Discuss tactics and buffing possibilities with Caster.

WRITING...

If we've got a decent number of players on right now, I'd like to read your opinions on Cid's speech, and the general course of the quest. Any thoughts are fine. I'll be writing up the travel update for a bit.

>>3331094
I like the quest, it is intriguing. When and how hard can we punch CID? Also his speech was informative but I felt he was intentionally being purposely vague about some things.

>>3331094
I want Circe to transform him into a pig.

>>3331094
The quest feels like we're finally about to get the ball rolling, which is exciting. You've done a nice job so far of balancing Fate's large exposition dumps with action to keep things interesting, so in that regard I'd say the whole encounter with Cid was a success. Cid is also an asshole and I don't trust him half as far as we can throw him.

File: Forest Road 2.jpg (728 KB, 1000x783)

728 KB JPG

You're not sure you've quite gotten over the shock of your new appearance, but you don't have time to just stand around in this forest. Daylight is slipping by you, and you'll have to get to the new city early if you want to find a decent base of operations and set up shop. As everyone's in agreement about following the priest's advice, there's reason to delay any longer.

Fortunately, a road heading North continues on the other end of the clearing. The four of you make your way around the edge of the lake to it, and set out into the forest once again. Unlike the last road, though, this one is made up of wooden half-logs, cut to provide a flat surface, laid down at regular intervals over the grass, and held down with metal bars, similar to a railroad; the track isn't actually sturdy enough to function as one, though. The soil underneath is swampy enough that some kind of covering is necessary for easy progress, but you're left wondering why it wasn't possible to lay down pavement or cobblestones, when stone had previously been so ubiquitous.

The path between the trees is just wide enough for two to walk abreast, so you head forward with Matsuda and yourself in front of Ogawara and Caster. As you walk, you can't help wondering how you'll go about fighting the War. Caster had a good showing against Assassin, but she also said he was a relatively weak Servant. Curious for her opinion on the matter, you turn to address her.

"Caster, what are your thoughts on our tactics in the Holy Grail War? Going into a free-for-all against six radically different enemies... to be honest, I don't have any good ideas as to a course of action."

The sorceress had previously been looking subdued during the silent march, but brightens up in response to your question. "Actually, Master, when it comes to tactics you can consider yourself blessed to have summoned me! To tell you the truth, most of history's heroes weren't well-suited to planning. Those muscle-heads will probably just wander around the city, looking for enemies, and call it a 'patrol'. Can you imagine fighting something they call a War in such a brainless way? Kyahahaha~!" After letting out a peal of laughter at the expected stupidity of her foes, Caster continues, growing serious as she expands on her own intentions.
"Anyway, my plan is to begin by examining the leylines of the city where we'll be fighting. That will allow me to find the place where the most power is concentrated and establish my Temple there. That's one of the abilities of a Caster, Territory Creation; we can establish an area where our magical powers are enhanced significantly, and use it to draw the ambient magical energy of the earth into our own magecraft. Of course, that's not to say the energy you're supplying me with now is insufficient. In fact, there's plenty of it! I'd never have guessed you aren't a magus if you hadn't confessed to me. Still, being able to collect more energy is always the best thing for a Servant.
Once I've established my Temple, all I have to do is continuously fortify the place with traps! Since magic used within my Temple will keep getting stronger the longer I keep the territory established, it'll eventually become quite impregnable. At that point, all we need to do is send out some of my familiars to draw the enemy Servants to us."

It's certainly a powerful strategy, but you can't help feeling it's a bit passive. What will you do if someone else is already established at the place where the leylines yield the most power, and what's your role in this plan of hers, for that matter? Picking your words carefully, you reply.

"That's certainly a very detailed plan, Caster, but I wonder if it doesn't have some room for improvement. What am I supposed to be doing while all this is going on, for example?"

Caster immediately begins to pout at having her plan criticized, and starts to address your point with, "We~ll..." but you roll over her, trying to get your own suggestion in before the witch can come up with another option.

"I've seen that you empower your familiars with magecraft. Perhaps you could enchant the three of us similarly? Matsuda and I did succeed in fighting a few skeletons before we met you, but compared to Servants, our physical capabilities just don't seem sufficient."

Caster brightens again at the idea. "Ooh, that would be fun! You know, changing the body is really my forte! Once we get my Temple established, I'll start brewing up a medicine that will have you boys fighting on par with heroes in no time!"

Roll d100

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>3331178

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>3331178
Dice goes please be good to me.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>3331178

>>3331178

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>3331213
>>3331178
I forgot the die lmao

As you and Caster have been discussing the tactics of the war, you've covered a fair amount of ground, and the trees are thinning. The soil has dried out as well, and the path of planks has been replaced by a beaten dirt track. Thick underbrush has given way to waist-high, bright green grass, and it isn't long before you exit the forest entirely, to see a wide expanse of tall grass and rolling hills on either side of the path. A breeze flows over the hills, rustling the grass in great waves, and keeping the heat of the now exposed sun from being too intense.

As you continue down the path, hours pass, and the sun rises high into, and then begins to traverse, the dome of blue sky above; it's gotten to be early afternoon by now, and the heat is beating down on the four of you, the morning's breeze no more than a fond memory. It's amazing the difference trees make; the temperature has to be 10 or 15 degrees higher than it was in the forest, though it's still more comfortable than the atmosphere in the infernal city.

You strain your eyes on the horizon, hoping to make out the faint appearance of your destination, but have no such luck. Hills obscure your view to either side of the path, and it must curve somewhere up ahead. In that direction as well, your eyes are met only by the sloping expanse of pale green foliage.

While visual investigation yields nothing, however, your ears do pick up the faint and distant sound of an argument; one side berates with high, feminine tones, while the other sounds low and resigned.

"Ugh! This heat is intolerable! Absolutely ridiculous! How far did that ridiculous priest say it was to the Eighth City, again?"

"Master, it's hardly so warm as the last place we were. Shouldn't this come as a relief to your dainty sensibilities?"

