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You are Alberich: knight, serial killer, familiar to two magi, dubiously related to the gods, and now a kidnapper. You've just captured your most hated enemy, and look forward to a thorough resolution of your resentment.
On the night of Wednesday, November 13, 2019, you found yourself in a dimly lit stone basement, standing in the middle of a magic circle. You had been summoned as a Servant, a legendary warrior contracted after their death to fight alongside a magus for the Holy Grail, their existence sustained by the mystic energy of their summoner. In your case, however, you were conned by Judas Iscariot into taking his place despite not being a legendary warrior. At least his magic empowered you enough to fill the role.
After spending a few days learning about the Holy Grail War and your surroundings, you and your Master, Jean-Pierre Vaisset, had your first skirmish with the enemy: a complete defeat. The enemy Servant outclassed you utterly, and the only reason you survived was that her Master ordered her to retreat once he'd killed Vaisset.
In the wake of Vaisset's death, you became contracted to his younger sister. The two of you have faired better, in large part due to her ability to transfer a portion of the power held by the foes you've slain to you.
In the war since, many things have happened. You slew one Servant, grew stronger by his death, and fled from another. You learned the truth that you were never human, but an artificial hero created by Judas. You discovered that there were two other artificial heroes created like yourself, and that they were your old comrades. You've been forced to the betray the first people you had considered allies in this Holy Grail War, and the betrayal ended in a stalemate. You ended up wounded and your new enemies beating a successful retreat.
After a day of rest and recovery in the company of your new ally, the snow-white magus princess Liliesviel von Einzbern, you set out again to hunt the enemy. Although you sought Archer, you were waylaid by a skirmish with your estranged brother and a confrontation with the Servant who handed you your humiliating first defeat: the hated female Saber.
None of your experiences have changed your goal. Whether or not your life has been by the design of another, and regardless of who stands in your way, there is only one path before you. You will take the Holy Grail, and with it your survival, with your own hands.
Four Servants remain to fall by your sword.

Previous thread:
>>3801069


Suptg Archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Sweets-Loving%20QM

Status Information:
https://pastebin.com/qsKX4p5b
>>
"That sounds ideal, thank you. The bonds I use are rather energy-intensive, and as you can see, after all, and with Miss Ayaka in uncertain condition I would rather not strain her further." Up until now, you've been ignoring the issue of what happened to your Master in order to focus on the pressing issue of getting home, but now that you're out on the road it returns to your mind. Just as the mundanes in the office building were, she's fallen unconscious. Could she have been the victim of some spell of Harris'? After a moment of thought, you continue, "Did you happen to see what Harris did to her? If there could be long-term effects, or this is some sort of curse..." You leave the consequences unsaid.

"Oh, that. You needn't... be so concerned, Ani-ue," Kōrakuhime replies with a shake of her head. "I... briefly examined her, while you were... conveying the two to our vehicle. Your... Master is only suffering from exhaustion, triggered... by overuse of her magic circuits. It could be... dangerous if you were to continue before... she has had a chance to recover, but at the moment... there will be no damage."

"I see." Without thinking you let out a sigh, one more source of worry removed from your shoulders. "That certainly is a relief. Thank you, Kōrakuhime."

"Of course," comes the soft answer. "It was... but a trifling thing to... do."

For a while, you drive in silence, retracing the route you took on the way to your planned battle with Archer. As you pass the commercial avenues, you notice that the late-night pedestrians mostly seem to have gone home by now. It's only eleven, but you suppose it would be strange for large groups of people to stay out later on a weeknight. Many of the brightly sparkling shops have dimmed their windows and closed their doors, while those who do cater to the later customers sit largely empty, waiting for the wanderers without morning obligations. Soon enough, though, you leave the commercial zone behind and return to the suburbs, where your drive comes to an end as you pull back into the welcoming enclosure of the manor's garage.

"Can you carry that other Saber down to the basement?" You gesture to the unconscious blonde as you get out of the car, walking around to Ayaka's side yourself and picking her up. "I'll be putting Miss Ayaka to bed, and I assume you'd like to begin sealing that girl off as quickly as possible."

"Certainly. We have no... idea how long she will remain conveniently sleeping, after... all," Kōrakuhime says, and as she opens the rear door the other Saber slumps half out of the car, as if to punctuate the point. The sleeping girl shows no sign of noticing her plight, beyond a soft, "mnya..."
>>
Looking at the girl as one might examine a particularly unpleasant bag of trash to be removed, your sister produces a talisman and conjures a cushion of wind to carry the other Servant and relieve her of the burden of manual labor. Once the sleeping girl has been wafted out of the car, Kōrakuhime stalks off out of the garage, your prisoner floating along behind her. You pick Ayaka up by more mundane means, slinging her over your shoulder as before and making your own way back to her room. She must be exhausted indeed, as neither your rough treatment in carrying her nor the shift of being dumped on top of her bed causes your Master to stir. For a moment you consider changing her into her nightgown, but upon the realization that you'd have to search through the girl's closet to find it you dismiss the notion as too much trouble. You slip off her shoes, ensuring they haven't touched anything indoors, and leave her to do the rest when she awakens.

With that, you turn and make your way down to the basement, the former workshop of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. As you descend the lowest flight of stairs, the stone ones disconnected from the others in the house, it occurs to you what a perfect prison the area is. It's all stone down there, a set of impenetrable cubic rooms linked by narrow corridors and connected to the surface only by this single steep flight of steps. Perhaps, before the Vaisset and Shijou families merged to require two workshops, this house's former owners did use the basement as a dungeon.

No point in speculating on that now, you think as you enter the main room, where you were first summoned. It will be a prison now, whatever it was once. Not this room, however; there's no sign of your sister, only Vaisset's abandoned books and tools. Moving on, then, you head right and begin going down the hallway connecting to the other basement rooms. The second room, the larger area you used for sparring practice accessible by a second right turn, is similarly empty; as is the third room, a smaller chamber filled with unmarked crates whose entrance is across the hall from that of the second. Only in the fourth room, the second on the right in the basement hall, do you find Kōrakuhime. You almost run into her, in fact, as she opens the door in your face to make her exit.

"Oh!" She lets out a startled gasp, suddenly finding you there. "Ani-ue! I was just... going to look for you. I have finished placing a seal on that Servant."

"You're certain she won't be able to escape?" With the magic resistance innate to a Saber, any kind of magical bond seems uncertain. On the other hand, Kōrakuhime's abilities have impressed you enough so far that you don't doubt she has a clear understanding of what will or won't be effective.
>>
"Quite." Kōrakuhime gives you her slight smile. "I have created a... multilayered barrier about her that prevents her Master from supplying her with magical energy or acting on her through his command spell. She will receive... enough energy to survive, provided to her... by the leyline beneath this place... but only while she remains within the room behind me. Of course... there is a physical barrier as well."

"Marvelous," is the only word that springs to mind. Kōrakuhime's seal sounds quite impenetrable. "I can rest easy, then, knowing our prisoner is secure," you say with a smile.

"I believe that I did... tell you that bounded fields are my specialty," Kōrakuhime answers, a hint of teasing in her voice. "I only hope... this can partially erase the shame of my defeat at the hands of that... human." In her mouth, the word carries as much venom as one might expect from the blackest insult. Before you can reply, though, she goes on in a quite relaxed tone, "Now, Ani-ue, if you would excuse me... I am rather tired." You're still blocking her way out to the hall, you realize.

>[ ] "Of course, go ahead. I think I'll be getting some sleep soon myself. It has been a taxing night." (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)

>[ ] Say something else. (Write in)
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
Tome to bully the dumb king
>>
>>3840939
>She could just whip her sword down and he'd be dead immediately with a flick of the wrist
>Goes for a big windup instead
Goddamn, this shot. It's like I notice a new terrible thing about it every time.
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)

>"GOOD MORNING SABER."
>*incomprehensible screaming*

>The sleeping girl shows no sign of noticing her plight, beyond a soft, "mnya..."
Damn it Saber. Stop unintentionally acting cute while you're in mortal danger.
>Looking at the girl as one might examine a particularly unpleasant bag of trash to be removed
The start of an excellent relationship.

Kourakuhime is an excellent ally.
As one should expect from a Caster, honestly.

Now we just need to go about "convincing" Saber.
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
>>
>>3840951
And by "convincing", you mean "use her as a training dummy".
>>
>>3840958
So, what should we do in this regard anyways? Break Excalibur so she can't meme herself and us to death at any time?

We do need to practice the basics of CQC...
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>>3840969
She doesn't have the mana to use it now.
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>>3840958
Possibly... Possibly...
We should see what she has to say for herself when we tell her what we actually are.
>"NO SABER FOR THE LAST TIME I AM NOT AVENGER OR ANGRA MAINYU OR "THE SHADOW" GOD DAMN IT."
Or that her Master abandoned her despite having ample opportunity to save her.

If we can actually get her working for us and both sparring with us and fighting alongside us, it will be immensely useful for the battles to come.
By altering her or convincing her with our fantastic wordplay, either works.
But yeah it looks like Kourakuhime REALLLLLLY hates Seibah.
Also, I love how her magical energy supply really isn't an issue now that we've given Tsubaki the All Clear to drain as many people as she likes. Girl really hates humans.

Also, Saber is a fantastic bodyguard for Ayaka due to Instinct: A letting her react to sneak attacks or Assassins who try to go for our Master.

Additionally, I like how "Knight" has appeared and comes before "Serial Killer" on our character description now. Benefits of 1v1ing the King of Knights and winning, I suppose.

>>3840969
>Excalimeme
>with just enough mana to sustain herself
She would literally just die from using it and nothing would happen.
Also we don't want to break the one thing that sets her apart from other Sabers if we're going to recruit her.
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>>3840977
But get this- I don't want to recruit her. Does Vaisset have any shinai?
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>>3840986
We can make some out of nothingness
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>>3840986
But why?
Allies are incredibly useful.
You can see this with Kourakuhime.
Hell, if we had Saber as an ally tonight, we would have been in absolutely no danger from Matsuda or the Executors.
Kourakuhime could've just focused on taking down Matsuda with us while we could have had Saber protect Ayaka from the Executors.

Also yeah we can just project any sort of weapon we want into existence really.
>>
>>3840989
Just to be clear, you're not using projection magic. What you're doing looks similar, but is fundamentally different.
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>>3840993
Yeah I know, bad choice of words.
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>>3840986
>hey here's some money
>yeah thanks
>proceeds to stick money into a piss jar and just stares at it for a single hour every day
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>>3841008
But anon, I want to punch the money until I get good at punching and then invest the money into my personal portfolio.
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>>3841011
It's a poor investment if you have to set like 95 percent of the money on fire for your investment.

Also it might make the entire economy collapse.
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>>3841014
Hence why we need to set our otherwise useless broker and our savvy Economics Ph.D. to work improving the process.
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>>3841024
Whoops it turns out that you and your friends made a small mistake and now every thing you own has been repossessed by an angry manjew
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>>3841024
It just seems needlessly dangerous and wasteful to sacrifice Saber if we can get her as an ally.

Do you really want to take in Angra Mainyu Corruption and also get it in the grail too?
Because there's a non-zero chance that's what we'll get from sacrificing her.
As a potential teacher/sparring partner, she is far more useful to us than a single upgrade is.
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>>3841036
>he thought he could beat the Manjew when it comes to cheating the economy
Heh.
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>>3841041
>As a potential teacher
She can probably teach us how to ride a horse, nothing more.
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>>3841041
I have said over and over that I see the value in training with her. I don't see her as a reliable ally in battle, and full expect that the investment required to get her operating in that respect is objectively better put to literally any our other projects + a neat lil sacrifice. Also, if she harbors manjew and cannot be sacrificed or sent back to the grail it'd be better to just Kenótis her and be done with it.
>>
>>3841051
While that's quite useful, having her teach us how Magical Energy Burst is done should be something she is capable of too.
Also training against somebody like her will allow our EotM to rise to B at least, A if we're really lucky.
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>>3841051
Hang on now, don't write her off so hastily. She can also teach you how to lead a completely dysfunctional and self-destructive court until the nation collapses!
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>>3841058
>A if we're really lucky
Get real, we're not getting EoTM A w/o a sacrifice. Mana Burst C and EoTM B maybe with some VERY intense training.
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>>3841060
And how to be a bad father(?) and to be perfectly fine as some other guy bones your wife, even though you were never even interested in your wife like that but forced into the marriage due to dick wizard.
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>>3841055
Why don't you see her as a valuable ally?
Just because we beat her with a cheap shot that only Alberich (or Sakura) can pull off doesn't mean she's not really fucking strong
>>3841060
I think you mean "she can also teach you how to basically rely on Agravain and Merlin to do everything until one gets killed and the other gets trapped"

>>3841062
Matsuda might have a skill that enhances his combat skill gain, but he still got to A fighting against far less skilled and far less powerful partners than Saber. I don't think EotM:A is impossible

As for Mana Burst, if Alberich understands the concept behind it (It's literally just using a lot of magical energy to boost yourself) he could easily replicate it to A.
>>
>>3841060
Well what do you think would happen when you are taught how to rule a country from a eccentric wizard who has some weird ass fetishes.
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>>3841072
She's an inferior swordsman, her best weapon literally won't be able to hit an opponent as wily and powerful as Odin, and if we need her to beat assassin I'll eat my hat.

Also, I think you underrate the level of mastery an A level skill implies. Not even a 400 iq can get a skill to A tier that we don't even have yet within a Grail-war timeframe.
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>>3841077
Mordred has A rank Mana Burst and she's as intelligent as a sack of rocks. If she could figure it out so can we.
It's really not like Mana Burst is a complex thing.
Alberich has trained his Transference already.

>She's an inferior swordsman
Yet she knows the perfect moves to make, which would therefore allow anyone training against her to quickly gain experience by noticing the flaws in their fighting style.

>Her best weapon won't be able to hit Odin
I mean, Excalibur might if we play our cards right.
>if we need her to beat assassin I'll eat my hat
An extra Servant is always useful when you're up against somebody that likes to strike from the Shadows, especially one with limited future sight that can tell when a sneak attack is coming.
>>
Would Ayaka even be okay with sacrificing Saber at this point?
Killing and absorbing someone who's actively trying to kill us is in the heat of combat one thing, but doing so to a powerless prisoner might stray a little too close to the traumatizing sacrifices from Ayaka's childhood.
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>>3841076
>Well what do you think would happen when you are taught how to rule a country from a eccentric wizard who has some weird ass fetishes.
Don't forget "DUDE WHAT IF I MADE THE KING A GIRL WOULDN'T THAT BE WEIRD?" or the fact that he's pretty clearly not an ally of humanity and is just fucking about.
>>
>>3841083
>Yet she knows the perfect moves to make, which would therefore allow anyone training against her to quickly gain experience by noticing the flaws in their fighting style.
How many times do I have to say that I see the value in training with her before you stop adding that gratuitously to your arguments for bringing her into the field.

>>3841085
If Ayaka can't sacrifice some human-shaped mass of autistic energy she should be replaced as our master ASAP.
>>
>>3841096
>How many times do I have to say that I see the value in training with her before you stop adding that gratuitously to your arguments for bringing her into the field.
I was saying that as a reason as to why she might be a possible way to get EotM(T):A. She's kind of the perfect sparring partner for us.

As for bringing her into the field, why would we waste the battle potential of a Top-tier Saber in her own right by not using her against our enemies?

>If Ayaka can't sacrifice some human-shaped mass of autistic energy she should be replaced as our master ASAP
You're going to make her cry anon.
You don't want that do you?
>>
>>3841088
It was more "AH FUCK THE CHILD IS A GIRL? FUCK! ... Oh well I can work with it."

And then he fucked off to a different realm and created the /d/ board for all of his fetishes.
>>
>>3841105
>implying he didn't just do it on purpose to be a dick.
>when he literally has shown the capability to use penis magic.
>>
>>3841108
Yeah you may be right about that part.

Jesus Christ poor Artoria.
>>
>>3841096
Replaced by another master who happens to know how to sacrifice servants to empower us?
>>
>>3841103
Because the investment for befriending her and establishing a system of fuel for her is a waste, relative to the gains we could get otherwise.

Also, maybe. Ranking barely 4th in affection rating is pathetic on her part.
>>
>>3841126
Given that nobody seems to give a fuck about sacrifices anymore, I don't think it'll be a problem.
>>
>>3841128
We have barely interacted with the girl.
>>
Don't we have to kill saber to empower the grail?
>>
>>3841133
We spent the entire first part of Awakening mirror with her.
>>
>>3841136
Technically no. In addition to an expendable extra servant (Matsuda), I'm sure Odin is worth more than two servants.
>>
>>3841128
>establishing a system of fuel for her is a waste
But Kourakuhime literally already did that, she's just heavily limiting her right now.

You need to consider that she still ranks higher than a girl we brainwashed to like us, though.
We just need to do more knightly things to get her to like us more.
A Pegasus or something would go a long way.
Also actually interact with her for more than just protecting her.

>>3841136
Thankfully, Rider of Fuyuki exists, with zero chance of grail corruption!
Also Odin being a God likely counts as multiple souls.
Fuck he might be able to fill the grail by himself, Gil was worth like 5 fucking souls.
>>
>>3841140
>expendable extra servant (Matsuda)
Is anyone actually willing to kill him though?
>I'm sure Odin is worth more than two servants.
How sure are you?

This isn't really something that should be left to chance.
>>
>>3841137
Think compared to Circe/Adelheid, Lili how stuck like glue to us, and our sister who does care for us and was a ally in Akeldama.

Yeah its going to be decently low compared to them.
>>
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>>3841132
>Given that nobody seems to give a fuck about sacrifices--
No, you retard. Sweets affirmed our suspicions about possible corruption, I want to make sure of it. Granted, Alberich hasn't thought about it yet.
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>>3841142
I have a feeling Odin going into the grail would most likely purify it.
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>>3841151
Me
Very. Also, I forgot about Medusa. As long as we get around to killing Odysseus at some point and don't fuck up killing Assassin like we seem to every time since we killed Roland.
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>>3841151
>How sure are you?
Almost completely certain.
Gilgamesh is worth at least 3 (I think it was 5 though)
And Odin is almost certainly the same case.
It's not even leaving things to chance.
Asshole has more power coming off him when he gets serious than the fucking Lesser Grail does.
Or a fucking Excaliblast does.
>>3841161
Then that solves the possible "Manjew hiding out in the root connection" issue.
Still doesn't mean eating Saber is a good idea.
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>>3841164
Hear me out, if we talk and plan with Odin for him to go into the grail and most likely into the root to purify it if we bring back the Age of the Gods (we can just not do it out of spite but that might backfire hard). Bonus points if we absorb his power.

That way its purified, we get the grail, and we get a nice power up. I am with you on the not eating Saber.
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>>3841083
>Yet she knows the perfect moves to make, which would therefore allow anyone training against her to quickly gain experience by noticing the flaws in their fighting style.
That sounds like an amazing way to have Saber sabotage our training.
>>
Assuming that recruiting Saber is impossible or not worth it, could we more fully absorb her energy with a ritual improved by Tsubaki and a bounded field preventing the grail from claiming her?
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>>3841177
>Hear me out, if we talk and plan with Odin for him to go into the grail and most likely into the root to purify it if we bring back the Age of the Gods (we can just not do it out of spite but that might backfire hard). Bonus points if we absorb his power.
This is Shirou-tier blind optimism. Do you want to abolish command spells as well?
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>>3841181
That is the hope.
>>
I just realized something. What if by absorbing servants we fucked up the grail ritual?
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>>3841181
>preventing the grail from claiming her
Wouldn't we need that energy?
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>>3841188
Lily already told us that the energy we siphoned of isn't enough to endanger the ritual.
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>>3841182
Says the person who wants to kill Alberich's brother even though there is a clear way to save him.
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>>3841188
>>3841191
There's so much excess energy floating around in this war that we can afford one servant going missing
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>>3841188
Lily hasn't voiced any complaints about it, so no.
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>>3841181
>>3841187
Straight up attempting to absorb all of Saber's power and soul would fuck us up mightily. Because that's seriously just not a good idea for so many reasons.
>>3841188
We haven't so far. Lily seems to think it's fine.
>>3841180
If we actually allied ourselves with her, why would she?
Also, in what way?
If we're sparring with blunt swords and she obviously takes the incorrect move and gets hit, we can call her out on her shit.
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>>3841194
>>3841197
Okay cool, I must have forgotten that.
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>>3841195
You're damn right I want to kill that mongrel who tried to kill Alberich.
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>>3841191
I theorize that part of the reason that we absorb such little energy in the ritual is that the Grail snatches most of it away before we can get to it. If we can disrupt that, then we should be able to fully absorb Saber's energy.
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>>3841200
Fucking calm down Gil.
Please remember that Enkidu was sent to fuck your shit up too.
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>>3841202
Anon, do you really think that incorporating Saber's entire existence into our own isn't going to have some pretty horrible drawbacks for us?
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>>3841200
Do you think his first option is to kill us? No you idiot he was forced to. That is the whole thing of not being in debt to us so he can do what he is forced to and not feel like complete shit. Now its 90% like shit.
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>>3841198
>If we actually allied ourselves with her, why would she?
Allied us how? What do we have to offer her when we can't give her the grail and she hates our guts?
>Also, in what way?
>If we're sparring with blunt swords and she obviously takes the incorrect move and gets hit, we can call her out on her shit.
And what if she makes a wrong move that isn't obviously incorrect? Or creates expectations by not taking shots of opportunities that someone in a life or death fight would?
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>>3841210
Berserker is long dead anon. Now we are worried about Archer, Assassin, and Odin.
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>>3841210
>going after a servant with a vagina was a mistake
We were technically chose to do that before we fought Saber, for different reasons.
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>>3841212
There's a whole lot of literature out there about why "just following orders" doesn't fly anon. Maybe try reading some of it sometime.
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>>3841210
>berserker
wut
Anon, the plan to absorb servants was always a stop-gap measure at best, it's not something we can rely on for the entire war, just now with Ayaka being unconscious proves how flimsy a plan it is.
Hell, it was pointless as soon as we found out that our dear sister has a NP that can directly strengthen us.
>>3841217
>Allied us how?
You underestimate just how desperate Saber is for the grail. We can actually offer to share the damn thing thanks to the unique circumstances of the war. As for her hating our guts, that's entirely her mistake which we should be able to correct her on. Alberich has tried to remain as honorable as possible when he fought her, so she'll probably feel like shit upon having her misconception cleared up.

>And what if she makes a wrong move that isn't obviously incorrect?
I think you're really overestimating her here.
Instinct is kind of all or nothing. It's not true combat mastery so shit like this is kind of off the table.
>>
>>3841224
I am 100% certain that if he had a choice he would not have attacked us.
>>
>>3841224
You know this would be a more powerful argument if Adelheid wasn't a thing.
Also it's a fucking stupid sentiment.

If my choices are either :

>Follow Orders and kill people
or
>Don't follow orders and get myself killed
I think I know what one the person interested in not dying would pick.
>>
>>3841229
He did want to have a duel (maybe not to the death, who knows?).
But originally, before he collapsed he was looking for us to find out what the hell happened.

From his perspective he was a dead man walking.
>>
>>3841224
Also another thing. When there are things called Command Seals yeah "just following orders" does fly.
>>
>>3841232
Yeah he would probably love to have a sparring session but not outright attack us.
>>
>>3841236
There's also the fact that at that moment, Matsuda still just thought that Rushorou was some guy he met in a weird magical battle royale that he helped teach how to fight for a week.
And not his brother.
>>
>>3841229
>>3841230
>>3841233
>>3841236

Wow, he sure did resist those orders and try not to kill Alberich. He seemed SO broken up about it and unwilling to do it. Oh wait, he embraced the battle with relish and only fucked off after Alberich broke his face. Gee, funny how that works.
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>>3841240
>only know battle
>enjoy battling
Woah...
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>>3841240
He's got fightan autism give him a break.
When we meet him next, we can explain everything to him.
I doubt he ever would've tried that shit if he realised the connection.
>>
Inb4 Odin is playing the role of Antaglio too.
>>
>>3841083
Mordred and Artoria are not magi, though. They don't have Magical Energy Burst because they learned it, they have it (just like all of Seiba's abilities) because of natural talent.
>>
>>3841260
Are you saying that learning the basics behind it is impossible?
Because it sure looks simple.
>>
>>3841240
Ow wow gee, he loved to battle. Its not like he thought to himself "Man I sure want to betray Rushorou. Fuck that guy right?"

He still thought he was Matsuda for Christ sake.
>>
>>3841247
>>3841249
>>3841266

>Enjoy fighting people, ideally in the most intense and real way (ie- to the death)
>This means that all of your actions are excusable because of natural inclination.
Fascinating stuff. I suppose Keiseki should forgive his brother Alberich for his love of self and victory?
>>
>>3841263
They have it because of their draconic blood. Is that something one can gain through training?
>>
>>3841267
Keiseki shouldn't have tried to reason with an unstable murder machine after tricking him.
That's on him.
>>3841268
It's effectively just using your magical energy for burst power.
Mechanically it should be capable for a prodigy like Alberich to replicate the effects.
>>
>>3841267
So you would rather kill him when he literally knows nothing about who he is or what he is and thus he had no idea what exactly he was doing besides being ordered most likely by Command Seal?
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
Oh, right, I need to vote.
>>
>>3841263
How does it look simple?
Magical Energy Burst, essentially, is running an extremely powerful form of reinforcement through just one part of your body for a tiny fraction of a second without damaging yourself.
Reinforcement of one's own body is already highly difficult magic to do without accidentally going too far. ME Burst takes that and ratchets it up to the nth degree.
>>
>>3841277
How does that change anything? Not knowing that he is our brother doesn't change much. Ultimately us being siblings is only our interpretation and it lacks the years of growing up together to give it much emotional impact.
>>
>>3841292
Also, that magical energy has to be expelled.
>>
>>3841292
Not to mention that our body is already extremely resistant to magical reinforcement as is.
>>
>>3841292
I'll add two more points. First, it's worth pointing out that the only Servants with the original Magical Energy Burst skill are Artoria and Mordred. The various variants of the skill given to sundry other Servants all have some element attached, and the descriptions for them almost universally attribute them to some sort of divine blessing or inborn trait. This further makes it clear that Magical Energy Burst isn't something that is easily learned, even by a magical prodigy; otherwise, numerous Casters would have picked it up for self-defence at close range.
Second, you have no training with Reinforcement magic. It's going to be an incredibly harsh road to learn a skill derived from it.
>>3841301
>>3841304
Both good points.
>>
>>3841294
Siblings, no that is more Alberich. Though I am pretty sure if you were technically an endangered species that would cease to exist you would most likely want to work with others like you.
>>
>>3841294
Matsuda strikes me as a very individualistic guy. I doubt he shares our feelings about our so called family ties (which I still think are stupid)
>>
>>3841323
Based anti-family anon
>>
>>3841202
That's probably something you want to discuss with Ayaka.
>>
>>3841323
>>3841330

But if we don't call ourselves a family, how will we have incest?
>>
>>3841330
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about being allies with them if possible. But we don't have any deeper bond with them than with any of our actual human allies that were sucked into Akeldama
>>
>>3841334
Fine but the only route on that path is Judas. Take what you will.
>>
>>3841336

Speaking of, hadn't heard from him in a while. Would Angry Manjew corruption affect him rather than us?
>>
>>3841354
i don't want dad to become an avenger
>>
Is this one of those multiple update nights again?
>>
>>3841413
Probably, yeah.
>>
>>3841452
Excellent
>>
>You are Alberich: knight, serial killer, familiar to two magi, dubiously related to the gods, and now a kidnapper.
What a quest.

>Four servants remain to fall by your sword
Odin, Odysseus, Assassin, and.... Saber? Matsuda? Medusa?
>>
>>3841457
It doesn't really matter who the Servants are, so long as there are four of them.
>>
>>3840928
>[ ] "Not at all. Before you leave, though, tell me: it won't interfere with your barrier if I go in and have a look, will it? I'd like to be there when she wakes up." (Pride)
>>
>>3841457
Odysseus, Odin, Assassin, Seibah
>>3841471
>tfw we will never get 0 servants because circe and adelheid will always be here
>>
>>3841480
More than that, Alberich himself is a Servant. If you want there to be 0 Servants in the quest that's a pretty major stumbling block.
If you just mean "zero Servants remain to fall by your sword," then it doesn't matter who the extras alive are at the end. Just kill four, and the Grail will be full.
If I were you I'd go for Assassin, Archer, Lancer, and Rider, but of course the choice is yours.
>>
>>3841484
>then it doesn't matter who the extras alive are at the end
phew
>>
>>3841496
Why would it?

>>3841310
But not impossible though.
Not something we can really have as a goal for learning for the war though. Guess we'll just have to stick to learning other magic and training against her Instinct.
>>
>>3841335 #
We kinda do.
Being the only two people on the planet (and technically only two other members of your species) that can understand your situation does sort of help matters.
As for our bonds only being as strong as the humans we met, consider that the bonds formed in Akeldama are the only interactions the children of Judas have ever had truly belonging to them.

Matsuda unknowingly tried to kill noth his brother and only friend
>>
In Darkness - November 20, 2019, Wednesday, Small Hours of the Morning

It was all happening again. Abandoned by her Master and outmaneuvered by an enemy, Saber was led into the maw of the shadow, surrounded by that loathsome darkness, and plunged into the abyss; soaked in gnawing, hollow need, every inch of her invaded by that desire, that hunger, that unreasoning, insatiable demand for obedience, and when she awoke she knew she would be-

Saber blinked into consciousness as herself, which came as some surprise. She was sitting up, in what felt like a straight-backed stone chair, with a back that extended past her head and armrests that included stone bonds. A particularly unpleasant detail, she observed, was that rather than shackles, the bonds were in fact intricately carved stone hands, tightly gripping her wrists. Worse than the grasping stone, though, for those she could have easily broken under ordinary circumstances, was a constriction of her magical energy supply that left Saber feeling as weak as a kitten. The meager energy Shirou had provided had been bad enough, but this was still worse; only the barest trickle of energy, enough to keep her alive and no more, reached the Servant.

Taking stock of her surroundings, Saber observed carved into the stone floor about half a meter away from her an odd formation, possibly a magic circle. Between two rings were a number of right angles set at even intervals, as if being the corners of numerous squares rotated about the central point of Saber's position. In front of her and to either side, Saber could count sixteen points. Probably, then, there were thirty-two in all, made up of eight squares; but what did that mean?

No point in wondering about the details of the formation, though, if the purpose of the thing were clear enough, Saber supposed. If that thing was a magic circle, it must be a barrier to restrict her further. This notion was further reinforced by the odd ring of papers just outside the carved circle. A number of rectangular strips of paper, inscribed with an eastern script, floated in the air in another circle around Saber. As she watched, they bobbed up and down seemingly at random as, in unison, the ring turned about Saber.
>>
Then her eyes had adjusted enough to the gloomy chamber that Saber could get a good look at the walls, at that moment she saw him. Pearly white hair, combed and styled into a businessman's coif; a black suit, with deep red pinstripes; a pale face, handsome as a classical statue's and quite as lively; and most striking of all, red eyes. Not the bright ruby-red of the Einzberns' eyes, but a darker color. A red that Saber had seen far more often in her life than those bright jewels, for it appeared before her eyes at every duel and joust, and so much had pooled in the great battles that it seemed she had reached Camlann by wading through a sea of that heinous color. This was the red that marred Saber's vision as she heard her would-be heir's last words, and the red that had spread below her when she appealed to the World. It was also the red of her previous Master's eyes. Not Emiya Shirou, but the last one to command Saber's obedience: Matou Sakura, corrupted and led down the path of indulgence and destruction by Angra Mainyu.

He had traded his cape and armor for modern clothing, but there was no doubt in Saber's mind about the man's identity. This was Avenger, the Servant who had masqueraded as another Saber until finally abandoning the pretense and swallowing Saber up in his shadow. The only question, then, was why she now found herself here and sane, rather than next awakening as a puppet on some new battlefield.

There was no answer to be found in Avenger's face. He eyed her lazily, lounging on a half sofa that Saber couldn't help noticing looked like a far more comfortable seat than her own. It was constructed of heavy wood carved into floral patterns of vines, grapes, fruit, and the like, and lined with bulging red velvet cushions. As Avenger lolled on the couch, waiting for a reaction from his captive, one foot clad in a black sock hung off the edge, towards the ground. He was certainly at his ease.

"So, dear lady, you have finally awoken," he began with a smile, that smooth baritone voice bespeaking refinement in its very timbre. "I trust you find the accommodations to your liking? Ah, but you must excuse me." He feigns shame at a breach of etiquette, a sarcastic gleam in those bloody eyes. "I would call you Saber, but it is a title we share. Perhaps, then, we can start once again with names. My name is Alberich; and you are?"

Why? The question echoed through Saber's mind. Why must he keep up the charade of being this Alberich? It can hardly be to draw information out of Saber, for if he had simply done as he had fifteen years ago, swallowed her up and forced her to submit, then surely he could have any information he desired of her. So why this focus on rejecting the name of Avenger, and on learning her true name as if he were unfamiliar with her?
>>
Then it hit her, at last: inspiration. Perhaps she had been ascribing too much intelligence to Avenger. It was, after all, an unborn thing waiting to be set free from the Greater Grail. Indeed, one could see its actions fifteen years ago entirely as a response to Sakura's desires, warped and enhanced though they were by Avenger's evil. The Servant itself could have been unconscious, then, moving only with the will of its Master. Perhaps, this Alberich was living the same way as Sakura; without the knowledge that Avenger should have access to, and perhaps without even the knowledge of what has made him its host. With that idea in mind, Saber could finally allow herself to answer the question.

"I am Arturia Pendragon," she proclaimed, with as much dignity as she could muster under the humiliating circumstances. "King of Britain."

"King Arthur, indeed," Alberich mused, looking at her with renewed interest. "Yet hardly a king, by your appearance. But then, I suppose it is not surprising for the recorders of legends to make such errors, particularly with regards to heroes." With a malicious smile, he continued, "It would certainly be embarrassing, in the age of chivalry, for the great knights of the day to admit that their finest example out of legend was a mere slip of a girl; so Arturia becomes Arthur." He paused again, his malevolent smile growing as a new thought struck. "Ah, but I'm jumping to conclusions," he continued. "You called yourself king a moment ago. Can that be the title you desired, then? Were you using that boyish figure of yours to deceive the nobility into believing you were a man?"

A blush threatened to color Arturia's cheeks at the easy discovery of her deception's nature, but with great effort she suppressed it. It would not do to show weakness before this, the greatest of her enemies. Even so, she could not meet his eyes and keep her composure. She could only star down at the polished stone floor, suppressing her rage, fear, and shame, and shutting out the hateful visage as best she could.

"So that's it then," Alberich continued, taking her silence for an affirmative. "It seems that I've gotten my hands on a very intriguing hero, doesn't it? A chivalrous knight who attacks by surprise and leaves her enemies for dead, a king who hides the truth of her sex, a person accustomed to rule reduced to abject servitude... you are full of contradictions, aren't you?"

