Cu Chulainn

Re: Zero: The High Council

'Father Whiskey'

'Starting Location', Priestella

---

@Letter Bee@FamishedPants

Jameson was sure as soon as he took that weird kid's hand, it'd be all over. While he isn't a fan of being under the influence of things like pot, he was sure that God would guide him to the right direction in the end, even when on a bender. He was sure he'd have a night he'd either forget to remember, or remember to forget. Jameson was prepared to go with the flow for the night just so it could be over and he could get back to his quiet life. The quiet, boring life he had submitted himself to...

... Except, it happened way too fast for his liking.

As Jameson woke up in the room he was in, he looked around, scratching his head at the strange sights and sounds that filled the new room he was in along with two of its other occupants, looking both confused and a bit concerned. The first thing the priest did when he finally got his bearing was take an opened box of cigarettes out of his shirt pocket. He picked through each individual cigarette, giving each a sniff. When he got to the last, however, he started calming down, taking a moment to self-reflect. Doesn't smell like pot... and no pounding headache, either. God damn it, what happened last night?

As he slid the box back into his pocket, leaving a cigarette in his mouth, the younger looking boy began to approach him. Before he made it obvious that he was just as lost as them, however, he adjusted himself in order to appear more level-headed. Flame, from Maine. That's who he said he was. And when he mentioned seeing an 'inky blackness,' Jameson couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Father? Heh, you can just call me..." Jameson started to debate with himself in his head whether his first or last name sounded cooler. The kid's obviously never met him, before, so he had to make a good impression. As both his names began to repeat in his head, it was then and there that the realization hit him.

"How about you just call me... Whiskey. The 'Father' is optional."

Grabbing the Zippo lighter from his pocket, he started to light his cigarette, listening as this Flame kid began to explain his thoughts on where they are. Taking a long draw of smoke, Jameson held back from chuckling as Flame started to rationalize an alternate reality. Heh, these kids are smarter than I realized... first they talk about love, and then they're starting to justify that we're in another world. Lord knows what would happen if I had an imagination so vivid.

Exhaling a puff of smoke away from the others, Jameson turned to the 'rich guy', a man who looked old enough to be fresh out of college. He seemed to be in a bad mood as he kicked his chair away, not that Jameson really mind, so long as that violence isn't directed toward any particular person. Like Flame, however, he wished to find out just where the group is. As the man named Alistair opened the door, Jameson shielded his eyes as the light began to flood the room.

Huh, so it's daytime, already.

"You two go on ahead," the priest began, as he leaned back on his chair, resting his feet on the table while throwing his shades on, "this old man'll probably relax for a bit before he starts heading out. Make sure to close the door on your way out, and God bless you both." With another puff from his cigarette, Jameson sighed as he began to get into a more relaxed state. Whether the kids are playing a game on him, he's high off his balls, or they actually are in another world is unknown to the man known as Jameson Walker. Either way, he felt it was more important that he got his bearing before his head started spinning...

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Black Rider

’NEMETON’, Miyama Town

---

@Sageage@DostHou

Rider, like his previous battle, had his shield ready. While he wasn’t exactly in a defensive stance at this moment, he had still expected an attack, nonetheless. He was in enemy territory, after all, not knowing exactly what he may be facing. His opponent, Lancer, was at a more advantageous position than Rider could have been at this particular scenario, so it would make perfect sense that Lancer would take advantage of his own knowledge of their surroundings while he still can. It is something that Rider would do when faced with an opponent who may outclass him.

However, it doesn’t seem like Lancer was following the same thought process. What Rider saw wasn’t his opponent capitalizing on the current edge he has, but instead that of a child who had just wanted to go on with things, already. As soon as Rider caught sight of this particular Servant, he knew that his opponent was some sort of kid; from his choice of words to how he conducts himself. Seeing that Lancer will foolishly charge forward, Rider knew this fight would be over rather quickly. It truly was as if he, a seasoned warrior and slayer of beasts, was challenged by just some boy…

… But if that were the case, why was Rider still caught by surprise?

Rider quickly raised his shield, almost clumsily so, as Lancer made his dash. That speed… ! Rider thought as the wooden spear smashed into his shield. While this Lancer wasn’t nearly as fast as the first one he faced, he still appeared to move faster than his appearance would otherwise denote. What had really caught Rider’s attention, however, was the strength behind the blow, as it was nearly to the level of his own. What had caught him off guard wasn’t either of these factors, however, seeing as he’s facing off against a Servant belonging to one of the Knight Classes, but the fact that this boy Lancer’s parameters appeared to be a step down from what they actually are.

