You are Yumigawa Rushorou, magically augmented human, Grail War contestant, and first-time killer.Since awakening in a burning city almost a week ago, you've done surprisingly well for yourself. You saved two of your classmates, entered into a partnership with an enchantress from the Age of Gods, forged a secondary alliance with one of your opponents in the death game you're stuck in, and you've even managed to successfully take out the first of the seven competitors. You've also died repeatedly, gotten into repeated misunderstandings with the women in your life, and been shot in the knee, but the less said about your failings the better.It's the morning of the sixth day, and you're discussing plans over breakfast with Caster.Previous thread: >>3344132 Suptg Archive:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Sweets-Loving%20QMStatus Information:https://pastebin.com/qsKX4p5b
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)
>>3361951Reposting >>3361943I 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.
>>3361951I am also reposting and support >>3361959
>>3361951Supporting >>3361916Circe 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>>3361967Alright, 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)>>3362065Rolling...
Rolled 79 (1d100)>>3362065Here goes our relationship!
>>3362069>the DC was 80
Rolled 97 (1d100)>>3362072Oh, yeah? Watch this
>>3362074It's a damn shame Sweets only takes the first 3.
Rolled 49 (1d100)>>3362065I'm late, again.
>>3362077Damn 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.
>>3362209I 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.
>>3362237I'm sure if we even attempted the same shift we did last time, Caster would do worse then murder us.>>3362238So 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?
>>3362239Probably. 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)
>>3362249Well 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.>>3362251Please no. Or at least why?
>>3362251DO NOT GO TOWARD THE GERMAN NURSERY RHYMESAlso, 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 OnlyGoWell.
>>3362238Those 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.
>>3362289That or survival instincts.
>>3362291Speaking 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.
>>3362344you 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!
>>3362255Circe "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?
>>3362409Apparently >>3362255, >>3362288, >>3362346 and >>3362403 want to see Caster at her worst
>>3362417>3362255WhoopsMeant to quote >>3362251
Wait-->German hymn>little girl>Bazaka was last seen wandering the cityTHIS IS A BAD THING!
>>3362421It's fine. What's the worst that could happen?
>>3362431The quest dies again.
Changing my vote to get out of dodge and warn the others.
>>3362443On second thought, can we call Caster?
Alright then, looks like it's no candy scene for you. Cowardice takes the day.
>>3362443You damnable pancake! Now we don't get to meet Bazaka!
>>3362536I was still on the fence but I fell asleep!
>>3362527>candy sceneAlso I'm new and what is this?
>>3362539Then pancake again, you spineless varlet! Even if it's too late, you have to try!>>3362544In 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
>>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 FSNThis 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.
>>3362554TOO 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.
>>3362579He 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
>>3362555Anyway, Sweetsshould I pop ID's akelcherry for you
>>3362584>He was getting betterRiiight, 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
>>3362597Sean deserved it.We're a good boy.
>>3362597>he destroyed Sean's face out of frustration at not progressing towards his goalsNo 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 faceGod, 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"
>>3362605We 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>>3362611Don'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.
>>3362620He 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.
>>3362596If you like
>>3362596OK, 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)>>3362636The 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.>>3362646Here goes
Rolled 5 (1d20)>>3362646Goddamnit.
>>3362645Don'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)>>3362646Okie doke.
>>3362645Well 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.
>>3362645>Fatefags>lolifags>let alone on 4chan(nel)Shocking, I tell you.
>>3362653I'm OK with the existence of lolifags but apparently that guy had a grudge against them. Maybe they killed his little sister or somethingAnd 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.
>>3362705He was a lot flirtier. We put the moves on Truvi
>>3362736I 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>JudasMy 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.
>>3362736You know, you guys can take the character back in that direction if you want. I'm always open to write-in responses.
>>3362802>becoming a playboy>while locked into the yandere routeN-no thanks...
>>3362811I 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 investigateCompliment 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.
>>3362833Anon, 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”
>>3362837ANON 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...
>>3362844That would require Bazaka knowing this and willingly betraying her Master. Not gonna happen.
>>3362844Look 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.
>>3362827I 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?
>>3362847We 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.
>>3362859Well, she COULD betray him if she sees his cowardice as a dereliction of duty, thus conflicting with the Lawful part of her Alignement.
>>3362859I'm still not in favor of taking another Servant, thougj.
>>3362891The 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.
>>3362909And 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>>3362949I, 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)>>3363066Egads anons
Rolled 8 (1d20)>>3363066OhOk
Rolled 17 (1d20)>>3363066
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.
>>3363083This could be our chance to swipe Berserker and get a desperately needed edge on that bastard Archer. You've done well.
>>3363107Oh no, I'm >>3362891 so I'm still against it. Matsuda, on the other hand...
>>3363108>wanting to create enemy mastersUh.????
>>3363112Matsuda 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.
>>3363112If he does turn on us, he'd likely be upfront about it too, wanting a duel.
>>3363128It'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>>3363140The 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?
>>3363497Oh 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.
>>3363500That 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.
>>3363513It'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).
>>3363518If 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...
>>3363104Weaknesses 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.
>>3363535I 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.
>>3363545>not wanting to be the little girl
>>3363550>wanting to be the little girl
>>3363539We might be dealing with a literal Hitler-chan. Don't ruin this, we gotta know for sure.>>3363545Well, 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>>3363536Is it wise to induce post traumatic stress to a Servant in general, let alone a BERSEKER?
>>3363558>I'm cute?: the pic
>>3363568Alright, but what's happening with her shoulders?
>>3363561>might beSweets said he used the same Berserker or something.It's Hitler-chan.IF YOU FUCK THIS UP
>>3363570An 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.
>>3363568You could almost mistake that right shoulder for a fist.
>>3363579I 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."
>>3363590QM really embracing the pride aspect of Rushorou
GuysWe're JapaneseCaster (technically lived in Italy, apparently historical scholars place Aeaea in Italy)Berserker is HitlerAXIS POWERS GO!
>>3363593That 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)>>3363590Appreciate the dedication. I’ve been having fun reading the quest so far.
>>3363601Well, it's pretty much unanimous; let's brew the loli some coffee
Coffee Endeavor>>3363472>>3363484>>3363528>>3363603DENIED!>>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
Rolled 24 (1d100)>>3363622>>3363462>>3363633How does she take her coffee?
Rolled 99 (1d100)>>3363633Oh god oh fuck
>>3363599As 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.>>3363639HOLY SHIT
>>3363639Looks like we're really damn good at making coffee.Let's make some for the rest of our party!
>>3363639Yumigawa Rushorou: Coffee Master
>>3363639ooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
>>3363641>>3363645Uhhh...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.
>>3363647Here'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>>3363657Hey, 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.
AreAre 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.
>>3363647This might actually be her mood, though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuWJ3OA0OuI
>>3363590Btw, 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 memeCoffee is objectively better than that disgusting leaf juice, no cap.
>>3363706I mean.Technically we look like a pale European with white hair and red eyes. Modified, remember?
>>3363706Remember 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>>3363716Ah 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.
>>3362854This 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.
>>3364066Ah, 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.
"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 universityLet'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 whateverHonestly, 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...
>>3364092Also, if Circe asks anything, tell her the truth: We got caught out by Berserker and had to talk -and brew- our way out.>>3364094That'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...
>>3364103We 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.
>>3364108Don't be sorry
>>3364088>[ ] Return to the universityThat went better then I hoped. Now to see if caster or Truviet react worse then I fear.
>>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.
>>3364127Anon 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.
>>3364127You make it sound like she threatened you, anon. Adelheid asked you very nicely for that coffee.
>>3364133Then again, it's Berserker, the Mad Servant. Any eccentricities can easily be chalked up to Mad Enhancement.
>>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.>>3364135Berserkers are threatening by default.
>>3364088>>[ ] Return to the university
>>3364140Anon 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.
>>3364153So? What you're saying she won't kill us?
>>3364154There are Worse things then death.
>>3364088>[ ] Return to the university>we impressed Hitler-Chan Oh yes, everything went better than expected.
>>3364291Although, on the topic of 20th Century german servants, I imagine Crown Prince Rupprecht would be a fine enough candidate.
>>3364088>[ ] Return to the universityWe 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.>>3364301Any specifics that make you think that?
>>3364301>literal whoIn comparison to Hitler or Siegfried, at least.Man, we would've been so assfucked if Saver was an A-lister like Siegfried.
>>3364320>SaverSure, SaverMy spelling mistake is a prophecy: Cid has another Servant and it's Gautama Buddha
>>3364319Yeah, but if we lie and she finds out...I just dont want to risk that.
>>3364326I 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.
>>3364328Yeah I can agree to that, I mean she will be mad at us, but that is due to our actions.
>>3364328>>3364330The 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.
>>3364346Do all that, sureAlso, 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.
>>3364346Well 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.
>>3364361We can even hint/out right say while Truviet and Lancer our gone we can spend more time together with her no distractions.
>>3364361>>3364362I 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.
>>3364371I 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
>>3364382That'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.
>>3364436Thank 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.
>>3364845It 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.
>>3364864Can't go around without my papers.>>3364848My only concern about this plan is that we've almost certainly been charmed. Gonna have to be careful about that from here on out.
>>3364866Well, 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.
>>3364866Well Berserker has A rank Charisma.As expected of Hitler-chan.It's not a Charm at least.Just good ol supernaturally high Charisma.
>>3364881Fair. It's a small but important distinction.>>3364889I'm not so sure. The fact that Duty is attached to doing as Berserker asks us is worrying in that regard.
>>3364893Look at Berserker's status page. A-Rank Charisma is magic-like
>>3364900Makes you wonder how much of an oafish waste of space her Master is.
>>3364900I 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.>>3364910Seriously. 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
>>3364914Gah! Typo! I'll get to that when I'm back on my computer.>>3364925This 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.
>>3364992Oh shit, that was you? I expressed a similar sentiment so I thought he was talking about me.
>>3365011I assumed the post he was referencing was >>3364864 since he quoted "fall back on".
>>3364992>>3365011Several 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 pageI reject the beliefs of these nerds.
>>3365039I still want to become a Seigi no Mikata.
>>3365037That'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...>>3365039Well, it's always good to have a range of views. If everybody wanted Rushorou to wind up the same, it'd be pretty boring.>>3365049Better 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.
>>3365882I 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 Germanand>is a good orator.
>>3366032>[ ] Go up to Caster's tower and plan your next move in the War.
>>3366045I don't think Hitler was the only charismatic german historical figure. And I have no idea how he could be considered a berserker.
