DrowsyPangolin

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Rocco Moretti

June 20, 2021
8:24pm
Rock Island Cove Salt Marsh

The lighter blazed to life in his hand, its flame whipping back and forth in the sea breeze. The ex-hitman raised the dancing fire to the end of his fourth cigarette of the hour and looked over the circle that he had been carefully constructing. It looked right, as far as he could tell. He’d spent the last few days scouting out a perfect area to perform the summoning. The Rock Island Cove Salt Marsh had proven to be the most discreet location he could find, and the patch of trees that he had ultimately decided on would hide him effectively from any passers-by, or at least he hoped so. If not… well, he’d dealt with witnesses before.

A small piece of stone rested in the center of the ring, a fragment that had been broken from the Lia Fail by some bandit years ago. He’d had to reach out to the most distant of his contacts to get the relic delivered from Ireland, and its timely arrival had required substantial compensation. He’d managed to scrape everything together with a bit over a week to spare. Still, there was no guarantee that it would work. Even with everything somehow coming together all he could do was hope for the best. The sun was beginning to set. The time had come.

Rocco took a long, deep drag from his cigarette. He held it in for a few seconds before blowing out a considerable cloud of smoke and taking a step toward the circle.

“Here goes nothing, Bianca.”

He pulled his glove from his left hand with his teeth and shoved it in his coat pocket. Clearing his throat, he raised his bare hand over the circle, the jagged, blood-red lines glowing in the dying light.

“Blood and lead to the origin.
Earth and the archduke of contracts to the foundation.
The ancestor, the sorcerer Ruggeri.
Let the wind bar the gates.
Fill.
Fill.
Fill.
Fill.
Fill.
When each is filled burn it away.”

The exact words of the chant were escaping him, even as the circle before him began to spark to life. He gritted his teeth, shouting out into the twilight.

“Your blade carves my destiny!
The Grail calls out!
Answer, if you would hear me!

I make no oath to virtue!
Nor to harm!
But to my singular purpose!

If you would claim this victory,
And rise to this challenge
Then come forth!

Ti evoco,
Rispondi alla mia chiamata!”

The Command Seals burned brightly, and Rocco could feel a searing pain in his hand as a whirlwind of flame burst from the center of the circle.

He held his breath. The moment of truth was upon him.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Pragmatic, Cold-hearted Gun Dude

Name
Rocco Moretti

Age
46

Elemental Affinity
Wind

Alignment
Lawful Evil

Origin
Erasure

Appearance

Rocco Moretti

Magic Circuits

Number
C
Quality
B

Magecraft/Abilities

Healing Magecraft
Basic but effective healing magecraft allowing the user to rapidly heal injuries. Rocco isn’t a particularly skilled healer, but he knows enough to get by.

Bounded Field Creation
A speciality of the Moretti family, Rocco is capable of rapidly creating Bounded Fields. In his previous work, Rocco most often used this ability to create a zone of silence or to conceal himself. He’s also quite capable of creating a detection field, however, and has made much more use of this ability since his “retirement”.

Wind Manipulation
A rather simple ability to manipulated airflow. Rocco tends to use it mostly to adjust wind resistance when shooting. Though other uses are possible, they are mostly mundane, and Rocco doesn’t possess enough ability to use his manipulation of wind offensively.

All as it Was/Without a Trace
A peculiar ability unique to Rocco that allows him to mentally recreate a place as it was before he entered it, down to the most minute detail. He can then place the model over the current state of the room and use magecraft to remove all evidence of his time there. This ability was extremely useful in his previous occupation, allowing him to baffle police with a spotless crime scene.

Lock/Unlock
The ability to force locks using magecraft. All non-magical locks can be cracked with this ability. In addition, doors can be magically locked, making them immune to mundane lockpicking.

Interrogation
The use of magecraft to extract information from a person. Rocco is somewhat proficient at this technique, having used it often in the past. While its success rate is high, this ability can require a considerable amount of time against a strong-willed target.

Forgettable Face
A consequence of Rocco’s origin, those who meet him have difficulty recalling details about him. This memory degradation begins instantly after they’ve lost sight of him, with most people forgetting his description within a day. This ability can be greatly reduced if Rocco gives his name. It would seem his tendency to be forgotten is tied to his physical being, rather than his identity.

Miscellaneous Magecraft
Rocco knows a number of simple spells for things like cleaning, repair, and other mundane tasks.

