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Where we left off...
"...breakfast. I was hoping to eat with you, Caster," you say, hoping to simply put the issue behind you. "I don't suppose you've made anything this morning?"

Caster looks you in the eye, judging your sincerity. "I suppose this is your way of apologizing. Ah, well. Let's have something to eat." She walks by you, opening the door to her workshop, which retains the apartment-style appearance it had last time you visited. "Take a seat over there," she says, gesturing to a small table, "I'll be done in just a moment." Then she snaps her fingers, and the kitchen springs to life, utensils and dishes moving through the air all at once. It really is no more than a moment before she has breakfast served up for the two of you; she must have prepared it earlier.

To your shock, what arrives on your plate is a short stack of pancakes, drizzled with honey and layered with whipped cream and strawberries. Seeing your surprised expression, Caster lets out a chuckle. "Come now, Master, you didn't think kykeon had to feature in every meal I prepared, did you? I'm branching out into more modern cuisine."

"Well," you say truthfully, "I have to admit that I thought it was something of a focus for you. This looks quite delicious as well, though." True to your words, the pancakes are wonderful. They have a perfect combination of fluffiness and springiness that makes them a joy to eat, and the sweet flavor of the honey and cream is powerful without being overwhelming. You inhale the pancakes in what seems like no time at all.

Watching you eat with a smile, Caster waits for you to finish before raising the real topic of your visit. "Master, you've defeated one of our enemies. How do you plan to approach the other six?" She flourishes a white napkin, and it fills in as you watch with a map of the city, sketched in black ink. "I divined their locations earlier this morning, before you were awake. At the time, there were no active conflicts, but that may have changed in the last four hours. Archer's gone to the coast, presumably waiting to attack Rider when he comes back up the river. Rider is still out to sea, although he was moving towards the river mouth when I looked at their locations. Berserker seems to be aimlessly wandering the city, and Assassin remains hidden."

"Interesting," you say. "In that case..."

>[ ] "...we should attack Assassin's compound. There's no need to worry about his stealth if we simply wipe out all his potential Masters."

>[ ] "...we should launch a surprise attack against Archer while he's waiting for Rider to arrive. I've had enough of dealing with his attitude."

>[ ] "...we should join Archer in attacking Rider when he arrives. With three Servants working together, we should be able to sink that ship of his."

>[ ] "...there's no need to go on the offensive right now. It sounds like there's no pressing circumstance compelling us to get involved. What I'd rather discuss is..." (Write in topic)

>>3361951
Reposting >>3361943

I support
>[ ] "...there's no need to go on the offensive right now. It sounds like there's no pressing circumstance compelling us to get involved. What I'd rather discuss is..." (Basic Magecraft we can learn)

Also ask about her life some more, get her to open up to us more. Maybe she will tell us more of her life from her point of view and not what we know of basic mythology.

>>3361951
I am also reposting and support >>3361959

>>3361951
Supporting >>3361916

Circe Survival Strategies:
Marriage [RUE: C++]
Command spell to an hero [RUE: B+]
Tell her to dote less [RUE: A]
Aggressive and thorough transparency in all things [RUE: ??]

>>3361959
>>3361963
>>3361967
Alright, I need you folks to pick one topic to ask about.

>[ ] Ask Caster about magecraft. Would it be possible for her to teach you any?

>[ ] Ask Caster about her past. What kind of a life did she lead?

>>3362000
>[ ] Ask Caster about her past. What kind of a life did she lead?
Let's ask about her life; forget all the War stuff for some R&R.

>>3362000
>[ ] Ask Caster about magecraft. Would it be possible for her to teach you any?
Unless we can combine the two somehow

>>3362000
>[ ] Ask Caster about magecraft. Would it be possible for her to teach you any?
We should git gud ASAP. We could end up needing combat skills at any time.

>>3362000
>[ ] Ask Caster about her past. What kind of a life did she lead?


We have a caster and Truviet, magic learning can wait, and might be a pointless endeavor. We are not shiro we shouldn't have any broken magical shenanigans to work with.

Side note, the tg thread on yanderes anon linked to at >>3361875 is amazing. I encourage you all to give it a read once the vote is called.

>>3362000
>[ ] Ask Caster about her past. What kind of a life did she lead?
This could either help things immensely or fuck everything up. I'm interested to see which.

>[X] Ask Caster about her past. What kind of a life did she lead?

Roll d100

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3362065
>inb4 she goes on and on and on and on and on...

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3362065
Rolling...

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>3362065
Here goes our relationship!

>>3362069
>the DC was 80

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>3362072
Oh, yeah? Watch this

>>3362074
It's a damn shame Sweets only takes the first 3.

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>3362065
I'm late, again.

>>3362077
Damn shame indeed.

"Interesting," you say. "In that case, there's no need to go on the offensive right now. It sounds like there's no pressing circumstance compelling us to get involved. What I'd rather discuss is you, Caster."

"Oh?" Caster cocks a skeptical eyebrow. "And what is it you'd like to discuss?"

"Your past. I'd like to hear about your life, and how you came to be a heroic spirit. I mean, I know more about Lancer than I do about you; it's ridiculous!" You raise your voice at the end, realizing all at once the frustration you've felt at knowing so little about someone in whose hands you were placing your life.

"Kyahahahaha!" Caster's high laughter resounds through the room. "You want to know about my past? Really? Now this is something I didn't expect from you, Master. I mean, don't you pay attention to your dreams? The spiritual connection between us should be giving you all the scenes from my life you'd care to see!" Caster takes a moment to steady herself before continuing. "Alright then, I'll tell you my story; don't expect much in the way of details, though. There are a lot of experiences in my life I'd rather not discuss."

"I was born," she begins, "as a goddess. The daughter of Helios, the sun, I took authority over magic. In that time, I was quite powerful; not one of the rulers of Olympos, no, but one of the greater of the minor gods. Unfortunately," she says with a frown, "I had a difficult relationship, and ended up making an enemy of a nymph, Scylla. Although I had my way when it came to her, the high gods frowned on what they called 'a higher being tormenting her inferiors.' For that crime, my father ordered me imprisoned on the island of Aeaea and stripped of a portion of my divinity. I suppose that from the name of the island, you can guess my identity."

Seeing your blank look, Caster is compelled to explain. "Oh, alright, fine. Circe! My name is Circe, sometimes called the Enchantress, or the Queen of Aeaea. The name is a misnomer, though, since I was the island's only resident other than my pets. There's not much more to my tale than that. I lived out the remainder of the Age of Gods on Aeaea, playing hostess to those who stopped on my island and refining my magic between visitors."

Status Updated

"Now," Caster declares, standing abruptly, "you've heard my story and I think that's enough distraction for you, Master. Why don't you go off and think of a strategy to seize the grail, instead of wondering about the past?"

"Hang on," you say, "first I'd like to-" but she rushes you out of the room, the closing door cutting off your question. You're left alone with your thoughts, and despite Caster's advice you can't help but wonder about what she said. Something about her story seems strange, but you can't place what. She mentioned the dreams you've been having, but however you concentrate you can't call their details to mind. Though vivid at night, they always seem to fade in the morning.

You let your feet carry you aimlessly through the university as you try to place just what it is that bothers you so about Caster's story. It keeps eluding your grasp, but there's some nagging detail, some wrongness. Western mythology isn't your forte, but you're sure Circe is a famous figure, and her story differs from that which you just heard. You walk and wonder, wonder and walk, trying to grab hold of whatever it is that bothers you, that detail you're sure would explain the whole mystery.

