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And before you even note the change, you are somewhere worse: Flat, barren, sandy plains stretching for miles in all directions no matter where you look. Your heart races and your nerves burn with anxiety as you look around, running in one direction with desperation as you see a vast stretch of Nothing abound.

No. Not nothing. This is The Desert. A vast wasteland of endless white, no trace of humanity to be found. Just seeing it makes your heart pound in agony and brain burn in trying to make sense of it.

O Desert, the Final Monument to Man's Hubris! O Desert, how you haunt my own dreams! O Desert...a place None should ever be.

You howl wordlessly as you continue to run until your legs give out. Collapsing face first into the fine, powdery substance that feels more like cigarette ash than actual sand. This is The World, what Humanity Will Wrought

----------------

You shoot up awake in your bed with a gasp, breathing heavily for a few seconds before sighing and wipng the cold-sweat drenched hair out of your face. Your eyes sting from the blue and baleful glare of a computer screen with a jobhunting site opened up. Turning it off you rub the sleep from your eyes.

How many times have you had these specific dreams? You had lost count of it haunting your mind each night you lay down, but your reminices are interupted by a knock on your door.

"Hey Marshal! Are you up in there yet?" A younger and peppy voice calls out, muffled by the wood of the door.

"I am, I am...unfortunate enough." You loudly mutter, groggy as you stand up out of bed and stretch with some joints popping as you do so.

"I'll take it. Ronald's already gone off to work so he's put you to taking me to the bus. But did leave breakfast, so hurry it before I eat it myself." The voice said cheekily enough that you swear the grin was audible.

You let out another sigh, your cousin Ronald owned the house and worked as a middle manager in a local large equity firm though frankly the wealth was cursed considering how he is. His parents, your aunt and uncle were a branch family to your own which had retired their hunt for the Root and went for living the Mundane Life. The Ugly Civilization's Imposition you liked to call it.

"Alright I'll-"
"And put clothes on before you come down! Still traumatized from the last time."

It's not as though you were doing it for pleasure that time, there was a heatwave and the AC had been out so why wouldn't you be naked? Some people, they aren't real but they come and go. This time it came in Benny.

You soon after arise and have yourself a shower whatever the name the soap was your mind had filtered out everything save the labels telling of what it's made of, save shape and the dark purple color and the contents. Once done you shook your head around letting the wild mane of jet black hair droop over your face before flinging it back and slicking it back as it reaches past your shoulders. Your greyish-green eyes reflecting poorly in the fogged up mirror.

Once that's done you throw on your go-to attire. A teal and red bicolored t-shirt, a pair of deep blue jeans and some brown steel-toed military surplus boots, and a jeans jacket which is marked by patches sewn in of slogans and occultic symbols that were runes of your own make:

Every Human a Pharaoh
Let the Morlocks eat
Bathe in the Blood of Tyrants

You couldn't help but smile looking it over.

You make your way down stairs with a yawn and enter into the dining room, pulling a chair out at the oak table you're quick to begin tearing into breakfast. "Jeez did some bear wake up outta hibernation? You're practically inhaling the food! Gonna choke to death." The upbeat voice came in next to you, his face bright and somewhat obscured by a dyed dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes, a grin pulling at his cheeks as he's dressed in a school uniform that looks more like a corporate business suit than anything. It sent a pulse of revulsion and disgust to look at it, but your face kept cool.

"I'm growing still to this day! Besides if the food is good enough, it deserves a feasting like so." You shoot back as you tear into a few bacon strips, the right balance between crisp and chewy. "Could do with trying it a bit more, wether you die choking on it or live through to eat more, you're enjoying the most of it now." It wasn't that you were incapable or unwilling to engage in table manners, it was simply in this moment your hunger and the desire for the flavors of food and drink should be appreciated as such.

"Sure, sure. It's just you treat it like you just got the ability to eat Today." He jokes, but then again it isn't really one given when in those moments you look like a wildman. He turns the TV on to some news, The Usual for the so-called Era of Prosperity: War in Europe which drowns out all the other wars on the other continents, the lukewarm prattle of politicals, Poverty, Ignorance and Superstition!

Such is the imposed "Nature" of Man. Imposed by Those On High

You sigh out in a bit of annoyed disgusted, but silence whatever you were going to say in favor of something else. "Say Ben y'got any idea when Ron will get back? I have to use the basement tonight and don't want either of you coming in." You say as matter-of-fact as possible. Ben nearly snorts his drink out of his nose much to your annoyance, "Gonna try another one of those hocus pocus bits? What's the theme this week: Retrieving Atlantis' lost knowledge? Necromancy for summoning proto-Indo-European barbarians? LaVeyan Satanism?"

"Truly original, just like your brother." You roll your eyes taking out another bite and swallow, "But if you have to know, then I'm doing a summoning ritual...which is why I need to be out tonight, still lacking a proper catalyst."

"Can't y'just....dunno, use some neat looking rock?"
"Ignoring the obvious issues of 'Just use a neat rock', it has to have something with proper connection to the being you wanna summon, or have Mana left on it heavy enough you can tell."
"Soooooo, if I got Napoleon's hat or whatever and used it for a catalyst. I'd summon Napoleon?"

You nod at him, as annoying as he may be Ben is rather interested at times. He did help you to set up the Basement to be your Workshop, with what materials you were able to gather doing oddjobs for a slew of the local antiquarians, lecturing on occult history to disinterested students at the college, and the odd merchant passing from greyer or darker markets. What knowledge you did have you tried to leverage best you can, but you can't in "Reality" you can't go to just hypnotize someone to hire you for a job. It's not that it's immoral, or irrational, or anything like that though they are that too.

You dared to not waste a human life's self so frivously.You let out a sigh of pity when you see your reflection in the water of your glass.

It's a shame that the Holy Grail War has been shuttered for going on a decade, there's been no real means that you can properly test a summoning for a Heroic Spirit.

Though it may be for the best, facing family in a War is not something that rests well with you. Besides, hopefully what this attempt you try at would be a good substitution for the real deal.

"....Huh, that would be kinda neat if it were real." Ben mumbles as he digs into his meal rather half heartedly, you have to hide a sneer with a magnanimous grin. It wasn't his fault that Mystery and by extention Magecraft were on the decline. The Hateful Law, the Banal Curse, the Disapperance of Fantasy, these were all sufficent terms in your eyes for this same phenomenon. "Y'know Marshall I may come down sometime so I can figure out what you spend that time on." He says and nudging you in a friendly manner, you roll your eyes at him.

"Shit! I got 10 minutes before the bus arrives, I'm not gonna make it. I'll be-"
"Like hell you'll be late! C'mon, I'll get you there." Before he even asks what you mean you quickly trip and catch him under your arm, holding him like you'd carry a cat. Getting the door open and ignoring the sun's heated kiss on your forehead as you rush down the sidewalk. No one is around from the looks of it, excellent, you really CAN help him.

> Roll 1d100 BO4 30/40/50/??

Aaaaand I fucked up the italics, thanks Phoneposting. Anyways. Welcome one and all to my very own Fate quest, hope you all will enjoy taking part as much as I will be writing it.

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>5832334

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>5832334

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>5832334
Time to roll poorly.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>5832334
Time to roll well

>>5832346
Respect

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>>5832346

So you did anon, so you did

>>5832340
>>5832345
>>5832346
>>5832350

Alrighty then an 81, that's a solid success right there. Time to write

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>5832334

Without even an active thought your magic circuits turn on, heat pulsing through and electric tingling roils through your nervous system into your muscles. And you rush down the street at the speed going 0 to 60 in a quarter of a second, Ben not even getting a moment to scream before he just shuts his mouth to not bite his tongue off on accident.

You soon arrive just around the corner to the bus stop and set down your frazzled young cousin. Licking your hands and combing over his apperance to make him 'Presentable'

"Wha-what was that?" You dumfounded cousin asks you with an amusing mix of deadpan bewilderment and mild terror. Ronald had taken the 'Car' to Work so this was the best solution in your mind. You smile knowingly at him and pat his head gentle as can be.

"I helped is what That was. Now get going, I can slack off but you can't afford to." With that you make you turn around and begin to walk away. As you are jogging half way down the block you hear the noises of struggle occuring back where you dropped Ben off.

Circling back around quickly to where you last were, you hear smug chuckling when you're getting closer. Ben is on the ground and his backpack has been emptied out, three preppy-looking bastards playing keepaway with his lunch. "Gimme back my food you bastards or I'll-"

He's silenced by a swift kick to the face by the taller of the trio, a lankey fellow with reddish-brown hair holding his bag over mockingly. "C'mon Benny-Boy, we didn't have time for breakfast! And you know what they say about sharing." He states handing the bag over to a darker haired boy in glasses who rumages through the bag.

"Sweet! Look at this haul, good cookies, chips, even a whole sandwich!" He exclaims, his voice like plastic screeching when rubbed as he hands the items over to who seems to be the 'Leader'. A slick-haired snake who's eyes are vacant and smile hollow

"Much obliged Benjamin, but I do believe this transaction is concluded. Always do appreciate the tribute!" He says jovially as he gestures to Sam the tall, his foot pulling away from Ben's face. Acting all is right as rain beginning to walk away

You're about to intervene when Ben just starts to chuckle darkly. "Gotta say Will, with how you treat me I can't help pittying what your parents do when they get mad." He calls out to them.

The three pause, the one named Will turning his head back with a sour look on his face. "What was that?" He replies coldly, the other two having a bit of surprise on their faces.

Your cousin smirks his bloodied lips and shrugs, "I mean. It's obvious, your folks may make much but they're stingy when it comes to money much less Love, right?" He asks as he comes to his feet, "So you take what you can get, but it's never enough! Need to make up for that Lack by filling it with someone else's pain to ignore that gaping hole You call a heart. Ain't I right?" His voice is lined with a caustic venom which seems to sting Will enough for his face to twist for a moment into a grimace of rage.

You smile proudly, Now will you intervene. "Guys, guys! As much as I wanna kill him too sometimes why not be the bigger men and stop, eh?" You ask them as you step out from around the corner, Ben's smirk grows wider into one of triumph and galdness seeing you.

"Marsh! Thank God you're here, I been-"
"Nope, Nuh-uh. Not gonna beat up some children to save a child there bud." You cut him off as you pull him by the collar further back as you collect the bag and it's contents which you put away.

"What's the matter there Hero? Afraid of being outnumbered?" Will smugly asks getting a half-hearted laugh from his dear comrades. You smile back at him lazily as you put textbooks back into the backpack. Bringing it back over to handoff to Ben.

"Not really a Hero. But, nah, I just don't want THIS numpty." You playfully smack the back of your cousin's head hard enough to be audible, "Not getting in trouble for running his mouth if he doesn't need to. So too bad, so sad, bother someone else." You flatly state, as you turn to leave the three seem to burst out laughing.

"Say whatever you want! You seem better suited to running away than to fight and protect ya overdressed fag!" The one named Sam calls out holding his laughter back for a moment, "You look like you'd die and nobody would give a burial much less a tombstone!"

>Roll 1d100 to avoid getting angry at the loud mouthed little shit who touched a sore spot. DC 85

Apologies, woulda posted sooner but got finished up with a therapy session. That and adjusting for post length

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>5832424

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>5832424

>>5832427

So close...and yet so far

>>5832322
Oh, new Fate quest on /qst/. Surely nothing will go wrong this time.

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5832424
yolo

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>5832424

>>5832340
>>5832495
Neat odds, anon.

>>5832478

Surely not I do have something FUN planned for Something going Wrong though :^)

>>5832427
>>5832435
>>5832487
>>5832495

Well that's a failure, writing now

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>5832412

The words process througy your brain, heart picking up pace as you clench your hands tightly. Rageful, boiling blood pumping through as you clench your jaw tightly. Not to be remembered eh? Not worthy of burial much less a grave?

They deserve what's about to come. They deserve-

"Like any of you three know anything! My cousin here's done more than you all will do in your lifetimes!" Ben shoots back. You couldn't help smiling looking at your relative, magicless he may be his heart is one that can't be denied. You push him around the corner slipping him about twenty bucks, more than enough to pay for food.

"Just stay right here for a moment, will you Ben? I've changed my mind." You tell him calmly, keeping a cool exterior even as a fire burns in your chest. Ruffling his hair you make your way back to the trio with a smile on your face, looking their Dear Leader straight in the eye

"What? Are you going to kiss me or something?" He asks dryly, making your lips stretch to an ear to ear smile.

"You wish, but tell me boys. How is your relationship with your parents? Hate them or do they hate you?" You ask with a tilt of your head, which causes a bit of confusion to appear onto their faces as they look between themselves

"Who cares?"
"Not like I ever hear from them anyway."
"They're dead."

At that you show your teeth, sharp fangs bared in excitement and delight. "Excellent. Then this won't be a bother." You growl out, before any of them can react you grab Sam by his ankle and bring the tall boy to the ground. His head bouncing off the hard pavement.

"Now when you fellas say such hurtful untruths, I want you to remember what's about to happen next time!" And before they can say a word you swing their friend like a potato sack. Slamming the one body into two others, sending them flying in a ball of pain as they smash through the wooden fence beside you. A blur for a moment before you see the crumpled mass against a wall.

Did you put too much force into that one? Probably, but no use crying over spilt milk or broken bones. Especially when the bones broken aren't your own.

Circling back you pat Ben on the back. "Alright, things are all settled so let's get you off to-"

"What did you do to them?" Your cousin asks in a hesitant and sheepish tone.

"Hm? What do you mean?" You ask stopping mid stride to look back at him.
"I just heard this big Crash noise and was wondering what the hell is going on. So tell me what happened Marsh, c'mon."

With a sigh you had held your hands up, "Alright, Alright. I just punched a hole through the fence so they could learn if they say anything like what they did again. They think of it against their nuts."

"You sure? It seemed like-"

"I'm Positive Benny. They won't be bothering you ever again, because they'll know what'll happen if they do. Okay?" Your voice was blended by compassionate sympathy and a child-like sort of pleading for understanding. Ben looks skeptically into the faded emerald eyes of his strange cousin

"Fiiiiine, fine. But you better tell me the Truth for this later! The FULL one!" Ben demands harshly, but you only smile contentedly as a yellow school bus arrives and you wave him off. As he gets on with you standing in front of the sizable hole you made with the three stooges. The old and withered looking bus driver looking rather unnerved seeing you in front of it, but he still drives off.

"Now then. Time for me to be off." You mutter to yourself, as you walk away from the scene. The cool air against your face soothing the mild guilt over the brutality you inflicted. It's not as though they didn't have it coming, but they sure didn't expect it.

----------------

After having gotten your dear cousin to his bus-stop and dealt with a few gnats, you had taken a brisk jog to your latest gig. Making your way down an open hallway spasely dotted by students either on a frantic rush to get to their classes or those inbetween classes hanging out with slackers and partiers, you greet them as you pass them by and reach the door hearing conversing. And now for the most depressing part of the job, Teaching. At the Prestigeous Oakvale City University!

