Cu Chulainn

Fate/Iliou Persis

This will be a Seven versus Seven, Apocrypha style team war, co-gm’d by myself and @SSW

The premise is that, rather than Darnic’s Yggdmillenia, a different Magus stole the Holy Grail after the third war, and plans to use it in a grand ritual that recreates the Trojan War, but reversing fate to allow the Trojan side to win. With a team of Magi and Servants supporting him, the Magus association has responded in kind, sending seven of their own Magi to disrupt this ritual.

The first important note is that Servant slots will not be reserved. Everyone’s interest in certain slots will be logged, and since there are two for each, there shouldn’t be much fighting over who ultimately gets in. Multiple simultaneous applications for a Servant spot are allowed, but each person will only be allowed one Servant slot in the end.

Each person is allowed a Servant slot and a Master slot, though playing just one is fine, too. The GMs will not be taking Servant slots, but may fill Master slots if necessary.

The usual suspects of Gilgamesh and Herakles will be banned, and others will be evaluated on a case by case basis. The only other limitation is that only one Servant that participated in the Trojan war will be allowed per team, to avoid it being too overloaded.

A vote will be made on whether players make their Servant and Master on the same or opposing teams to avoid potential metagaming. Waiving this restriction will also be permitted if everyone is fine with it and aren’t too worried about the meta.

The driving force of the plot will be the players. Though there are NPCs involved in the premise of the war, and there will be a handful of NPCs for players to interact with, these interactions will be driven by the players. There will also be additional side objectives in the fight, relevant to each team, to mix up the nature of the combat a little.

Both teams bases will be assumed to be secure areas, as an effort to cut down on disparity between offscreen base preparation that can sometimes happen. Magus preparation is still allowed and encouraged, but will be more focussed on active items such as Mystic Codes and potions.

There are some other minor details to hammer out, but that should be all the important information. Tell us if it sounds good!

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Lew nodded as Shirin explained the faith's beliefs surrounding monsters. It was good that this religion wouldn't get in the way of his goals, especially since they-

Wait, did the priestess just say the worship a snakegirl?

As Lew made his way into the chambers with Shirin, his suspicions were truly proven correct. It seems the object of this religion's worship is, in fact, a snakegirl. Such prospects filled Lew with a new excitement for religion that he had never once had before. As he was asked to kneel, he had quickly done so, surrendering himself to this higher power. As he had done so, Lew wondered if this afterlife entailed his bones getting crushed...

Once his indoctrination was complete, Lew opened his eyes slowly. He wasn't entirely sure what he had experienced, although there was one thing that was certain. Lew felt more free, more liberated from the shackles and expectations of life. Lew was almost sure that if he didn't know this was all a game, he would have definitely converted in real life as well. Bowing his head once more to the idol, Lew sat up straight and turned towards Shirin.

"I'm ready for my training, now."

Wherever he would be led to, Lew wondered just how he'll be equipped and, more importantly, if he would receive a uniform more fashionable than whatever it is he started with.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Malphas
Second Floor, ???

@Rune_Alchemist@Crusader Lord@Guy0fV4lor@Click This

Hearing that harrowing roar alongside everyone else running for their lives caused Malphas to pause, briefly. A thing that massive going after them? He wondered how his allies even expected him to help against this "Guardian" without anything like arrows or even a decently sized weapon. Still, Malphas didn't dwell on that question too much as he finally made his move.

Seeing that Donovan decided to provide a well-enough distraction for their escape, it meant that Malphas didn't have to resort to that to make their clean escape. As he ran outside with the others, he slipped his dagger into a sleeve in order to conceal it for now. All that was left for now was to run with the rest of this little ensemble. Malphas made sure to keep note of where the Guardian's attention is currently held as they made their way out, just in case he'll have to do something more drastic to keep himself alive.

For now, Malphas just ran, silent and in shock.

Blackharbour

It's just the darker reds for me that I have trouble reading.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Malphas
Second Floor, ???

@Rune_Alchemist@Crusader Lord@Guy0fV4lor@Click This

Malphas sighed once more, annoyed that they continued to try and rush things. Looking back down at his bow, Malphas figured that such a weapon wouldn't do if their little motley crew kept continuing on so quickly. Shouldering his bow, Malphas resigned to finding something else he could use in the short term.

Before he began his own search, he noticed he was addressed by the newcomer, his attention drawn more towards what she was holding. Some sort of book? He wasn't too in the mood at the moment to really probe the girl on who she is or what ability she may have. Perhaps something to do with reading? Still, it may be in Malphas's interest to get on at least one person's good side within this group. It was also convenient that she didn't have a means to defend herself properly either. Putting on his best salesman's smile, Malphas made his way towards the pile of weapons as well.