Then, all of a sudden, you almost bump into the massive, solid iron gate in the university campus' outer wall. Had you unconsciously walked so far? Cautioning yourself to pay closer attention to your feet, you turn to head back to the university, when an odd sound strikes your ears. In the stillness of the empty city, usually only broken by the sounds of birds, you can hear footsteps. Yes, as you listen you can unmistakably hear over the wall the sound of footsteps going up the street. As they draw closer, you can also hear a young girl's voice, high and sweet, singing a foreign song in cheerful tones.

Wie alles war - weiß ich;
wie alles wird, wie alles sein wird,
seh' ich auch, -
der ew'gen Welt Ur-Wala,
Erda, mahnt deinen Mut. Drei der Töchter,
ur-erschaff'ne, gebar mein Schoß;
was ich sehe, sagen dir nächtlich die Nornen.
Doch höchste Gefahr führt mich heut'
selbst zu dir her.
Höre! Höre! Höre!
Alles was ist, endet.
Ein düst'rer Tag dämmert den Göttern:
dir rat' ich, meide den Ring!

'What could this girl be doing passing by the university,' you wonder. Curious about the situation, you decide to...

>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)

>[ ] Quash your interest and return to the university. (Self-Preservation)

>>3362204
>[ ] Quash your interest and return to the university. (Self-Preservation)
We can go to the library to look up her myth.
I actually have no idea about her myth, so any other anons know what is wrong with the story caster told us?

>>3362204
>[ ] Quash your interest and return to the university. (Self-Preservation)

>>3362204
>>[ ] Quash your interest and return to the university. (Self-Preservation)

We don't even have cherry candy to make sure we don't get completely murdered instantly.

>>3362209
I think she neglected the bit about her porridge transforming the guests into more of her pets.
Either that or the bit about Odysseus.
There was the legend about an Italian king called Picus who resisted her and got turned into a woodpecker for it, but I don't see its relevance here.

>>3362237
I'm sure if we even attempted the same shift we did last time, Caster would do worse then murder us.

>>3362238
So in essence she left out the more shameful parts she doesn't want us to know? Maybe so we wouldn't think less of her?

>>3362239
Probably. She must want to look as good to us as possible, possibly because she's upset with herself for 'failing' us by not blocking Archer's shot or helping to kill Saber/Sean.

>>3362204
>Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)

>>3362249
Well then if we are on this route I hope we get to see her at her worst and show we that won't change how we see her.


>>3362251
Please no. Or at least why?

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>>3362251
DO NOT GO TOWARD THE GERMAN NURSERY RHYMES
Also, this is Erda's Warning from Das Rheingold -- she warns that if Wotan (Odin) keeps fucking with the Ring of the Nibelungs then the gods will be thrown from power.

>>3362204
>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)
Rushorou has no sense of danger.
Lets go, ominous singer!
I'm sure this can
Only
Go
Well.

>>3362238
Those all only happened because she was told no.
Or she couldn't care less about the people she transformed.
Basically we just need to give her the old "I will never leave you." for a super effective attack.
At least when Rushorou manages to figure out what love is, that is.

>>3362289
That or survival instincts.

>>3362291
Speaking of survival instincts...
>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)
Don't leave the premises and keep away from the gate, possibly conceal ourselves.
Be seeing you, Taiga.

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>>3362344
you suck a bajillion cocks anon

>>3362204
>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)
Time to say hello to Berserker! And probably Taiga too!

>>3362255
Circe "at her worst" is really not something I want to see.
That's just her cursing Truvi into a horrible monster and turning our friends (and possibly us) into whatever animals she feels like.
Why the fuck would anybody want to see a servant, nevermind the servant class with (generally) the most affinity for absolutely ruining humans at their worst?

>>3362409
Apparently >>3362255, >>3362288, >>3362346 and >>3362403 want to see Caster at her worst

>>3362417
>3362255
Whoops
Meant to quote >>3362251

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Wait--
>German hymn
>little girl
>Bazaka was last seen wandering the city
THIS IS A BAD THING!

>>3362421
It's fine.
What's the worst that could happen?

>>3362431
The quest dies again.

Changing my vote to get out of dodge and warn the others.

>>3362443
On second thought, can we call Caster?

Alright then, looks like it's no candy scene for you. Cowardice takes the day.

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>>3362443
You damnable pancake! Now we don't get to meet Bazaka!

>>3362536
I was still on the fence but I fell asleep!

>>3362527
>candy scene
Also I'm new and what is this?

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>>3362539
Then pancake again, you spineless varlet! Even if it's too late, you have to try!

>>3362544
In the original FSN, Shirou meets Berserker's master - a little girl - in a park and bonds with her by sharing candy with her. YOU HAVE TO TRY

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>>3362547
>Then pancake again, you spineless varlet!
Okay fine, geez, but that would apparently a bad thing for our yandere Caster.

>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)
Because I'm a pancake, apparently, and am curious.

>>3362547
>In the original FSN
This is not actually what I was referencing. Huh. Maybe if you're lucky one of the people who played the quest's first incarnation will explain.

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>>3362554
TOO LATE

After some deep consideration of the frustration on both sides (and the fact that I can't actually start writing for another half hour) I'm going to leave voting open on this choice after all. Discuss!

>>3362204
>[ ] Take a look at the whimsical person wandering the city. Could this be the elusive Master of Assassin? (Pride/Curiosity)

MC is pretty prideful and reckless. Besides if we die we get a taiga stamp.

>>3362579
He was getting better. At least we'll get a Taiga stamp out of this, or there's a Happening and Caster immediately replaces h e r as the new Berserker

>>3362555
Anyway, Sweets
should I pop ID's akelcherry for you

>>3362584
>He was getting better
Riiight, that's why he destroyed Sean's face out of frustration at not progressing towards his goals. Because he was improving as a person.

>>3362597
>The corpse lands face-down with a sickening wet sound, and you're glad. You'd rather not look at what's become of what used to be a face.
He can feel disgust. Now we just need to teach him to be disgusted at killing, and then we teach him not to take pleasure in killing people

>>3362597
Sean deserved it.
We're a good boy.

>>3362597
>he destroyed Sean's face out of frustration at not progressing towards his goals
No idea where you’re drawing this from man, that was clearly just a bit of good old-fashioned battle rage.

>>3362605
>what's become of what used to be a face
God, I can't believe I used two whats in a row there. Definitely should've been "the wreckage of what used to be a face"

>>3362605
We just need to teach him that people die when they are killed.

>>3362609
>>3359354
>the fury that's been building up inside you at all the pointless, inconclusive fights you've had up until now; the endless stalemates, putting off your duty to win this war; wounding your pride as the destined victor

>>3362611
Don't feel too bad. It's small, and it's not like you have an editor to run by to catch that the small details.

>>3362620
He destroyed Sean’s face because he was frustrated and fighting him. Your compunction should be that we’re killing at all, face-crushing or no.

>>3362596
If you like

>>3362596
OK, I'll tell the new anons about the Thing.
So there was this scene Gulag-trapped QM did last time where loli Berserker made us kiss her to get some candy, and the lolifags just crawled out of the woodwork to push their fetish. Some other guy got buttmad and posted a fuckhueg rant against it, and the quest died after that.
I'll admit, I'm really scared it'll happen again if we do this.

Alright then, looks like recklessness has edged out the lead.