"That's not what I asked, you mannerless ox! How did you ever become a king without learning how to treat a lady?"

"I don't need to answer that, Mistress. Anyway, look there. The city's off in the distance, you can see it now we've crested the hill."

"Well, thank goodness the goal is finally in sight, at least! If I'd known I would be compelled to march like a common soldier over hill and dale, I would have..."

The voices begin to fade, becoming unintelligible. You can still hear where they're coming from, though, somewhere off to your the Northeast. Curious, you quietly move up a hill to your right, crouching to look through the grass for your fellow travelers. Sure enough, you can see two moving figures in the distance. Astounded again at how your sight has improved, you can actually make out a fair amount of detail.

>Rolled 89

Taking the lead is a young woman, around your own age, with heavy blonde curls and an ornate blue dress, possibly silk. She shields herself from the sun with a white parasol. At her side walks an older man, wearing a black cuirass with gold ornamentation, similar boots, and white trousers protected by a segmented waist-guard. He carries a large cloth sack tied to the end of a strangely hooked spear, and slung over one shoulder. In his other hand he carries a bronze helmet, evidently removed due to the heat, and its absence allows his short, wavy hair to blow loosely in the slight breeze.

Do you...

>[ ] Approach the pair, making your presence known. (Pride/Duty)

>[ ] Ambush them. (Self-Preservation/Duty)

>[ ] Ignore them, continuing on your way. (Self-Preservation)

>>3331223
>[ ] Approach the pair, making your presence known. (Pride/Duty)

After telling matsuda and ogawara to be ready to run back into the forest if things go south.

I want to attempt to be friendly, but if she is too much trouble I am prepared to cut this meeting short.

>>3331223
>>[ ] Approach the pair, making your presence known. (Pride/Duty)

Consider it as sort of a more direct recon.

>>3331241
I do want to point out I am hoping if we talk to her it's more duty then pride.

Cant out pride the ojou.

>>3331246
To be clear, the traits in parentheses are your motivations. So, you talk to her because you're too proud to set up an ambush and you see it as your duty to engage with the other Masters.
You'd ambush because you see it as your duty to defeat the other Masters, and it's safer than a head-on fight for self-preservation.
Ignoring them, obviously, is the cowardly option for self-preservation only.

>[X] Approach the pair, making your presence known. (Pride/Duty)

Looks like it's time for everyone's favorite game show...

Dueling Egos!

>>3331264
Ah. Ok, I better understand what those are now.

>>3331268
What's the top prize?

>>3331278
The respect of your peers and the moral high ground.

>>3331284
Well...I guess that will have to do.

>>3331287
There used to be a $24,000 cash prize, but Ed McMann made off with it.

>>3331291
So in other words new target acquired.

>>3331223
>[ ] Approach the pair, making your presence known. (Pride/Duty)
hoo boy this is gonna be fun

Deciding to approach the pair, you begin by cautioning Matsuda and Ogawara, "I'm going to greet those two, but stay ready. If this turns into a fight, run. Diplomacy isn't always received in the same spirit it's offered, after all."

Having said your piece, you stand up and start walking across the hills towards the potential other Master. As you walk, Caster begins chanting quietly, making some kind of magical preparations for the battle; the head of her staff is filled with light, but you're not sure what the precise purpose is.
As you get closer to the pair of strangers, you call out to them in the hopes that they'll shorten your walk. The girl doesn't react, but the soldier seems to hear you. He bends down and mutters something in the girl's ear, and before long she's turned, and is heading straight for you.

The six of you meet at the crest of a hill midway between your respective original positions. The soldier, presumably Lancer, has his spear raised in a defensive posture, having laid the bag down by his feet. His opposite number, Caster, has filled her staff with charged energy, ready to launch the explosive destruction of her spells at any moment. The tension between the two of them is palpable.

The girl, on the other hand, seems quite oblivious to the dangerous atmosphere. She raises herself up to her full (unimpressive) height, levels an accusatory finger at you and demands, "Just who are you, and what do you want with me?"

You have to resist a chuckle at this display of utterly unfounded pride. Suppressing your mirth, however, you respond with an air of calm composure. "I could ask you the same question, miss. You walked over to me, after all." The girl's face reddens, but before she can let out an indignant outburst, you continue. "You needn't worry, though, I'll answer instead. My name is Yumigawa Rushorou, and I am the Master of Caster, here." You indicate Caster with a gesture. "Now, I can guess you're another Master, but I think your introduction is in order."

Flustered, the girl takes a half-step back before rallying. "Hmph! That's right, as is obvious, I am the Master of Lancer. And I'll warn you now, if you do anything foolish, he can have your head before that Caster of yours can fire off a spell!" In silent response, Lancer shifts his stance, ready to strike at any time.

Now it's your turn to be flustered, and you rapidly try to resolve the situation. You know from your experience seeing Assassin in motion that Lancer, if he's faster than the 'weak servant,' probably could cut you down faster than Caster could protect you.

"Woah, hang on," you implore, raising your hands in a conciliatory gesture. "I don't want to fight you, just to talk. No need to do anything drastic."

You wait for a moment, before Lancer leans over and mutters to the girl, "He's not lying. Really is just here to talk," before raising his spear into a more relaxed stance.

Seeming mollified by this course of events, the girl continues in a calmer tone. "Ahem. Yes, I was introducing myself. I am Truvietianne Edelfelt, greatest prodigy in 13 generations of the ancient and mighty Edelfelt house! You have my permission to kneel, if the realization of my station has overtaken you. Indeed, I would welcome prostration. I need a proper servant in this hostile climate, especially with this failure of an attendant dogging at my heels."

You remain solidly standing, having never so much as heard of the Edelfelts before today. Before you can formulate a response, though, Lancer has beaten you to it, seizing the opportunity to insult his Master.

"A failure, am I? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be surprising for an unfit noble with no subordinates to summon an unfit servant."