Other Abilities

Sharpshooter
Rocco is very skilled with most firearms.

Professional Criminal
Rocco knows the ins and outs of the criminal lifestyle, and is capable of maneuvering comfortably amongst unsavory folk, as well as avoiding the authorities.

Getaway Driver
Rocco can make a luxury sedan maneuver in ways it was never meant to.

#1 Dad
Rocco is capable of A-rank parenting techniques. Despite his gruff exterior, he’s really quite good with kids!


Mystic Codes

Dust of Lethe
A Mystic Code made from drying and powdering Rocco’s blood. Rocco carries the dust around in a sealed flask that he keeps magically locked. The dust contained within, when ingested by others, completely erases their memory of the last 24 hours. Typically Rocco uses his wind manipulation to disperse the powder so that it will be breathed in by his target, though mixing it in with food or drink is also an option.


Weapons/ Other Belongings
-CZ 75 SP-01 Handgun
-Remington CSR Rifle w/ Suppressor
-AK-105
-2003 Lincoln Town Car(Black)
-Double-Edged Combat Knife
-Zip-Ties
-Smart Phone
-Far too many cigarettes
-A Gold Zippo Lighter, a birthday present from his daughter


Personality
Rocco comes across as a solemn, quiet man to most. He usually keeps his thoughts to himself, and isn’t particularly fond of small talk. When he does speak, he is usually curt, gruff, and to the point. When necessary, he knows how to conduct himself as a professional, and places a special focus on “getting the job done right the first time”. Rocco is not usually a very emotional man, keeping his feelings close to his chest. As a professional killer, he did terrible things, and while he does somewhat regret getting into that line of work in the first place, he sees little use for remorse over things that are already done. His occupation has also desensitized him to most things grisly and gruesome, and few sights faze him. Having perpetrated terrible crimes himself, Rocco is also not quick to judge the morality of others, living by the old adage of “you do what you gotta do”. Rocco does place emphasis on “what you gotta do” however, viewing indiscriminate killing as the mark of a crazy person. In the same vein, excessive pain and suffering is distasteful to him. There is one notable soft spot in the ex-hitman though, one chink in his armor: children. Despite the violent life he’s led, Rocco has never harmed a child, seeing it as one of the only unforgivable acts a person can commit. In addition to this, he cares deeply for his daughter, and the two of them have a surprisingly good relationship.

Short History

Rocco was born in Newark, New Jersey to a rather poor and unsubstantial family of magi. The Moretti family were relatively skilled at the rapid deployment of Bounded Fields, but not much else, and had long ago cut any ties they had with the Association. Rocco’s father was a decent enough teacher, and imparted his knowledge to his son as well as he could, but the boy was less interested in the study of magecraft than in its practical applications. Of those practical applications, the idea of using his abilities to put money in his pocket took the greatest precedence. Rocco became involved in petty crime in his early teenage years: shoplifting, robbery, a bit of casual grand theft auto. This reckless hobby drew the attention of the Marciano crime family, who controlled much of the illegal activity in the city. They (rather forcibly) recruited Rocco into their fold, where he took on a variety of different jobs. It soon became apparent, however, that the young man’s skill set made him excellent at dealing with individuals that the Family found… problematic.

Rocco became well-respected within the Marciano family, and in a few short years the poverty that had troubled his childhood was nowhere to be seen. Despite this, Rocco found that high society wasn’t to his liking. The stuffy atmosphere of uptown parties made him uneasy, and he usually spent more time outside smoking than inside enjoying himself. Nevertheless, it was at one such party that he met Janet Harrington, the woman who would become his wife. Janet was a waitress with no connection to the Marcianos, though she was aware of them. The two dated for quite some time, and were eventually happily married. Throughout this time, Rocco kept quiet about the details of his job, and Janet didn’t pry.

Rocco and Janet had a daughter named Bianca. Rocco doted over his daughter, and did everything in his power to ensure she had a happy, comfortable life. To afford this, of course, it was necessary for him to continue his work for the Marciano family. Janet became more and more suspicious as time went on, and began questioning Rocco about his work much more frequently. Rocco kept quiet, but eventually, on the eve of Bianca’s fifteenth birthday, she uncovered the truth. She cursed Rocco as a monster, and left with Bianca. The pair of them moved away to Massachusetts, despite Rocco’s best efforts.