>[ ] Write in what you'd like to ask or say to Arturia once the perspective returns to Alberich.
>>
Since you've been wanting some interludes with other characters' perspectives on Alberich, and since I enjoyed writing the Archer imprisonment interlude, I decided to run with the theme and write the beginning of your conversation with Seiba from her perspective.
>>
>>3841642
>"Even now you persist in your hateful delusions, refusing to look upon my face. Your hatred for this 'Avenger' must be truly frightening...'
>'Why is it, I wonder, that you bother to invent these fables? Surely you yourself must recognize how baseless and absurd your story sounds. The title is reminiscent of the classes held by the summoned Servants, and yet no such class exists; you claim to have met this nemesis fifteen years ago, and yet no Servant could survive so long after a Holy Grail War; you believe I am the very same Servant, and yet you have seen my holy sword, the mark of a true Saber. What can I even avenge except for the dignity you've sullied?"
>"Explain yourself, if you can even do that, or admit that I am not Avenger."
>>
>>3841657
But she hasn't called us Avenger yet
She was thinking it, sure.
Didn't say it though.
The only thing that she has told us is that she is King Arthur.
>>
>>3841665
>But she hasn't called us Avenger yet
The last time we met, though, she did. Let's find out why.
>>
>>3841642
>"As for my introduction, I understand that simply 'Alberich' isn't a satisfying answer, as you have made amply clear in the past. So I shall tell you the truth. One week ago, the Caster of this war activated his Noble Phantasm, 'Akeldama'.
>"He deceived his Master into believing it was a large scale ritual designed to drain power from a large number of people for the sake of empowering himself. Of course, the actual purpose wasn't to empower himself at all..."
>"Caster had created four artificial souls with memories belonging to other people which would receive the energy of the ritual."
>"The ritual in question being a Holy Grail War, meant to be fought to the death between all 1050 participants. The only way home was to claim victory and the wish that came with it. I was a Master in that war, and believed myself to be an 18 year old high school student at the time.
>"Of the participants Judas summoned, only 4 other than myself survived. 2 of the artificial souls created by Judas who I met shortly after my arrival to a burning city, a female magus and a normal High-School girl who had been dragged into the war."
>"after defeating all the other Masters and Servants, Caster revealed there was never any wish and that the only true way to leave was with his death or with everyone else's, so I struck him down.
>"But while my two human allies were sent home, my siblings and I had something different in store. The energy of over 1000 humans and 7 Servants was used to alter us. I became the Saber you see before you, my sister became a Caster and my brother became a Lancer."
>"So no, Arturia. I am not Avenger."

The truth bomb option.
>>
>>3841670
We already know enough from Shirou, Saber and Rin to draw some sort of conclusion.
>>
>>3841687
We shouldn't tell her so soon...
>>3841688
She doesn't know that we know.
>>
my id's going to change a few times, huh
>>
>>3841690
Why shouldn't we tell her?
If we don't she's just going to continue operating under the illusion that we're Angra Mainyu.
We need to destroy that illusion of hers.
She's not going anywhere.

And where does asking her pointless questions we already mostly know the answer to get us?
She's explained why she thinks we're Avenger to a degree in our battles.
>>
>>3841693
>Why shouldn't we tell her?
>telling her that we are the son of judas the archtraitor
That sounds like a great way to lose her potential trust forever.
>>
>>3841698
Notice I only ever said Caster though.
We could avoid saying Akeldama too.

Better she thinks that we're a son of Judas instead of literally evil incarnate, too. It's not like parentage has ever put her off of trusting people.
Agravain was Morgan's son. Literally her Arch-nemesis' son and she trusted him massively.
We'll have to tell her some time if you want her trust at all.
She'll never trust anything we say when she's under the Angra delusion.
>>
>>3841642
> "I don't have many questions for you, Lady Artoria, though I admit I am curious about some facts. First of all, tell me about this Avenger. It seems the figure left quite an impression on you."
> "I am not going to ask about your Master, as I suppose a Knight would not divulge their Master's secrets -- yet, I would like to know why, do you think, your Master left you with me?"
> "Only two questions remaining: since our last fight, did you see the other Servants? Might you describe them for me?"
> "Last question, Lady Artoria. To my regret, a couple going by the name of Emiya Shirou and Sakura have been... Antagonistic to this Holy Grail War, and seek its end. While I have been trying to reason with the two, the man seems particularly fixed on denying my, or, our, continued existence. It is to my understanding that you know the man, right? Any advice on dealing with the situation with as little, ah, bloodshed as possible?"
>>
>>3841704
>Notice I only ever said Caster though.
>>"Of the participants Judas summoned, only 4 other than myself survived. 2 of the artificial souls created by Judas who I met shortly after my arrival to a burning city, a female magus and a normal High-School girl who had been dragged into the war."
>We could avoid saying Akeldama too.
Do that too.
>Better she thinks that we're a son of Judas instead of literally evil incarnate, too.
Is there much difference in a Christian's mind?
She's not very faithful, no, but what are the odds that she'll be all smiles?

Listen, just repeat that without any mention of "Judas" or "Akeldama" and it'll be fine. But please, please, don't tell her that Judas made us.
>>
>>3841710
That's way too respectful.
Alberich wouldn't call her "Lady"
She also has no reason to be truthful.
Basically it just seems immensely deceptive and she'll probably tell us to fuck off.
>>
>>3841642
>>3841687
Exclude the name of akeldama though
>>
>>3841716
Oh whoops.
WELL I MEANT to only say Caster, but when there are 3 characters sharing the damn moniker, the subconcious does dumb shit.
But yeah.
No mentioning tha name Judas or Akeldama on this.
>>3841687
Please.
>>
>>3841687
I'll just slightly adjust this to make sure.

>"As for my introduction, I understand that simply 'Alberich' isn't a satisfying answer, as you have made amply clear in the past. So I shall tell you the truth. One week ago, the Caster of this war activated his Noble Phantasm.
>"He deceived his Master into believing it was a large scale ritual designed to drain power from a large number of people for the sake of empowering himself. Of course, the actual purpose wasn't to empower himself at all..."
>"Caster had created four artificial souls with memories belonging to other people which would receive the energy of the ritual."
>"The ritual in question being a Holy Grail War, meant to be fought to the death between all 1050 participants. The only way home was to claim victory and the wish that came with it. I was a Master in that war, and believed myself to be an 18 year old high school student at the time.
>"Of the participants Caster summoned, only 4 other than myself survived. 2 of the artificial souls created by Caster who I met shortly after my arrival to a burning city, a female magus and a normal High-School girl who had been dragged into the war."
>"after defeating all the other Masters and Servants, Caster revealed there was never any wish and that the only true way to leave was with his death or with everyone else's, so I struck him down.
>"But while my two human allies were sent home, my siblings and I had something different in store. The energy of over 1000 humans and 7 Servants was used to alter us. I became the Saber you see before you, my sister became a Caster and my brother became a Lancer."
>"So no, Arturia. I am not Avenger."

Removed the Judas and Akeldama mentions.
>>
>>3841642
Switching from >>3841657 to >>3841728.
thanks
>>
>>3841642
>>3841728
>>
>a pale face, handsome as a classical statue's
Thanks, Seibah.
>This was Avenger, the Servant who had masqueraded as another Saber until finally abandoning the pretense
Don't be such a sore loser Saber. Maybe if you weren't such a brute you could've been taught magic by Merlin.
>that smooth baritone voice bespeaking refinement in its very timbre
This is the first time we've ever actually read somebody else's thoughts on Alberich. Isn't it? What a guy.
> "You called yourself king a moment ago. Can that be the title you desired, then? Were you using that boyish figure of yours to deceive the nobility into believing you were a man?"
An astute observation. Alberich is quite intelligent indeed.
>A blush threatened to color Arturia's cheeks at the easy discovery of her deception's nature, but with great effort she suppressed it
>almost making somebody who despises you blush.
Impressive.
>>
>>3841717
Well he wouldn't call her Lady outside of heavy sarcasm, which isn't the tone you seem to be going for.
>>
>>3841657
>>3841642
Support
>>
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>>3841779
>a pale face, handsome as a classical statue's
>that smooth baritone voice bespeaking refinement in its very timbre
>A blush threatened to color Arturia's cheeks
>>
>>3841878
We really are going to end up getting Predatory Charisma.
>>
>>3841824
I think he'd so to both put up a pretense of chivalry to accentuate the difference between him and Angry Manju and him and Artoria's behaviour during their battles, and to underscore her being a woman given that it's something he recognises as a weakness he can use to humiliate and manipulate her. He's basically reminding her of the difference between her dastardly girly self and the knightly, dignified manly warrior that is Alberich.
>>
>>3841642
So you believe that I'm tainted by this Angra Mainyu? Why? Is it because of my appearance? My behavior? My magic?

Or is it because it's you who is still influenced by him and you refuse to acknowledge it? That some part of you wants return to what you became in the last War?
>>
>>3841910
>Or is it because it's you who is still influenced by him and you refuse to acknowledge it? That some part of you wants return to what you became in the last War?
Isn't that a lot of meta knowledge?
>>
>>3841901
The problem of being overly "knightly" right now is she'll just assume Angra Mainyu is mocking her and refuse to cooperate with our questions.

Especially with the whole bringing up Shirou and Sakura thing.
That's an awful thing to do for the sake of this conversation.

>>3841929
Not only is it Meta-knowledge, it fails to accomplish anything other than pissing Saber off.
Pretty much just "no u."
>>
Hey guys.
Wanna know something fun?
We can probably abuse Broken Phantasm mechanics.
Heilig is truly unbreakable right?
So what happens if we supercharge it to make it a Broken Phantasm? It wouldn't actually be able to break from it.
>>
>>3841948
What is your point? It's not going to break or get a benefit from it, so why should we do it?
>>
>>3841779
Its shame at being caught out, not a romantic blush at all.
>>
>>3841948
If this was such a good idea, then why didn't you see Roland doing it when he realized we were an asshole? He just used Orlando Furioso.
Maybe you just can't use an unbreakable sword as a Broken Phantasm.
>>
>>3841954
I know it isn't.
But nearly blushing in front of what you think is the incarnation of evil is a poor look no matter how you look at it.
>>3841952
Broken Phantasms are a rank higher than normal, so Heilig should be A+ when charged.
>>3841955
Roland wasn't thinking very clearly when we turned his horse into a spine Roland is sorta known for getting incredibly angry and we just murdered his horse then shit talked it.

Lancelot does something like this by supercharging Arondight, which is also indestructible.
>>
>>3841965
>Broken Phantasms are a rank higher than normal, so Heilig should be A+ when charged.
Great and that does what for us? Our sword already cuts pretty much anything, giving it a small rank up will not be useful and waste mana.
>>
>>3841965
>Roland wasn't thinking very clearly
He was thinking clearly enough to pull out a bottle and put his wits into it.
>Lancelot does something like this by supercharging Arondight, which is also indestructible.
A: That's an F/GO thing.
B: The description says "This Noble Phantasm is something close to a sword skill, which deliberately refrains from emitting the magic energy that would originally turn into a slash of light". That seems more like he's holding back a swordbeam and using it as a slash instead.
>>
>>3841969
Bigger Rift Slashes?
Faster Rift Slashes?
The ability to overcome Defensive abilities that work off rank better?
Who knows.
Just saying that it's something we should consider.
>>
>>3841971
>he was thinking clearly enough to go absolutely mental
He was fucking pissed, anon.
>That's an F/GO thing
So?
>holding back a swordbeam
That's the sort of thing that usually breaks a sword, yes.

It's just something worth looking into.
Being able to pull out an A+ NP whenever we need to is somewhat advantageous.
>>
>>3841974
>Bigger Rift Slashes?
>Faster Rift Slashes?
Why not put the extra mana into the slashes instead which has a higher chance to actually do anything useful?
>The ability to overcome Defensive abilities that work off rank better?
At A rank I can't think of any NP where it would make any real difference if it was A or A+ rank.
>>
>>3841979
In a clash between NPs it might make the difference.

Also there's Tiamat, but we'd need an A++ attack to damage her.
>>
>>3841983
Even Excalibur with a higher ranking than HOS woould have lost a direct clash, because our sword is almost made to destroy NPs. There is no NP in this war we could clash with where an extra plus would make a difference.

And why the hell would we need to attack Tiamat if we don't summon her up? Also it would be A+ not A++ so we would still fall short.
>>
>>3841929
>>3841940
>"Protest all you like," comes the cold reply. "You cannot dissuade me from the evidence of your own powers, Avenger. I will not be a tool in your schemes a second time."

>"You had few enough qualms about acting as a pawn at our last meeting," you spit. "Where was this independent spirit when you left me to die on your Master's orders, rather than giving me the honorable death a knight deserves?"

>"A wretch who lies about his name and nature has no honor." The other Saber doesn't flinch in the face of your wrath, her expression of frigid contempt remaining static. "As a Servant, I am bound to act as my Master's sword. Fifteen years ago you defiled that bond with your corruption, and now you insult it. I am not surprised."
I don't think it's too much of a leap to come to that conclusion. It's meant to make her doubt herself and doubt that we're Avenger.
>>
>>3841986
I know, but my point was saying there are entities with defences good enough to ignore even A rank attacks and above.
Also a straight up rift slash vs Excaliblast would likely end with the rift being overpowered and destroyed or some shit

Also the collateral damage would melt us.
We could've cut through Akhilleus Kosmos though.
>>3841991
It's still doesn't accomplish much though.
We need to do something Avenger wouldn't do.
Avenger would totally tell Saber she's already corrupted.
>>
>>3841642
This >>3841728
and I would like to add

>"So Lady Arturia, why do you go after the grail? Is it to return to the time of your death in which your son betrayed or murdered you? Is it to incarnate and retake your rightful place ruling England?"
>>
>>3841642
Supporting >>3841728
>>
>>3842007
I meant "and" not "or"
>>
>>3841992
A straight conflict between one of your portal slashes and a beam from excalibur would end with the two attacks going through each other. Remember that the portal is no wider than Heiligöffnungschwert's thickness. The portal would draw in a portion of the beam and go through it, but the part of the light that didn't hit the portal would continue and vaporize you.
>>
>>3842007
Even if she didn't hate us she wouldn't want to reveal that to us.
Especially considering just what a showing of weakness it truly is.
>"I actually want to wish on the Holy Grail to delete my Kingdom from history because I fucked everything up like a retard"
It's also really a fucking stupid wish.
Alberich would probably laugh at her for a good minute or so.

>>3842013
Well there goes the dream of beam clashes.
So we're just Mutually Assured Destruction against beamswords?
And then there's Enuma Elish which would just totally destroy the portal because "Ea GG"
>>
>>3842015
Your sword doesn't shoot a beam, so yeah.
Beam clashes are definitely out.
>>
>>3842016
Then she's right in not considering us a Saber.
>>
>>3842016
Alberich is such a fucking cheater I swear to God.
>can't safely beam clash him otherwise it's MAD
>cloak acts as a bullshit defence against anything, from melee to ranged.
>can't clash with his sword otherwise you automatically lose
>he can use magic that can ignore conventional Magic Resistance

He's like the Anti-Saber Saber.
>>
>>3842023
>The Anti-Saber Saber
Huh. So his real fated love was Mysterious Heroine X, all along...
>>
>>3842016
>>3842019
Someday we'll summon enough monsters to outbeam a million Excaliblasts.
>>
>>3842040
Quickly, summon 10 million Pegasi!
Or I don't know... Tiamat?

I seriously hope for their sakes that Shirou and Rider don't attempt the Rho Aias + Bellerophon Combo against Alberich.
It will probably end up going immensely poorly for the two of them.

Also another reason for Kenotis being bullshit OP is that unlike Rho Aias it doesn't actually damage you from blocking attacks and has the bonus feature of getting rid of the thing attacking you.
I do wonder how it would've interacted with Caladbolg though, that space twisting effect might mess with it. Or it might just pass through completely and do nothing.

Sometimes I forget just why Anti-World is generally considered the most overpowered classification to have. It's because they all tend to be fucking broken.

>>3842028
Together they will wipe out all Sabers across the universe.
>>
>>3842051
Now you get it. Kenótis is fine just the way it is.
>>
>>3842055
Anons just get a little hung up on number rankings I think.
I mean, considering the "Fuck this Grail War" NP that is Rule Breaker is only Rank C you shouldn't take number ranks as gospel.

Here's a question, If Medea Rule Breaker'd Cu, would it also destroy all of the Geas he amassed over his life?
>>
>>3842070
I think it has to target a specific spell. If it destroyed all binding magic attached to the target, stabbing a Servant would break their connection to the Grail and immediately kill them.
>>
>>3842028
But his real fated love has to be some form of relative for those extra albino antihero vibes we have going.
>>
>>3842104
So....
Kourakuhime?
>>
>>3842106
And final confrontation should be against Matsuda.
>>
>>3842112
That doesn't make much sense.
Matsuda can't really hold on for much longer unless he gets another mana source (Akagata or Haruo if Circe didn't execute them, maybe?) And he won't be getting stronger by fighting other opponents because they sort of all died.
Also he'll definitely want answers if he didn't Judas himself when he saw Matsuda.

Meanwhile training with Seibah will increase our skill quite quickly.

I stand by Instinct being perfect to train against.
Really helps correct any flaws we might have in our style if she plays along due to it's nature.
Theoretically it shouldn't be impossible to get A rank EotM(true) without sacrificing a Servant if this method works out.
>>
>>3842129
Anon, it was just another Elric joke.

But I do agree that physical training might give us upgrade in skill levels or new skills altogether.
However, despite being Saber our stronger and most useful tool in this war so far were our tendrils and magic. So it is probably be more beneficial to invest time into magic studies.
>>
>>3842137
You say that, but we'll definitely need A rank EotM to tango with Odin.

Magecraft that uses the same principles as the place the Gods are currently living that works best on spiritual entities in might not work on a God of Magic with a physical body.

Knight's Strategy/Knight Tactics would also be very nice to develop if it's possible.
>>
Also, we're gonna have to teach Kourakuhime how to defend herself without being forced to rely on her magic.
She's a God Damn Oni.
Her physical potential is immense.
She just needs some practice.

What happens, for example when she meets an enemy that can counter her magic?
Or when she's fighting against somebody faster than she can react in time to?

As much as it pains me to force her into doing, she's going to have to train too.
If we can get her physical Parameters to C and give her some actual combat experience I'll be much more confident.
>>
>>3841779
>This is the first time we've ever actually read somebody else's thoughts on Alberich. Isn't it?
It is that. I thought you folks might enjoy it, and I've been wanting to give a bit of commentary on Alberich's appearance from a character not positively inclined towards him.
It helps justify the whole "numerous capture targets" thing if even someone with every reason to hate him has to admit that Alberich has top-grade looks.
>>
>>3842179
It was really enjoyable.
All interludes we had so far added a lot to make other characters feel more alive.
>>
>>3842179
Yeah I do like the interludes a lot.
The added perspectives really help.

Alberich from Saber's perspective really presented him in a different light that his own perspective didn't really show.

He's strong
He's intelligent
He's attractive
He's well spoken
He's got incredible magic potential
He's reliable

Him attracting women isn't strange at all.
>>
>>3842219
You forgot
>His soulless eyes look like pools of blood

...that might be Arturia's bias, though.
>>
>>3842233
She liked them. She just didn`t want to admit it to herself like she always do.
>>
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>>3842233
She's just had multiple bad experiences with people with red eyes.
Besides, blood red is aesthetically the cooooolest colour.
>>
>>3842239
>has a negative Affection Score
>>
>>3842241
>Zippo lighter earrings
I will never understand Gilgamesh's fashion sense.
>>
>>3842242
That's just because she thinks we're the devil.
We've been nothing but a gentleman to her.

Uh.
Well, we didn't murder her when she decided to go to sleep.
I mean.
Technically we ARE following Rule 47 of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits attacking Persons Hors de Combat.
>>
>>3842246
I understand it.

I understand that it's shit.
>>
>>3842263
>>3842246
Mongrels
>>
>>3842319
fashion disaster
>>
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>>3842319
>when you have access to any piece of clothing ever designed and you choose to dress like this.
>>
>>3842337
Now, if it had been a tiger-patterned blazer, that would've been the height of style.
>>
>>3842344
>t. flat
>>
So, how do you think Seibah will respond to the full story of Akeldama?
Do you think she'll believe it?
If she does, how bad will she feel?
>>
>>3842374
I doubt that she would; it sounds incredulous to anybody who's unaware of Caster's demise.
>>
>>3842377
Well that's really up to Saber to be honest.
It makes more sense at least than the incarnation of evil repeatedly not being pure evil.
>>
>>3842374
I`d imagine she will try to put her Charisma: B to use judging by her inner thoughts we witnessed.
But it would be pretty interesting to see how she will try to wiggle her way out of this situation.
>>
>>3842392
I'm not sure if she'll be able to get much use out of it honestly.
Alberich is only D Rank in Charisma because he hasn't led a country or army.
It's not really representative of his actual Charisma.
His ability to analyse information is pretty fucking great too. (Turning Rider and Archer against each other by pointing out Archer's intent of betrayal and just now recognising the truth behind Saber's reign immediately.)
>>
>>3842391
>than the incarnation of evil repeatedly not being pure evil
Dude's pretty chill, outside of his natural directive.
>>
Now that I think about it: how did Ragnarok go over in Fate?
>>
>>3842546
Kinda funny how that turned out, honestly.
Then again, there's a lot of Shirou influence going on there.
Hollow Ataraxia is fucky.
But Saber is still kinda under the impression that Avenger is pure evil anyway, I mean, she did get altered and twisted into an evil version of herself while she was forced to watch herself do terrible things.
You'd think whoever did that to you was pure evil too.

>>3842555
Why don't we ask the clearly not dead Odin?
Remember, Divine Spirits cannot be summoned as Servants if they die, as they do not go to the Throne.
>>
>>3842564
>Divine Spirits cannot be summoned as Servants if they die, as they do not go to the Throne.
So what you're saying is that Ragnarok has yet to occur because the Age of Gods somehow ended before it?
>>
>>3842573
It seems likely, yes.
>>
>>3842564
Avenger was the big thing that irritated me about Hollow Ataraxia. It felt like there was no real connection between the character there and the embodiment of all evil and 7 billion curses depicted in Fate/Stay Night. Maybe he only has a tiny fraction of the evil that the version in the grail has.
>>3842573
Depends on the version of Ragnarok. Wagnerian Ragnarok could definitely have happened at the transition from the Age of Gods to the Age of Man, but Edda Ragnarok includes the death of all living things and creation of a new world. That's definitely still to come.
I'm not worried about telling you that stuff, because it's all background knowledge that Rushorou could have picked up while researching Adelheid, with a bit of inference thrown in.
>>
>>3842574
Of course, don't let Ragnarok convince you not to bring back the Age of Gods, the Age of Man has it's share of near-apocalypses to actual apocalypses every once in a while too.
Difference is that Alaya will tend to try to avert them, and I'm not sure how the fuck the Gods in a new Age of Gods would go about prevent everyone's doomsday prophecies going off.
>>
>>3842580
Yeah Avenger was way too nice there.
Like, I don't get why you would include Avenger as a character like that if you weren't going to make him at least a little bit evil.
>>
>>3842620
HA was literally "Kirei was right: the game"
>>
>>3842641
Kirei is also dead in HA.
Which is kind of a shame.
He's a fun character who could've had some entertaining scenes.

I mean...
I guess we got Caren.
>>
>>3842580
Grail Avenger isn't servant Avenger. The Avenger in the grail of Stay Night is the wish that Avenger represents as a heroic spirit, which is for there to be some source aside from humans for all the evil in the world. Servant Avenger is a scapegoat who isn't actually special because any human can commit any evil deed.
>>
>>3842659
I know that's true, but given the circumstances of HA I feel he should still have more of Grail Avenger about him.
Besides that, I don't feel his personality is all that suitable for a person who spent almost his entire life being tortured either.
>>
If we do manage to make the Saber thing work out, at least Ayaka will have somebody in our faction other than us that doesn't hate her.
Matsuda will probably be able to get along with Ayaka too, I guess. But he's not really one for conversation.
Truvi is kind of a bitch but they might be able to get along? It depends on whether or not the Edelfelt take us up on our offer.

Kourakuhime despises her.
Lily despises her.
Circe will almost certainly also despise her.
Adelheid will probably dislike her too.
>>
>>3842768
Honestly the only reason we're actually keeping ayaka around is because of that ritual
Otherwise she's basically a sack of potatos that we have to save from a mental breakdown every five minutes
>>
>>3842782
Well, you'll certainly never be the love interest in a shoujo manga.
>>
>>3842786
Could Alberich ever beat Shirou in a cook-off for Seibahs affections?
>>
>>3842782
Why are you like this anon.
Ayaka is our Master, she doesn't deserve to be treated so poorly. She's a fantastic Master, all things considered.
Or would you prefer somebody like Truvi, physically assaulting us or trying to attack us with gandr?

>>3842790
Alberich cannot cook.
At least he can't until he bothers to learn.
>>
>>3842790
>natural talent vs hardwork
A classic shonen battle
>>
>>3842790
Probably not. If it was something you didn't know about in advance, you couldn't train. You're worse than Shirou now, so that's a loss.
If you had time to train, that'd presumably mean both you and Shirou knew about the contest. Since he'd train as well, you'd still end up losing.
Maybe you could do it if you spent a bunch of time training your cooking skills in secret, then challenged him to a sudden cook-off.
>>
>>3842796
The sack of potatos doesn't usually get in our way alot sure, but aside from the ritual she can't really do much to help us at all
Lily would unironically be a better master
>>
>>3842802
>Dream sharing immediately fucking ends our deception
Whoops!

Anon, Ayaka is a good girl. She's supportive of us and tries her best.
She also follows all of our orders and only used her command spell on us because she thought we were mocking her.
(she, like most girls in Rushorou's high-school, probably has or had an unrequited crush on the autist)
Even then, it turned out beneficial in it's own way.

Please, she doesn't deserve this bullying.
>>
>>3842798
Ha!
We'd just have Circe mind control the judges.
Our victory is assured!
>>
>>3842337
>>3842263
Speaking of fashion, we should get our sister into various outfits from every era of Japanese History. I bet she'd look good in a Heian Era outfit, maybe even a Taisho one too.
>>
>>3842831
I think we need to get Kikuko back for that.
You know
Just for old time's sakes.
>>
>>3842833
But she only knows about modern fashion. You don't want Kōrakuhime to look (horror of horrors) trendy, do you?
>>
>>3842834
Indeed, we need our sister to look great in long flowing outfits that take hours to put on as well as a few handmaidens to assist!
>>
>>3842834
How the hell would Tsubaki wear a t-shirt?
>>
>>3842834
As amusing as it would be, she'd probably dislike the experience.
Again.
>>3842838
Luckily, magic can help her on the outfit situation.
>>3842839
Magic.
>>
>>3842839
I don't think t-shirts are trendy in Japan. Even for gyaru, they seem too low-effort.
>>
>>3842844
This is Oguwara we're talking about.
>>
>>3842848
No. This is Kourakuhime.
Ogawara is someone else.
>>
I'm half-tempted to romance Tsubaki just to see what's under there.
inb4 she's basically a mannequin
>>
>>3842848
I thought we were talking about what Kikuko would pick out for your sister.
>>
>>3842853
I don't think the empowerment would have difficulty turning Ogawara into a female considering it straight up turned her into an Oni.
>>
>>3842848
Do you think he would like Japanese style maids, or Western style maids?
>>
>>3842844
ymmv, i saw a buncha jk gals in t-shirts when bumming around tokyo a few months ago
>>
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>>3842839
>t-shirt
Too low effort even for her. Go with a jacket. Get comfy.
>>
>>3842867
Huh. I went to Tokyo for the summer last year, and the only ones I saw in t-shirts were young guys.
>>
>>3842866
There were Japanese-style maids at his house growing up, so he prefers western-style.
>>
I just realized that it's Thursday. Fug.
>>
God damn our eventual Castle is gonna look like such a mess.
There's gonna be so many clashing design ideas it might as well be like 6 connected palaces
>>
Do you think Alberich has realised how popular with girls at school Rushorou was yet?
>>
>>3843164
He hasn't observed Rushorou at all, so no.
>>
Some thoughts about Alberich's Origin and its relation to recent events:

We know that it's "Void". Void is the element representing "that which is possible but immaterial" -- in other words, the element of potential. That means Alberich's personality and actions will be influenced by the concept of "potential": is this the source of his talent?
We've seen that he can mould his blobs of Void into any sort of shape, from a sword to a tendril to a book (complete with text), and he's improved from making three tendrils at the most to completely restraining people like Artoria and Achilles in a few days without focused practice. It speaks to his talent, but it might also speak to the affinity his Origin has with elemental control of Void; however, since that's the only magecraft he knows, it's really impossible to gauge how his Origin affects his spells in general.
So far, we've gotten great results from only one element, but there are two more that Alberich has. Since Void and Nothingness together define materialization and existence, I can imagine that magecraft using those elements will be interesting; Ether is another interesting element that needs exploring when Circe finds us.
>>
>>3843165
Yeah but he has all his memories with the new perspective of not having terrible autism. He should be able to realise from them.

The Robot that learned to love.
And also hate.
Usually it's hate.
>>
>>3843168
>And also hate.
>Usually it's hate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EddX9hnhDS4
>>
>>3843181
Calm down there, Tsubaki.
>>
>>3843254
We really beed to do something about that.
>>
>>3843258
How?
Like, I have no idea how we could possibly get her to like humans more.

It's really gonna be a challenge to get her not to despise them all.
She even hates poor Ayaka.
Do you have any ideas?

Maybe when all of our Servants are reunited she might stop being so autistic.
Circe will likely very quickly put an end to the pride she's got in her magic.
>>
>>3843258
Why don't we give her the entirety of Akihabara?
Not sure what that will accomplish though.
>>
>Alberich: [Get's pride]
>Tsubaki: [Get's pride]
>A: [Goes to battle against a Top lvl Servant].
>T: [Goes to battle against a Top lvl Master].
>A: [Wins].
>T: [Pic related].
She's so cute when she tries (and fails) to imitate her big brother.
>>
>>3843364
Forgot the pic
>>
>>3843364
To be fair, Seibah stomped us the first time we fought.

More motivation for Tsubaki to want to get stronger.
None of the siblings are even close to reaching their potential.
As she's an Oni, she should probably be able to reach A rank physical parameters if she trained her body.
>>
>>3843181
I don't think either of you hates humans quite that much.
>>3843369
That's going to be a fun talk.
>>
>>3843369
>>3843392
>if she trained her body
>That's going to be a fun talk.
>"Kōrakuhime, I need to train your body."
I can see it.
Guess it is time to revamp those classical greek hero themes.
>>
>>3843392
>I don't think either of you hates humans quite that much.
I know that WE don't but what about Tsubaki? If she just indifferent?

>>3843398
>>"Kōrakuhime, I need to train your body."
>I can see it.
We would be that blunt and unaware, would we?
>>
>>3843401
>We would be that blunt and unaware, would we?
One word: Y E S
>>
>>3843369
>As she's an Oni, she should probably be able to reach A rank physical parameters if she trained her body.
She's also a Caster, the class with the lowest aptitude for melee combat. The only ones with any significant fighting skill are Tamamo (had to put in a lot of training just to gain competence), Geronimo (has a skill just for it), Xuanzang (not even supposed to be summoned normally because she became a Buddha) and Merlin (it's supposed to be funny, I guess?). A grand total of four people with notable skills.

She would be better off learning to use her Demonic Nature of Oni skill and grinding for better Witchcraft, because if she has to fight with her fists at all the battle hasn't gone her way.
If you want to try, though, go ahead. This is just my opinion, and I could be wrong.
>>
>>3843401
>We would be that blunt and unaware, would we?
even more so
>>
>>3843401
She considers them as massively inferior and a resource to be used.
It's not like she's going out of her way to cause excessive carnage.

>that blunt and unaware
Sadly no, Alberich isn't actually dense. He might do it to tease her, though.
>>
>>3843401
>We wouldn't be that blunt and unaware, would we?
Fixed it.
>>
>>3843411
Except Shuten as an Assassin has A rank strength B rank endurance and B rank agility.
and as a Caster (kinda iffy with alternate forms) has C+ strength, B rank Endurance and B rank agility.

Just because she's a Caster doesn't mean she has to be totally fragile.
She's a fucking Oni, with all the physical potential of one.
>>
>>3843415
>>3843419
You are forgetting about how we completely didn't understand Kōrakuhime`s comment on Ayaka being "territorial" with us.
Somebody really need to have the talk with Alberich.
>>
>>3843426
The face of Yoshikage Kira: a man who offhandedly rejected all advances by his female coworkers.
The memories of Yumigawa Rushorou: a boy completely unaware of his own school idol status.
The inherited protagonist position of Emiya Shirou.
When it comes to romance, Alberich definitely falls on the denser side of things.
>>
>>3843431
You mean to tell me we wouldn't know how to put pOnOs in vagOOO?
>>
>>3843436
Maybe you can have Saber explain it for you.
>>
>>3843444
Not by Kōrakuhime dressed as a teacher in our dream classroom?
>>
>>3843449
Tsubaki would be more hands-on, with the way things are going.
>>
>>3843444
Saber: I'm ready Avenger, start your interrogatory but I'll never break, no matter how much you tor-
Alberich: How do I snu snu.
S:-ture...
>>
>>3843461
"I heard from Emiya that you're a great instructor."
>>
>>3843464
>she assumes the worst when we're being completely innocuous
>>
>>3843425
>Except Shuten as an Assassin has A rank strength B rank endurance and B rank agility.
>and as a Caster (kinda iffy with alternate forms) has C+ strength, B rank Endurance and B rank agility.
That's because she actually uses her own Demonic nature of Oni, not because it's her base strength before anything else.
>mix of natural monster (huge strength and defence, asterios gets A++ to both because of this skill), monstrous strength (temporary rank-up to strength) and magical energy burst (usually heat, but you don't see shuten throwing around fire)
Her speed is probably just her base speed. Assassins are usually pretty fast: Hundred-Face Hassan has A, Sasaki has A+, manlet gunpowder Hassan in HA was fucking fast, you get the idea.
If you want her to get strong, you should start by getting her to use that skill.
>>
>>3843461
>instantly breaks
>>
>After Alberich has narrated his story:
S: You have five women after you! Why are you asking me this?
A: Well, I would have asked Emiya's wife, but we're not really on the best of terms anymore.
S: Gah!
>>
>>3843481
[Background Reeeing Circe intensifies]
>>
>>3843473
That's uh.
That isn't really how parameters work.
Parameters are sort of your base stats.

It seems that Demonic Nature of Oni is an activated skill, so those won't apply unless the skill is actually used to access their Demonic power.
Just like how Imperial Privilege isn't always active.

>>3843481
Please be patient, Saber.
Alberich still has autism.
>>
>>3843481
Why would we even ask Artoria? She knows fuck all about sex that doesn't involve futas. The guy we need to ask is Odin.
>>
>>3843494
Also, Caster Shuten doesn't have Demonic Nature of Oni.
>>
>>3843498
But anon, she knows how to please a man.
>>
>>3843494
Since FGO is a clusterfuck as far as consistency is concerned whether referring to prior canon, its own canon, skills, or character parameters, I'm going to step in as the arbiter of canon in Fate/Awakening Mirror and say this;

Demonic Nature of Oni is an activated skill, but natural oni heroes such as Shuten-Douji and Ibaraki-Douji keep it activated constantly (aside from the energy burst aspect, which can only be active for a fraction of a second at a time anyway). Consequently, their "base stats" are taking the buff from that skill into account. Without it, they'd be weaker.
That said, you don't actually know whether or not Yōjinshi-no-Kōrakuhime does the same. She could just be so weak that Demonic Nature of Oni only raises her parameters up to E.
>>3843504
And this is why Alberich originally wanted to go to Sakura. If you want to learn technique, there's nobody better to have as a tutor than an educated prostitute.
>>
>>3843498
>Odin
If you want extreme course why not just borrow Ayaka`s stash of shoujo manga?
>>
>>3843505
>She could just be so weak that Demonic Nature of Oni only raises her parameters up to E.
I think affection score just raised.
>>
>>3843506
>Starts eating lemons at every meal
>>
>>3843505
Honestly, all we need to do is observe the mating habits of mollusks and we're golden.
>>
>>3843504
>alberich learns how to please another man
gay
>>3843505
Thanks for saying something, Sweets.
It's good to know you care
>>
>>3843513
I don't think she was keeping it active, honestly.
Up until a few days ago she didn't have a source of energy to waste keeping it active like that.
>>
>>3843166
On your origin. First, I'll note that you haven't actually done anything with the Void element. All of your elementalism has been manipulating Nothingness so far. This is because you've been creating material things, which is the province of Nothingness. Void is immaterial, after all.
Second, I'd like to clarify the "possible but immaterial" line. What this means specifically is that its existence is possible, but could never be material. Void is a purely immaterial possibility. Contrasting, Nothingness is fundamentally impossible, but would be material if it were possible.
>>
>>3843571
Also, I'm contemplating a translation shift, from:
Five Real Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Sky
Two Imaginary Elements: Void, Nothingness
to
Five Real Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Void
Two Imaginary Elements: Emptiness, Nothingness

I'm leery of altering terms I've been using up until now, but it does feel like they capture the meaning of the Japanese terms better.
This would also shift your origin to Emptiness, which I think makes its meaning a bit clearer.
>>
>>3843586
I think I would prefer the terminology shift, honestly.