"You were asking about me earlier, yes?" Malphas uttered to Narkissa as he looked for another weapon, or potentially something that could be used as arrows. Ideally, he desired something small and easy to carry on his person, like some sort of knife. Worst case scenario, he'd have to try his hand at magic again, which does remind him...

"You can call me Malphas. Sorry for not introducing myself moments earlier. I can see you're quite the reader?"

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Lady of the Alabaster Scales? Lew stroked his chin as he thought of the ramifications of joining an in-game religion. He didn't think too much of it in the end, however. If this way of life should inhibit his time in the game, the easiest thing to do is to just not play it anymore. That said, there is one thing he needed to know before he joined this group in full...

"Lugh Dysphoria." Lew stated his in-game name aloud. "I must ask, though, before we begin... What does the Lady of the Alabaster Scales think about monstrous beings, those both near and far from human?"

In any case, Lew awaited the beginning of his training as well as any purchases he needed to make. A staff and possibly some sort of talisman would be ideal, although Lew wondered if talismans worked like ammunition. Would he only be able to buy a few single-use ones, or is it like Raymond's crossbow, capable of being utilized in a generic matter indefinitely?

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Rather than shocked at the brutal tactic utilized to take out these Immortals, Lew was more impressed than anything. It also helped that his attackers were all animated thanks to his "anime" setting being on. Even then, not much would have shocked him, for he has seen much worse happen in the degeneracy that he normally consumes. All this had shown him was another hidden power of creating barriers in the field in such a matter, which added to his general excitement towards becoming a Kekkaishi.

Turning back to the Priestess, he decided to do something less formal as a show of thanks rather than prostrating himself, giving a formal bow instead.

"It's quite alright. I only expected such an outcome to occur, as I did do what I did partially to force someone's hand. At the same time, I did wish to, uh... use that beating in order to further my training?"

Lew, realizing he's starting to sound weird again, raises himself up and nods in response to her inquiry.

"Yes, I do intend to join the faith. Most of my friends are warriors in one way or another, but I am unable to defend them in my current state. I wish to join the temple in order to further my skills in protecting my friends from the monsters roaming the wilds. More specifically, I do wish to begin my training as a... Kekkaishi, was it? It's why I was hoping I would have received a proper beating, as I haven't quite met the threshold yet to reach the class. That said, I'm fine with undertaking whatever occupation you all believe would fit best for me, as I also intend to learn as much as I can from the faith. Please treat me as an empty vessel, willing to be filled with whatever it is you wish to make of me."

Lew bowed once more, resisting the urge to apply palm to face once his head was completely down once he realized what he just said.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Malphas
Second Floor, ???

@Rune_Alchemist@Crusader Lord@Guy0fV4lor@Click This

Malphas contributed nothing to the conversation so far, aside from just pouting and brooding. What did they mean he had to earn their trust? They should know that they're beholden to a true child of divine... Still, they did have a point. He wasn't dealing with rich impressionables any more. If he wanted to induct anyone new to his new religious order, he'd have to actually be convincing about it.

Malphas only continued to stay silent as he watched Donovan's ability come to play. To be able to summon up a couple of phantoms could be useful for the long run, although he wasn't too sure on their specifics. Perhaps this is what he meant when he said he could build things? Either way, it seemed like an ability very important to utilize later on, when they're finally out and about... Perhaps smoothing things over with Donovan might be the best course of action after all. Perhaps the fourth person up above could also be of use to Malphas as well, although she didn't do much to introduce herself just yet.

"Sticking close is a proper idea," Malphas chimed, slinging the old walking stick he was given by Donovan over his shoulder, although he did make sure to keep note of its value, "but we also shouldn't take for granted the treasure trove we have found ourselves on. It seems that whatever this Guardian may be, it's possibly looking for us elsewhere. It should give us plenty of time to scrounge up a few more valuables from this wretched place, and possibly get a better understanding of where we are.

"Come to think of it, considering how large this place is, that could mean there mufht be others like us in here, trying to find their own way to avoid this Guardian. Perhaps together, we could even...!"

Malphas continued to scheme silently to himself, pleased with his own inner musings.

Fate/Glimmering Oasis

Middle of the City District, Fuyuki

---

@Letter Bee@SSW

Ever the defiant troublemaker, Autolycus chose not to follow Daniel's orders. However, this was not due to defiance, but instead because of his mentality as a Servant of the Assassin Class. Autolycus thought it'd be the best that, for now, he'd shadow Daniel until they figured out just who the Assassin of this Fuyuki is... if they're still alive, that is. It seems that Fuyuki had seen better days from a cursory view. Autolycus doubted they would find any survivors as well, but he chose to hold his tongue regarding this fact, for his Master's sake if anything.