For the first time in his life, Rocco felt true regret. He retired from his work with the Marcianos in an attempt to show Janet that he was willing to change. Alas, to no avail. For a time Rocco spent most of his nights in the darkest corner of his local bar, drowning his sorrows in hundred-proof whisky. He had attempted writing and sending money to Bianca, but Janet had refused his “blood money” at every available opportunity. One day, however, Rocco received an email from his daughter. According to Bianca, her mother had prevented her from contacting him, but she herself had wanted to stay in touch with him. She told him about all the goings on in her life, including her application to Harvard University. Rocco was ecstatic, and began travelling to see her on a regular basis, as well as helping to fund her education.

For a time, all was well. Rocco had reconnected with his daughter, and was happy to see her growing into an honest, intelligent young woman. Such happiness was not meant to last, however. Bianca fell ill quite suddenly, and had to be hospitalized. Rocco paid for her to receive the best medical care available, but it quickly became apparent that all the money in the world would be of little use. She had been diagnosed too late, and her cancer was rapidly spreading. Rocco was rapidly running out of hope, grasping at straws… that is, until a mysterious seal appeared on the back of his hand. He got into contact with an old acquaintance of his father’s, a man with ties to the Mage’s Association. This man informed Rocco of an interesting letter, a bizarre ritual, and, of course, a wish.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Rider

True Name
Catherine the Great

Appearance

Appearance

Class
Rider

Alignment
"Lawful Good"

Stats

Strength:D
Endurance:D
Agility:C
Magical Energy:B+
Luck:A

Class Skills

Riding C+
Rider is capable maneuvering most mundane animals and vehicles without problem. She is incapable of riding Phantasmal or Divine Beasts, and extremely complicated modern vehicles might prove difficult. Rider can temporarily increase her riding ability through the use of Autocrat’s Privilege.

Item Creation D+
Ordinarily a skill of the Caster class, Rider has replaced the Magic Resistance of her own class with one more suited to her ability. This skill allows Rider to create the weapons that expanded the territory of the Russian Empire, ranging from swords and firearms to cannon and ships. In addition, it can produce various pleasantries, oddities, and even a host of spectacular outfits!

Personal Skills

Charisma A
It was Catherine’s way with words that elevated her from inconsequential German princess to Empress of the Russian Empire. Her ability to maneuver flawlessly through social situations allowed her not only to take her throne, but to keep it. This incredible social ability has coalesced into a powerful skill that causes her will to radiate onto those around her. She appears well-spoken, confident, and beautiful to those who hear her speak, and has a remarkable ability to inspire those who believe in her.

Catherine’s reign was not without its problems, rather, it was rife with them, but she persevered through them, maintaining an astounding sense of composure. Even in the darkest periods of her rule she strove to style herself as a perfect queen. Her charisma is unyielding, and one would be hard pressed to find an opponent who could match her in a war of words.

"Power without a nation's confidence is nothing."

Autocrat’s Privilege B+
A variant of Imperial Privilege borne from Rider’s mental image of the absolute autocrat. In life, the Empress threw herself into matters of a wide assortment to better herself as a ruler. This ability allows Catherine to temporarily gain expertise in skills that she ordinarily would not have access to.

In terms of martial matters, Catherine can access knowledge regarding Strategy, Riding, Marksmanship and Swordplay.

Because of her interest in matters of the court, Rider also has access to Eye for Art,History, Golden Rule, and a host of philosophical knowledge.

It should be noted that while the abilities gained from this skill grant a certain level of expertise, the confidence they grant Catherine in her ability to execute them is immeasurable.

“God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.”

Favored of the Empress C+
During her rule, Catherine took a number of lovers. These men, Catherine’s favorites, quickly found their stations heavily elevated, being granted wealth and power they likely would’ve otherwise never known. This favoritism has crystallized as a skill that allows her to bestow blessings upon a chosen ally.

Rider’s Favorite is granted a powerful boon to their physical abilities, making even an average person capable of incredible things. She can grant this blessing only to a single individual at a time, and can revoke it at will. In addition, while within the territory of Rider’s Noble Phantasm they gain access to a lesser version of Autocrat’s Privilege.

“I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.”