"How dare you!" Truvietianne almost squeaks in shock, "to say such a thing! It over-tops even your prior insults! Must I shoot you down again?"

Lancer, however, remains unmoved. "Go ahead, missy. Your curses have no more sting than a blunt arrow, as far as I'm concerned."

This, apparently, is the straw that breaks Truvietianne's self-restraint. She briskly marches up to Lancer and delivers a sharp kick to the nether regions, sending him crumpling to the ground. As the unfortunate Servant writhes in masculine pain, she levels a dainty finger at him and chants a short incantation, patterns on her forearm lighting up as she does so. Before long, a tiny bolt of darkness issues from her sleeve to strike Lancer's forehead, multiplying his suffering.

How do you respond?

>[ ] "I think that's enough of that, Miss Edelfelt."

>[ ] "Putting aside the conflict between you and your Servant, I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure it would be useful in the coming war."

>[ ] "Caster, is that a different variety of magecraft from what you use? It looks rather... diminutive."

>[ ] Something else? (Write in)

>>3331337
>>[ ] "Putting aside the conflict between you and your Servant, I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure it would be useful in the coming war."

>>3331337
>[ ] "I think that's enough of that, Miss Edelfelt."
>[ ] "Putting aside the conflict between you and your Servant, I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure it would be useful in the coming war."
>[ ] "By the way, Caster, was that a different variety of magecraft from what you use? It looked rather... diminutive."
Certain to irritate her, at least slightly, since it's us saying it.

>>3331337
>[ ] "Putting aside the conflict between you and your Servant, I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure it would be useful in the coming war."
Caster + Lancer combo would be pretty good if we can get along.
Also while Caster knows Age of Gods magic and can teach us the basics, the Edelfelt here can teach us how modern magic is done if we're lucky.
Also I'm betting that Assassin is gonna be Paris maybe.
If so we'll need to watch out for an overpowered NP, possibly instant kill, possibly defence ignoring.
He killed Achilles after all.

>>3331347
>Also I'm betting that Assassin is gonna be Paris maybe.
Paris was an archer in life, because he was a total pussy, while Assassin is apparently a spearman; furthermore, Paris was known for his handsomeness, but Assassin's face wasn't described at all.

>>3331337
>[ ] "Caster, is that a different variety of magecraft from what you use? It looks rather... diminutive." (Quietly if possible.)
Then after a few moments
>[ ] "Putting aside the conflict between you and your Servant, I'd like to propose a partnership. I'm sure it would be useful in the coming war."


After all it would be arrogant to say
>[ ] "I think that's enough of that, Miss Edelfelt

>>3331356
>After all it would be arrogant
Who do you think we are?

>>3331363
A nice, pleasant, good child?

>>3331355
Assassin was wearing a mask; that's how you know he's a real Assassin-class Servant.

Also, I've been forgetting to post this, but STATUS UPDATED
I've added information to the status sheet in the OP over the course of this thread. In future, I'll try to remember to add the notifier to the update where Yumigawa actually learns the thing.

>>3331363
There's a time and a place for arrogance.
It's not during the possible formation of a partnership, however.

>[X] Team up, with a dash of arrogance.

Roll me some d20s, folks.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3331376
sigh

>>3331366
>Assassin (Administrative)
Cid's just a retard for not using a Ruler

>>3331381
There are several reasons why a Ruler-class servant wouldn't work for his purposes. Think on the subject, and I'm sure you'll come up with them.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3331376

>>3331382
So he's going for the grail himself?
Perhaps he's teamed up with another master...
Also most Rulers are moralfags.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3331376
Watch my 1

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3331376
Good morning roll.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3331376

Everyone, I am just too tired to finish this update now. It's 3:30am here, and I need some sleep. I'll get up and post the next update in a few hours.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3331376
Late roll, just to see.

If we do manage a team up then we might be able to find some radios or something in the next city, hopefully.
Magi are worthless with technology and it's an incredibly easy way to communicate.
Alternatively, we've got Caster so we can probably ask her to make something like that.

>>3331405
(Magical communication items though, not actual radios.)

>>3331405
>Magi are worthless with technology
um ok sure
>Alternatively, we've got Caster so we can probably ask her to make something like that.
Why don't we just get some radios and make them into Mystic Codes?

>>3331408
We don't know the state of the next city
If it's in ruins we're out of luck.
If it's just abandoned or is populated we'll be fine.
Also there's a chance that she'll mess up and leave the WalkieTalkie/Radio broadcasting when talking to Lancer if she's planning a betrayal.
I hope we can get along though.

>>3331367
The time and place for arrogance is all times when it won’t get us killed anon

>>3331716
So you mean a time where the person we're talking with can't say "Lancer, kill him" and have us impaled before Caster can do anything?
We're arrogant sure, but we know the value of good first impressions.
Especially with death being a possibility.

>>3331408
>Magi are worthless with technology
A well known fact. Truvietianne will probably be unable to use a phone, and I wouldn't be too confident about her ability to use a radio. Our best bet for communication would probably be to rely on Caster's Tool Creation A+

Oh man, "A few hours" turned into 9. At least I'm well-rested now.

>Rolled 18

This girl is... something else. You can hardly believe you're watching someone fail so utterly to get along with their Servant, the one entity supposed to be totally loyal. You let out an involuntary sigh of disappointment, to whisper to Caster, "Was that a different variety of magecraft from what you use? It looks rather... diminutive."

Caster is visibly gratified to see you've noticed her superiority, and makes no effort to restrain her own voice. "Fu~fun. Of course it was a different type! You don't think some little girl using modern magecraft could possibly match the powers of a legendary enchantress such as myself, do you?"

This earns you a furious look from Truvietianne, and you half-wonder if she'll turn her 'curse' on you next. Before she can, though, you quickly seize upon a plan to change the dynamic of the situation. Right now your group all stands about five feet from the girl and her Servant, but you walk directly to her, projecting a confidence that, honestly, is all bluff; the magical formations on her arm are still glowing, and you have the feeling things could go wrong at any moment.
All the same, you get close enough to look down into her eyes, using your superior height (and newfound looks) for a psychological advantage. You consider putting a hand on her shoulder or waist, but decide that would be pushing it too far for a first meeting.