Roll d20.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3362636
The point stands that he's not doing so hot when it comes to being a better person. The reason I cited the face-crushing specifically is because it was an unnecessarily cruel action.

>>3362646
Here goes

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3362646
Goddamnit.

>>3362645
Don't worry.
I'm sure it will go fine.
Also if we do kiss ANYONE we're so dead thanks to Caster's watchful eyes.
Also imagine screeching about Lolis in a quest about the series with Jack the Ripper and Illya in it.
Nevermind Kaleid.
Not endorsing it either way but why get buttmad over a CYOA fanfic?

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3362646
Okie doke.

>>3362645
Well shit. Hopefully we can avoid a rerun of that. Though in order for anything like that to occur, Berserker would have to somehow shatter our yandere Circe route lock.

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>>3362645
>Fatefags
>lolifags
>let alone on 4chan(nel)
Shocking, I tell you.

>>3362653
I'm OK with the existence of lolifags but apparently that guy had a grudge against them. Maybe they killed his little sister or something
And to be a little fair to him they were making some pretty retarded decisions, like trying to save Berserker after she told us she wouldn't betray her Master, and making her sit on normal human Yumigawa's lap for headpats.
At least we're on the Caster Route this time.

>>3362664
>and making her sit on normal human Yumigawa's lap for headpats.
That would've made sense if he was originally like Ogawara.

>>3362705
He was a lot flirtier. We put the moves on Truvi

>>3362736
I should also add that Matsuda and Ogawara didn't exist, and the name "Yumigawa Rushorou" wasn't determined from the beginning. He also didn't have any awakening to do, and the Arbitrator was a guy called "Judas" rather than Cid.

>>3362741
>Judas
My what a trustworthy sounding fellow.

For what it's worth, I also changed most of the Servants as well as a lot of details regarding the structure of the war. Gulag didn't have the preliminary round pull in more than seven people, for example, and it was implied that there were only two cities. Description was also very sparse in the first quest.

Although apprehensive, you let your curiosity take hold. So as not to draw the unknown girl's attention by the creaking of the gate, you leap to the top of the stone wall before dropping lightly to the street on the other side. There, skipping down the street in a parody of girlish innocence, is Berserker. She's traded her military uniform for a white one-piece dress with a straw sun-hat and blue ribbon at her throat; her blonde hair, previously tied up below her cap, cascades down her back in fetching waves that seem to sparkle in the morning sun as she moves.

Berserker's ears are sharp, and despite your efforts at stealth, her singing comes to an abrupt end as you land on the street. She turns to face you, and a smile plays across her face. "Oh? If it isn't the young Master of Caster. Out for a morning stroll?"

"I'd ask the same of you," you reply, "what brings Berserker wandering past my university without her Master?"

"My Master," she says, pronouncing the word as if it were an epithet, "is a spineless coward, who does not dare to leave his new home without my assurances of his safety. The fool has neither ambition nor backbone, and prefers to drown in alcohol than fight as a man should. It's really quite pathetic." Berserker lets a moment elapse, curving her mouth into a moue of distaste for her Master. "And so," she continues, her face brightening "I have decided to prosecute this war by searching for the enemy myself. Now, it's your turn. What are you doing standing before an enemy Servant unaccompanied? Is this a display of heroism and unfounded confidence, or are you simply forfeiting your chance at the grail?"

>[ ] "I was walking in the gardens, and I couldn't simply overhear such lovely singing without meeting the singer."

>[ ] "I regularly patrol the perimeter of the university. When I heard footsteps, I had to investigate."

>[ ] Don't answer. Use a command spell to summon Caster and attack.

>[ ] Something else (write in)

>>3362762
>[ ]"Well, when I heard such lovely si--" Use a command spell unexpectedly to summon Caster and attack.
NO

>>3362762
>[ ] "I was walking in the gardens, and I couldn't simply overhear such lovely singing without meeting the singer."
Don't try and summon Caster.
1)we'd be dead before we finished the sentence (see Shirou trying to summon Saber in front of Rider)
2)summoning Caster close range to Berserker will go... poorly.

>>3362762
>[ ] "I was walking in the gardens, and I couldn't simply overhear such lovely singing without meeting the singer."
One of them is insta-death and the other is a lie; let's go with this to buy some time, since the other two are out.

>>3362736
You know, you guys can take the character back in that direction if you want. I'm always open to write-in responses.

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>>3362802
>becoming a playboy
>while locked into the yandere route
N-no thanks...

>>3362811
I couldn't find a nervous pic so this is all I got, for now.

>>3362762
>I heard some pleasant singing around my grand fortress and decided to investigate
Compliment her but lay off the lovely. I want Yumigawa to not get merced by Caster or Berserker.

>>3362827
>inb4 all the choices are autolosses

>>3362762
>[ ] "I was walking in the gardens, and I couldn't simply overhear such lovely singing without meeting the singer."
Let’s take this quest back to its roots.

>>3362833
Anon, no. We're just trying to make tike for the others to get here, preferably back within Caster's field.

>>3362831
>”This is the future you chose, garden-loving fags”

>>3362837
ANON YES.
It's time to use our charming ways to seduce the female enemy Servants and Masters.
NO WAIT CIRCE SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN IT.
also we could prrrrobably handle being the master of two servants at once, mana wise.
Just saying...

>>3362844
That would require Bazaka knowing this and willingly betraying her Master. Not gonna happen.

>>3362844
Look at this man anons. He is our enemy; he wants to end this quest as it stands, and send us all back to the void. He is Archer incarnate. Beware his cunning talking points and QT3.14 waifus.

>>3362827
I agree to lay it on, but not too thick; we would be telling the truth either way.

I forget, do Servants know when one of them dies?

>>3362847
We don't know much about Bahsahkah.
That Lawful Evil alignment combined with her dislike of her master could mean something though.
Don't assume that no Servant will ever betray their Master.
Even Saber betrays Shirou in one dead end if you don't get enough points.

>>3362859
Well, she COULD betray him if she sees his cowardice as a dereliction of duty, thus conflicting with the Lawful part of her Alignement.

>>3362859
I'm still not in favor of taking another Servant, thougj.

>>3362891
The wish is bullshit anyway.
Our current aim of being number 1 magus is gonna collapse because a sealing designation will come our way because of the whole modification thing.
Also if Caster survives the war we're already in control of one of the greatest magi on the planet.

>>3362909
And when I say the wish is bullshit I mean the grail is pretty shit, even without manjew.
Unless you want a Path to the Root.

>>3362909
>Our current aim of being number 1 magus is gonna collapse because a sealing designation will come our way because of the whole modification thing.
So you're saying the game was rigged from the start?

>>3362909
>Implying we aren’t already #1

We could also just shift away from Pride and into Duty, since that's our second-highest with, probably Self-preservation.

As a matter of fact, that's what I've been trying to do thus far.

>>3362952
>>3362949
I, anon, will never let this happen.

>>3362762
>[X] "I was walking in the gardens, and I couldn't simply overhear such lovely singing without meeting the singer."

Roll d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3363066
Egads anons

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3363066
Oh
Ok

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3363066

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You're welcome.

So some of the potential weaknesses I've been thinking for Berserker got me nowhere, but we could try gas weapons since Hitler was supposedly blinded by one during WW1, though some might debate that and instead chalk the blindness to Shellshock since people with it were looked down upon at the time in German.

>>3363083
This could be our chance to swipe Berserker and get a desperately needed edge on that bastard Archer. You've done well.