Innocent Monster E-
Despite her best efforts, Rider was no perfect ruler, and in the years after her death her failures and atrocities were inflated to a level of prominence that threatened to eclipse her achievements. To many, she became an icon for licentiousness and excess, to others a hypocritical tyrant masquerading as an “‘Enlightened” ruler. In her own mind, Catherine did the best she could to style herself as a perfect Empress. As such, if someone mentions the criticisms of her rule, or, more particularly, the dreadful rumors about her personal life, she is likely to become deeply offended. Such talk might even overcome her royal composure…

“You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.”

Weapons
Cavalry Saber, Flintlock Firearms, Cannon, Artillery

Noble Phantasms

Zimniy Dvorets
Throne of Winter/The Dream of Empire

C+

Fortress

This Noble Phantasm constructs a replica of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, the seat from which Catherine ruled for most of her reign. The palace stands as a monument to the might of the Russian Empire, a gleaming emblem of yellow and white, with glittering gold appointments. The palace itself is massive, covering roughly 60,000 square meters, and requires a large amount of magical energy to create. The interior of the palace is lavishly decorated, an extravagant testament to the wealth of Imperial Russia.

The palace was not only Catherine’s royal seat, but her refuge. As such, the interior of the palace creates a sanctuary for Rider and her allies. A constant healing aura permeates the palace, rapidly mending the wounds of those who reside within. This healing is by no means instant, but is powerful enough to repair even potentially fatal wounds within a day. The benefits of Autocrat’s Privilege are greatly boosted within the walls of the Winter Palace.

The territory upon which Zimniy Dvorets is deployed is immediately considered Russian territory, and its latent magical energy is drawn into the palace. Rider can expand this territory given ample time and focus. As such, the larger the territory grows, the more magical energy the palace draws in. The boost to Autocrat’s Privilege remains on the outside territory, though the healing aura is limited to the palace itself.

While Zimniy Dvorets is active, the palace and its surrounding territory experience a constant, light snowfall, regardless of the climate into which it is summoned.

“I have no way to defend my borders but to extend them.”

Korona Vechnosti
Resolution of the Tsars

A++

Anti-Unit(Self)

A Noble Phantasm borne from the amalgamated wills of all Russian monarchs, Korona Vechnosti embodies the unshakable fortitude necessary to declare oneself an absolute sovereign. The tsars ruled over an unwieldy expanse of territory while facing the horrors of war and rebellion, all the while retaining their supremacy. This Noble Phantasm crystallizes that stubborn, unbending audacity into a shape symbolizing the right to rule: a great crown. The head that wears the crown bears a heavy weight indeed, and there are few worthy to wear it. For those who can bear this burden however, it grants immeasurable power and a connection to a dynasty hellbent on the absolute authority of its own will.

From her earliest years, the symbol of the crown glittered brilliantly in Catherine’s dreams, and she became possessed by the singular need to make herself worthy of it. Rider immersed herself in a culture that was not her own, and threw herself wholeheartedly into the task of learning and accumulating the knowledge she would need to bear the title of Empress. This effort, however, was not enough to claim the crown on its own. No, all her efforts would’ve been for naught if not for the spark that drew her to the allure of the crown in the first place: ambition. Born without a single drop of Romanov blood, it was Catherine’s ambition that led her to vy for her husband’s crown, and it was this ambition that would allow her to claim it. While she had no blood-right to the throne, her ambition and iron-clad determination would carry her into the ranks of the tsars. So it was that a foreign-born princess came to be Empress of Russia, shouldering the weight of a title and dynasty that few could bear. The crown that was placed upon her head was new, the blood the flowed through her veins was foreign, but her will alone marked her among the ranks of the tsars.

When the true name of the crown is declared, Rider calls upon the force of not only her own will, but the collective willpower of every tsar that preceded her. Their names, histories, and legends coalesce with her own, if only for a single moment, into the steely image of the absolute sovereign of Russia. In that moment, the tsaritsa becomes a symbol of absolute authority. The resolution of the tsars is given physical form in the body of the one with the right to wield it, and she becomes the image the tsars created within their own minds: the invincible sovereign, untouchable and immovable. In the few moments that Korona Vechnosti is active, Rider’s body is invulnerable to nearly all manner of attacks, a denial of the possibility that the will of the tsars could be challenged. If used in defense of territory or subjects designated as “Russian” by Rider, the power of Korona Vechnosti is increased, with usage within the territory of Zimniy Dvorets granting it an absolute defense against all but the most powerful attacks. The deployment of this Noble Phantasm requires an incredible amount of magical energy, and it is not to be used lightly.