Keeping your voice cool and collected by force of will, you suggest, "Let's put our Servants aside for the moment; I can see you and I are both used to a more refined sort of manners than they show."
Already, the girl is softening. Implying you have the same sort of absurd discord with your servant she does was clearly the way to go. With her mood improved a bit, you press on to your real goal.

"I'd like to propose a partnership between you and I, to be established now, while we remain outside the city that's to be our arena. The affinity between Lancer and Caster is obvious, and I would be honored to work alongside such a manifestly talented magus as yourself."

Now for the clincher. You lean in even closer, bringing your face almost to hers, and whisper, "Does that Servant of yours really seem like a man you can rely on? Walk beside me, and we'll seize victory together."

Truvietianne's face is, at this point, reddening slightly, although her expression makes it unclear whether she's angry or embarassed. Despite having Lancer as an attendant, she's clearly quite unused to spending time around young men, and she rapidly backs off, pushing you away from her at the same time. Having regained her distance, she breathes for a moment before giving you a hard stare, presumably looking for faults.

"...V-very well. Although I'm unsure whether it's wise to remain around such a dubious gentleman as yourself, I can agree to your alliance. This is supposedly a rather chaotic battle, after all; a group of two collaborators could be a rather potent force."

After a brief pause, the girl continues, "However! Know that I will not tolerate any more of such forward behaviour from you! While I can understand the spell my beauty may place on a man, I am far above the reach of one such as you, an anonymous wanderer of no known background!"

As Truvietianne finishes her declaration, silence descends again. How do you respond?

>[ ] "I'm glad you see the important roll an alliance can play here. Now, let's move on to the Eighth City." (Pride)

>[ ] "I'm sure this alliance will benefit us both greatly. Now, in that spirit, why don't you tell me about your Servant? What can Lancer do?" (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] "Oh, I almost forgot. The two others with me are Matsuda-kun and Ogawara-kun. They're other survivors of my city, and we're working together. I guess you could call them my attendants." (Compassion)

>[ ] Something else? (Write in)

File: 1510274640680.png (56 KB, 450x170)

56 KB PNG

>>3332556
>[ ] "Oh, I almost forgot. The two others with me are Matsuda-kun and Ogawara-kun. They're other survivors of my city, and we're working together. I guess you could call them my attendants." (Compassion)

Smug internally.

>>3332556
>[ ] "Oh, I almost forgot. The two others with me are Matsuda-kun and Ogawara-kun. They're other survivors of my city, and we're working together. I guess you could call them my attendants." (Compassion)
Haha, we have subordinates and she doesn't, despite her noble status.

>>3332556
>[ ] "Oh, I almost forgot. The two others with me are Matsuda-kun and Ogawara-kun. They're other survivors of my city, and we're working together. I guess you could call them my attendants." (Compassion)
Can't forget to introduce our boys, now can we?

You dodged the option with a die-roll. Good for you!

Rolled 19, 1, 3 = 23 (3d20)

>>3332672
Let's just see if we would've managed to dead end somehow had we not dodged.

File: m_looky.gif (2.49 MB, 640x572)

2.49 MB GIF

>>3332672
Pardon my apprehensiveness, seeing that come from you.

>>3332680
We missed a tiger dojo bros....

File: GkcWYFRI_400x400.jpg (20 KB, 400x400)

20 KB JPG

>>3332680
Man that's uh.
Man.

Excellent, you've gained an ally. Now that this situation has been dealt with, you can continue to...
Wait. There's something you forgot. Matsuda and Ogawara! They've just been standing there, spectating this whole conversation!

Attempting to salvage things, you indicate the two of them with a sweeping hand and explain to Truvietianne, "Oh, I almost forgot. The two others with me are Matsuda-kun and Ogawara-kun. They're other survivors from my city, and we're working together now." Lowering your voice, so only the girl can hear, you continue, "I guess you could call them my attendants," and let out an embarrassed chuckle.

Truvietianne arches a perfect eyebrow; "Oh? You made common cause with the rabble that was around you in that inferno? I must admit I'm shocked. I simply made sure they stayed well away from me, and exited the place as quickly as possible."

Passing a lace handkerchief over her brow, she changes the subject. "Now, if we're quite done being introduced, Yumigawa-kun, let us move on to the Eighth City. I really cannot stand the heat of this wilderness any longer. We must get to some shelter soon."

"Very well then," you assent, "Let's go."

With your group now swelled to six members, the lot of you continue on towards the Eighth City. From the pace you're making, it seems as if you'll arrive by mid-afternoon. As you walk, you...

>[ ] Go on in silence, keeping your thoughts to yourself. (Pride)

>[ ] Talk with Truvietianne (Write in)

>[ ] Talk with Caster (Write in)

>[ ] Talk with Matsuda and Ogawara (Write in)

>[ ] Talk with Lancer (Write in)

>>3332713
>>[ ] Talk with Matsuda and Ogawara (Write in)

What do you think of this arrangement so far?

>>3332713
>[ ] Talk with Caster
“So are all old mages superior to the new, or are you just a special case?”
EXPOSITION

>>3332713
>[ ] Talk with Truvietianne (Write in)
"Have you also met that priest? Cid Ajisartous, he called himself. He claims to be the organiser of this war yet has his own servant. I'm concerned he has ulterior motives as his Servant is an Assassin and attacked me and Caster upon seeing us, even if he claimed it was a misunderstanding."

Three options, locked in a brutal deadlock.
Only one can leave the circle.
The western sun beats down, sweat forming on the competitors' brows, but they don't dare blink.
When a man blinks in a standoff, it's all over.

>>3332713
>>3332748
Time to end this.

>>3332748
>>3332924
>[X] Talk with Truvietianne about Cid (Self-Preservation)

WRITING...