As soon as he noticed the presence of the Assassin, Autolycus knew his decision to stay back was the correct one. Quickly, he threw Daniel to the ground along with himself to ensure the thrown knives don't hurt his Master. As he did so, he quickly materialized a smoke pellet, throwing it down to mask both himself and his Master from the view of the knife-throwing scoundrels. He moved with the agility and swiftness truly belonging to the demigod son of Hermes, one seemingly unbecoming of an "old man" like Autolycus if not for his ancestry, let alone his profession. Thinking fast, Autolycus then materialized his Noble Phantasm, taking the shape of a plain, gray, handheld sack. Just holding onto it caused AUtolycus to slowly disappear.

A bit too late, but hold your breath, Master!

By viewing Daniel as a valuable target to the ambushing Assassins, Autolycus applied his mentality as a master thief in order to steal away Daniel from the Assassins, stuffing him into his knapsack. In other words, Autolycus quickly snatched Daniel into his Noble Phantasm with one swift movement. However, despite being filled with the body of a young male adult, the bag itself did not expand outwardly. To Daniel, it felt as if he was thrown into a different world albeit one with a very tight fit. While he essentially saw nothing, he also felt as if there was something else in the bag with him. He just needed to turn around and have a look, himself.

As for the Assassins, they could see only nothing as the smoke faded away. Because he had yet to make any attacks, Autolycus's presence was still masked by his Class Skill. His visual appearance was obscured by his Noble Phantasm, as well. Still, Autolycus opted not to stand up for now, crawling away from the hail of knives before another wave came at him. He clutched his knapsack tightly, although as soon as they left the smoke, Autolycus made sure to loosen his grip lightly enough for Daniel to finally get some air.

You aren't full of holes just yet, are you, Master? Good, good... Keep still for now, and make sure not to touch my toy in there, will ya? Hah!

Crawling away, Autolycus began to gather his thoughts on their current opponent. Skull masks and hit-and-run tactics... Definitely Assassins of no small renown. Why there was an army of them was something that needed to be figured out soon. Were they specialized familiars, or a form of Noble Phantasm? In any case, it was quite strange for an Assassin to have, but still quite nifty! Autolycus slowly began to shift his appearance accordingly as he slithered off, like some sort of concrete cobra, starting with the skull mask and working his way down...

Hey, hey! Do me a favor and let Donnie Boy know you're safe, and that I'm not just leaving him to the fray just yet! If he can hold 'em off long enough, I might be able to see if I can find a ringleader for these Assassins... Maybe then, they'll stop giving us a hard time.

Windfall ☄ A Character-driven Fantasy

---

Looking upon the crossroads, Derrick scratched his head at the need to make such an important decision. On one hand, cutting through the woods to the Croplands almost seemed like something to do instinctively. Derrick was, after all, the type to avoid roads. A true hero avoids the roads whenever possible, after all. Running into random people wasn't very heroic according to Mother, as their entanglements may become his. What kind of hero would Derrick be if he was too busy helping other people to save them from monsters, anyway? Derrick also pondered on whatever this strange monster in the Croplands may be. Perhaps it will be different from the slimy monsters, scaly monsters, and ribbity monsters he was too familiar with.

While the path to the Croplands was something of a mystery bag in terms of variety, Derrick looked upon the road. The Scorchlands seemed to have the largest variety of new and different monsters, such as the stingy monster, a close relative to the eight-legged monster. At the same time, Derrick was sure that his clothing wasn't good enough to last in the desert, and he would need to cut down on his gear a fair bit to properly manage the heat there. His other choice was the Tidelands, perhaps a land he'd be more familiar with. Coastal and humid, it almost sounds like a more open swamp... And to fight a snaky monster, as well. It does sound quite exciting.

So many decisions and so little time... Derrick looked on at the feathered monsters dotting the skies and trees with a fair bit of annoyance at their miniature roars. As much as he was tempted to slay them, his bow was broken and he was running low on sharp rocks to sling at them. The number of sharp stones laying at his feet will determine whether these beasts will be spared by Derrick's wrath or not. In any case, Derrick thought of a way to determine where he will go, nodding as the method came to his head.

Drawing his trusty hatchet, Derrick began to whisper to its head a request... Show me the way to the biggest, scariest, most monstriest monster. As he did so, he began to cast a spell from his own personal method of magic, a special gift given only to him by the gods as a means of surpassing his blood curse as it didn't require the use of mana, and one he kept a secret even from Mother. Derrick remembered the last time he told Mother he was able to "do magic," not wanting to relive of the painful needles and yucky poultices he suffered because of it. It was a school of magic different from the core three, as it consisted of things only a "hero" would need. This school was one that Derrick aptly called "Hero Magic."

To create a fate in order to surpass it...

Derrick threw his hatchet into the air and took a step back, awaiting for the axe to land. Whatever direction his axe's haft pointed towards was the one Derrick would take, no matter what...

... Unless, of course, it pointed at a path he didn't have in mind. In that case, he will try again and again until he got it right. "Hero Magic" is unreliable at times.