So that’s why he’s wearing those robes…

Before he made his own attack, Rider had began to notice that Lancer’s Master had started using his magecraft on his own Servant. While Rider did expect as much, seeing just a glimpse of the nature of what appears to be this Magus’s territory, but still felt the need to issue a warning in advance, as well as some words of reassurement. It looks as if it were the first time this Master has come this close to a Servant that isn’t his own.

”Master of Lancer!” Rider had shouted as he chopped Mimung down on Lancer’s spear with the intent of breaking it, proceeding forward with his shield still raised. ”If you intend to use your magic on me, know now that my Magic Resistance is high enough to protect against any sort of magecraft of this age! If anything, you should continue to focus on supporting your Servant… he surely won’t win without your help!

“... And don’t be so afraid! I don’t intend to kill any Masters if they don’t get in my way!”

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Kage Kurokawa

Yakuza Hideout (Ruins), Native District

---

@Argonaut@ReallyDumb

As the two swindlers went to look for others along the way, they would soon come across the ramshackled building that used to be a fine establishment. Unlike the other Masters of the war, they weren’t very hard to find, even if they hadn’t chosen the same spot to hang out at after the disaster that was last night. All one needed to do was find where a bunch of scary Japanese guys in robes were congregating. As they approached, however, they got a mix of looks...

"If you two foreigners are planning on leavin' with a price on your 'ead now, maybe I can help you out."

Walking over to greet the two was a slender-looking Japanese man with a rolled cigarette in his mouth. An apparent senior member of the Yakuza, the most notable features of his were his eyepatch as well as the Murata rifle slung over his shoulder. Kage Kurokawa was his name. He served the Yakuza faithfully for twenty years as a kuromaku, or a "fixer", working in the shadows and taking care of issues the Yakuza, themselves, don't want to be associated with. Formerly called the One-Eyed Snake before a couple of foreigners politely informed him of what connotations that name was attached to, Kage had developed a reputation of being cold but honorable with his dealings. After his twenty years of service, however, he has since retired from his role as a kuromaku for the most surprising of reasons; to take care of his wife and newborn son. Nowadays, he spends his time trying to find honest work, although he can't help but say yes when his former associates ask for his help from time to time... Just like last night, when there was word of a foreigner playing tricks at one of their gambling rings.

"After I came down to the ring, the great fire started to spread all across Miyama. My family wasn't in the blaze, but was close enough for me to be worried. When I rushed on over to pick them up, however, I saw another foreigner, just like you, who had his own weird tricks. He was leading my family, along with other citizens near the blaze, away from the fire. I knew I couldn't trust that white-haired rat, though, because the way the citizens were following him just seemed unnatural. I couldn't check on her because the fire grew too intense where I was, so I rushed out of Miyama with my boys before shit turned sour. After all that's said and done, though... I couldn't find my wife or my son where my home used to be."

Kage pulled the cigarette out of his mouth after one last toke, flicking it away before putting a hand out to the two. "Tell ya what... that man seems like a person of interest to you, huh? We help each other look for this bastard and I'll see to it that you're both paid handsomely, with room and board, if you wish. I've got a bit of... influence, you can say, around here. Maybe we can also protect you from that bounty on your heads? Not like we care about what those other foreigners want, anyway... And all I ask for return is that I see my wife and kid safe..."

"... Oh, and I want my hands on that white-haired rat's throat."

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Black Rider

’NEMETON’, Miyama Town

---

@Sageage@DostHou

Rider raised an eyebrow at the young Lancer's response, having rushed on over so quickly. So there's more than one Lancer in this war, then, Rider thought, to himself, as he observed his opponent carefully. The first thing that Rider noted, aside from his apparent age, was that his opponent looked like some sort of simpleton. Lancer's lance was just some stick that didn't look like anything special, and his attire was just a set of simple robes, a far cry from the exquisite arms of the previous Lancer that he faced. In other words, Rider deducted that his opponent definitely wasn't anyone special. As a matter of fact, Rider was actually annoyed that he was facing a child. His expectations for this war began to sour.

"Very well, then, Lancer. I will 'play' with you, then." Grunting, Rider crossed his arms, not hiding the annoyance on his face. Rider didn't do well with kids. Throughout his adventures, he's had to deal with the children of his allies before, and he hated it. He even threatened to eat them, at one point. Rider's hatred of children has gone so far and beyond that he even avoided having an heir of his own, allowing his dynasty and blood to die with him. The fact that he had been challenged by a child, especially one that looked like a commoner, filled him with anger.