>>3363107
Oh no, I'm >>3362891 so I'm still against it. Matsuda, on the other hand...

>>3363108
>wanting to create enemy masters
Uh.
????

>>3363112
Matsuda is a yankee, anon. It's doubtful that he'll turn on us because he still owes us a life debt (or two), unless we're in the final four with us, Cid and Truvi.

>>3363112
If he does turn on us, he'd likely be upfront about it too, wanting a duel.

>>3363128
It's just making another problem down the line.
Also his mana output would be pretty pitiful compared to ours.
And Servants can often influence and change their master's views.
Nevermind a Lawful Evil one.

>>3363130
>Also his mana output would be pretty pitiful compared to ours.
I guess that's true.
>And Servants can often influence and change their master's views.
We should get a dream journal for that; don't want Circe making us codependent.

Tension and the excitement of danger fill you as you search for an answer to Berserker's question. Obviously you can't tell her your giving up, but the alternative option she presents would invite a duel certain to end in your death. No, you need to stay on Berserker's good side if you're to survive this moment.

"Why, I was simply taking a morning walk through the gardens when I heard your voice," you say, putting on your most charming smile, "I couldn't simply ignore such lovely music, overhearing it without meeting the singer. I can't say I recognize the song, though. What is it?" As you speak, you walk towards Berserker, keeping your pace and posture relaxed. If you can diffuse the sense of impending combat by closing the distance to that of a casual conversation, it will hopefully lessen her inclination to attack.

"Is that so," the girl replies, "either you're trying to butter me up, or you have excellent taste in music. It was Wagner, the greatest of composers. As for which aria, though, I'll leave it to you to discover." She laces her hands behind her back and smiles impishly. "If you can remedy your musical ignorance by our next meeting, I may have a reward for you." Then she turns away again, continuing her progress past the university. After a moment of internal debate, you decide to follow along.

"But really," she says as you catch up, "I'm not surprised you'd enjoy my singing, young man. This voice is perfect, after all. I often admired opera singers when I was alive, but never had the chance for anything but speaking. It's lovely to indulge like this."

"Is that so," you ask, hoping for more information on the girl's identity, "why couldn't you sing, with a perfect voice?" Whether her singing ability really is perfect or not is something you can't honestly tell. You've never listened to opera, and you don't know much about music. Going along with her ego can't hurt, though.

Rather than your question, it's the window of a cafe that captures the girl's attention. She stops, looking in at the darkened shop with longing. "Ah," she sighs, "what a shame this city is empty. I would so love to have coffee again, with whipped cream and cake on the side. It's been an eternity since I could properly enjoy a cafe, and I never learned to make the stuff. Always had someone to do it for me, you see." Despite the lack of hope in her comments, Berserker pushes the door to the cafe open and begins looking around. The place is almost fully stocked, you have to give it that. No pastries, but all the ingredients for a wide variety of hot beverages are there. All the place needs is someone behind the counter.

Having arrived at the same conclusion you have, Berserker returns her gaze to your eyes. Then a remarkable shift comes over her features, sardonic arrogance and resignation giving way to girlish innocence and hope. She clasps her hands bashfully and gives you an upturned gaze tailor-made to tug at the heartstrings of any male. "I don't suppose you could grant my wish, could you?" she asks, in sweet, pleading tones, "Master of Caster, could you find it in yourself to prepare a cup of coffee for this deprived girl?"

>[ ] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)

>[ ] You could not. It's one thing to talk with an enemy Servant, but quite another to go so far as to make them a treat! (Pride)

>[ ] Some other response (Write in)

>>3363462
>[ ] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)
DEEPLY CONCERNED.

>>3363462
>You bow to no measure of cuteness, but can compromise in the name of diplomacy. Propose a cooperative effort to produce some good java.

>>3363130
>>3363140
The comparison would be beyond pitiful. We have rank D magical energy on the servant parameter scale, which is absolutely insane. If we were to have 2 servants, we could almost certainly provide a satisfactory amount for both and still have some to spare given that we're rocking 20 times a "normal" amount of magical energy as well as 126 pristine circuits.

>>3363462
>[ ] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)
Oh boy, a coffee date with the enemy. Caster's gonna rake us over the coals for this.

>dressed as military officer
>enjoys the works of Wagner and thus was probably alive during or after Wagner made his works
>knows German
>Madness Enhancement: EX
>Lawful Evil
>Spoke a lot in life but never sang
...
.......
............
Hitler-chan?

>>3363497
Oh right and that last bit there is almost certainly Charisma in action.
B rank maybe?

>>3363497
>Always had someone to do it for me, you see.
Thankfully, no. Dude was poor as fuck for a portion of his life, no way he'd always have someone to make it for him.

>>3363500
That could just mean they only went to cafes before they came to power. I can't imagine everyone was making their own coffee back in the day

>>3363484
>Caster's gonna rake us over the coals for this.
We could always tell her the truth: we followed this (literally) charming voice outside of the premises and got caught out by Bazaka.
Speaking of Charm: Who are some well-known orators who happen to be in the military?

Wait, Compassion SLASH Duty? Oh yeah, we're definitely Charmed.

>>3363513
It's either Charm or high ranking Charisma.
A+ or A would do the trick.
B maybe as well.
my money is still on Hitler

>>3363462
>[ ] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)
I feel like this would be a Dead End, but okay. Try to forewarn her that we're not used to making coffee, in an attempt to mitigate any dissatisfaction (re: injury).

>>3363518
If it IS Hitler, I'm going to need a thorough explanation on why he's a little blonde girl and not the brown-haired Austrian man he was in life.
I say that, but I'm struggling to think of anyone else who fits the bill we've been given from this girl...

>>3363104
Weaknesses for Berserker:
>Gas
>An hero command seals
>Russians
>Wagner
>Art critics

>>3363462
>[ ] You could not. It's one thing to talk with an enemy Servant, but quite another to go so far as to make them a treat! (Pride)

Well, we COULD be making it out of fear for our life (Self-preservation) instead, you know; silently hoping that the others will find you.

>>3363535
I suppose it could be his idea of the ideal human affecting him somehow.
Like how Da Vinci mona lisa'd themselves Hitler apparently wished to be the little girl. Aryan too.

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>>3363545
>not wanting to be the little girl

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>>3363550
>wanting to be the little girl

>>3363539
We might be dealing with a literal Hitler-chan. Don't ruin this, we gotta know for sure.

>>3363545
Well, he did have a very specific idea of the perfect human, and he took it VERY seriously. There's also the fire affinity to consider...

>>3363104
>>3363536
Is it wise to induce post traumatic stress to a Servant in general, let alone a BERSEKER?

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>>3363558
>I'm cute?: the pic

>>3363568
Alright, but what's happening with her shoulders?

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>>3363561
>might be
Sweets said he used the same Berserker or something.
It's Hitler-chan.
IF YOU FUCK THIS UP

>>3363570
An error during production.

>>3363462
>[ ] You could not. It's one thing to talk with an enemy Servant, but quite another to go so far as to make them a treat! (Pride)
Nope, this is the same thing that started the fall of the last quest.

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>>3363568
You could almost mistake that right shoulder for a fist.

>>3363579
I will reiterate. The last quest died because the QM left.
I'm going to keep writing this no matter what you folks do. Nothing I'm writing is going to lead to the "fall of the quest."

>>3363590
QM really embracing the pride aspect of Rushorou

Guys
We're Japanese
Caster (technically lived in Italy, apparently historical scholars place Aeaea in Italy)
Berserker is Hitler
AXIS POWERS GO!

