Yankee

Fate/『 』Märchen

Master: Mercedes

???, Tokyo | Night

A brisk wind swept low through a lonesome street in the center of Tokyo. The few people on the side walk shivered and wrapped their coats tighter around themselves, walking by without a second glance at a particular red haired woman. She sat at a small outdoor table, alone, enjoying the bite of winter wind. She brought a small cup to her lips, slowly sipping hot tea with a pleased expression on her face.

Yes, Mercedes certainly had a lot to be pleased about.

Least of all how delicious this cafe's tea was. She savored it as she thought over the events of the last few days. Her latest mission had gone very well. The target was a man who'd grown disillusioned with the Clocktower and the Mage's Association in general. Apparently he had fled after promising the destruction of several dozen colleagues - and some feared he had the power to enact said destruction. After being sent to the Eastern nation in pursuit of the disgraced magus, she'd cornered him in a rather nice hotel. Mercedes had been prepared for anything, and expected to have to deal with the guy ruthlessly, as the vengeful types were usually the worst to deal with in her experience. It came as a pleasant surprise that the would-be 'destroyer of mage society' had eaten himself full of junk food as his ego deflated as a result of his lack of a plan. He was a superior magus, that much was certain, but it seemed that he lacked in future sight department. A second son, with a wealth of magic power and the circuits to use them, but not the willpower! Well, it worked out for Mercedes. The scene almost became comical when the man cried on her shoulder.

Mercedes consoled the man and sent him back to Clocktower - with a little something she'd slipped on his person to make sure he followed through. She expected he would, though. Now finding herself with much more free time than anticipated, she'd decided to make a mini-holiday of the rest of her time in the lovely cities of Japan. That's when it happened: a gut feeling, a surge of distant magic... a brand new mark on her body.

Mercedes stood, finishing the last of her tea and placing the cup back down on the table before making her way down the chilly street. The bright lights of the city seemed to illuminate every street, even the quiet, out of the way one she currently walked. The soon-to-be master felt light headed with... emotion. Surprise, elation, anticipation, fear, hope, curiosity. They all rushed in and out of her heart. What she was most though was excited. For whatever reason, the Holy Grail had chosen her to become a master in the latest war. What were the chances of that? She had never expected, nor intended, to ever participate in a Grail War - yet her she was.

The red head stopped in front of an unassuming building, much taller than it was wide. She stepped over the property's threshold, feeling the bristle of her bounded field as she passed it. After a quick glance to make sure the runes making up the field were holding up, she ventured quickly inside. Once the door was shut behind her, she left her hand up to her face. She admired the bold red command spells etched into her skin, not for the first time today. A grin made it's way onto her face, and she moved upstairs with a purpose. It was about time to summon her servant.

'I never was good at summoning magicks, but let's give it a shot,' she thought to herself as she drew out a magic circle, taking her time as not to commit some grave error. She had no catalyst, but that's just the way she preferred it. She got her command spells by chance, why not leave the summoning up to fate as well? After the circle was complete, she lit a few candles and sat down on the floor. She withdrew a deck of cards from the pouch on her waist and idly shuffled them, considering an incantation.

'I suppose the words don't matter much,' she concludes. Maybe out of habit, maybe out of nerves, she stops her shuffle and pulls several cards from the top of the deck and places them face down on the ground in front of her. Flipping them over one by one, she can only laugh and shake her head at the result. Six of clubs: go with your gut. Ace of hearts: a new relationship will begin. Eight of spades: an important decision will have to made.

"Okay," she chuckles, and moves to her feet. Placing her hand out in front of her with her palm facing the magic circle, she closes her eyes. Heart beating, she begins the ritual.

"Thy essence is silver, and iron.
Thy foundation is stone, and of noble rank.
Construct a gate against wind.
Travel now the branching road.
Come out from under under the Throne.
Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up..."

As she chanted, Mercedes could feel the pull of her mana. It seemed to be working. She didn't let the revelation distract her, continuing the incantation until the end. She opened her eyes and called out.

"Come forth, my servant!"

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

Belisendé
Evening | Stables | Garleton, Lothian Empire

Belisendé stared hard at the bandit, as if she could somehow will him into ceasing his assault of the poor woman. As the cacophony of the chaos grew louder and louder around her, the panicked mind in Bel's head grew quieter and quieter, narrowing down to a single thought. No one was going to come and help this woman, it was up to her. She could do this. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this I can do this I can do this IcandothisIcandothisIcandothisIcan-- She felt fear slowly gripping her, ceasing her hand, and she wished for the strength to shoot. Before she was totally petrified, a single noise made it's way through to her: the clop of hooves on cobblestone, coming closer. The town and all it's fury came back to her with a rush, and the scene in front of her had hardly changed. The woman sobbed and by chance turned her way. She met eyes with Bel, and the hopeful recruit was struck by the pleading look on her face. She was reinvigorated by the woman's silent cry for help and the knowledge that her loyal stead was on his way. Bel silently loosed her arrow at the place she thought would end this sad scene as swiftly as possible: the bandit's oblivious head.