>>3843571
Interesting.
So we still haven't tried using our theoretically most compatible magic?
I wonder what we're capable of doing with Emptiness.
>>
>>3843505
>Calling Sakura a Educated Prostitute
Jeez if Alberich did that, Shirou's prime directive will be to be to absolutely murder us so nothing is left. I mean by now there are pangs of guilt in trying to stop us and I am sure if we just never encounter him and reincarnate he won't go after us.

Well unless we release the mud all over Tokyo like an idiot.
>>
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>>3843652
But Shirou himself thinks that.
>>
>>3843652
>by now there are pangs of guilt in trying to stop us and I am sure if we just never encounter him and reincarnate he won't go after us.
I don't think that's accurate at all. Not only did we piss him off, we're also threatening the entire world for our own survival in his eyes.
>>
>>3843666
I don't think that's quite right Satan.
Shirou is still the kind of guy who wants to save everyone, even post HF, when he's managed to calm it down.

When you've got a guy who says he's only fighting you for his own survival, It's kind of hard for the sword autist to personally hate them.
>>
>>3843660
>Type moon smut writing
Oh yeah I forgot and constantly try to forget of how bad it is.

>>3843666
No if I recall there were some bits of guilt. Not a lot to be completely torn about.
>>
>>3843674
He would only properly *hate* us if we actually went ahead with threatening to kill his wife and children. I think.
>>
>>3843672
This isn't Fate "I want to save everyone" Shirou. It's Heaven's Feel "I want to save Sakura (and Illya, but she's dead so that's a loss I guess)" Shirou.
You're threatening his wife's survival for your own, and Sakura's more important than you are.
>>
>>3843723
I know that but we did at least kind of try to de-escalate the situation.
More than Medusa did, at least.
Really, his side violated the NAP.
>>
>>3843738
And Rider looks delicious.
>>
>>3843744
No, she looks like a damn hag.
>>
>>3843750
But, Anon, there is a lot of juice inside her still! A fine brewed nectar made of out best of Fuyuki`s residents!
>>
>>3843744
I mean she is hot but I do- Oh in the Manjew way.
>>
>>3843796
>"No Saber, I'm not Avenger."
>he says, contemplating absorbing Rider's powers and what would serve him best from her.

Honestly, taking her Mystic Eyes would probably be good.
We might not get Cybele though and instead get a different Jewel-ranked set of Mystic Eyes.
We could ask Circe or Tsubaki to make us Mystic Eye Killers of some variety
>>
>>3843843
Mystic Eye killing sunglasses
>>
The talk of buffing HGS's strength has gotten my noggin jogging- HGS's "attack" isn't an attack at all, is it? It's how we bypassed Achilles' defense after all- it is just a teleportation device on an unbreakable blade of nothingness. Hence, any "rejects all attacks under X strength" defense will fail against HGS, because it doesn't attack- it transports. It attacks in the same way Kenótis defends. With this in mind, the only defense against HGS that would be effective would be some sort of magic "no u" that keeps something rooted in the real world and/or keeps something perfectly together, such as Roland's unbreakable (or inseparable, if you will) blade. Is this a correct understanding sweets?

Tldr- fuck gilgamesh and fuck tiamat.
>>
>>3843956
This is largely correct. Heiligöffnungschwert and Kenótis bypass all traditional forms of defense (things with the conceptual property of negating attack), and are instead vulnerable to things that negate transportation or damage magical constructs.
They would be totally ineffective against Tiamat, though, due to her Independent Manifestation.
>>
>>3843964
Fugg but also based
>>
>>3843956
That's why Helig is pretty much the best possible sword. It's impossible to cut better than Helig because it doesn't actually cut, just like how it's impossible to penetrate Kenosis because it doesn't actually block anything. Alberich would be unbelievably lethal if he was allowed to be, because realistically anything he fights should be a pile of limbs and gore before they even realize what happened.
>>
At this further prodding Arturia looks back up to fix you with a gaze of sullen hatred. She doesn't address your comment, though, instead spitting, "Why do this? Avenger or Alberich, you gain nothing by keeping me prisoner. Kill me now, and have done with it!"

"Oh, I gain a great deal from keeping you here," you reply, a smirk coming to your face. "I have here, helpless before me, the woman who served me my first defeat in battle; who insulted me, calling me 'duplicitous trash'; who left me for dead, believing me so far beneath her that she need not even kill me. To end your life now would be an enormous waste, my dear."

"Just the sort of answer to be expected from you," Arturia says contemptuously. "Go on, then, and begin your torture. It will be meaningless in the end."

You decide to let that pass unremarked-upon, and leave the torment to Arturia's imagination for the moment. Instead, you pick the previous topic back up in a friendly tone. "Now we know one another's names, and I know your story," you say, "but you haven't heard mine. I'm sure that 'Alberich' alone isn't a satisfying answer as to my identity. You've made that amply clear. So why don't I tell you the whole truth about who I am? I'm sure you'll enjoy the story."

"Say what you will," Arturia answers, still glaring, "I cannot make you be silent."

Clearly, if Arturia had her way you'd set her free, kill her, or at least leave her alone. She certainly isn't interested in your story. That being the case, you begin immediately, starting the tale with Judas' use of Akeldama. "One week ago," you say, spreading your hands in a theatrical gesture somewhat spoiled by your reclining posture, "Caster, the Servant of Jean-Pierre Vaisset, activated his Noble Phantasm. He deceived his Master into believing it was a large scale ritual designed to drain power from the people of the area and empower himself at their expense. He told the truth only so far as the purpose of the ritual: empowerment. Its form and target, well..." You chuckle, recalling Vaisset's shock at your appearance. "They were quite different."

Your audience is unreceptive. Arturia looks dully at you, the same expression of frustrated resentment she's had since awakening on her face.

Unperturbed, you continue your tale. "To capture and absorb the power of those targeted by it, Caster's Noble Phantasm created a false reality, wherein he could create whatever he desired. The first of his creations was a set of four artificial souls, with memories stolen from the truly living, meant to receive the energy of the ritual." Laying a hand to your breast, you reveal, "I was one of these four." After another pause with no reaction from Arturia, you explain, "Caster's next creation was the core of the ritual, the method by which the lives of those drawn in were to be consumed: a Holy Grail War meant to be fought to the death between all the thousand-and-fifty people summoned into the Noble Phantasm's false world."
>>
Your eyes glaze over for a moment as you look past Arturia, to the rough stone behind her, and remember that other moment, that other surface; the feeling of lying on scattered chunks of gravel over the cement, the burning heat and choking smoke of that place, the crumbling enclosure that greeted you... it was a horrible way to enter the world, now that you consider the matter. Not that you thought of it that way at the time, of course.

Then you return to the moment, and the telling of the tale. "Of the many competitors for the Grail, seven of us were able to become Masters, while the rest had to survive without Servants. I was one of those fortunate seven, and incidentally believed myself to be an 18 year old high-school student at the time." You let that hang in the air for a second or two, looking for any reaction to this next detail of your identity. Saber only waits coldly, so you move on to the conclusion of the Akeldama War. "The only way home, we were told, was to claim victory and the wish that came with it. In the end, only five of us survived that War: myself, two of the other artificial souls, a female magus, and a remarkably resourceful mundane girl. I was the only Master among us, but when I was ready to claim the Grail Caster revealed that there had never been any wish; that the only true way to leave was by death, and the choice was for it to be his or ours. I struck him down."

"With that, I should have been sent home. That is what I believed, and it was true enough for the others. Such was the falsity of that world that none of those who battled there and escaped found that they had moved in space or time from the moment of their summoning." You sweep an arm around to indicate your surroundings, "As you can see, that wasn't to be my fate. I, like the two souls one might call my siblings, had no point of origin. We should have faded from existence. Instead we received the final effects of Caster's Noble Phantasm. Energy collected from the deaths of over a thousand humans and seven Servants was used to alter us. I became the Saber you see before you, my sister became a Caster and my brother became a Lancer. That, Arturia," you conclude, getting to your feet to look down at your captive, "is my identity. A second Saber, produced through Caster's machinations. I'm afraid this 'Avenger' of yours is not here."

With your story finally over, Arturia stares at you in silence for a moments longer. You can't tell from resentful frown, a constant since your conversation began, what her thoughts on your explanation might be. Finally, though, she asks, "Do you imagine that I would believe this?"

"It is the truth," you say, cocking an eyebrow. "I did rather hope you would, yes."
>>
"The truth! To claim such a thing!" Arturia sounds shocked, now, as well as angry, snapping, "It may be true that I am ignorant of your identity, but do not assume I will simply believe any absurd tale you tell me!" She struggles against her bonds for a moment, as if unthinkingly trying to get to her feet to yell at you. "Whether you are yourself Avenger, or only its host, I do not know, but I am certain that this ridiculous tale of a false reality and artificial Servants is patently impossible! If you have nothing to say to me but absurd lies, then I would rather you leave me bound and alone, you vile wretch!"

She certainly hasn't taken well to your story. It seems to have only strengthened her conviction that you're a lying villain, trying to deceive her for some nefarious purpose. With the way she's heaping abuse on you it wouldn't be strange for you to get angry, but as you watch her struggling pitifully against the stone restraints you find yourself feeling more amusement than anger. Of course, it certainly is true that you've brought her here with a mind full of ill intentions, so she isn't entirely wrong. The question of what to do with her in the immediate future, though, remains largely unanswered.

>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride) (Write in any details you'd like to add)

>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
The conditioning will take time
>>
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>>3843989
...
Toss her into the cape; I'm done.
>>
>>3843989
>>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride) (Write in any details you'd like to add)
>"Very well then Saber, just for you, I shall reveal the name of the Caster behind my existence. The man who created me and my siblings. The man you could perhaps even call my 'father'. He is rather famous after all, and I'd bet his name is one every Heroic Spirit ought to recognise. So, tell me Saber, how familiar are you with the tale of Judas Iscariot?"

It seems an apt time.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride) (Write in any details you'd like to add)
Fuck it name drop judas, only way to convince this retard
>>
>>3844021
She's just going to rationalize it again. Breaking prisoners takes time, but less than you would think. Forced isolation and immobility is more effective than a thousand logical arguments as to why she's mistaken.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
>>3844021
>>3844029
Wtf would name dropping Judas do to convince her?
>>
>>3843986
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3844034
>Breaking prisoners takes time
>but less than you would think
This is the woman who is so autistic that she has literally entered a cycle of death just for the chance to delete her reign from ever occurring. She is what you might call rather strong willed.
If she was going to break, she already would have.

>>3844037
>Wtf would name dropping Judas do to convince her
Well, there aren't many Casters who could actually create new heroes like that. So it sounds like total bullshit with a lack of info.
Judas is one of the most well known figures in history though, and he has a strong connection to the fucking messiah.
If anybody could pull some bullshit like what we described off, it's gonna be him.

Also, the prompt does seem to be pointing us at revealing the biggest truth bomb we have.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
>>3844048
>Well, there aren't many Casters who could actually create new heroes like that. So it sounds like total bullshit with a lack of info.
And it sounds bullshit with the info too. Why would have Judas such a NP, why would he sacrifice himself and how convenient is it that with him dead there is no proof?
>>
>>3844048
>If she was going to break she already would have.

She's been awake for 10 minutes.

We haven't even started yet.
>>
>>3844037
May be a long shot but being related to the biggest dickass shitheel in human history isn't usually a lie someone would say to get people to trust them, it would be the most believable thing we said so far
Also the current narrative seems to be perfect for setting up a big reveal like that
>>
>>3844060
Anon, I meant if she was going to break, then watching half of her country turn against her, murdering her daughterson, almost dying, being forced to kill one of her best friends, having the grail snatched away right in front of her, dying, being corrupted, being forced to do evil things against her will and then dying again would have broken her.

After that, there's only so much conventional torture can do.

>>3844055
Why would he sacrifice himself.
It's Judas, his very existence is one that facilitates other heroes. He did after all, create the greatest hero of all. (get fucked Merlin, you fucking copycat loser.)
>>
>>3844067
Yeah.
"MY DAD IS JUDAS" isn't really the sort of thing most people would want to lie about.
>>
Also, ask yourself, what could we possibly lose from revealing Judas' identity to her?
If it convinces her that there might be some truth to our story, great!
If it doesn't, well, altering her is always a possibility.
>>
>>3844073
>It's Judas, his very existence is one that facilitates other heroes.
I remember Judas as the guy who betrayed Jesus, not some martyr who sacrificed his life for someone else.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
Just get up and leave.

>"Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot was the name of the Caster who died before the War began, the name of my 'father'."
Say this last thing before we go, though.
>>
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>>3844101
Not in this case, it seems the betrayal was quite the planned occurrence on everyone's part, yet Judas basically got lumped with all the hatred of humanity for killing their messiah.

My point is that it's such an abberation that it has to shake her from her misconceptions.
the "I'm a good boy Seibah, honest!" act followed up by "I'm actually Judas' son, deal with it.

>>3843909
Picrelated
>>
>>3844112
>Not in this case
Yes, but that is not something Saber will know. It's literally heaping another unbelievable thing on top of our story to somehow make it more believable, which is not how it works.

And shaking her out of her misconceptions will not work. She already believes us to lie why wouldn't his be one too?
>>
>>3844117
We don't actually lose anything from mentioning it though.
Like, she already despises us about as much as is possible.

It's worth it even if it only has the slimmest chance of working.
She's under the impression that we're Angra Mainyu, or at least his host.
Why the fuck would Angra Mainyu claim that Judas Iscariot is his father?
Why would ANYONE claim that?
It's not exactly the sort of claim that somebody would engineer to try to get you to trust them.

Right now, the only alternative is just to do nothing, which isn't really ideal, because it will just increase her hatred of us overnight even more.
We should at least give it a good shot.
Seems stupid to just stop when we could hit her with the Judas bomb.
It's not like it will get any more effective the longer we keep her in captivity.
>>
>>3844055
There is a small amount of proof too.
There's 1000 people who all went missing across the globe in a single day.
This sort of mass disappearance is something I doubt even the MA can cover up due to the widespread nature of it.
Hell, the media might have even latched onto it.
>>
>>3844126
>We don't actually lose anything from mentioning it though.
Opportunity cost. If we spend time here we don't spend it with Tsubaki and Ayaka.
>Why would ANYONE claim that?
Why would anyone claim to be a servant created by caster when they are clearly Angra or possessed by him? Maybe to confuse her, because who would claim to be Judas son?
>>3844131
>There is a small amount of proof too.
Yes, just bad that Saber is imprisoned and can't see any proof besides the 'tampered' with one we provide. Or maybe Angra just ate a lot of people for power and our evidence is just the result of that?
>>
Really, what is the reason to not tell her we're judas's son? Not like it would take much time
>>
>>3844131
>Seemingly random mass disappearance
Hey, that's exactly what the Shadow did in Heaven's Feel!
>>
>>3844140
>proof we tampered with
Angra Mainyu, Fake News Expert.
>Angra just ate a lot of people
around the entire world in the space of a single instant?
Shit, if we were Angra Mainyu and Angra could do that, there would be no humans left.

>Opportunity cost. If we spend time here we don't spend it with Tsubaki and Ayaka.
They are both asleep
All that we will do upon leaving Saber is go to sleep ourselves.
That's not an opportunity.
That's the opportunity loss.
>because who would claim to be Judas son?
The way we described what we were didn't really mention anything negative about ourselves. Freely admitting to being Judas' son is quite a terrible thing to admit about yourself.

>>3844145
>that's exactly what the Shadow did in Heaven's Feel!
What a coincidence!
Not around the world though.
That's one speedy fucking shadow if it could do that.
>>
>>3844152
>That's one speedy fucking shadow if it could do that.

Obviously this version of Avenger travels at the speed of EVIL.
>>
>>3844152
>That's not an opportunity.
Then try out summoning or train or do anything else. We do not lack things to do in this war.
>Not around the world though.
And how would Saber know this? We do not have perfect surveillance of the entire world, neither does Saber and if it is split up around the world then it will hardly be noticed as something out of the ordinary since people die or vanish every day around the world.
>>
Is Al savvy enough with Arthurian mythos to know about their quest for the grail?
>>
>>3844162
>Then try out summoning or train or do anything else. We do not lack things to do in this war.
Alberich cannot do that right now either.
The only thing he can POSSIBLY do after this is rest.
He has literally no energy to mess around with and actually does require sleep.
Unless you want to literally kill Ayaka in her sleep by drawing too much energy from her.
It's the difference between a few sentences to try to make something of the night, or we sleep and go to the next day.

>if it is split up around the world
Anon, disappearances are things that are kind of noticed.
And if a thousand people disappeared at the exact same moment, then obviously, somebody is going to figure something is up.
Like, the amount of missing person reports shoots up and they all seem to occur around the exact same moment, with no motive or evidence or suspects.
It's the sort of thing conspiracy theorists would fucking love.
>>
>>3844172
>Anon, disappearances are things that are kind of noticed.
They are noticed, but if one person vanished out of a city that is just business as usual. And if that happens in Africa, Europe, China and Australia spread out over them then nobody will bat an eye.
>>
>>3843989
>>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
>Name drop Judas then leave

Only card we really have atm, I doubt will change much when already thinks we're the actual devil but its not like her opinion on us would go down to have instead been created by the most likely candidate to come with a bootleg Holy Grail due to his association with Jesus.
And Alberich would need to have some serious time management issues if it really takes him more than a minute or two to drop this and leave; it's not like he's the captive audience in this scenario.
>>
>>3844176
I don't know anon
just one person vanishing from their home completely with no signs of break-in, no signs of even the doors or windows being unlocked, the keys still inside of the house, no signs of them packing or leaving anywhere.
They are just... gone.
Now multiply that by a couple hundred occurences.

And because it's so widespread and unexpected, the MA will have no way to suppress the spread of information.
>>
>>3844182
Because it is so widespread nobody will have the complete picture. Meaning nobody will actually find it too unusual. If one person vanishes without a trace there are more mundane reasons than was abducted with magic and even if it reaches the news how many local newspapers do you read of different countries?
>>
>>3844178
>Judas is able to make a bootleg Holy Grail because of his connection to Jesus and his presence at the Last Supper
...
fuck, I can't believe I didn't realise that earlier.
God damn it.
Well, there's some good evidence as to why Judas in particular could create a False Grail War.

>>3844185
People love a mystery, anon.
Dozens of missing person cases with really eerie similarities is going to raise eyebrows.
People would start digging through other reported missing person cases.
It's not unusual for national media to report on missing person cases of interest either.
>>
>>3844182
>1050 people gone
>out of gorillions
I don't think any mundane is going to piece things together.
>>
>>3844196
You're underestimating the power of autism and private investigators.
>>
>>3844152
>All that we will do upon leaving Saber is go to sleep ourselves.
Sleep is a valid option, anon. It's around 3 in the morning.
>>
>>3844198
Did Judas ever say the participants had to even be taken from populated areas?

Akeldama might have zapped in some unlucky tribal shaman from the middle of the jungle or a dude who was out sailing and people will think he just fell overboard or some shit
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3844204
I'll spare you the trouble of hunting through the archive. He told you that participants were only summoned from first world countries, because they have a higher percentage of magi.
>>
>>3844204
I would imagine Judas made sure the participants summoned could speak Japanese, at least.
Who knows though?
>>3844200
Sleep is for weaklings.
>>
Seriously though, what do we lose from getting to FINALLY drop our big dramatic reveal on somebody?
>>
>>3844218
Point.

If there was a time to monologue this would be it.
>>
>>3844223
Is this Alberich's true goal.

>"Listen Lady Artoria, I have always wanted to monologue, now that I have you captive I can happily do so"
>"OH GOD JUST KILL ME"
>"No"

Does going on a monologue on someone who is captive count as torture?
>>
>>3844231
It's time to grind our Charisma by monologuing at Saber for 4 hours.
>>
>>3844236
inb4 she killed herself 30 minutes in.
>>
>>3844236
>Through dedicated training in talking you have learned that there is indeed a time when it is better to shut up. Charisma improved!
>>
>>3844231
That's basically what you just did in the last update. Hence all of Arturia's stoic silent resentment.
>>
>>3844239
Lets do it more until she breaks.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride) (Write in any details you'd like to add)

Also throw in talk about Odin and that is why we left her alive.
>>
>>3844243
Or we could just reveal Judas.

Anon made a good point with the fact that out of any Servant that you could summon that could create a fake War, Judas would be your man. (Or Jesus, but he can't be summoned)
>>3844251
No Judas?
>>
>>3844251
But why.
>>
>>3844252
Yeah sure but definitely mention Odin.
>>
>>3844218
Nobody gives a shit about Judas man, it's gonna lack any impact
>>
>>3844253
Why not mention Odin, who is a clear target for the future. Also is an Un-nerfed Odin.
>>
>>3844255
>King Arthur, somebody who sought and still seeks the Holy Grail, not giving a shit about literally the son of Judas
Also, it adds credence to our false Holy Grail War story.
Only somebody with a connection to the true Holy Grail could pull it off.
>>
>>3843989

>{}Just fucking kill her.
>>
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>>3844265
Edgy and pointless.
>>
>>3844260
I really don't see her giving a shit la. This is just gonna make Alberich seem like a more of a pathetic loser, begging for her to notice and acknowledge his past.
>>
>>3844260
>Only somebody with a connection to the true Holy Grail could pull it off.
Not really.
>>3844276
Yeah seriously, it's just irrelevant
>>
>>3844276
I don't really think it would go down that way anon.

The Judas thing might give Saber something to think on as we leave her to dwell with her thoughts in the darkness.
>>
Why do we even care that she thinks we're avenger?

Wouldn't playing that part make her more likely to be altered fully?

Are we trying to recruit her, torture her, or kill her? We're getting off track here.
>>
>>3844281
>Not really
Anon, please name another Servant that you can summon that can set up their own Grail War and run it.

>it's just irrelevant
It's the missing piece to the story we gave Saber that starts making it all make more sense.
What's your plan on dealing with her?
Wait and hope?
Hope that you can somehow break her with torture or confinement?
Hope Tsubaki can bypass her A-rank Magic Resistance and brainwash her despite her interlude showing that she very likely can't use any sort of mind altering magic?
We have everything to gain and nothing to lose by mentioning it, so why not give it a shot?
Why don't you want to give it a shot?

We fucking lose nothing.
>>
>>3844288
>Why do we even care that she thinks we're avenger?
Pride.
>Wouldn't playing that part make her more likely to be altered fully?
LARPing as Avenger won't actually give us 7 billion curses to fuck her mind up, so no, not really.
>Are we trying to recruit her, torture her, or kill her? We're getting off track here.
I think the most logical and recommended course of action is recruiting her.
>>
>>3844269

True, I was rather frustrated. However, I'm convinced at this point that she's so traumatized by the last war that she'll never work with us. In addition, leaving her alive allows for Emiya to possibly discover/recover her, creating yet another problem.

I honestly feel that the best option is to go to bed, then complete the ritual in the morning when Ayaka is fresh.
>>
>>3844295
NO
NEVER DO THE RITUAL
SHE STILL HAS MANJEW CUM IN HER
WE EAT HER WE RISK BOTH US AND THE GRAIL GETTING CORRUPTED
>>
>>3844295
Do you seriously think that Sweets would make his players run through all these hoops just to reach an unchangeable conclusion?
It doesn't make any sense for it to not be possible, anon.

You should be able to infer it's possible from all the hints dropped everywhere.

At least support the Judas option, we can literally just say it and leave if we want.
If nothing has changed by mentioning it, oh well.
>>
>>3844298
1) Ew.
2) ...can people confirm if that's true?
>>
>>3844303
>can people confirm if that's true?
It's a huge fucking risk that IC we haven't really got any reason to look for or direct a Caster to look for, so actually getting an answer to it being true or not will be quite impossible.

But as has been mentioned before, Manjew would fucking LOVE Alberich as his host.
>>
>>3844300
I don't think he'd give us an unchangeable conclusion, but I do think that just because we do something doesn't automatically give us the win/best possible conclusion. We fail, and grow stronger from it.
>>
>>3844306
The difference is here that Sweets has obviously set up this whole situation to allow us to recruit Saber or at least do something other than sacrifice her.
Otherwise the whole battle would not have gone the way it did.

And if she does contain Manjuice?

DEAD END.
>>
>>3844303
Its been stated multiple times that she has a little bit of corruption in her.

That is why at least I want to recruit her in her non alter self, so at the end of the day she does not taint the grail.

If she does then fuck it, time to work for the Emiyas because we are already locked in on a bad end.
>>
>>3844307
>And if she does contain Manjuice?
>DEAD END.
Ha! No, I'm not nice enough to give you a simple dead end if you wind up playing host to Angra.

>>3844309
It hasn't been stated, just speculated about.
>>
>>3844310
>using the ritual on Saber might give us some form of Super Dead End or lock us into a Bad End Route
>or it might not
oh no
>>
>>3844309
>If she does then fuck it, time to work for the Emiyas because we are already locked in on a bad end.
What? We did have plans how to get a good end even with a corrupted grail.
>>
>>3844316
Dragging the whole grail into Number Space isn't really something we're capable of doing right now.
And using the ritual on her opens up an entirely different kettle of "you fucked up" if she contains Angra.
>>
Again, we literally lose nothing from revealing the identity of Judas to Arturia.
Worst case it's just "I still don't believe you."
Best case she actually starts thinking about the implications of us not actually being Avenger.

I would understand if there was any sort of tangible loss to be had by revealing it, but as it stands, we really can't.
>>
>>3844307
>Otherwise the whole battle would not have gone the way it did.
Not really. There was a lot of talk about trying to recruit her and we were given the option to spare her that does not mean we actually have the skills necessary to recruit her or that doing so is the best course of action.
>>3844320
>Dragging the whole grail into Number Space isn't really something we're capable of doing right now.
Maybe not yet, but we certainly can arrange something.
>And using the ritual on her opens up an entirely different kettle of "you fucked up" if she contains Angra.
Frankly even in that case we haven't lost. He's not automatically in charge of us even then and we are prideful enough to want him gone regardless of what he offers us. We have Circe who is definitely able to put something together to purify us and in the worst case we can change the game with Volks.
>>
>>3844332
That's some optimism right there anon.
We still lose literally nothing by mentioning Judas though. Hell, it could be an off-hand comment as we leave if you really want.
Minutes of our time for something that could potentially shake the fuck out of Saber.
>>
>>3844341
>That's some optimism right there anon.
It's hardly optimism. I mean do you think Sweets is a bad enough Qm that the only way to avert a bad end is to metagame? And what would have happened had we won our first confrontation with Saber and absorbed her... do you think we would have been locked into a bad end?

And from an ingame point of view Saber has gone through death the only reason why she is half corrupted are her memories and experiences from the last grail war.
>>
>>3844352
If you'd won your first confrontation with Saber, you couldn't have absorbed her. Vaisset was still your Master at that time.
>>
>>3844352
>won our first confrontation with Saber and absorbed her
with what ritual?
>>
>>3844357
True. Still without you telling us about her being half corrupted we wouldn't even know about it so we would be forced to metagame to escape a bad end which is not really good gm-ing, so I doubt that there are still curses on Saber.
>>
>>3844367
There's multiple references to it in the text we could infer from though.
The narrative is also obviously pushing us in the direction of not sacrificing her (Ayaka was unable to do the ritual when we just happened to be able to beat her non-lethally)
>>
>>3844370
>There's multiple references to it in the text we could infer from though.
Which ones that Alberich would notice?
>>
>>3844375
Shit like "I won't be your pawn again Avenger" The references to Angra Mainyu in the last wars, Saber mentioning our cloak, Rin saying our Cloak is related to Angra Mainyu and whatever the fuck else.
It's kind of obvious there's some connection.

I mean, it's a moot point because everyone here knows who the fuck Avenger is anyway, but there would be MAD player speculation if we didn't.
>>
>>3844390
That only proves that Angra existed. She also specifically said she was in the past and isn't anymore.

She died and this isn't the same Saber from before why would she have Angra in her?
>>
>>3844390
Frankly if we have so much references to it then let Tsubaki check her for corruption. I really dislike how this fear is used as a tool to drive votes.
>>
>>3844391
You're grasping at straws there, honestly.

My point is that there's reason enough to assume that it might be a bad idea to take in the soul of somebody who mentioned they were made into a pawn by a being that we can infer is "All the World's Evils".

>>3844396
I mean, at the end of the day, she's more useful to us alive and working for us than she is as an upgrade anyway.
It's kinda boring if we just kill her at this point.

Sometimes meta-gaming is just a thing that you can't really avoid.
That's just the price of using an established setting and characters.
Most anons aren't going to purposely go for a SUPER ULTRA DEAD END just because it *might* be more in character to.


We still don't lose anything from mentioning Judas, btw.
>>
>>3844401
>I mean, at the end of the day, she's more useful to us alive and working for us than she is as an upgrade anyway.
She's worth more to us as a prisoner with intent to kill us?

>Sometimes meta-gaming is just a thing that you can't really avoid.
There is a difference between players deciding to metagame and a qm making it impossible to have a good end without metagaming.
>>
>>3844404
>She's worth more to us as a prisoner...?
Yes.
Because you should have noticed by now that allying her isn't actually impossible.

Taking her prisoner was objectively the correct choice.
Killing her there would've given us nothing.

Please tell me what narrative purposes it serves to have us capture Saber for the sole purpose of killing her while also not having killing her be a viable and correct choice from the start.
>>
>>3844419
>Because you should have noticed by now that allying her isn't actually impossible.
Please tell me how you want to ally her? Because at this point it looks like you are grasping for straws. Even if we could convince her that we aren't lying with every word we say she has no reason to like us and even less reason to allow us to take the grail when she wants it herself.
>>
>>3844419
>Please tell me what narrative purposes it serves
Showing our hubris and having her freed later by Shirou, so their faction can attack us with more power later on. Giving us a betrayal like Kikuko.
>>
>>3844429
I dunno there is a pretty strong god that is our enemy that I doubt we could handle solo.
>>
>>3844429
The first step to allying her is convincing her we're not the Devil, that should be clear.
After that, things become somewhat easier.

Fun fact, the grail is something we can offer to share, too.
There's more than enough Servants in the war for that.
>>
>>3844437
We already have other allies though. We would never be solo.
>>
>>3844437
And why would Saber care for what we need? At best she would help us defeat him and try to kill us then or try to make it a mutual kill.
>>
>>3844431
That's some next level pessimism, buddy.
Shirou n pals don't know we've got Saber in our basement and won't be dumb enough to attack our house.

Because we kinda know where they live.
>>
>>3844367
>without you telling us about her being half corrupted we wouldn't even know about it
Well damn, that is bad writing on my part. I thought her characterization showed her off as more than a little way towards Alter, and a good deal less sunny than herself in F/SN.
>>
>>3844442
Don't have anyone with high enough magic resistance though.
>>3844446
Anon, she's only acting like she is right now towards us because she thinks we're a Demon hellbent on wiping out humanity.
>>
>>3844439
>After that, things become somewhat easier.
I would really like to hear those easier steps then.

>>3844448
If they are still in their house then they are too stupid to live. Why would they stay somewhere we could attack them at our leisure?
>>
>>3844419
>factoring in "narrative purposes" to decisions made by the player character
That is some next level metagaming. Meta-metagaming.
>>
>>3844449
>I thought her characterization showed her off as more than a little way towards Alter, and a good deal less sunny than herself in F/SN.
Even if it did that could just be because the last war was pretty sucky for her and we are a giant reminder. No real reason for her to need curses for that.
>Anon, she's only acting like she is right now towards us because she thinks we're a Demon hellbent on wiping out humanity.
You don't think Alberich insulting her honor and just insulting her in general would have made her dislike him?
>>
>>3844449
Alberich wouldn't even know the difference desu
>>
>>3844457
>You don't think Alberich insulting her honor and just insulting her in general would have made her dislike him?
She predisposed herself into disliking us so no.
>>
>>3844454
Get on my Meta-level.
>>3844453
Well, for one, she won't despise us and disregard anything we say to her, so that's useful.

>Shirou
>tactically sound decisions
Hahaha.
>>
>>3844449
To be fair she wasn't really sunny during combat in the FSN.
But yeah, also Alberich has no way to compare.
>>
>>3844460
Yeah and those feelings won't just vanish because logic says they are wrong.
>>3844462
>Hahaha.
He's not alone and he has his children to worry about. So he has motivation and people who can advise him to not stay with his children there.
>>
>>3844457
>No real reason for her to need curses for that.
Well, that's certainly true. She could or could not be feeling some Angra corruption, but she's certainly supposed to feel as if she's changed as a character.
>>
>>3844468
>He's not alone and he has his children to worry about
And he had Taiga to worry about in F/SN.
>>
>>3844474
As I said he also has other people who can tell him that it is a stupid idea to stay in the house. I don't think that if it is pointed out to him he will risk his family.
>>
Well, putting aside the metagaming issue I'd like to defend my writing by pointing out that Alberich does have his own reasons for wanting to capture her. They've shown up in the last few updates.
>>
>>3843989
I approve of name-dropping Judas Iscariot and insisting that his NP is what allowed him to have the Caster slot sub a Saber in.

I'd like to also try to coax some info about Harris from her, but I don't see how we can make that happen under these circumstances. Maybe since she just said she's tired of "absurd lies" we can shift gears to a topic more in the "here and now". Maybe mention:

"You know, even if I fell on my sword and let you walk out of here, you'd have no chance of winning this Grail war. The Lancer here is a monster that shouldn't even be able to fit in a Servant container. Care to know more?"

And if she's receptive to getting free intel on the other enemy Servants (as she should be) maybe we can move the conversation to the Masters and try to get something on Harris from that angle?
>>
I think the vote is 6-4 right now I think
6 for revealing a varying amount of stuff, but mostly focusing Judas.
4 for walking away.
>>3844479
There aren't really many places better for them, at least they can set up bounded fields around their house.
Not that those will stop Heilig or Tsubaki.
>>
>>3844498
I had 5-5 until >>3844489 voted, now 6-5.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
Maybe the best thing to do is to give her time to think.
>>
>>3844498
Any place not known to us would be better, because as you pointed out a bounded field would hardly stop us.
>>
>>3844512
Why not reveal Judas and let her think on something then?
At the moment all she's thinking is "I fucking hate Avenger so much."
And will remain thinking that way
For days.
>>
>>3844519
After reading all of the arguments here...
I still don't want to tell her Judas was Caster.
>>
>>3844521
...
Why?
>>
>>3844521
>>3844522
Like, she can't judge us, her (kinda) dad (it was his plan and magic behind her creation) is an autistic kinda sociopathic half-demon wizard that once gave her a penis.
>>
>>3844480
>Alberich does have his own reasons for wanting to capture her.
That he does; he has yet a reason to inspect Saber for corruption, though.
>>
>>3844522
Because I'm unconvinced.
>>3844532
angra mainyu has inflated her hypocrisy
>>
>>3843989
>[X] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Leave her be for the night. It's late and you've had a tiring day, perhaps you'll come up with something in the morning. (Self-Preservation)
Alberich doth protest too much. Persisting that we aren't Avenger here will only serve to convince her otherwise.
>>
>>3843989
>[X] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
>>
Announce that Judas was Caster, leave.
>>3844021
>>3844029
>>3844105
>>3844178
>>3844554
>>3844623

Continue the conversation at length, mentioning Odin and looking for information on Harris.
>>3844251
>>3844489

Kill Arturia
>>3844265

Wash your hands of the matter and go to bed.
>>3844045
>>3844009
>>3844037
>>3844055
>>3844205
>>3844512
>>3844594
>>
Missed a vote. Oh well.
>>
>>3844757
You can still vote, you know.
>>
>>3844761
I thought you was half-way done with an update already, Sweets.
But if so.
>>3843989
>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
>Announce that Judas was Caster, leave.
>>
>>3844766
Alright, now we're tied once again.
>>
>>3844757
>>3844766
>>
>>3844769
Just flip a coin at this point
>>
>>3844777
And let random chance determine an outcome in my diceless quest?
NEVER!