>>3366068Otto Von Bismarck?>>3366032>>[ ] Go down to the dining hall and see if anyone's there.
>>3366068Never said it was Hitler, anon.
>>3366068Then again you never implied I did either.
>>3366045I'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.
>>3366068The 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. >>3366085IExtra 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.>>3366164For real? That makes even less sense.
>>3366164See, I've looked into that. Not true, exactly. In her character material in Fate/Extra it says that there's an "unconfirmed rumor that Servant Rider is actually Elizabeth I, who switched placed with the real Francis Drake after suffering a facial injury." This makes it sound to me more like something the player would like to believe than something true.So, I'd still say Drake is the most egregious nonsense they've pulled with gender-swapping.
>>3366184Fair enough. I bought into the Drake thing pretty easily because from what I've heard, Elizabeth spent most of her life trying and failing to get a male heir like her father. Given the way that she got summoned by a child Shinji and acts pretty easily as a surrogate mentor figure, I though the pieces lined up too well.Probably just reading too much into things and Riders are just naturally the broest of Servants.
>>3366164>I beseech the dice gods.Given that we can find anyone else with choices, the only ones we might run into there are Matsuda and Lancer. And Lancer has no reason to hang around the dining hall.
>>3366032>[X] Go looking for Ogawara in the computer lab. Maybe he's made some progress in finding out details on the enemy Servants?Roll d100
Rolled 40 (1d100)>>3366320
>>3366320Once more unto the breach.
Rolled 90 (1d100)>>3366320
Rolled 13 (1d100)>>3366325Goddammit, forgot to roll.
Good roll.So if I read everything right we need to select more compassion options for us to see people as people? Are there other unknown traits Sweets?
>>3366206>Elizabeth spent most of her life trying and failing to get a male heir like her father. Given the way that she got summoned by a child Shinji and acts pretty easily as a surrogate mentor figureMy mind is going places, anon>>3366328saved
>>3366366Do cales go "Ara ara~"?
>>3366328Nice. Hopefully he's got a working system up them. >>3366366>My mind is going places, anonGet yer mind outta the gutter. He's the son she never had, and nothing else. I was originally going to compare it to Waiver and Iskander's relationship in Zero, but on reflection I don't know if that would help my case.
>>3366370yes>>3366380>spoilerThat might make your case worse
>>3366380Waiver and Iskander's relationship was that of a son learning from a father figure, right?
>>3366412Yes, anon.That's right.
>>3366358>Are there other unknown traits Sweets?Sort of a Catch-22 situation. If I told you, they wouldn't be unknown traits, now would they?
>>3366450Damn, you got any idea how many points we have for Pride, Duty and Compassion?
>>3366554Yes, I've been keeping count.
>>3366557Can you give us the top 3?
>>3366557Care to share?
Here you go, right from my notes:Rushorou's Emotional Stats:Pride~23 (10 from major focus)Duty~14Compassion~10Self-Preservation~16 (10 from major focus)Desire~8
>>3366565Huh. We need to focus on Duty and Compassion to round him out.So is each choice 1 point?
>>3366565>DesireHello, hidden stat.
>>3366570Yeah, we don't want to end up a megalomaniacal tyrant.
>>3366570Why do you want to round him out? A circle has no defining points. A well-rounded person wouldn't be very interesting in a story like this.Personal taste aside, I had assumed when setting up this system that people would pick a driving focus for the character and try to specialize in that. >>3366577Well, yes. I don't mind showing you that you have it, but I'm not going to signpost when you gain it. It represents your various desires, as you'd guess.
>>3366579I personally want him to operate on the three key points I mentioned earlier. I was a Dutyfag.
As an aside, speaking of well-roundedness, I'd say the most sane and well-rounded of the Masters was either Sean or the still unknown Master of Assassin.
>>3366579>A circle has no defining pointsWho said it had to be a circle? It could be an ellipse or a square with the corners rounded off or something.>It represents your various desires, as you'd guess.D-do we get it when we pursue Circe?
>>3366579>I had assumed when setting up this system that people would pick a driving focus for the character and try to specialize in that.Personally, I'm a fan of character development. I'd like to see Rushorou learn something over the course of the story rather than just be an arrogance specialist. Starting out with a flaw that we can try to iron out is part of the fun.>>3366586Probably when we pursue anyone. I'd wager we got a point or two from our coffee date with Berserker.
>>3366586A circle has no defining points. It's a pun. Those other two shapes don't have points either, anyway.
>>3366590But shapes have an infinite number of points.
>>3366565>Pride~23 (10 from major focus)Memes aside, can you tell us if there are any mechanical benefits to sticking with a single focus against diversifying? I assume both options would unlock dialogue, but I'm wondering if the effects run deeper.
>>3366620They mostly just affect your internal state and characterization. High or low pride isn't going to confer any benefits or detriments in combat, or anything. You aren't Gilgamesh.Said internal state could have a significant impact on magic, though...
As you walk into the computer lab, you're blasted once again by the sound of idol music. Passing by the numerous empty desks, you arrive at the computer where Ogawara's set up, his face illuminated by the only active screen in the otherwise dark room. You tap his shoulder lightly to get his attention. "Ogawara-kun. How goes the research?""Y-Y-Yumigawa-san!" Ogawara yelps, spinning his chair to face you, "Y-y-you c-can't keep, ah, surprising m-me like that! I almost h-had a heart attack!""...and?" you say, waiting for him to elaborate. "It's not as if you pay attention when people enter. That's beside the point, at any rate. Have you found any more information on the enemy Servants?" As Ogawara begins the tortuous process of forcing a sentence past his nervous lips, you cut him off, remembering the other detail you'd wanted to tell him. "Ah yes, before you begin I should tell you that Saber is dead. There's no need for you to investigate him any longer.""I-I see," says Ogawara, "Um, I g-guess that doesn't really, er, m-matter. I, ah, h-hadn't really found any, um, details on h-him anyw-way. But! Ah, but I d-did find, ah, s-some info on, er, o-one of the other Servants." You wait for him to continue; interjecting here would only draw out the conversation, something you truly do not want to do. "It's, um, Archer!" Ogawara proclaims proudly. "S-since you, ah, said you h-had trouble with his, um, Magic Resistance, I, ah, focused on r-researching him f-first. I c-couldn't find any, ah, western gunmen who fit the ph-physical description y-you gave me, so I, ah, t-tried digging a l-little, um, deeper." Then he chuckles, apparently seeing some humor in the situation. "I-it turns out, Yumigawa-san, that I can't, ah, t-tell you his true name. You s-see, he doesn't, ah, have one!" Ogawara looks expectantly at you, waiting for your shock."Excuse me?" you say, cocking an eyebrow, "He doesn't have a true name? Just what is that supposed to mean?""Ehehe," Ogawara chuckles in embarrassment. "It w-was a joke, but, um, I guess it didn't w-work. Your, ah, Archer s-seems most like an, ah, American f-film character. A, er, gunman called The Man with No Name. The, ah, Archer you described f-fits his physical description, ah, exactly, and s-some of the things you t-told me he, ah, said are very s-similar to the character's, ah, lines. F-from the movies, I mean. Th-the filmmaker said he, ah, didn't h-have a name because he was, ah, supposed to represent th-the whole spirit of the, ah, West. If these, ah, Servants represent legends, couldn't this c-character h-have taken on the l-legends of the various, ah, actual g-gunmen who became, ah, famous?"
"Huh," you say, considering the idea. "some kind of composite Servant, huh? I wonder if that's even possible." Then you return to the moment. "Well then, Ogawara-kun, that's very interesting, but I'm not certain it's useful. Does this 'Man with No Name' have any weaknesses or limitations we could use?""Ah, well, no," Ogawara says dejectedly, "H-he was a, um, movie hero, after all. He always, ah, came out on top. H-he could use all kinds of, ah, weapons, and h-he was always faster, or smarter, or something. I-it just always, ah, worked out for him."Well, that's not much help. You consider whether there's anything else worth asking Ogawara on the subject, but nothing in particular comes to mind. You decide to leave, and head up to...>[ ] The dining hall>[ ] Caster's tower-room>[ ] Truvietianne's suite>[ ] The garden>[ ] Somewhere else (Write in)
>>3366632Well shit. Thank him for the effort and try to relay what we learned to him, then go to the dining hall for something to eat.
>>3366632>[ ] Caster's tower-roomLunch time?
And so, the true face of Archer is revealed at last.
>>3366631>The Man with No NameThat's interesting. Really interesting. I was wondering how a modern hero had that high Magic Resistance, but being Clint Eastwood goes a long way to explaining that conundrum. A noble phantasm involving a duel at high noon would be pretty cool. >>3366632>[] Head back to the library to research Caster's True Name, Circe. I mentioned it before, but I'd like Rushorou to figure out more about Caster in-character as soon as he can, so that he can avoid getting caught blindsided by some of her more dangerous traits.
>>3366642It is night. The sun set while you were reading Wagner, remember?
>>3366648So dinner time then.
We should ask Circe if she's already made dinner or not; I really want to eat with my allies but I don't want to snub Circe in order to do it, maybe even invite her to eat with the others if she hasn't.
>>3366690Actually yeah, maybe having her socializing with the others would be good for her.
>>3366632>Caster's tower room
>>3366645This, then eat dinner with Circe and the others like >>3366690 and >>3366693 want.
>>3366632>[X] Caster's tower-roomRoll d100
Rolled 76 (1d100)>>33667371
Rolled 33 (1d100)
Rolled 94 (1d100)>>3366737
>>3366748dice+1d100 in Options
Rolled 86 (1d100)
>>3366749Niceeee
>>3366749I'm glad I woke up to this.
>>3366645Now the question is, what does that say about Kikuko's personality?
>>3366926Maybe that she is unhappy. After all in most western movies its usually a single mother/female land owner who is trapped in some situation they cant get out off until the hero comes through town.But if it is specifically the man with no name, and not the ideal western protagonist, that's might be harder tobsay.
>>3366926Does it say anything? As it stands, we have little reason to believe that summoning in this war was carried out via compatibility. While it would make sense based on what we know of the franchise, it doesn't add up based on what we've seen so far. We had a chance of summoning any of 5 servants, and Circe's personality isn't exactly similar to Rushorou's. There are some other blatant personality mishmashes, too - Rider's master is relaxed as they come, and Berserker's master has no motivation for anything.