_________________________ Status: Alive & Panicking Class: Squire Inventory: Iron Bow Vulnerary Stats END: E STR: E MAG: D DEX: C SPD: D DEF: E RES: D LCK: C Supports N/A

Fate/『 』Märchen

Okay, as far as master relations I was thinking something like this for Mercedes?

@Duoya If Daisuke hold such potential for familiars and was left to his own devices, the Clocktower may be keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn't manifest the power to summon servants at will? In that case Mercedes would at the very least know of him.

@heroic2019 Of course she would know of the famous Sekimoto Family. Enforcers surely would want the best of the best mystic codes for their work, perhaps Mercedes' cloak was even commissioned to her? Or at the very least from her department. Mercedes would probably frequent the department, and they may be passing acquaintances that trade banter every now and then.

@KoL Alex's views on mage society are similar to Mercedes' own, and Mercedes is rather fond of younger people and if they ever bumped into each other while they were both at the Clock Tower, I'm sure Mercedes would have struck up a conversation with her, probably on multiple occasions. Alex probably reminds Mercedes of her own younger sister (something I left off the CS because it wasn't relevant and I didn't want to go over the 2 paragraph limit). And then if finding out her true age, well, they might have become friends.

@Reflection Vlad being a regular staff member at Clocktower, Mercedes might have seen him around when she returns to it. She would most likely be very interested in his family history and his golem research, since it seems so pure hearted. She probably would have tried to make conversation with him.

Also people can feel free to PM or message me on discord for deeper planning or anything like that I am very receptive and like to tell a story through RP, I'm not worried about Mercedes winning or anything, if it happens it happens :P

Fate/『 』Märchen

The talk of deeper relationships between masters is great, I would be really interested in that and tomorrow when I have more time I'm going to reread the whole conversation so I can actually pitch in.

Fate/『 』Märchen

Mercedes Palma Fomonar

"Come on, it's all or nothing."

Name: Mercedes Palma Fomonar
Rank: Fes
Age: 27
Background:
Hailing from Western Europe, Mercedes is a tall and physically fit woman with an incredible poker face. Although she has a usually cheerful disposition, when it matters it is impossible to read her thoughts or emotions on her face. This is a skill she makes frequent use of, both during recreation and work related matters.
Mercedes is what is known as an Enforcer - on orders from the Clock Tower Headquarters in London, she travels the world to investigate allegations of any magi that may (either accidentally or maliciously) reveal the existence of magecraft to the non-magus populace. At the conclusion of her investigation, if it is decided that the threat of the exposure is too great, at times it is also her job to arrest or otherwise put that magus down if the proper magical authorities can't make it in time. Though the nature of her work focuses only on exposure of magecraft and that alone, Mercedes has been known to take matters into her own hands during investigations if the magus has been dealing in particularly nasty business. This has earned her a reputation as unreliable, preventing her from being tasked with going after high profile magi with sealing designations or other more important figures. Still, she remains one of the Association's best Enforcers in terms of skill.

When she isn't working, Mercedes enjoys sampling the local food and alcohol of all the places she's sent to. She loves talking with people of different cultures, and in particular - young magi. Mercedes cares little for the stilted hierarchy of the Mage's Association, and hearing about how the next generations of magi are shaping up and bucking the system delights her. More than all of the above though, her true passion is gambling. Games of skill are fun, but games of chance are where the real excitement happens. She is well versed in dozens of types of card and dice games and enjoys playing them regardless of wagers - she will also bet on almost anything, if asked. She has spent so much time gambling that her magecraft has evolved through the years to compensate for her penchant of placing herself in situations of 'uncertainty.'

Mercedes receives her command spells by chance after just finishing an assignment in Japan, much to her delight.

Magecraft:
Though not a particularly notable magus family, the Fomonar bloodline does hold a magic crest. The crest is supplied only with mana and the most basic spells, only serving to strengthen it's bearer instead of provide them with access to any lost arts. The crest is inscribed on her sternum just below her breasts.

Mercedes' method of magecraft is runic - though not the most popular choice, it was the type she resonated most with as a developing magus. She knows a variety of runes from elemental ones to healing ones. Because she doesn't specialize in any particular area of runic magecraft, none of her individual runes are very powerful. For example, her healing rune only amounts to basic first aid and stabilization, and wouldn't be able to heal a mortal wound. Her battling style involves backing her opponent into a corner with strategic and concentrated low power attacks before finishing them off with a blow to their weak point. In a pinch she can also inscribe runes directly onto her body to increase her physical skills.