...what I'm actually going to do is count just the "I approve of name-dropping Judas" part of >>3844489 to give the reveal & walk out faction a slight majority. I'd split the vote to remove a tie in the first place, after all.
>>
>>3844769
The ones that want to mention Odin are also happy to mention Judas though.
>>
>>3844781
Most of the people voting for Judas didn't mention Odin, though, and if you're bringing up multiple information points it changes the timing. Then it's "I have some more things I'd like to say," not "before I go, here's this."
>>
>>3844780
Goddamn. Everyone thinks it's some bombshell revelation and I'm just picturing saber being like "K."
>>
>>3844784
I suppose you're right.
>>
Can we remotely surveil Saber since Ayaka linked our perception to the bounded field surrounding the manor?
>>
Although we still have one extra card to play in our talk with Saber.
We can tell Saber that we have spoken with Shirou who now happily live with Sakura and they had some secret plan to take her down like they did in previous war. And on top of that we can assure her that we are not that ignorant about previous war and we can sense that corruption inside of her. Her dream is dead.
>>
I think being Harris's servant during this war has kept her busy enough to avoid any serious introspection. Maybe she just needs a little time down in the dungeon with only her thoughts.
>>
>>3844796
Except that's what we're giving her.
>>
>>3844797
I know.
>>
>>3844787
It is a pretty huge reveal though.
Well we'll just have to see if it works.
>>
>>3844801
Why would you expect a Christian to react to the name "Judas" positively? It's like proving that you didn't blow up the twin towers by showing how you bombed pearl harbor.
>>
>>3844806
They think that trying anything is better than trying nothing, which isn't true at all.
>>
>>3844806
Her thinking we are the son of Judas is better than the alternative.
Which is thinking we're fucking Angra Mainyu.

Less proving you bombed pearl harbour and more that your father did.
Also, Merlin is actually a fucking half demon and that never stopped her from listening to his advice.
She's not really a "sins of the father" type, considering both Gawain and Agravain were Morgan's sons.

>>3844807
But it might be.
Doing nothing does nothing and it's not like telling her about Judas will make our situation worse.
At worst it does nothing.
>>
>>3844809
Well, Sins of the Father meaning Sins of the Mother, in Morgan's case.
>>
I'm sure it'll be fine if we address Judas with anything but praise.
>>
>>3844806
>Why would you expect a Christian to react to the name "Judas" positively?
Few earlier christian cults and branches considered Judas and Pontius Pilate to be major important saints.
>>
>>3844813
Well, "refer to", not "address".
>>
>>3844813
Well, we did kill him.
>>
>>3844814
>Few earlier christian cults and branches considered Judas and Pontius Pilate to be major important saints.
Are you really willing to bet that she's a gnostic?
>>
>>3844809
>Also, Merlin is actually a fucking half demon and that never stopped her from listening to his advice.
>She's not really a "sins of the father" type, considering both Gawain and Agravain were Morgan's sons.
This presumes that her character and judgement are the same after she got corrupted, which clearly isn't true.
>>
>>3844819
We don't know how much she's changed, honestly.
We haven't exactly seen her in a situation where she doesn't think she's talking with Avenger.
Which is sorta why she hates us.
Avenger is both a threat to humanity itself and it personally fucked with Saber.
>>
>>3844818
Honeslty? I don`t think Nasu ever mentioned those details on her social and religious standings and our lore about "actual" King Arthur is a huge mess which has seen a lot of fanfiction rewritting by various authors for centuries. If we were to draw conclusions from them we also have to consider possibility of her following celtic druidism, some earlier form of christianity with war god Jesus and trickster Judas which was spreading due to tribal warfare or even weird magic mix of Nasu`s own brand of syncretism.
>>
>>3844821
>We don't know how much she's changed, honestly.
Bit of a weak argument. I can use the same one to push my own perspective on how much she's changed.
Not to mention that Sweets said she was halfway to being Alter, which is a pretty drastic change.
>>
>>3844818
To be fair, a large number of sects believe in predestination, that the whole thing was just as planned he may not be a saint but consider a necessity for Jesus to die for humanity's sins. Whether Saber believes it or Alberich is even aware of it is another story.
Although it can wait for later, I do think it would be rather amusing to point out how she's been so focused on us to question what Harris' deal is, 'perfectly normal human' can fight two servants in close combat and get away without injury, but never bothered to pop a command seal to get her back nor do anything to stop us from dumping her in the trunk of a car and driving off like any common kidnapper.
>>
>>3844846
Harris: "Marshal, are you sure I need to use this 'Servant' thing to fight? I think I can do better on my own..."
Marshall: "We've been over this, Harris. You need a Servant to compete in the Holy Grail War. There's no going without one. You'll have to get used to using Saber in combat."
Harris: "Using Saber in combat, huh? If you say so."

1 Week Into the War
Harris, to self: "She's a drain on my energy, couldn't chase down Archer, was beaten by a magic knight despite strong magic resistance... I knew this Saber was a liability. I'll let the other Saber finish her off, and deal with the rest of the Servants myself."
>>
File: 1567626355830.jpg (2.03 MB, 1819x2208)
2.03 MB
2.03 MB JPG
>>3844853
>>
Here's how we beat Harris
(Somehow) recruit Saber
Secure an alternate means of energy for her without disconnecting her from Harris
Have Saber use up as much magical energy as possible to drain Harris, then scry him and destroy him
Switch her to aforementioned alternate energy source
>>
>>3844857
And then Harris uses all his command seals before Saber can really drain him to order her to kill us or die trying.
>>
>>3844830
Counterargument: Lancelot exists despite his IRL legend being invented centuries after the character of Arthur.
>>
You would think Saber would be more understanding about cases of mistaken identity after Gilles and the fourth war.
>do anything
>literally anything
>"As I expected from you, Avenger!"
>>
>>3844870
The lesson she took from that is "BAD KING, BAD"
>>
>>3844877
Story of her life.
>>
>>3843989
>[ ] Keep trying to convince Arturia of your identity. There must be something you can say to make the truth clear. (Pride)
>Announce that Judas was Caster, leave.
The second part is just to clear any misunderstandings. Sweets, if a lot of people suddenly vote for revealing the Odin bomb and create a tie, you can count my vote as a support to that option too:
>"You know, even if I fell on my sword and let you walk out of here, you'd have no chance of winning this Grail war. The Lancer here is a monster that shouldn't even be able to fit in a Servant container. Care to know more?"
>>
Finally you can no longer suppress your amusement at Arturia's helpless fury and let out a guffaw. For a few moments the two of you stay like that, you laughing down at the girl and her struggling as her insults fade back into a hateful stare. Finally your composure returns, though, enough to say, "Yes, this has been well worth the effort of capturing you alive," between subsiding chuckles.

"Very well then, I shall do as you ask," you declare with affected casualness, once your burst of mirth has quite faded away. "It's quite late, you know, and unlike you I haven't had the benefit of a nice, long rest after our battle. I am under no obligation to give you the information you sorely lack, so if you're going to sit there and call me a liar I may as well leave you to stew." You pause, touching a finger to your chin as an idea comes to mind, then add, "Ah, but here is one final tidbit for you. The True Name of that Caster, who summoned up a false Holy Grail and orchestrated death on a grand scale to create new heroes, was Judas Iscariot. Now good night to you, Arturia." With that, you get up, turn on your heel, and stalk out of the basement. If the revelation of Caster's identity moves Arturia more than the rest of your story has, she doesn't show it.

As you make your way upstairs, looking for an empty bedroom to sleep in, you glance at your watch to see how late you've been up, waiting for the captive girl to awaken and then speaking with her. It's a quarter after four, to your chagrin. There'll be little enough sleep to be had, if you want an early morning tomorrow. Then again, since Ayaka is no longer attending school perhaps you can simply sleep in. It's not as if you need to worry about attacks from enemy Masters in the early morning, after all, and anything that violates the bounded field around the manor should wake you up.

So it's with a mind full of restful thoughts that you finally collapse into the enormous canopy bed formerly belonging to the Vaisset family patriarch, drifting off to sleep after one more bizarre day in the madness that has been the Holy Grail War. The last thought your fading consciousness fixes on is the absurdity of it all. A battle royale between summoned ghosts of heroes past, commanded by wizards, and what this woman takes issue with is the notion that you could be an artificial soul?
>>
It's the child's perspective again, eyes lower than the top of a handrail, staring out between white-painted wood columns. You look down from the balcony and watch a man and boy sparring, practicing their fencing in the middle of a lush tropical garden. Overhead, the sun beats down with that particular intensity that you'll come to associate with the summer villa, but this is your first visit and the change in climate is still new to you, sapping your energy and leaving you sullen, wishing you were back home.

Mother watches beside you, looking very different in a white sun dress and wide-brimmed hat. It's one more change, another unfamiliarity making the place unpleasant for a child. Instead, you focus on the routine going on below. Your father teaches your brother how to fight just as he does every day, no matter where you are.

"Mama," you say, the child's voice coming out without the dreamer's input, "why do Papa and Onii-chan always fight for Onii-chan's lesson, but we never fight when you give me my lesson?"

"Because your father is a man," your mother answers, tender warmth in her voice, "and little Hirahide will be a man someday, and it is the way of men to fight. You and I are different; we must not fight if we can avoid it, my dear."

"So girls never fight? Only boys?"

"Perhaps never is a bit too strong a word," your mother says, reaching down absently to stroke your hair. "One day, Mama will have to fight, you know; you may also, when the time comes. When the holy ritual is ready, and the Einzbern return to us. Then..." She cuts herself off, coming back to the here and now, and turns to look at you instead of the garden. Mother smiles. "But that's all back home, dear, and we're on vacation! Let's talk about something here. Have I shown you all the fish we have at this villa yet?"
>>
Shijou Manor, Tokyo – November 20, 2019, Wednesday

"Ani-ue.."

You begin returning to consciousness as you hear a soft, fluting voice quite at odds with your dreams and feel an odd weight on your chest.

"Ani-ue," the voice repeats, resolving itself in your awakening mind into that of your sister, "Ani-ue, you will regret it if you... sleep all day." You open your eyes to see the bright light of mid-morning streaming in through opened curtains, and below that Kōrakuhime, sitting on your chest with her feet dangling over the side of the bed. Only her face is pointed at you.

"Didn't you think it was terribly impolite to come into someone's room while they were awake?" Not quite sure how to address the fact that she's decided to sit down on top of you as if you were a particularly large cushion, you settle for the speaking out regarding the oddity of her being here at all.

Kōrakuhime waves a dismissive hand. "That was... a man intruding into a lady's room. An entirely... different affair. In addition, I see that you sleep in a black bodysuit. We do not all... do the same."

"So why are you here, then? Paying me back for the intrusion?" Whatever her ideas about differing rules of etiquette may be, you can't think why Kōrakuhime would take the trouble to come and wake you up.

"Could it not simply be... that I was concerned about you?" She feigns hurt, putting on an expression of tenderness rebuffed. "You are usually... the first of us to awaken." Seeing your skeptical look, she goes on, "If you must know... that Master of yours asked me to wake you up when she... cooked breakfast; so here I am."

"I see," you reply. Ayaka's up and about then, hopefully without any aftereffects of your magical overuse. That's one thing to be relieved about. "In that case, you've done the job. Thank you for helping me to wake up, but please do get off of me now so I can get out of bed."

As Kōrakuhime walks out, presumably to return downstairs and begin enjoying breakfast, you consider the day ahead. After yesterday, there are any number of things that could be considered pressing issues, and it's frankly difficult to think of which is the most immediate.

>[ ] The captive downstairs. First things first, you need to discuss with Kōrakuhime what can be done to make her useful. Circe could brainwash a prisoner, but is Kōrakuhime capable of such magic?

>[ ] Your rediscovered brother. Finding Matsuda should be your first priority, and if you go looking during the day you'll have a better chance of catching him unawares.

>[ ] Coordination with your allies. It's time for another visit to the Einzbern Tower, to discuss the defeat of Saber, find out whether they've learned anything about Assassin yet, and plan for the future.

>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.

>[ ] Focus on something else (Write in)
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your rediscovered brother. Finding Matsuda should be your first priority, and if you go looking during the day you'll have a better chance of catching him unawares.
Unlikely Kourakuhime can brainwash and finding this dumbass is on a timer.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.
FINALLY we will summon things.
>>
>>3844915
Matsuda will likely die if we ignore him. And that's bad even if you want to ritual him.
He's acting on a limited energy source.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] The captive downstairs. First things first, you need to discuss with Kōrakuhime what can be done to make her useful. Circe could brainwash a prisoner, but is Kōrakuhime capable of such magic?
The conversation shouldn't take long and whatever process Kōrakuhime has to turn Saber should hopefully not need our direct presence which will leave us free for the rest of the day to train or whatever else.
Either way, I want to get her report before we do anything.
>>
>>3844905
>>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.
Reasons:
1-We've been neglecting our training and improvement for a few days. We need all the power we can getas soon as possible.
2-Korakuhime can probably brainwash/mindcontrol humans and maybe lesser Servants, but Arturia's MR is something she probably can't deal with.
3-Fuck Matsuda. If he wants our help he'll find us on his own (we stared at a car full of Einzberns (and a king of the Gods) until they came to us, I think we have both the patience and the Pride to pull a "Fuck it, the mountain comes to me" again).
4-We shouldn't go to see the Einzberns because we can't explain why we have Saber tied in our basement. Just imagine:
Odin/Lili: Why do you keep Arturia tied in your basement?
Alberich:...I...am kinky?
[Affection score with Odin has raised]
[Affection score with Lilisviel has raised]
>>
>>3844922
I thought he was still connected to Antaglio. Did we collateral the Italian priest in our last battle?
>>
>>3844936
Nah, but the Matsuda interlude mentioned an energy supply that Matsuda thought would run out.
So Antaglio didn't become his Master.
>>
>>3844938
Also, he projected his voice to Matsuda I instead of using Master-Servant telepathy.
>>
Really tough.
Potential gains:
1. Saber, some information on Harris, Kōrakuhime fun times and question of remnant Angra Mainyu corruption.
2. Matsuda and Church plot line.
3. Information on Assassin and culmination of Grail War, some more Liliesviel`s affection points.
4. Just about everyone have been talling us to train more and be prepared, a lot of potential new powers, sword gacha and Vaisset`s research.
We should have enough time to do at least two of these things done before night hits so.
>>3844905
I`ll go with
>[ ] The captive downstairs. First things first, you need to discuss with Kōrakuhime what can be done to make her useful. Circe could brainwash a prisoner, but is Kōrakuhime capable of such magic?
I kind of want go straight to training but right now we have get final verdict on Saber and her usefulness or danger.
>>
>>3844938
If Antaglio didn't become his Master... was Matsuda trying to kill us because he wanted? We can always let him weaken for a day and then scry and hunt (unless he had so little energy left that he vanishes like a retard, without even trying to make himself his own Master like a retard. He's dead right?)
>>
>>3844942
>weaken for a day
He'll die in half a day at best
Magical Energy E means he's pretty fucked.
He was fighting us because Antaglio was still key to not dying
>>
One more benefit of Matsuda is that having 2 other Servants with the same story is quite useful for persauding Saber.
>>
>>3844941
ALL our enemies are literally telling us "You need more Gainz ASAP boy" and we've been struggling too much in our previous fights. We can't sacrifice Arturia, we can't convince Arturia that we are not "All the Evils in the World" (at least not in a single day), she can't force her way out without dying from exhaustion, she can't get out without forcing her way out. Hey, let's talk with Arturia, you know, that waif...I mean the person we wasted an hour or so trying to have a normal conversation with only for her to go full "YOU AVENGER. REEEEEEEEEE" (like every other interaction we've had with her). At least leave her some time to think about what we said yesterday.
>>
>>3844954
I still think going after Matsuda is a better idea.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your rediscovered brother. Finding Matsuda should be your first priority, and if you go looking during the day you'll have a better chance of catching him unawares.
Possible training partner that would look forward to fighting Odin, since we can't trust Saber yet and we have 6 days left.
>>
>>3844944
>>3844952
He tries to kill us because a priest tells him that he can save him if he kills that annoying Servant in his exact same situation and had a powerful mage girlfriend who can probably help him. Get's rid of his blood debt in the cheapest way possible and goes full betrayal on the only person that showed him respect and affection during a War to the death.
I'll change my vote if Matsudafags can promise that, if we see him again and he tries to fuck us again we just fucking sacrifice his lame ass.
>>
>>3844961
Oh yeah without a doubt, if even after last night he's still more interested in fighting than answers then he needs to go.
>>
>>3844954
I doubt she slept after we left and if it is fruitless venture it will take like an hour at most. Leaving rest of the day to train.
If Kōrakuhime confirms Manjew shit is lying dormant in Saber we can plan and train accordingly to the enemy we need to face afterwards. If by the end of it we can`t get her to work for us and killing her will result in corruption of us and Grail we can just gut Rider or Matsuda instead of her, fill the grail and let her disappear.
>>
>>3844963
>let her disappear
Or keep her prisoner for eternity.

Training by ourselves isn't gonna improve our combat skill, we need Saber or Matsuda for effective training
>>
>>3844905
Right lets think.
>Saber
Let's let her dwell on our revelations for some time before we greet our dear captive once again
>Matsuda
We don't know if he's a possible target to scry for for Tsubaki, but we do know that he's dying of mana deprivation. Also, a possible easy ally now he's seen Matsuda and we can bring up the brother thing.
>go see Lily
As much as I would love to, it doesn't serve much purpose currently.
>training
Always important, but I wonder if training with Matsuda or Saber would be better for us when they are available.
And Matsuda is...
Well he's going to die without our help.
We know Tsubaki can sustain him like she's doing to Saber too.

Hmmm
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.
We still haven't even tried summoning.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your rediscovered brother. Finding Matsuda should be your first priority, and if you go looking during the day you'll have a better chance of catching him unawares
I guess I'll pick Matsuda due to the high chance he will fade away if we don't.
We've got a score to settle one way or the other.
>>
>>3844984
>high chance he will fade away if we don't.
Where did this idea come from? He's still being supported by whatever the church used to keep him alive.
>>
>>3844988
Reread his interlude, he's worried his energy source will fade before he even heals.
And he isn't planning on going back to the Church out of fear of...
Well us.
>>
>>3844990
Clearly, both of those worries were baseless.
Once he figures that out he'll go back to the church.
>>
>>3844992
It's Matsuda and he should have a good idea as to what we do to traitors.
Also, he's currently being mindfucked by a huge revelation.
>>
>>3844994
>he should have a good idea as to what we do to traitors
Take them in and make them our subjects, yes.
>Also, he's currently being mindfucked by a huge revelation.
Matsuda is a man of action: decisive, uncompromising, rude.
He'll figure something out, even with this existential crisis looming over his head.
>>
>>3844999
>Take them in and make them our subjects, yes.
That's a deal only usually offered to cute girls.

Also, Matsuda is kind of also a little bit stupid, or perhaps dim would be a better term.
If he believes we're gonna target the Church he isn't gonna go there.
'He' can't become his own Master, so that's also out.
>>
>>3845001
>Also, Matsuda is kind of also a little bit stupid, or perhaps dim would be a better term.
He's never been dim, just bloodthirsty and straightforward.
Remember that he was always pragmatic about fighting.
>The fact was, he knew that what you really needed to win a fight wasn't a burning spirit, but an understanding of how, where, and when to apply force. He'd always fought where, when, and with the methods that would ensure he won, and as a result could boast that he'd never lost a fight.
When JUSTinian and Perseus were fighting for the first time, he predicted who would win.
>"Yeah, I gotta hand it to 'em. Blows every fight I ever saw before right oughta the water. Which one do you think'll win? Now me, I think the guy with the spear's gonna take the fight. Sure, the one with the sword's got the strength advantage, but I've seen plenty o' guys like that go down. They just rely on that power, and when the faster fella gets in, it's lights out. Now, spear over there has the speed, he's got the maneuverability. It's just a matter of time."
He's also good at guaging his own limits.
>"Like I said, it does frustrate me. But there are some situations where there's nothin' you can do."
>talks about his buddy fujiyama
Then again...
>"Never develop a style. Folks think martial artists and boxers and whatnot are hot shit, but I gotta tell ya. Nothin' kills a badass like predictability. That Bruce Lee stuff is just in tha movies; if yer style is simple enough ta write down and give rules ta, somebody's gonna find the holes. Guaranteed."
>disparages "bruce lee stuff" when bruce lee invented jeet kune do because formal styles were too rigid and predictable
His knowledge base might be a little lacking.

As an aside, it looks like this was appropriate advice:
>"Ya gotta see all around you all the time, and think about everything the other bastard can do."
>>
>>3845028
You better appreciate this effort, I had to comb through the archives and I've died of cringe overdose after reading my old posts.
>>
>>3845028
He's kinda bad in pretty much every situation that doesn't involve fighting though.
In terms of general intelligence, he's easily the lowest of the siblings.
>>
>>3845033
>He's kinda bad in pretty much every situation that doesn't involve fighting though.
that's because of very little book larnin
>In terms of general intelligence, he's easily the lowest of the siblings.
To be fair, Alberich's 400 IQ is a very high bar to clear.
Don't forget that he's probably also got the same boost we got from having all those people stuffed into us.
>>
>>3845039
His boost solely went into his fighting autism.
Rushorou himself is the star pupil of his school and forever Student Council President.
Matsuda was a delinquent that beat people up.

Intelligence wise, there's no comparison there.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills
We are reading Vaisset's notes and to hell with everything else
>>
Matsuda literally only thinks he's losing his energy b/c he thinks the Alberich gang is still competent and can actually kill a master or two.
>>
>>3845046
>The only thing he could do was put as much distance as possible between Kaichou and himself, and hope the source of energy Antaglio had given him didn't fail before his wounds healed.
We have no idea what the source of energy is.
It's unlikely to be a servant contract though.

Antaglio seems to actually be trying to follow the rules.
>>
>Finally you can no longer suppress your amusement at Arturia's helpless fury and let out a guffaw. For a few moments the two of you stay like that, you laughing down at the girl and her struggling as her insults fade back into a hateful stare. Finally your composure returns, though, enough to say, "Yes, this has been well worth the effort of capturing you alive," between subsiding chuckles.

Finally. We finally get to do a good ol evil laugh.
And at Arturia too!
>>
>>3844905
>>[ ] Your rediscovered brother. Finding Matsuda should be your first priority, and if you go looking during the day you'll have a better chance of catching him unawares.
>>
>>3844905
Switching from >>3844941
to
>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.
>>
>>3844905
>[ ] Your own capabilities. The world around you may be important, but no moreso than training your ability to deal with it. Today, you'll spend polishing your skills.
>>
Rip Matsuda then, I guess.
>>
>>3845116
If you think Sweets would kill him off just because we didn't use meta info from an interlude then I don't know what to tell you
>>
>>3845122
I'm just worried is all.
>>
>>3845116
Matsuda found Matsuda, who can probably sustain him as a Master. Even if he can't, I seriously doubt that the church would know exactly how much energy he would need to defeat a Servant like Alberich, which means that Antaglio probably gave him a lot of energy he can use to live (even with E magic reserves). I also doubt that the Church would just dispose of the only thing they can use to avoid Alberich sacrificing all their representatives in Tokio (If you were Antaglio after seeing how the "weak" sibling massacrates all your executors, would you just kill your best defense against Servants?)
>>
>>3845141
>who can probably sustain him as a Master
Sweets said that only those chosen by the grail as Masters can become Masters.
Akeldama was a special case where any of the participants could become a Master.
Also you're underestimating just how low E rank reserves are.
Matsuda collapsed from having full reserves (from the empowerment) in just a few hours of wandering around.

Honestly, his only hope is if he comes to us, which I'm not really sure of the likelihood.
I'm not sure what his energy source might be, but he better fucking hope it can hold out for him.
>>
>>3845147
>Also you're underestimating just how low E rank reserves are.
reminder that the magical energy stat measures how efficient a servant is with the master's energy, not how much energy the servant can hold
>>
>>3845166
Then Matsuda, at the very peak he could hold (he had just been transformed into a Servant and would therefore be totally full of energy) collapsed from a few hours of just walking about.

It's how efficient a Servant is with ANY energy, including their own.
>>
>>3845170
>at the very peak he could hold (he had just been transformed into a Servant and would therefore be totally full of energy)
Technically there shouldn't be a maximum. After all, Servants are simply amplifiers of their Masters' magical energy.
Furthermore, Sweets already said it takes a lot of energy to cross the gap from "not a Servant" to "Servant", and this was done thrice. That doesn't leave a lot of leftover energy, does it?
Even Tsubaki had to hunt down families to hang on until she met us, and she probably has the most meager needs of the three siblings because she's a Caster (as well as the greatest capacity, if you insist Servants have a capacity for energy).
>>
>>3845175
Well whatever, I just don't want Matsuda getting off-screened because we decided reading a book was more important.
>>
>>3845178
I was more hoping that we'd use the miracle from HGS that we've literally never investigated before. Increasing our powers makes literally every other task easier.
>>
>>3845189
Well I guess we'll see.
I'll be happy if Matsuda survives by himself for a while.
>>
It's not impossible for Akagata or Haruo (if Circe didn't kill them) to stumble upon Matsuda, now I think about it.

Though if Akagata is still alive, I imagine she's probably down one arm.
Could lead to an interesting situation later on.
>>
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>>3845256
>It's not impossible for Akagata or Haruo (if Circe didn't kill them) to stumble upon Matsuda, now I think about it.
>>
>>3845279
Circe isn't her niece though.
>>
>>3845291
Circe wouldn't pass up free batteries.
The hag and her boytoy are probably sitting in urns living out their perfect fantasies right now while Circe and Odysseus are living off of their energy.
>>
Look for Matsuda
>>3844910
>>3844959
>>3844984
>>3845085

Talk about Alterations
>>3844932

Do some training
>>3844915
>>3844934
>>3844982
>>3845044
>>3845100
>>3845113
>>
>>3845333
Can we get Eye of the Tiger to our training montage as soundtrack?
>>
>>3845349
Sorry, I've only got this.
https://youtu.be/qdTPdig3A9U
>>
>>3845349
No, but you can get this.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=RFyCPicGbXM
>>
Vaisset Notes or Summoning?
>>
>>3845526
We should try to summon something small and harmless and see how this miracle works (if it consumes energy after we summon it, how much energy summoning costs, etc)
>>
>>3845560
Posted too early.
After we summon a new pet for Ayaka or Korakuhime, we study Vaissiet's notes and all of his library if necessary. If we have some time left afterwards, we can practice with the sword a little.
>>
>>3845526
We really should summon something, we need to try it at least once
>>
>>3845375
Well, that's a mashup I never thought to hear.
>>
>>3845576
Neil Cicierega is a damn gift.
>>
>>3845560
Tsubaki said yeah, it costs energy for us to maintain that necessary connection for summoning
>>
>>3845607
Then why do we want to summon? The only reason I would spend a minute trying to do it is if it provided any kind of benefit (information, getting nice boosts with sacrifice, etc). Using it just because we've never used it is a waste of time and magicla energy. I would rather investigate phantasmal beasts (after we finish with Vaissiet's notes and library) so we know something cool/useful to summon aside from a dragon.
>>
>>3845635
*magical energy
>>
>>3845635
For one thing, you don't know if you can summon whatever you want with specificity, or how much energy it will take. You have a fairly vague understanding of the power right now.
Besides that, there is the fact that you've never been to the Reverse Side. Researching myths is all well and good to learn about phantasmal beasts, but it's no substitute for seeing one firsthand.
>>
>>3845635
>Why do we want to learn about 1/3 of our noble phantasms utility?
Hmm lemme think anon
>>
Can we summon items or just creatures?
>>
>>3845654
Keep thinking man, I'm sure you'll find a reason that is not "because we should try all of our powers" (even if Odin can instakill any of beast we can summon without killing ourselves/Ayaka in the process). We would need to find something that could help us (directly or indirectly) in a battle to the death against a Viking War God (aside from Divine beasts, Fenrir tier monsters, or, if>>3845655 is right, relics and artifacts powerful enough to fight a god. Remember that we don't spam rift slashes because the mana cost would kill Ayaka, a god tier artifact will just drink her in a few seconds).
>>
>>3845704
Trying all of our powers is a compelling argument. We're not trying it for the sake of trying it, but for the sake of broadening the scope of our capabilities.

I think it'll only be worth the energy expenditure if we summon beasts that are relatively weak but skilled in a specific niche.
>>
With your sister ejected from the bedroom, and the knowledge that the morning is dragging on pressing on your mind, you hop out of bed and make for the bathroom. There, you let the black undergarment you sleep in (originally the innermost layer of your armor's lining) dematerialize and compose your mind under the hot running water.

After everything that happened yesterday: an outing with Liliesviel, your two meetings with the Edelfelt sisters, that infuriatingly inconclusive skirmish with Matsuda and the forces of the Holy Church, and last of all the capture of Arturia, there is certainly no lack of affairs to be pursued today. Going through them in your mind, though, each seems that it can be put off. Although you would love to visit Liliesviel again, there is little reason to do so beyond the pleasure of her company. The girl seems uninterested in actually fighting the Holy Grail War, preferring to take her ease and make use of Odin's power only when absolutely necessary, so a strategic meeting would be rather pointless. Truvietianne and Luviagelita are similarly of uncertain worth, not being Masters or formally part of the Holy Grail War. After Kōrakuhime's unsuccessful interrogation of the Church agents who attacked you last night you're left with no leads as to the present whereabouts of Matsuda and Antaglio, so there can be no great purpose in setting about pursuing them without delay.

As for Arturia, you're still not sure how you want to pay her back. If she could be turned to your side she would be enormously useful, but after your conversation last night that seems impossible. Torturing her would be gratifying in the immediate sense, but wouldn't be a productive use of your time; besides that, repaying humiliation with physical torment lacks a certain style. Perhaps it's better to keep her imprisoned, then, and let her suffer the same arrogant disregard she gave you after your first battle. That will do until you've decided on a more final resolution, at least.

With the most pressing concerns resolved not to be dealt with immediately, then, what remains? The answer, hanging unpleasantly at the back of your mind like a ragged messenger carrying bad news, is your combat prowess. The near-loss you suffered against Matsuda and easy way Harris handled you make your own deficiencies infuriatingly plain, in spite of your victory over Arturia. Indeed, you're not totally sure you would have defeated her if she hadn't suffered a timely attack of scotophobia, or whatever it was. Today, then, you'll stay in and focus on self-improvement.

With your decision made, you get out of the shower, comb your hair into shape, dress, and head down to a thoroughly late breakfast at nearly eleven.
>>
When you arrive in the living room, Kōrakuhime is nowhere to be found. She must have eaten while you were bathing, then, and gone about her own business afterwards. Ayaka is still there, though, standing in the kitchen with an irritable expression and a set of plates covering dishes, presumably to keep breakfast warm for the latecomer.

"Good morning, Miss Ayaka," you say, putting on a charming smile. "What do we have for breakfast today?" Perhaps, you hope, you can avoid dealing with Ayaka's frustration at your late rising by simply being pleasant and not acknowledging it, bringing her into your pace.

No such luck, unfortunately. Although she serves your food compliantly enough, your Master gives you a thorough pout as she does so, frowning at you over the dishes with a stormy expression. "Saber-san," she begins once you've sat down, "why were you asleep so late? You know how worried I was, waking up to find you still out of it after I didn't see how your fight went in that building last night? You've never gotten up this late, even that first night when you were out on the roof! But then you're just fine, and I was getting all worried about nothing!"

"Well, I am sorry to have concerned you. I had a rather late night, and didn't see any pressing reason to be awake early this morning. In the future, I will endeavor to be more careful," you say, showing contrition rather than the anger you're more inclined to feel in the face of the girl's selfishness. You needed that sleep, and she wants you to have gotten up for the sake of her mental state! There's no point in getting in a fight with her over it, though. Instead you shift the topic to her own unconsciousness. "What about you, Miss Ayaka? Are you not feeling any ill-effects? It seems I drained you of rather too much magical energy in last night's fighting."

"Oh, I'm just fine," Ayaka answers with a wan smile. "You don't need to worry about me, just use as much energy as you need to win."

"Now that won't do," you counter, "We're a team, you and I, Master and Servant. We must work together. At the very least, you need to be able to keep yourself safe and attend to your sacrificial ritual." Now you put on a look of gallant concern, concluding, "In the future, please be sure to warn me if I drain you of too much energy, won't you?"
>>
"Alright, Saber-san," Ayaka says, much quieter now as she blushes and fails to meet your gaze. "I'll be more careful from now on." As you enjoy the maidenly appeal of the gesture, and the embarrassment playing over those demure features, you mentally thank Judas for having tied you to such an easily manipulated Master. There aren't many better candidates you can conceive of to hold the power of the command spells over you. A pampered girl like Truvietianne would have been more troublesome than Ayaka, but still easy enough to deal with; on the other hand, a shudder almost runs through you as you consider the notion of having become the Servant of a magus like Lumenza, or that arrogant, self-assured woman Tohsaka. It doesn't bear thinking of.

Having resolved your Master's irritation at your late morning, you finish your breakfast quickly. Today it's in the traditional style: grilled mackerel, a raw egg and bowl of rice, natto, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. It's a breakfast that "you" ate many times growing up, and Ayaka's preparation does nothing to surprise you. It's neither delicious nor unpleasant, but it is filling. Having eaten, you turn your mind to what to do next.

>[ ] Stay here for the time being, you want to talk to Ayaka about (write in subject).

>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.

>[ ] Return to the Shijou library to further study magic.

>[ ] Find your sister and convince her to do some sparring with you. She may not be an ideal combat partner, but she'll be better than nothing.

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3845920
>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>
>>3845920
>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>
>>3845920
>>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.

Tekeli-Li!
>>
>>3845920
>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>
Should we invite Ayaka to watch the summoning? Involving her would probably help her morale.
>>
>>3845920
>>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>
>>3845920
>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>3846039
Maybe we can bring the thing back up and introduce it to Ayaka.
>>
>>3846019
I mean, I guess you maybe could summon a shoggoth; but do you really want to?
>>
>>3846100
Yes absolutely
>>
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>>3846100
>... but do you really want to?
>>
>>3846100
Remember that you're in a /tg/ offshoot the next time you think about asking something like that.
>>
>>3846100
...There are shoggoths in there?
I thought the book summoned things from R'lyeh.
>>
>>3846105
>>3846106
also both of these guys are correct, we need to summon the super demon thing
>>
>>3846143
>The book
Which one? Tekeli-li is an antarctic refrain in At the Mountains of Madness, the HPL novella that introduced shoggoths to the world.
It's also the call of the antarctic birds in The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, by Poe, but I haven't read that so I didn't have a joke for it.
>>
>>3846178
>Which one?
Prelati's Spellbook, of course.
>>
>>3846143
Are you talking about Prelati's Spellbook?
>>
>>3846192
Ah, right. That grimoire does seem to summon up horrors out of R'lyeh, but shoggoths wouldn't be included there. They were created by the Elder Things, not Cthulhu.
>>
>[X] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
Alright, I'm calling it now. After 6 agreeing votes and nobody disputing it in an hour, I don't think there's going to be a different result.