>>3363593
That was meant to be reassuring, but reading it back I can see how it sounded arrogant. My point is just, don't worry about killing the quest with your choices. I'm committed to finishing the story.

>>3363462
>[ ] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)

>>3363590
Appreciate the dedication. I’ve been having fun reading the quest so far.

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>>3363601
Well, it's pretty much unanimous; let's brew the loli some coffee

Coffee Endeavor
>>3363472
>>3363484
>>3363528
>>3363603

DENIED!
>>3363475
>>3363539
>>3363579

>[X] You could indeed. Giving in to Berserker's adorable pleas, you take her order and head behind the counter to prepare coffee for the two of you. (Compassion/Duty)

Roll d100

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3363633

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Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>3363622
>>3363462
>>3363633

How does she take her coffee?

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3363633
Oh god oh fuck

>>3363599
As an American, I have reservations about joining forces with Hitler, but in the case of a Holy Grail War I think it's safe to say there are extenuating circumstances. WWII redux, here we come.

>>3363639
HOLY SHIT

>>3363639
Looks like we're really damn good at making coffee.

Let's make some for the rest of our party!

>>3363639
Yumigawa Rushorou: Coffee Master

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>>3363639
ooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

>>3363641
>>3363645

Uhhh...do we have any song about love and coffee since in the previous universe, "I kissed a girl" was pretty on point for the cherry flavoured kiss.

>>3363647
Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EfhAFA2yFE

>>3363645
>>3363639
>inb4 we were secretly a homunculus designed for the sole purpose of serving coffee.

>>3363656
>>3363657
Hey, calm down. You didn't roll 100.

Still, I was going to write a bit about you having to learn to operate a cafe's coffee machine on the fly. Guess that's out the window now.

>>3363660
>Still, I was going to write a bit about you having to learn to operate a cafe's coffee machine on the fly.

You could still do it, just make it seem miraculous/like a fluke.

Are
Are we going to befriend Hitler by making near perfect coffee?
Is Hitler going to avoid killing us immediately because of our superior coffee skills?
I have mixed feelings about this.

>>3363647
This might actually be her mood, though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuWJ3OA0OuI

>>3363590
Btw, just having a jest here QM. Your running of the quest thus far has been very good, especially when adjusting for your rate of production.

>>3363668
>Hitler-Chan realizes the honorary Aryan meme isn’t just a meme
Coffee is objectively better than that disgusting leaf juice, no cap.

>>3363706
I mean.
Technically we look like a pale European with white hair and red eyes.
Modified, remember?

>>3363706
Remember that Rushorou look like an Einzbern homonculus. He might not be exactly what Hitler idolizes, but it's bound to earn us a few points.

>>3363713
>>3363716
Ah yes, I forgot. Although I didn’t realize it wiped *all* the tojo from him.

You don't suppose Hitler-chan has some info in Occult Nazi shit? Nothing says pulp WW2 than the Thule Society.

>>3362854
This was surprisingly difficult to answer. I'm working with no. Although it isn't addressed directly in any of the material I have on the function of the Grail War or magecraft in general, the characters' behavior in the source material suggests that the overseer and the grail vessel feel the destruction of a Servant, but the other Servants do not.

>>3364066
Ah, thanks. I was hoping that Berserker would know about Saber's death somehow. I guess she could see the look in our eye, that most men who have killed are supposed to have, or whatever.

Please don't change your post to fit this if it doesn't already.

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"Of course," you reply, insisting to yourself that you aren't giving in to the girl's charms. This is an opportunity to gain more information about an enemy, nothing more!

"Excellent," Berserker says, her smirk already returning as she takes a seat by the window. "Bring me a Vienna coffee, then, with plenty of cream. You can make up for the lack of cake here with the coffee, I hope."

It takes you a moment to remember what her order entails, but it comes back to you as you walk behind the counter. Fortunately, in your first year of high school your class ran a cafe for the school festival, and you took on the role of cook. Memories of your time studying the operation of the machine with the same total dedication you put into every pursuit come flooding back as you prepare the coffee. First fill the cup halfway with whipped cream,, not premade but hand-done for the proper density. Then add two shots of strong espresso, pouring through the cream. Finally, top the cup off with more whipped cream, forming a thick, smooth, sweet top layer for the drink. At the same time, you make yourself a cafe au lait; simpler, but still enjoyable.

As you return to Berserker, her face seems to glow with childish excitement, unfeigned this time. Her wide blue eyes gleam like precious gems as you deliver the treat, her gaze following its progression towards the table precisely. Sitting down, you take a moment to admire your handiwork. The cream forms a soft swirled mound over the lip of the cup, pristine white at the peak and gradually fading into the brown tone conveyed by the coffee farther down. It really does look delicious.

At first, there's no conversation. Berserker simply sips the coffee, her face a picture of bliss as she enjoys the long-awaited treat. Finally she sets the cup down, empty, and speaks again. "Thank you, young man. You have no idea how long I've waited to be able to enjoy coffee again. What was your name, again?"

"Yumigawa Rushorou," you answer. "and yours, Miss Berserker?"

"Fufufu~," the girl chuckles, "you're still hoping to improve your position, are you? Although this coffee is a lovely treat, I don't think you've earned my True Name. If Berserker doesn't suit you, you may call me Adelheid." Berserker thinks for a few moments, before going on, "Tell me then, Rushorou, since we're on the subject of the important details of the War. What is your wish for the Grail? What drives you to pursue it?"

Without a moment's hesitation, the answer springs to your lips. "Rulership," you say. "To have the power necessary to seize authority justified by superiority. Since the beginning of the Grail War, I've discovered new aspects of myself. I've grown as a human, to stand above others. I want to continue that growth, that process of becoming superhuman, without limit. If I do so, then it is my duty as a superior individual to lead those who are my inferiors. That is my wish: the power not only to stand above humanity but to lead properly from that elevated station." As you speak, you find yourself raising your voice without intending to. The words bubble up from a previously hidden wellspring of conviction and pour out of you, almost beyond your control.

Berserker seems genuinely moved by your proclamation, wearing an honest expression of respect on her face for the first time. "When you leapt over the wall," she says, "I knew you were either stupid or brave, young man. You've proven to me that you are the latter, and that you have the makings of greatness moreover." She stands and walks over to your side, looking deep into your eyes; your vision fills with blue, and you're so lost in her gaze that you barely notice as she takes your hand. "Rushorou," she says softly, "of those who call themselves Masters that I have met so far in this War, you are the only one worthy of that title. Remember that wish, and never rest in striving towards it. Then, even death in failure will carry the honor of a life purely lived."

With that, she turns and leaves you in the cafe.

>[ ] Rush out into the street and go after Berserker (Write in what you'd like to say)

>[ ] Return to the university

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university
Let's not push our luck, neither with Berserker nor Caster.

>>3364076
>I was hoping that Berserker would know about Saber's death somehow. I guess she could see the look in our eye, that most men who have killed are supposed to have, or whatever
Honestly, I had wanted to write something like that as well. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized I couldn't do it. You'll have to wait until you show her your fighting abilities firsthand to see what kind of effect it has on her...

>>3364092
Also, if Circe asks anything, tell her the truth: We got caught out by Berserker and had to talk -and brew- our way out.
>>3364094
That's going to be a battle between Mind's Eyes.

I take it this was our bench check as well?