Oh, the Joy. Your heart is practically ABUZZ to speak with the bored ones.

You sigh and push through the door, scanning over the group of people somewhat older than you are of a gamut of apperances they present. However there's two types of students in the current world: Ones With Stiff Backs, and Those Who Slouch, although it's more a gradient scale than some two wholely distinct things with no middle grounds. If even those grounds had foundations.

The former you can spot by just how stock still they are, awaiting for you to get started so that they can be a Role rather than Be. Their eyes wide in a manic sort of way and you can see nothing more than a paranoid and wounded soul within. They stare at the other group with disgust, envy and pity as if they are somehow in a better lot of mental scarring. Men, Women, and Others who are both Police and Prisoners battling a bi-polarity, the protectors of the very thing which chews and spits them out ruthlessly.

Those Who Slouch you notice by their more diverse(yet still predictible) array of activities: Some are still talking with eachother, some are slouched or napping on their desk, some are eating snacks and you even see one who has a full fast food meal out munching away. Their eyes are half-lidded and resigned, the sort of hopelessness that is not simply one born out of a depression of lack of dopamine: But a Rationalist Fatalism regarding their Future, Sucked Yesterday, Sucks Worse with Paltry Gifts Today, Tomorrow will be Indescribably Worse but Unfortunately Won't End. Future Debtor-Addicts or Dadaist Insurrectionaries....you would hate to see what Civilization would twist them into be for it's own ends.

But enough on that.

"Right then class listen well!" You shout out putting the room to a pause as you write down your full name on the wall. "The teacher you should've hadn't shown today, so I've been called up instead since I have...'Approximate Knowledge' for teaching this. Keep what you see here today to yourselves." You say with your tongue tasting bitter and poisonous as you say the words, which is when one student of the Stiffs: A dark skinned fellow who you'd guess got here on football or 'nother sport, you point to him with a nod.

"So...your full name is, Marshall Alexander Ernst DeCassres von Cheyrni Vrilizadre?"
"Yes, it is that."
"So-"
"Just call me whichever name works for you, I don't really care and will know you're refering to me anyway."

You pull a chair out from the desk, to your sublime pleasure it is a rolling chair with an adjustable back. You sit into it and pull yourself along, "Question: Who here knows of some spell or another? The kind where Magic is applied." You ask as the rumble along the wooden podium fills the room, you have a few hands raised and sigh. "You can simply tell me, you know? I'll take even joke answers." You assure them with a choleric playfulness.

"Turning lead into gold!" Called out the one half muffled by the food they're still chewing on. A preppy sort dressed in stylized ratty clothing, a premium hobo so to speak.

"Love potions and curses from witches." Chimed a bemused young lady with braided blonde hair in a pleather jacket. Your face pulls into a smile at her and give a nod of approval

"Resurrecting the dead!" Called out an androgynous sort with hair dyed a light green. You nod to them as well and hold a hand up.

"There's the answers. Now can anyone tell me what the difference between the two first examples, and the third is?" You look around with hands outstretched, awaiting for someone to speak up. No answer? Then time to provide.

"The first two are of course differing types. Alchemy and Witchcraft, but they fall under the same general umbrella: Magecraft." You write it on the board getting a few half nods, narrowed eyes and curious whispers. "Now as for what that is, think of Magecraft as a Twin to Science. Science reveals the World so that We may expand our capacities, following Method and holding accumulated Wisdom. Magecraft harnesses the Mystery of this World to pull feats that are of Myth, following Rituals and Symbolic Importance more than Rationale." You state matter of factly seeing one student, a fellow in a greyish hoodie raise his hand which you point to.

"Okay, so what's the actual Tangible difference between 'em?" The brown haired boy asked. His skin tanned and wearing a t-shirt with a sort of stylized eagle.

"Excellent question! Skepticism is an admirable quality in the individuals most worth while..." you pause trailing off in thought, "But to answer think of it like this: While you could technically via the Nuclear Sciences develop a means to transmute lead into gold. But this would be a great amount of more learning and developments of the Science and Technology."

You then pull out a smooth gold sphere, no bigger than a softball. Did you perhaps take jewelry from upper-class curmudgeons, have a underworld friend melt it down while getting the precious stones out, and now have this ball? That might be true, but you won't be telling anyone here about that.

Holding it out before the audience you clear your throat, "However with Alchemy, you will need magical energy and a ritual pertaining to it: But that's quite easily done when you are prepared for it." Tossing it into the air to the shock of the crowd you walk to catch up to stand under the arc and have it land into your hand once again, your circuits burn into functionality as in a great blindling flash as you brute force energy into the sphere, only you getting to see how the yellow flake away and the ball grow harder and heavier for a minute before completing.

"As you can see here, the ball that's once gold is now lead. I didn't rearrange atoms, I merely have the Image within my Mind for how Transmutation of the Elements works, a occultic logic the World recognized and allowed me to perform.." You say a bit solemn with your smile bitter, looking into your warped reflection in the yellow orb as the class comes to a great chatter over what just happened. But pressing the ball into your hands you clear your throat, time for a bitter truth to the poor souls.

"However...this is not Magic." You state sorrowfully as you erase away what you wrote onto the board, putting down the numbers 1 through 5. "Magic is....well, True Magic. The sort of thing even Magi are loath to admit they cannot pull off, unless you're a Magician yourself that is. But like they're respect worthy, any more than your future employers or....well a teacher!" You jest with an impish grin as you point a ruler at the first number

"They come in these forms: Forming Something From Nothing, Materia Ex Nihilo." You tap the next number, "The Traversing and Utilization of Parallel Worlds, pretty sure Many Worlds Theory is your facimile." Then the Third. "The Manifestation of the Soul, this one here? This is the means to TRULY resurrect someone, all other ways lead to false resurrections." You place the ruler down and look to the Skeptic once again

"Before anyone asks. 'But what do these mean?' Well I leave it for you to decipher, I gave an obvious enough hint for what they each are capable of." You walk off the center stage, circling around the room.

"I was actually going to ask why we need to keep this all a secret." The Skeptic says with a bit of a shrug, and a sly grin on his face

Huh. Well shit, seems that you've got one small thing wrong....what a terrible question that he had to ask though. You keep your face still as you begin with the bad news.

"Because by learning the details and functions will diminish the Magic to Nothing." You sigh, "Though realistically....True Magic like this will be rendered irrelevant once Mankind enters a new Age, how at this point? Can't say for sure." You say rather melancholic

"So what you're saying is: Technology will subsititute Magic as Magic dies out?"
"Something like that yeah."
"Then why do you wanna teach us about this stuff at all? This isn't

You smile at the individuals before you, "Because I don't buy it!" You exclaim proudly, "While other Magi'll lament on it or Adapt to the changes. I believe teaching a bare minimum to those like you won't be so bad, besides: I may figure something out down the line so ALL may be Magicians. But should I come first to being a Magician via this process, I'll help the rest of you catch up." At that the students seem to converse among themselves rather excitedly in speculation before the bell rings, the groups standing up and grabbing bags and notebooks.

"Just remember folks! Don't say a word or else you'll be hunted down by Magic Policemen!" You give a half-jest waving the students on. Once they leave, you know that at the end of the long road they'll either be taking a career in being abuser and the others careers being abused. You turn around to leave yourself and let things be.

They'll probably forget this all later tonight, ultimately learning nothing. It breaks your heart truth be told. But pain is pain, no matter how it comes to be or where it comes from

"Say, one more before we go?" You're stopped by a voice, turning to see the four of the students who really participated in class. The skeptical one, the green haired one, the 'Certainly Not A' witch one, and the athletic one. You feel a pressure into your chest you ignore as you stare at them for a few moments.

"I suppose since you're still here and not elsewhere. Sure. Just One." You say holding up a finger to them when they start to smile. "But. I demand your names, I don't want to leave you as mere faces in my thoughts." You tell them bluntly, you wish to know who to appreciate for a few more moments of learning. They've alieved your heartache so some reward should be given.

"Oh, uh, Bryan Taggert." The Athletic one stiffly fumbled getting a silent chuckle from you.
"Amelia Dean." The blonde one cooly huffed earning a mark of neither friendship nor enmity to them.
"Sammy Vesp!" The androgyne one beamed bright enough you squinted to not get your eyes burned.
"Marcus Volspranos." The brown haired one replies curtly and you nod

"Fascinating." You mutter out before clearing your throat, "So what did you mean to ask anyways?"

"...Did you really mean what you said? That this, Magi- Magecraft stuff-" Marcus harshly corrects himself, teeth clenched making a his. "Is fading out due to advancing technology?"

You nod, "Sadly so. Hate to crush your dreams of doing like I do, but it's Fact." You gravely intone, not to mention some other details and questions of physiology that were too pitiful to relay. "However! I'll let you in on something, you remember me bringing up the 4th and 5th True Magic's functions?"

"Uhhh, no, did we miss that? The stuff is still weird digesting." Sammy joked with a half-hearted chuckle, her face pulling into a something trying and failing to hide the exhaustion with a sigh. You can understand that quite well on some days when trying to kill time in some 'normal' matter.

"No, because I hadn't brought it up. Reason for why? The 4th is unknown in what it's actual function is, my guess is something pertaining to Space. Given that the 5th is related to Time, and I don't want to make a headache if any of They Who Left and You Who Stayed are trying for Physics degrees." You take a pause to clear your throat, next comes the real difficult part. "But there is something they all do. They are a means of Transport to the Root. Think of the Root one part Admin System, one part Knowledge and Power well for operating the Universe: Both Place and Concept, The Form of Formlessness, The Akashic Records, Ymir's Gate. Many names! But the 3rd to 5th Magics are means to get to the Root."

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"O-kaaay, I do get how the 4th and 5th would do something like....That." says Marcus as he puts a closed hand to his chin. "How would the 3rd do that? Way you described and what I understand you're able to quite literally make...Souls." he says trailing off in a mutter of 'Whatever those even are."

"Hmmm, well imagine this. When you are Approaching the Root, it is one of the most dangerous balancing acts that one could be. Like walking across the ocean along a razor wire as a Once In a Planetary Lifetime Storm is thrashing about, threatening to send you off into the Void where you may, to the good news if you Want Rest, Utter Annihilation. No reincarnation, no mind captured to continue consciousness, not even a non-consciousness before consciousnsss. What do you think happens?"

"Hmmm, well if you don't just die...and it's a metaphysical kind of place. What you have for a Soul will be utterly concentrated on it's task to get to that Root." Ameila speaks up with a sort of slowness that comes to dealing with tackling. Well, the dream for You and Every Other Magus in Both Worlds.

"Almost bound to end up gettin' weathered away by all that crap though." Bryan bluntly adds in, "It almost seems like an impossible task...why the hell is this somehow Manifesting a Soul?"

You nod with a impish glint in your eye as a smirk forms, "Well who said that it was a ordinary soul?" You drink in the perplexed expressions before contunuing, "Now this may be my own intuition speaking, so please don't say what I say is true to any Albinos....but imagine it as calling down your Higher Self from a dimension above to reform, well. You."

"Ah man just like that one comic." Sammy whispers to theirself as the other three seem actually...interested by this. You feel a warmth run through as you smile, hell one more thing for the road before they go.

"Say, before you four leave. How about a predictor of...The Future?" You say dramatically and hushed, but it comes out more as a growl you didn't intend, reaching into a inner pocket you sewn into your jacket you pull out a Tarot Card deck. "I'm going to pulse my magical energy through this deck, it'll launch out a set of three cards that'll tell about how things'll be. Sounds good? Plenty good!" You did want to show off a spin of your's off of a type of Astromancy, your parents didn't have to teach you but you still insisted on learning even at a young age.

You pull back the flap on the thin cardboard container showing a white stack within. Grasping tightly in your left hand, feeling the heaty tingle buzz just holding steady and dispersed in your nerves. Like a circuit being switched you send a pulse of energy through, sending out three cards into the air as the drift to the ground. As they land you see what they are.

The Fool....sideways? The Heirophant in Reverse. And as you look the third card morphs from an Upright Magician to a Reversed Devil. Your skin begins to feel pins and needles for no reason as you stare at the three of them, this isn't a General Future. This is Your Future.

"Mr. Marshall? What's wrong you're swea-" Marcus is cut off by another set of three cards launching from the deck on their own, then another three. Your head pounds from the beating of your heart as you only put in enough energy for just the one! As the 6 other cards ascend then descend, you get the other two sets to go with the first.

The Lovers, Upright. The Tower...also on it's side. Death, Reversed.

Temperence, Reversed. The High Priestess, Upright. And The World, upright.

You quickly clear the four students out. Apologizing incessently over it and wishing them the best of luck even as the world is rotting to it's last. Slamming the doors with a huff as you feel your brain lurching, just what the hell happened? You look back to where the cards had landed on the ground, walking with with a strange fear and trembling as you circle past around the Still-Real-And-There Cards.

Nine cards. Each fitting into a neat descending order, if you hazarded a wade through guessing then each three is of a differing position of Your Future. The first row symbolizing You and the Imminent Future, the second row being the Intermediate Future where after the upcoming events play out then you deal with new ones as you change, the third row being the Further Future with all the cumulated concequences coming to bare.

You lean back against the desk, shaking the nerves away and banishing the haunting half-fear before it takes it's full hold. "So...it's like that, huh." You pick up the two sideways cards, Fool and Tower, what essence is there to gleam from these horizontals?

> (Force): A Time of Troubles there will be, a confluence of Powers To-Be and That-Be in ghostly dance, the overturning of the world like an old barrel and spilling out the Worthlessly Gilded like grime and piss. War, War is going to happen.

> (Ego): The Fall! The Great Downgoing! There is to be a gathering of Eaches in a Ritual to determine what becomes of determin-ism and those fetterings. A chance for particular people to fulfill a Wish. What better chance for your own Self to shine through, blooming out of the muck and grime of Competition.

> (Nihility): There is nothing to be gleamed from a mere tarot reading. But by your best guess you say that An End is coming, which one? You're not quite sure, but it shall be a big one for sure. You sigh in an annoyed disgust as you take the cards and put them back in the deck

> (Chaos): Opportunity arises, there shall be a Grand Event you shall soon participate in! What heights and what lows shall their be flying Towards the Hurricane? Should you win, Each and All shall find themselves well and truly free! DOWN WITH THE LAW!

Man that scene was a lot longer than I expected it to be getting through, but that'll do it. Anyhow, here is your introduction to a Flag system I have cooked up, may not be a big choice now but this'll affect things down the line

>>5832586
> (Ego): The Fall! The Great Downgoing! There is to be a gathering of Eaches in a Ritual to determine what becomes of determin-ism and those fetterings. A chance for particular people to fulfill a Wish. What better chance for your own Self to shine through, blooming out of the muck and grime of Competition.
Glory to Us

>>5832586
>> (Chaos): Opportunity arises, there shall be a Grand Event you shall soon participate in! What heights and what lows shall their be flying Towards the Hurricane? Should you win, Each and All shall find themselves well and truly free! DOWN WITH THE LAW!