Roll 1d1000, folks. I'll take up to ten rolls.
>>
Rolled 228 (1d1000)

>>3846301
Oh FUCK DICE
>>
>>3845917
>That will do until you've decided on a more final resolution, at least.
>final resolution
Do we need to find Adelheid deal with Arturia?

But seriously,
>>3845920
>[ ] Go down to the basement workshop and find a room to experiment with Heiligöffnungschwert's second miracle. Perhaps summoning could be the key to reversing your fortunes in battle.
>>
Rolled 817 (1d1000)

>>3846301
Rolling
>>
>>3846307
Hey, you folks are the ones who've been calling it the sword gacha. I just thought I'd run with the idea and have some fun.
>>
Rolled 238 (1d1000)

>>3846301
>it's a dice episode
Oh boy, I sure hope I don't crit fail like I used to.
>>
Rolled 715 (1d1000)

>>3846301
GACHAPON
>>
Rolled 821 (1d1000)

>>3846301
Big money
>>
>inb4 1000 is a god coming into the world
>>
>>3846358
In hindsight we probably shouldn't be doing this under the house.
>>
Rolled 213 (1d1000)

>>3846301
>Roll
Could it be...?
>>
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Fuuuck, it's probably not even gonna be 4 Stars at this rate!
>>
Rolled 473 (1d1000)

>>3846301
Oh boy. Inb4 we get the nat 1 secret bad end
>>
>>3846301
I'm guessing you'll roll to cover the deficit?
>>
Rolled 278 (1d1000)

I got Gilgamesh off of a random ticket last week, let's see how this goes.
>>
>>3846439
conglaturations! You got "Lamyros
>>
Rolled 426 (1d1000)

>>3846301

HOLY SHIT DICE, let's hope it goes well
>>
>>3846394
>nat 1 secret bad end
That would be summoning a piece of Tiamat. Tiger Dojo is replaced by the gods yelling at us but also being oddly happy about what we did
>>
Fuck, we need one more!
>>
Rolled 241 (1d1000)

>>3846301
>>
Rolled 943 (1d1000)

>>3846301
It`s been so long since last time I tried to roll for something. It`s always goes horribly wrong.
>>
>>3846522
In this case, what went wrong was that you were the eleventh roll.
>>
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>>3846522
>finally roll 900+
>it's too late
>>
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>>3846307
>>3846315
>>3846329
>>3846336
>>3846350
>>3846372
>>3846394
>>3846439
>>3846459
>>3846517
Rolled 821, writing.
Shame I won't be able to write the natural 1 scenario, attached.
>>
>>3846522

Why did you have to ruin it by being late?

>>3846539

I wish we could've rejoiced now
>>
>>3846525
>>3846526
I can be really petty and try to rules lawyer that Giglamesh lad didn`t quote if you want that 943 for pulling Scáthach?
>>3846546
I just woke up.
>>
>>3846559
Hm........
HMM..........
I doubt he would take such a technicality.
>>
Rolled 853 (1d1000)

Damn it I was asleep
Rolling anyway
>>
>>3846559
Nope, it's 821. I'll recognize your meritorious roll, though, and present you with this lovely special prize: the probability ranking!

Common
001-400

Uncommon
401-800

Rare
801-920

SR
921-960

SSR
961-990

General SSSR
991-993

Rate-Up SSSR
994-1000
>>
>>3846590
Oh, it doesn't recognize the star character. That's too bad.
>>
>>3846590
From now on, we're doing nothing but Sword Gacha.
Forever.
>>
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>>3846590
>we were one post off of getting an SR
>>
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>>3846590
>Rate-Up SSSR
>994-1000
Dream of class change into Foreigner if far far away.
>>
>>3846600
It's just as disappointing as the real thing!
>>
Rolled 671, 684, 94, 772, 897, 773, 87, 786, 62, 981 = 5807 (10d1000)

>>3846617
Sword Gacha is fun!
Check out this simulation roll!
>>
Rolled 78 (1d1000)

>>3846301
Late, but I just want to roll.
>>
Rolled 476, 168, 484, 345, 659, 405, 560, 911, 668, 731 = 5407 (10d1000)

>>3846621
>981
We need just a bit more.
>>
>>3846621
>1 SSR
Who was it, bros?
>>
>>3846621
>SSR on the simulation roll
Seems about right yeah.
>>
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>>3846590
Hey guys check out this Rare!
Shame she's fucking dead.
>>
>>3846631
Fafnir.
We need to get SSSR for Fenrir.
>>
Rolled 105, 211, 558, 516, 88, 58, 959, 929, 622, 871 = 4917 (10d1000)

>>3846641
Fafnir is dead.

Final Simulation Roll.
>>
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Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>3846631
Let's see what anon got from his sim roll
>>
>>3846640
At least we can throw her summoned leftovers at Medusa.
>>
>>3846658
>House explodes from a Hydra suddenly appearing in the basement
>"Ani-ue what have you done?!"
>"Whoops!"
>>
>>3846668
That would just straight up mindbreak her.
>>
>>3846781
>sadism increases by 10
>>
It's finally time to experiment with the last of Heiligöffnungschwert's miracles still untried, you think. The second power, to "bring into your world and sustain there impossibilities," in the words of that strange chorus of seeming divinity that spoke to you at the boundary between here and the Realm of Imaginary Numbers. The power, you suppose, must be to summon up things from the Age of Gods: dragons, chimeras, and so-on, which according to Circe retreated with the Gods into their new world. The thing to do, then, is to find one of the larger rooms in the basement, reach out through the sword, and see what answers the call. After all, you can hardly bring a winged horse or goat-headed lion forth in the manor's back garden without handing Ayaka a grave insult to her principles of magical secrecy. With these thoughts in mind you get up, wish your Master a good morning, and head for the basement stairs.

Down in the workshop you're met with a surprising sight: Kōrakuhime occupies the seat Vaisset had formerly used when conducting his research, and seems to be going about magical studies of her own. She has, stretched out on the table before her, a strange parchment covered in illegibly flowing script and indecipherable geometric patterns based primarily around octagons and lines intersecting them in strange ways.

"Kōrakuhime," you say, raising a hand in greeting as you come in, "I see you've made yourself at home in my former Master's workshop. What do you have there?"

Your sister glances up at you only briefly before returning her gaze to the paper, evidently not wanting to miss a moment of the ever-changing contents. "I am... studying our captive, Ani-ue," she explains. "Despite... being Servants ourselves, we know little about the magecraft which... shapes and governs us, do we not?"

"Would you say so?" You're not so sure of the deficiency yourself. "I suppose I wouldn't be able to create a Servant myself, but I do have a general understanding of what we are, and how the Command Spells and Holy Grail keep us here, and so-on."

"No, that is only... an abstract notion," Kōrakuhime says, shaking her head. "For a knight such as yourself... this may be sufficient, but... I am a Caster. Since we have a bound Servant here... at our disposal, I have... taken the liberty of investigating the manner in which a heroic spirit can be made into a familiar, and... bound to this world, to the flow of time, despite residing ordinarily outside of it."

"Indeed? Well then, best of luck with your studies," you say, nodding. It makes sense, you suppose. Studying Servants was what Ogawara was best for in the Akeldama, after all; there's no reason that interest shouldn't continue now, after the transformation into a Servant. Indeed, Kōrakuhime's research may even yield useful insights into Servants that could be used in the War. "Have you discovered anything yet?"
>>
"I have not yet made great progress... no," your sister says, shaking her head dispiritedly. "For some strange... reason, it appears as if this Saber you have captured is... a living body, as we are, and not... a heroic spirit brought from the Throne of Heroes. Until I can find a way to... properly understand her presence, I will be unable... to progress further."

"What a strange problem to have," you muse, "still, I'm sure that you'll be able to overcome it." You give her an encouraging pat on the shoulder before continuing, "Now if you will excuse me, I have some magical experimentation of my own to get to."

With that, you move on to the first side chamber of the basement, the large room where you and Kōrakuhime had your brief practice spar and which appears to have formerly been used for target practice. It's the largest of the subterranean chambers you've seen so far, and decently high-ceilinged. It's no gymnasium, or cathedral, but the area is large enough that if you summon something like a big cat it will have enough space to move around. You walk to the center of the chamber, materializing your weapon and armor as you do so, and draw forth Heiligöffnungschwert. Then, with the weapon held point-downward at your breast in the classical knight's posture, you shut your eyes and feel the magic of the thing.

The first of the powers to make itself clear to your mind is that which binds it most securely to you, the connection between your own magic circuits and the blade that enables you to manifest the impossible element of Nothingness. It's a subtle enough effect that you might never have noticed if you didn't know of the sword's power already, but when you look for it you can clearly feel the way that it works on you, subtly altering your circuits as long as you bear it. You suppose that what it's doing is making your body a bit more like the world of Imaginary Numbers, so that the imaginary elements can best manifest into the real world through it. That's no more than conjecture, though; all that you can clearly feel is that there is a magical influence from Heiligöffnungschwert acting on your magic circuits.

Then, moving your perception outwards from your own body, you can feel the composition of the sword itself. There is the strange link to the universal Nothingness that renders Heiligöffnungschwert unbreakable. There, at the edge of the blade, is the portal that gives it its power: a hair-thin magical construct, fused with the body of the sword to give it a truly peerless cutting edge; but also capable of propagating itself, projecting more portals into the world at your command.
>>
Finally, after what feels like hours, you can feel the magical structure of the blade as clearly as you felt your own magic circuits on your first usage of them. Only then, when you have complete awareness of Heiligöffnungschwert, do you detect the second influence that is passively projected from it; not on you, but on the general surroundings. This, you suppose, must be the power that will sustain the existence of beings from the Realm of Imaginary Numbers. There doesn't seem to be any further information about the miracles you can gain from meditation. All that's left to do now, then, is try it by commanding the blade.

"Heiligöffnungschwert!"

As you call your Noble Phantasm's name, you bring the point down in a vertical slash, willing it to open a gateway and summon forth some creature that can help you find victory in the Holy Grail War. As you strike, however, nothing happens. There is no shadow tracery, leaving the trail of your attack hanging in the air. Instead, the effect of the final miracle begins after your blade comes to a rest. Darkness flows out from the point of the blade as if leaking from a fountain pen left to pool ink on a page, and in a few moments there's what appears to be an empty hole in the world hanging in the air at about the level of your knee.

All at once, your eyes burn with streaming color. The vision you see at the edge of reality, of the streaming light pouring into the black endpoint, is overlaid on your vision here in the waking world, and the overstimulatus of two simultaneous views drives into your eyes and head like an icepick. You start to bring a hand up to shield your eyes, and suddenly it's over in no more than a moment. Reality met with the passage to the Imaginary for less time than it took for you to bring a hand up, but it did meet. The thing on the stone floor, where the hole was a moment ago, is evidence enough of that.

Like its peculiar entryway, the thing looks like nothing so much as a shadow, although this one is standing rahter than floating. It's vaguely animal in shape, with a cylindrical body, eight vertical limbs set along it in pairs of two, and two more at the rear, these hanging in the air like outstretched arms, rather than supporting legs as the other eight are. At the opposite end, which might tentatively be considered the front, is the only aspect of the thing that has any color: a set of three points of red light, set in a triangle. The shock of its alien appearance is offset somewhat by its size. The thing is perhaps 30 centimeters tall, if not shorter, and no more than 115 centimeters long, including the rear two limbs which are on their own a third as long as the body. Somehow, you get the impression that the thing is as baffled as you are by the development, as it points those odd red lights at you. Are they eyes, then?
>>
Suddenly, you feel the magical energy in Heiligöffnungschwert surge, and a bond is formed between you and the thing, it receiving magical energy from you much as you receive it from Ayaka. At the same moment, the thing seems to shimmer and then change enormously. The general shape and size remain constant but all at once the entire impression it gives off is turned on its head, for in that momentary shift, for all the world as if the light had changed or a distorting lens had been removed, the thing had become a cat.

It was a cat with sable-black fur and three red eyes, with eight legs and two tails, but a cat nonetheless. A phantasmal beast to be sure, but not alien. Then it opens its mouth, and in a low, rumbling voice says, "It seems you're the one who's brought me here. Why?"

>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)

>[ ] "It seems to have been a bit of a mistake. I was hoping to summon something that would be of use in battle, you see. Can you return on your own, or shall I facilitate?" (Pride)

>[ ] "This sword has the ability of sustaining Phantasmals' existence in this world, and I decided to test it." (Duty)

>[ ] Say something else. (Write in)
>>
Sorry for the slow update, folks. Meant to get it done earlier tonight, but had some things get in the way.
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)
...
A cat is fine too.
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)
>we summoned worker
But where's Parasite?
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)
Hope Ayaka likes cats.

And Kōrakuhime working on Saber Alter project by herself? Best girl.
>>
>>3846942
Actually, this might be the fabled Imaginary Tiger. Was its mother skinned to make Matsuda's grip?
>>
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>>3846956
>115cm long
Clearly we summoned Tacgnol

>"Kourakuhime, I have no idea what the fuck I've summoned!"
It's intelligent at least, so that's a good start.
Could be a useful familiar for us.
>>
>>3846960
The size isn't [i]that[/i] weird. Maine Coons get that big, and they're a totally non-magical cat breed.
>>
>>3846968
Oh I see.

So everyone, we keeping this cat?
Ayaka or Kourakuhime might like it.
It might also be able to help out on the Arturia situation.
>>
>>3846980
>So everyone, we keeping this cat?
Maybe. That depends on what it can do.
So far we know:
>rare
>shapeshifting
>intelligent
>>
>>3846980
>It might also be able to help out on the Arturia situation.
"Hey, Arturia, this talking cat can confirm that am not an Avenger."
>>
>>3846982
>this talking cat with red eyes and black fur that looks like one of Avenger's shades in its true form (but we're not supposed to know that)
ftfy
>>
>>3846982
Hey it's worth a shot.
>>3846984
She doesn't know what those look like either.

I guess we'll just have to ask our new spooky cat friend what he is.
I hope it has at least some combat potential.
I wonder if Kourakuhime will be impressed by our ability to kinda casually summon an intelligent creature from the Imaginary Numbers Realm.
>>
>>3846981
Also, it can change its appearance faster than Alberich's mind can track or even instantaneously.
It seems to be open enough, since its immediate reaction to being summoned was curiosity rather than hostility, and it knows what cats are (didn't bother to look like a real one though -- preference or natural limitation?)
>>
>>3846987
That appearance change is likely it's full manifestation which it achieved upon receiving our energy.
>>
>>3846991
Huh, I guess it is.
Why would its size and shape change so drastically, though? There just aren't enough clues here to figure out what it might be.
>>
>>3846994
>The general shape and size remain constant but all at once the entire impression it gives off is turned on its head
It's still the same, it's just with detail it looks like a cat instead of a blobby centipede
>>
>>3846999
Oh, never mind then.
...
Now I know even less than before.
>>
>>3847001
Whatever it is, it's our three-eyed, eight-legged and twin tailed cat friend now.

I wonder just how intelligent it is.
It's uh, probably not gonna get along with Ayaka considering she likes birds, and it is a cat.

Iiiit probably isn't going to be friends with best birb by that same line of reason.
>>
>>3847014
>I wonder just how intelligent it is.
It knows we summoned it and it asked us why. Probably at least as intelligent as a human.
>It's uh, probably not gonna get along with Ayaka considering she likes birds, and it is a cat.
>Iiiit probably isn't going to be friends with best birb by that same line of reason.
not with that attitude it won't
>>
A Nekomata, the real Octopussy? Who knows what we have summoned. Anyways, we should ask it if it wants to stay or prefers to go back to the IN realm (also ask how the In realm is).
>>
>>3846100

Hot damn yes chuck that shit at Odin
>>
>>3846940
>>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)

Hello new friend/food!
>>
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>>3846100
Now that I think about it. If we fail to convert Saber this might be the only way we can get Ayaka her well-deserved maid. Shoggoths are notorious for their proficiency as house servants and maintainers. It is not fair that only Reines get to have cool maid such as Trimmau.
>>
>>3847040
>food
You know Sweets would never allow it because it would cheese the War.
>>
>>3846940
>two tails
Nekomata?
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)
First, make our own introduction
>>
>>3847071
Maybe, but 3 eyes and eight legs?
I hope whatever the damn thing is, it's somewhat impressive to be able to summon.
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "Part of an experiment in summoning up phantasmal beasts. What can you tell me about yourself?" (Curiosity)
>>3847071
>Nekomata?
Doesn't fit. nekomata and bakenekos generally don't have three eyes or eight legs and while they are shapeshifters it is unlikely one would take such a weird form.
>sable-black fur and three red eyes, with eight legs and two tails
>>
>>3847094
It's possible that it's a total unknown that hasn't ever been documented in legend.
Which totally adds on to our bullshit in that we can summon shit that nobody knows of or what they can do.

I do hope Kourakuhime likes cats.

>"Now if you will excuse me, I have some magical experimentation of my own to get to."
>hour passes of nothing happening while I continue researching Servants
>I wonder what he's doing
>scry to see
>just meditating, I guess
>another hour passes
>he walks out conversing with a long 8 legged cat that is following him
>what
She only knows that it's a portal sword, not that we can actually summon through it iirc.
>>
>>3847123
Oh, we did tell her we can summon impossibilities when we tried to use it to cheat the system.
That's a shame.
I hope that doesn't lessen the impact of our weird cat thing.
>>
>>3847123
>It's possible that it's a total unknown that hasn't ever been documented in legend.
No such creature exists in the Reverse Side of the World. A being like that would be native to the IN Realm itself...
>>
>>3847161
Was it ever said that the second miracle was restricted to the Reverse Side?
>>
>>3847161
Yeah, and our sword isn't connected to the Reverse Side of The World specifically, It's connected to the entire Realm of Imaginary Numbers.
>Reality met with the passage to the Imaginary

Yo cat friend what the fuck are you
>>
>>3847161
Well, singular nature spirits might be undocumented, but those are counted under the umbrella term of "nature spirits".
A creature that was never involved with humanity would be a native.
>>
>>3847164
>Was it ever said that the second miracle was restricted to the Reverse Side?
>>3847168
>Yeah, and our sword isn't connected to the Reverse Side of The World specifically, It's connected to the entire Realm of Imaginary Numbers.
"To bring into your world and sustain there in spite of its vile physical laws the impossibilities which in Our world, by Our authority, are possible!"
Now, depending on how you interpret "Our world"...
>>
We used Nothingness to summon it, right?
But if it is Reverse Side of The World thing shoulnd`t we have used Emptiness instead to invite a thing which existed during Age of Gods?
>>
>>3847170
Well it's almost always mentioned to be connected to the Realm of Imaginary Numbers.
Also it's not impossible for whatever Divine Spirits are fucking around over there to have created new shit.
>>
>>3847178
>We used Nothingness to summon it, right?
What makes you say that? You used your Noble Phantasm, not your own magic.
>>
>>3847170
No, our internal monologue already identified it as a Phantasmal Beast after it solidified.
>>3847180
Maybe.
>>
>>3847186
>What makes you say that?
This part.
>Then, moving your perception outwards from your own body, you can feel the composition of the sword itself. There is the strange link to the universal Nothingness that renders Heiligöffnungschwert unbreakable.
If our NP relies on Nothingness and it was point of our concentration and second influence resonated with the world shouldn`t cat be anti-worldish thing that falls into "which is not possible, but materializes" due to effects our sword has?
>>
>>3847200
>If our NP relies on Nothingness
No, no, that was just the "unbreakable as long as Nothingness exists" bit.
>>
So if our new feline friend hasn't got a name, what do we call it?
>>
>>3847212
Didn't Lovecraft have a cat that he loved?
>>
>>3847216
Lets just uh.
Veto that.
>>
>>3847216
die schwarzhäutige katze
>>
>>3846940
>[ ] "This sword has the ability of sustaining Phantasmals' existence in this world, and I decided to test it." (Duty)
>>
>>3847221
No, let anon figure that out. Its funny this way.
>>
Our new long cat friend should help us complete our aura of smugness when talking with Arturia.

Speaking of which, we can quiz her on her being a Living Servant now when we next go speak.
Let's bring up the Emiyas, Odin and her Master's combat strength when we next meet too.

The Emiyas (and Rin, I guess) being in the war is definitely something that will shake her.
I guess sacrifice is out for now as she's important for our sister's research.
>>
>>3847384
Actually, now we know about Saber being a Living Servant and we know the Emiyas know about her from the last war it makes sense to bring them up.
An actual heroic spirit should have no knowledge of their previous summoning, but Saber is a special case.
Let's see if she can maintain her stoic silence when we mention Shirou.
>>
>>3847438
>we know about Saber being a Living Servant
Do you? As far as Kōrakuhime's told you it's a problem with her method of analysis, not a fact about Saber.
You already knew she had memories of the last War, though, from the fact that she referred to Avenger's scheming 15 years ago.
>>
>>3847448
Right yeah.
Well it doesn't matter too much at the end of the day if we know that or not.
What matters is we know she knows.
Bullying Arturia is a fun activity for everyone.
>>
>>3847448
But Shirou told us that she also had to eat and whatnot when we had dinner with them.
>>
I wonder what Saber actually feels about Shirou now.
It's only been a week from her perspective.

She doesn't even know what happened at the end of Heavens Feel.
>>
In case any of you are interested, here's the layout of the barrier around Saber.
>>
>>3847570
lewd
>>
>>3847570
Interesting.

I wonder what Saber is thinking about right now.
Maybe we can offer to have her restraints made a little less uncomfortable if she cooperates with us and answers our questions.
>>
>>3847675
We just need to make her some of our magical coffee.
It worked last time.
>>
>>3847689
>"Now Saber, you need to promise me that if I give you this coffee, you won't attempt to throw it at me."
I don't think this will go all too well.
>>
>>3847689
>Saber imprisoned
>Not given food because Servants can live on magical energy
>Locked up for over 24 hours
>Captor finally returns
>"Here, why don't you relax and enjoy some of my specially made coffee."
I don't think she'd be overjoyed, exactly.
>>
>>3847701
Right, obviously we need to give her a sweet-potato to go with her coffee.
>>
>>3847701
We should bring her some food. We're aware that she needs to eat.
>>
>>3847728
I mean, this might not be an awful idea, jokes aside.
Maybe she'll appreciate not being forced to starve for days.
>>
Say what're the chances the cat is Cait Sith?
>>
>>3847739
They are not good. A Cait Sith would have a white spot on the chest and otherwise looks like a big cat. They have neither three eyes, eight legs or two tails.
>>
Let's
Never.
Take Volkes.
Ok?
Ok.
>>
>>3847817
Well...
Unless you want to become the little girl.
>>
>>3847817
>>3847900
Full support to never taking Volks (unless we have all our other upgrades blocked for some reason and our only chance of survival is to become a shota, and only if we don't get lolification instead of Shotansformation?, Shotafication?, what is the correct term for that bullshit?)
>>
>>3847900
Can you please not state that as if it is fact? Because all we know is that it is a game changer and nothing else. For all we know we could turn into a dragon.
>>
>>3847912
In all the infinite potential realities, there is no timeline in which I write a quest with a shota protagonist.
>>
>>3847912
>>3847915
Please see...
>>3847811
>>
>>3847772

Whatever it is, it's one strange cat. Hopefully it has combat power and knowledge
>>
>>3847817
Doesn't seem worth it. Our current build is plenty strong, especially with the rate that we're improving at. There's several more servants we could absorb for power and some pretty interesting ideas for improvement for our magic skills.
>>
>>3847918
Hey hey hey, don't link to the qtg in here! That's a different conversation!

Anyway, I could've been talking about anything there, not just Volksgemeinschaft. For all you know, there's a route where Harris drops a magically empowered truck on you and Alberich gets reincarnated into the world of an otome game.
>>
>>3847930
Well yeah, that and pressing the delete button on the character we've developed for half a year.
>>
>>3847936
>For all you know, there's a route where Odin drops a magically empowered truck on you and Alberich gets reincarnated into the world of an otome game.
Hm...
>>
>>3847936
That's what we call evidence, Sweets.

>could've been talking about anything
Sure sure.
Anything.
>>
>>3847938
Exactly. That's an absolute last resort. If we're 100% sure that we can't succeed with our current or future build and we're 100% sure that the upgrade would bring us success, sure. Otherwise it's just too drastic.
>>
>>3847965
It should also be mentioned that any anon that didn't vote for it would be very inclined to drop the quest.

As far as I can tell, there's not a single anon that wants Lolification, all arguments around taking Volks are "maybe it won't be.".

Especially if the only scenario where we can succeed forces us to take it.
In a way, that's actually way worse.
>>
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>Alberich becomes so desperate that he risks it all to become a walking Reality Marble
>wins
>but at the cost of his original being
>he (mostly) gets over it
>the girls could swear they hear hi--her lamenting the loss of her dick every once in a while
>>
>>3847915
Or a unicorn, or a magical girl, or a superintelligent pickle with severe alcoholism and family issues. Oh, wait, we wouldn't, because turning into a loli by taking the NP that turned the last (and only) male who got it into a loli without his consent makes more sense.
>>
>>3848010
I don't know why we ever even thought it MIGHT be a good idea, honestly.
Maybe if we were on like, thread one or two and the effects were clear.
But this far in?
Ha!
>>
>>3848010
You mean as much sense as Affection of the goddess working just as well for us as Achilles or Roland's sword only making ours unbreakable without giving any other abilities? We don't copy, we adapt powers, which means they change.
>>
>>3848055
Give it up, Volksfag.
We take it and we become a loli.
That's the end of it.

That would basically fuck up the story so far so I wouldn't take it even if it gave us A+ in basically everything.
Which it wouldn't.
>>
>>3848058
I wonder wht regular-old Heroic Spirit Hitler's stats/nps/skills were.
>>
>>3848058
If people stop trying to support their claims with stupid senseless arguments, sure.
Sweets mentioning it in another threat is one thing, but saying that just because a skill/NP manifested one way for another hero it would need to manifest the same way is just stupid when it was already disproven.
>>
>>3848068
Look anon, I just think the quest will see a huge drop in players if you're wrong about Volks not turning us into a Loli, and there is A LOT of evidence pointing towards it turning us into one.
>>
>>3848082
And you are completely missing the point. The point is not that I don't think it will not turn us into a loli. Sweet's comment in qtq was pretty explicit.

The point is that just because the conclusion is right the argument with which you arrive at it doesn't need to be. And the claim that it will turn us into a loli because it happened to Adelheid is simply faulty, because we already have proof that how a NP manifests with the original hero is no indication for how it will turn out for us.

Incidentally I mind turning into a loli a lot less than turning into something non-humanoid like a dragon.
>>
>>3848086
How about we don't take Volks and don't ruin everything though?
The only reason I can think of taking it is "because it would be hilarious"
Which it totally would be.
>>
>>3848086
>Your conclusion is right but the argument is wrong, therefore I'm right.
>Also, I want to be the loli
Volksfag cope
>>
>>3848090
When did I ever say I was for taking Volks? I'm not if you need clarification.
>>3848094
If you need to believe that. I'm just of the opinion to root this kind of argument out before we get the same argument for other NPs or skills and subsequently being surprised when it doesn't work the same way for us than the original hero.
>>
>>3848098
Alright.

I'm glad a consensus of "no loli" has been agreed upon.

It's a shame really, if Alberich weren't as developed as he was, it wouldn't be a terrible idea.
But 20 threads of development and relationship building is a lot to discard for just getting a possibly huge power boost (might not even be that big) and becoming a loli.
>>
I feel like there's too much of a disconnect between what the players envision for adapting a skill or NP absorbed will actually become vs what Sweets decides for us. Could we at least get like 2 or 3 different permutations to choose from after choosing what to emulate?
>>
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>>3848105
That is a point that's been raised before, and I'll think on it. Things might go differently the next time you take a volatile skill or NP.

>>3848103
>I'm glad a consensus of "no loli" has been agreed upon.
Always interesting when anons unanimously agree on a major course of action. Incidentally, here's some art for the potential lolified Alberich.
>>
>>3848116
You won't twist me with character art Sweets.
It's too late for Loli Alberich now, as entertaining as it might be.
>>
I dunno. I kind of want a Parasol that opens a gate to the world of Imaginary Numbers.
>>
>>3848128
Stop that.
>>
Here's another point against Volkes: any hypothetical Gil encounter.
>>
>>3848116

...Now Sweets you must allow us a April Fool's Oneshot following the adventures of loli Alberich/Titania. Such is the price of character art.
>>
>>3848138
Now this I can get into.
>>3848136
Oh boy, that would be a real fun encounter for normal Alberich.
>>
>>3848138
I may just. April Fool's is a long time away, though.
>>
>>3848144
Could run it in December as a Christmas special.
>>
>>3848116
>Always interesting when anons unanimously agree on a major course of action.
It's not surprising. The people reading this quest want to read about Alberich's adventures. And those who want to read about Alberich's adventures would hardly want to remove Alberich from the quest. If it was only a physical transformation it would maybe not be quite so clear but since it changes even personality...
>>Incidentally, here's some art for the potential lolified Alberich.
And now I wish we could gain a second form or shapeshifting. There's just something so appealing about someone so harmless and cute looking wrecking the shit of their enemies.
>>
>>3848130
Listen, I'm not saying it's a good idea, only that Mary Poppins makes much more sense in hindsight.
>>
>>3848155
>There's just something so appealing about someone so harmless and cute looking wrecking the shit of their enemies.
That's one of the reasons why I want to see it done as maybe a One Shot side-quest or something.
It's kind of appealing as a concept, but the far reaching effect on the story as a whole would kind of ruin a few things.
>>
How WOULD Gil react to us?
>>
>>3848184
... if we were a little girl, that is.
>>
>>3848184
Insult off until one of the two gets pissed off and attacks the other.

Gil would actually probably die if we went for a Rift Slash.
Nice Shields and Armour, goldy.

But on the flipside, we'd die if he opened the Gate first.

>>3848188
Now that's a good question.
>>
>>3848144

Holiday Special: Titania's Winder Wonderland
>>
>>3848116
...and here's the status sheet.

Servant Caster

Master: -
True Name: Titania
Sex: Female
Height: 4'3"
Weight: 26KG
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Emotional Status:
[Pride~100]
[Self-Preservation~80]
[Duty~0]
[Compassion~0]
[Desire~64] (Primary: Sadism, Curiosity)

Strength: A
Endurance: A+++
Agility: E-
Magical Energy: EX
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: A++

Class Abilities:
Territory Creation: EX
Creates an area that is advantageous to oneself as a magus. As everything under heaven is already the dominion of Titania, however, she has no need to actually create it. Wherever she should be, she is at the apex of her power.

Tool Creation: A(E)
Allows creation of tools that carry magical energy. Titania is averse to all forms of labor.

Personal Skills:
Conceptual Biology: A++
A body radically altered by numerous magical rituals and an artificial creation. Titania can already be said to be more like a concept impressed on the world than a living being. No magic aside from her own can affect her, and her physical durability is extremely high. Most attacks will be negated.

Mind's Eye (True): C
The "combat tactics" which are the mark of an experienced and stoic fighter. Titania is capable of calm analysis of battle conditions even when in danger and can deduce an appropriate course of action to triumph over a given predicament. Of dubious use, since Titania despises close engagement.

Charisma: A+
The natural talent to lead, command, and manipulate. As a peerless and supreme monarch, Titania naturally possesses the greatest possible charisma.

Magic: EX
Skill in orthodox magic. Although her knowledge barely surpasses that of a novice, Titania's enormous volume of magical energy grants her unparalleled power over the elements.

Noble Phantasm:
The Solitary Crown, Regnum Iustus
Rank A++ Anti-Self Noble Phantasm. A strange manifestation of a certain knight's desires. Although his wish for "a peerless and untouchable supremacy" and "a beautiful and fragile maiden" did not originally refer to the same person, they have been combined in this new incarnation, reinforced with the power of the Holy Grail.
>>
>>3848198
Fuck...
What happened to HGS?
>>
>>3848206
Its abilities were rolled into her magic. No longer being a Saber, she has no need for a sword.
>>
>>3848198
>Agility: E-
Because she is so lazy?
>>
>>3848211
A true queen need not move on her own feet.
>>
>>3848210
Where does the laziness even come from? Alberich is anything but lazy and seems to despise laziness
>>
>>3848198
>this entire sheet
Holy shit.
I want this One-Shot even more now.

>Duty and Compassion are just fucking GONE
>Conceptual Biology A++ functions as a fuck you to basically everything as well as Magic Resistance: EX
>Territory Creation:EX
>Those parameters
>Magical Energy: EX
>Magic: EX
>No HOS


>>3848206
Don't be silly, Casters don't use Swords.
>>
>>3848216
It comes from the idea of a peerless monarch, elevated above all menial things. Titania isn't lazy, she just hates "labor".
>>
>>3848222
Weird.
update when
>>
>>3848219
>Holy shit.
Appropriate words. I mean she's better than Circe as a Caster. Maybe lacking in skill, which actually makes her even better because she can still improve her magic knowledge.

Though why Magical Energy EX when there isn't anything special about the description besides a shit ton of magic?

On another note that Conceptual Body A++ makes putting some of our energy into it very tempting for Alberich.
>>
>>3848226
You don't need to to bother with physical labour when you can conjure up like 100 magical limbs to do whatever you need them to do.
Or just use your summoning powers to summon whatever you need.
>>3848234
She's strong enough to easily destroy most Servants.
Remember that her magic bypasses even Magic Resistance A when she was far worse with it.
And now she can just use the effects of HOS as a part of her magic.
>>
>>3848198
...How awful.
>>3848234
>On another note that Conceptual Body A++ makes putting some of our energy into it very tempting for Alberich.
Yup.
That makes me think a hypothetical EX would give us the literal body of a god (except without the divinity).
>>
>>3848234
Because ME refers to the efficiency with which a Servant uses their Master's energy, it becomes EX if they generate their own. Similarly, the Magic skill is EX because it can't be ranked normally; the knowledge and technique are E-rank at best while the power is phenomenal, producing a contradiction.
>>
>>3848198
>Master: -

Oh.
Well, looks like we have no further use for you, Ayaka.
>>
>>3848243
>...How awful.
Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. I had some fun with it though.
>>
>>3848246
You don't think a queen of magic would need retainers and maids?
>>
>>3848255
I'm more shocked that doesn't have an inkling of Duty, as a queen.
>>
>>3848255
You can't please everyone.
You better run that damn One-shot now though.

The real question is what part of the story would be best for it to occur at.

>>3848258
A maid who would have once called herself our Master is not one that should exist.
>>
>>3848255
>>3848261
It's like she went straight Liz.
>>
How the fuck do you think Kourakuhime would handle this?
>>
>>3848272
With her riding our futa cock.

We need to make an heir somehow.
>>
>>3848261
"Hmm? Duty? But to whom could you mean? Not my possessions, surely."
>>
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We'd be a terrible mom, now that I think about it.
>>
>>3848198
But the real question is:

How large would her wardrobe be? Would she have an outfit for every occasion, and an entire army of servants at her beck and call to assist her?
>>
>>3848281
Oh no.
She's worse than Gilgamesh.