>>3367056It could be that the personalities are complementary.>Yumigawa is described as acting "Like a Greek hero" and Circe is, well... Circe>Rider's Master is relaxed and calm while Rider himself is energetic and excited>Kikuko is naive and sociable while Clint is jaded and orneryIt could also be that some of them used Catalysts.
>>3367062Adding to the complementary-personalities angle, Berserker would have a strong and focused motive if she's Hitler-chan which would complement her Master's lack of any motivation
>>3367062>>3367069I doubt anyone used catalysts, considering everybody got their servant thanks to the coins and cups. We only got to vote on our servant by pure chance, we were supposed to get one based on a die roll. Rushorou's personality wasn't actually set in stone until right before we summoned our servant. And we only have Circe because we picked Caster and Circe is Sweets' favorite servant, so he scrapped whoever he had planned for the class and gave us Circe instead. Given all that, it's hard to think that there's a system for assigning servants to masters other than whatever lottery nonsense Cid put in place.
Remember Rider and Waver in Fate Zero? The "complementary/similar personalities" angle can be more nuanced than the way Shirou is an almost copy of Saber.I'll say this. The personalities of the Masters and Servants are connected, but each pair has it's own dynamic.
>>3367119I don't doubt that you yourself paired them personality-wise to have interesting duos to work with. What I'm saying is that personality probably isn't involved in whatever in-world system was used to summon the servants. Waver summoned Rider because he had a catalyst and not because the Grail decided they'd be a good match - Urobuchi is the one who made the call to pair them up.
>>3367100>we picked Caster and Circe is Sweets' favorite servant, so he scrapped whoever he had planned for the class and gave us Circe instead.It was Orpheus, in case you were wondering.
>>3367246Yeah, you stay away from mai waifu
>>3367246Any details (personality, etc.) or are you gonna save that for next time?
>>3367267Orpheus is your waifu?
>>3367337Depends, is he involved with Yumigawa? Because I live vicariously through Yumi.
>>3367347>he self-inserts
>>3367353I'm sleepless at 1.00 in the morning and my life is going to hell, let me have this
>>3367347I don't know how to feel about this. On the one hand, that feels like a real compliment to my writing. On the other hand, I included Circe because she's [i]mai[/i] waifu.
>>3367362>she's [i]mai[/i] waifu
>>3367362lmao get cucked
>>3367362Just up the DC whenever Yumi's life is in danger.Give us some f/sn style brutal deaths too.
>>3367370I need to organize my folders.
>>3367377Eh. It's fiction. I'd have to be insanely pretty to become jealous of my own protagonist.
>>3367386Petty. I meant to write petty. Why would my phone autocorrect petty?
>>3367353>he doesn’t self insert>>3367388The real question is, is Anon-controlled Rushorou good enough for yr waifu?
>>3367388>he hasn't disabled autocorrect
>>3367388It was a joke anyway.Though when it comes to dying we haven't had any Shirou tier excessively horrible deaths."Wait where are my feet? Oh no."
Did we ever get Truvi’s thoughts after beating that guy to death with our bare hands? We really should, even if it has to be OOC.
>>3367410I've given you folks a bunch of options to go talk to her. If you want her opinion, go get it.
>>3367581This is true
>>3367588We'll go see her after Caster.Maybe tommorow.She also needs to be informed about Berserker.
>>3367596>She also needs to be informed about Berserker.Oh yeah, that's right, we promised transparency.
>>3367596Maybe we could inform her over dinner?
"Helpful or not," you tell Ogawara, "thank you for you research efforts. I'm sure that knowing Archer's true identity will be useful in some way." You almost leave, then, but turn back as you remember your other business here. "On that subject, there is one more thing I should inform you of. I met with Berserker, and learned some odd details about her personality. She's almost certainly a German heroic spirit, first. When I asked for her name, she called herself Adelheid, but claimed that it wasn't her True Name. Second, when I met her she was singing an aria from [i]Das Rheingold[/i], so we can surmise she lived during or after the latter portion of the Nineteenth Century. Hopefully that helps with your search. Now I'm off to discuiss matters with Caster." As you turn and leave, Ogawara sits stupefied, muttering, "a German little girl hero? That's..."Finished gathering information and eager to move on, you depart the computer lab and head for Caster's tower. 'Perhaps,' you think hopefully, 'I can convince her to eat dinner with the rest this time. A group meal would be a good thing, I'm sure.' When you arrive at her door, however, no voice answers you knock. Hesitantly opening it, you find the opulent boudoir empty. You briefly consider searching the university for the enchantress, but dismiss the idea as too time-consuming. Instead, you remember the odd telepathy Caster's used to contact you on occasion. Caster had said that the Servant-Master bond was a connection between souls. With sufficient focus, could you accomplish the same feat? You focus on the mental image of Caster and think, 'Caster, where are you now?'A response comes immediately, Caster's bright voice resounding in your mind, 'Oh, Master? I'm in the university kitchens, preparing dinner for everyone! Your nervous friend asked me to take over for him since he was working on research for you.' Apparently your attempted telepathy was successful. You make a mental note that this is a reliable method of contacting Caster; it's much easier than trekking across the university to see her. 'Lovely,' you reply, 'I was hoping the two of us might be able to share dinner with the others tonight.'When you arrive at the dining hall, Caster's finished preparing dinner and is setting the table. As you take your seat, you watch Matsuda, Truvietianne, Lancer, and Ogawara enter in their turn. The dinner Caster's prepared is nothing short of sublime. To begin with, crusty bread is served with olives, oil and vinegar, feta cheese, and prosciutto to be applied as you please. This is followed by a course of succulent lamb chops, pan fried in a garlic and rosemary marinade that forms a light savory glaze on the surface of the meat. These are served alongside an unusual dish of zucchini, stuffed with herbed ricotta cheese, drizzled in olive oil, and roasted with salt and pepper. Finally, dessert is crème brûlée topped with a summer compote of apricot, cherry, and peach
As the six of you enjoy this sumptuous dinner,you ponder on how to explain your meeting with Berserker to Truvietianne. You did promise that you'd be completely transparent regarding the conduct of the war, but at the same time you struggle to think of a version of the narrative that doesn't portray you as heedlessly following after a pretty face (and voice). Before you can arrive at a conclusion, however, a resounding chime echoes through the hall. Caster stands up in surprise, explaining, "Someone's knocking at the front gate of the university grounds!">[ ] Go out and greet the visitors (Pride)>[ ] Meet the approaching enemy with an attack! (Duty)
>>3367736>[ ] Go out and greet the visitors (Pride)Oh boy! Visitors!
>>3367736>[ ] Go out and greet the visitors (Pride)>Copious descriptions of foodYep, this is Fate alright.
>>3367736Is there a way to approach them with at least a degree of scrutiny?
>>3367784If you come up with a plan of action and write it in, I'll be happy to incorporate it.
>>3367791In that case, I'd like to propose a plan.>Have caster use her scrying to see who's at the gate. If it's Berserker, go with only Caster and ask Truvi and Lancer to intervene if things get ugly. If it's any other servant or Cid, go with both of them. Leave Matsuda and Ogawara deep inside Caster's barrier regardless.
>>3367861One more modification, actually - if it's Cid or someone we don't know, leave one of the servants with Matsuda and Ogawara in case either Assassin tries to slip inside to harm or injure someone.
>>3367791>>3367861>>3367871This would be the best course of action; it's not the most welcoming but who is openly welcome to one's enemies?
We should try to keep up a neutral appearance when greeting them, though.
>>3367736>[ ] Go out and greet the visitors (Pride)
>>3368229>picthat's foreboding, anon.
>>3368249Don’t worry, I doubt someone has the same servant as we do.In other news, I’m still eagerly awaiting someone to make DIO: the fanfic quest. It *will* happen one day, and I will be there to witness it.
"Caster," you say, getting to your feet, "Before we meet these 'guests', can you show them to us by scrying? We ought to find out who it is that's come to meet us before we carelessly throw open our gates.""Yes, of course," Caster answers with surprise, "that's just what we should do." With a snap of her fingers, Caster conjures her scrying dish, the wide, low, golden saucer filling the center of the table; then the image of the outside world appears on the surface of its shimmering contents. The dish provides you with a view from above, and to look down on Archer and Munahara Kikuko; the latter looks impatient, while the former's expression is hidden by his hat."Do we really need to wait for them to come to the gate like this, Archer?" Kikuko pouts, irritated at the delay. "Sneaking in like last time would've totally been faster, you know?" The girl's whining fails to move Archer, however, as he takes the cigar from his mouth, blows a puff of smoke, and replaces it before answering. "Girl," he says, "sneaking in like that's fine if you want to do some killing, or make an impact. Thing is, we're here for diplomacy. I'd like you to show me a man who'd partner up with a burglar he meets coming in through the backdoor."Kikuko kicks the dust at her feet, clearly not mollified. "This is, like, taking forever, though! Archer, Yumigawa-kun might not even be in there. I mean, they could be out fighting, like, Berserker or somebody! We wouldn't even know, 'cause we're just standing here not doing anything! Totally wasting our time!""Oh, now you're for speed, are you?" Although you can't see his face, you hear humor in Archer's tone, and suspect he's smirking. "I seem to recall it was you who kept me from shooting the kid when we first met. That'd have sped things up nicely."Kikuko lets out an involuntary squeak of laughter before regaining control. "Oh, Archer, that's terrible!" she says, feigning severity. "That's not what I meant, and you know it! You're just, like, the worst!""Anyway," Archer says, "the lights are on in there. Kid's there. Probably just trying to decide whether to attack us or let us in."On that note, you probably should make a decision. Archer may be your most dangerous enemy, but they do seem to be here to propose an alliance. You decide to...>[ ] Attack Archer and Kikuko. (Duty)>[ ] Greet them at the gate. (Self-Preservation)
>>3368462>Greet them at the gate
>>3368462>[ ] Greet them at the gate. (Self-Preservation)Dammit, why did you all pick Pride again?
I know this wasn't exactly what people picked, since I only ended up writing the first half of your plan, but I was running up to the character limit and figured I might as well give you the chance to make an informed decision.
>>3368462>[ ] Greet them at the gate. (Self-Preservation)
>>3368462>>[ ] Greet them at the gate. (Self-Preservation)
>>3368229You know what? This is perfect. I'm writing Rushorou with this attitude for the greeting.
Oh, follow-up question. Going out to greet them, who do you want to take with you?
>>3368487Well, since we know they're here to parley, let's just come out with Caster.
>>3368487Caster.
>>3368487Let's just bring Caster. I don't suppose we can invite them for some dessert?