File: 1550352328792.png (531 KB, 500x533)

531 KB PNG

>>3332939
... and OP was never read from again.

Sorry, some stuff came up IRL. Had to go for a bit. I am back and writing now, though.

Also, I'm trying to get the full profiles, NPs, etc for all the Servants worked out at the same time as doing the quest updates proper, which is making me a bit scattered.

As you make your way towards the Eighth City, you can't help but wonder about what Cid might have said to the other contestants. Did you all hear the same story, or were there some differences? He certainly didn't seem eager to volunteer information, despite his lengthy answers to the questions you posed. You have the feeling there was plenty left out, simply because you didn't ask about it.
Turning to Truvietianne, you resolve to get the information you need, or at least some part of it, from her. You know she spoke with Cid, after all, from her earlier discussion with Lancer. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to let her find out you were listening in, though.

"Miss Edelfelt," you begin, "Have you encountered a priest since coming here?"

Truvietianne looks irritated at the question, or perhaps at the priest's memory. "Yes, I did. I've never liked those fellows from the Holy Church, and this one certainly did nothing to change my mind. He called himself Ajisartous, and had a very superior attitude. Still, I suppose we owe him some small degree of gratitude for reviving the Holy Grail War."

Interesting response. It certainly seems she ran into the same person you did, and if Truvietianne is familiar with the Grail War and its supposed dissolution, that lends more credence to what Cid told you.

"Yes, I spoke to the same person. I'm concerned about his neutrality, though. If he's the organizer of this War, why would he have a Servant of his own? An Assassin, too. He attacked Caster and I on sight, and then claimed his Servant had taken action on its own!"

At this revelation, Truvietianne is visibly shocked, covering her mouth with a hand as she gasps.

"He attacked you? With a Servant? But that's... very strange, to be sure. I met him in a prairie outside the city I awoke in, bordering this hilly terrain, and he didn't have any Servant with him then. He just walked up out of the distance and started explaining the circumstances of the War. While I did find his demeanor objectionable, there was nothing that extreme."

So Truvietianne wasn't attacked. In that case, could it be his Servant really did escape his control? Not much you can do to find out more on that subject, though. What about that thing she mentioned, the War being 'revived'?

"You said he 'revived' the War. What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, that's simple," Truvietianne responds, looking happy to expound on a more familiar subject, "Although I'd expect someone with your looks to know already. Did the Einzberns not tell you anything?"

You ignore this remark, and just wait for her to finish her explanation.

"At any rate, during my parents' generation, the Holy Grail War was the most prestigious competition among magi in the Association. There was a faction in the Clock Tower that destroyed the ritual needed to have the War, though, and it's no longer possible. That's all I know, really. I've always admired the War's valiant magi, though."

>>3333353
>Somebody managed to restart the Grail War despite it being dismantled
ONE JOB RIN
If this IS actually post F/sn I doubt we'll be seeing a Matou (unless the wormy old man is still kicking) or a Tohsaka (Probably) anyway
The Einzbern however? Oh boy, the faction with limitless funding and the ability to make superhuman homunculi aren't to be trifled with.
I like how she assumes we're with the Einzberns thanks to our superior etiquette and total apathy.

File: Eighth City.jpg (338 KB, 1500x791)

338 KB JPG

As you're discussing the matter of Cid's explanation with Truvietianne, you crest the last hill and finally come to your destination, the Eighth City. Looking down on it from above, you can see that it's a pristine seaside metropolis, quite unlike the place you were in before.
As you gaze at the towers of steel and polished glass, you find that a strange sense of familiar comfort fills you. It's not your city, you can see that, but it's at least a city.
It's your first time seeing the ocean since arriving in this world as well, and out of the corner of your eye you observe that Caster is gazing wordlessly at the expanse of water.

Matsuda is the first to speak, exclaiming, "Now this looks like we're back home! Finally, a real city again, and one set up special for a brawl too!"

Truvietianne follows suit, declaring, "I just hope we can find some proper accommodations. I've never walked so far in one day in my life, and I'm dying for a shower and bed."

Finally, Ogawara mutters "I-I wonder if the, ah, if the electricity works. It d-d-didn't in the last place, but maybe here, er, there'll be a functioning n-network?"

You give a firm nod. Like the rest, you're heartened by the site of a city that hasn't been ravaged, but you can't keep traces of apprehension from your heart. "Remember," you declare, "before anything else, that place is a battlefield. We should stay on guard."

Only Lancer gives a real response to this, smirking as he says, "Whatever else you may be, boy, you're at least cautious."

As the six of you begin your descent towards the city limits, you reflect on your goals. The first thing you want to do is...

>[ ] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Go looking for other Masters immediately. Now that you have two Servants together, there's no need to fight defensively. (Pride)

>[ ] Explore the city Cid's made for the battle. This kind of place can't just be normal. (Curiosity)

>>3333433
She assumes you're with the Einzberns because you look like one of their homunculi.

>>3333434
>>[ ] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)
I feel like we should keep Ogawara in the base as a sort of intel/tactics guy, not sure if this city will show up on Google Maps though or if there will even be Internet.
Even if we can't do something like that it's still probably better to not have him become a liability in combat.
>>3333444
Interesting. Those dashing good looks and dead uncaring eyes of ours came in somewhat useful.
Up until we meet the actual Einzberns.

>>3333434
>[ ] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)

>>3333434
>[ ] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)

>>3333463
Anon, did you miss
>Your hair and skin have both become pure white; unnaturally so, as if sculpted from marble. Your eyes have changed as well, becoming a deep wine-red. Besides this upheaval of coloration, your features seem to have shifted subtly, becoming sharper and more prominent. The structure of your face has a commanding, regal air to it that was never there before, as if some inner spirit of command has manifested to reshape your profile
We look like Ilya chief

A note, in case it wasn't clear from the image and description.
The Eighth City isn't a medium-small regional city like Fuyuki; it's a Tokyo-style metropolis, both wide and dense.
You can't see the end of it from this hill. It just keeps going past the horizon.