>Singularity where Titania is the final boss
>Alberich is summoned as the main allied Servant
>>
>>3848281
Would Gilgamesh try to waifu us?
>>
>>3848255
It's not bad, just terrifying.
>>
>>3848289
>not a trap
You tell me.
>>
>>3848289
Too much like a certain women from his tales, so no.
>>
>>3848293
Enkidu isn't a trap, genius.
There's literally nothing there by default.
Unless it wants there to be.
>>
>>3848198
>Pride~100
>Caster with high Strength and CRAZY Endurance
>That Magical Energy stat
>Territory Creation: EX
>Tool Creation
>(We finally know what more ranks in Conceptual Biology does and it's beautiful)
>Charisma: A+
>Magic: EX
>Dat Noble Phantasm
Bust DOWN, Thotania!
>>
What this tells me is that we need more Compassion and Duty, to alter what we would think to be an ideal ruler.
>>
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>Alberich becomes Titania from the Achilles kill
>everyone's face when
That situation would just be so fucked at that point.
>>
>>3848322
Who needs All the World's Evils when you have a lazy and psychopathic loli mage?
>>
>>3848322
For what it's worth, she wouldn't actually have Magical Energy EX until after winning the Holy Grail War. As I mentioned, this form is after Regnum Iustus empowered by the Grail.
If Alberich had become Titania after Achilles' death, she wouldn't be quite so broken. This kind of power you have to earn.
>>
>>3848335
Ah I see.
>>
>>3848289
Actually, that Self-Preservation stat might just be enough to give her the presence of mind so as to not piss him off. Not at first, at least.
>>
>>3848335
>The Ultimate Queen.
>Having to earn her power.
Not sure how I have to feel about that but I'll take it.
>>
>>3848340
I mean, she could probably kill him.
>>
>>3848301
>Thotania
Not a fan of Midsummer Night's Dream, I take it?
>>
>>3848345
It's not my favorite work by William, but I still like it.
I'm just excited by the possibility of her picking it up and breaking that shit down.
>>
>>3848335
To elaborate, here's a tweaked version for if you'd actually gone for it at the time of.

Servant Caster

Master: Shijou Ayaka
True Name: Titania
Sex: Female
Height: 4'3"
Weight: 26KG
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Emotional Status:
[Pride~100]
[Self-Preservation~60]
[Duty~25]
[Compassion~5]
[Desire~50] (Primary: Sadism, Curiosity)

Strength: B
Endurance: A+
Agility: D
Magical Energy: A++
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: A++

Class Abilities:
Territory Creation: A++
Creates an area that is advantageous to oneself as a magus. Since Titania regards everything under heaven her dominion, this process is accelerated almost to the point of being instantaneous. As long as she spends a short time in one place, she can draw power from it as a "Temple". In addition, there is no limit to the amount of land that can become her territory.

Tool Creation: E
Allows creation of tools that carry magical energy. Because Titania's knowledge of magic is limited, she can do little more than infuse objects with her magical energy.

Personal Skills:
Conceptual Biology: A++
A body radically altered by numerous magical rituals and an artificial creation. Titania can already be said to be more like a concept impressed on the world than a living being. Magic aside from her own is diminished in power significantly when used against her, and her physical durability is quite high. Some attacks will be negated.

Mind's Eye (True): C
The "combat tactics" which are the mark of an experienced and stoic fighter. Titania is capable of calm analysis of battle conditions even when in danger and can deduce an appropriate course of action to triumph over a given predicament. Of dubious use, since Titania despises close engagement.

Charisma: A+
The natural talent to lead, command, and manipulate. As a peerless and supreme monarch, Titania naturally possesses the greatest possible charisma.

Magic: EX
Skill in orthodox magic. Although her knowledge barely surpasses that of a novice, Titania's enormous volume of magical energy grants her unparalleled power over the elements.

Noble Phantasm:
The Solitary Crown, Regnum Iustus
Rank A++ Anti-Self Noble Phantasm. A strange manifestation of a certain knight's desires. Although his wishes for "a peerless and untouchable supremacy," "a brutal and cruel self-satisfaction," and "a beautiful and fragile maiden" did not originally refer to the same person, they have been combined in this new incarnation.
>>
>>3848366
Man.
Solitary Crown really does say a lot about Alberich's goals and desires. Nothing we didn't know already, but it makes it very clear.
>>
>>3848285
>How large would her wardrobe be?
Ridiculously huge.
>Would she have an outfit for every occasion, and an entire army of servants at her beck and call to assist her?
Of course!

>>3848288
If she became an FGO villain, her class would definitely change to Beast. No doubting it. Has there been a Beast of Pride yet?
>>
>>3848402
There has not that I know of.
So I guess that's what she'd be.
>>
>>3848402
It'd be easier to cram her in as a Lostbelt King. Say she cuts a deal with the Alien God and gets a Fantasy Tree to threaten everyone with, but it's actually subverting her...
>>
"Why, I summoned you as an experiment," you answer, startled into the frank truth by the cat's sudden speech. "I'd suspected for some time that this blade could call up and sustain phantasmal beasts, and looking at you now it's plainly true. Care to tell me about yourself?"

"So you didn't summon me in particular, eh?" The cat sounds bemused at the fact. "I'm not surprised that you drew me in, though, looking at you. Seems you've got some affinity for the type."

For a moment you're nonplussed, until you realize he's referring to your helmet. You materialized your armor before performing the summoning, in case the creature that appeared should turn out to be hostile. Now, as a result, you still have the visage of a snarling lion obscuring your own. Realizing how offputting it must be for the cat to have suddenly appeared before an armored host, you dismiss the helmet with a thought.

"Sorry to have met you with my hat on, as it were," you say with a chuckle. "I didn't realize what might appear, you know. Thought I'd best be ready, in case some snarling chimera should come bursting forth."

"Ah. Well, that's good and prudent of you," the cat replies. "But you'd asked about me, so I may as well tell you. I'm what you humans used to call a nekomata."

"Nekomata?" You cock an eyebrow. He is a cat with two tails, true enough, but, "That's a rather bizarre assertion. I don't recall nekomata having additional limbs beyond a second tail."

"Been to the Reverse Side recently, have you," the cat asks sardonically. "Whatever we might've looked like when we still appeared in this world, that was centuries ago. In a place where the Gods take an active role, a species can change its looks pretty quick."

"I see." You hadn't really considered the possibility of the inhabitants of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers changing over time up until now. If things are as volatile as the nekomata makes them sound, you probably can't rely on legends very much; but on the subject of legends, what about a name? What should you call this thing, if you end up working with him? It would've been your first question, had you recognized his species. Best to get to it now, then. "Nekomata must have names, yes?" you ask. "Of course you must, you're able to speak to me after all; any communicative species must have naming. What are you called, then?"

For a moment the nekomata doesn't reply, but only looks at you out of those three eyes. He slowly blinks, once, and then finally speaks up. "I don't believe," he begins disdainfully, "you'd be able to pronounce it. Call me what you like."
>>
"I will consider the matter, then," you say. It's a bit offputting, his not wanting to tell you his name; especially considering the stories about humans gaining power over supernatural creatures by means of a true name. Could he be plotting some scheme? No, you dismiss the idea. Binding by a name is probably no more than fantasy anyway, and you can hardly expect a cat's native name to fit easily on a human tongue. Better to move on to the next question. "What about your capabilities? You've told me what you are, but I still don't know what you can do."

"Oh, this and that," the nekomata answers vaguely. "Magic sight, a bit of illusion, transformation, moving in shadow... that sort of thing. I doubt it's very different from what my ancestors could manage." It's certainly an uninformative description, but it and the small amount of magical energy you need to supply the nekomata with tell you that he's far from an enormously powerful phantasmal beast. If he can be of significant use to you, that use will have to be in some unconventional way. Perhaps he could make a useful advisor; you're not exactly sure of his intelligence yet, or how much he knows. Then again, he might be best used in the way Harris used those gadgets of his, the flashing device and mobile speaker. A nekomata could surely make a useful tool for distraction.

On the other hand, the cat's demeanor hardly endears you to him. He seems somehow untrustworthy, though it's possible you're only being moved by his appearance. Beyond that, though, you can't help thinking that a phantasmal beast with immediate combat potential would be far more useful than this creature. What to do?

>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Write in a name) (Duty)

>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>he actually referred to us as human
That's a first.
>>
>>3848510
Surprising is a better way to put it.
>>
>>3848513
I'd call it disturbing.
>>3848502
>[ X ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
He has character, but I'll take my chances with the gacha again.
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
Sorry, buddy, your skills would've been so much more useful a few days ago.
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)

Nekomata dude seems amicable enough but who knows if he's down for some combat.
>>
We should really introduce Saber to one our pets, assuming we get a decent one.
>>
>>3848650
"Meet my new best friend, Gilgamesh, who was hanging around in the Far Side of the Moon until I summoned him"
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Duty)
This honestly seems like a decent starting point, in terms of summons. Maybe we could glean some knowledge after we introduce him to Tsubaki? He could probably be more forthcoming if he were to know there's a fellow youkai in the house.
>>
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Look, I don't want us to end up a gacha-addicted autist.
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
I am sure he can find Assassin but it is pretty useless given current state of affairs in this war.
>>3848366
Guess I`ll vote for Volks for sure now.
>>
>>3848671
Speaking if which, how would one go about defeating Beast of Pride - Titania?
>>
>>3848674
With or without getting Oberon to help out?
>>
>>3848674
As FGO villain with Alberich as allied Servant to (you)? This can go a lot of places to be honest.
>>
>>3848685
Well, that would obviously be her bane.
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. () (Duty)
You guys don't want a cat friend?
Don't underestimate illusions.
Can't think of a name though.
>>
>>3848699
>friend
An optimistic outlook, for sure. He might think twice about doing anything outright malicious if we introduce him to Tsubaki.
>>
>Conceptual Biology: A++
>A body radically altered by numerous magical rituals and an artificial creation. Titania can already be said to be more like a concept impressed on the world than a living being. Magic aside from her own is diminished in power significantly when used against her, and her physical durability is quite high. Some attacks will be negated.
It is also nice to know for sure that there is a lot more to our fundamental skill.
>>
>>3848502
>>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Write in a name) (Duty)
Name: Salem

We still have no idea where Assassin is. Our cat could search for them, because it looks a lot like it comes down to a manual search.
>>
>>3848751
Salem sounds female, though.
>>
>>3848754
Did you never watch Sabrina the teenage witch with her male cat Salem Saberhagen?
>>
>>3848757
I constantly changed the channel whenever it showed up, so no. Arso prease understandu who we are; we wouldn't really know about Salem, a strictly American event.
>>
>>3848760
Or about Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Better go for a classical reference if you plan to keep him.
>>
>>3848760
Salem is a name. We need a name for the cat. It's that simple.
That it is a reference is only because it's the first decent sounding cat name that came to mind.
>>
>>3848751
Why not give it to Ayaka?

Ayaka the Teenage Magus.
>>
What about Masato? It's an ironic name for nekomata to have.
>>
>>3848773
Or we can call him Gouto-Douji.
>>
>>3848776
That would be better. A shame everybody is doing to throw him to the wayside. I've already voted too.
>>
>>3848502
>[ ] Do something else

Give it to Ayaka or Tsubaki and summon something else.
>>
An allied Alberich vs Titania FGO story would be interesting honestly.

I would imagine Alberich would be forced to go full compassion as the story progressed and Titania did more and more heartless things (like killing her (and Alberich's old) allies for failure, due to 0 compassion).
At one point, Alberich would be forced to hold an enemy force off while the player went on ahead and would disappear, being presumed dead.

Final battle I imagine would have (you) totally cornered and about to be killed by Titania until Alberich pulls off a successful hero moment, stopping her temporarily with his own magic while saying something along the lines of "You said it yourself, no magic other than your own can touch you."

Or something.

Bonus points if he finds Ayaka and rituals himself up to be strong enough to fight Titania.

Alternatively, the two immediately fall in love with each other.
>>
>>3848813
>Alberich pulls off a successful hero moment, stopping her temporarily with his own magic while saying something along the lines of "You said it yourself, no magic other than your own can touch you."
Or Alberich blows his back out to summon [insert huge creature], which kills her.
>>
>>3848815
Summoning a huge creature wouldn't work on somebody that can just pump more magic into a summoning and summon an even bigger creature though.

Only real way for (you) to win that scenario is if Alberich did find Ayaka (as a maid? Being tortured in the prisons?) and sacrificed as many Servants he could find before confronting Titania.
>>
How would y'all envision Alberich to be gameplaywise? He seems like he'd be a solid challenge quest runner what with
>Ignore Defense on NP
>Invuln on a short CD with Kenotis
>Debuff Immunity with Conceptual Biology
>Charisma for a solid Atk and (preferred card type) boost
>>
>>3848817
Maybe he works with his old allies to do something Titania can't replicate by herself.
Circe creates a body, Alberich summons Odin's divine essence into it, Adelheid sacrifices herself to buy them time and then the summoned Odin shits all over Titania.
>>
>>3848825
I think
>Ignore Defence + Ignore Invulnerability
Might be a better fit for Heilig
>>
>>3848827
Would be more thematically fitting if Alberich summoned Odin into himself with Circe's assistance, I think.
>>
>>3848828
>Can't tank his NP with def buffs
>Merlin etc are useless as well since lolnopes invuln and dodge
>When he shows up as an enemy servant you pretty much have to keep delaying or draining his gauge or else he'll just keep deleting your frontline one by one

Secret OP strat is Charm-locking him with Euryale.
>>
>>3848830
True.
So the narrative is this:
>alberich is being chased by the armies of titania, who wants to kill and eat him so she can breach through to conceptual biology EX and become a walking goddess
>he sneaks into her palace and rescues his old allies, who were being tortured for their previous failure to catch him, but has to run away when titania comes and attacks
>desperate last stand where adelheid buys time for circe to prepare alberich's body so he can accept odin into himself
>eventually circe has to go and buy more time
>in the end alberich summons odin into himself and the two work together to shit holy fire on her
Too long for an interlude?
>>
>>3848834
That's like the conclusion to a long as fuck Singularity/Lostbelt instead of an Interlude.
With Adelheid/Circe showing up to assist the player near the end of the story after having fought them multiple times throughout the story.

But also.
>Titania wants to absorb Alberich to become a Goddess
I feel like this would be even more fun if the most yandere of all to Alberich was him/herself

Who would the other allies be though?
>>
>>3848837
The "3* who has no relation to the current setting (Salieri in Russia, Tell in India)" will of course be Clint
>>
>>3848840
>Clint is by far one of the coolest allied Servants
>he helps out massively from the start of the Lostbelt
>He dies when he tries to hold off Titania and successfully gets a Colt. 45 off, a direct hit on her heart.
>it doesn't even make her flinch
>the effects of Conceptual Biology A++ are revealed
>>
>>3848842
"Foolish scoundrel, a peerless and supreme monarch have no need for a heart."
>>
>>3848837
So, Fairy-Queen Titania got a Fantasy Tree seed from the Alien God and is invading this timeline to eat Alberich and become a goddess using Conceptual Biology EX, the worship of her supporters and the Fantasy Tree's power.
Circe, Adelheid and Ayaka were enslaved (because Titania killed the ones in her own timeline) and are being forced to work on this.
Vaisset and Alberich are leading the shattered resistance against Titania and Daybit Sem Void, and you and your Servants are press-ganged into it for a major operation to free the three prisoners.

...Except there was a traitor who informed Titania, so she bombed the fuck out of the HQ. The only survivors are Alberich and Vaisset, who come with you to stake the fate of the world on this last infiltration.

Halfway through, Daybit Sem Void's Servant shows up to take you out, so Alberich and Vaisset stay back to give you time, and you end up sneaking in and freeing his old allies.

Circe teleports everyone to Alberich and they have a great reunion just in time for Titania to show up. Cue final boss battle, a desparate struggle to hold her back and buy Circe time so she can prepare Alberich's body.
After Adelheid and Circe die helping you delay Titania, Alberich summons Odin to possess his body and both of them work together to kill Titania ("Allow me to show you the power of a true god" and all that).
>>
>>3848837
Oh and also Skadi tags along for Odin bantz
>>
>>3848848
Sounds good.
>>
Anyway, back on topic, it might be a good idea to reconsider getting rid of the cat.

Not many creatures we can summon will be as useful as it.
Those illusions will be very useful.
Also, it can talk.

What if we roll a SSR and it's just a Pegasus we can't use?
>>
>>3848909
>What if we roll a SSR and it's just a Pegasus
One would think an SSR would be more impressive than a Pegasus. At least something unique that was named in a legend.
>>
>>3848912
You mean like the Pegasus?
>>
>>3848909
It's a bit late to be having second thoughts don't you think?
If we want Illusionist chatterbox we could at least go for something like a Kitsune.
Not that we have a choice of WHAT we'd get either way, hell we could end up getting something worse but it's a risk everyone seems very willing to take.
>>
>>3848919
>but it's a risk everyone seems very willing to take
which just seems dumb to me
>>
>>3848919
But why?
Offensive wise, Alberich is pretty well set up, just some training is needed and a couple sacrifices into Conceptual Biology to get A+++
Utility wise is where he falls short though.

And it's a very small drain on our energy.
If we do summon a huge powerful monster, it's gonna make us weaker.
>>
>>3848932
Pegasus is the name of a specific Legendary Winged Horse.
Calling any winged horse "Pegasus" is wrong.
>>
>>3848921
>>3848923
You know what...fuck it.
I don't wanna send the little guy back to IN and as much as I'd like to try to roll some more I rather not submit to potential gambling addiction.

>>3848502
>>3848639
>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Miike) (Duty)
>>
>>3848366

Coool.

Now I want an interlude where she replaces the Caster of the 4th war. Poor Arturia, she'll never get a break from casters trying to get her.
>>
>>3848502
>>[ ] You didn't call a phantasmal beast out of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers because you wanted a housecat! Send him back and try to draw out something that can actually fight. (Pride)
>>
>>3848937
objection withdrawn
>>
>>3848943
We should at least give him a chance.
We can dismiss him at any time, after all.

We should give him a chance to prove his worth.
As it is, he's barely a drain on us, which is a good thing.
>>
>>3848946
Also, us summoning a Yōkai might make Tsubaki happy.
She would probably enjoy it's company more than she enjoys Ayaka's.
>>
>>3848947
>She would probably enjoy it's company more than she enjoys Ayaka's.
Tsubaki would enjoy the company of a stone more than Ayaka's. For her Ayaka is the human that keeps her brother, who is much better than any human, in servitude.
>>
>>3848949
Well, when we're busy right now it's either Ayaka or Arturia.

She thinks both are garbage.
>>
>>3848950
Also, our being able to summon intelligent Yōkai might increase her affection score.
>>
Can we please not waste the entire day we were supposed to spend training on rolling up random creatures though?

Please, let's just keep the dumb cat and get on with reading some damn books.
>>
>>3849028
>Can we please not waste the entire day
Summoning the cat only took a few minutes. We can do it at least once more without wasting too much time I'm sure.
>>
>>3849040
The energy it's taking is rather miniscule though.

Is there any reason we cant just keep it while we attempt to summon another creature?
It could be of quite some benefit.

Have it make illusion tendrils in addition to our real tendrils.
>>
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>>3849028
No, anon, you don't understand! We NEED to get a FIVE-STAR
>>
>all this lolishit
please stop this immediately.
>>3848502
>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Salem?) (Duty)
you guys clearly don't know how overpowered illusions can be.
>>
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>>3849059
>>all this lolishit
>please stop this immediately.
Where do you think we are?
>>
Seriously though, what are you guys hoping we're gonna be able to summon?
>>
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>>3849067
When it doubt, double down on Alberich`s Aesthetics.
>>
>>3849059
>>all this lolishit
>please stop this immediately.
Just finished reading the archive, then? You must've been wanting to say that for a while.
>>
>>3849059
There are no brakes on the loli train.
>>
>>3849092
Hey Sweets. What do you think is a good name for a Nekomata?
>>
>>3849101
Tama.
I'm not actually sure, which is one reason why I handed the name generation to you folks. That and I figured you'd have fun debating the point and trying to decide.
>>
Fuck off, Cat
>>3848519
>>3848611
>>3848634
>>3848643
>>3848671
>>3848943

Adopt random cat
>>3848660
>>3848699
>>3848751
>>3848940
>>3849059

Who wants a free Cat?
>>3848778

Looks like a 6-5-1 to me right now.
>>
>>3849110
Please though.
Tell me what you Pride voters are expecting from a summoning.
Any mount right now is useless to us due to our shit tier Riding.
Anything Big would be a massive energy drain.
>>
>>3849119
You don't understand, anon. They rolled the gacha and came away with only a 3-star. They have to try again, shooting for that 0.7% chance as many times as it takes.
Although really, this will be a lot true once I've got the banner revealed.
>>
>>3849109
Please, anything other than fucking "Salem". It just doesn't fit a Japanese creature in any way, and why would we adopt the degenerate culture of modern humans (especially culture we don't know jackshit about)?
>>3849119
I don't really care much either way. I just want to roll the gacha once before we move on to investigating Vaisset's notes amd checking in on Artoria.
>>
>>3849119
Nothing. I think second miracle was a bust and would prefer to hit Shijou library instead.
>>
>>3849127
A lot truer, damn it. Not "a lot true."
>>
>>3849128
>>3849130
We could do both of those AND have a snarky cat companion!
>>
>>3849130
Then why would you vote for the summon again option?
>>
>>3849130
Also, having a creature capable of using magic (especially illusions) could help us with Void, what with the immaterial part of it.
>>
>>3849140
Also this; did you guys speedread your choice?
>>
>>3849140
>>3849139
Because I believe that cat is useless in current state of war and the faster we are done with it and whole summoning shtick the better. If we did summoning after Roland cat would at least be useful for scouting. We have Saber in our hands, we are "allies" with Odin and it will be useless versus him AND it could betray us to help a god out, we don`t need it versus Archer, I don`t see how it can be useful versus Emiyas and Assassin will have to face us and Odin in direct fight if he wants to win.
He is just a drain on Ayaka as it stands now.
>>
>>3849163
Yes, but summoning again is still going to waste MORE energy.
And if we summon something big its gonna really drain Ayaka.

It's a tiny drain right now, Alberich mentioned that. The benefit of summoning a magic using creature.
Besides, as a resident of the Reverse Side, it might be a decent magic teacher for us.

Don't you want to be a tricky illusion asshole with our Void Magic?
Also, it mentioned it can transform so it might be useful in physical combat yet.
>>
>>3849174
You that know, Anon? I`ll change vote to make your day a bit better if you really want that cat and have so much faith in it.
>>3848502
Changing from >>3848671
to
>[ ] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Write in a name) (Duty)
And let Kōrakuhime name it.
>>
>>3849183
Thanks, anon.
>>
>>3848848
This is great, I just wish it didn't have to involve the awfulness that is FGO's "protagonist".
>>3848833
I like it. Now, how can Titania be statted to be the greatest of all Casters? Unseating the support trio is difficult.
>>3849090
Abby is truly S-Tier. I wonder if she'll wind up being in Part 3...
>>3849183
Looks like the keep votes take it, now we just have to have you vote on a name.
>>
>>3849199
My vote is for anything but Salem; it's a nekomata, not a cat sith.
>>
>>3849199
Voting for anything but "Salem" as well, and I favor either "Miike" or "Tama".
>>
>>3849199
I am still a bit suprised that Alberich would rate Altera Larva only as B-Tier to be honest, Sweets.
>>
>>3849199
>FGOs protagonist(s)
Camera-kun and Bland-chan?
God I wish that the Main Character was an actual character. Mash is also way too bland, a poor man's Sakura.

>Titania statted as greatest Caster
Not with those personal skills she won't be.
>cat name
I'll be fine with Tama
or Kuro.
>>
Does Titania get SS tier on Alberich's Aesthetics?
>>
>>3849209
>Not with those personal skills she won't be.
Right, I forgot. In order to make a character strong in FGO, you have to give them a bunch of unique skills that nobody else has, then not bother to add real descriptions.
No, I'm not bitter about Tool Creation being turned into Fox's Wedding in an "upgrade".
>>
>>3849218
>Heilig Arm: EX
>The internalized miracles of a holy sword which is both the gate and the key. Caster can utilize the three miracles of opening, summoning and actualizing even without her holy sword.
>>
>>3849218
The dumbest thing they ever did was make HSDWs A the best skill in the entire game.
At level 1 it increases NP gauge by 80 percent
At level 10 it increases it by 150 percent.

So for no real reason other than Balance, Only the Medeas gets HSDW: A because their NPs aren't very good and being able to spam it like that isn't a game changer.
>>
Just had a shower, and some ideas for the Titania lostbelt.

Gudao and party arrive in the capital city. Shortly after, they run into a public celebration and heavy crowd, all looking to catch sight of the royal procession. It's a parade for some kind of national holiday, the queen's birthday or somesuch. In the triumphal seat, players see Titania and Oberon, the King and Queen of the Fey (and this world). Titania is as pictured above, Oberon is in full armor with lion helmet. Gudao gets some exposition from chattering commoners, including characterization of the king as an active, domineering ruler and the queen as reserved and distant, as well as the rumor that the Oberon never removes his helmet because his face is so beautiful that the queen doesn't want any other woman to see it.
Upon seeing a big intimidating dude in armor and a loli, gacha players (being waifufags all) will assume Oberon is the final boss and Titania is the reluctant villain/summonable Servant on the second banner.

Later, Gudao will encounter and join the underground resistance, led by a white-haired Servant in a black and red suit by the name of Alberich. He becomes the leading ally for the lostbelt, and can be summoned on the first banner. Incidentally, he only wears armor on his ascensions, which require materials dropped only after the reveal.

The midpoint of the lostbelt is the boss fight with Oberon, wherein it is dramatically revealed after you defeat him that he's been Alberich all along. The truth is that Titania is the real power on the throne, and he's been leading the resistance incognito because his pride cannot accept such a domineering wife. Cue shock and the transition into the second half of the lostbelt, with Titania revealed as the main villain(ess).
>>
So, we're spamming upgrades at Conceptual Biology next then?

It's a shame that Volks would make us so overpowered and is worth so many upgrades yet is a forbidden fruit.

Ah well, ritually sacrificing Tokyo it is.
>>
>>3849289
>forbidden fruit.
>Height: 4'3"
>Weight: 26KG
You can comfortably carry one Titania on each shoulder.
>>
>>3849213
Since it's a purely looks-based tier list, yes. She's one interpretation of his ideal, after all.
However, her personality would be a major demerit. Serious dueling egos with that pair.
>>
>>3849314
>one interpretation
There are others?
>>
And some Relationship lines for Alberich, while we're still doing the F/GO thing:

>Circe, Adelheid
They seem to get along really well.
Circe and Adelheid are looking a lot happier.
>Medea
An awkward relationship.
>Achilles
"Hey... do I know you from somewhere? You look really familiar. Come on, give me a clue!"
Saber is a little stiff.
>Odin, The Man with No Name, Artoria
Among the three people Saber can't tolerate. If they meet, a fight will certainly break out.
Odin: "We meet again, boy. Miracles never cease, do they? Heh."
The Man with No Name: "So you got a shiny new knife and a fancy cape? Not bad, hmph."
>Roland
It seems Dr. Romani is keeping these two apart. They still haven't met yet.
Roland: "Alberich? That honorless dog? Feh, a scoundrel of the lowest class. You needn't sully yourself by associating with that bastard."
Alberich: "Hmm? Who? Nobody important. He was but a stepping stone for me."
>Atalanta
Another soul who loves children. But that love is... unwholesome...
>Blackbeard
"That guy's here? Wow, I never knew. Also, that his taste in women was trash."
>Robin Hood, Justinian
Actually, these two were forgotten because there were so many other relationship lines...
>>
>>3849329
>Jaguar Warrior
"Wha- that woman is here? And a Servant? I never would've thought..."
>Illya
"So this was the rumored older sister, huh? To think she'd be a magical girl... What? You're saying she doesn't have a sister? But then..."
>>
>>3849327
>there are others
Yes, I imagine the ones where he doesn't get "loli" mixed up with his own ideal for himself are also out there somewhere.

>>3849329
>An awkward relationship.
At least they have a common ground in kidnapping Arturia
>"Hey... do I know you from somewhere? You look really familiar. Come on, give me a clue!"
Ah man, poor Achilles.
>Roland: "Alberich? That honorless dog? Feh, a scoundrel of the lowest class. You needn't sully yourself by associating with that bastard."
The taste of salt.
>Another soul who loves children. But that love is... unwholesome...
No comment.

>Actually, these two were forgotten because there were so many other relationship lines...
ouch
>>
>>3849329
>"That guy's here? Wow, I never knew. Also, that his taste in women was trash."
But they have the same taste in women. Isn't FGO Blackbeard a lolicon?
>>
>>3849329
>>3849346
What about different versions of Medusa and Stheno with Euryale?
>>
>>3849286

That's amazing, and hilarious.

"But...she's so tiny!?!"
>>
>>3849329
Wait, do FGO Servants actually remember encounters in past Wars?
>>
>>3849351
fug
this is what i get for putting in three seconds of research
>Blackbeard
"Wow, I never knew that guy was here, or that he was a man of culture."
>>
>>3849359
To an extent.
Some more than others.
Moon Cell Servants
Living Servants
and EMIYA remember everything iirc.
>>
>>3849359
They do.
>A member of the Argonauts. At the moment Atalanta met her, before long, she begged for a short time with her, and the memories of Medea (as a Lily) were touchingly lovely... and then, when Atalanta conversed with a samurai who happened to be nearby, she burst into laughter as she fainted in agony.
>>
>>3849286
>Alberich's Compassion and Duty doesn't prevent him from trying to kill his wife.
That's a troubling thought.
>>
>>3849370
It's fine if he hates her.
>>
>>3849373
He liked her enough to marry her.
Unless he was forced into the situation under threat of death or something.
>>
>>3849381
>Unless he was forced into the situation under threat of death or something.
Alberich got Edgared.
>>
>>3849381
>Unless he was forced into the situation under threat of death or something.
Do you really think he wasn't? Alberich can never be his own type, no matter how much he may be his own type.
Both of them want to be on top, but neither one wants to roll out of bed and all the way out of the palace.
>>
>>3849381
>Unless he was forced into the situation under threat of death or something.
I mean, probably yeah.
This Alberich would likely be the relatively weaker current Alberich, he wouldn't stand a chance against Titania, especially if she interrupted the Tokyo War halfway through.

Peak Alberich at the end of his story, having conquered the world with his own power would be a different story, but he's not there yet.
>>
>>3849381
>Unless he was forced into the situation under threat of death or something.
This would be the case.
>>
>>3849353
>Medusa
"So that's who that Rider really was.. I should've guessed from those eyes of hers."
>Medusa Lily
"Can this really be the same heroic spirit as that Rider of the Emiyas'? How marvelous, that her fleeting beauty should be preserved so! Young lady, would you liketo join me for coffee?"
>Stheno & Euryale
"Those two are her sisters? Yes, I suppose I do see the resemblance, but... well, it's fortunate they did not come to resemble her more before reaching the Throne. Not surprising that they treat her cruelly, with such a discrepancy of beauty in the family."
>Gorgon
"So that Rider ended by becoming uglier still. How lamentable."
>>
Man, the more I think about it the more I want to see the FGO fanbase's reaction to the debut of the lolicon ikemen servant Alberich. FGO's fan comics are already the best part of the game... it'd be great, I'm sure.
>>
>>3849437
>>Gorgon
Fuck man, that hurts because I love Gorgon outside of her snek legs. A shame that every OL he has run into are either hostile or dead.
>>
>>3849439
>FGO fanbase's reaction to the debut of the lolicon ikemen
"Ah! He is just like me!"
>>
>>3849437
Now that I think about it, he should really have a line for every loli Servant, approaching them in some way.
>>3849463
Judging from the hate people have for Fionn and the super-defensive reaction when Bart appeared and revealed his own preferences, I have to assume there'd be a lot of people worrying about him going after all the little girls in Chaldea.
Plus, jokes about a handsome version of Blackbeard.
>>
>EMIYA
A: "The nerve of that man, trying to dismantle the Grail and threatening my life! I'll never forgive him!"
E: "That knight who looks like an Einzbern? I get an odd feeling of hostility from him. I wonder if he made an enemy of the counter force at some time..."

>Gilgamesh
"So there's a man who calls himself the King of Heroes, is there? He feels like a kindred spirit... or perhaps not. I don't get any feeling of ambition from him."

>Wu Zetian
"What a detestable woman; she reminds me of my wife. No matter how adorable she may be, I'd rather keep my distance."

>Sitonai
"Hmm? Little girl, have we met before? Perhaps our legends were intertwined at some point? Why don't we discuss this over lunch, I have the strangest feeling of knowing you."
>>
>>3849439
>>3849470
Seeing as he would be pretty much Super Buster Saberlot in terms of skills, they would greet him just fine and even more so when you do his story.
>>
>>3849470
I always find this specific angle of waifufaging in Fate kind of odd. Mostly because I always believed that unless specified explicitly things happened exactly as they are written in our own mythology and history. So no mater how you look at it all character relationship and implications are still in play. And most of those stories are very far from being nice and comforting. It is pretty autistic then applied to waifu png collector game such as FGO but I can`t really help myself here.
>>
>>3849528
Let's not forget for a second that Cu Chulainn is a rapist who killed his best friend by shoving Gae Bolg up his ass.
>>
>>3849515
>in terms of skills
Let's see...
Card Deck: AABBQ

Skills:
Predatory Charisma C+
Partywide attack buff, self NP buff, second attack buff to little girls.
Mind's Eye (True) C
1-turn dodge, 3 turn defense.
Magic (Nothingness) D
Arts buff 1 turn on self, targeted defense debuff on enemy.

Heiligöffnungschwert:
Arts-type single-target NP. Applies "ignore defense" and "ignore invincible" for one turn before hitting.
>>
>>3849119
I mean, it's a mystical cat. The utility is limited right now.

I'm more interested to see what we *can* roll rather than what we already have.
>>
>>3849570
We can roll more later though.
A magic cat is a good familiar.
>>
Seriously, though, we'll need to settle the cat's name before we can move on. We've got 2 votes for Salem, 1 for Miike, 1 for Masato, 1 for Gouto-Douji, 1 for letting your sister name it, and 2 for "anything but Salem." Whether you want to support one of these or have a name idea of your own, cast your votes linked to this post.
>>
I do hope we can get much stronger.
Alberich is really underwhelming compared to his Loli self.
>>
>>3849606
Mr. Meowgi
>>
>>3849606
I'll vote for letting Kourakuhime name it.
>>
>>3849608
I mean, think about how Adelheid compares to her mundane human source. Volksgemeinschaft is broken as all hell, no doubt about that, it just comes with some serious downsides.
>>
>>3849613
Sure but god damn if it doesn't make us look pretty worthless in direct comparison.
>>
>>3849618
Yeah, you're merely a top-tier Saber, instead of the world's most broken Servant. It must be crushing, to be so weak.
>>
>>3849627
Let's not start this up again.
>>
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>>3849627
I can feel the cat mocking us
>>
>>3849627
But it is our destiny to stand above all creations! In perfect form and function, like a concept of peerless and untouchable supremacy impressed on the world as a gift.
>>3849634
"So does your brother also hiring right now?"
>>
>>3849627
Indeed.
>>
What would be Alberich's reaction be to the workaholic Gil?
>>
>>3849661
or Ko Gil, for that matter.
>>
>>3849661
>this man...
>all these forms...
>in such short amount of time...
>what is this power?
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>
Rolled 39 (1d1000)

>>3849738
Thanks, anon.
But here's how it's done
>>
>>3849059
6 hours later, and still 1 post by this ID. Did he just show up to complain about loli, vote, and disappear?
>>
>>3849744
Honestly I'm surprised he even got to this point.
I thought his kind died out halfway through Akeldama.
>>
I'm still kind of interested in that One Shot what if.