“The title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head then like a tune, and has been running a lot in it ever since.”


Personality
Bold, beautiful, and charismatic, Rider carries herself with the utmost poise and grace… or at least that is what she would have you believe. In truth, Rider’s practiced, regal demeanor is a bit of a facade, a visage manufactured to give off the appearance of the “perfect ruler”. When she is not portraying herself as such, Catherine is very easily drawn in by her own whims. She has a deep love for spectacle, whatever form it might take, and is easily fascinated by art and fashion. If she has the option, she prefers to make herself the center of attention, relishing in the acknowledgement of others. The thought of being unpopular or disliked is an unsettling prospect to Rider, and she tries her best to draw the admiration and praise of those around her. While she tries her best to be likable, there are limits to her kindness. Slanderous talk and other callous disrespect is met with the methodical cruelty of a tyrant, though after the deed is done she has no problem returning to her ordinary gleeful self. Prone to excess and jealousy, any Master willing to summon the Empress will certainly struggle with the more extravagant parts of her personality. Those capable of overcoming Catherine’s difficult side, however, will be rewarded with an unwavering loyalty and dedication.

Legend
Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, the girl who would become Catherine the Great, was born the daughter of a minor German prince. During her dull and suffocating childhood, few would have predicted her meteoric rise to power. But even in those early years there was a spark within her, an ambition and desire that could not be quenched or smothered by her uneventful upbringing.

This spark would carry Sophie to Russia, where she would meet the Empress Elizabeth and Peter of Holstein-Gottorp. Peter was to be her husband, though the two shared no love for one another. Elizabeth, however, was taken with the Princess’ boundless dedication and enthusiasm. Sophie would deny herself rest to immerse herself in the language and culture of her new home, at one point even becoming quite ill. It was during this time that she converted to the Orthodox faith and took on the name Catherine. The spark that had burned quietly within Sophie became a brilliant flame in Catherine, her ambition finding its true desire in the glittering jewels of the crown.

Catherine and Peter were married, and the ambitious young woman finally had her crown… but perhaps the not crown she truly desired. Peter quickly ruined his reputation as Emperor, as well as his relationship with Catherine. A deep disgust flourished within the Empress, but not because of her husband’s personal failings, no, those she had learned to endure. Her true disgust came from Peter’s utter disrespect for his own position as a ruler. Catherine had thrown herself wholeheartedly into understanding Russia. She had constructed an ideal of the perfect ruler in her head, shaped from endless study of philosophy and the machinations of her own imagination. She had shaped a dream for herself, and yet Peter saw fit to besmirch it. The thought would eventually occur to her: If Peter will not respect his position, then why should I? Why should anyone? Whispers abounded. The people had already grown tired of their belligerent ruler. Nobles spoke of deposing Peter. Catherine heard these whispers, and set herself to the task of shaping them in her favor. Peter was doomed to overlook the warning signs until the end. Catherine would be crowned to thunderous applause, a beloved usurper and an absolute autocrat. Peter, crownless, would die shortly thereafter in a tragic misunderstanding.

With the Imperial Crown on her head at last, Catherine set to work making herself into the “perfect ruler”. Such a thing was, of course, impossible. The Empress would struggle to balance her ideals with her ambition. She would make innumerable mistakes… but her mistakes were not to define her. Russia expanded greatly under Catherine’s reign, not just in territory but in matters of culture, art, and education as well. Philosophers lauded her as “The Semiramis of the North”. Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst had her crown, and with it she was destined to become Catherine the Great, one of the greatest rulers Russia had ever known.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Whoever wins the Grail War, the Home Owners Association of Boston loses.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Alrighty, here's Rider boiz

Rider

True Name
Catherine the Great

Appearance

Appearance

Class
Rider

Alignment
"Lawful Good"

Stats

Strength:D
Endurance:D
Agility:C
Magical Energy:B+
Luck:A

Class Skills

Riding C+
Rider is capable maneuvering most mundane animals and vehicles without problem. She is incapable of riding Phantasmal or Divine Beasts, and extremely complicated modern vehicles might prove difficult. Rider can temporarily increase her riding ability through the use of Autocrat’s Privilege.