>>3368483>Rushorou written as Dio-sama GettingItUp.exe engaged
>>3368487Let's just bring Caster. Even if she can't really hurt Archer, we know she can deflect bullets, so hopefully we'll last the few seconds needed for Lancer to come back us up if Archer tries to pull a fast one on us. There's also no reason to put Truvi in potential harm's way by exposing her to a gun if we're the one they want to talk to.
You've seen enough, you decide. "Let's go meet our visitors," you say, "Come with me, Caster."As you walk out to the gate, through the university's winding gardens, you think on how you should deal with Archer and Kikuko. It does seem, after all, that they're coming with the proper respect this time. Perhaps you might consider their alliance, now that they're at your gate rather than threatening you from behind. As you walk up to the university gate, Caster opens it by silent magecraft. You eye Archer and Kikuko over the threshhold, and feign surprise at their appearance. "What's this?" you say, voice dripping with sarcasm, "Archer, you've decided to come by the front door this time? Not planning to ambush me again?""We're at war," Archer replies, "you do what you have to." He takes a drag on his cigar before continuing. "Right now, I might just have to work with you.""And just what," you ask, grinning, "could compel you to lower yourself and seek my aid? When we last met, you were quite content to wait all night if it meant taking victory alone."Archer's calm facade finally breaks, and his face twists in anger. "God damn it, you runt! Don't think you have the leeway to go mouthing off to me! You can be damn sure I'm not doing this because I want to!" With some effort, he regains control. "It's that damn pirate, Rider. When he holes up in that ship of his, I can't touch him. He can fire off his cannons all he likes, though. Fought him all day today, and this is how it ended up." He gestures to his own body, free of wounds. "No damage either way."Kikuko chimes in. "So, I wanted to team up with you anyway, Yumigawa-kun, and this seemed like it was totally the time to do it!" She leans towards you, inadvertantly emphasizing the height difference between you two even further as she looks up at you hopefully, "What do you think, can you help us out?"Before you can give an answer, Archer picks up his explanation. "The plan is to attack again tonight. He's sailed up the river, and I'm looking to see him go no further. Your troupe comes in for a landing on his deck, and he'll have to come out to chase you off. Once he's out in the open, things for me are simple."It does seem like a solid plan, but you're not sure whether Archer is trustworthy or not. For that matter, you're not sure you want to help him even if he is. After some consideration, you decide to...>[ ] Go along with Archer's plan. (Duty)>[ ] Turn him away. If you're lucky, Rider and Archer will manage to kill each other and you'll have two less enemies. (Self-Preservation)>[ ] Tell Archer and Kikuko to come in and discuss matters further in the dining hall. You can ask further questions and dictate the terms of your alliance before making a decision. (Write in your topics)
>>3368686>[ ] Tell Archer and Kikuko to come in and discuss matters further in the dining hall. You can ask further questions and dictate the terms of your alliance before making a decision. For one thing, we need Truvi in on this. But this is the crucial moment: we can hopefully leverage Rider versus Archer to get them both. We’re definitely NOT boarding that ship with Archer off in the distance so he can snipe us all. I would propose either suggesting another plan entirely or forcing him to join the boarding action. Also>Chaotic GoodHunting >Chaotic Evil This mission is gonna go sideways faster than you can say Pirates Versus Cowboys.
>>3368686>[ ] Tell Archer and Kikuko to come in and discuss matters further in the dining hall. You can ask further questions and dictate the terms of your alliance before making a decision. (Write in your topics)First of since we are in an alliances sp if Truviet doesnt want to go through with the plan then we wont.Second what else have they gathered on Rider, or his master?Is this alliance just for rider or for the rest of the war?Then the actual plan of attack. Team compositions, plan b, plan c, plan on fuck everything has gone wrong (this would include any additional servants arriving)And finally if the alliance is made offer dinner before the fight.
>>3368703>And finally if the alliance is made offer dinner before the fight.Pigs don't make very good fighters.
>>3368686>>[ ] Tell Archer and Kikuko to come in and discuss matters further in the dining hall. You can ask further questions and dictate the terms of your alliance before making a decision. (Write in your topics)Coffee or Tea?Don't look at me like that, this is a very important question.
>>3368706>Bring then in for dinner>Turn them into pigs D E V L I S H
>>3368706I dont think caster made the food to transform today, since she made it for everyone tonight.
>>3368700>>3368703>>3368709I'm going to need you folks to come to a consensus on this.
>>3368722Alright, I support >>3368700 and >>3368703 together.
>>3368722I’m good with basically everything >>3368703 has brought up, but this won’t be a permanent partnership by any means. Mainly because I intend to, y’know, kill Archer somehow this time.
Alright, looks like we've got a plan. Roll d100.
Rolled 91 (1d100)>>3368731
Rolled 34 (1d100)>>3368731
>>3368735Truly, I say to you, DIOposting will grant us the 1000 year victory
Rolled 100 (1d100)>>3368735
>>3368739My god....
>>3368739Thank you blessed anon
>>3368739So we're an excellent host AND master coffee maker?
>>3368739>>3368742wrong pic
>>3368752>Fate/City Quest: Service Industry Edition
I still want Compassion points so we don't end a tyrant or, worse yet, a Jew.
>>3368752>inb4 emiya tier chef
Would the anon who made the Sieg recolor care to go to work on this one?
>>3368739>DIOposting granted us the Devil's own luck
So what does a Critical Success entail, QM?
>>3368788In this case? We'll probably be temporarily granted the ludicrous charisma and luck of DIO, enemies will become allies, panties will become soaked, and the rest will play itself out. We'll also likely brew a mean cup of coffee.
>>3368771Not that anon but here's something different1/3
>>33689172/3
>>33689183/3
>>33689184/3 (fixed the eyebrows)
>>3368917>Rejected humanity in order to obtain power>Arrogant and pride-based behavior>Unable to sympathize with others.>Superhuman strength, with some limitations>Unnaturally pale appearanceI thought I'd written an original protagonist. Turns out it was Dio, all along!
>>3368927It was truly made in heavenIt was all meant to be
"It's an interesting plan," you tell Archer, "but I think we need to discuss matters further before rushing into this battle. Why don't you two come in? We can work out the details over dinner." Without giving Archer the chance to reply, you turn on your heel and return to the university; the duo follows, excited and the other irritated. As you walk, Kikuko soon catches up to you, asking "So, what kind of dinner are you having? Me and Archer can't really, like, cook too well, so we've mostly just been eating convenience store food. It's totally boring, though." You have to suppress the laughter that threatens to bubble up out of you as Kikuko explains their predicament. "We have quite the chef in Caster," you say, giving her a pat on the shoulder, "you can look forward to dinner."When you get back inside, Caster prepares full portions of dinner for the two new arrivals, despite the rest of you having cleaned your plates. Where she's getting all the food from, you can't imagine. Although dinner soon monopolizes Kikuko's attention, Archer isn't so easily distracted, and he eats gradually as he speaks. "So?" he asks, "what is it you think we need to discuss?""Just a few details," you answer sardonically, "minor aspects of your proposed 'partnership'. First, we will only be working with you until Rider has been dealt with. Caster and I have already allied with Miss Edelfelt here, and that's quite enough allies." Archer gives this stipulation a shrug and a nod. "Second," you continue, "what information do you have on Rider?""No more than you, I'd imagine," Archer declares. "His True Name is Blackbeard, he pilots a ship crewed by the dead, and that ship is supernaturally tough. Its cannons do wonders, as well.""I see," you say, disappointed, "so you really have very little information for me. That is unfortunate. Well, moving on to our plan of action. I'm afraid I just can't feel comfortable fighting Rider with you off on some distant building, a rifle trained on us, Archer. You can use that pistol of yours in close quarters, can't you?" In answer to your question, Archer draws and aims his pistol faster than you can see, the barrel trained on your eye in less time than it takes you to blink. "You might say," he declares, "it's a specialty of mine." Then he holsters the gun again.You don't let Archer's display get to you. Instead, you retain your appearance of calm confidence as you continue, "in that case, Archer, you ought to board the ship with us. Lancer and I can still keep Rider off of you. You'll just be doing the firing a bit closer to your target. I trust that won't be an issue for you, now will it?"
"No," Archer says with a shrug, "as long as you keep Rider away from me, I can shoot him down from the ship as easily as the shore. What do you plan on doing if other Servants show up, though?"Now it's your turn to give a shrug. "In that case, we'll defeat Rider first and then turn to them. With a team of three Servants working together, I'm confident that no enemy will appear which we cannot handle." Matter closed, you turn to Truvietianne to hear from the last person whose cooperation is necessary. "Miss Edelfelt, how does this plan sound to you?" The girl looks at you in momentarily shocked, evidently not expecting you to ask her. Absently, she says, "Oh, yes, that sounds fine."With Truvietianne on board, all matters are settled. Now the only thing you need to decide is the timing. When will you attack Rider?>[ ] Right now, tonight, while he's still tired from the day's battle with Archer. (Pride)>[ ] Tomorrow morning. Archer himself is quite tired, and if you give Rider some time to fall into a false sense of security, he may be easier to deal with. (Self-Preservation)
And now I'm signing off for the night. Will update in the morning.
>>3368939>[ ] Tomorrow morning. Archer himself is quite tired, and if you give Rider some time to fall into a false sense of security, he may be easier to deal with. (Self-Preservation)Blackbeard and his Master don't seem like the type to prepare for shit going down.
>>3368939>[ ] Tomorrow morning. Archer himself is quite tired, and if you give Rider some time to fall into a false sense of security, he may be easier to deal with. (Self-Preservation)
>>3368939>[ ] Tomorrow morning. Archer himself is quite tired, and if you give Rider some time to fall into a false sense of security, he may be easier to deal with. (Self-Preservation)>Natty>Still won’t listenMan, this archer guy really grinds my gears
>>3369043I meanI think our incredible negotiating power may have..."Affected" Truvi somehow. She seemed totally out of it.>kill guy>go from spaghetti spilling autist to Casanova accidentally >when your servant is a yandereThis can only go well.Between Hitler-chan and this we became Mr. Popular.
>>3369043Oh wait, I’m retarded. He did accept to enter the ship....
>>3369046Soon everyone will be trapped in our social web.
>>3368939>[ ] Tomorrow morning. Archer himself is quite tired, and if you give Rider some time to fall into a false sense of security, he may be easier to deal with. (Self-Preservation)Shall we invite Archer and Kikuko to spend the night in DIO's mansion?
>>3369403This will be ironic if Kikuko turns out to be a Dead Apostle.