I just don't think anyone wants to erase Alberich.
>>
>>3849762
Anon, I am still dreaming of Kosmos Ouroboros.
>>
>>3849768
Why not both?
>>
Rolled 320 (1d1000)

>>3849738
>>3849741
Titania bless my roll.
>>
>>3849777
We are all unworthy...
>>
Rolled 511 (1d1000)

1000 incoming
>>
Rolled 751 (1d1000)

>>3849777
How about asking a real goddess, like Circe?
>>
>>3849786
Titania doesn't even pretend to be a goddess, anyway. Her schtick is being a supreme human ruler.
>>
Rolled 745, 609, 467, 884, 322, 832, 893, 384, 574, 146 = 5856 (10d1000)

Last big pull for Kōrakuhime.
This is blood money.
>>
>>3849791
>human
wot
>>
Rolled 624 (1d1000)

PAThetic rolls for PAThetic waifus. The true waifu, The Gods as a collective, will grant me a natty
>>
>>3849801
Well, you know, conceptual Servant body. I suppose Fey does fit better than anything else for she and Alberich, but that still isn't divinity.
>>
Rolled 106 (1d1000)

Rolling for Ayaka
>>
Rolled 130 (1d1000)

>>3849823
>>
I say we boost Conceptual Biology twice and grab Rider's Mystic Eyes (could be any eyes), personally.
That in addition to training and whatever we can get from mass sacrifices should make us strong enough to take Odin on.
>>
Rolled 704 (1d1000)

Rollan for another cat
>>
Rolled 100 (1d1000)

>>3849833
>Conceptual biology twice
I like it
>Mystic Eyes
I dunno about that one mang

Circe gacha GET
>>
>>3849857
>nat 100
Aww, the dice think this is still City/Akeldama
>>
Rolled 398 (1d1000)

>>3849857
Mystic Eyes are great though.
Even if we do get Cybele, ranking down your opponents parameters/insta killing them is fucking broken.
Just get some Mystic Eye Killers.
Chances are we get a different set of Jewel Ranked eyes though.
>>
Golly thank god we didn't try to reroll.
>>
>All these rolls, and not a single SR
The gacha is truly cruel.
>>
Rolled 693 (1d1000)

>>3849871
I'm betting it all on this next roll.
My final roll.
>>
Rolled 801 (1d1000)

>>3849871
I'm putting mortgage on this one. God get!
>>
>>3848502
>>[X] You'll make the best use of this creature you can, and start by coming up with something to call him. (Like Kourakuhime name it) (Duty)
Just because he can't shoot air-bubbles of death while sitting in our STANDU doesn't mean we have to kick him out. No one said we can't have more than one summon after all, and he doesn't seem to be much of an energy drain, even less so if we keep him around as a noncombatant/dedicated support.
>>
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Rolled 499, 202, 112, 188, 544, 703, 414, 142, 636, 429 = 3869 (10d1000)

FUCK IT
TEN PULL
COME ON SSR
COME TO ANON.
>>
>>3849880
Oops, anons are rerolling already. Are we putting him back?
>>
Rolled 589, 658, 286, 780, 147, 502, 889, 799, 955, 10 = 5615 (10d1000)

>>3849888
Nah we're just fucking about.
Theoretical rolls.
The Gatcha is evil.
>>
>>3849892
Ah finally an SR
And it only took like 40 rolls

Anyway, Mystic Eyes could be fun.
>>
>>3849618
>>3849608

Sorry anon, but if you want to be the best you can't balk at the prospect of becoming a little girl for superpowers.
>>
>>3849606

Salem it is.
>>
>>3849928
I can if it straight up deletes our character.
Might as well be a "literally become Gilgamesh" option for the sense it makes for us to pick.
>>
>>3849871
Just working out all the kinks
>>
>>3849936
>>3849941

Please no.
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>>3849606
Switching vote to Salem, if only because I have an unreasonable amount of Salem Saberhagen reaction images.
>>
The only scenario where i can see us picking Volks is if every one of our allies other than Ayaka is dead and we're basically completely fucked.
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>>3849943
Not the most convincing argument anon. Doesn't really matter either way. Alberich doesn't pretend to be Japanese so we might as well choose a Western name.
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>>3849936
>>3849941
>>3849947
Oh come on.
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>>3849951
Please don't do this.
It's ridiculous.
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>actualpy picking Salem

No, you ABC-watching fucks; American History probably wasn't even in his curriculum!
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>>3849954
Just come up with one yourself then. Who even cares?
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>>3849954
Or just pick the one you like the most out of the suggestions, especially if this is delaying an update. It really doesn't matter.
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>>3849958
Sounds like an endorsement to letting Tsubaki pick to me.
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>>3849958
Yes, anything but Salem please.
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>>3849963
Tsubaki would just pick Salem.
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>>3849967
?????
>>
>>3849963
Okay, sure
>>3849606
Let Tsubaki choose.
>>
>>3849954
Voting to let Tsubaki pick, we can simplify whatever she comes up with after. Just, please, no Salem. Alberich is--and was-- no westaboo.
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>>3849973
>Alberich is--and was-- no westaboo.
>Alberich
Yeah, he wouldn't be caught dead choosing a Western name.
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>>3849973
I mean
Unless it's Europe.

But no way for America.
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>>3849975
He didn't suddenly learn every American sitcom the moment he died being Rushorou, you cheeky cunt.
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>>3849983
>the moment "Rushorou" died
fixed
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>>3849983
I mean, Salem isn't just the name of that cat. It's from the Salem Witch Trials, which is a fairly well known historic event and black cats are associated with magic in plenty of cultures. But to be fair I have no idea what the typical Japanese high school curriculum covers.
>>
>>3849989
Not really well known enough for it to really be a viable name for a Japanese Highschooler.
...
I know it's a terrible idea but I kinda want to take Volks just to watch how the story implodes from the aftershocks.

Probably better left as a potential one-shot.
>>
>>3849791
Makes you wonder who she deems "worthy enough" to be her LEWD mana transfer partner/bed warmer.
>>
>>3849998
Literally Alberich alone.
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>>3850002
>T: My own clone!
>A: I'd prefer to stay a virgin.
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>>3850003
Pretty much.
>Alberich hates his own ideal
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>>3850009
Maybe if she was more Compassionate...
>>
>>3850002
Nobody but Alberich.

>>3850009
Well, he hates the idea of having a woman with the appearance of his ideal love and the personality of his ideal self as a lover, anyway.

>>3850013
No, that doesn't matter so much. It's her being less prideful that would make the difference.
>>
>>3850002
>>3850018
>>3850003
Seems pretty great that she has self-love (read: narcissism, vanity, arrogance, etc).

Just pray she doesn't get kids.
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>>3850025
>she's strong enough to rape current Alberich if she so pleased
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>>3850031
This calls for fleeing into Number Space and hiding out in the Land of Shadows.
Help us, Scathach.
>>
>>3850035
That won't work. Titania is too OP. Also a Caster of the IN with access to portals.
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>>3849994
Never. I like this quest, and taking Volks would totally destroy it.
>>
>>3850031
>>3850035
One can imagine his face when Titania shows her closest approximation to a motherly side when discussing making another opulent palace for her future children, and droning on for hours about baby names.
>>
>>3850037
We just need to train to become strong enough.
Scathach can teach people personal skills, so that could help.
Alberich's magic would breach Titania's resistance to magic that isn't her own, too.

He's one of the few people with a chance at killing Titania.
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>>3850040
>>
>>3850039
How about the One Shot idea later on then?
As a sort of an extended What-If.
It could be fun.
>>
>>3850031
>Local Hero not so proud after being raped
>>
>>3850062
Not even having his own personal mount can stop him from being captured.


Any bets as to Titania's personal mount/car?
>>
>>3850067
>Magical Energy EX
>Magic EX includes Heilig's miracles
literally any creature she fucking feels like at that moment.
>>
>>3850046
Who says that Titania, being superAlberich, can't pull a Freeza and raise all of her stats two ranks by training half an hour. The pure pridestorm that her beloved fleeing would cause can probably make her move a finger, even train.
I just imagined something:
>Alberich flees.
>He finds Scathach.
>He trains with her for a few years.
>Now is into older women too.
>Scathach kicks his ass and sends him back to reality. Literally.
>Titania has seen everything.
She would reach Critical Yandere. Her REEEEEEE would scare even the collective avatar of the gods. Poor Alberich can't be happy.
>>
>>3850070
And the creatures wouldn't be able to resist either. Just like Alberich.
>>
Unironically, Alberich's only way of escaping from Titania would involve hiding out in Imaginary Number Space and hoping her lack of magical knowledge prevents her from finding him too quickly while he desperately tries to get stronger.
Dragonslaying might be a good hobby to take up.
Try getting our own EX Magical Energy that way.

Everything under heaven is already the dominion of Titania, so hiding outside of the place the Gods now live won't do any good.

>>3850072
>even train
unlikely, her pride wouldn't allow her to even consider her inferior self surpassing her.
>>
>>3850046
So, here's the thing, right? Volksgemeinschaft is a Noble Phantasm that makes you more powerful. Titania is Alberich after taking Volksgemeinschaft and winning the Holy Grail War.
So no matter how powerful you become, the potential Titania from that time will be stronger.

>>3850040
"Children... yes, I believe we will have some, dearest, but, well." Titania touches a finger to her cheek, smiling faintly. "That isn't any reason to pay them any mind. What are maids for?"
>>
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>>3850092
>no matter how powerful you become, the potential Titania from that time will be stronger
>>
>>3850067
Her favored choice is a cloud of golden butterflies.
>>
>>3850104
Oh, shit, that's Beatrice's thing. Scratch that, never mind. It's something else.
>>
>>3850092
>Enslaved Circe, Adelheid, and Kōrakuhime, Liliesviel, and Ayaka all raise a child themself
So we have

>Greek Caster Alberich 2.0
>Super Nazi Übermensch Alberich 2.0 (class pending)
>Demonic Weeb Alberich 2.0
>Einzbern Alberich 2.0
>Self-concious double magus Alberich 2.0
Place your bets for who inherits the throne lads
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>>3850104
You've really put a lot of thought into this.
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>>3850101
Well, he could always look for the ruins of Solomon's Temple.
Lets see how Titania likes us using a bootleg Ars Nova.
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>>3850108
Ayaka's child is a return to the Rushorou-type personality.
>>3850111
That's what I'd thought, until I realized my idea was just Umineko surfacing in my unconscious.
Alright, she travels in a palanquin-esque thing, a small palatial room suspended from a chain carried by a phoenix of colossal proportions.
>>
>>3850104
>>3850107
Well, it's not exactly the same. I was thinking Titania would be carried by the cloud of butterflies, not transform into one, but still. The motif is too similar.
>>
>>3850108
>Circe
Gets angry at the child for the first time, uses her Noble Phantasm to transform him into a properly raised adult. Childhood complete!
>Adelheid
Does her best properly, in accordance with 1930's ideals of motherhood.
>Kōrakuhime and Liliesviel
They delegate the chore to further maids.
>>
>>3850124
But seriously, who would be the best (either being the best of the best, or least worst) mom out of the main cast?
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>>3850128
Toss-up between Adelheid and Ayaka. The rest are either too magical or too ojou to do a decent job.
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>>3850124
Outcomes

>Manchild Alberich 2.0 (with greek tinge)

>Old World Nazi Alberich

>Pathetic Failure Alberich (2x)

>Rushoberich 2.0

>>3850131
I'd tend to agree. Based on your descriptions, I'd say Rushoberich wins. That personality *did* win a grail war after all. Tough look for the other waifus.
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>>3850134
Then again, since we're assuming that Circe is transforming the brain as well, her version might just become a direct copy of Alberich.
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>>3850137
I doubt she's giving him an artificial memory bank. The sailors didn't get the neural structures of pigs either, no?
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>>3850140
One assumes she would try harder when it comes to Alberich's child.
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>>3850144
Well, you're the QM.
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>>3850131
I think asking who's best father material is a bit obvious at this point.

Judas
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>>3850186
The guy who managed to have one of his four children killed by their sibling before he even let them out of the 'house'?
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>>3850092
>So no matter how powerful you become, the potential Titania from that time will be stronger.
Up until Alberich changes his ideals and wipes the possibility of Titania from existence.
Whoops.
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>>3850195
Don't worry, there's a Titania for Compassion-focused Alberich as well.
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>>3850201
Shame it'll never be picked isn't it?
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>>3850209
Eh. Not really. I've had a lot of fun writing our arrogant, ambitious, borderline psychotic protagonist.
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>>3850212
Why can we even replicate Volks when we can replicate almost nothing else from Akeldama?
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>>3850215
Honestly I don't remember saying you could. People kept talking about it as an option, though, so I assume I mentioned it at some point.
Thinking about it... it's because you directly shared magical energy with Adelheid so much. Your spirits became more closely connected.
>>
Could we copy Judas' Territory Creation?
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>>3850220
>I assume I mentioned it
You know I'm not quite sure
I think it was just one overly enthusiastic anon constantly repeating his point over and over.
The natural conclusion to said point was disappointingly predictable and won't ever be picked due to the nature of this story.

Now it exists solely as a constant reminder that we will always be weaker than we could be if we wanted to ruin the story.
>>
For names how bout Sakamoto or Amanojaku?
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>>3850311
Bit late for that, methinks. We already chose to defer naming to Tsubaki.
>>
>>3850323
O my bad then, mustve missed it in betwen the servant profile lines
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>>3850323
It's kind of funny how I wrote Salem in just to make sure we wouldn't fail at naming him on account of nobody having bothered with writing in a name. And now we still fail at naming him and push it onto Tsubaki/Sweets.
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>>3850201

GAHH you tempt us sorely with this timelines, Sweets. You tempt us sorely indeed.
>>
>>3850201
>>3850406

I'd love to see everyone's faces when it turns out their friend/comrade/future husband became Titania, Queen of the Fairies.
>>
>>3850406
Really, now. Personally I think the first Titania, the pride version, is much lovelier. To each his own, though.
>>
Why does Volks always result in a loli? There's no reason for it based on the description.
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>>3850419
Because sweets wants to be a loli
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>>3850092
>Titania is Alberich after taking Volksgemeinschaft and winning the Holy Grail War.
>So no matter how powerful you become, the potential Titania from that time will be stronger.
If Titania is Alberich after winning the War, then logically she wouldn't count any gains we make AFTER the War.
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>>3850414
This is a good point. How the fuck is everyone going to cope with the complete physical transformation and near ego death that volks would cause?
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>>3850502
I'm guessing Circe will be kinda pissed off that she won't have a King anymore, and will spend a lot of time trying to change them back.
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>>3850508
could she use metaschematistical velocitona out of malice for titania but not alberich
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>>3850517
She's a yan so she definitely could use it on Albreich at certain times. Like if she scryed him in a house with two young girls for a random example.
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>>3850502
Immediate reaction on the part of all heroines: orz
>>
>this change must be motivated by malice or enmity on Caster's part
You know what, this doesn't say the malice needs to be directed at the target. Can she, say, transform a third party into a form suited to capturing or killing an enemy? Is it sufficient to feel malice for the enemy, but not for the target of the transformation?
This restriction might be a lot looser than she (or we) thought.
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Happy birthday, 4chan(nel)!
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>>3850435
If that were true, or I wanted to write a loli protagonist, I'd have encouraged you folks to walk into taking Volksgemeinschaft. Instead, I did everything I could to discourage the notion, because I knew this was the only way for it to go.
Hell, I needn't have waited that long, even, if I wanted a little girl protagonist. We could've had one from the start, but you'll notice there wasn't so much as the option.
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>>3850546
At least Adelheid can relate.
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>>3850599
It's okay to admit that you want to be the little girl sweets, there's no shame left in the realm of communal Nasuverse fanfiction on 4chan.
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>>3850614
Look, I don't have any problem with people who want to be the little girl either; but it's not my fetish.
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>>3850599
Then it shouldn't even be an option.
It's just dumb.
It feels really lame that our best upgrade BY FAR is a literal meme, kinda reduces my interest.

Especially when we really shouldn't be able to even take it at all.
I could understand if we killed Adelheid for it but otherwise it makes no damn sense.

>>3850419
And this too.
It's obvious that nobody wants to play a loli/have Alberich deleted so why even make it a possibility.
>>
>>3850599
There is no way back after we became aware of Titania.
Just like those myths of tree of knowledge or MAD doctrine. Once it is out it will forever be part of us.
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>>3850737
>It feels really lame that our best upgrade BY FAR is a literal meme
Let me put this to you beginning with my premise in designing Volksgemeinschaft. Two of the things that really irritate me about post-F/SN Fate are Berserkers with cop-out Madness (i.e. Madness EX or Madness E, letting them function normally) and heroic spirits from after the age of legendry. If a person was a historical figure, and not a superhuman, it should take a lot of magical gymnastics to make them a Servant. Edison is an example of this done non-terribly, Drake and Tesla are examples of it at its worst.
So I wanted to try my hand at writing an NP that would facilitate both of these without irritating my sense of lore. The result was Volksgemeinschaft, a noble phantasm that facilitates true Madness EX while at the same time empowering a historical figure without superhuman fighting abilities enough to work as a Servant. I thought I wrote it pretty well, but the core of the idea is the Madness skill on steroids. It massively enhances fighting power, while stripping away what makes you you.
So, that's the way I look at Volksgemeinschaft. From that perspective, it seems obvious that the only people who would want it, want it for that basic effect. Sacrificing the old character to enhance power. I wasn't going to put my foot down and say "no, that's not an option because you'd wipe away your old character," when that's the obvious essence of the skill.
Once you folks decided it would definitely make you into a loli, and that you certainly didn't want it, I decided to have some fun with the idea and write up the Titania character. This was starting from the premise that you would certainly not actually go that route, which is why it became more comical and ridiculous.

>It's obvious that nobody wants to play a loli/have Alberich deleted so why even make it a possibility.
Because it was the only way the thing could go! The original heroic spirit became a fusion of his ideals (domineering military power) and his conception of that which he gave everything for (3rd reich personified). Now we have Alberich, whose ideals are unsurpassed power and might-makes-right rulership and who has only compromised his ends over romance. Romance replaces country as "the thing he would sacrifice himself for". So he becomes a combination of those ideals and his romantic preferences.

There was no other logical interpretation of the Noble Phantasm.
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>>3850766
Message received.
Kill the waifus in order to take Volks.

Also the logic behind it even being takeable at all is too damn flimsy.
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>>3850766
>It massively enhances fighting power, while stripping away what makes you you.
This one is my favourite trope when it comes to final forms, battle transformations or power at a cost power ups.
Especially if it comes with some drama and was chosen willingly and motivated by character`s will to seize the day in a face of certain doom.
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>>3850789
As I just said, the core of the NP is that it strips away your identity in exchange for power.
No matter what aspect of Alberich's ideals or preferences are changed, that basic core, the point from which the adapted permutations of the NP can spring, will remain constant.
It's not a meme or a joke ability, just an option that you'd rather not take.
>>
>>3850795
On the contrary, I find it a terrible trope.
This whole Volks discussion has been a mistake we could've done without.
>>
>>3850796
No, I mean your in-universe logic makes no fucking sense.
We had like four mana transfer kisses with Adelheid and can replicate her Noble Phantasm, meanwhile we have an actual portion of Judas' soul and can't do anything with it.

Honestly, what line of thinking could've possibly led you to the conclusion that even offering a "reset personality." button is a good idea for a collaborative story like a quest?
That alone would cause a major player drop, I imagine.
>>
>>3850805
(The personality reset, not the loli thing, which would likely see additional lost players)
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>>3850805
Creating a separate personal reality intrudes into the realm of Sorcery and the divine, and as such is a unique Noble Phantasm. As long as Judas Iscariot continues to exist within the Throne of Heroes, no-one will be able to inherit the Akeldama.
A Noble Phantasm that modifies the self is far simpler. Volksgemeinschaft may require a massive quantity of energy due to the extent of the empowerment it grants, but on a conceptual level it's magic with massively less resistance from the world.
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>>3850810
Hastily asspulled mechanics aside, it will still never make sense to actually offer it.
It's story ruining in multiple ways.
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>>3850812
Actually no.
Let's take it.
I look forward to seeing how we continue to job at that point.
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>>3850832
>I look forward to seeing how we continue to job at that point.
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>>3850805
>We had like four mana transfer kisses with Adelheid and can replicate her Noble Phantasm, meanwhile we have an actual portion of Judas' soul and can't do anything with it.
Interesting fact: we have knowledge of all the other Akeldama Servants' abilities, and yet we never knew most of them very well. Hell, we didn't even know Assassin was Robin Hood until the infodump.
Therefore, our knowledge of their abilities must've come from Judas. Notice how his own personal skills are still unknown?
>>
>>3850853
It also worth mentioning that all this time we had Spear of Destiny as possible upgrade lying around without use.
>>
After a short period of consideration, you decide to take in the nekomata after all. You don't know just what his magic sight entails, or exactly what he can do with illusion magic, but you are sure that a familiar can be useful; as a distraction, if nothing else. Having something underfoot that could have snatched away your foe's attention might have made all the difference in your recent battles against Matsuda and Harris. As for a name for him, nothing comes to mind. Perhaps you can have Kōrakuhime come up with one. She does seem to delight in such things, if her excitement over pet names on meeting you was anything to go by.

"Very well then, cat," you say, giving him a friendly smile. "I look forward to working with you, provided you don't have anything urgently calling you back to the Reverse Side."

"Nothing at all," comes the reply. "If you can keep me fed, I'll happily go along in your company, sir... ah, what was your name? Don't believe you've told me."

"Alberich," you say. "There's no last name, and you can dispense with the sir. I'm not a knight as decreed by any royalty."

"No I guess you wouldn't be, summoning up a yōkai to do your bidding," the cat says, "and I might've known you were a westerner, from the look of you. But Alberich, eh? I could swear I've heard the name before, some old king, or somesuch..." He ponders for a short time, before bobbing his head in an odd, brief gesture with something unaccountably shrug-like about it. "Never mind, I'm sure it's a common enough name," he continues, "but now we're through the introductions, I'm wondering about my first question again. Why'd you summon me? You must have some reason for wanting a yōkai working for you in the first place, even if you didn't get me by particular request."

"I'm in a contest," you answer, "or perhaps it would be better called a death match, or battle royale. In any case, the point is that I have a number of enemies I must kill or be killed by, magi and heroes alike, and I thought the help of a phantasmal beast would be useful; but I'll tell you more when the time comes. For the moment, come and meet my sister."

"So you fight your battles with the family around, eh? Alright then. Lead on, Alberich."

There's something snide in the cat's tone that you don't like, and for a moment you wonder if you haven't made a poor decision in keeping him after all; but there's no use in pondering it. You'll quash his insolence if he pushes it too far, and let it go for the moment. That thought in mind, you turn on your heel and head from the room, returning to the main chamber of Vaisset's workshop. Kōrakuhime is still within, sitting on the dead magus' chair and studying her parchment. If she's moved at all since you left her, it doesn't show.

"Was your... experiment successful, Ani-ue?" She asks it without turning, hearing your footsteps you suppose.
>>
"Yes," you answer, "it seems the Heiligöffnungschwert really is capable of summoning up phantasmals and keeping them sustained here. Kōrakuhime, let me introduce our newest compatriot: a nekomata, lately of the Realm of Imaginary Numbers."

She hops to her feet, turning to face you now, and draws in a sharp breath at the sight of the creature silently padding over towards you. "What a... strange beast," she says softly. "Are you certain... it is a nekomata, Ani-ue? It does not appear to resemble... their descriptions, very closely."

"Gods, girl, I've just talked through this with your brother," the cat says exasperatedly. "Do inflexible expectations run in your family? Are you always so surprised if a bit of centuries-old folklore turns out not to be quite right? You two don't exactly match up to what I've heard of humans, you know."

Kōrakuhime purses her lips in distaste. "Ani-ue," she says, "I believe you ought to... return this creature from whence it came. It seems... that it lacks manners."

"That may be, but I think we can let him go on for now," you say. "He says he has all sorts of useful abilities. Illusion, transformation, and so-on. At any rate, I thought you might enjoy having a companion about the place other than Miss Ayaka."

"Yes, well... perhaps so," Kōrakuhime says uncertainly. "What is his name, Ani-ue?"

"He wouldn't tell me," you answer with a rueful chuckle. "Apparently our mouths simply can't pronounce a cat's name. Why don't you name him, Kōrakuhime?"

"Hmm..." Kōrakuhime stares at the nekomata for a few moments, thinking on the subject of names. "Let us call him Futodoki, then."

You let out an unintentional snort of laughter. "It certainly does fit him," you say once you've gotten back under control. "A fine idea, really!"

"You don't have a high opinion of me," the cat comments, and his tone is so derisive that it drags further mirth from you, confirming as it does the name your sister offered.

Ignoring Futodoki's dissatisfaction, Kōrakuhime leans down to face the cat directly, and launches into an explanation of your true natures. "If you are to be our ally," she begins, "I must... enlighten you on one important... subject. A moment ago you said that we were not... identical to the humans of your traditions. This is because we are not... they. Ani-ue and I are... artificial spirits, given life by sacrifice and... bound to the world by the Holy Grail. I..."

So she goes on, repeating information for the cat's benefit, and you consider what's to be done next.

>[ ] Wait here for a time, and speak with Kōrakuhime (What about?)

>[ ] Return to the larger room and try summoning something else. (Pride)

>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)

>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
>>
>>3850853
That's literal OC knowledge given to us because we'll never be playing City/Akeldama again. Like all of it. Say what you will about it, but Alberich has most intimate experience with his servants. One of which has abilities infinitely too complicated to understand at his level (Circe), the other of which has essentially no abilities you'd honestly want. Do you really think we could copy the lance of longinus?

>>3850812
>>3850832
>This level of salt over an option nobody aside from some damn fool has the slightest interest in taking.
You know anon, at certain points setting integrity wins out over the larger narrative.
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)
>>
>>3850867
>She named him Insolent
Funny.
>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)
>>
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Hey guys, what's going on in this--
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>>3850871
>>This level of salt over an option nobody aside from some damn fool has the slightest interest in taking
I've seen anons make choices nearly as bad in other quests.
It's not setting integrity either. It's an asspull so it's possible for us to perfectly replicate the lolification NP for no good reason.
Our closeness with either of our two old servants shouldn't allow for us to replicate their abilities and Noble Phantasms, mana transfer kisses be damned.

It's really a joke that went too far.
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)
unbelievably based neko has little sister seething in three sentences
>>3850902
You missed a lot, yeah.
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
Didn't we say we're trying to improve our combat potential today?
Stay focused guys.
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)
Watch Ayaka be super fond of the little guy cause of her lack of pride.
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
Vaissets notes
More creative elemental manipulation
We have a lot of shit to look into, why are we wasting time showing off this asshole cat?
>>
>>3850867
>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)

I'm not usually a dutyfag but I think we should accomplish what we set out to do today.
>>
>>3850867
Switching from >>3850913 to
>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
>>
>>3850867
>>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)
>>
>>3850904
What I don't understand here is how you can go from asking me to write a side-story about this character one day to this massive salt level over her even having the potential to have existed the next day.
Nothing changed, so what's with this attitude reversal?
>>
>>3851297
>Nothing changed, so what's with this attitude reversal?
Anon is just upset.
He has a history of going on long autistic rants about things and arguing with the end of time with anyone who disagrees.
t. have been sucked into several arguments with him, will never talk to him again
>>
>>3851297
Sweets, if we were to add Lance of Longinus into Heiligöffnungschwert would we get locked into Dead End because Alaya?
I know you don`t want to spoil anything of that sort but is it legitimate option to do so or is it Volksgemeinschaft kind of deal?
>>
>>3851324
It's not possible. You can't copy skills or NPs from any of the Akeldama Servants except Circe and Adelheid.
>>
Also, someone was talking about copying Territory Creation earlier in the thread, so I'll clarify this as well.
You can't copy class abilities of non-saber Servants, unless it's one that the Saber class also possesses, i.e. Lancer's Magic Resistance.
>>
>>3851335
>except Circe
...Does that mean we can copy her A+ Magical Energy? Because I'd be down with being hyperefficient.
>>
>>3851335
Stop crushing my dream of Revolver Alberich! Most of Circe's skills are too complex for Alberich to understand and Adelheid's skills are just kinda useless. Damn.

>Ywn steal Poisoned Meal A to be able to magic up food superior to anything that garbage Emiya could make.

>>3851338
>No stealing presence concealment
F U G G
>>
>>3851339
For the basic parameters, you can increase any of them by one rank with the energy of a Servant sacrifice.
>>
>>3851344
Oh, except for Luck. That's set in stone by fate, so there's no modifying that.
>>
>>3851297
Sorry, I've just had a really rough day.
>>
>>3851342
>Stop crushing my dream
If there's one thing I've taken away from the massive multithread salt-fest over the Titania concept, it's that I need to put aside my "you don't know that in character" policy and be more frank with you folks about the upgrades.
Now I'm doing that. I hate it, because it makes the whole thing more like a videogame, but there it is.
>>
>>3851335
Good bye dream of bootleg Colt and Godslaying Anti-World Sword.
But compare to that anon I personally do prefer it this way. Thanks for clarifying.
But is High Speed Divine Language still off the table for us?
>>
>>3851344
Oh.
Achilles would've given us a rank-up to Agility and a half-rank to Endurance. So that was because he was powerful and has a lot of energy, rather than being because he was strongest in those areas?
I had gone with the latter assumption, which suggested that Circe's A+ ME would give us a better boost to that stat than any other.
>>
>>3851355
It was three things. First, he was powerful and there was a lot of energy to work with. Second, he was strongest in those areas. Third, at that point I was more committed to keeping upgrades behind a narrative curtain, and revealing the consequences of the choices after the fact.
Since that policy has resulted in so much frustration, I'm revising it to something that gives you folks greater agency and understanding.
Also, going directly to ME A+ would be two ranks up, and Circe doesn't have that much energy. A sacrifice from Odin, now, that would do more than rank one stat up.
>>
>>3851360
>A sacrifice from Odin, now, that would do more than rank one stat up.
I can't wait for that Divinity/Pseudo-divinity from conceptual biology A+++.
>>
>>3851351
I feel you are generalizing a bit too much. Things like Volks where it would have a massive impact on the story should probably more transparent, but I don't think anything else needs you to tell us exactly how it will turn out. Affections of the goddess for example wasn't a big problem, not more than you will always have when people convince themselves of something and then fall short because their expectations didn't line up with reality.
>>
>>3851351
I may have gone too far in some places, honestly, I don't know. I just get way too wrapped up in dumb internet arguments and invested in my own argument. For the record, I'm still interested in the side story, which might sound strange.
So once again, sorry.
>>
>>3851368
>Things like Volks where it would have a massive impact on the story should probably more transparent
Well that's the problem, isn't it? I felt like it was transparent, from the description on Adelheid's status page. It's not like Durandal, where it had three miracles that could potentially be anything. The nature of Volksgemeinschaft effect seemed to me like it was pretty clear. Obviously I'm misjudging how much actually came across, which leaves me uncertain of where to go with upgrades from here.
>>
>>3851378
dumb it down as much as possible so we can understand it
>>
>>3851351
>massive multithread salt-fest over the Titania concept
As the one who brought up idea of copying Volksgemeinschaft in the first place I am a sorry if this all mudded your enthusiasm about quest, Sweets. I just think it was fun to theorize about it and for myself at least there was no salt or anger involved just fun in trying to guess exact effect it would have.
But I do like Titania and will probably remain solitary voter for this option. Not because I dislike Alberich or anything like it. I do find such protagonist very enthralling but it is seems like most interesting option out of everything we have,
>>
>>3851354
You could learn the skill, but since you don't have any divine authority and it isn't the Age of Gods, they wouldn't really do anything for you.
>>
>>3851378
I would say as long as it doesn't make changes to Alberich's mind or more than minor changes to his body it should be okay.
>>
>>3851392
Well, that's heartening to be sure.

>>3851369
Thanks for the apology. If you can refrain from going around painting me as a magical realm-writing transformation fetishist in the future, I'd appreciate it.

>>3851388
No need for you to apologize, anon. If I'd communicated things better, this wouldn't have gotten so unpleasant. Anyway, I enjoyed writing up the status sheet for Titania as well, once I felt like the possibility of her actually being a presence in the story was zero. I just didn't expect it to come back around and bite me this way.
>>
>>3851378
Nah it was plenty transparent. The other upgrades haven't really been though, maybe just hold a vote for which upgrades we're interested in whenever we absorb a servant, then hold a second vote with a vague idea of what it would become when adapted to Alberich so we can at least have more of an idea of what our upgrade choices will actually mean in practice.
>>
>>3851391
Thanks again.
>>3851378
>which leaves me uncertain of where to go with upgrades from here
Perhaps pastebin with all possible option and major things like Volks having a clear description? I think this will clear any possible future confusion and uncertainty on this subject and let us think it strategically.
>>
>>3851398
We all have our flaws Sweets, and I am sorry for acting like a dick on the /qtg/ something we're both guilty of, I'm sure.
I don't have a problem with the character concept honestly, it's more the fact that it could have "accidentally" happened and potentially ruined the story whenever anons were discussing taking it, and until your recent clarifications did seem like a genuine story ruining option.
So I guess the issue was transparency.
>>
>>3851398
I would agree with the >>3851403 approach rather than >>3851408

Having done this business twice now, I'm sure there's an IC way for you to show that Alberich has half an idea of which way a given concept will go. Especially since understanding said concepts is an integral part of the process.
>>
So I checked that all this talk about /qtg/ was about and I think it is pretty hilarious in a way.
Sweets, it is somewhat ironic that your favourite archetype is yandere and you basically got yourself one for your guest. And thats slowly progressing into Stephen King`s Misery territory.
>>
>>3851460
I resent your implication that I'm a yandere.
I'm obviously a tsundere.
>>
>>3851388
You're not the only one man, If it was up to me I would probably pick it just for how intriguing it is.
>>
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>>3851388
>>3851713
>still going to vote for it.
>>
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>>3851388
>>3851713
>So uninvested in the quest that you vote for "lol let's see what happens" options
You people sicken me. Why are you even here?
>>
>>3851388
>>3851713
Criminals, you lot.
>>
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>>3851713
>resetting alberich because lol why not
>>
>>3851801
>>3851817
>>3851828
You may now realise why I was so concerned about it being an option at all.
>>
>>3851842
You'll notice I haven't made 300+ posts in this thread or sperged out about it in /qtg/ due to "concern"
>>
>>3851883
Sure.
It is kind of telling though that even after all that happened, some anons still want to go for it.
>>
>>3851388
You're not the only one.
>>
>>3851898
You literally just said that.
>>
>>3851900
so I did...
>>
>>3850867

>[ ] Leave Futodoki with Kōrakuhime and make your way to the Shijou library for some magic study. (Duty)

N O T E S
O
T
E
S
About Angels perhaps?
>>
Update whe-
Fuck, it's Tuesday
>>
>>3850867
>>[ ] Once Kōrakuhime has finished her explanation, take Futodoki upstairs to meet Ayaka. (Compassion)
I don't know why you guys are so damn eager. It should only take ten min top and the extra affection we'll get from Ayaka is half the reason to keep the damn cat.
>>
What the fuck happened here.
Was this really neccessary?
>>
>>3852897
I feel that after this cathartic fit we can all relax for a bit.
On another note, here's an open question: how do you cope with Tuesdays and Thursdays?
>>
>>3852916
By fukken suffering. I've really taken to checking on this quest/posting in the quest as a way to do my study breaks. Without it, I have to do some random bullshit.
>>
>>3852916
I hope so.
There's way too much pointless hostility and screeching.
Over a fucking hypothetical, too.
>>
>>3852916
>how do you cope with Tuesdays and Thursdays?
By unhealthy endlessly refreshing the thread.
>>
>>3853005
i cope by making servant sheets for a quest that i will never run
finally finished mysterious villain a, which makes 15 sheets
>>
>>3853041
If you like your idea that much you should really give it a shot, anon.
>>
>>3853060
I simply don't have time. University shit sucks it up like nothing else, particularly when I'm in the middle of a bunch of tests
>>
Alright, vote is 4-7, working on the update.