Item Creation D+
Ordinarily a skill of the Caster class, Rider has replaced the Magic Resistance of her own class with one more suited to her ability. This skill allows Rider to create the weapons that expanded the territory of the Russian Empire, ranging from swords and firearms to cannon and ships. In addition, it can produce various pleasantries, oddities, and even a host of spectacular outfits!

Personal Skills

Charisma A
It was Catherine’s way with words that elevated her from inconsequential German princess to Empress of the Russian Empire. Her ability to maneuver flawlessly through social situations allowed her not only to take her throne, but to keep it. This incredible social ability has coalesced into a powerful skill that causes her will to radiate onto those around her. She appears well-spoken, confident, and beautiful to those who hear her speak, and has a remarkable ability to inspire those who believe in her.

Catherine’s reign was not without its problems, rather, it was rife with them, but she persevered through them, maintaining an astounding sense of composure. Even in the darkest periods of her rule she strove to style herself as a perfect queen. Her charisma is unyielding, and one would be hard pressed to find an opponent who could match her in a war of words.

"Power without a nation's confidence is nothing."

Autocrat’s Privilege B+
A variant of Imperial Privilege borne from Rider’s mental image of the absolute autocrat. In life, the Empress threw herself into matters of a wide assortment to better herself as a ruler. This ability allows Catherine to temporarily gain expertise in skills that she ordinarily would not have access to.

In terms of martial matters, Catherine can access knowledge regarding Strategy, Riding, Marksmanship and Swordplay.

Because of her interest in matters of the court, Rider also has access to Eye for Art,History, Golden Rule, and a host of philosophical knowledge.

It should be noted that while the abilities gained from this skill grant a certain level of expertise, the confidence they grant Catherine in her ability to execute them is immeasurable.

“God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.”

Favored of the Empress C+
During her rule, Catherine took a number of lovers. These men, Catherine’s favorites, quickly found their stations heavily elevated, being granted wealth and power they likely would’ve otherwise never known. This favoritism has crystallized as a skill that allows her to bestow blessings upon a chosen ally.

Rider’s Favorite is granted a powerful boon to their physical abilities, making even an average person capable of incredible things. She can grant this blessing only to a single individual at a time, and can revoke it at will. In addition, while within the territory of Rider’s Noble Phantasm they gain access to a lesser version of Autocrat’s Privilege.

“I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.”

Innocent Monster E-
Despite her best efforts, Rider was no perfect ruler, and in the years after her death her failures and atrocities were inflated to a level of prominence that threatened to eclipse her achievements. To many, she became an icon for licentiousness and excess, to others a hypocritical tyrant masquerading as an “‘Enlightened” ruler. In her own mind, Catherine did the best she could to style herself as a perfect Empress. As such, if someone mentions the criticisms of her rule, or, more particularly, the dreadful rumors about her personal life, she is likely to become deeply offended. Such talk might even overcome her royal composure…

“You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.”

Weapons
Cavalry Saber, Flintlock Firearms, Cannon, Artillery

Noble Phantasms

Zimniy Dvorets
Throne of Winter/The Dream of Empire

C+

Fortress

This Noble Phantasm constructs a replica of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, the seat from which Catherine ruled for most of her reign. The palace stands as a monument to the might of the Russian Empire, a gleaming emblem of yellow and white, with glittering gold appointments. The palace itself is massive, covering roughly 60,000 square meters, and requires a large amount of magical energy to create. The interior of the palace is lavishly decorated, an extravagant testament to the wealth of Imperial Russia.

The palace was not only Catherine’s royal seat, but her refuge. As such, the interior of the palace creates a sanctuary for Rider and her allies. A constant healing aura permeates the palace, rapidly mending the wounds of those who reside within. This healing is by no means instant, but is powerful enough to repair even potentially fatal wounds within a day. The benefits of Autocrat’s Privilege are greatly boosted within the walls of the Winter Palace.

The territory upon which Zimniy Dvorets is deployed is immediately considered Russian territory, and its latent magical energy is drawn into the palace. Rider can expand this territory given ample time and focus. As such, the larger the territory grows, the more magical energy the palace draws in. The boost to Autocrat’s Privilege remains on the outside territory, though the healing aura is limited to the palace itself.

While Zimniy Dvorets is active, the palace and its surrounding territory experience a constant, light snowfall, regardless of the climate into which it is summoned.

“I have no way to defend my borders but to extend them.”