Hold on.Who's Johnathan?Ogawara is neither bizarre nor /fit/.Matsuda is Jotaro.Circe is Enya, but hot.Truvietianne is, um, Erinapls no? Maybe she's Poco's big sister.
>>3369449Truvi is clearly ErinaArcher is Johnathan
It's too bad we aren't actually a DIO, we got no points in Sadism.Still think we need more Duty and Compassion to become the ultimate ruler.
>>3369468>he wants Truvi to hook up with Archer rather than Lancer>he equates the Man With No Name with gentleman gamer Johnathan
>>3369487I’m just saying she’s kind of useless and follows our whimsThe Man With No Name is b/c he’s a real sonuvabitch who opposes us at every turn and whose body I can’t wait to steal
>>3369496>spoilerI can agree with that.
>>3369496>stealing a servants bodythat's uh...That's not how it works.Even sticking a servants arm on you is impossible and fatal.Unless that servant is literally you, even then it's still gonna kill you eventually.
>>3369503>it's still gonna kill you eventuallyIt killed DIO too desu
>>3369468>>3369487>he’s a real sonuvabitch who opposes us at every turnCome on, guys. Archer is clearly Hol Horse
>>3369503>Even sticking a servants arm on you is impossible and fatal.Shirou didn't have our body.Circe already told us that we're now a Conceptual(tm) entity like a Heroic Spirit or Phantasmal Beast (referring to us being a kinda-Homunculus) so we may have a better acceptance rate for Servant grafts.
>>3369514But Hol Horse has the magic power to suck balls and Archer is Clint Eastwood.
>>3369519Yeah but Shirou basically had total compatibility with EMIYA body wise.I can't see our compatibility with the personification of westerns being all too great.Probably leading to our shit getting fucked up.Clearly we need to turn Archer into a Class Card instead.
>>3369519If you want a more in-depth explanation you'll have to ask Caster, but I'll note here that a homunculus is a mundane entity, not a conceptual one. You look like a homunculus, but you're something entirely different.
Plan time >Cut off Head>Give one of Matsuda and Ogawara our body>Take Archer’s body, Apply head????????>Unlimited power
>>3369914No stop.Servants don't work that way.
>>3369914Even if that were possible, you'd really want to be stealing Rider's body. He's the 6'10" mountain of muscle, not Archer.
"It seems," you declare, "that we are decided. However, I don't feel that attacking tonight would be the wisest course of action. You and Rider have been fighting all night, isn't that so?" Archer gives you a nod. "Well then," you continue, "he's likely still on his guard. Instead, we should wait until the morning. We'll strike at first light, once he's been lulled into a false sense of security by a night of peace.""Well then," Archer says, standing to leave, "seems that's the end of our little chat. Be seeing you tomorrow morning."As he begins walking to the door, you speak up. "Now, just hold on, Archer. I'd planned on offering rooms here in the university to you and Munahara. Wouldn't you rather rest here, so we can all set out together for tomorrow's battle?""Sorry," Archer says, "but I just don't think I'd sleep too well in a building full of people who want to kill me. Just one of those personal peculiarities, I guess you'd say." He shoots you a smirk before completing his exit, Kikuko reluctantly following. As you watch the pair leave, Caster lays a reassuring hand on yours. "Don't worry, Master," she says softly, "he may have slipped out of your hands tonight, but we can make sure Archer perishes together with Rider. Fufufu~"With the conference on the offensive against Rider at an end, you and your fellows retire to your respective rooms in the university. As you lie down you realize for the first time how fatigued the day has left you, and you drift off in moments.End of Day 6Tonight your dreams are muddled and confused, scene melting into scene and role into role.In one scene, you stand above a great crowd, and pronounce your ideals to rapturous applause.The crowd and the podium fade, and you're standing on a peak of rock, silently watching the waves below.You command a ship, chased hither and yon by the sea's unprovoked rage.You command the multitude, conferring fortune or death with equal disinterest from a gilded throne.You stand alone before a teeming horde of primordial monstrosities, facing them with bravery born of power.Then the tempest overtakes all rational imagery, and you drown in formless noise and color.
>>3370545>Caster lays a reassuring hand on yours. "Don't worry, Master," she says softly, "he may have slipped out of your hands tonight, but we can make sure Archer perishes together with Rider. Fufufu~"Best waifu always has the right idea
Oh fug, I forgot about suggesting a dream journal.
You awaken with a start, drenched in sweat. The unchanging sun shines in between your curtains, announcing the beginning of your seventh day here in Cid's battlefield. As you shower and dress, you note that your appearance has changed slightly again. It's far less dramatic than the first change, but you can see that you've subtly changed. You're perhaps an inch taller, and the once soft features of your face have shifted once again towards the kind of sharp prominence you'd normally associate with classical statuary; a resemblance enhanced by your inhuman pallor. As you consider how much you've changed since you awoke here, you have to admit it's not surprising that Truvietianne took you for a German creation; if you didn't remember your old face, you'd never guess that the person in the mirror was either Japanese or human. You wonder, scrutinizing the strange face, 'Is this mutability what it means to be... what did she say, a conceptual being?' But of course, you can't spend all day staring at your reflection, however strange it may be. You dress for the day, substituting a cream suit for the previous day's black, in the hope of better tolerating the heat. Then you call Caster to you, making use of your newfound telepathic mode of communication, and collect Truvietianne and Lancer for the attack on Rider's ship. Fortunately, no persuasion is required to convince the girl this time.Once the four of you have gathered, Caster summons up a map of the city, explaining, "Rider is now more than halfway up the river, directly North of the university. How do you want to approach this, Master? We didn't make an agreement on a location to meet Archer, after all."Truvietianne cuts in, "Shouldn't we just go straight there? I don't see what there is to discuss," but Caster shoots the idea down. "Because of the angle of the river, a direct route will likely give Rider the opportunity to bombard us as we approach the ship. A roundabout path may be safer."After some consideration, you decide to...>[ ] ...approach Rider directly from the South. (Pride)>[ ] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)>[ ] ...circle around to the East and attack Rider from behind. (Self-Preservation)>[ ] ...do something else (Write in)
>>3370565>[ ] ...approach Rider directly from the South. (Pride)I’d prefer to stay on target here, not get into the bush as it were
>>3370565...Guys.Guys I think Circe might be altering us into being an actual Hero maybe intentionally or maybe not intentionally through our link and our conceptual nature.This brings a whole new meaning to the "you could be a hero in the modern age" commentAlso she kiiiiind of has unrestricted access to do whatever she wants because she watches us sleep.PANIC.>[ ] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)GO WEST
>>3370565>[ ] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)If we hide until he gets close then we can keep up the plan of catching him while his guard could be down.
>>3370588>Panicking about becoming a HeroIt’s befitting of someone of our stature anon
>>3370599
>>3370565>[ ] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)Archer is likely to approach from behind.
>>3370588>through our link and our conceptual natureOr directly through her food, maybe. Fucking magic, man.
>>3370625Caster's food can't affect us. That's been true since we first ate her kykeon, didn't become a pig, and turned her into a yandere.>>3370565>[ ] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)
>>3370625Not the food, no.We have >Conceptual Biology: A>A body radically altered by the empowerment of the Silver Grail. In addition to functioning physically on a level equivalent to a low-grade Servant, numerous changes to the Rushorou's internal workings have occured. The consumption of enchanted food, potions, and other harmful things will not affect this inhuman biology.She has probably tried but she may have been forced to look into alternate ways to do whatever she's doing.If she's doing something.
>>3370635>>3370646Oh, right, forgot about that.
>>3370588>>3370594>>3370619Now that I think about it, northwest and across the river is the hotel where Berserker('s master) seems to have set up camp. What are the odds she gets involved if we approach from the west (or gets involved regardless, being Berserker)?
>>3370655Odds might be higher than expected, but a simple plan of kill rider then see what comes next should suffice.
>>3370655>Hitler kills Clint EastwoodThe only way to defeat the ultimate American Western hero is to use the greatest villain the US ever faced.Clearly.
Although y’all think our physiological changes may be attributed to Circe, might I posit that they’re actually due to our altered biology simply asserting itself in the face of quote unquote “heroic” action? Maybe, akin the godly rising in the currently running Caesar in China Quest, we simply “upgrade” as we engage in bloodshed and acquire proofs of our superiority?
>>3370678>Archer and the crew escape the sinking ship and reach the shoreline, only to be confronted by the awaiting berserker who goaded her master into approaching the melee.
>>3370694That's not really how it works.Like, for something like that to occur Rushorou would need to be autistic enough to develop a reality marble. And he isn't as of yet, probably.Though he'd have an easier time than a human by default though. Alternatively we're actually a cup and we keep accidentally granting minor wishes.
>>3370588>>3370594>>3370619>>3370635>[X] ...circle around to the West and attack from upriver. (Self-Preservation)Roll d100
Rolled 27 (1d100)>>3370782
Rolled 29 (1d100)>>3370782>>3370782
Rolled 56 (1d100)>>3370782
>>3370797That's not too good.
>>3370805Better than your attemptIt's average and we can't die on d100s.
>>3370811I'm speaking more of the final result than anything else, anon.
>>3370819A mediocre roll is a nice change of pace since we've been rolling mostly either very high or very low almost all quest.
"We should begin," you declare, "by travelling West, I think. Once we meet the river, we can follow it downstream to strike Rider at the prow of his ship; with luck, he won't be able to turn quickly enough to attack before we've gotten aboard.""I suppose that may be so," Truvietianne reluctantly replies, "but it still seems like a waste of time circling around instead of simply going in for a direct attack."'Not as much of a waste of time as arguing over the route,' you think. In a bid to shut her down, you tell the girl, "If you'd prefer, Miss Edelfelt, you can approach directly while Caster and I go around to attack from upstream."As you expected, Truvietianne balks at the idea of attacking on her own. "I suppose," she allows, "there may be some advantages to your plan. If you insist, we'll begin by travelling West."The trip itself is uneventful. The walk through the suburbs and into the denser construction around the river is almost the same when heading West as South, and the district you travel through is the same area you used when searching for electronics a few days ago. Walking along the riverbank, on the other hand, does provide some fresh sights. The city seems to have been laid out in such a way as to allow the office buildings that flank the river space to add outdoor recreational areas at the immediate riverside, resulting in a long, varying, park-like zone, with the details changing as you travel from one building's property to the next. At last, however, the pristine city landscape comes to an end as you reach the rubble which surrounds Blackbeard's ship. From several blocks up the river, you examine the ship with the aid of Caster's magic enhancing your vision. Matching your hopes, the Queen Anne's Revenge sits silently in the water, presumably anchored, with its prow facing you. No cannons fire, and no corpses swarm over the ship's surface. If Rider did come up the river seeking to inflict the same wanton damage on the city as on his previous trip, he evidently begins his work late. As you're scanning the ship for any signs of movement, Archer steps out of a cross-street, startling you."Good to see you showed up, kid," he says. "You ready?""Yes," you answer. "No sense in giving Rider time to notice us. Let's strike immediately."With that, Archer is off, dashing towards the ship and preparing for the jump from shore to deck. Lancer is hot on his heels, and you...>[ ] Follow the duo alongside Caster. Once you're aboard the ship, the battle will be joined. (Pride/Duty)>[ ] Hang back and let Archer take on Rider with only Lancer's help; if things go bad, have Truvietianne pull Lancer back. This is the perfect opportunity to have Rider deal with this magic-resistant pest. (Sadism/Self-Preservation)>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>3370979>[ ] Follow the duo alongside Caster. Once you're aboard the ship, the battle will be joined. (Pride/Duty)The real Sadist option would be to have Caster scry for Kikuko so we could murder her when Archer is fighting Rider so he makes a misstep and fucking dies.But I don't want sadism points.