>>5832586
> (Force): A Time of Troubles there will be, a confluence of Powers To-Be and That-Be in ghostly dance, the overturning of the world like an old barrel and spilling out the Worthlessly Gilded like grime and piss. War, War is going to happen.

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>>5832601
>>5832605
>>5832606

Three way tie immediately? Now this is a Golden Moment! I'll give the poll here an hour/an hour and thirty minutes before closing it

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>5832622

Alright an hour and thirty has passed and no other voters so I'll roll and see what wins

>>5832601
One

>>5832605
Two

>>5832606

Three

>>5832685

Force it is. I'll write one final update for the night and continue tomorrow

No doubt can be had, there is trouble ahead of you. Blood and guts will be spilled. Fire will raze land and soul alike in an inferno you are to head straight into. It is important for sure, important enough that you are not the only one to know of it, of course not.

Those with Power and those who long for Power are to come together for this. Casted against eachother until only one may stand atop the broken bodies and ideals as Victor. What the will win is something that shall overturn the Order of The World without doubt.

All who would demand a mere continuation of status quo will be thrown out of bed. Those who have profited by it's continuation shall be ones who will suffer the most, whoever it is that may win. Like an old barrel the muck shall be spilled forth, and new contents shall fill it. Not crafted by a brewmaster who longs for some Ideal Past you personally hope.

War, it is War for sure. Not an ordinary one at all however. A Grand one.

But that could only mean one thing is about to occur soon. A Holy Grail War. But that doesn't make any sense, there hasn't been a Grail War in the past 10 years and it'd take another 10 to fully have the Ritual ready. Plus from what you have heard along the underground grapevine, someone shuttered the whole damn thing

The brief moment of anger passes as a sharp pain brings you to your knees, your left hand burns like someone poured acid over it. Face stiffening to a frozen rictus of agony as you stifle out a scream into a groan from clenched teeth and heaving, the pain is enough to leave your ears ringing and vision to blur.

> Roll 1d100 BO4 to try and power through and handle the pain DC:60/75/90/???

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>5832704
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEART

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>5832704

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5832704

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>5832704

>>5832706
>>5832734
>>5832766
>>5832857

Another moment of coming up short. Well I'll have the post wrote up for this some time tomorrow, but for now I sleep>>5832766

Alright I am back, and I am now writing up for the next scene. Hope you all had some decent sleep yourselves

>>5833402
>Hope you all had some decent sleep yourselves
Are we summoning Epimenides of Cnossos?

>>5833406

No, but you WILL be getting to see some Greeks. Though as I am writing this I'm having an idea bouncing in my head, a deal should you Anons wish to hear. Since keeping conscious will allow you to get a Interesting Hint for something about the War.

>>5833413

The deal is this: I will treat this scene as a full pass which will allow for an insight that you'd otherwise miss out on.

In exchange instead of the "Standard" Catalyst hunt I have planned. You'll be going on a bit of a side mission to take one from a rather...peculiar fella. They will be a strong one I assure you, but they'll be of my choice.

So. What'll it be? Deal or No?

>>5833419
So instead of picking a Servant Class (and roll for how strong it will be?) we will summon a specific Servant you have plans for who otherwise would be our enemy?

>>5833422

More or less anon, summoning them will go off without a hitch and you get yourselves a Servant who'll be a solid competitor against your other enemies.

Instead of having to leave it to the dice in your hunt for a decent Catalyst and summoning someone up, you will get one who'd otherwise be a VERY dangerous enemy

>>5833429
Since my vote sealed our failure in that B04, I will abstain and let other anons pick if they around before you start writing the next update.
Whatever they take the deal or not, I hope we won't be stuck with just some grug knight class. Having somebody useless like Arturia would be the worst.

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>>5833447

>Someone useless like Artoria would be the worst

"I will remember these words."

I will give about an hour before I post the update since I have one for failure and one for a success so I'll wait and see if the Deal gets made

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Your head throngs in pulsing suffering as though your whole nervous system has been filled with glass and fire. You grit your teeth so as to not scream and bite off your tongue, eyes wide and entirely lucid as the white noise actually gives way to something.

But the pain is just too overwhelming and your eyes slowly shut. Your last images are of, you believe, a figure of your size and build. But darkness soon over takes you as unconciousness fills your mind into a blank.

---------

Your eyes slowly open up once again. Letting out a groggy, and irritated groan as numbed pain is still mildly pulsing through your head. Pushing up from the floor your vision swims for a moment before a shake of your head and rubbing your eyes cleara things up.

"Just what in the hell was that? Felt like my body was in a meltdown...and that weird spirit, was that real?" You mumble to yourself, as you stretch with the sound of popping joints resounding you notice something on the back of your left hand. Shooting into attentiveness you bring your hand close, looking it over. A red symbol portioned into three, left or right there is a stylized burst of flame encircling your third and Final Seal, a Cup.

Your heartbeat quickens as the apprehension fades to a blend of anxious excitement and out-of-the-blue Joy. Your smile is wide and body trembling from the adrenaline of both the high of pain and the high of the Opportunity of a Lifetime. "The Holy Grail War....man, Ben is in for a surprise for sure with this! Better make sure he has things prepared." You say in hushed glee, pulling out the phone Ronald had gotten you last Christmas to be, in his words, 'Easier to get a hold of wherever you are off this time'. You do get what he meant, but also find it rich that the Companyman gives any care to Time Wasted...but then again that is part of the job as HR. Long hours, shit pay(comprably to the bosses), but at least you Hold People's Lives Hostage. But your fingers move like a spider spinning web as you write up a message:

'Just a reminder! I need some other materials out for me to get this ritual pulled off, so please get them out before I'm back. And pull out my Aria book! Gonna need that too.'

Once the text is sent you turn your phone off and make your way out. If you're to participate, then you're going to have to find a Catalyst. The more powerful the better, now, where should you begin sleuthing on it?

>See if you can find some local news on somewhere that may hold what you may need. Paper and Bookhopping

>Get in touch with a...."Antiquarian" who owes you a favor for saving his ass from fire.

Well shame that no one took the reroll deal, but I'll at least provide the option later on again. Just to be sure, you'll know when you see it.

>>5833623
>Get in touch with a...."Antiquarian" who owes you a favor for saving his ass from fire.
Missed the offer due to being in the wage cage, but I would have said no honestly

>>5833704

Well damn. But like I said in the spoiler, still got a chance to take up on the offer though you lost out on the reroll

I've worked hard on this option so don't think it'll be that easy to ignore

>>5832586
>See if you can find some local news on somewhere that may hold what you may need. Paper and Bookhopping

After Fate/Blood Moon and Fate/Bonf disappeared after a single thread each I’m glad to see another challenger to Akeldama Redux since mine will apparently never get off the ground.

>>5833623
>Get in touch with a...."Antiquarian" who owes you a favor for saving his ass from fire.

I absolutely would have voted for the deal.

>>5833623
>Get in touch with a...."Antiquarian" who owes you a favor for saving his ass from fire.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>5834191

Just give it some time and you'll get at it. It's what I had to handle with

>>5833704
>>5834191
>>5834201

Alright it's an Antiquarian visit! I will write this down, and make a roll of my own to see what sorta info/goodies are had

>>5834248

Forgot to add the trip, but hey it seems that there's something decent. Time to write

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https://youtu.be/Tys9hS10w_g?si=sXxvHccg-l0t8dCB

You spend a few hours out of the rest of the afternoon treking about on foot, occasionally hopping onto one of the city trolleys and go about town. What roads you do have to cross to get to sections you needed was more taken up more by cyclists than car drivers so you could simply weave around them even as they moved like a flowing river, man and his tools. Heading into the center the mixed areas Individual houses, small businesses, and the odd suburb area blighting the Earth and contrasting against stretches of untamed wilderness that had been left to grow into forestry.

Residents say that in those woods the more wealthy, reclusive and otherwise manipulative sorts have staked out as home. Some you overhear theorize that it's some banal tax-scam they pull off to show they care, others that it's where they can engage in secret society rituals and form new conspiracies that come in whatever the speaker has as their Paranoia Object. Most likely answer? It is home to at least some Magi families, locals to the area, why they simply haven't come after you can be chalked to flying under their radar. However, if any of them are to have a proper Catalyst...it would be one of them. Which would require another follow up if things fall through.

Which speaking of, you arrive at your location. A solitary shop made up from a deep brown oak, the windows are dirtied to the point of making the inside seem like a looking into a blurry mess, a oval sign hanging off chainlink above the door reading:

'Stefan's Curios and Imports, Don't Ask How It's Gotten and it's Your's.'

On the door proper you see a generic 'CLOSED' sign, but you still come up to it fiddling with the handle. "Locked, guess he DID take my advice after all." You say aloud, but a mischevious smile crosses your face as you hold tightly onto the knob. The mana flowing down through your arm, into your hand, and into the brass itself lining it with greenish-glow. "Nicht." You huff, and with the word said you can feel the simple mechanism shift and come to a light click.

Opening the door and coming inside you cough a bit as you inhale a small bit of dust. Shelves are lined with both books and peculiar figurines of porcaline or stone, small tables having particular portions listing out what country the items come from, Persian rugs and Mandala embroderies line the wall shared with oil paintings of both noblemen and simple life scenes. And of course there is the glass display cases which show talismans and jewlery of various shapes and sizes, including the large one off to the right side of the room with a cash register on it.

>>5834314

"Plimba ursu! If you're here for bathroom, then find a gas station!" An irritable, accented and hoarse voice calls out from upstairs as you hear footsteps and creaking wood coming down. "If you have business then come Mon-"

"Stefan! Buddy! I'm here to cash in." You cheerfully greet the dark haired Romanian man, his brown eyes have heavy bags and face lightly tanned giving a leathery apperance. He is dressed in a pair of khaki slacks and a white dress shirt with a maroon vest. His face pales for a moment upon seeing you, but quickly puts a mask of happiness on.

"Ahhh I remember you, Ape. You went vigilantee on thieves of my products!" He says half-jokingly, all condecensingly as he makes his way around to the register. "You had smashed their heads against eachother and demanded favor. Left before I could protest! Took advantage of my confusion!" He states in hollow outrage which gets you to roll your eyes. It's not as though he actually is bothered by it, if he was he'd have tossed you out and you'd move on.

"You say that as though you're not doing similar." You dryly retort and gesture to the room, a few months back you noticed some masked fellows in this store. You only knocked them out and had made sure they couldn't leave til the police arrived. Much as it did pain you to leave the guys in the Law's hands.

"I was being courteous and magnanimous. Helping you not lose any of your NOBLEY aquirred and WELL DESERVED goods you sell to tourists and yuppies for cheap." You had found later that while he certainly was new in town, Stefan had a bit of infamy for being a Grey Marketer. Buying items aquired by various means that ended up in underworld markets to sell legally. Artifacts both real and ones which he had made replicas of to pass off as the real thing.

"They are not cheap!" He whines in protest and pointing a finger at you, "I provide a fair deal based off of what I must make up for in cost to obtain. It's how it's supposed to work!" He sighs as he presses his face into his arms, resting his head into the table and mumbling to himself in Romanian. You lean against the glass case as well and give a sympathetic backpatting.

"There, there Stefan. One day you'll get a break." You softly say to the older man, "But I'm not here for being a shoulder to cry on. I want information."

His body stiffens and he stops talking, raising his head to meet your gaze. "About what?" He asks cooly. You give him a run down of what it is that you are looking for, phrasing Catalyst instead as 'Curios of Interest' to get the point across a bit easier. He says that while he himself hadn't gotten any shipment personally, he does hand you a News heading.

>>5834317

"Museum will be reopening soon. Finished the repairs and reconstruction so it won't have foundation beam collapse from rot." He says as you look over the paper, "Plus there's a shipment of New exhibition items they are setting in as well. Should find one of those, 'Catalysts' there."

"Sounds promising. But how am I supposed to get in and get out, much less get something cleanly?"

"Ahhh that's the thing Ape. They may be about to reopen, but from word of my friend Micheal who helped in reconstruction?: Security cameras are not installed in yet." He says in a hushed tone, getting a smile to form across your face.

"While that is good, I may need-"

And before you even get a chance to finish he hands you a blueprint for the building. Showing that an air duct network leads through into key portions of the Museum. You are practically beaming like a star when you pull him in for a one armed hug.

"I knew there was a reason I asked for a favor outta you! Glorious Balkan bastard." You say jovially and ruffle his head which gets you a symphony of 'Bou's and 'Măgar's as he protests against the affection. But you do notice a subtle smirk on his face. You let go, quickly making your get away and looking back you see him, in fact hear him call out something:

"HEY YOU CAN'T JUST NOT PAY ME FOR THIS!"
"Sure I can!" You call back, "It's how information should be and often is!" And with the wind on your face you rush away and laugh heartily, he may be a grouchy bastard, but that's what makes moments like these all the more enjoyable.

>>5834320

Now with that I'm going to sleep, I'll provide the next update then. In the meantime I'd like to get your thoughts so far, feedback is something that always helps and helps me to do better so a better quest can be had.

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>>5834324

Damn I forgot to add this along with it. Ah well, g'night anons.

Alright. I'm back, got some snacks, writing up the other portion of the post

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Hours have passed by, as you make your way down a sidewalk in the residential area you look past the artificial lighting of streetlamps to see the sky a blend of orange, gold and purple from the setting sun. The clouds streaking along the colorful canvas set your heart at ease in the mass of "Civilization" around you as the cooling and crisp air flows across your face marching against the current. Soon enough you are making your way up the paved stone driveway seeing Home: The brownish-red brick provides a sort of aesthetic that pleases to see, but knowing what Ronald had to sell his own Self to for affording this?

It also tinges you with a melancholic hatred. You let out a sigh trying to disappate the emotion as best you can as you approach the door and unlock it then open it up. The pitch black of the room has some confusion, but nothing so bad.

"About time." A dull, tired and all too familiar voice rings out through the dark and the light turns on to reveal Ronald. You nearly felt your heart do a flip as a jolt of surprise and primal terror hit you all at once seeing his figure revealed sitting in one of the pleather chairs you used for reading in on occasion.

"We need-"
"FuckinChrist Ronnie! You just about gave me a heartattack with your bullshit mastermind-in-chair prank!"

He stares at you for a moment before getting up from the chair and holding his hands up in mock-surrender. "Sorry, sorry. But this was what I thought'd be best to get your attention." He says rather half-hearted, but sympathetic still his face mildly grimacing in awkwardness.

You crane your neck back with a groan, shaking the adrenaline away. He's still dressed in his white button-up workshirt, the grey slacks which have the odd foodstain faded on it, and the maroon tie about to fall away at any moment. Another long night at the dark and satanic cubicles for your poor cousin it seems.