>>3333485
Huh.
Somehow I completely forgot that happened.
Well, not like our personality doesn't fit.

Do I need to find a portrait of a male homunculus so you folks can remember what you look like?

>>3333434
>[ ] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)

>>3333463
Keeping Ogawara off the battlefield is a good idea in general. If the city doesn't have internet or something electronic we can use, we can probably just set him up as Caster's assistant or something.

By overwhelming majority,
>[X] Establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested. Defense seems to be her specialty, after all. (Self-Preservation)

Roll d20 and d100

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3333535

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3333535

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3333535

File: 1502110613360.png (6 KB, 600x474)

6 KB PNG

>>3333524
Oh.
Oh no.
I just realized.
>get white hair and red eyes after interacting with a magical cup.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>3333535

>>3333542
Ebin

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>3333535
I guess I'll roll the 100.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3333535
>>3333542
Nice

File: Hurry up and die.jpg (280 KB, 1280x1440)

280 KB JPG

>>3333542
No Tiger Dojo for you this time.

File: 1FDACD83-0CAA-4CA5-B23F-4(...).jpg (13 KB, 310x464)

13 KB JPG

>>3333553

>>3333563
This is what you get for giving us B rank luck.
That's like, 40x luckier than the average person going by the rather odd parameter rules.
+ temporarily doubles it
E is supposedly 10x average and it goes up in increments of 10 so A = 50.
So C+ > A
The rules are silly.

>>3333587
You lucked into the grail war, were one of the 7 participants out of 1,050 entrants, and then pulled my favorite Servant and got buffed by the coins.
B seemed like an appropriate representation of how ridiculously lucky Rushorou has been.

>>3333587
>C+ greater than A
This is why F/SN had no ranks with a + on them other than A. It should be E through A, and then higher ranks are denoted by A+, A++, etc. Unfortunately, they fucked it up down the line.

>>3333602
>pulled QMs favourite servant
Always bet on Caster.
I suppose he is extremely lucky actually what with his bumbling through and surviving.
Also
>Caster is as strong as ten average men by parameter rules.

>>3333626
While we're on the topic, can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that we've been strengthened enough by those coins to have the stats of a shitty Servant? We can fuck some masters up with our new body.

File: 6F548361-8A79-414F-AF30-B(...).jpg (49 KB, 320x320)

49 KB JPG

>>3333646
It’s only the first step on our path to becoming the ultimate lifeform my g

File: DimwittedNextJohndory-siz(...).gif (4.65 MB, 444x330)

4.65 MB GIF

>>3333620
They fucked up EX too, which is supposed to mean "too fuckin big to measure on the same scale as your pleb alphabetical stats"
I mean, it's a NP and not a stat but Gae Bolg is B/B+
But Gae Bolg is the most broken fucking NP anyway because it could even kill Arcuied in one hit if it connects and hits even if it misses or doesn't happen.
>>3333646
Yeah shit we're like a proper combat homunculus.

Incidentally, since you're talking about how you powered up, I might as well tell you what would have happened if you'd taken the "Direct all power within," option.

Drum roll please...

File: Spoiler Image (231 KB, 950x642)

231 KB JPG

You would have turned into this guy! Truly a pseudo-Servant to be reckoned with.

File: Groudon.jpg (1.11 MB, 1200x1200)

1.11 MB JPG

>>3333692
WOW, IT'S FUCKING NOTHING

File: hvh7e1mscj9z.png (751 KB, 1200x628)

751 KB PNG

>>3333682
Also this shit still makes NO FUCKIN SENSE AAAA.
Saber's plot armour is an even greater defensive Noble Phantasm than even Avalon.

>>3333710
Wait--shit, wrong pic.

>>3333710
Did the picture not come through?

>>3333711
That's the power of the luck stat. She rolled a natural 20.

>>3333692
Thank Christ we went for immutability of spirit. I’ll take a pseudo-homunculus over that.

>>3333711
Lancer's earrings are what's really bullshit about that image. That's not how earrings work, animators!

>>3333692
Tbh I still don’t entirely get that vote though senpai

>>3333720
If I remember correctly Gae Bolg does damage equal to their HP + damage from the spear.
Not even a 20 should get you out of that Gygax tier bullshit.
Personally I blame the assistant GM for being so lenient on his favourite PC.
Fucking Takeuchi.

>>3333724
But I kid. I wouldn't actually have turned you into Onsokumaru. I did have a serious plan for that option, but since you didn't take it, that strand of fate will remain a mystery.

>Rolled 20

As you descend the hill and enter the sprawling city, you're immediately struck by the preternatural stillness. There's none of the sound here that you'd expect from a great city; no cars, no trains, no construction... only bird-calls break the silence.
Before, when you were in the burning city, the sound of flames had been ever-present. After that, you were surrounded by nature, and it was filled with all the background noises one would expect. Here, though, where all the noise that should be produced by the multitude of humanity is absent, the reality of your situation is driven home. You are one of only thirty living souls in this city, built for millions.

It is this prospect, more than any consideration of danger, that saps any will to explore the city or go looking for enemies from you. There's just so much ground to cover, all devoid of life. The only sensible thing to do is establish a base of operations, as Caster suggested, and make a plan of action once you've established a home for your group.

As you walk, you turn to Caster, and ask, "Can you examine the city's leylines, like you said before? I think the best thing to do right now is find a new place to call home."

"Of course," Caster chirps, "Just give me a minute, Master!"

Without waiting for a reply, she spreads her wings and ascends into the air between the city's towers. Far up above, you can see the glimmer of magical energy from her staff as she weaves a spell to scan the area.

>Rolled 68

Before long, you hear Caster's voice, suddenly appearing in your mind. "Alright, Master! The leylines in this area don't intersect perfectly anywhere, and I can't scan the entire city due to its size, but I have found one place that seems suitable. About 4 blocks North and 12 blocks East of your position is an old castle in the middle of a park, where there's a mid-grade confluence. I'll fly there and start establishing my Temple now, you follow along."