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university

>FemHitler thinks we're cool.
Oh god damn it Rushorou. Of everyone to actually impress you impress a Yandere Goddess and literally Hitler.
Great job.
Now how to explain this to Caster...

>>3364103
We heard a voice, got curious, found Berserker and brewed a cup of coffee to escape. It's that simple.

By the way, sorry to those who were hoping for a repeat of the candy scene. Like the other aspects of the quest, my Berserker differs from Gulag's, and I just couldn't think of a way for things to work out that way without her acting totally out of character.

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university

>>3364106
>"so you... went outside of my protective field and the university why?"
>"Heard a song."
>"So you decided to follow the song?"
>"And who was singing it?"
>"Uhhh. Berserker?"
>"And you manage to survive a meeting with Berserker without a Servant how?"
>"Well I made her coffee and we had a pleasant cha- WAIT CASTER NO PUT THE STAFF DO-"
Hmm.

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>>3364108
Don't be sorry

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university


That went better then I hoped. Now to see if caster or Truviet react worse then I fear.

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>>3364118
>>"And you manage to survive a meeting with Berserker without a Servant how?"
>"She made me brew a cup of coffee for my life."
Hmm, indeed.

>>3364127
Anon that still doesn't make us not retarded for just deciding "time to check out suspicious singing"
The only thing that tops this in the series in stupidity is Shirou in HA going out alone at night.
Also the fact that Berserker decided to spare us over killing us should set alarm bells ringing for Yandere Goddess.

>>3364127
You make it sound like she threatened you, anon. Adelheid asked you very nicely for that coffee.

>>3364133
Then again, it's Berserker, the Mad Servant. Any eccentricities can easily be chalked up to Mad Enhancement.

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>>3364133
>Anon that still doesn't make us not retarded for just deciding "time to check out suspicious singing"
So what you're saying is that she won't kill us.
>The only thing that tops this in the series in stupidity is Shirou in HA going out alone at night.
So what you're saying is she won't kills us.
>Also the fact that Berserker decided to spare us over killing us should set alarm bells ringing for Yandere Goddess.
So what you're saying is she won't kill US.
>>3364135
Berserkers are threatening by default.

>>3364088
>>[ ] Return to the university

>>3364140
Anon there are many things Caster could do to us.
None of which involve killing us.
But a few involving her casting some spell on us.

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>>3364153
So? What you're saying she won't kill us?

>>3364154
There are Worse things then death.

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university
>we impressed Hitler-Chan
Oh yes, everything went better than expected.

>>3364291
Although, on the topic of 20th Century german servants, I imagine Crown Prince Rupprecht would be a fine enough candidate.

>>3364088
>[ ] Return to the university
We just had a pleasant coffee date with literal Hitler. I'm not sure how to feel about this.

Turning to more pressing matters, we just had a coffee date with literal Hitler and now we need to explain to our incredibly possessive not-actually-our-girlfriend what happened while pissing her off as little as possible. Start brainstorming, since I don't know if being completely honest about EVERYTHING (like willingly making Berserker coffee) is going to be ideal here.

>>3364301
Any specifics that make you think that?

>>3364301
>literal who
In comparison to Hitler or Siegfried, at least.
Man, we would've been so assfucked if Saver was an A-lister like Siegfried.

>>3364320
>Saver
Sure, Saver
My spelling mistake is a prophecy: Cid has another Servant and it's Gautama Buddha

>>3364319
Yeah, but if we lie and she finds out...I just dont want to risk that.

>>3364326
I think honesty might just be best.
She wants to be waifu #1, and if she finds out we lied to her then she'll think that we don't trust her enough with these things.
We should tell her the truth, and imply that we did it to stay alive.

>>3364328
Yeah I can agree to that, I mean she will be mad at us, but that is due to our actions.

>>3364328
>>3364330
The question is how we should spin it. We can either spin it as us just trying to survive (which isn't exactly true) or we could spin it as us trying to gain an edge in the War somehow, like trying to butter up Berserker to betray her master and join us. Maybe give Caster a surprise peck on the cheek so she feels less threatened.

>>3364346
Do all that, sure
Also, wanting to live is a pretty good excuse for giving a Berserker what (s)he wants. She might not like the "wanted to butter her up" excuse, depending on how much she knows about her niece's legend.

>>3364346
Well you could always say you hear something right outside the grounds and went to see what it was. When it turned out to be berserker without her master you played along with their childish demands to not be murdered. (insert what we did). Then inform Caster ot what we learned about berskerkers master. If he is held up in a hotel while berserker is going about town, Lancer and Truviet can take out the master. That makes two servants down.

>>3364361
We can even hint/out right say while Truviet and Lancer our gone we can spend more time together with her no distractions.

>>3364361
>>3364362
I understand where you're coming from, but keep in mind that Berserker currently represents our best chance at getting a massive advantage in the war. If we play our cards right, we could end up with two servants. We'll finally be all but guaranteed to be able to take out Archer (as it stands, Lancer is the only one in our crew who stands a chance), Rider will almost certainly be beatable (unless this version of the Queen Anne's Revenge powers up based on being attacked), Assassin won't stand a chance, and Truvi will have difficulty even if she decides to betray us. Cid will also have a run for his money if we can get three servants - and potentially Rider too - to go after him. Eliminating Berserker would just be a handicap as things stand.

>>3364371
I disagree about it being the best chance. For one thing if we have both servants we are reduced to nothing but a mana battery; due to Berserkers close quarter fighting skills and Casters OP magic. So any fights we are more useless then we are already. Second Caster is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT going to stand for this. So there would go one/maybe two command seals. Truviet who we are not on solid ground with might cut ties, and there would be an enemy that knows us. If she is half as smart as she thinks she is she should already have a rough plan to take us down.
Now I know all of these are maybes, but just like last quest i dont see the benefits outweighing the negatives. Especially for the sole idea of having two servants.
That and personal preference for Caster waifu

>>3364382
That's not quite true. As a master, we have an overwhelming advantage against the others due to our modified body - the addition of a second servant would give us an overwhelming advantage against other servants. And technically speaking, it would be ideal for a master to serve exclusively as a battery pack and not risk getting killed since then the servant(s) can go hog wild with all their power (though it's hard to imagine Rushorou staying back even with two servants at his disposal).
Caster will stand for this as long as we make sure she feels confident that she's Rushorou's main squeeze.
We're in much better shape with Truvi now that we've reconciled after the homunculus fiasco. If she's half as smart as she thinks she is, she'll stay on our good side, since she probably knows not to make an enemy out of a master with two servants and most plans she might have to kill us will be far less effective if we add Berserker to the mix. There are almost certainly ways to make her feel confident that we won't betray her, as well. We just need to decide on a course of action in that regard.
Our magical energy is measured on a servant scale rather than a human one. We'll be alright.
Nobody said we'd be throwing aside the Caster route.

>>3364436
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think a lot of what you pointed out are assumptions. While they are valid point that can happen, I just dont agree with them.

As Berserker (or Adelheid, you suppose) leaves the shop, you make no move to stop or follow her. You remain, drinking your coffee and considering the situation. You're glad of having followed her, you're certain of that. To have made a potential ally among the enemy is a wonderful thing, and besides that the girl was enchanting. As her presence fades, though, a chill of fear begins to creep over you. What will you say to Caster on your return? She's already made it clear how much it frustrates her when you disregard her, and now you've gone wandering out of the university to meet an enemy Servant alone!