>>3370979>[ ] Follow the duo alongside Caster. Once you're aboard the ship, the battle will be joined. (Pride/Duty)
>>3370979>[ ] Do something else (Write in)Send Lancer and Caster in to battle aboard the ship alongside Archer, but stay back with Truvi. There's a very high chance this battle turns into another all-servant fuckfest, and we shouldn't leave Truvi unguarded.
>>3370995I should add: Assassin seems pretty chill, but if Berserker runs across Truvi alone then I doubt she's making it out alive.
>>3370995>>3370979This. Maybe communicate to Caster that if an opportunity to organize Archer’s demise arises, take it.
>>3370979I support >>3370995
>>3370995This would be a better idea.
>>3370995>>3371008>>3371013>>3371014>[X] Send Lancer and Caster in to battle aboard the ship alongside Archer, but stay back with Truvietianne.Roll d20
Rolled 20 (1d20)>>3371057
Rolled 9 (1d20)>>3371057>>3371062Damn, we're good.
Rolled 13 (1d20)>>3371062This is gonna be another quicky, isn't it?>>3371057Don't think I need to bother but whatever.
>>3371062Well, shit. I had this whole set-piece battle planned out; definitely gotta rework some things now.
>>3371079This was just for initiative, right? This wasn't for the battle result, right?
>>3371079Maybe you could still use most of the plan, but just add some extra flair? Perhaps have Rushorou does something on the shoreline that gets Truvi moist but leave it mostly untouched aside from that?
>>3371098>>3371100I'll still figure out a good scene, don't worry. Just have to spend some extra time writing, is all.
>>3371100>Perhaps have Rushorou does something on the shoreline that gets Truvi moistThis... may be a bad idea.Caster is ALWAYS WATCHING
>>3371146Hey, I never suggested that Rushorou hit on her, just that something cool happens that happens to have the side effect of exciting Truvi. Don't worry too much about it, I have faith that Sweets will come up with something fun worthy of a crit success.
>>3371163Caster doesn't need to see us hit on her: if she sees Truvi get horny she'll suspect romantic interest and immediately move to eliminate her before she becomes a viable waifu.
>>3371167But at the same time, I guess it's not worth thinking about. I could spend the time working on Dio/DIO edits.
Rushorou is probably gonna bark orders like the greatest CO you’ve never seen and assert his dominance.
"Caster, go with Lancer and Archer to attack the ship," you order. "I'll stay back and protect Truvietianne in case any more Servants appear." Caster gives you an irritated look, but follows your plan, flying after Lancer and Archer. Apparently your chivalrous gesture has managed to offend Truvietianne as well, as the girl reddens in irritation and sniffs haughtily. "Hmph! Do you really think you could give the same brutish walloping you gave Professor O'Mordha to an enemy Servant?"Before you can engage her in debate on the subject, though, the sound of a door slamming open interrupts the conversation. Turning your eyes back to the ship, you see Rider striding out onto the deck, cutlass in hand and laughing uproariously. "Bwa~hahahahaha! Excellent work, partner! Hohohuhaha~, look at these two idiots! I'll spell it out for ye, in case ye haven't figgered it out yet. This is the end o' the line for th'two of ye relics! Now fly, Queen Anne's Revenge!" As the last word leaves his mouth, Blackbeard swings viciously at Lancer, but the rest of the action is obscured from your sight as the Queen Anne's Revenge begins rising out of the water and taking to the air.Status Updated"Damn," you mutter under your breath, "a trap!" Then you shift to telepathy, ordering Caster, 'Stay away from Blackbeard! Focus on defense!' Shifting to Truvietianne, you say, "we can't command from here. We need to get up higher." Without waiting for a response, you scoop the girl up into a princess carry and climb one of the nearby offices, leaping up the fire-escape a story at a time. Once you've reached the roof, the situation that greets your eyes is hectic. Lancer is barely managing to fight evenly with Blackbeard, even having activated his Fterotá Sandália, while Caster is locked into an exchange of ranged attacks with Archer, neither making progress. As you watch, Caster rains down beam after beam of scorching light and heat, but Archer is simply too fast. 'Caster,' you order, 'remember our first conversation about tactics? Lock him down with your familiars. You can crush him while he's struggling with them.'Beside you, Truvietianne gasps in dismay at the scene. "So they betrayed us," she sighs. The despair only lasts a moment, however, before she's rallied. "I suppose this is my only option left," she mutters, "it's a last resort, but..." then she raises her voice to shout a command to Lancer. "Perseus! I permit you to activate your greatest noble phantasm! Destroy the lot of them!"Down below, Perseus' face splits into a grin, and he disengages from Blackbeard, flying off to the side of the ship. "In that case," he declares, "it's you who faces your end, pirate!" He takes the bag he carries in one hand, and as he reaches for its contents continues his announcement. "Behold, the doom of King Atlas! Kefáli tis Médou-"
"Colt .45!" Archer's shout, and the accompanying roar of his pistol, cuts off Lancer's words. The bullet tears through his chest, and he falls, hand still in the bag, reaching for his final tool. Far below, Perseus' corpse lands in the river, before dissolving into energy. As he turns back to Caster, smirking, Archer remarks, "seems you're down a friend, miss. Like to surrender?"Status UpdatedCaster is unfazed, however. During this exchange, she chants a spell, and a host of lions, tigers, and other big cats springs forth from every shadow on the deck. In a moment, the battle has transformed from one between fellow Servants to Rider and Archer's struggle to put down a seemingly endless foe. As you wrack your brain for the path to victory in this situation, you're suddenly struck by good fortune. Across the river, on the opposite roof, you spy a small table, with two chairs set up. Sitting at the table, sharing tea, are Munahara Kikuko and Rider's Master!>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)>[ ] Leap down to the ship and attack the enemy Servants directly, with Caster's aid. (Pride)>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)Goddammit, that's not what a 100 doesUnless it protected just us. That would be something.
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)Traitors deserve no quarter. She will die like the rest of them for making a fool of us.
>>3371316We should also bring Truvi along with us, so she doesn't become collateral damage/a hostage; her war is over and she is now as innocent as those that Assassin "guards".
>>3371314Oh, trust me, your rolls have saved you. In my original conception, this fight went way worse for you folks. It was going to take you down to rock bottom.
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)Damn, what part of that was a critical success for us? We ought to get Caster out of harm's way too. She's facing two servants at once which never goes well.
>>3371314>>3371320>Goddammit, that's not what a 100 doesUm, disregard thatMy brain stopped working for a second there
>>3371323It was a critical success for Rushorou personally. As for the fight between the Servants...Like I said above, it was originally going to be even worse for your team. You walked into an ambush.
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)How do you all feel about mentally telling caster to go all out? Or maybe after landing at the masters using a command seal to have her teleport to us. We have their masters hostage and caster as a defensive wall.
>>3371329>How do you all feel about mentally telling caster to go all out?Read Archer's profile; he has the rootin' tootin' version of Fragarach.
>>3371334Well shit, might be best to cut and run. Archer is a down right first rate fucking asshole counter pick to us.
>>3371339We have to kill the Masters first. Have Caster defend as much as possible, without attacking, without endangering herself.
>>3371353>*without overextending
>>3371334One important difference I should note is that Fragarach rewrites destiny to ensure the death of the opponent, while at the same time requiring that the enemy use their strongest attack.Archer's noble phantasm doesn't require that the enemy use their strongest attack, but it also doesn't guarantee death.
We can likely cast a Command Spell to have Caster tp to us if Archer or Rider wise up.>>3371357Yeah, it has more utility, which sucks for us.
>>3371364>Matsuda, move overMy sides are in orbit. Holy god, that is too funny.
I forgot to mention: the last time Archer went after us, he managed to kneecap us by adjusting his aim. Whatever barrier Caster uses, she has to constantly reangle them so Archer can't adapt as quickly.
>>3371374This might not have been clear, but Caster is flying, with nothing behind her to ricochet bullets off of. Archer kneecapped Rushorou by shooting the metal door behind him.
>>3371377>Archer kneecapped Rushorou by shooting the metal door behind him.I forgot that detail, desu.
Anybody else have any ideas? Please?
>>3371390Well there is the proud act of running away to regroup.Then go all out with caster as we go after the masters, but archers independent action still makes him a threat.The long shot of Berserker appearing, and hopefully on our side.So many options and most dont include making sure Rider and Archers master are murdered in the best possible way.
>>3371369Here's the blank one if anyone wants to fill in their own dialogue
>>3371390Could we ask Truvi to enhance us with her magic and then just jump over to where the enemy masters are and wreck their shit?Since Colt .45 requires the opponent to declare an attack first, it shouldn't activate against a defensive NP. Maybe ask Circe if she has one?
>>3371471>Could we ask Truvi to enhance usI forget whether that is possible between Masters and I'm too tired to check.>Maybe ask Circe if she has one?I guess we could.
>>3371475>I forget whether that is possible between Masters and I'm too tired to check.It should be completely possible. It's literally just her Reinforcing us.
>>3371475>>3371500The only real issue is whether she's calm and collected enough to do it when her servant's just been shot.
>>3371548>The only real issue is whether she's calm and collected enough to do it when her servant's just been shot.Yeah, I think it would be best if Yumigawa did it himself.Too many Dio edits?
>>3371568No, if you can do more I would greatly appreciate it.