After the bizarre communication ends, Caster flits off, true to her word, leaving the rest of you to plod along on the ground. You'll have to have a talk with her once you arrive about this telepathic communication.

Following Caster's instructions, you soon come to an enormous bronze gate in the middle of a high stone wall. A plaque beside the gate proclaims the interior to be the "Eighth Imperial University". So much for the idea of this being an old castle.

>>3333720
It goes beyond a simple 20. Gae Bolg decides that it's going to hit you the instant it's launched. But if your luck is high enough, you can rewrite the rewritten future again so that you don't actually get hit. Luck is a crazy stat and the mechanics surrounding the Gae Bolg are nuts.

File: New Home 2.jpg (101 KB, 980x480)

101 KB JPG

Once you enter, though, and make your way down the cobblestone path through the university's sprawling, ornate grounds, the reason for Caster's misconception becomes clear. The central building is a hulking construction of stone and red brick, emulating the style of medieval European castles and cathedrals. The whole thing seems to have been built out of proportion; even the wooden double-doors are at least twenty feet high, and Matsuda clicks his tongue in irritation at the idea of having to live here.

Truvietianne, on the other hand, is practically squealing in delight over the grounds. "Lovely! This is just like the College of Magi, in London! It's even bigger, though, and the gardens are so splendidly designed! To think we have this palace to ourselves!"

Inside, the building is full of the same Gothic splendor as the exterior, with marble flooring, stone walls, and ornate decorations on every surface. There certainly isn't any lack of space...
As you're looking around, Truvietianne, Matsuda, and Ogawara all split off, going their separate directions in exploring the building. Lancer laconically informs you he'll be patrolling the perimeter, and suddenly you're alone.

>[ ] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne.

>[ ] Explore the building with Ogawara.

>[ ] Try to console Matsuda about the place. (Write in how)

>[ ] Find Caster, and discuss plans for the War.

>[ ] Go on patrol with Lancer. See if you can get to know him.

>>3333858
>[ ] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne
Time to pride.

>>3333858
>[ ] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne.
We've spent plenty of time with our crew already, and it's worth getting to know our new partner.

>>3333858
>[ ] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne
Strutting time boys

>>3333858
>[X] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne.

Oh boy, now I get to figure out the layout of this place.

>>3333858
>[ ] Inspect the rooms and amenities with Truvietianne.

Time to learn more about the ojou

I'll post this OOC, since you didn't go with Matsuda.
If he had his pick, he'd live in a shitty studio apartment and spend all his time outside, prowling around the city. It's the badass way.

File: 1526848956657.gif (49 KB, 200x233)

49 KB GIF

>>3333980
>Strutting time boys
Got the perfect song for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_izvAbhExY
>>3334007
Have fun.

File: Culture.jpg (156 KB, 711x400)

156 KB JPG

>>3334016
>Bee Gees

File: you-are-a-man-of-integrit(...).png (98 KB, 500x395)

98 KB PNG

>>3334016
>Soma

File: DF9EB5C9-A9B4-4A22-AA18-7(...).jpg (76 KB, 1024x643)

76 KB JPG

>>3334016
>Bee Gees
Big mood

File: New Home Interior.jpg (66 KB, 655x303)

66 KB JPG

In a word... massive.
The university looked big from the outside, but it somehow manages to seem even larger on the inside. Lecture halls, classrooms, an enormous banquet hall, a library big enough to serve a city, labs for computer science, chemistry, and engineering, even an underground gymnasium deep in the bowels of the enormous building... it just goes on forever!

There are three other types of rooms that make up the real majority of the space in the university, though: hallways, salons, and dormitories. Enough dormitories to house hundreds of students, and enough hallways to keep every room well apart from its neighbors. All of these hallways are punctuated by salons, small rooms that provide a resting place, like tiny parks or public benches on outside streets.
These salons are simply square or rectangular rooms, filled with seating and artwork, and sided with windows for those on the outer edge of the mammoth building. The university is simply so large that its designers reasoned people would need frequent resting places as they crossed the building.

As for why the place is so enormous, the matter is simple. While most universities, you are aware, spread their facilities between various buildings around a campus, this place has every necessary location for its operation built into the single main building. The grounds outside are completely given over to manicured lawns, carefully tended groves, and ornate gardens replete with flowers, statuary, and fountains.

At first, Truvietianne is ecstatic. The place is beautiful, luxurious, and massive, with well-stocked food supplies, running water, and fully functioning electricity. As the two of you continue to explore, however, her mood gradually sours, until she whines, "Yumigawa-kun, just how much more of this place is there? Surely we don't need to map out the whole of this mammoth construction!"

"That won't do, Miss Edelfelt," you chastise, "what kind of nobility would one be if one consented to live in a castle with unknown regions? An enemy Master could be lying in wait here, and we wouldn't even know it!"

"You're unbelievable," the girl moans in disappointment, "let's at least take a rest here, we've seen enough to be quite sure there is no lack of rooms."

And so, the two of you take a seat in one of the salons. As Truvietianne catches her breath, you...

>[ ] Ask Truvietianne about herself (Write in your questions)

>[ ] Make a suggestion about the war (What?)

>[ ] Get up and leave her, you'll map this place out alone if you have to!

>[ ] Pass the time in silence

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)

>>3334112
>[ ] Ask Truvietianne about herself (Write in your questions)
She mentioned being a noble, what's her family like? What about the College of Magi? Does that black bolt she hit Lancer with have anything to do with it?

These are off the top of my head.

>>3334136
Support.
(I hope she doesn't realise we aren't the Einzbern master, maybe she'll just think they didn't see fit to give us any background info.)

>>3334150
I think I fucked up by asking about the College of Magi. Hopefully we're lucky enough that she just brushes it off as ignorance.