"You and I need to talk. Now."
"Can't it wait? I'm supposed to be doing a thing with Ben and-"
"I sent Ben to his room. I already dealt with him when I got back, so, now it's Your Turn."

Your heart sinks down, shit, Ronald likely heard something. But what? Well that's what's gonna happen. You stay silent for a few moments before you give him a solemn nod, "Alright, fine....can we do it while we eat at least? I'm about to die of starvation." Well it may be an exageration but the empty pain in your gut does demand nourishment.

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>>5834878

Your older cousin sighs, "Works for me, I've got some fried chicken I picked up to reheat." You smile in gratitude to the man as you two enter the kitchen. Taking about ten minutes to reheat up the chicken breasts the two of you get plates and load them with the meal. You waste no time, tearing savagely into the white meat with your teeth in chunks that you chew up and swallow only with a solid chug of extremely spicy hot sauce washing it down.

Meanwhile Ronald is using silver wear to slice it apart and eating at a slower pace. His disheveled dirty blonde hair, the bags beneath his eyes, the scraggly beard coming in from lack of shaving, and general Work-Withered apperance making the man in his twenties look well over thirty pushing forty. Drinking down a full glass of water after the twenty breasts eaten you let out a satisfied sigh as your stomach is now full.

"Man now that hit the spot...you enjoying your's?"
"Just enough I suppose. Honestly, you should take care for how you look to other people. You act like a barbarian."

You chuckle a bit, "Better a barbarian fully enjoying himself than a Worried Wallace."

"I don't just mean eating you know." He states gravely, the piercing brown eyes coupled with heavy and dark sleepbags adding a mildly intimidating look. "Did anything happen when you were taking Ben to the bus stop?" He quizes with a cocked eyebrow, to which you shrug and slouch back against the wooden chair.

"Had a run in with some pricks who were picking on him. Took care of them. Simple as."
"Is that so? Well, funny story, my Boss had mentioned his kid had to go to the hospital because, I quote: 'Some punk in a patched-jacket tossed him and his friends through a fence'. Ring any bells?"

The new information pierced through you like a bullet, but it didn't sting, in fact you smirked a bit with satisfaction having it relayed to you. "I can neither confirm nor deny." You reply back

"Goddamnit Alex you can't just do something like that!" He shouts as he slams a fist into the table in anger, "I can handle you not keeping a Job, I can handle you being flippant, but this time? You crossed a line!"

You glare back and frown, "What do you want me to do? Say sorry? Fine! I'm sorry! Give me a brea-"

"'I'm sorry' can't cut it when you used someone like a shotput to bowl over some guys because they gave you crap!"
"To be fair, it was pretty funny. But why do you even care though? I fucked up your Boss' asshole kid, big woop! Maybe now he'll spend time with his kid, like family should." You shoot back venemously which causes Ronald's brow to furrow in frustration

"It's my own shit to deal with Alex. Maybe when you're older and Actually Normalize you'll understand." He says, tone pregnant with disappointment and a barely hidden condecension which rouses a fire in you.

>>5834878
>>5834883

"What is there to understand? That I'm supposed to just suck it up and take lumps from a rich brat with a smile? Selling off My Time piecemeal or in total 'til I haven't got the energy left for Anything? No fucking dice!"
"I'm trying to look out for you! The thing about being the bigger man is having to do things you don't neccesarily want to, we can't all just play Wizard in the basement. That's not how the World Is-"

"Shut the fuck up right now Ronald." You interrupt him coldly as your heart and head pound in unison as the heated rage burns. "Maybe you can pull that 'It's just how it is' garbage with Ben, but You and I both know that's a loser's logic. I won't bend over for people who make the World a place for only charlatans, hypocrites, opportunists and other scumbags."

He pinches at the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath, "Have you heard of the phrase: 'Turn the other cheek'?" You have to hold back a laugh and instead just smile back with full teeth. "I have. To which I say: If they strike across your cheek, strike them back harder so they learn not to do it again." You growl with your teeth clenched

"Whatever they said to you it can't have been worth what you did back! They're still kids like you aren't they?" He asks genuinely, your face twists itself into a wrathful expression as your eyes feel like they're about to pop from your skull.

"THEY DESERVED IT! MAYBE YOU'D UNDERSTAND IF YOU WEREN'T SUCH A FUCKING DOORMAT TO AUTHORITY!" You snap at him shooting up from your seat, voice filled with hateful indignation remembering the taunts. Ronald's expression melts into one of hurt, the negativity seems to vanish instantly leaving you feeling empty. Slumping back into your chair and looking down to the floor, a bitter and vile taste in your mouth.

"I...I shouldn't have said that." You state quietly with a lump in your throat, clearing it as you hold at the temples of your head. "I just can't. Maybe You can deal with these sort of things easier, maybe other people can be normal, but...." you trail off into silence

Ronald takes a deep breath and sighs as he comes over and crouches at your side. "I'm sorry too" he says soft and warm, "I know you're...touchy about me being an apologist for stuff you seem to not like much if at all."

You sadly smile just a bit looking at him, "Really? What about me gave that sorta impression?" You half-joke which gets a grin from him too. "I'd say now's a good example." He says matter-of-factly, "But I'm not mad or disappointed you did that. I just....I just know that you are a decent enough guy, rough but solid as a rock. My folks took you in hoping that, well, maybe you could carve out some bit of purpose and happiness. I know that You know it's something you can do."

You nod at him, "Yeah, yeah...just kinda hard to be happy when you know all the Shit that makes this World so inhospitable. That makes You-"

>>5834878
>>5834883
>>5834887

"I know, and you're not wrong. But until something comes along that will free me up from Work or Die like others? Well." He smiles at you, his eyes filled with a painful melancholy that makes his smile all the more sorrowful. "Still. You're my family no matter what, even if you can be a real prick who goes for lowblows."

The two of you devolve into a game of playful ribbing, laughing along before you're pulled into a hug and say you love eachother. Your arms are tight around him and you feel at ease after hitting sorespots of eachother. "Oh wait. Before I go crash in bed, something came for you today, gimme a moment." Ronald pulls away as he grabs a white mail envelope off the black granite countertop.

Eyeing it over with a squint you look back to your cousin, "What even is it?" He shrugs at your response as he stretches, "It's a letter. Dunno who sent it but the thing is addressed to You, so I didn't look through to spare you the embarassment. Reeeally tempted me to go through, but I didn't." He says with a playful smirk tugging at his lips

"Well gee Mr. Moralist. I am forever in your debt for not spying in on my life like a sexless voyeur." You tell him flatly which gets him to chuckle heartily
"That's who I am. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll learn your Magi-"
"Magecraft"
"Whatever. Point is, should I get the time off and you actually provide me some hard proof of your Stuff. May try at it myself."

You laugh together, wishing him a goodnight and thank him for the food. As he leaves you look back to the mail, pulling out a plain white paper from the opened envelope you begin reading the letter.

>>5834878
>>5834883
>>5834887
>>5834889

* Good day to you M. Vrilizadre, *

* I hope this letter finds you in good health and better spirits. It had come to my attention some time ago that a...Event, I shall call it, made a surprise demand for one more Competitor. You. Yes, I know of the Holy Grail War, in fact I wish to provide something. Call it a gift, unsolcited advice, whatever it may be. But I warn that the other Competitors of this War are a ruthless bunch, if you are to survive you will need a Servant to contend with the other figures of myth and history. No? Within your city there is a Certain Someone who holds a most powerful catalyst, and luckily is someone that will not be missed if killed. If you are willing to do whatever it takes: find where this fellow makes his home, put them down, take the catalyst, and you Monsieur will be able to properly fight. I have faith you will do wonderous things in this war. Best of luck. *

* Regards, *
* G.M *

Along with the letter there is an address which leads out into the Urban Forest. You put the paper down as the feeling of suspicion and confusion wrack your brain. How does this "G.M" know of something like the Holy Grail War? Who are they? Why send this letter in the first place and showing that they....know of you? And what the hell is there to be gained?

"Well...this is certainly interesting." You mutter to yourself as you look back at the paper on the table. While you have cased out a potential location for getting a Catalyst. This may well be an opportunity that'll only come by once.

>Follow through with what you have previously planned?

Or

>Listen to the Letter?

>>5834892

Alright I clearly need to figure out how the fuck to Italicize text. I can't keep having these happen

>>5834892
>>Listen to the Letter?
Good catalyst go

>>5834892
>Follow through with what you have previously planned?

>>5834892
>Listen to the Letter?

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>>5834930
>>5835482

Two for following the letter

>>5835282

One for previously scoutted plans.

The Letter wins out then I suppose after leaving things up for several hours. I'll have things written up and posted tomorrow.

Then, the Fun Begins

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>>5835662
>Fun
>mfw

>>5834899
Bold: [ b ] text [ /b ]
Italics: [ i ] text [ /i ]
Red: [ red ] text [ /red ]
Blue: [ blue ] text [ /blue ]
Green: [ green] text [ /green ]
Bad news is that these are reserved for the IP of the thread creator, and seeing as your ID has changed I think you're locked out

>>5835977

Both good and bad news then. Thanks for getting these for me though anon

As much as you do wish to follow through on the previous idea had. You have a nagging feeling looking through the letter by this "G.M" may have something to it. You take the paper, putting it into your jacket's inner pocket and head off out the door.

"Whatever the case. I will move forward." You state to yourself, firm and stern.

--------

By the time you are entering into the Forest, the sky is pitch black save a lonely crecent moon on high. The trees standing tall and firm, almost watching you as the trek across the woods is only filled by the sound of your footsteps. That is until you hear a conversation ahead of you.

"-n't as though we're not getting paid well for this so why ask questions?"
"I know that! I'm just weirded out by the geezer asking me to put on these robes. I look like I'm going to a costume party."
"I get it, but Mr. Valeyri is payin good money so just roll with it."
"Yeah yeah....can't help but wonder what he's doing with those kids, y'know? Especially when the noises are-"
"Shhhh, shut it. Someone's coming so get ready."

Well that certainly is ominous. As you continue your approach you notice two figures in redhooded robes, holding double barrel shotguns at the bottom steps to a ebony wood, gothic mansion. The only real illumination being gaslight posts and lamps surrounding the building. Actually, for some reason it gives you the impression of a renovated orphanage if anything for some strange reason.

Now the question is: how you should go about this?

(Force): Simply rush them down before they have time to react and splatter them

(Egoistic): Try and calm them down while you keep approaching, pretend you're lost and that you require some time to

(Nihility): Injure yourself(lightly of course) and lure them in by playing the empathy strings.

(Chaos): Pretend that you are a figure of high importance, play up your need to meet with the Head of the House for important business.

>>5836092
>(Force): Simply rush them down before they have time to react and splatter them

>renovated orphanage
Orphanjuice is back on the menu, Gilbros?

>>5836100

Very possible! Though the menu has expanded beyond orphans for this place's owner

>>5836092
>(Force): Simply rush them down before they have time to react and splatter them

Rolled 99, 44 = 143 (2d100)

>>5836100
>>5836194

Force it is then

Now roll for me, 1d100+20 BO4. Beat out the rolls I make here

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>>5836287

Maybe I rolled a little TOO well for one of them.....

>>5836092
>(Force): Simply rush them down before they have time to react and splatter them

Rolled 89 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5836287
Mongrels

Rolled 37 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5836287
Welp

Rolled 13 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5836287

>>5836293
>>5836310
>>5836319

Alright, just one more roll and we'll deal with our first combat of the quest!

Rolled 80 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5836287
Well one of them is absolutely juiced

>>5836343

It's a pretty funny one actuallyBut not as juiced as you of course

Now with all the rolls in it's time I write.

You don't have time for niceties, and it's best you get things over with. Taking a deep breath you feel the electric flow of your Circuits come to life, running throughout your body as you continue approaching. One of the two comes forward and aims the gun at you, "Hold it right there! Turn around and forget you ever saw this place!" He calls out sternly, but you're undetered and press forward with your fists clenched.

The click of the hammer cocks back on the shotgun, "FREEZE OR DIE FINAL-" He gets no opportunity finish his threat. You kick off the ground with a loud crashing noise, time moving to a crawl from your perspective as you thrust your arm forward with your fist clenched tightly. The mix of your strength and the acceleration leading to the limb crushing through his ribcage and sternum, obliterating his heart, and blasting out the other end with a bloody burst.

Before you pull it out you feel a sharp pain explode into your side as a chunk of your meatshield is blown away. You grit your teeth and ignore the pain as you rush at the other guard. Throwing a fist you're quite surprised that he actually blocks it, his forearm twisting with a vile snap that sends him to his knees with a. Taking the opportunity you throw a kick upwards, which he avoids with a timed collapse and jams a combat knife into your thigh.

"Stubborn little bastard!" You growl out in a mix of rage and pain as you grab the knife as he still holds it. Squeezing hard enough to crush his hand which sends out a bloodcurdling howl of agony as you pull the blade out. Slashing his carotid artery leading to a spray of blood like a high-pressure washer.

Panting and pained you make your way up the steps. With a mild limp, you're about to open the door when you hear a high-pitched beeping. Your head snaps back to see that at his side he has some sort of communicator, a red light flashing rapidly. He must've used the last of his energy to send out an alert to his buddies.

"Heh...well, crap, guess stealth really is out the window now." You dryly lament, honestly it's respectable in a way he actually will inconvenience you still beyond the grave. You pull at the door handle hard enough that it goes off it's hinges.

>>5836418

Entering into the building you're met with a spacious interior. Various art frames line the walls, the floor has a massive carpet which below the black furry material is a...strangely leather substance "I got a rather bad feeling about this place kiddo", you hear It say worriedly, a table here and there. The frigidity of the air seems unnatural, there is trace mana residue which is thicker leading to either hallway, a spiral staircase leading to the higher floors, and a door beside the staircase.

You can hear muffled shouting from upstairs alongside the sound of heavy footsteps. Time is limited before a squad of these robed folks are down and hunting for you. You need to think fast and think smart before you're hounded.

You go-

>Up the stairs(likely where the quarters of the owner is, but have to go through however many guards there are)"You know what they say. Live dangerously and/or die!"
>One of the Hallways(You may be able to find something of use, perhaps set up traps and ambush the guards to whittle away at their numbers)"Ooooh, maybe we'll find something shiny. Assess the property."
>Take the Door at the Staircase(You're not quite sure what'd be in there, in all likelihood it leads to a basement. Although you smell something horrid even from where you stand)"I'd rather not go down there myself. But I'm not able to complain, just don't cry to me about it if you see something terrible"

>>5836424
>>Take the Door at the Staircase(You're not quite sure what'd be in there, in all likelihood it leads to a basement. Although you smell something horrid even from where you stand)"
In the Fate route this was the correct option

>>5836482

>In the Fate route this was the correct option

You may be onto something. But in the meantime I'll leave this vote open over night, just to be sure of things and have other anons. But in the meantime I'll post something I got made as a "Meanwhile with Another Competitor" like a Certain Fella also does

Best artists steal from other good artists after all!