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)No mercy, I want to snap both of these asshole's necks.I've had enough of her faux innocence.Nobody gets away with betraying us.No giving either time to summon servants preferably. Also Hitler please help, all the other servants are being mean.The Britain and the US Servants are cheating and breaking agreements. We probably also could've recalled Caster in order to bombard the two with magic.
>get 100 in negotiations>get 20 in execution >that prick Archer still betrays us and murders Perseus>but in doing so is left distracted and doesn't realise his bitch of a master is about to get her face caved inTreachery is bad.But doing something as foolish as having tea with the person you're betraying your supposed allies for in the open?That's a death sentence.Here's hoping she isn't actually a DA.
>>3371304>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)That rat fucking bastard. Cunt Eastwood and his master are gonna pay for betraying us.>>3371318I wouldn't be so sure about that. As it happens, there might be a candidate for the now vacant position of Truvi's Sercant. Where's Adelheid when you need her?
>>3371639We should tell Truvi to hide so she doesn't turn into a hostage or whatever and then go punt the other masters' heads across the river. Archer may have Independent Action A, but if he burns his magical energy fighting Caster and her familiars we might have a chance to take him out.
>>3371298>[ ] Cross the river to confront the enemy Masters (Duty/Pride)FUCKING ARCHER REEEEEEMan, this is fucked. All the nat100s and 20s in the world won’t help you if you trust ranged faggots.
Anybody up for visiting the police station after this? I don't know how much good it will do against Archer, but maybe Caster can make anti-Archer magic Kevlar or something if we let her study bulletproof vests. Presuming Archer survives this encounter like the roach of a class it is, we can throw him for a loop next time we see himAlso, her Tool Creation is strong enough to create "immortality serum", whatever the hell that means. It's probably worth asking about.
>>3371664If we slaughter both of the enemy masters then Archer is gonna plummet into the ocean surrounded by pissed off magical animals with no mana source to refuel him.While Caster can just float above and laugh.He's fucked.I say we kill Rider's Master and lop off Kikuko's arm or wherever her command spells are because she hasn't suffered enough for her sin.
>>3371670Nah, fuck Kikuko. Maybe if we can act fast enough we can simply have the masters issue a suicide order for the servants, but man do I want to kill them.
Also, >Both Chaotic servantsWe honestly deserve this for trusting Archer at all.
>>3371670I say killed then quickly with the most pain we can do. Dont drag it out, we have to get Truviet to safety after this, and if we go full murder rage boner on these two Archer might further fuck up our plans.
>>3371670Correct me if I'm wrong, but lopping off her arm doesn't cut off the Mana supply, just prevents you from using the seals. That's what that part of Zero would suggest, anyway.>>3371675Unfortunately, if we force Kikuko to issue a suicide order, she could just as easily use the opportunity to force Archer to save her. It's best to kill both as lightning-fast as possible.
>>3371678But if we don’t have the Masters kill their servants via seal, the servants are probably just gonna immediately kill us even if we slay the masters. Do recall that Archer has significant staying power even without a master.
>>3371678Yeah, figure out the most painful -but still decently fast- way for Kikuko to die. Perhaps tearing the snake's forked tongue out would suffice?>>3371681Go over to the Masters and Command Spell Caster over to us so she mind controls Kikuko?
>>3371681Wait, I got it. Kill Rider's Master then threaten Kikuko to make Archer become an hero for her life, then rip her tongue out as thanks.
>>3371681>Do recall that Archer has significant staying power even without a master.It's a moot point since he's then surrounded by a lot of pissed off familiars on a rapidly-disintegrating ship and we have some chance of surviving Colt .45.
>>3371690Perhaps. Man, I hope reeing at the masters isn’t the insta-gunned option.
>>3371689You know.If Archer dies we don't have to execute her straight away.We do have Caster after all.Perhaps we should have her turned into a bird or some other helpless creature. We could also just have Caster kill her in an immensely painful way.Maybe even transform her into a hideous monster. Casters are the most dangerous servants when it comes to dealing with humans.
>>3371690Given the nature of Colt .45, as long as Caster keeps summoning familiars or otherwise acting indirectly rather than actually attacking, she ought to be safe from it.>>3371693If anything, it'd be attacking the servants that would get us gunned, I think. We probably only noticed the masters because of the crit.
>>3371694>Perhaps we should have her turned into a bird or some other helpless creature. snake>We could also just have Castersnake>Maybe even transform her into asnakeMake sure she maintains her sapience but she deserves nothing more than to be polymorphed into a snake.
>>3371693I doubt it, since we may have stronger attacks like flinging and kicking big things at enemies.
>>3371696She only seemed a little upset in that one bad end where Archer killed us.We can decide what to do with her after we deal with Rider's Master and hopefully kill Archer.I'm somewhat alright with hearing her out.If only to crush the illusion that she won't get punished.
>>3371694>>3371696>>3371711As satisfying as it would be to torture Kikuko, we can't forget that as it stands we're at a serious disadvantage. First and foremost, we need a plan that keeps Truvi and Caster alive, and our second priority is killing our hard counter Archer. If we can torture Kikuko on top of that, we can consider it if you guys are looking for sadism points.I suggest that whatever we do, first we kill Rider's master. Caster can fly and they can't so if Rider can't sustain Queen Anne's Revenge we're in a much better position. From there, we can either kill Kikuko or restrain her such that she can't speak and thus can't use command spells. It would be far easier to decide on a course of action if we knew whether or not Caster actually had mind control magic, and if so what kind...
>>3371721I want to disable Kikuko with our alpha strike, kill Rider's Master and then restrain her and remove her hand.
>>3371722Or we could just kill her and not risk her using a command seal to have Archer fucking annihilate us
>>3371721Caster turning her into a puppet would be pretty great too.Archer can't fly so after Rider's Master is dead we should just order Caster over to us to help us deal with her.The best way to deal with Archer would probably be to kidnap Kikuko and have Caster work her magic. Can Caster teleport like Medea?Then when Archer shows up to rescue her we have her give the kill self order.Medea almost broke/actually breaks Saber and she's well... Saber. Complete with all the bullshit magic esistance you can get and an incredibly strong will.Kikuko is fucked.
>>3371729If we kill her we have no leverage over Archer because of his IA.In that case we have to fucking run to cover and hope Archer can't somehow wallhack us.
>>3371732Pretty sure Medea can only pull that bullshit inside her temple.
Imagine if Kikuko is packing some bullshit herself and kills us before we even get to touch her.Remember that Archer didn't stroll past Caster's defenses alone, she must have something going on.
>>3371736It might be that Caster configured her defences to only go after enemy servants.Caster I feel would have brought up something like that otherwise.Or she's a DA and we're about to have a bad time.Though if that were so I think the sun should be fucking her shit up.
>>3371736True, but this is our best chance.Besides, any bullshit she packs is nothing compared to Circe's bullshit unless she's actually a Barthomeloi or something stupid like that. She also might not 've expecting us to attack her if we only noticed because of the 100.
>>3371742>Though if that were so I think the sun should be fucking her shit up.There's probably Magecraft for that. iirc Sion uses some?
>>3371735Nah Medea can just teleport anyone she wants anywhere she wants it looks like.She remote teleports Shirou from his bedroom to her.She teleports all around Fuyuki too.I imagine Circe, being a goddess of magic is as good as her neice, at least.
>>3371749>She does display Tροψα (Trofa) (空間転移, Kūkan Ten'i?), a Spatial Transportation spell that is an imitation of the True Magic governing teleportation much like the teleportation granted by Command Spells.t. wikiHuh.I still bet it requires preparation.
>>3371734If Caster's familiars can keep him on the boat until it disappears, they could drag him into the river as dead weight.>>3371749No she doesn't. She mind controls him in his sleep with magic threads and makes him walk to the temple.
>>3371763Oh right, I'm misremembering, she takes Shirou upwards from the bottom of the steps to her in the temple.Not AS impressive I suppose.
So QM, how good of a laff were you having when we were all acting like we had this in the bag after the roll?
>>3371888
>>3371888To be fair, two presumably non magical people are about to be greeted by a very pissed off superhuman psychopath and possibly a very pissed off magus if we take Truvi too.Also these two utter retards are really acting careless in a war with two Assassins.
>>3371928One of them has serious powers, calling it. Punk bitches still gonna die
>>3371696Snake! Snake? SNAAAAAKE!
>>3371888Oh, it was a golden moment.
>>3371947https://youtu.be/MHr3ag7B410They should've known better than to try and defeat us.The power of our s̶t̶a̶n̶d̶ servant, ZA W̶A̶R̶U̶D̶O̶ WITCHO is undefeatable!
>>3371957Would you call it a.... Gold Experience?>pic related
Remember: do not kill Kikuko, we need her alive to make Archer kill himself.
So, you definitely all want to confront the enemy Masters, but there's some contention over how to get across the river. Did you want to ask Truvietianne to reinforce you, or try to get across on your own?At your current strength level, jumping fully across the river to the other building isn't a possibility. It's very wide.
>>3371987Lets ask her to reinforce us if she can. Also I'd prefer if we carried her with us of we could manage that too.
>>3371987Let's snap Truvi out of her shocked state and get us reinforced.
While we're still all high on Kikuko hate, I'd just like to mention that Perseus died like an absolute bitch. Fucker was rocking Battle Continuation A like none other than Cu himself and this complete shitter keels over from a single bullet. Cu could stab himself with his own NP and still have enough strength to play dead and get up again. Perseus couldn't even raise his arm.>>3371987Let's get reinforced and then have Truvi hide.
>>3372013Perseus, according to Medusa:>He was like... a successful Shinji.
>>3372022So a competent bitch.
>>3372022Oh, I know he's a successful Shinji. That doesn't change the fact that he's brought shame to the survival skills he shares with Cu and the entire Lancer class. I'm going to call him out on it.I'm also the guy who hated on Shinji in the first thread, I just hadn't started using a trip yet.
Also, I'm more for bringing Truvi along. Better her with us than a hostage.
>>3371987Yeah, ask Truvi.
>>3372013Also, it's worth remembering that Archer is the embodiment of the legend of the West. Think about what that means for the power of his gun. It doesn't exactly shoot normal bullets.