>>3334165
Canonically, the Einzberns tend to hang out in Austria and tell the Mages' Association to fuck off. If you were an Einzbern homunculus, it might be in character for you to not know about how the Association works in London.

>>3334112
Going with: >>3334150

Alright, Asking Truvi about her background, mages' association business, and her curse.

Roll d100.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3334203

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3334203
Here goes everything...

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3334203

FYI, if you're wondering about the dice methodology, d20s are for things that could kill you. d100s are for things that have no crits.

>>3334185
Also the Einzbern's aren't... well...
They aren't known for ethical homunculi treatment.
Let's be honest though 95 percent of Magi fail Ethics 101.
Anyway outside of special cases I imagine they don't tell them shit.

They designed Leysritt to turn into a fucking dress.

>>3334229
And kill things! She doesn't just turn into a dress!

File: 26b.png (68 KB, 177x240)

68 KB PNG

>>3334208
Nice.

File: example-21930.jpg (67 KB, 1024x1024)

67 KB JPG

>>3334208
>Here goes everything...
...except 7 things. Better luck next time, kiddo.

>>3334237
She's got the same physical strength as like an average servant.
That's fairly useless against Servants.
Especially because everyone always seems to summon high tier servants.
Hell, if Medea is fairly high tier and if she wasn't so much of a brainlet and knew how to use her FUCKING DRAGON SUMMONING NP she'd have been much more dangerous.

>>3334276
*even Medea is fairly high tier

Damn, this noble girl is getting swept off of her feet. Is this the power of 「KAICHOU」

File: example-33219.jpg (59 KB, 1024x1024)

59 KB JPG

>>3334253
>randomly generating your smug anime girl reaction images

File: Matsuda Ryuuta.jpg (34 KB, 169x269)

34 KB JPG

>>3334253
>>3334415
>Randomly generated smug
Excuse me, what? I'm going to need some explanation on that.

File: example-16073.jpg (54 KB, 1024x1024)

54 KB JPG

>>3334415
Lucklets will.never learn.
>>3334428
https://www.thiswaifudoesnotexist.net
Take a crack at it. Once.

File: example-67344.jpg (57 KB, 1024x1024)

57 KB JPG

>>3334443
B e a u t i f u l

>>3334443
Harlan Ellison is now.

File: example-33158.jpg (50 KB, 1024x1024)

50 KB JPG

>>3334461
Some real nightmare fuel here.

This update is taking a while because I have to go back and read about how the Mages' Association is organized.

As you take a rest on the opulent cushions, your eyes drift to Truvietianne's arm; the way it glowed when she punished Lancer for his insolence is stuck in your mind; the magecraft appeared completely different from the kind Caster uses, but all she'd told you was that it was inferior.
Almost unconsciously, the question on your mind drops from your mouth.

"Tell me, Miss Edelfelt, what kind of spell was it that you used on your Servant when we met?"

Turning to meet your eyes, Truvietianne squints her eyes in suspicious irritation. "Didn't you hear enough from that Caster of yours? It was the 'modern magecraft' that can't equal hers! What do you want to know about it for?"

Er, right. Caster had more or less made that a sore spot, hadn't she? You scramble for an excuse, replying, "Well, of course no living magus can match a Caster. Still, I don't know any magecraft myself, so I'm curious about it."

Truvietianne's eyes widen in shock. "Good lord, the Einzberns really didn't tell you anything, did they? I wonder if you were summoned here while incomplete. It's not as if we chose to appear, after all..."

The girl trails off as she fades into consideration of your possible origin. Since you still have no clue what she could be talking about regarding these mysterious 'Einzberns', you remain silent. At length, she comes back to herself and favors you with a slightly pitying smile. It's the first you've seen from her, and you discover that it gives her face a degree of charm unseen in her usual haughty manner.

"Alright then, I'll tell you about my magecraft," she says. "I used the gandr, an old curse from Finland, the home of my family. For most mages, it would be no more than a slow-acting curse of sickness, but we Edelfelts have refined it over the generations into a concentrated projectile of magical energy that strikes with the force of a bullet, following the impact with a powerful curse of illness. Even if a foe is durable enough to withstand the strike with no damage, the fever and nausea that wash over them will ensure they're quite unable to carry on the fight."

As she narrates the benefits of what is clearly her signature technique, Truvietianne seems to swell with pride. Her countenance darkens, though, as she continues, "At least, that's how the gandr would affect most things. Servants can apparently just shrug them off! Isn't that just absurd?"

"Yes," you respond, "Servants really are on a completely different scale from us." The subject clearly infuriates Truvietianne, so you quickly look for another.

"You mentioned that your family, the Edelfelts, have been refining this technique for some time. I'd like to hear more about them, if you don't mind."

Sure enough, at the mention of her prestigious lineage, the light returns to Truvietianne's eyes.

"Of course! You must have been kept totally ignorant of the society of mages. The Edelfelt house is one of the oldest lineages of magi in Western Europe, and we are a central pillar of the Mages' Association headquartered in London. We are also of the highest echelon of nobility in Finland, and would have been the royal line, if the Swedish tyrants hadn't taken over in the 13th century! Since then, we've maintained our status as prominent members of the Mineralogy department of the Clock Tower."

Setting aside the status of her family in Finland, what really interests you is this 'Mages' Association.'

"So, you've mentioned three organizations of magi, the Clock Tower, College of Magi, and the Mages' Association. What are those?"

Truvietianne seems to have resolved her confusion about your ignorance, as she answers quite readily. "The Clock Tower is the informal name for the College of Magi, in London. It's the capital of the worldwide Mages' Association, of which all proper magi are a part. Even your Einzberns, for all that they like to live as hermits, are formally part of the Association. Prospective magi are educated at the College, and it also monitors those who threaten the secrecy of Magecraft and the Moonlit World, dispatching its enforcers to deal with them."

Having finished her impromptu dissertation, Truvietianne stands up, brushing imaginary dust from her dress. "Well now," she proclaims, "I think I've rested enough. Shall we finish exploring our new home?"