[An Old Mirror]

The solemn atmosphere of the abandoned church that Armon Kalaedes stood admist made the young orange haired Magus tense despite an outer apperance of collectedness and cool. Finishing up on havung drawn a summoning circle, setting what would all rights a generic and mediocre Catalyst. He sighs thinking of it now as it's yet another sign for how the Mage's Association had made life for Him and His Family greatly difficult, looking to his hand he gripped tightly into a fist and steeled his will.

'There can't be room for secondguessing these things, I swore that I'd either have the Grail or I'll be dead.' He thought as he held out his hand, his magic circuits bristling to life as Mana from himself and the circle come to metaphysical connection.

"Here goes nothing then..." Armon muttered under his breath, as he has his mana activate the Summoning Circle glowed a soft and ghostly light at first, getting brighter and more vibrant until it is a blinding prismatic assault of color upon the human eye as he drips an alchemical concoction onto the circle.

"With Blood and Iron given as tribute, I hail the Earth for it's Grace and Opportunity/
My gift is to the East wind so that it may bring swift victory to Mine self and command over ruinous disaster
Fill mine cup and let it runneth over/
Let it Fill and Fill and Fill and Fill 'til all will either be redeemed or drowned by mine Heart's design/
Should I come to bear All The World's Evils, to be loathed by All Good of The World, I shall not deter!/
I demolish my bridges, leaving no direction for Me but Forwards!/
I am Armon Kalades, Third Son of Kalades, and I shall put a close to the Torments of Man./
NOW COME FORTH TO ME!
THE STAGE IS SET FOR A NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR LEGEND AND THE FIRST OF MINE!"

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>>5836578

Upon finishing the Incantation the light had seemed to overwhelm him, it's what he assumed given he had woken up with a clutch of his throbbing head he had stopped. Looking at the back of his hand to notice a set of stylizied markings like that of a windmill. Armon smiles gleefully as he caresses the back of his hand, breaking out into a low satisfied chuckle which breaks forth into a moment of manic laughter. "Brilliant! To think that Paper Napkin ritual that Weirdo gave worked! Now I just need-"

Before the opinion could be voiced the sound of splintering wood had cut the train of thought right off. The door of the church gone, giving way to a swarm of bloody-fleshed ghouls charging right at him. Teeth bared, mouths slobbering and eyes filled with malevolent hunger rushing the Magus.

In his mind he lays his curses to God for giving such bad luck and the Association for having gone through such lengths to discredit and ruin his family. Was the whole thing some sham to put his family to rest? Reaching into his satchel he fumbles out two egg sized orbs which detonate in a green explosion of Mana before quickly sprinting for a doorway, unforunately the volume of the horde renders the panic move for naught as one, and then another ghoul pounce onto him.

The salivating, half-rotted creatures had a horrible mix between human and Animal traits. Their muscles lined with tumors and blackened sores which line up their arms. One of them, a bulky and tall man half matted in fur alongside a warped face as though Man and Beast had been forcibly fused together carrying a cleaver the size of Armon's own body. The beasts braying like a gang of Hyenas, holding off from feeding save for Sadism and leaving a Magus time to think

'So this is how I die then? Not even having met my Servant and before I have a chance to fight?! This is absolutely bull-'

>>5836578
>>5836580

"Time Alter: Triple Accel." A low and somber voice spoke up from nowhere. Armon could not tell how he had seen it, but he had seen a figure in modern combat armor wrapped by a red cloak leap from the shadows with knives hitting the three closest Ghouls with the closest one hit in the throat which the now Identified Servant rushed in to grab the hilt and tearing it out with such force it decapitates the Bear Ghoul in a messy manner alongside stabbing the heart in a Flash that Armon could not see.

As Red Cloak pulled out a machine gun Armon couldn't help trying to analyze the fluid movements made as the Servant leaps between group to group riddling them with lead and knife blows, the wonders of Reinforcement on the human eye and a Super Computer-like brain.

'Is he slowing the movement of Time down somehow? No...that would mean this man is a user of The Fifth Magic and I doubt the Throne just throws something like that in. Besides, I'm percieving him so he isn't stopping things'

It was just as the man had taken a grenade. Pulling the pin and flipping the switch, casually tossing it in the air in the middle of the group. Then another, then another, until Armon realizes that it's only the Servant moving so fast while the rest of the ghouls seem utterly at a standstill.

'This guy isn't manipulating the World for this Time magecraft, he's using his own body as a reality marble for controling His Own flow of time! May not be THE Fifth but it damn well relates....who the hell is this guy?'

It was as he was slung over his shoulder by the mysterious Servant he suddenly felt a need to gripe and praise when tossed onto the ground like a potato sack. "Just what the hell was that?! You came out of nowhere and y-" the grenade explosions had rocked through the building just as the Master was complaining. A orange fireball engulfing the whole building before it collapses in on itself, leaving naught but burning debris crushing and cooking the undead.

There, it's done." Red Cloak stated aloud simply, Armon finally sees the man's face is covered by both the hood of his cloak and wrappings of black cloth(?) with his gaze shifting to the hand with the command seals. Letting out a sigh he holds a hand out in gesture, "So it seems that You are to be My Master. Unfortunate."

Armon was stunned silent for a moment. He almost dies as he thinks that this Spirit has some right to lecture him over a fumble? Of course he knows he could've died! His face twisting into one of resentfulness he smacks the hand given and stands up quickly on it's own.

>>5836578
>>5836580
>>5836583

Armon was stunned silent for a moment. He almost dies as he thinks that this Spirit has some right to lecture him over a fumble? Of course he knows he could've died! His face twisting into one of resentfulness he smacks the hand given and stands up quickly on it's own.

"First you don't even show yourself, Second you utilize some Noble Phantasm of your's within the first minutes dealing with...ghouls! And after all that you LECTURE ME about being careful? What the hell kind of Servant are you supposed to be?!" Armon barked to the Faceless Wraith venomously which provoked not even so much as a twitch from the other.

"I've been summoned to fight in this Grail War under the Assassin class. You mean to tell me my skills are un-satisfactory?" The Servant asked, "I imagine you'd be impressed by the demonstration. It did save your life."

"Wha- Just....NOW LISTEN HERE! I COULD'VE HANDLED IT ON MY OWN! I JUST MADE A STUPID FUMBLE, YOU'RE THE DAMN SERVANT HERE! You have to wait until your Master provides a Command for you to do-"

"So what you're saying is." The Servant started back up again coming closer, standing a head taller and dressed as he was the Assassin cut an intimidating figure. "You'd rather die with your pride as a Mage unspoiled, you need to lead so desperately you won't accept help not asked for? Before accomplishing a single thing?" The cold words had cut into Armon worse than the teeth of the ghouls likely would have

"Well I don't guess, but-"

"Typical." The Assassin said tersely, "Quicker to fall on their own sword to protect their precious Ego than to actually Win the Grail. You're a Magus' Magus alright."

"Why- you bastard I should!-"

"Wait, someone's coming. Do you feel?"

"Don't change the subject mid conversation you prick! How am I-" the Servant covered the stubborn Magus' mouth pressing him against a wall. The muffled complaints soon turn silent as he feels a malevolence approaching their location.

>>5836578
>>5836580
>>5836583
>>5836584

It isn't too long before he spots...Her. A pale skinned woman with a strange plaid dress(though the image of those old British safari hunters came more to mind)which seemed to flow with the movements of the woman, like water rippling when a rock is tossed into it, with some short kept light brown hair and a glamourous, well-maintained sort of beauty. But it was the Red, hungry, predatory eyes that sealed it as in there Armon could see that she could very well eat him without a second thought.

Damnit, a Dead Apostle. My pressence concealment alone may help but still is likely to find us...Master forgive me for what I'm about to do. Time Alter: Triple Stagnate

Before he could telepathically reply he suddenly felt himself slowing down, all of him. The movement of his blood, the beating of his heart, even breathing felt like an eternity. But he did not panic, the woman looking over the collapsed building with a satisfied smile looks elsewhere. Slowly walking over to the direction of Assassin and their Master is, not seeing anything but the Dead Apostle is sensing something.

Smelling the air around Armon sweats bullets, turning pale as a ghost given that if Assassin drops his concealment. If his heartbeat goes one beat higher.

They'll both be dead before even fighting in the War proper. The woman's face inching towards the wall, her head cocked as she reaches out towards where Armon's eyes would be, claws creeping into her prey on accident until.

"Master Großgeist." A new voice, another woman's had spoken up. Manifesting from and of the Ether appeared a blonde woman carrying a spear with strangely reptilian features such as slit pupils or her hands being clawed and with blue scales with her mouth covered by a black veil cloth. The Master turned with a sigh of distaste, turning to face the new arrival

"Yes have you anything to report Lancer? It'd seem that the corpses did their job quite well, I do not sense the last Master." The German accented vampire smirked and let out a bemused chuckle when the thought comes to her mind's eye, "Must've brought the building on theirself in a desperate bid to bring the rest down with them. Stubborn little morsel, but alas. Their blood isn't mine to indulge when smashed underneath."

>>5836578
>>5836580
>>5836583
>>5836584
>>5836590

"Yeah yeah I hear. But while I was scouting out along the riverfront I had been confronted by a Saber ...monstrous bastard he was." The blonde woman had muttered bitterly as she griped one of her fists tightly. "So are we gonna get on the move then? The Arranger for this whole deal did say we have to get a move on to Baikal 'r whatever for things to actually advance." She drawled, more interested in how the scales on the tail than the actual conversation.

"Of course, seeing as we've knocked out one before things had begun. We should be able to make good time AND gotten rid of the competition. We'll both be able to enjoy ourselves to pur hearts content! Is it not great?" The lady said with a giddiness of a teenaged girl getting a car for their birthday. The vieled seperent hmph'd as she strutted over

"Ehehehe, oh for sure. I can tell that at least I'm not gonna be bored, I feel we'll have both quality and quantity when it comes to the meals." She snickered, before coming to a stop at the brunette with a hand on her hip. "But I do have to wonder if That Wish of your's is something this Grail can pull off." She drolled, "Past attempts did seem bust...but y'know the old saying."

"Third's a charm. Here's hoping Lancer, but just remember you have plenty of free reign. If my centuries have helped to sharpen anything, it's my gut instinct for finding filling meals....and to make them stop squirming while I eat" She chuckled to herself softly, nodding with a self-satisfied expression. "But when it's you and me? We'll see where it goes, now. Let's be off." Her terse tone was masking an annoying, nagging suspicion of her instincts as she crouched before leaping into the air and transforming before the hidden Master and Servant morphing into a sort of spectral octopus with black feathered wings and talons at the tentacle's tips and a Flaming Blue Serpent which flowed through the sky while the other spun like a Death Top.

The other Master and Servant duo had stayed concealed for a minute more, "Alright. They should be far enough they won't sense us." The Man in Red spoke tersely as the invisibility unraveled. The young Magus took in a series of deep and shock ladden breaths, his brain was acting up and all manner of horrendous calculations on liklihood of death and how.

Armon was shuddering violently, pale as death and eyes dialated as the Partition Magecraft kicked in and he froze as existential risk was crunched by his brain splitting off into several parallel processing units.

>>5836578
>>5836580
>>5836583
>>5836584
>>5836590
>>5836594

"That....that woman was a Dead Apostle....s-s-she was close enough to drain my own guts out through my ears and-"

"And it didn't happen, namely due to my quick thinking and you maintaining cool best you can in such a situation." The dry and emotionally distant voice had cut once more, the Magus' mind returning to the present as though he never went into the Process. And in that moment Armon Seen the Wraith-like figure, ironically, for all the apperal to make it aesthetically; he recognized that the Servant was properly Material and Flesh, least as what those Heroic Spirits' bodies are when made from Mana.

"The area is safe for the time being, but it won't be long before people investigate. So I will move along ahead to find a place to hide for you Master, and you may return back home." The Servant said tersely, looking at his Master still staring down at the ground. The two simply standing for a long few seconds before, before the former had walked over and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"Listen to me, if you aren't aware of what you're participating in. It is a Holy Grail War: While I am sure you have skills you are proud of, as you seen, Servants are beings well beyond humans and that woman herself was a Dead Apostle. You've only had the fainted brush with death compared to all else to come....so if you are not prepared then leave and never speak of this." The Servant then turned back and began to walk away, following down an empty street as a light fog creeps in. He stops when he hears a second pair of foot steps alongside his, looking back to see his Master with a hardened and firey look to his amber eyes.

"I thought I had explained the risk sufficently enough?"

The Magus shruged as his expression was still neutral coming alongside the Spirit, walking just behind him as he. "You did, but there was something you said earlier back then....about if I'd rather have died back there fighting as a Magus instead of you saving me." He speaks measuring his words' weight, "I think if what you say is right....well you may have plenty of usefulness for keeping me safe until a Plan is hatched."

The Servant, surprisingly, snorts in amusement. "Starting to think more Rationally are you now?"

>>5836578
>>5836580
>>5836583
>>5836584
>>5836590
>>5836594
>>5836596

"Well given what's at stake is a Wish from the Grail? I gotta do whatever it takes to pull out a win, given the competiton. Have keep my squishy self safe after all I see now!" Armon chuckles to himself heartily at the light self-deprecation, not noticing the Servant stopped and led him to move on ahead, just coming side by side. "So, reintroductions are in order. Would sully my reputation as a Magus if I'm simply rude for no reason." He says somewhat haughtily before clearing his breath, "Anyhow. My name is Armon Kalades, apologies for earlier and...well hope we make it to the end!"

The Red Wraith had let out a soft, bemused 'hmph' of acknolwedgement. It lead to a pang of annoyance to Armon who spoke up, "Well are you not gonna share your name with me? I don't know many heroes who match your description so any little Info helps."

"I...would prefer not to. I understand your intentions well enough and respect the thinking." The Wraith pauses, looking off elsewhere in the distance, the mask making him unreadable. However. "I did not live a noble life, not even having a noble death either." His voice strained as though choking back down reliving through a past trauma.

Armon gave a small and empathetic smile as he placed a hand on the Spirit's shoulder. "I'll just call you Assassin then! Would shorten it, but as much as that would fit you I'm not gonna be like that.

"....Are we not sure that it fits you instead Master?"

And thus, a Pact was formed. Between a Magus with Drive and Pride, and a Wraith who has all Attachments Severed

>>5836600
Looks like Kiritsugu is dropping by, I wonder what his real mission is. His Master is smart to mellow out a little.
Next we have a Dead Apostle with maybe Vritra as the Lancer? If so it's certainly a thematically-appropriate pairing, since they're both monsters with immortality gimmicks.
Interesting start for your quest 1000IP!

>>5836632

Thanks for dropping by LSAD!

For what Kiritsugu is up to, well that's for Me to know and everyone here to piece together as time goes on. Good guess for who Lancer is, another theme they also share is they have an Apetite that's near impossible to slake.