Korona Vechnosti
Resolution of the Tsars

A++

Anti-Unit(Self)

A Noble Phantasm borne from the amalgamated wills of all Russian monarchs, Korona Vechnosti embodies the unshakable fortitude necessary to declare oneself an absolute sovereign. The tsars ruled over an unwieldy expanse of territory while facing the horrors of war and rebellion, all the while retaining their supremacy. This Noble Phantasm crystallizes that stubborn, unbending audacity into a shape symbolizing the right to rule: a great crown. The head that wears the crown bears a heavy weight indeed, and there are few worthy to wear it. For those who can bear this burden however, it grants immeasurable power and a connection to a dynasty hellbent on the absolute authority of its own will.

From her earliest years, the symbol of the crown glittered brilliantly in Catherine’s dreams, and she became possessed by the singular need to make herself worthy of it. Rider immersed herself in a culture that was not her own, and threw herself wholeheartedly into the task of learning and accumulating the knowledge she would need to bear the title of Empress. This effort, however, was not enough to claim the crown on its own. No, all her efforts would’ve been for naught if not for the spark that drew her to the allure of the crown in the first place: ambition. Born without a single drop of Romanov blood, it was Catherine’s ambition that led her to vy for her husband’s crown, and it was this ambition that would allow her to claim it. While she had no blood-right to the throne, her ambition and iron-clad determination would carry her into the ranks of the tsars. So it was that a foreign-born princess came to be Empress of Russia, shouldering the weight of a title and dynasty that few could bear. The crown that was placed upon her head was new, the blood the flowed through her veins was foreign, but her will alone marked her among the ranks of the tsars.

When the true name of the crown is declared, Rider calls upon the force of not only her own will, but the collective willpower of every tsar that preceded her. Their names, histories, and legends coalesce with her own, if only for a single moment, into the steely image of the absolute sovereign of Russia. In that moment, the tsaritsa becomes a symbol of absolute authority. The resolution of the tsars is given physical form in the body of the one with the right to wield it, and she becomes the image the tsars created within their own minds: the invincible sovereign, untouchable and immovable. In the few moments that Korona Vechnosti is active, Rider’s body is invulnerable to nearly all manner of attacks, a denial of the possibility that the will of the tsars could be challenged. If used in defense of territory or subjects designated as “Russian” by Rider, the power of Korona Vechnosti is increased, with usage within the territory of Zimniy Dvorets granting it an absolute defense against all but the most powerful attacks. The deployment of this Noble Phantasm requires an incredible amount of magical energy, and it is not to be used lightly.

“The title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head then like a tune, and has been running a lot in it ever since.”

Personality
Bold, beautiful, and charismatic, Rider carries herself with the utmost poise and grace… or at least that is what she would have you believe. In truth, Rider’s practiced, regal demeanor is a bit of a facade, a visage manufactured to give off the appearance of the “perfect ruler”. When she is not portraying herself as such, Catherine is very easily drawn in by her own whims. She has a deep love for spectacle, whatever form it might take, and is easily fascinated by art and fashion. If she has the option, she prefers to make herself the center of attention, relishing in the acknowledgement of others. The thought of being unpopular or disliked is an unsettling prospect to Rider, and she tries her best to draw the admiration and praise of those around her. While she tries her best to be likable, there are limits to her kindness. Slanderous talk and other callous disrespect is met with the methodical cruelty of a tyrant, though after the deed is done she has no problem returning to her ordinary gleeful self. Prone to excess and jealousy, any Master willing to summon the Empress will certainly struggle with the more extravagant parts of her personality. Those capable of overcoming Catherine’s difficult side, however, will be rewarded with an unwavering loyalty and dedication.

Legend
Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, the girl who would become Catherine the Great, was born the daughter of a minor German prince. During her dull and suffocating childhood, few would have predicted her meteoric rise to power. But even in those early years there was a spark within her, an ambition and desire that could not be quenched or smothered by her uneventful upbringing.

This spark would carry Sophie to Russia, where she would meet the Empress Elizabeth and Peter of Holstein-Gottorp. Peter was to be her husband, though the two shared no love for one another. Elizabeth, however, was taken with the Princess’ boundless dedication and enthusiasm. Sophie would deny herself rest to immerse herself in the language and culture of her new home, at one point even becoming quite ill. It was during this time that she converted to the Orthodox faith and took on the name Catherine. The spark that had burned quietly within Sophie became a brilliant flame in Catherine, her ambition finding its true desire in the glittering jewels of the crown.