>>3371987Yeah, being Truvi and have her reinforce us>All this Lancer hatePoor guy got NP’d and capped, don’t be so salty boys. Lancer served us quite well despite his shit statsAnd thusfar has done a lot more than our own servant desu
>>3372043Can we even get her across with us? As it stands, we can't even get ourselves across. She'd have to seriously reinforce us in order to be able to jump the river with both of our body weights.>>3372059>And thusfar has done a lot more than our own servant desuI disagree. Let's recount their respective achievements. Lancer has:>Failed to kill Saber>Failed to kill Saber using his NP>Carried us to safety, but only after being ordered to do so with a command spell>Managed to kill a dying, masterless Saber>Been capped by Clint and died without doing anything he has the skills or NPs forCaster has:>Saved us from bone boys>Saved us from Cid's bullshit>Confiscated a university for our use>Got that rat bastard Archer off our back the first time he appeared>Repeatedly given us intel by scrying, letting us do whatever we please in the war (including trust Clint Yeastinfection and get boned for it)>Defended and healed us after we got kneecapped by Archer>Given us enchanted learning glovesTruvi really got the short end of the stick with her servant.
>>3372103Fuck, this is why I pushed earlier to learn Reinforcement from Circe.
The real question is why the fuck Lancer didn't slap on his invisibility helmet for extra buffs.Still though, he died like too much of a bitch, he probably should've finished using his last NP or something. A+ luck and A battle continuation and a single attack that shoots a small hole in him Insta-kills him.Cu survived for a while even after plunging Gae Bolg the spear of super fuck you into his own heart.
>>3372103Caster has been a decent enough support, but where are all damned tools she can make? The gloves are quite nice, but with some proper equipment we could me more than Mr. Bludgeonspathetichumanstodeath. You can’t really credit Circe for doing the bare minimum job of keeping her master alive, can you? And we still don’t even know what her NPs are.Fucking Archer. Can’t wait for the smug bastard to bite the dust.
>>3372138>bite the dustDioposting is so last season, Kiraposting is where it's at now
>>3372202However, I still Diopost for now
>>3372212
>Diopost>Roll astonishingly well, but get fucked overThis makes a lot of sense now that I reflect on it.
>>3372215>continuously using the wrong commabd spells>not making him palerCome on.
There’s a criminal lack of commentary here on how the ship can fly. Man, if we don’t ruin Blackfuck’s Master here and now...
>>3372220I'm using the Hero's Command Spell from Extra
>>3372232It's magic, they ain't gotta explain shit
>>3372234First off, that command spell should be RED. This isn't the greater grail war from apocrypha.Second, I gave you folks a picture of your command spells back in thread 1, and that same image was the banner for thread 2. If you're going to go to the trouble of slapping a command spell on Dio, use the right one.
>>3372245I gave you folks a picture of your command spells back in thread 1, and that same image was the banner for thread 2. If you're going to go to the trouble of slapping a command spell on Dio, use the right one.Give me a minute to fix everything
>>3372266Wow, I'm getting sleepy/frustrated If I didn't green that text
>>3372331>filenameBut that's gar, anon.
>>3372331And the other one
>>3372339
I just finished watching A Fistful of Dollars for the first time. It was a actually a pretty good movie and you should all watch it if you haven't already.I learned two things about Archer:1. We should have known not to trust him the second we learned his True Name. Dude's got basically no morals and I'm stunned his alignment is Good. Hell, he probably was/is planning to shoot Rider the second Lancer and Caster were dealt with. Nothing to blame there but our own ignorance.2. Odds are he has another Noble Phantasm. In the end of the movie, he wears a piece of metal under his poncho to block rifle bullets.
>>3372566>SpoilerThank god nobody summoned Ned Kelly then.
>>3372566>a piece of metal under his ponchoYeah it's hardly going to be Rho Aias.I'm shocked his Colt is a B rank noble phantasm.
>>3372566I have now achieved the highest possible good in this quest. I got someone to watch Fistful of Dollars for the first time. I'd say the best of the trilogy, though, is The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Definitely give that a watch if you haven't yet.
>>3372566>I'm stunned his alignment is GoodWhat about when he saved that family? That was a good deed.
>>3372581>Bleed into Archer’s eyes>”I’ve won! Die!”>initiate our final, most devastating attack>shitty metal plate NP no-sells us Don’t discount defense anon
>>3372578If we don't kill Archer here and we take my police station idea, we're going to BE Ned Kelly.>>3372581You'd be surprised. He does it in part to survive and in part to prove a point - that having a more powerful weapon doesn't guarantee victory. If that metal plate is an NP that becomes based on the point he was proving, he's likely rocking a shield that blocks NPs that are even stronger than his own (perhaps only ones that are stronger - now that would be a twist).>>3372583I had a lot of fun with it and I'm probably going to finish the trilogy in this coming week.>>3372590Yeah, one good deed in a movie about him playing a pair of criminal families against each other, and even then only because their predicament was personal to him. He's neutral at best.
Rage surges through you as you catch sight of the enemy Masters, enjoying tea as they watch the spectacle of the fight. You're going to get over there and make that girl pay for deceiving you. It's too far to jump, though...Remembering Caster's remark that she could temporarily channel power into your body and enhance its capabilities, you turn to Truvietianne. Perhaps she'd be able to do the same. Right now, though, she looks half broken by the sudden death of her Servant; she's sunk into a seated position, with shock and dismay writ across her face. "Miss Edelfelt," you say, turning her towards you, "the enemy Masters are across the river, on that rooftop. If we're to get out of this situation, I need to make it to them. Is there any way you can use magecraft to help me get across?"At your words, Truvietianne seems to regain her consciousness, and when here eyes meet yours you realize she's blinking away tears of rage. "No!" she exclaims, "I've had enough of following your plans! You've been making all the decisions since we met outside the city, and look where it's gotten us! It was your plan to cooperate with Archer, your plan to make the attack the way we did..." she chokes back a sob, "now my Servant is dead, and my chances of winning the Grail for the Edelfelt are gone! I'll be lucky if I escape this city alive, thanks to you!" Truvietianne turns on her heel and storms off, using the building's rooftop entrance to retreat inside.For a moment, you're torn between giving chase and persisting in trying to reach the enemy Masters, when Caster's voice resounds in your mind. 'Master, forget the girl! I can lighten your body for a moment, enough for you to cross the river. Tell me when you're ready to jump!"'Alright,' you reply, running towards the roof's edge, 'Now!' For a moment, you worry you won't make it. As you leap, though, you find your trajectory bizarrely warped. Without putting any more power into your legs than an ordinary jump, you fully cross the river, sail over the battle between Servants, and land softly on the opposite rooftop. The other two Masters stare in shock.
>>3372631>He's neutral at best.He's good because of "The Good, the Bad amd the Ugly".
The two Masters sit in wrought-iron chairs at a round glass-topped table, the sort you'd expect to see on someone's patio. Evidently this rooftop was designed to be a lunch area, or at least one for breaks. On the left side sits Kikuko, drinking iced tea from a glass. Opposite the girl is a haggard looking man in a Hawaiian shirt, improbably drinking a steaming-hot beverage from a teacup: Rider's Master. While Kikuko remains stunned by your sudden appearance, the man more rapidly regains his composure. "You must be the famous Yumigawa," he says in a soft, amiable voice, "please, have a seat." He gestures to a third, empty chair.>[ ] Sit down and discuss matters. Try to find out how this all came to pass. (Pride/Curiosity)>[ ] Attack one of the enemy Masters (Pride/Sadism) (Write in which you go for)>[ ] Using a command spell, order Caster to immolate the both of them. (Duty)
>>3372657>[ ] Using a command spell, order Caster to immolate the both of them. (Duty)hahaha_no.gifMake sure that Kikuko gets the least of it.
>>3372657>[ ] Attack one of the enemy Masters (Pride/Sadism) (The Man)This is such a setup but whatever
>>3372657>[ ] Attack one of the enemy Masters (Pride/Sadism) (Rider's Master)I don't want to talk. I just want you dead.
>>3372679Actually.Rider and Archer seemed to have taken our warning against Cid to heart somewhat.What are the odds that they formed an alliance to deal with him?Still, killing Lancer isn't forgivable.
>>3372657>[ ] Attack one of the enemy Masters (Pride/Sadism) (Rider's master)You lure us into a trap, sitting contentedly on a rooftop, sipping your drinks while watching like this is just some show that doesn't involve you, you kill Lancer, and you actually expect us to sit down while our Servant fights desperately for her life? You're out of your mind.
>>3372657>[] Using a command spell, order Caster to immolate the both of them. (Duty)Worth it.
>>3372690Also.Kikuko might not even know about Command Spells.What are the odds she's just being forced along with her servants goals?I don't really want to kill her until we know the full story.
>>3372705Archer's a shitbag but he's not stupid. He probably told her what he wanted her to know about them but no more. It's entirely possible that she's just following Archer's lead since she's not comfortable making the decisions a Holy Grail War involves.
Current theories about Munahara Kikuko:>She's a treacherous Dead Apostle mastermind who strung Rushorou along and played dumb in order to kill off Lancer and Caster at a stroke>She's an innocent girl being tricked and/or forced to go along with Archer's plans without knowing how to control him.Beautiful. I love you folks.
>>3372716Man, this whole setup is making me think neither of these masters are the scrubs we were hoping for. This is some serious collusion.
Rolled 2 (1d2)>>3372722Hold onLet me flip a coin
>>3372657>[ ] Using a command spell, order Caster to immolate the both of them. (Duty)Worth a try though I have no doubt this will activate Colt .45
>>3372722This is a quest where it's entirely possible that DIO will team up with Hitler in order to kill Clint Eastwood. It feels natural to gravitate towards the extremes.
>>3372727She's innocent, I guess?She always seems shocked at stuff anyway.Maybe she's in the "only kill servants" mindset.
>>3372730Or would it? We're technically using Caster to attack for us, not attacking them ourselves.
>>3372740We're about to destroy her reputation of us, aren't we?>>3372744Nobody said Colt .45 would activate on US.
>>3372746Does it really matter?She and Archer know we occasionally go into combat ourselves.It's possible they wanted to kill us in this trap too.
Use a command spell:>>3372669>>3372694>>3372730Attack Rider's Master>>3372676>>3372679>>3372691Seems we're all tied up.
>>3372756Oh.Alternatively she or Archer figured it out already after we pulverized Saber's Master and left the scene.
Just to throw my hat in the ring, I think japgrill is just someone who has something they really want and is willing to let her servant do as he will to get it. I don’t think her to be super naive, but I also don’t think she’s a bloodthirster like us and is likely somewhat squeamish.
>>3372669I'm fairly sure that's an option to obliterate them both instantly. "Getting the least of it" won't help much. If we want to spare Kikuko, even just temporarily, we should go for Rider's master first.