Now wait until you start and then finish the fight for the Catalyst and get your Servant summoned. That's where the FUN really is.

So Saber, Lancer, and Assassin are claimed, leaving us with Archer, Rider, Caster, or Berserker.

Well I guess since the Basement vote is the sole one I'll write for it since I gave it a day

>>5832322
sage

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>>5837254

Thanks anon, however

Just about done with the next post, hope you anons like it!

Looking at the door by the stairway, you take a moment to steel yourself for what may be on the other side. Striding over quickly you open the door and close yourself in and locking the thing. Immediately you find yourself within an area of pitch, total darkness, bringing your hand to your face slowly you pull it until you're touching your face.

"Well, this should buy some time." You whisper to yourself, you almost gag as the smell hits your nostrils again. Stronger this time, the scent of mildew and rot blend together to a pungent aroma of decay. It's something you have to close your mouth for so you don't have to taste the air. Which speaking of, it seems wet and moist as though a fresh rain had passed through, hell, the steps you take seem to lightly splash with each step made.

As you make a blind trek through carefully, you keep bumping into things which leaves a metalic jangle each time. It's hard to move as there is some sort of liquid running past your feet and to your ankles. The scent

Over those, you can hear a pair of noises from up ahead. One is a sort of low, wheezing moaning from a pain....a woman? The other is a droning chant further ahead, yet also from...all around you. You can make out only a few vague fragments of it:

"..rd of -uin, hear- call"
"Accept this sa- O Supreme Silence"
"-ow this blood to slake thy unquenchable thirst."
"Grant... for this offering, O Grand Desolator."

And the rest comes in as jarbled nonsense. The echo turning what could be intelligable into a garble of white noise.

You're going to need a light, just about any'll do. "I'm not sure if you're right on this action, kiddo." The Voice chides, concern seems to hide behind the irreverent tone. "Nothing to be scared over here." You bluntly state aloud as the wet, cloying and cool air almost grasps you.

>>5837343

To hell with it, you're not going to stumble through this any more than you already have done. Holding your hand palm upwards, you concententrate energy and press your other hand over. Tightly bounding your hands until you whisper one word, "Licht."

And from the narrow slits around your fingers a pale blue light eminates. Releasing it you are shocked when the light shines on what is in front of you: A headless, limbless corpse that's been flayed with the insides removed hanging off of a meat hook. Scrambling back you bump into another one, this one having no lower body but it's obviously that of a woman. The light getting brighter you see another, and another, and another.

And another and another andanotherandanotherandanotherandanother. On and on, all of them carved with any range from surgical precision to savage mutilation, all in varying levels of damage and stages of decay, each carved with ritualistic symbols and runes you do not recognize. The bodies all range in ages young and old alike, those who may have deserved it and those who brought nothing but joy and love into the world. Cold sweat slicks your forehead as you then notice the ambiguous pinkish-red slush you're standing in.

Soft flesh melted away and mixed with coagulated blood, nearly a paste which swirls and shifts like the clouds.

You just barely hold back vomiting seeing such carnage. "I tried to tell you, but I'm sorry still." The Voice says sorrowfully as disgust radiates from it's tone. "By God....these are sacrifices, they have to be, or else they're just-" You cut the thought off before you finish it. You realize you don't even see the walls much less an end to this hallway.

"We didn't know so don't blame yourself, all We can do now is find this bastard. Give him what he deserves." The Voice firmly states, you agree wholeheartedly.

When you find Him, you're going to turn Him into ground beef. Your veins are ice cold but your chest is burning, burning to the point where it hurts. Only the rage acts as an anesthetic

>>5837343
>>5837352

Now question is. Which way do you go from here?

>Follow the sound of the moaning woman(if there's even a chance she's alive. She may know just where to find the Bastard)

>Try and locate where the Bastard is(You have no time to waste. The rage in your heart is burning and demands you unleash Violence.)

>>5837355
>Follow the sound of the moaning woman(if there's even a chance she's alive. She may know just where to find the Bastard)

>>5837355
>Follow the sound of the moaning woman(if there's even a chance she's alive. She may know just where to find the Bastard)

>>5837526
>>5838127

Rescue operation it is, writing now

Steeling your nerves and shaking your head and sighing out deeply. You continue your trek through the ankle deep amount of liquid, pushing through as the Licht's light illuminates the way. Following the groaning that echoes throughout the seemingly endless hallway.

You're not even sure how long you have been walking, the strench of death is so thick it clouds your thinking. Holding at your nauseated stomach as the sounds of sloshing is the only other noise which you have to fill the silence, a miasma or death plaguing your smell. "This place is out of a nightmare." You mutter to yourself as the groans get louder and louder. The corpses seem to thin as you're moving further and further 'til you enter into what seems to be an open area with one thing which stands out.

Rows of tables, most of them are just empty. They look like somewhere between a medical table for surgery and where one does a human sacrifice. There's only one figure lying on one, the groaning coming from it leading you to approach slowly. Coming closer you see the woman is curled up in fetal position and dressed in tattered, filthy clothes.

You slowly turn her over from her position. At your touch she practically freezes stiff, which causes a nervous tension to make your chest ache. She seems to be a bit older than you are, early twenties with raven black hair which is in a wild mess flaked with blood. Her face is unexpressive and blank but you can practically feel the terror radiating from her, her face seems almost burned from tears.

"Hey." You whisper nudging the girl, who seems to bound herself closer in a ball. "Hey, I need you to-"

"JUST GET IT OVER WITH ALREADY!" You pull your hand back and nearly jump out of your skin hearing her scream so loudly and so, primal and stricken by horror. "You can just skip the foreplay...I already know what you're here for." She says weakly, her voice seems to have a lump in her throat as she speaks and shivering like a leaf.

You don't want to ask what she has seen or what she had gone through. But you'll still need to get something out of her before getting out of here. "You should open your eyes." You say sofly placing a hand back on her, she tenses once again and stops moving. "Trust me on this, I'm not here for what you think."

At first her lids crack open only slightly, slowly widening until you see deep brown eyes which seem bloodshot. Rings around them making them appear sunken and with a sort of sheen to them which you can't help but feel sick seeing. Her expression softens looking at your face, what feels like an eternity passing until she brings a hand to feel your's.

She begins to weep, shooting up and wrapping her arms around you tightly. Warm and wet tears go into the collar of your shirt as you wrap an arm around and pat on her back. "God I thought you were one...one of-" she trails off as she pulls away and wiping her eyes, a pained, forced, but elated smile.

>>5838693

"It's alright, I...I won't pry, but in all honesty I wasn't expecting any of this. Much less finding someone alive." You half-heartedly joke, "But I'll still need to ask a few things."

"O-Okay, just don't ask me about...well, you can probably guess." She states rather simply, nodding at her you then begin to think.

What do you ask?

>"Who exactly are you, why'd you end up in this place?"

>"Do you have any idea where we are?"

>"You know who it is that took you here, where I can find him?"

>Write-in

>>5838695
>"You know who it is that took you here, where I can find him?"
This is what we came here for

>>5838695
>"You know who it is that took you here, where I can find him?"

>>5838695
>"You know who it is that took you here, where I can find him?"

>>5838742
>>5839163
>>5840193

Alright then got a unanimous decision here, I'll write the update but post in the morning. I'm wiped after helping to prepare the courses for Thanksgiving and hanging out with the folks. Hope you anons enjoyed your's!

>>5840691
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

And a question for everyone…is two potential waifus enough for a quest or should I include a third?

>>5840813
As someone who remembers the tale of Fate/Paradox Reincarnator, keep that shit to a very low number.

>>5841239
The two potential waifus I had planned it is.

Rolled 20 (1d100)

Given this slaughterhouse that you have found the woman in, it'd be prudent to be straight with her. Placing a hand on her shoulder you cleae yout throat, "Do you know who it was that took you here? Where I could find him." You say a bit stern but still maintain a small and friendly smile to keep her at ease.

"I didn't catch his full name, but, I believe it was...Al-something." She says with a scrunched face with her thoughts running through her head, "From what I picked up he and a few others had taken me along with....everyone else you see here. As part of some ritual for summoning up something. He picked us out because, 'We wouldn't be missed'." She choked out with tears welling up again, you place your other hand onto her shoulder, steadying the traumatized lady as best you can.

"Focus now Miss. I'll be able to get you outta here, I swear it. But, do you know. Where I may find this...Al-something." If you and what you can only surmize as the Sole Survivor are to get out, then the Magus behind this whole monstrous cruelty will have the means by which to escape. And of course, to put him on the rack for snuffing out so many concentrated universes. God! How terrible the Magi are, they make the already cruel animal Man appear Fully Domesticated when they have moments like this.

The tattered and battered dame takes a full inhale, you feel the tension disappate in her shoulders. "He had moved off, taking some of the girls and a few of the boys with him. They went...that way I think." She points off into the distance, directly forward into the inky maw ahead. "She's right. I can taste the Mana off of the Bastard in the air, should be able to track him down."

You firmly nod, rising up to your feet. "I know this'll be hard for you still little lady, but I think it'd be for the best if you stayed for just a little bit longer here." You lament with a bitter frown and tone, her face paling again before you force a smile to her. "I will be back though. Sure as the Sun may rise into Noon." And with a light, single armed hug around her neck. You begin making your way forward through the darkness

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>>5841532

While the atmosphere of this place was one which you were certain would lead towards being ambushed. Your eyes darting about as the sloshing of blood and liquified organs echoes through, circuits burning as the chanting gets louder and louder. You are surprisingly left unmolested as you soon come upon the scene.

A pair of individuals are squirming on the table with a burlap sack over each to hide their faces. "O Cosmic Insurrectionary! O Firey Prince of Destruction!" Exclaimed the man in ecstacy, dressed akin to some metrosexual Londoner Fancylad: Red overcoat, top hat, the whole works. "May all of these sacrifices please and grant my heart Re-" he stops mid chant as he finally notices you, face scrunching into a displeased and confused sneer with an eyebrow cocked. "And just who are you supposed to be?" He asks snidely, a haughty arrogance that comes so naturally to those 'Noble' fellows which gives a taste of bile in your mouth.

"Me? Nobody really, you can just think of me as the talking air." You shoot back with a dark grin tugging at your cheeks, "Because clearly you don't have a conscience." At that the man lets out a shrill, annoying laugh that causes pain in your ears to listen to.

"Fine jest! But it's quite rude to break into a fellow Magus' home. Is it not?" He sharply asks back to which you shrug
"I'd say turning individuals into the kinda meat that comes from an Industrial Farm is uh, more than just rude compared to me Breaking and Entering." You dryly retort

The little blonde sadist giggles a bit at that, "Touché, but I have my good reasons for this! Surely you can understand that when the Clocktower Abandons one of their own, then they do deserve whatever they may get." He holds up an item in one of his gloved hands, a Stake which appears so pitch black that if not for him holding it you'd have no doubt about not being able to see it. "Now, seeing as I can sense a rather...kindred spirit in you, I propose an offer." His tone shifts to a serious and non-plused sort.

"In exchange for this here." He shakes the Stake in his hand for emphasis, "You are to leave me to my own devices. Forget you ever saw me and you ever saw this place. Forget this whole night ever even happened."

You mull it over. While you would be getting what you have come here for, a Catalyst without much compare and avoiding a fight with a vicious Magus who despite the flamboyance holds a great deal of power to him. You'd be leaving that girl here with Him still, and all of these people will have died for nothing bur slaking some Vague Vengance. "Personally? I wanna pull his insides out each orifice...but you're the one with the Body." The Voice growls out in your mind, practically feeling the bloodlust from the being of unconciousness

>No Way(Fire off a Spell to cancel the offer and get a first blow in, Roll for hitting him if you choose this)

>A Faustian Bargain? May as well take it(Be like Any Other Magus)

>>5840813

[spoilers] Depends on how confident you are in navigating relationship dynamics and the Anons' own tastes. I got my own plans on this so I say go with your gut, whatever the number may be[/spoiler]

>>5841571
>No Way(Fire off a Spell to cancel the offer and get a first blow in, Roll for hitting him if you choose this)
"Professionals have standards"

>>5841571
>>No Way(Fire off a Spell to cancel the offer and get a first blow in, Roll for hitting him if you choose this)

Just to clarify because I’m retarded, this isn’t actually Alba, right?

>>5841684

Hahahahaha It is, different timeline but it's Alba.

>>5841571
>No Way(Fire off a Spell to cancel the offer and get a first blow in, Roll for hitting him if you choose this)

>>5841664
>>5841684
>>5841773

Unanimous Decision! "I am proud of you Kiddo."

You know the rules, d100 Best of 4

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>5841827
Engage!

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>5841827

>>5841827
>>5841738
Well shit. The obvious one for him would be himself as the catalyst for his ancestor Agrippa as a Caster.

>>5841827
Second try at rolling, I may be more retarded than initially reported

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>5841827
>>5841926
>>5841928
Surely third time’s the charm right?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>5841875
>>5841923
>>5841945

Some low-middling rolls so far, may as well see how your opponent responds

>>5841926

A fair guess on your part, however Mr. Alba is going for something more...ambitious. And to make Touko suffer greatly for all the Humiliation, Envy and Resentmenr built up over the years.

>>5841961
Btw qm I dont think you have mentioned before but is it lower is better or higher is better

>>5841980

Higher is better unless stated otherwise

>>5841989
Thx for the clarification boss

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>5841827
Maybe this will roll better
Sounds like Alba dodged getting killed by Aozaki Touko in this timeline so far.

>>5842102

It in fact, did roll better. Aozaki will be annoyed, but thankful for the kill stealing

Alright time to write

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>>5842102

>>5842102
Well I'll be damned

Alright anons I am just about done with the update, but I'd like to ask you all something.

Would you prefer a Narative-based type of combat? Or you want to have some more tangible mechanics to the fight?

>>5842983

To clarify I mean would you prefer a sort of straight "Make a Choice then roll for how well it plays out" type or a more "Health and Mana system, roll for damage, etc." sort of combat.

>>5843038
First one is definitely better for Type-Moon.

>>5843042

Yeah that may be for the best, save us all on complications. And I don't wanna have to build a whole system ground up on the fly

You purse your lips in thought for a moment, you wouldn't want to make an enemy of a Magus(your family's fate is a testament to it). It'd be rational of you to do, just take the deal and the Catalyst then make a break out of here. You wouldn't be needing to delve into this sorta mess again.

You hold out a hand straight to him, a self-satisfied grin breaks out across his face. In fact he chuckles at the gesture enough to put the Stake into his pocket and climbs down from the altar. "I knew you'd see reason my boy." He says assured and smug, you smile at him as the Mana burns through down your forearm into your finger tips, it's only the mix between your efficency at commanding the flow and this Magus' own hubris allowing you to pull this Gag off. "I am sure that we may make-"

An orb of negative light forms at the tips of your fingers, a shimmering greyish-glow outlined by a blue light. It's a spell your Mother taught you when you were young, she often bragged that it's a 'Stolen Gem of the Family' taken and improved from 'Arrogant Nepotists'. Once the Magus sees that the crackling and humming orb of energy, it's already too late for him.