"I came here because I expected a true challenge between heroes, not some trivial nonsense," Rider noted, uncrossing his arms and allowing his shield to manifest in his off-hand, "so unless you'd like to set your own terms for the challenge, Boy Lancer, then I'd rather get this over with so I can be on my way." The next thing to manifest in Rider's hand was an expertly crafted blade, a blade that could be considered as the finest to be ever crafted from a certain bladesmith. Crafted for this particular smith's son to become a knight, if it weren't for its shortened edge, it would indeed be fitting to call this sword worthy of a knight's hands. To Rider, however, he found it quite ironic that he would be using this weapon against this particular Lancer. A commoner challenger deserves to be felled by a commoner's blade, after all.

D&D Fifth Edition: Land of the Old Curse

Discord sounds fun

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Gin Yoshiyaki

Pellion's Pub, Gates of Troy, Edge of Shinto

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@Paradox Witch@SSW@Froppy@Breo

Gin yawned, making his way into the bar with a half-empty bottle of wine. He looked ragged and... almost dead, having spent most of the night practicing his magecraft with Baba to little avail. As a matter of fact, from the lack of sleep he's had, he seems to have lost most of the information he was supposed to retain. Stuffing the bottle of wine in the hands of one of the passing waiters, he shuffled towards the bar, unknowingly leaving a small trail of talismans on the way there. It seems that Gin had even forgot they were in his now torn pocket.

"Yo, Donnie! Make me one of those Long Island teas, the ones with the ice in 'em," Gin waved to Donnie, pulling a stool out and taking a seat, "and, uh, what was going on? I heard a loud scream from outside." Gin scratched his head as he began to think of the possibilities. If it weren't for that terrifying shout that had just happened outside the bar, Gin would've been asleep until the evening. It isn't like anything important would've happened before then, anyway. Gin isn't the brightest when it comes to things like how the war works, but he does know it would be absolutely stupid to attack a Greek God in their own territory, anyway. In any case, he just shrugged and rested his head on the bar, cradling it with his arms as he awaited his drink.

"... Yer good at giving advice, ain't ya? How can I make my magecraft more... efficient? Apparently my way of doing it is stupid, but I aven't figured out a way to do it right."

---

Black Rider

Outside the Einzbern Compound, Miyama, During the Meeting Between Masters

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@Crusader Lord@Sageage@Reflection@Kyoka@Seirei no Hai

Rider's smile only grew larger as Saber mentioned his uncle. It gave him just a brief idea on his identity, enough to where he's easily reminded of his own knights. Saber was not one of his knights, that is for certain, but the tales of a great king and his team of loyal knights is one that is both famous and consists of many variations. In any case, Rider felt like he also developed a sort of kinship with his newfound allies, and he could only hope he'll fight alongside them in the future. As for Saber's equine Master, he also seemed like someone that would make an interesting conversationalist. His views on progression and moving forward are ones that are aligned with Rider's own, having ushered the Age of Man in his kingdom with his own hands. Rider feels that he will have a deeper conversation with this man when he returns. For now, though....

"Miss Sophia is actually pleasant company if you don't mind her... habits. I will be leaving, for now, seeking those responsible for the fire. Perhaps I might find the one who had stolen your sword, and even your sword arm, Saber." Rider began to slowly turn into the stuff of spirits, whisking away in a shower of blue lights. Before he completely faded away, however, he turned, once again, to the man with the horse for a head.

"My companion is on his way here, mister Tlilpojuan. He is a much better conversationalist than I... I can tell you will take a liking to him."

And so, Rider had apparently vanished in spiritual form, making his way to Miyama. He wished to find information on what had happened in the city and, more importantly, who or what caused the fire. Indeed, while he wasn't particularly searching for a fight just yet, the obvious challenge in the form of fires in the sky did entice Rider to head in that direction, first...

With Rider's departure, the sound of hooves approaching the compound followed. If one were to turn and look in the direction, they would clearly see it; a mighty black stallion adorned in armor similar to Rider's, along with an excitable beagle riding atop the steed. As soon as the horse met its gaze with what had appeared to be another as great as itself, it let out an enthusiastic neigh. It had finally came across another that it could explain it to...

---

’NEMETON’, Miyama Town

---

@DostHou@Sageage

Tracking the source of the fireworks down, Rider had found himself in a rather strange place. It was a lively grove in the middle of the wasteland that is now Miyama. The cursed blaze that had consumed much of the city had grown to such massive proportions that it would cause the destruction of half of Fuyuki... except it wasn't the blaze that caused this widescale destruction. A shining comet, an entire world, crashed directly into the blaze, snuffing much of the flame out. What had followed was a mighty tempest that seemed to have healed the damage done to the land. It was these turn of events that had caused Miyama to be reclaimed by the wild...