Besides this, Mercedes has developed considerable skill in divination, especially in regards to cartomancy. She uses this ability more as a hobby, but takes the result of her divination seriously when it pertains to her missions.

Mystic Codes:
Fomonar Brooch
A simple brooch bearing the symbol of the Fomonar family. It has been charged with a significant amount of mana. In an emergency, it can be crushed to replenish the user's magic circuits , vitality, and stamina by some amount. It's effects can be gained by anyone who crushes it, it is not limited to Mercedes.
Cloak of Anti-Magic
A heavy coat woven with mana absorbing fibers and enchanted with magecraft. The fabric extinguishes all instant and single action spells, protecting the wearer from harm. It is especially useful for protecting one's back. It is limited to modern spells and can't protect against curses, Age of Gods level spells or True Magic. Mercedes wears it over her shoulders more like a cape than a coat.
Engraved Deck Case
An intricate case for holding cards in, it has been etched with magic runes for the purpose of instantly charging any item placed inside with mana, allowing them to be quickly enchanted with spells. Mercedes' uses it to carry her preferred method of divination: a standard 52 card French playing deck. In addition to being used as quick and dirty spell containers, any card charged with mana cannot be destroyed by conventional means (they can be destroyed with magecraft or magic). Though their main use (besides divination and games) is to act as spell containers, their toughness can be utilized in many ways, such as cutting things or deflecting non-magical attacks. Because some of Mercedes' mana is in each card, she always knows the location of them, and they can be also used as makeshift tracking devices.

Misc/Trivia:
- She despises those magi that participate in human experimentation
- The one thing she won't gamble over is another person's life, though she's gambled her own plenty of times in the past.
- She's secretly always wanted an apprentice, even though she's not a great teacher

Special Boon:
Mystic Eyes of Projection
Mystic eyes with the power to use magecraft at a distance. For Mercedes', a rune user, this means conjuring runes without the need to draw them. Mercedes' forged these mystic eyes in order to better keep herself alive during her assignments. Anything she focuses on with her eyes can be inscribed with a rune. With enough focus, this can also include targets with certain levels of magic resistance. Because she was not born with these mystic eyes, extended use of them takes a heavy toll on both her magic circuits and her eyesight. She will use them when she needs to but prefers not to reveal this trump card unless necessary, especially in drawn out battles.

Fate/『 』Märchen

@Parallel Hearts Oops, didn't mean for it to come off like that! If I rewrite it to specify the level of spell it can block (instant and single use as you've stated), will that be alright?

Fate/『 』Märchen

@Parallel Hearts
Alright, sorry to bug you but just wanted to get an okay for these changes:

Hider

• Added a small healing effect to the Fomonar Brooch Mystic Code
• Changed the playing card mystic code into a deck box, see full details below (1)
• Added a completely new protective mystic code, see full details below (2)
• Mentioned her runic body effect in the magecraft section and changed her special boon to a low level mystic eyes, full details below but it's basically heroic's suggestion to a T. (3)
  
  
  (1) Deck Box

  An intricate case for holding cards in, it has been etched with magic runes for the purpose of instantly charging any item placed inside with mana, allowing them to be quickly enchanted with spells. Mercedes' uses it to carry her preferred method of divination: a standard 52 card French playing deck. In addition to being used as quick and dirty spell containers, any card charged with mana cannot be destroyed by conventional means (they can be destroyed with magecraft or magic). Though their main use (besides divination and games) is to act as spell containers, their toughness can be utilized in many ways, such as cutting things or deflecting non-magical attacks. Because some of Mercedes' mana is in each card, she always knows the location of them, and they can be also used as makeshift tracking devices.
  
  
  (2) New Mystic Code

  Cloak of Anti-Magic
  A heavy coat woven with mana absorbing fibers and enchanted with magecraft. The fabric extinguishes most projectile spells, protecting the wearer from harm. It is especially useful for protecting one's back. It is limited to modern spells and can't protect against curses, Age of Gods level spells or True Magic. Mercedes wears it over her shoulders more like a cape than a coat.
  
  
  (3) Mystic Eyes

  Mystic Eyes of Projection
  Mystic eyes with the power to use magecraft at a distance. For Mercedes', a rune user, this means conjuring runes without the need to draw them. Mercedes' forged these mystic eyes in order to better keep herself alive during her assignments. Anything she focuses on with her eyes can be inscribed with a rune. With enough focus, this can also include targets with certain levels of magic resistance. Because she was not born with these mystic eyes, extended use of them takes a heavy toll on both her magic circuits and her eyesight. She will use them when she needs to but prefers not to reveal this trump card unless necessary, especially in drawn out battles.