"Keval!" You call out, the orb zooms forth in a raybeam which lands square into the man's chest. Causing a pained grunt as he pulls quickly back, feeling at a burnt hole into his high quality suit. His brow is furrowed and eyes burning with an appaled and shocked rage.

"You...you little bastard!" He spits out hatefully, "I offered you a fair deal! I would even have offered you my hand in friendship and allowed you to be an apptentice! So why?!" He whines/growls indignant and frustrated, you have to hold back a chuckle as your smile fades from your face.

"You offer me nothing you silly looking man." You bluntly inform him, "You'd turn me into a little torture doll and call it a favor for me, I know your type, I could tell when you looked me in the eye to smile and lie easy as breathing."

>>5843190

"But aren't-"
"We the same? Perhaps, I can lie and be cruel too, any Magus worth their salt can." You interrupt him cheerily, "But in the end." You pause for a moment and think, the faces of your cousins, the students you had taught today, Stefan, and the lady you had found in this pit flash through. "I don't exalt My Life over others. You wouldn't get it."

His face contorts into a hateful grimace before a mask of bemusement comes to his face. "Well now, it would seem we have an impass." With a wave of his hand the vile liquid beneath your feet swirls and shifts until you are met with a swarm of four bloody slimes. A shadow warping until it takes the shape of a pair shadowy Dobermans. "IF THAT'S HOW IT'LL BE. THEN FEEL THE WRATH OF CORNELIUS ALBA, STRAY DOG MAGUS!!"

You are now contending with several Familiars alongside a fairly pissed off Magus. What's the gameplan?

>(Force): If you can get through the collection of Familiars and get to smashing the fellow's skull in. You'd take care of them all in one fell swoop

>(Egostic): Given that he's a haughty and arrogant sort even by the standards of a Magus. You should bait him into getting reckless and have him snipe away at his familiars one by one and waste Mana.

>(Nihility): Fire off several more Kevals into him, the Reaction may not have happened yet. But once it activates then he's bound to have no defences against it

>(Chaos): You have another Spell up yourself which will only work should you take a hit from him directly, it's risky as all hell, but the rewards would be very filling

>>5843191
>>(Egostic): Given that he's a haughty and arrogant sort even by the standards of a Magus. You should bait him into getting reckless and have him snipe away at his familiars one by one and waste Mana.
My gut says this is the best move.

>>5843191
>(Egostic): Given that he's a haughty and arrogant sort even by the standards of a Magus. You should bait him into getting reckless and have him snipe away at his familiars one by one and waste Mana.

>>5843478
>>5843904

Very well then gents, Roll to JBait the Perfidious Albionoid

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Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>5844503
D100 I’m assuming

>>5844524

You got it my guy

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>5844503
Already starting off good

Rolled 24, 35 = 59 (2d100)

Alright pretty good roll to keep us strong. Gonna see how the Familiars hold up. One for the slimes the other for the doggos

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>5844676

Doing badly. And how about Mr. Cornelius?

>>5844676
>>5844677

Well then. Unless someone rolls a 1 then you have Jbaited him excellently, I'll wait 'til the other two rolls get in

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>>5844679
>Unless someone rolls a 1

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>>5844694

Listen my friend, I know things may appear difficult and terrifying facing against a real Bastard of a Magus, but....

It's gonna get WAY worse in the War proper

>>5844715
I fear that, since we just met Alba, the elder sister of a certain magician may show up…

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>5844503

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One more person not rolling a 1 until we win!

If I might comment based on my experience putting a quest together, I find it interesting that this quest, Fate/Blood Moon, and to a certain degree Akeldama Redux and Fate/Bond (and also the cockblocking tree quest Fate/Overgrowth from a number of years ago) emphasize(d) the lead up to the War and the players’ selection of the Servant. In my planning, there’s very little “chargen” and we jump right into the day of the summoning. The real kicker, which I think will result in me getting significant pushback, is that the players’ Servant is predetermined, which I was forced to conclude was necessary in order to tell the story that I think would make the most sense.

>>5845425
My brother in Buddha, you can have fake out choice with class picking so long as person you want fits multiple classes of Servant. Look at how many Medusa qualified as. And you don't have to make specific class normal: Shuten is sore thumb of Assassin but she is still an Assassin class Servant.
Just pick 3 or 4 classes that plot important Servant can fill and give illusion of choice. You can safely keep all atypical skills and NPs which are relevant to your plot but also gives anons a vote to feel agency in how they want to fight a War.

>>5845450
The problem is that I tried doing that in the early stages, but as my plot beats and character concepts solidified everyone became plot important so I basically have to make variety come from the way the plot unfolds rather than from character variety.

>>5845425

The main reason I did this the way I did is namely to provide a sort of 'primer' for getting Anons to know what kinda character Marshall is. That and getting a sort of "Beginning" prologue before things in the War proper set off for you as players. On a sidenote, for me determining Servants' Summonability is determined by what I would find both fits the character in question, and what I believe the anons would be entertained by.

Say a question for you all though, should I just roll the last die myself? While I don't wanna cuck an anon out of doing it themselves, I wanna be sure I have the option so we can progress things along while getting the full 4 rolls in

Rolled 67 (1d100)

Don't be a 1 pls

>>5845814

AT LAST, and nobody rolled a 1. Great stuff, time to write then

As both the slimes and the dogs begin to swarm on you, a thought jumps to your mind. If this guy is already in a bad mood from your little Prank, then you're going to make things that much worse. "Hey Cornhusk!" You call out as you bob and weave between the flailing tentacle limbs of the slimes and the slobbery and growling snapping of the dogs. His face distorts into annoyance as, "I clearly stated it's Cornelius you mu-"

"Ah shut it Carl, I just wanted to ask how the new sibling on the way is?" You snidely ask, his face turning to confusion. Oh now he's in for it. "Your Mom is very upset that you wouldn't return back home for any holiday and be cooped up at the Clocktower!"

"Hah! I see what you're trying, I am far too reserved for-"
"Your Father had to hire me to give them both orgasms to save the pathetic political ploy called a 'Marriage' from disintigration. You'd be VERY upset after all!" As you cut him off, his face twists further as he holds out his palm, a blue flame forming quickly as his words zoom from his mouth.

You dive into the crowd as the High Speed Chant finishes, a streaking jet of fire rushes forth leaving you to dive beneath the blood and guts. Vaguely seeing it arc over your head as it instantly evaporates three slimes into pinkish vapor, even the liquid you're hiding within raises to a steamy temprature. Coming up and being soaked in...however many people's DNA is in there, there's one thing in mind: If you aren't careful he'd leave not even dust behind.

But Caution already went into the wind when you came down here. And that bit of Magecraft must expell a ton of Mana each use. An impish grin tugs to your cheeks, you have a plan for sure now

"One misstep. This is The End." The Voice mutters within your skull. If it were The End, then so be it! You have a lot riding on this, and WILL come back alive!

You let out a peel of laughter as you shake yourself of the blood which drips. "Strike one! I know you Brits don't have it in your shithole nation, but two more before you're out!" You mockingly coo as you swing your head back from the bite of one of the Hounds. Another blue flare heats up, grabbing the poor pup by it's neck you toss it into the oncoming stream and dash to the side to avoid it striking the floor to make an explosion of bloody vapor burst forth.

"Strike two! I must say your sisters and your brother told me you were a bad shot when we were in bed together!" You can visibly see the tension in his jaw as he's clenching his teeth tightly, hey! You think you see a vein sticking from his head!

>>5846008

"Though...if you WAS married." A fiendish grin spreads wide across your face, your little Surprise should spring at any moment now. "I'm sure you know the pattern by now. Buuuut I-"

"I WOULD RATHER DIE TO A FLEA BITTEN MUTT LIKE YOU THAN TO ADMIT HAVING HAD ANY SORT OF FEELING TO THAT SCARRED RED HARLOT!!" He howls at the top of his lungs, it almost hurts your own ears with how high a pitch he screeches. The flame in his hand burns more intensely it seems, one of the slimes grappling you and the other swings at you with sharp whip-like limbs.

Slipping under the streaking blue flame annihilates the blood slimes in an instant, popping back up you stomp your boot down onto the shadow dog's back before it bites. Splitting it in half as it disintigrates, the fire blasts your way again which you sidestep with a spin which evaporates a good portion of the blood off your clothes just from the passing flame. Then another, and another, and another, you keep swirling about the bloody field like a dervish til Cornhusk is exhausted.

"Well then. Dunno how many swings that was, but I'll say it's your Third Strike." Clapping your hands together you hook a thumb back behind you, "You're outta here."

He stares back at you, his eyes burning hot as the flames he's been spewing out. "No...not yet." He mutters to himself, more slimes form up from the muck, dozens of them and a full pack of shadow dogs surrounds you. "You have made me quite angry, young Magus. I'd commend you if the insults weren't so petty." His voice seems to be dripping with a malicious, annoyed and frustrated tone

"Once I am finished venting my frustrations from this farce of a Duel. I will use my healing to bring you back to full health, doing it until you give out! Then I shall use my Magecraft to turn you into a repeating record of WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE MOCKS CORN-" In that moment you see his eyes light up, his circuits flare up across his body, and you smile happily as you see him begin to convluse and writhe in invisible agony.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5846008
>>5846038

Hacking up blood and rotted chunks of his own flesh, you watch as the swarm of Familiars melt away into the pool beneath. Their Master seizing up and heaving painfully as he rolls around in the muck as you approach him. Stepping down on his chest you can see the Youth withering away, going from looking in his 20s to looking well into his 60s. "Like I said. You're Out." You bluntly tell him as patches of necrosis pockmark his once unblemished face, feeling at your side and your legs the wounds heal over slowly.

"H-h-h-"
"Curse of Entropy. Has a delay function to it, so when a Magus like you is spewing out Mana without any regard well..." you press your foot harder down and feel his ribs cracking underneath and he coughs more bloody phlegm and flesh. Reaching into his coat pocket you pull out the Stake. "My Mom was a real genius. A kind one to me and Dad, but oh so VERY cruel to those like you."

"Bastard...you think that this is over?" He wheezes weakly, which you nod
"Of course it is." And with a raise of your foot off his chest, you slam it right back down over your opponent's skull. You barely felt his skull disintigrate under the applied force.

---------

Wading your way back through, you look at your prize longingly. It's something which you can feel an almost...elated pressence from it. As though the object itself is alive in a way, the pitch black and sharply pointed object radiating a sort of malice which makes your skin crawl.

No matter. What's important is finishing up business here. And then getting back home.

You soon see the dark haired young lady, waving at her she comes up from where she had been sitting. Smiling as she sees you, "You're alright! I had a feeling you would, but at the same time well..."

"No need for worrying about that sorta thing now...I got what I came for. I turned the Bastard's head into several pieces." You say proudly with a deep inhale, "But let's celebrate once we get out. Alright?"

"Okay....but, what about all that blood on you?" She asks pointing to your clothes, and your hair, your...well everything still soaked in corpse juices.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

Ignore this

>>5846008
>>5846038
>>5846042

Thankfully enough, you're able to sneak your way through and out the door. Taking the lady onto your back and the Catalyst into your pocket you make a break neck run when you're far enough away from the Building. She holds on tightly as you make a dash into Oakvale proper, making sure to keep in the outskirts.

You're still covered in blood and any Rational person would assume you did something....not very good to someone. "Alright. I think we're good from here, you can get off now." You shake yourself slightly and the raven-haired lady gets off. Shaking somewhat from you having carried her through a forest at the speed of a cruising car. "Is there anything else I can do? If your home is far I can get these clothes off and take you to-"

"Thanksbutnothanks!" She shoots back quickly with a pink blush on her face somewhat muted by the flickering, yellow street light. "I'll see if I can find one of those pay phones...my family is likely worried sick." She says to herself, but you pat her on the back for some comfort.

"May take a while to recover from...a of what you saw. But I have a strange sorta hope you'll be fine." You smile softly at the frazzled and pale lady. She cracks a smile back as she gives a nod.

"Yeah, it's honestly good luck you did come by...if you hadn't shown up. I would probably end up the same as all the others."
"Ain't that the Truth, but still. Don't let yourself get consumed up by 'Ifs', 'I should'ves', 'I could'ves' and the like. If you do you'll never Truly Escape That Place."

Her eyes widen for a moment before letting out a small chuckle, "I suppose you're right. But before you go." She holds a hand out, "I'm Delilah. Delilah Fabri." You take the hand gently and shake slowly

"Marshall." You state simply, "I wish you all the best...oh and if any Priests or other people in Longcoats show up to your door. Put in a good word for me, okay?"

She raises an eyebrow at you for a moment, "Alright? What do you mean by-"

"Awesome! I wish you a fine life!" You exclaim, and with that you make your rush back home. You can only hope that this World won't put her through another ringer. But, at least she was saved from a horendous fate.

>>5846008
>>5846038
>>5846042
>>5846094

------

As you arrive back home you let out a contented sigh. Before stepping inside however you remember that you are soaked to the bones in blood and grime. So you take off your clothes before heading inside, stealthily and speedily walking to the laundry room and shunting your filthy clothing into the washing machine to turn it on, making sure the Catalyst is taken before you do it.

"Be thankful that I command our immune system among other things, Kiddo. You know how many diseases that shithole could have had? Millions!" The voice chastizes like a worrywart parent. Honestly it's something you grin at.


You almost head down into the basement before you remember something. A promise you needed to fulfill. Making your way silently upstairs, you fiddle with the doorknob into Ben's room and enter inside. He seems to be fast asleep, but that won't do amy good.

"Ben. Ben wake up." You whisper as you shake him, an unconcious and groggy groan comes from him. Leading you to shake him harder as you turn a lamp light on, "C'mon you mouthy shit this is important!"

"Marsh I thought you were gonna, WHAT THE-" You slap a hand over his mouth and muffle the shout before it rings out, shushing him intensely before pulling the hand back. "Goddamnit not again! What happened with your clothes you jackass?!" He whisper-yells indignantly

"I had blood on them. If I came here looking like that would you still be wanting to talk?" You retort
"....I'm not gonna ask Why you had blood all over you, still some on you too."
"Yeah, yeah, but feast your eyes." You pull the Stake out from behind your back, getting Ben's eyes to light up in an instant. Handing it over he grasps it with both hands and stares intently

"This...this is it? That Catalyst you were wanting to get?" He asks almost breathlessly to which you nod, "Unbelievable. I had a feeling the Magecraft stuff was a bit real, but this? I can practically feel it."

"Yeah, so what do you think? Any potential Suspects for who I could be summoning?" You quiz him as you crouch low to the carpet floor

"Man you got me...maybe Vlad the Impaler? Wait a minute." As he skeptically eyes over the object, he grasps at the blunt end of it, feeling it over carefully. "I think this is some kinda container." He says as he twists the end tightly, a strained grunt coming from him as you watch in anticipation.