... but that doesn't explain why that grove is here. Naturally, Miyama should have been nothing but flatland and rubble. Nature doesn't reclaim its land until weeks, even months later. No, it had to be the work of Magecraft. Especially because it had grown overnight, Rider assumed this was either the territory of a Caster, or at least a competent Master. Walking straight into enemy territory would be suicide, had Rider not be blessed with such a strong resistance to magic. Luckily, for him, dragons blood runs strongly through his veins.

Rider decided to stride forward, past the gates, despite the fact that he was entering into fresh enemy territory. It was because this territory was created after the two events of mass destruction that made Rider so interested in it, so keen in making his way in. The creator of this territory must know what had happened in Miyama, the night before, and could perhaps also give him an idea of who the culprits were. Taking a deep breath, Rider began to shout his declarations to whoever watched over this sacred grove.

"I am the Rider-class Servant of the Einzbern Master! I have come here in answer to your challenge, and I am willing to accept a bout on one condition! Should I best the Servant who guards this grove in combat, I shall be given information regarding the possible culprits of last night's blaze! I intend to fight with all I have, but I do not wish to spill any blood, if it is not necessary! I only wish for a information as well as a good fight! If my terms are accepted, then I request that the guardian of this sacred place to reveal themself. And if not..."

... Steam exhaled from Rider's nose. He had intended to burn these wooded lands down if he were to be so unjustly ambushed.

D&D Fifth Edition: Land of the Old Curse

Currently writing the backstory now. Would it be correct to assume that druidic magic and beliefs are considered to be the "old faith" of the world?

D&D Fifth Edition: Land of the Old Curse

I was considering making a Krusczek now that we have more than enough casters, but I had just been inspired after seeing the Monster Slayer Ranger. Would there be an order or actual organization that exists to hunt crazed Krusczeks, using their tactics but rooted in traditional magics rather than the blood magic and alchemy they use?

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Black Rider

Outside the Einzbern Compound, Miyama, During the Meeting Between Masters

---

@Crusader Lord@Reflection@Sageage@Kyoka@Seirei no Hai

Rider watched as the maimed Saber continued to strike at the trees and the rocks, silently allowing him to lament on his loss. He could tell that this Saber was once a proud hero, even if his parameters or current state of emotions don't quite display it. And even then, Rider understood just how he felt. Even Rider has experienced loss and regret, but it was not of his own life. Throughout his existence, Rider has seen all his friends die. The most painful feeling of all, as king, is to watch as your loyal subjects all fall, one by one, whether it be from accomplishing your own goals or for reasons as petty as treasure. In any case, Rider was no stranger to loss, and felt some sympathy with Saber's pleas.

"Your future is only unclear if you let your regrets consume you like this..." Rider began, crossing his arms. "It is your duty to get back what you have lost and take vengeance to those who have wronged you." Drawing his sword, Rider began scrutinizing it, admiring its craftsmanship. He even swung it in the air a few times before he lowered it and continued to talk to the crestfallen Saber.

"On my road to becoming a king, I've lost all of my closest friends. When I finally reached my rightful place on the throne, I had found that I was alone, that all my friends have died to see to it that my goals were accomplished. I had asked for their aide, and all of them have put their lives on the line to see my dreams, my goals, my destiny, come to reality. Had I not asked them to join my cause, they might have survived to see my dreams finally come to fruition... but instead, in my many years of ruling as king, I sat by myself on my lonesome throne, forever mourning for all their deaths."

Rider wasn't good at this. Comforting others wasn't his strongest suite, but he still tried his best, regardless. Despite being a king loved by his people, he knew he had issues talking with others on a personal level...

"... In the end, I didn't allow my regrets to overshadow my future. I had moved on because I know I'm able to succeed, despite my losses, if I just kept pushing forward. If not for myself, then for my friends. If you find yourself at your lowest, do not allow yourself to wallow in those cold, dark depths. Rise up, stand proud, and step forward like the hero, like the knight you are."

After offering his words of advice, Rider turned away, but not before stabbing his sword into the ground. He glanced at Saber, briefly, before turning back and walking away, waving a hand at him.

"If you lost your sword, then you can have mine. I'm a Rider, anyway, not a Saber. I have no use for such a thing."

And indeed, Rider wasn't wrong. In truth, he still had that sword at his disposal. Rider knows that he will have to draw it soon, anyway...