If the cloak mystic code is approved I would expect someone like Yuriko to be easily able to find any flaws in it to disable or destroy it.

Fate/『 』Märchen

I'm still reworking Mercedes' CS a little with the kind suggestions everyone gave me~ if not tonight it will definitely be up by tomorrow. I just want all the changes to be approved before I post her in the characters tab, even though her base sheet was already approved.

@King Cosmos Actually, Actaeon was one of the servants I was most interested to have Mercedes team up with! The other being Ilya. I was hoping to have a complementary personality, so either someone rowdy or melancholy - and I do like the idea of Mercedes summoning an Archer, especially as I am writing up her long range changes. I would love to pair up!

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

Belisendé
Evening | Plaza | Garleton, Lothian Empire

At sunset, Bel found herself idly wandering the town of Garleton, her nerves alight and too wound up to even hope to sleep. It had been an exhausting day. Making the trek to a new town, experiencing new things, and being accepted as a potential recruit - though nothing had been made official as of yet - it tired her out. More than that, however, was the thought of sleeping in a camp or barracks. The young woman sighed. Wasn't she trying to become a soldier? She would have to get used to it. She'd been staying in inns and rented tavern rooms during her journey here, though she knew eventually that would come to an end. Nothing beats a plush bed though... he thought to herself. As she strolled about she looked over the gathered soldiers in the plaza, camping out and making conversation with each other. She had no wish to join them, not right now anyway. She continued on, moving away from the central part of the city. She was alone right now, having left her horse behind at the town's stables. Though it pained her to do so, bringing him around everywhere in such a crowded little town wasn't feasible. She her bow with her though, and the small pack she'd taken when she left home - she felt better having something familiar close to her. She walks down narrow street paths, running her hand along the brick walls and thinking everything over from the past couple of weeks. Leaving home, on her own, trying to better herself and struggling to do it... but also meeting the common folk to the empire, seeing the countryside in a new light - not to mention getting to hear Prince Alnard's rousing speech firsthand only a few hours ago. As she came to the alley's exit, she stopped just outside of the more open area it led to. She should probably be getting back to the castle and at least try and get some shut eye, especially if they were to be properly tested and accepted into the Imperial Army tomorrow. Just as Bel determined the direction she should take and turned to retrace her steps, the harsh whooshing sound of something sailing through the air reached her ears. Whatever it was landed with such force that it exploded, and nearby - Bel could feel the tremor of it and feel the heat of the fire, even mostly protected in the alleyway where she was. There was something else too, like the particular feeling of magic in the air. Had the explosion been a magical one? Bel spun around once again, facing the open area and now seeing the damage for herself. She was frozen in shock - before the sound of people finally shook her out of it. People screaming and crying, and calling out orders to evacuate. Evacuate... yes, evacuate! Guardsmen appeared to usher people in the direction of the castle, and Bel was about to join them when she suddenly remembered something very important: Sunbeam. She dashed off in the direction of the stables, as fast as her legs would carry her. The horses would have been spooked for sure by that huge explosion, including Sunbeam. He had an aggressive nature, yes, but he was still just a horse - and not even one properly trained for war. As she got closer to the tables she let out a shrill whistle that would summon Sunbeam to her if someone had opened the stable doors, or the building was otherwise damaged in the chaos. Almost there! She thought - then, a nearby shriek stopped her dead in her tracks. An armed man was attempting to wrench something from a woman's grip, though she held on fiercely. Who was he? Why was he doing this? A thief, trying to profit even during a situation like this? "Stop it!" Belisendé called out, but the noise of the town drowned her out and the would-be thief was preoccupied. The woman sobbed as she clung to what looked like something glittering - a family heirloom maybe? Either way, the man's actions were unacceptable. Bel hesitated, wondering where the closest guardsman was or if it was even worth it to--- Wait a minute, wasn't she trying to become a soldier? The thought rose to the front of her mind again and she approached the fighting pair. "HEY!!" she shouted, leveling her bow at the man. This time she got his attention.

_________________________ Status: Alive & Panicking Class: Squire Inventory: Iron Bow Vulnerary Stats END: E STR: E MAG: D DEX: C SPD: D DEF: E RES: D LCK: C Supports N/A

Fate/『 』Märchen

Mystic eyes aren't all that rare. It's more about the level of mystic eyes that determines if it's something rare or not. Stuff like the basic sort are manufactureable. Things on the ranking of Jewels are a big deal. But there's plenty of in-between and go for whatever is my advice.

@Yukitamas

Oops, post fail. Anyway I suppose you're right, and I do like heroics' long range suggestion. I think I will take you guys' advice indeed, thank you