>>5846095

And with a light 'Pop' it comes free. Shaking out the contents of it into his hand, you and him both are almost taken aback by what you find: A Black and Crimson Snake Skin.

"Whoa...you do see this right?" Ben asks you a bit nervously, but you take the skin from his hands as you eye it in the light. That malicious feeling you got from looking it over back in the Mansion, it seems to be the source. You break out into a wide and manic grin

"I see it alright." You say softly as you are entranced by the reddish gleam of it. "I don't know what this is...but I'm about to find out. Wish me luck Ben."

"Okay just, be careful Marsh...I wanna join in summoning, but I don't like the feelings this thing is giving me. It's kinda...creepy." He says with a bit of a shudder, patting him on the shoulder and telling him to get back to bed. You now hold Your Future in your hands.

Closing the door behind, you begin your downgoing. Down into the Basement, your Workshop. When you arrive you take in the rather 'Humble' scene:

It was an area with a cobblestone floor, the walls lined with shelves holding various books. Each one having a section for particular Magecraft which you had hustled from Dealers who didn't know what they had on them. Alchemy and Kabballah, Evocation and Healing, if there was a type of Magecraft you had a shelf for it. Obviously with not enough time to truly study this all, it made for a fine sort of aesthetic flourish.

The other shelves you did have down here are various Fiction and Non-Fiction books ranging from poetry and novels to dictionaries and atlases. But you have no time for those, coming over to the Workbench you pull out the drawer and take out a few items: A chalk piece, an Opal(Borrowed from an Australian jeweler), and a smal leatherbound book. "Let's get to it." You say aloud as you take the chalk and begin to draw out the Circle which lies in the book, a Summoning Circle must be crafted To the Letter, else it's all for nothing.

You carefully form each curve, each archaic and mystical symbol into the stone, starting from the inner circle and spreading outward. It doesn't matter how long you take, you finish up the circle to a picture perfect replica.

As you stand back up you let out a sigh of relief, the final preparations have been completed. Cracking your neck as you look at the chalk-drawn magical circle made on floor there was a mixture of excited trepidation and the great weight of the Situation coming onto the mind. "I'm not sure how much time I have, any of the other Masters could've summoned theirs and be halfway to the War...I will not allow things to end so pitifully." You mutter to yourself in a harsh, venemous tone.

>>5846108

Yes. The dream of The Desert, one which had haunted you since you were but a child and did not recognize it for what it was: That cannot happen, at least not where You may have to suffer in an eternal expanse of sandy nothing. You turn, looking past the slew of both unopened and half read books and scrolls alongside alchemical ingredients, you take the Skin back out from a small walnut-box you placed it in while you were busy drawing the circle

Looking at it, you find a pit of nervous pessimism that makes the taste of bile tickle the back of your throat. There as you look at it properly, an aprehension seems to have you on edge. Your cousin(magecraft-wise, a dunce he may be in comparison to you) did help in theorizing potentially what the artifiact is. You do appreciate even the Token effort which shows at times in your non-Magic pertained relatives, decent all around.

But popping THIS thing out? Now you're not sure what it is you're going to get

"Enough thinking. It's time I get this underway." The words that came from your mouth hung in the air as you set the Catalyst in the center of the circle and by extention the room itself. Taking an opal, and with a flex of muscle and circuits enhancing that strength crushed the gem into dust, throwing it over circle forming a glittering cloud descending slowly.

Inhale, Exhale. You begin The Aria

"Let fire and gold form the Essence/may Stone and the Archduke of Pacts lay the Foundations." Upon these words the magical circle began to glow a soft turqouise blue, the air humming with the energy of the charged Ether flowing through. A smooth going tension running through the nerves interlaced by magic circuits.

"Hear my words, in exchange for thine Sword I offer my Flesh to forge my Destiny/For thine Companionship I offer my Spirit/For Victory I offer mine Whole Being." With each phrase you can feel the thrum of Power pulse through your whole body, almost vibrating you, but you hold steady

"The ever present Silence of God shall be broken only by one equally worthy of the Power and Title, thus I must become worthy to Speak the Word."

"Looking upon the World and Man, there is only one worthy response/Fill, Fill, Fill, Fill, Fill 'til the Seas are Deep as Mine Own/Til All May Swim Freely."

"Never shall I claim that I shall be All Good in The World, nor I shall be All Evil in The World/For these hold no value to those seeking True Life. All Morality Dissipates and Dissolves in Mine Sea"

"What I shall be is the upholder of the Iron Law of Force/Defeat or Victory shall show the truer, righteous path for History."

As the chant of the Aria continued on the Circle grew brighter and brighter. Until it reaches a crecendo with it engulfing the Magus as the whining throng of magical energy took up what should have been silence. The gentle blue glow changing to a deep and maniacal red

"Now, clad in the Three Great Words and Decended from the Seven Heavens."

"COME FORTH TO ME!"

>>5846123

The Light had shone intensely, so intensely you could swear that it had turned into a Darkness beyond Darkness itself. If you didn't close your eyes as quickly as you did, you may have gone blind. But as you open it again, only a few words escaped your lips.

"Did it work?" The words were quiet, but the silence amplified it tenfold. The Catalyst was gone...but, where's the Servant?

Looking around the empty basement he had seen no one, growling a bit in premptive annoyance You grinds your teeth. No, No! What utter nonsense! All that trouble and NO Servant?

Looking around the empty basement he had seen no one, growling a bit in premptive annoyance You grind your teeth. Phantom images of being left to go into regular human life, the family has left who never even touched Magecraft trying to consul over what they haven't practiced in decades. But as you move along with rage boiling in your chest and resentful thoughts swim through your head, they are cut away by a bewitchingly beautiful laugh.

You could swear your heart skipped a beat.

>>5846128

The laugh itself was something joyful and vibrant, something belonging to a person who truly enjoys Life. But as you return to your room noting the laughter growing louder, it has a strangely sinister nature underlying it as you hear the amused giggling grow stronger. Opening up the door, you were unprepared for what you see as you swing the door open

It was indeed a woman who was reading out of a manga that had been given by Ronald, laying flat on her belly ontop of his bed. Which given that it's an Alaskan King sized one, the fact even with her legs raised she still took up one whole half of the bed with her head hanging just off the mattress.

Well it did invite plenty of thoughts immediately, but those should be sorted out later. Probably more than a few times.

She was older than him apperance wise maybe looking to be late 20s or early 30s, her hair was a long and wavy silken mane of midnight blue/black hair flaked with crimson and gold with...dog(?) Ears sticking from the top of her head, her skin was so pale that it would give an Einzbern homunculus a run for it's money on the term "Snow White", wearing a flowing crimson garment like the robes of a high priestess of some long since forgotten god, the material gave you a peculiar impression between a blend of Feathers and Scales. It didn't help the robes seemed to meld to her body

But what really set You off to the woman was threefold: The aura which she gave off wasn't like anything one'd expect to in pressence of some great hero like Perseus or Cú Chulainn where it'd command some respectful reverence to a figure of renown, it was more akin to having your Being analyzed and dissected down to the very atoms to see what Worth there is, then was her eyes which seemed more like crystaline orbs of black instead of white and a baleful golden-orange "Iris", and of course the worst is that for all the warning alarms your own instincts seem to be triggered by this woman.

She smiles. As though she's ran into an old friend, it was something that told she seemed to recognize You. A smile which held far too much Knowing to let slip so soon whatever she holds.

"Ahh there you are, apologies for not being downstairs...I wound up a bit further off in spacial calculations than thought. Oh well!" The woman says with an blithe cheeriness, her voice had a velvety and enthralling quality that you can't put down that makes your skin feel warm. "Forgive me intruding upon your sacred abode here, but it was by chance I got here. At least I see you have good taste in literature." She says tilting her head at an odd angle at the read with a nod. Looking more at You than the Book

"Fishing for compliments is only raising my suspicion, so can you tell me just who the hell you are?" You ask rather irritably, but it came off more freightened than annoyed

>>5846133

"Oh? I thought you'd known." The woman responded in a teasing tone as she closed the thin magazine, shifting her weight and standing up from the bed coming to tower right over You. And while You were only an inch off from the vaunted six feet, you still only came up just below to the chest of the woman, said chest having an open clevage canyon with two breasts each bigger than your own head by well over double. She approaches slowly, causing you to back up into the closed door with her leaning her arm over and looking down your own self with a sly grin. She gives off a richly heady scent of vanilla, lemongrass and sulfur which for some reason exhilarates you.

"You underwent that ritual to summon a Servant, am I wrong? Well I am your proof: Servant at thine service!" The affected chipperness coupled with the domineering pressence makes You think of some older sister figure, or maybe an aunt closer to your age

"Now you need not worry, dear Master." She coos with a warm affectionate tone tracing a clawed finger along his chest, "I will be sure that I have you Win, you just leave things to me and I shall-"

"Don't you dare try and do all the heavy lifting for me." You sharply cut her off, which it seems was unexpected to her since her face contorted to one of curious confusion. "I do appreciate the offer my dear, honest, but I've awaited this day for far too long to sit in a chair while the War is fought to it's fullest."

"You...do realize the absurdity don't you? I shouldn't have to indulge just how I alone could splatter you without much effort." The smile that grew was one of a cruelly knowing one shining with all sorts of wisdom, "That for all Man's capabilities it surely is held back by too many fetters. Physical, Mental, Spiritual. But enlighten me dear Master: why does a Mage, ostensibly a human like any other, wish to fight in a war with soldiers that can smear him across the floor like put under God's thumb? While others like You are content to let their Servants fight frontline in their stead?"

You went silent, for what Reason do You fight? What Reason will You not only kill but snuff out the dreams of others struggling for a Wish to be granted? Why, that matter was simple.

>>5846141

"There would be no satisfaction in the end if I leave it all on my Servant. It's a chance of a lifetime to be able to meet and destroy the greatest of Heroes, to throw my own Self against them and see which gives in first." You smile wide, meeting the Servant back with bared fangs as you push back the taller figure into the middle of the room. "Oh yes, it'd be easier. I would be much inclined to it as a Magus...but I am not like others. It's only fair to smash the heads in, run through and grind the other Masters into dust! Wouldn't want Heroes to get all the glory, they do have enough already."

"So there's your answer. I Want to- Nay, I Must experience the War at it's fullest, which means the frontlines. I am to forge a legend of my own, whatever it takes." You spoke with such an enraptured fervor the last words were growled out, like the snarl of a hungry lion.

"Now what say you, Servant?" You hold out a hand for a shake, standing stock straight.

She seems taken aback from the intensity that burned from your voice. You could imagine what ran through this one's head: Eyes shone with the intellect of someone who recognizes what he says. A smile wide and filled with teeth showing a manic energy, wether by standards of Magus or Human.

'He has one or two screws loose.' You can read it in her face, despite it never being said or running through her mind

She snorts, her head pulling back as it turned into a closed mouth chuckle. Then open as it grew more intense, moment by moment until she was letting out a delighted and chilling cackle as though she had been told a fine joke.

"My oh my~, I can't quite tell if you lack brains or guts and trying to put on a front to make up for Lack, or you have too much of either to make you so suicidally brazen!" She continued to laugh heartily, which oddly enough had warmed Your heart as your smile shrinks. A more compact form of assuredness.

"So I take it that you'll be mine and listen? If you prove to be a hassle and trying to pain me, I still have these." You ask the Heroic Spirit

"Oh I wouldn't dream of it! Why kill such an interesting fellow before his Dreams are accomplished? I'm not that kind of person Master~" She coos as her strange, fractal-like eyes are aglow with enjoyment

"Speaking of Personhood. Will you get to telling me who you are? The ambiguity kills me." You tell dryly

>>5846144

"Oh I don't know." She pouts putting a finger under her lower lip in a thinker's pose, "Hmmhmhm....well I'm sure you can figure it out down the line. But tell me your name and I shall tell you my Class, for now."

So you nod, "Fine by me. I, am Marshall Alexander Ernst DeCasseres Vrillizade, though you may call me what you like."

The Servant smiles wide, taking the your hand into her clawed grip as delicate and perfomative as a Victorian noble girl, complete with a bow. "It's my pleasure Alex. Now then, as far as I'm aware you're the last to summon. Otherwise-" In that moment she had flashed her teeth, much like human teeth yet far more sharp and predatory in nature. Her eyes shone with a wicked wisdom as she did a curtsy with the purposefully-tattered, ribbon-like excuse for a full skirt of the primeval robes. "I am your Servant. Your Avenger. Your opponents shall bare witness to the End of Days, at least their own." She spoke with a harshly dignified and prideful tone, the words carried heat to them like a kiln

You smile at her, giddy and anxious. Fearful and yet not trembling. You know whatever the truth of the matter is, you have seen nothing yet

Aaaaaaand that's a wrap on the very first thread! Sorry if the battle against Alba didn't come off as properly Confrontative, you rolled well and made the right series of choices that you were able to make such a fight much easier. Hope you all still enjoyed it regardless.

Next time we'll be on our way to the Location of the Apotheos Holy Grail War!

And remember

Rejoice, for the Wish in Your Heart Shall At Last Come True

Dog-bird? Simurgh?

>>5846265

The Simurgh would be closer to a Phantasmal Beast than to Heroic Spirit. Kinda like GugalanaBesides, I shall suffer not ANY Worm references

>>5846443
The who reference? I don't remember Simurgh in Earthworm Jim.

>>5846451

Capeshit story online, interesting power system, DOGSHIT story otherwise. I am an edgy kinda guy, but the shit there is the tedious kind with no real substance.

Like, the author somehow managed to make a whole team of superpowered murderhobos boring. You know how hard that is?

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>>5846083

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>>5846153
I was going to say she’s absolutely Lilith but the end of days but makes me think pic related.

>>5846800

Both are solid guesses, as the quest continues on you'll be figuring it out sooner or later. Your fate depends on how well you manage to get along with Avenger after all

>>5847226
Two last questions I guess.

1. Do you have a Twitter or anything that would let us follow you so we know when the next thread is up?

2. Any clues or hints as to who we may have summoned had we not gone to kill Alba, or will we find that out as the story progresses?

>>5847447

1. I suppose I can make a Twitter so that I can post updates for when I'm running. But I'll be trying for the second thread to be up on Friday next week. If a delay shuffles things it'll be Saturday or Sunday

2. You'll find that out as the story progresses, but I'll give a hint for two. Both you encounter in the India Lostbelt. Both are ludicrously dangerous enemies

Alrighty then I have archived the thread. And have made the Bird account so I can keep you all updated and such

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Fate Catastrophe/Superposition
https://twitter.com/of_ip11191/status/1729730520735461887?t=sZGvQ1u4ua0vTzBAiuNrYg&s=19

>>5847608
Thanks for running.

NEW THREAD MY FRIENDS, COME AND GET IT

>>5859064