Especially now, when he sought out to find those responsible for the fire.

Falke, return to the compound and see to it that miss Sophia remains safe while I'm out to town.

...Falke?

Falke, stop acting so weird.

---

&

Falke and Shinji (True)

Einzbern Forest Outskirts, Miyama

---

@Red Alice

Falke didn't know what it was doing here.

It was tasked by its beloved prince to scout the perimeter of the forest, but yet, its keen senses had heard something that alluded even its own rider; a high-pitched, rather annoying sound. It wished to communicate to his prince of just what it had heard, but he had instead insisted on going out to finding the culprits. It could have just gone to the source of the sound by itself, but it knew that it was something only Rider himself could take care of. Falke had wished that it was able to better communicate with its Master aside from simple gestures, because it knew that this was an issue that would be to his interest.

Indeed, if he had recognized that same sound that it heard, he would spring to action at a moments notice...

Falke had considered its next moves carefully as it trotted through the forest, but not for long, as its train of thought was rudely interrupted by another sound only its acute hearing could pick up. It was, again, a high-pitched and rather annoying sound, but it was closer this time. Believing it to be the worst, Falke blitzed through the forest, charging to the source of the sound. Its speed was indeed comparable to the likes of the greatest of phantasmal beasts. One could easily say that Falke, itself, would indeed count as a member of such species even though it was a normal horse in its life, bathing in the blood of the countless beasts that itself and its treasured prince have put down.

When Falke had finally caught sight of its destination, however, it moved into a screeching halt, comically so, its hooves skidding through the dirt until it was inches away from that. Had it not stopped a second later, Falke was sure it would have run over that. And whatever that was, it was something that Falke wouldn't dare even try to strike down...

That thing in question happened to be a dirty beagle with seaweed on its head.

The small dog, seeing that Falke was just a mere few inches away from it, sat down, tilting its head to the side as it looked upon the black horse. Falke in turn, scratched its a single hoof on the ground, neighing and bowing its head. The dog, in return, let out a single bark, scratching its ear with a rear foot. It seems like some sort of vocal exchange was to occur between the two beasts. At first, it was some sort of apology, and then, it lead to introductions. Soon, it erupted into a full-blown conversation, a cacophony of dog barks and horse whinnies filled that small portion of the forest they were in.

Hours passed before Falke's master, its prince, had called him back to the compound. The dog, who had referred to itself as Shinji, whined softly, seeing it as a sort of goodbye to its new friend. The horse, however, had bent its legs down, nodding its head to Shinji and allowing its canine companion to climb on its back. As soon as Shinji was on its back, Falke had began to set off back to the Einzbern compound, furry cargo in tow. Falke knew it had to bring Shinji home, and not just because it was a new friend...

Shinji also heard what had happened earlier this morning.

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Black Rider

Einzbern Forest, Miyama

---

@Crusader Lord@Kyoka@Seirei no Hai@Sageage@Reflection

Receiving the orders from his Master, Rider nodded. As he observed the approaching figures, once again, he kept note of the two men who seemed to be the Masters of this knighty troupe. Of the two, he took special note of the one who seemed to be of Japanese descent. I believe the Tohsaka Master has made his way here, along with a companion. Shifting his gazes to the two Servants, he had noticed that one had lost an arm and looks quite under the weather. The other, who had confirmed that her Master was indeed the Tohsaka, wielded a sword- or was it a spear- and confidently rebuked his challenge. Seeing as this particular Servant's blade looked familiar, Rider grinned at the thought of facing such an opponent. Despite wanting to experience what it would be like to fight this Servant, however, he simply lowered his weapon, choosing to follow the orders of his Master, instead.

"Miss Sophia was expecting you, Tohsaka... Hideyoshi, am I correct? In any case, my Master's terms are for you to keep your Servant materialized and in my line of sight while within these woods. Failure to accept this will result in... well, I think that much is obvious. These terms also extend to your companion, as well. If you choose to accept these terms, then I, Saber, shall lead you to the compound."

Turning away, Rider walked to a nearby tree, one that was rather large in size. Allowing his shield to dematerialize, Rider held his sword in both hands. He made sure to make eye contact with the female knight who had challenged him earlier before he swung his blade down with the entirety of his natural strength, cleanly cutting across the tree. Sheathing his sword, Rider then turned towards the large trench he had made just earlier. With a simple push of his palm, the tree began to fall, its other end landing on the other side of the trench. In other words, Rider had made a makeshift bridge for his guests to walk across while allowing them to have a glance of his true strength. Cheeky bastard.

"Now, if you will just follow me across, I will show you to the compound."