Catherine and Peter were married, and the ambitious young woman finally had her crown… but perhaps the not crown she truly desired. Peter quickly ruined his reputation as Emperor, as well as his relationship with Catherine. A deep disgust flourished within the Empress, but not because of her husband’s personal failings, no, those she had learned to endure. Her true disgust came from Peter’s utter disrespect for his own position as a ruler. Catherine had thrown herself wholeheartedly into understanding Russia. She had constructed an ideal of the perfect ruler in her head, shaped from endless study of philosophy and the machinations of her own imagination. She had shaped a dream for herself, and yet Peter saw fit to besmirch it. The thought would eventually occur to her: If Peter will not respect his position, then why should I? Why should anyone? Whispers abounded. The people had already grown tired of their belligerent ruler. Nobles spoke of deposing Peter. Catherine heard these whispers, and set herself to the task of shaping them in her favor. Peter was doomed to overlook the warning signs until the end. Catherine would be crowned to thunderous applause, a beloved usurper and an absolute autocrat. Peter, crownless, would die shortly thereafter in a tragic misunderstanding.

With the Imperial Crown on her head at last, Catherine set to work making herself into the “perfect ruler”. Such a thing was, of course, impossible. The Empress would struggle to balance her ideals with her ambition. She would make innumerable mistakes… but her mistakes were not to define her. Russia expanded greatly under Catherine’s reign, not just in territory but in matters of culture, art, and education as well. Philosophers lauded her as “The Semiramis of the North”. Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst had her crown, and with it she was destined to become Catherine the Great, one of the greatest rulers Russia had ever known.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Howdy everybody! I’m gonna try to post Rider’s Character sheet later tonight.

Fate/Secondary Genesis

Present and accounted for.

(Also probably shooting for the Rider spot)

Fate/Empty Providence

@Moonlit Sonata

Isn't expecting someone to know that the burst movement speed of a Servant outranks the speed of a Phantasmal beast a bit extreme though? It seems like a minute detail, especially when there's no real way to have known the speed with which NAGATO's attack came out. I'm not trying to be argumentative or anything, it just didn't seem obvious to me that the action taken to avoid the attack wasn't a viable way of dodging it.

Fate/Empty Providence

@Beloss So you're saying we just need a whole bunch of pigs

Fate/Empty Providence

Ernest LaCreux

Eastern Field, Group B

Who could've predicted the sudden attack? Even Ruler only got his warning out seconds before impact. Still, in that second, something screamed within Ernest. A primal wish for survival, a fire in his nerves that shouted “MOVE NOW!” Without thinking, without understanding the situation, and certainly without trying to formulate a plan, the necromancer threw himself backward, feeling the gust of the impact slam into his body and send him rolling backward. The sheer force of the impact felt like it might have broken a rib or two. The magus could barely make out anything over the ringing in his ears as he forced himself to his feet, bracing himself with his cane and looking upon the monstrous contraption that had descended upon them. A golem? No. It was more like a living fortress. Ernest backed away, the gale whipping at his suit.

Think Ernest, think. The roar of the win made it difficult to hear even his own thoughts, much less those around him. Against something so impregnable, there was probably little he could do, but perhaps the Servants could find a way through... even that seemed unlikely, but maybe not impossible. “Chi-You!” He backed further away, placing himself behind his Servant. “Whatever that thing is, it can't be completely impenetrable, we just have to find a weak point.” The magus continued stepping back from the impossible monster. “And Chi-You, don't hold back.” The castle pulled back its towers for another attack. “Shit.” Ernest turned, running as fast as he could, trusting Chi-You to handle herself. As the wind off of the second attack knocked Ernest to his knees, he looked back toward the castle. “It's trying to separate us then.” The magus realized he had just wholly cooperated with the construct's battle plan, but it wasn't as if he had anything to contribute to the battle, other than perhaps healing.

Having avoided the second swing, Ernest shouted again into the wind. “Aim for the joints!” It couldn't move without joints, right? Frankly, Ernest was concerned as to whether or not logic even applied to the titan. If it did, though, the joints would be the weakest points, but with how that thing was able to reshape itself, there was a chance that the only opportunity to hit those joints was when it attacked, and a single blow from that thing was likely enough to incapacitate a Servant.