It is with uncertain, reluctant steps that you get up and make the walk home, anticipating the unpleasantness of Caster's irritation. When you arrive at the entryway to the grounds, that appears no different than when you left. 'At least,' you observe, 'she isn't waiting for me at the gate.' Imitating your earlier behavior in attempting to draw as little attention to yourself as possible, you go over the wall quietly rather than using the heavy, obvious, iron entrance. The grounds, too, are no different than when you left. The only sign of the impending disaster is the ominous warning of your own apprehension.

For a moment, you consider finding some other way to spend your time. You could go down to the gymnasium and train with Matsuda, or perhaps spend your time doing research in the library. After a short consideration, though, you conclude that this would only be putting off the inevitable. With a heavy heart, you climb the steps to Caster's tower room.

This time, Caster's home has taken on a mythic splendor. All traces of the cozy modern apartment are gone, and the walls are marble adorned columns, friezes, and golden ornaments that call to mind your indistinct dreams. Caster herself reclines on a golden couch, and holds her scrying dish propped on a languid arm. As you enter, she looks up to see you, and the dish dissolves into shimmering energy. The witch favors you with a wide, welcoming smile, and warmly says "Welcome home, Master. I must admit, I am impressed."

You had prepared yourself for her wounded pride and judgement. You had worried about her rage. This, however, leaves you completely flabbergasted. "Er," you stammer in confusion, "what?"

"Why, your manipulation of little Berserker, of course," she answers, as if her reaction were the most obvious thing in the world. "I was watching you by scrying, you know. I can't condone your leaving the university just because you heard a singing voice, that was rather foolish. As for the rest of it, though: masterful. You stood in the presence of someone who could kill you so easily, and had her wrapped around your finger. It was a truly heroic bit of manipulation! I have no doubt it will be far easier to kill her and her Master thanks to your little rendezvous."

Well, if that's how she wants to interpret the situation you won't stop her. "Thank you," you say. "I wasn't sure I could pull it off, but it does seem to have worked out in the end. I just wanted to make sure you were the first to hear about the encounter, but I see that was unnecessary. Now," you continue, raising a hand as you turn on your heel, "I'm off to practice with Matsuda. No telling what might happen if I don't keep up my training."

"Good lu~ck," Caster replies as you go, drawing out the last vowel to follow your departure.

Matsuda, you discover, is in the gymnasium once again. Your fighting is more even this time, but he's still able to routinely surprise and best you. He may be an ordinary human in capabilities, but his fighting instincts are still far beyond either yours or O'Mordha's. You have to wonder just what kind of fighting crucible this "badass" was forged in.

Eventually, you and Matsuda are too tired to continue the fighting, and as the day drifts into afternoon you walk back up into the main part of the university. You decide to...

>[ ] Go see Caster and plan you next attack on a Servant. (Pride)

>[ ] Visit the library and try to identify the song Adelheid was singing. Perhaps it's a clue to her True Name? (Duty/Curiosity)

>[ ] Look for Ogawara and see if he's made any progress with his research. (Curiosity)

>[ ] Go looking for Truvietianne. You'd like to talk with her about... (Write in subject)

>[ ] Something else (Write in)

>>3364695

>[ ] Look for Ogawara and see if he's made any progress with his research. (Curiosity)
Thanks for being understanding honey

>>3364695
>[ ] Look for Ogawara and see if he's made any progress with his research. (Curiosity)
Caster likes it YEAH

>>3364695
>[ ] Visit the library and try to identify the song Adelheid was singing. Perhaps it's a clue to her True Name? (Duty/Curiosity)

>"If you can remedy your musical ignorance by our next meeting, I may have a reward for you."

>>3364841
>>"If you can remedy your musical ignorance by our next meeting, I may have a reward for you."
I have a feeling we don't want her rewards, now that it's confirmed that Circe scries on us while we're out.

>>3364845
It just seems like the next logical step in taking advantage of her fondness of us and hatred for her current Master.

>>3364695
>[ ] Visit the library and try to identify the song Adelheid was singing. Perhaps it's a clue to her True Name? (Duty/Curiosity)
Glad she's starting to get it.
Gonna have to talk to her at some point about the plan to take Berserker though. We don't seem to be on the same page about that yet, and we've decided transparency with Caster is ideal.

Also gotta get them Duty points. Gotta have something aside from Pride to fall back on eventually.

>>3364864
Can't go around without my papers.

>>3364848
My only concern about this plan is that we've almost certainly been charmed. Gonna have to be careful about that from here on out.

>>3364866
Well, you've definitely been charmed. The question is whether or not you've been Charmed.

>>3364864
>[ ] Visit the library and try to identify the song Adelheid was singing. Perhaps it's a clue to her True Name? (Duty/Curiosity)
The "reward" is not the reason though; Ogawara is unlikely to find jack about Berserker on his own since she was the one we knew the least about at the time.

>>3364882
>she was the one we knew the least about at the time.
Besides Assassin. We'll ask Ogawara at the next opportunity.

>>3364866
Well Berserker has A rank Charisma.
As expected of Hitler-chan.
It's not a Charm at least.
Just good ol supernaturally high Charisma.

>>3364881
Fair. It's a small but important distinction.

>>3364889
I'm not so sure. The fact that Duty is attached to doing as Berserker asks us is worrying in that regard.

>>3364893
Look at Berserker's status page.
A-Rank Charisma is magic-like

>>3364900
Makes you wonder how much of an oafish waste of space her Master is.

>>3364900
I never doubted that Berserker's charisma was monstrously powerful or magic-like. The word choice of "subordinate" (though it's misspelled - not a big deal, but you might want to fix that, Sweets) on the status page makes a lot more sense as to why Duty would be involved though.

>>3364910
Seriously. We're rocking pure arrogance and a crew of 5 and we're STILL doing what she wants.

>>3364914
>The word choice of "subordinate" (though it's misspelled - not a big deal, but you might want to fix that, Sweets) on the status page makes a lot more sense as to why Duty would be involved though.
>inb4 these Duty choices end up not counting

Remember, QM, we're not doing it for the "reward".

>>3364925
>Duty choices end up not counting
>Duty points gained from Berserker are converted to a new stat called Virginity

>>3364914
Gah! Typo! I'll get to that when I'm back on my computer.

>>3364925
This brings a question to mind. Assuming you're the same anon who said earlier that you want Rushorou to "fall back on" Duty, what's your intention there? It is, after all, the motivation that most closely correlates with Pride. Rushorou sees it as his duty to win the war, his duty to lead those inferior to himself, etc.

>>3364941
>It is, after all, the motivation that most closely correlates with Pride.
I've noticed that. My plan is to focus on choices that incorporates one and not the other. When I think of a great leader, he needs 4 things:
>the Pride to assert himself as one such to the commonfolk
>the Compassion needed to understand the needs of the commonfolk
>the sense of Duty to direct the commonfolk towards prosperity
>the power to not only entrench your claim to rulership but to protect yourself -and the commonfolk- from enemies, both within and without.
... so I also plan on getting Compassion up as well Duty and Pride.

What I mean to do is refrain from choosing too many Pride/Duty options from hereon out.

>>3364941
"Fall back on" was me, I just forgot my hat. What I meant was, since us players have discussed trying to make Rushorou a better person, we'll need some factor other than Pride. Duty, while it correlates very closely with Pride, can help him improve since the key difference is that it's not as egocentric and is the most sensible way for him to develop into giving a shit about others. He sees it as his duty to win the war and lead others, but it's a warped sense of duty that doesn't quite align with what Duty really is (or at least what I had in mind for Duty when I proposed it and have been presuming it meant since). Currently, Rushorou thinks victory is his right rather than his responsibility. There's a critical difference in motivation. To give a more specific example, he thinks it's his duty to lead because he thinks his deserves to be on top of the pile and not because he thinks his abilities should be used to help those less able than himself. The "duty" he feels is not to others but to himself. The goal is to get Rushorou to start caring about others in a sensible way.

>>3364992
Oh shit, that was you? I expressed a similar sentiment so I thought he was talking about me.

>>3365011
I assumed the post he was referencing was >>3364864 since he quoted "fall back on".

>>3364992
>>3365011
Several people have posted similar things, and it seems like you're more or less on the same page. I'll tell you, though, ID-Lock. If you really want Rushorou to consider other people more, Compassion is the thing to focus on. Duty to oneself, duty to an abstract set of ideals or principles, duty to authority figures, and duty to one's peers all fall under the same umbrella motivation of Duty, after all.
The way I've been characterizing the Duty/Pride dichotomy is that a Duty option pursues what Rushorou sees as the most utilitarian way of reaching victory (since it is his duty to succeed in an undertaking he's begun), whereas a Pride option pursues glory for Rushorou. Glory usually coincides with winning the War, but there are times when Duty would compel inglorious methods.

>>3365037
> it seems like you're more or less on the same page
I reject the beliefs of these nerds.

>>3365039
I still want to become a Seigi no Mikata.

>>3365037
That's actually very informative and clears a lot of things up about the motivations. Thanks for the explanation.

>>3364695
>[X] Visit the library and try to identify the song Adelheid was singing. Perhaps it's a clue to her True Name? (Duty/Curiosity)

WRITING...

>>3365039
Well, it's always good to have a range of views. If everybody wanted Rushorou to wind up the same, it'd be pretty boring.

>>3365049
Better get on those compassion options and write-ins, then.

Has anybody else wondered what significance Akeldama holds in the context of this quest? I know it's the plot of land associated with Judas but that differs based on the source of the story.

>>3365882
I mean, it’s a good name for a field of blood desu. Not necessarily any Judeo-Christians memes involved.

As you walk into the library, you can't help but be amazed once again at its enormity. The doors to the library open into a central open space, but all around the room closes in on you, ten floors of mahogany shelving creating the impression of a forest of books. Looking up, you can see that each successive level of the library stops above your head with a wooden railing, making this entrance the only part of the room with open space above reaching all the way to the ceiling.

Putting aside your consideration of the overall look of the place, you move on to the front desk. There is, of course, no librarian there to help you, but you can at least look through the card catalog in search of books related to your subject. According to Berserker, she was singing Wagner, so you begin by looking for books of his work, delving into the classical music section. At length, after paging through cards for the works of various other composers, you come to A Complete and Detailed Recording of the Operatic Productions of Richard Wagner. If that isn't what you're looking for, nothing is.

Even with the book's catalog card in hand, it takes you at least another hour to actually find the thing in the massive library. Even when you do, another groan is forced from your lips as you discover it to be a huge, dusty twelve volume set. Still, if it's possible that you might gain some knowledge of Adelheid's true name from this book, you're committed to ferreting it out. And so, you crack open the first volume, beginning with Leubald, a tragedy from 1828.

After several hours of reading, you've gone through eight of the twelve volumes when you finally discover the song you're looking for, Erda's warning to the gods from Das Rheingold. In the lines which you heard Adelheid sing, she warns the king of the gods to leave off seeking the Ring of the Nibelungs, a nigh-omnipotent artifact which is said to grant its bearer the power to rule the world. If he persists in keeping the ring, she warns, the gods will be cast down, and bring the end of "all that ever was."

You shut the book with a snap. The song is chillingly appropriate for the battle over the Grail, and in particular for your wish. And yet, Adelheid couldn't have known of your wish before you discussed the matter in the cafe. Why, then, was she singing this song? Even if one looks only at the parallel of the enchanted artifact, the connection is unnerving enough. Perhaps she intended it to weaken the nerves of her enemies; but then, could she really expect the other Servants all to be familiar with Wagner? Was she singing this sarcastically, warning herself against the course she had set out on? Though your mind worries at the problem, you find no answer.

As for the matter of her True Name, the details of the song tell you little more than you knew already. Das Rheingold was first performed in 1869, so you can imagine that Berserker is likely a German heroic spirit from some time after that year, but that leaves you with little to go on. Although highly knowledgeable within the fields required by school, you've never taken the initiative to study matters outside of those which are immediately useful to your life, and German history is one of those you've left largely untouched.

Returning the books to their place on the shelf, you stand up and look around. Without your notice, the sun has set, and the light of afternoon has been replaced by that of the library's deep orange lamps. As you walk out of the library, you stretch, chasing from your limbs the fatigue that's built up during your reading session. Then you decide to...

>[ ] Go up to Caster's tower and plan your next move in the War.

>[ ] Go down to the dining hall and see if anyone's there.

>[ ] Go looking for Ogawara in the computer lab. Maybe he's made some progress in finding out details on the enemy Servants?

>[ ] Visit Truvietianne's room to discuss (write in topic).

>[ ] Something else (write in)

>>3366032
>[ ] Go looking for Ogawara in the computer lab. Maybe he's made some progress in finding out details on the enemy Servants?
Maybe he could help with Berserker now that we know that she:
>was around for Das Rheingold
>is German
and
>is a good orator.

>>3366032
>[ ] Go up to Caster's tower and plan your next move in the War.

>>3366045
I don't think Hitler was the only charismatic german historical figure. And I have no idea how he could be considered a berserker.

>>3366068
Otto Von Bismarck?

>>3366032
>>[ ] Go down to the dining hall and see if anyone's there.

>>3366068
Never said it was Hitler, anon.

>>3366068
Then again you never implied I did either.

>>3366045
I'll just point out now that none of the Servants in this war whose names you've learned have been gender swaps, and neither Rushorou nor Ogawara has been given any reason to expect one. Remember how shocked Shirou was when Saber turned out to be King Arthur?
It may be a normal expectation for you, but that's only because you've been through all the nonsense the Fate franchise throws out. Looking at you, Drake.

>>3366068
The main issue I have is that this hero needs to imagine themself as an Aryan loli, and that just doesn’t really fit the bill for most Germans who were more prominent during the imperial era. If it isn’t Hitler, I really have no clue. With the way heroic spirits work, it won’t be a lesser of the Nazi period. Although as I say this
>Inb4 it’s Goebbels

>>3366032
>[ ] Go looking for Ogawara in the computer lab. Maybe he's made some progress in finding out details on the enemy Servants?
If nothing else, we can update him about the whole “Saber is kaput” and Wagner stuff.

>>3366032
>[ ] Go down to the dining hall and see if anyone's there.
I beseech the dice gods. Also kinda wish we stuck around at the library a little longer to do some research on Circe too, but oh well.

>>3366085
IExtra Rider is actually Queen Elizabeth I cosplaying as Drake, not Drake himself.

>>3366032
>[ ] Go looking for Ogawara in the computer lab. Maybe he's made some progress in finding out details on the enemy Servants?
We should probably update him on what we know. Saber is dead, and we know Rider, Lancer, and Caster's names for sure (though don't tell him Caster's just in case), so he should focus on Assassin, Berserker, and Archer.

>>3366164
For real? That makes even less sense.