>>3852916
You could discuss and make plans for character training. I don't really know what you want to do, beyond a vague "study magic". Do you want to focus on making new things out of Nothingness, try to increase your facility with tendrils, see what you can do with Emptiness or Void, try and learn magic with an attribute as well as just pure elementalism... what's your plan, folks? How do you want to make this time work for you?
I'll end up breaking the update off at a choice, of course, but that doesn't mean there's no point in giving me an idea of what you're going for.
>>
>>3853149
>Emptiness or Void
I think this is the most interesting choice
>>
>>3853149
Here's my thinking. Our emptiness elemental magic shouldn't have to be limited to just a solid or semi-solid material, it could also just as easily take on attributes of its real-world elemental counterparts. Which if I remember right is every basic element except for wind. So I want to use fire-esque emptiness magic, water-esque emptiness magic, et cetera.
>>
>>3853149
Do you mean nothingness and void? Because you said earlier emptiness was going to be the new name for void.
>>
>>3853222
>emptiness was going to be the new name for void.
...and Void is the new name for Sky. You're aligned to all three, remember.
>>
>>3853217
Nothingness is what you're referring to. Emptiness is the immaterial magic, analogous to Void (Ether) from the Five Real Elements.
>>
>>3853217
>Which if I remember right is every basic element except for wind
Wind is included.
A quick reminder: "Void" is the real element, while Emptiness is its Imaginary counterpart.
>>
>>3853217
>>3853222
>>3853227
>>3853232
>>3853238

>Alberich commands the imaginary elements of Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla.
>>
>>3853286
Now you see why I was worried about changing the terminology partway through the quest. If I ever finish putting this thing together as a PDF, I'll definitely be fixing that back at the start.
>>
Just so we're totally clear, here are the new terms for the elements:
Real: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void (also known as Ether)
Imaginary: Nothingness and Emptiness
Alberich has an origin of Emptiness, and an elemental affinity for Void, Nothingness, and Emptiness.
>>
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>>3853297
>>
>>3853286
Just the thing. Rather convenient if you think about it.
>>
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>>3853315
>anon right now, unable to keep up with the rapid shifts in the nomenclature of the questing field
>>
>>3853317
You know, I look at this and wonder:
What's going on with the physics of that ice cream? It's like she's levitating it. Her tongue obviously isn't that long, and a glob of ice cream like that would slide off, not stick.
>>
>>3853335
kuro's actually a xenomorph, it's all in f/go
>>
>>3853315
Can you be more specific about what you don't understand? I don't mind explaining further.
>>
Everyone(mostly Sweets) I have an idea for something to follow up on after we're finished through Alberich's Rise to Glory and Power quest.

Masadaverse Quest
>>
>>3853335
I think it is supposed to be dynamic image. Lick happened at the same time then ice cream was pulled closer resulting in top of ice cream falling off and being seemingly a bit levitating in the air. Maybe Kuro can lick at the speed and strength of Servant.
>>3853344
Thats pretty kinky.
>>
>>3853359
Sorry, Fate is the only property I love enough to do fanfic of. It'll be all OC after this is done.
>>
>>3853367
Mega Man X quest set in servant universe where Alberich is a ripoff of Zero
>>
>>3853367
Dream Crusher too strong.
RIP potential Prisma Liliesviel with Titania and Kōrakuhime.
>>
>>3853367

Well my dream for having hype fights and philosophical debates with Reinhard and Mercurius are crushed
>>
>>3853385
Also I haven't read the source material you're referring to.
>>
>>3853347
Nah I'm just shit posting. I think I get the absolute basics of it
>>
>>3853389

It's fun. Consists of Dies Irae and Kajiri Kamui Kagura, got one colorful cast of characters
>>
Extremely short update incoming, sorry about that. As always during the week, I've had trouble getting time to sit down and write; once I finally did, I realized I had to stop for another choice almost immediately.
>>
You decide to leave your new compatriot here with Kōrakuhime for a while. No doubt he'll benefit from an explanation of the Holy Grail War, and you can spend the time honing your magical skills instead. With your sister focused on explaining to the cat, you fade into the background and head for the stairs, passing back through the living room and on to the other stairwell, which connects the three aboveground floors of the house. Ayaka is no longer around, you note as you pass.

Soon you're back in the small library that houses the Shijou family books, considering what will be most useful in your future battling. You've been through the most obviously useful of the entry level texts, but that's hardly to say you've exhausted the library's potential. There are two more elements left to attempt manifesting, in your studies of elementalism; both glossed over by the book you read on the subject, however, and of uncertain effectiveness. For that matter, you aren't at all certain you've taken your expertise in the manifestation and control of Nothingness to its full potential.

You have been largely focused on elementalism for some time, though, and it strikes you that it may not always be as useful as you'd like to think. Matsuda's blade dispelled your Nothingness with ease, you recall. The burst of resistance-charged magical energy that Arturia released while you were binding her would have done the same, if she hadn't been so rapidly discouraged when you poured more energy into regenerating the tendrils that assailed her. Perhaps you should peruse the bookshelves, and see if a text with another method catches your eye.

On the other hand, it might be wiser to turn your mind to another's magic. As you look around, you realize that this library could be an excellent research tool for probing the details of your enemies' techniques. One infuriating ability in particular comes to mind, that by which Harris was momentarily able to match your speed.

Then, as you're considering these possibilities, you suddenly recall one more thing worth researching: Vaisset's mysterious research. If he left notes on his attempts at converting one element into another, they might well be here in the library with the journals of his ancestors.

>[ ] Practice further forms of Nothingness manipulation.

>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.

>[ ] Browse the shelves, looking for new magical knowledge and techniques.

>[ ] Search for books on magic that could have accomplished Harris' feat.

>[ ] Go looking for Vaisset's notes on elemental conversion.

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)

Whichever option you choose, please note your specific goals and/or methods.
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.
I'd like to experiment with Emptiness and trying to use it with the Absorption attribute.
Maybe the rejection attribute too, if we have the time.
>>
>>3853840
I'll note that you'll need to find someone who can teach you either of those attributes, or a book on the subject of each.
Given that an entire magus lineage often specializes in one attribute of magic, I think it's safe to say they're not something easily self-taught.
>>
>>3853849
Then can we look for books on either of those attributes?
>>
>>3853854
That kind of specific search is precisely what the write-in option is for on this choice, yes.
>>
>>3853794
Ok then
Switch >>3853840 to
>>[ ] Do something else (Look for books on the attributes of either Rejection or Absorption)
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.
Let's see what we can do, then research ways to improve
>>
Here's a question for you Sweets.

What was the biggest affection point raise from any single action we've taken?
Was it the Kykeon?
>>
>>3853909
Oh man, that's hard to say. You've definitely had some big moments, but I believe the one action that raised a girl's affection the most was being the first person in Liliesviel's life to go along with her desire to do something other than pursue the Grail War.
>>
>>3853919
>the one action that raised a girl's affection the most was being the first person in Liliesviel's life to go along with her desire to do something other than pursue the Grail War.
Huh, unexpected, but it makes a lot of sense.
Einzbern homonculi have it rough.
>>
>3 votes
Where is everyone? We must not have many US players
>>
>>3853934
Earlier update than usual?
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Go looking for Vaisset's notes on elemental conversion.
>Implying we can understand Odin's runes in a night
Kek
>>
>>3853869
Do you guys remember when Circe told us she was going to teach us further Transference as well as Absorption and Rejection?
I think we should try following her advice.
Absorption and Emptiness is capable of attacks on the soul and Absorption and Void is useful for negating magic.
Rejection can create some mean sounding Barriers and Curses, too.
>barriers and curses that deny the material, or apply the definition of impossibility
>>
>>3853934
>3 votes
>Where is everyone?
People were talking about coping with Tuesdays and Thursdays earlier. These are the times when I suffer, though.
>>
Wait, so what are we voting on right now?
>>
>>3854065
The update I posted 2 hours ago.
>>
>>3854074
If you're ready, just move on from this update. Might as well.
>>
>>3854081
There's 3 votes and there isn't a consensus.
>>
>>3854081
I'm not ready. The whole reason I had to post a short update is that your main focus for the day's magic study is a significant choice, and not to be made lightly. I can hardly call it with three votes.
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.
>>
>nobody wants to learn attributes
We can't keep just throwing more power into our magic and hoping it does what we want it to.
>>
>>3854095
Is there a difference between that and the manifestation votes?
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness
Not sure what this would do but it sounds cool
>>
>>3854129
Yeah, going to look for books on attributes is it's own thing.
>>
>>3853979
>>3853869

Supporting this for the sake of consensus. Apparently people aren't too interested in training discussion.
>>
>>3854131
Well we know that Emptiness can be used for direct attacks on the soul, Circe told us as much.
We know that we can also use our magic to create some pretty incredible sounding barriers.
>>
I personally want to steal the groundbreaking work of Vaisset that nobody else is around to take, but I can see teh validity in studying fundemental but untapped ways of using Alberich's element.
>>
>>3854158
Vaisset's notes aren't all that important.
Personally, I consider being able to attack souls directly to be of far more use than just being able to convert elements.
>>
>>3854158
Groundbreaking it might be, but is it useful for someone who can already use all elements in their imaginary forms?
>>
>>3854163
>Vaisset's notes aren't all that important.
That's a bit naïve, don't you think?
>>
>>3854176
Not really, as far as we can tell, Vaisset was a total failure when it came to his theory.
He kept exploding stuff.

Now it's possible that we might be able to understand it or get it working (with our almost non-existent magical knowledge) but we should work on our strengths first, and on reinforcing our magical knowledge.
>>
>>3853794

>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.

Let's figure out the basics of what we can do with these and move onto figuring out manifesting a specific focus, like how we did with tendrils of nothingness.
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Do something else (Look for books on the attributes of either Rejection or Absorption)
This sounds fun.
>>3854158
>>3854163
>>3854170
>>3854187
His work would in fact be a revolution in the magical world if he made it work, because in the best case anyone would be able to synthesize and use any other element, making Average Ones much less special. Now instead of being people who can use all of the Five Great Elements, they're just people who can do it without jumping through a hoop first.
...Unfortunately, we have little use for it at the moment.
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Go looking for Vaisset's notes on elemental conversion.
>>
>[ ] Do something else (Look for books on the attributes of either Rejection or Absorption)
>>
>>3854755
Please do link to the update post.
>>
>>3853794
>>3854755

>[ ] Do something else (Look for books on the attributes of either Rejection or Absorption)
>>
>>3853794
>[ ] Experiment with manifesting Void and Emptiness.
>>
Why are you guys going to try just straight up manifesting immaterial things?
What do you hope to accomplish?
>>
After some consideration, you decide to remain focused on elementalism for the time being. Although the possibilities of branching out and learning more about attribute-based magic or researching your enemy's technique do appeal, it seems to you that branching out the aspect of magic you're most familiar with to encompass the full breadth of its possible forms will be of more use in the long run.

You close your eyes, open the door within you, and let Ayaka's Od fill your magic circuits. Then you hold it still, focusing on the expression. Here it would normally be transformed into Nothingness and take form outside of you, but that's only the easiest course; just one possible form. You concentrate on the energy, feeling the potentialities that dwell within it: not one substance, but three elements. First is Nothingness, solid and real even as it denies the world around it. Second is Emptiness, the possible lack that is the element most closely bound to your soul. Finally there is Void, the Ether that is the raw form of magic in the world.

Shaping the Od in accordance with your spirit, you expel it as the element of Emptiness, beginning the experiment by shaping a simple ball of it, held above your hands. Even with your eyes closed, you can feel the magical presence of the construct, and no that it was done. When you open them, though, there's nothing there!

No, that isn't exactly true. You can see nothing there, and when you move your hand to grab it your fingers pass right through; but you know that the ball of Emptiness is present. You can feel the energy that makes it up, and tell from the quality of it that it is the pure element. This must simply be the nature of Emptiness, then. Invisible, untouchable, imperceptible except by sensing the energy of it. This must be what Circe meant when she called it "the element of possibilities outside the material."

You sigh. This, frankly, is a bit of a disappointment. No doubt the immaterial element can be put to use in attribute-based magic, as Circe told you in the Akeldama, but you have no idea where you can find another teacher of her caliber to help you make it work. As for elementalism, there simply isn't much you can think of to do with the pure form of an element that has no material presence. With a dismissive wave, you let the magic fade from existence. Then you return to your meditative state, searching for the third element you can work with.
>>
Once again, you feel the three potential natures that Od can take when processed by your magic circuits; once again, you settle on one of these and attempt to materialize it. Void, though, is even more unruly than Emptiness! It simply won't take shape in a pure form, obstinately remaining within your circuits no matter how much energy you expend trying to force it into the world. Eventually, when you feel your magic circuits beginning to suffer under the strain your will is putting on them, you give up. There must be some secret to using the Fifth Real Element, you think, because it certainly isn't behaving as the others do.

As you consider the possible reasons for this failure, you soon find yourself pacing about irritably. The immaterial nature of Emptiness may be frustrating, but at least it's understandable. What could be the reason for your inability to manifest Void, though? Has your connection to the Imaginary Elements become too strong, and eroded your affinity for it? Is there something about this place that inhibits the materialization of Void? Perhaps, like Emptiness, it can be properly used only when an attribute is applied to its manifestation; yet the manner of the failure was so dissimilar, that can't be it. It's a mystery...

A sharp sound interrupts your reflection on the subject, and you stop short; listening. There it is again, and this time you recognize it as the sound of a bell. Could it be the door? Casting your mind back over the past week, you realize that you haven't heard the manor's doorbell before, but the sound wouldn't seem out of place as one. Perhaps you should go down and have a look.

>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Wait here, and continue your magic studies. Whoever it is, they've surely come to see Ayaka. She can get the door. (Duty)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)

If you vote for the Duty option, please note what you'd like to focus on for your continues studies. Refer to the previous choice.
>>
>>3855289
Jesus, that was well-timed!
>>
>>3855295
>>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)

>>3855296
That was kinda bizzare, yeah.
>>
>>3855295
>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)
I hope I am correct in my wild guess.
>>
>>3855309
Who's your guess out of...
>Truvi and Luvia have returned
>Futodoki was given a bell
>Liliesviel has come to visit
>Matsuda has tracked us down
>Akagata has come with Haruo in order to beg for help because her Servant was stolen. (Depends on if she's dead or not.)
>Circe (no way.)
>Adelheid (no way.)
>Shirou decided to pay a visit (absolutely no way.)
>>
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>>3855328
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>>3855332
Now, that would just be awkward for everyone involved.
>>
>>3855328
>Matsuda
>Just showing up and ringing the doorbell like a normal person
The mental image cracks me up.
>>
>>3855343
I guess that probably rules out Matsuda then.
Probably.
>>
>>3855295
Use our visual link to the bounded field to see who approached the manor
>>
>>3855430
Well, there's a clever way to save the effort of walking.
>>
>>3855442
Shouldn't it have triggered automatically from the bounded field?
>>
>>3855454
Well, you were distracted; it's not like you're expecting an attack during the day, and have things on high alert.
>>
>>3855295
Switch from
>>3855300
To
>>3855430
>>
>>3855477
We are the worst bootleg security system
>>
>>3855513
You're sure you would've noticed if they'd actually gotten inside.
>>
>>3855515
Isn't the boundary at the gate?
Nevermind, it doesn't matter.
What matters is that we just completely wasted our magical training time and now we're unlikely to get more of it today
>>
>>3855533
And I fucking called it and tried my hardest to convince anons.
>>
>>3855295
>>3855430
This.

Could we apply certain aspects of our emptiness magic to our nothingness magic? Like making our nothingness elemental constructs invisible?
>>
>>3855551
Or
Ooorrr
Hear me out here.
We next attempt to follow the advice of the greatest magus we'll probably ever meet, and learn to use attributes.
>>
>>3855561
I'll be honest, I don't know shit about attributes.
>>
>>3855676
Circe suggested we learn Transference, Absorption and Rejection.

Transference, a bit of a guess, but when used with imaginary numbers bullshit, may actually allow a form of teleportation like Doctor Heartless.
Absorption with Void is good for negating your enemies magic.
Absorption with Emptiness is good for attacking immaterial things like souls directly.

Rejection she mentioned is for barriers and curses.
>barriers and curses that deny the material, or apply the definition of impossibility
Now a barrier that denies the material is basically just a barrier that can block anything.
A curse that applies the definition of impossibility sounds like some horrible shit to be hit with though.
>>
>>3855676
>>3855689
I'll throw out some examples from canon, for those of you who don't recall the noted uses of attributes.
Flow and Transference of Power is the secondary specialization (in addition to the production of artificial life) of the Einzbern House, and it was Transference that Illyasviel used to put Emiya Shirou's soul into a doll in one Bad End.
Absorption is the specialization of the Matou line, and is core to the creation of the Command Spells. It also underwrites all of the magic Sakura does with the shadow in Heaven's Feel.
Conversion is the specialization of the Tohsaka, and their expertise with the attribute enables them to store their energy in gemstones as well as trigger magical explosions.
Reinforcement and Projection are both attributes, and have more obvious meanings. Rejection hasn't been used by magi outside of this quest, but the core of its purpose should be clear from what Circe's told you.
>>
>>3855676
I don't know shit about magic aside from "more fire always solves the problem".
You don't know shit about magic either. Just search in the wiki or listen to anons that know a little about magic in the Nasuverse, like >>3855561.
>>
Does void need to be used in combination with another element to materialize?
>>
>>3855694
I think I'm gonna just have to trust the word of Sweets for most of it. The wiki is not very helpful and the magecraft systems in Fate seem pretty vague and inconsistent anyway. Kind of up to interpretation.
>>
>>3855696
You know it. Any implementation of magic in the Nasuverse beyond exactly what the characters did in previous source material requires me to fill in gaps in the lore; and no doubt that's just what Nasu intended, leaving things open for him to write whatever he pleased as he went on.
>>
>>3855710
And even then, he'll just retcon shit anyway.
Excalibur Image.
>>
>>3855295
>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)

AKA Get ready to throw down!
>>
>>3855824
Wow, sure is nice of Assassin to ring the doorbell!
>>
I'll just let you folks know, I hope to have another update posted around midnight pacific time tonight, so anyone who hasn't voted yet has the next four hours to do so if I'm to get that done.
>>
>>3855295
>>3855430
This please
>>
>>3855710
You could always make a pastebin with a basic breakdown of how magecraft and magic works for this quest, if you have the time.
>>
>>3855295
>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)
goddamnit anons
>>
>>3855295#
>[ ] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3856017
Wouldn't you rather learn things in character?
>>
>>3856160
I mean more to keep track of what Alberich has learned IC
>>
>>3856199
Interesting. I'll think about putting one together, although it would necessitate going back through the archive to compile the necessary quotations.
>>
We're tied, you know. So much for me getting an update out tonight; hopefully tomorrow morning things will be different.

On another note, it seems Overgrowth really does have me beat in terms of popularity now, to judge by the last couple of votes. What do you think I can improve on, folks? What do you suppose lead to the readership dropoff?
>>
>>3856375
>didn't even notice we were tied.
Damn it.
If it helps I'll switch back to walking.

As for Overgrowth...
I don't really know what the reason for that is about.
There's not really much discussion though.
>>
>>3856375
>We're tied, you know
Wait, really? Dammit.

>>3855295
>[X] Go to the door and see who it is, or investigate the source of the noise if you were wrong. You don't want anything going on in this manor that you're unaware of. (Pride/Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3856375
I imagine a some anons could be a bit burned out due to prolonged arguing over trivial things which end up almost not mattering.
>>
>>3856385
Well damn, I'm sorry if you feel that way. I've certainly been doing everything I can to ensure your choices all have meaningful consequences. Can you give me any examples of when you felt like a decision you made ended up not mattering?
>>
>>3856375
>We're tied, you know.
Tied between what? I can only see votes for going to the door.
>>
>>3856385
That's kinda doubtful, it's far more likely the subject of the screeching that caused it. Usually, discussion over pointless shit is the lifeblood of a quest.

An honest answer if I had to give one would probably be the fairly noticeable lack of loli in Overgrowth (even the Einzbern isn't really a loli). It's kind of easy to see that even back in Akeldama there were anons with their qualms with it.

Then there was this most recent argument, which was just awful, but does make it amply clear that loli is still somehow a very touchy subject even now.
There's obviously nothing that can be done though, not at this point.
>>
>>3856389
I am mostly refering to general idea of prolonged arguments between anons on potential actions and consequnces of them. And while it has been a running theme between updates since basically start Akeldama later it has been somewhat heated up from times to times only for all those ideas to be crushed by reality of Nasuverse and storytelling. As for example? I guess arguing over cat, magic and now it is just some doorbell which came after we wasted times on seemly useless stuff. While Overgrowth on the other hand has been pretty impactful lately with updates.
Personally I believe you have feeling of Sword of Damocles made similarly to FSN which is good but it is probably discourage people to a degree because of all those different plot lines we have picked up so far.
>>
>>3856394
Discussion are good but I feel like a lot of people overinvest into them instead of taking them easy and just enjoy rambling so they get burned out from time to time. Especially over small more trivial stuff.
>>
>>3856400
Anon, the argument about Titania was in no way "trivial stuff".
If that actually was voted for and Alberich became Titania, the quest probably would've straight up died from the ensuing riot and player drop off.
>>
>>3856406
But only around two or three anons are actually interested in Volksgemeinschaft. It is not an option which is ever going to win and I felt it was more about thinking over that entire concept. Which I think it pretty interested due to its nature and possibilities so worth a discussion and ideas like Lostbelt thing. But by the end of the day it is only exist because anons are interesting in Alberich himself.
>>
>>3856417
Anon, what are you talking about?
Why vote for something that you know will ruin the quest because "this looks interesting"?
Sorry, your idea is bad. Please stop trying to force it still.
Like, I'm sure killing the entire cast would be "interesting" too. But that doesn't make sense nor is it a good idea at all.
>>
>>3856394
>>3856397
>>3856400
>>3856406
>>3856417
>>3856423
please stop arguing about this, it's been done to death and we can all agree to never ever take volks
>>
>>3856423
Sure, Anon, I will give up on this idea.
>>
>>3856424
Except he still wants to take it and has made his intentions rather clear on the matter.
>>
>>3856425
>>3856426
Now I just look silly.
>>
>>3856375
Update pace is a factor.
You know you can combine votes that aren't mutually exclusive right? No reason at all not to write an update tonight.
>>
>>3856389
It seems like a lot of the time you just won't ever throw the players a bone. For example, we just decided to train or magic. Interest in the magic system and wanting to work to improve could be rewarded right?

But instead of giving us time to actually study and train our magic, something else is happening and we've got nothing at all to show for it. Sure we technically could've ignored our guest but that's not something any reasonable player would vote for.

Another example is never giving us a moment of triumph or decisive self-earned victory. There's always some other factor at play or reason that we won or survived a battle.

Consequences and difficulty are important to quests, sure. But not to the point where that precludes fun or the feeling of earning progression by training or experiencing truly satisfying victory.
>>
>>3856460
Now I must say that this is an issue
It's a complaint brought up fairly often.
Despite supposedly being top tier, Alberich struggles a lot. Maybe too much.

I can see why some anons are still so interested in Titania, even though it would objectively ruin the quest.
>>
>>3856375
It's a lot fuckin faster for one thing. As the others note, you like to get hung up on decisions where competing options are by no means exclusive.

>>3856460
As he says, there is a distinct lack of success and satisfaction ever since we killed Roland I think. That drives a lot of anons, who read quests to feel good, right out the door.

Lolicon stuff matters, but not as much as the others say. This is 4chan(nel) after all.

Honestly, I can't see why anyone would prefer overgrowth though. The writing is less than good, the character design bland, and the plot thusfar just kinda boring. Having tried to get into it, it just doesn't do it for me.
>>
>>3856453
>>3856460
I think the main problem (and source of problems) is the slow update rate. Let me expain:
1.-Most QM just combine similar votes, for example:
>Anon1: I vote to go to the door.
>Anon2: I vote to go to the door but be ready for battle. Assasin in this war is smart as fuck and could be trying the less obvious path to assasinate Ayaka (the two Servants are training and someone rings the doorbell, no enemy Servant based on stealth would just call politely).

Most QM would consider this as the same vote, but you put them as separate options, splitting the vote and causing a delay of several hours, even a day. If a vote is something mutually exclusive like "Go to the door, but be on high alert" and "Go to the door, but be super chill because we are Alberich and we are invincible", in those cases either wait half an hour more or toss a coin.
2.-Due to the long votes and few updates, we have the feeling that every step is vital (in a sense of life and death choice), so we practically fight to the death in every vote to ensure our option wins.This is good sometimes, like during fights or when Odin says something like "you either grow X stats in 8 hours or I kebab your fucking ass", but not ALL the time because it creates innecesary conflicts among players. Grail wars are serious shit, I get it (even more with indestructible demigods lead by assholes and avatars of Big Guy Odin himself), but it seems that we are always at the edge of the abyss, even when you keep telling us how awesome and top tier Alberich is, because we can hardly tell aside from moments like when we showed Achilles the virtues of bondage and when we portaled half of Roland's horse to another dimension. Those are epic moments yes, but in the first one we were suddenly told "you can't defeat Achilles because his NP is bullshit and counters Heiling (btw it's not a divine construct, only the miracles are divine, the rest of the sword is a regular sword), here is Odin to "help" and tell you you could have won by yourself" The main argument about us not mauling some relevant Servant like we get mauled by everyone is "I can't let you use your bullshit NP properly because you would destroy everyone" but all the other Servants can counter us. I feel that we are investing our time into upgrades that have a minimal impact in the story aside from "Yes, you are a Top lvl Servant, in any other fight against any other enemy you would win. But not in this one". I feel like you are trying to follow a plot instead of letting us make the plot, not tell you what to write, just choose what to do without getting Dream Crusher EXed every time we plan because we lack vital info you won't tell us to avoid spoilers. This added to the fear of getting a Dead End and losing a day greatly discourages write ins and leaves us with the three choices you give us (wich tend to end in a way that either kills us or keeps us alive but jobbing).
>>
>>3856530
You would be surprised by the amount of anons I've recommended the quest to that dropped it because of the loli.

As for the thing with the lack of success, even the Roland thing had a tinge of defeat to it when we were forced to back down against Archer.
Or when we got our shit pushed in by Achilles.
Or when it felt like we only won the rematch thanks to Odin's timely arrival.
Then we got btfo by Sword Autist
Then we were basically embarrassed in the fight against Matsuda and effectively cheated and he still got away.
Then we beat Saber (again, basically by cheating) before getting our shit stomped by Harris.
>>
>>3856560
>You would be surprised by the amount of anons I've recommended the quest to that dropped it because of the loli.
I don't think I would be and i'm glad they're gone if that's all it took to scare them off.
Better them leave and find something else than muck up the quest fighting over Alberich preferences.
Leave us plenty of time between updates to argue about every other aspect of Alberich's character and progression.
>>
>>3856560
>Then we got btfo by Sword Autist
We were dominating throughout, and lost because we hit a Caladbolg II.
The rest is inarguable, except for Harris which is a pile of bullshit and things don't add up.
>>
>>3856550
Pretty much sums it up.
all of our upgrades so far feel irrelevant and small other than our binding, which is effectively our only usable combat skill.
Trying literally anything else causes us to basically just die immediately, usually.

Heilig is painfully underwhelming.
>>
>>3856566
I'd also like to say you guys have a habit of getting way too hung up on Alberich "jobbing".
The point has been made and made again, but frankly I'm not sure how Sweets would go about fixing any of the problems people have without completely restructuring the style and flow of the quest.
The one thing I will agree with is >>3856550 's idea about mixing similar votes. There is no reason why Sweets should have to stop dead in his tracks and put off writing for a whole day because of ties, especially when most of the "problems" with the quest are caused by the slow updates.
>>
>>3856579
We were dominating up until Shirou used Unlimited Blade Works, then it was basically our loss
It's really a wonder that we survived UBW at all.
>>
>>3856586
>I'd also like to say you guys have a habit of getting way too hung up on Alberich "jobbing".
I think it might seem that way because we tend to challenge our enemies when and where they're strongest.
We fought the much stronger and faster Achilles head-on, we chose to fight Shirou and Medusa when they outnumbered us and Cybele was weakening us (almost won too), and we tried to fight Matsuda in melee when he was much more skilled (although we leveraged our superior strength in the end by breaking a rib and putting a hole in his lung).
>>
>>3856589
We blocked his initial barrage perfectly with Kenótis and then tried to hit Caladbolg. That happened because we didn't know IC that it would explode.
IF it worked out we would've run up to him and then he'd be dead.
>>
>>3856586
This is astute. If the quest moved faster, Alberich not winning always and forever would be a perfectly acceptable outcome. But because of the update rate, due in part to sweet's exacting measures to get every vote right and just, every time we lose it just hurts all the more.
>>
>>3856592
Matsuda might be more skilled than us in melee, but even approaching us in melee should be a death sentence due to Heilig's passive cutting effect.
It doesn't change the fact that with Alberich, it feels like we're told that he's strong, but never actually shown it.

Sure the shadow tendrils win fights, but those are just the most boring ability we have.
>>
>>3856600
>due in part to sweet's exacting measures to get every vote right and just
This is especially painful for stuff like the magic training we just did, where we effectively accomplished nothing because we needed to specify EXACTLY what we wanted to do. Because of this it feels like we've just wasted time because anons went for a QM provided option that was blatantly a terrible idea.

Having to specify EXACTLY what we want to do with a vote is kinda painful too.
Like when we decided to stupidly use our Shadow Tendrils in the most blatant of ways because we didn't specify we wanted to use them as a surprise.
>>
While we're talking about combining complementary votes, I should note that going to the door and using our link to the bounded field around the manor work well together.
>>
>>3856682
Indeed
>>
>>3855328
>Odin heard about our hunting trip and wanted to admire our trophy.
>Assassin is Wong Fei-hung and actually wants to fight Matsuda.
>Harris woke up five hours ago and he came to see the Second Owner because the church is abandoned and he doesn't know what's going on.
>>
>>3856604
>>3856586
Alberich is powerful and competent, because taking Berserker Achilles head on and being able to put a fight is impressive. What I complain about is the dinamic of the two encounters:
Initial encounter=Meet a new Servant, discover who you are fighting with, get destroyed but survive.
Second encounter=Fight, get countered again, fight more, win.
I would rather have oneepic fight against other Servant after we gather enough intel and power and feel ready to attack them. The only time I would accept jobbing/Dead Ending as unavoidable would be either fighting someone more powerful than us without a plan/the means to defeat said enemy, or being ambushed by a Servant that has gathered info about us and felt ready to attack (only if we didn't put some measure of ensuring we wouldn't instantly die in an ambush, like bounded fields, our cape, being on guard, etc). Our enemies developing their own difficult to beat but not perfect plans of defense and attack would be both a way to increase the difficulty and to give us a way to defeat our enemies IC. Just making everyone perfectly adapt to Alberich is absurd. The only strategies that we managed to pull succesfully where those that the plot allowed (killing Roland after he burns through absolutely all of his arsenal except summoning Charlemagne, killing Achilles only after we made absolutely impossible that we would fail, then failing anyways, beating Arturia because she faints, but getting killed by her excaliblast attack in a dead end despite our EoTM when she avoids all of or multiple instakill attacks with Instinct (despite us having EoTM, that is supposed to make you predict the enemy movements). I feel frustrated because the only times we can actually succeed with our own plans is when Sweets writes the second encounter. Where is the fun in training from lvl 1 to lvl 11 to defeat a lvl 10 enemy that defeated you, then discover that your next enemy is lvl 22. It doesn't feel like we advance at all.
>>
>>3856711
I still think that Achilles not having his fucking heel as a genuine weakness unless you have poison in a grail war is total bullshit.
>>
>>3856726
I mean, at least the existence of Achilles gives Robin Hood a single opponent against whom he's actually valuable.
>>
>>3856646
Remember that time when we riftslashed Achilles and he evaded by breaking his spine and twisting because the portal we launched wasn't wide enough to absolutely ensure his death? (Maybe Lumeneza used a command spell, but come on) Then we specified a wider portal to take Achilles heels and Lumeneza assumed direct control because our "allies" fled in that exact moment? Then we died. Then we picked an option that alligned with the Achilles ark continuing and we succeeded. I'm sure Sweets just tries to keep the story as interesting as possible, but giving us no choice aside from making such a detailed and perfect write in that we leave no room for error is unnecesary.
>>
>>3856726
>Achilles not having his fucking heel as a genuine weakness
But he does, anon.
>>
>>3856735
I think my favourite part is Lumenza just forgetting that he was going to use a Command Spell when Odin showed up.
Then still not using one throughout our conversation with Odin.
>>
>>3856737
Nope, he wouldn't have died even if we diced him (and his heel) into meatcubes.
We would have to have used poison.
>>
>>3856735
You *do* realize we couldn't have killed Achilles right? And Emiya and co. are trash, as previously shown. Of all the encounters we've had, I think it's a little odd to be salty about not getting instantly btfo by a heroic spirit who probably kills everyone we've met 1v1 no problem, including even possibly Odin (speed kills baby, unless you're Alberich trying to attack not!Odin).
>>
>>3856737
Yes he does. Unless you don't have Divinity, or a Divine construct, or megapoison (wich is impossible to apply to a portal or to a magical construct created during conbat). I still don't get why Odin went full "You were totally able to kill him boy, I just took your kill because reasons".
>>
>>3856739
>His left heel escaped the flames which should have destroyed Achilles' mortal nature, and consequently that part of his body alone can be wounded by one who lacks Divinity.
No, we could've torn it apart and then Andreias Amarantos would've faded, which would leave him in a state where we could kill him.
>>
>>3856747
Nope, not in this quest.
Outright impossible without poison.
Sweets said so himself.
>>
I still feel like we got fucking shafted in the Personal Skills department.
>>
>>3856749
>taking one post against odin's word and canon
Anon, I don't know what to say to you.
If you're right, I'm quitting this quest.
>>
>>3856751
The outcome of Akeldama was not merit-based anon, we went over this like five threads ago.

>>3856749
Theoretically speaking, we could have killed Lumenza as we were planning to while chaining Achilles. Of course, I really doubt sweets would let an encounter end that simply so it's a moot point either way
>>
>>3856741
Don't try to make it seem that we have more plot armour that every other enemy we have faced. People thought that Heiling, the sword with miracles given by the gods and a portaledge to the realm of the gods was a Divine construct or could at least kill Achilles (because we were wielding a miracle born of the direct power and action of the gods with a handle. They told ud that it was THEIR power not ours, so it wasn't impossible to think that we were wielding a weapon of the gods. But nope, the sword is ours and the magic that makes the sword useful is theirs. Convenient). If we had known that, we wouldn't have attacked Achilles, with or without the Emiyas.
>>
>>3856753
I know it wasn't merit based. It doesn't mean our skills aren't basically awful compared to what everyone else got.
Say what you want about Tsubaki's other skills, but Demonic Nature of Oni is bullshit.
Meanwhile with Matsuda I don't even know where to begin
Our only decent skill is the one we already had.
Our eye of the mind is inferior to pretty much any other servant with it except like... one.
One.
Chevalier d'Eon is our equal.
Our Charisma is effectively a pointless skill too.
>>
>>3856753
We were planning on going for the Heel.
Not Lumenza.
>>
>>3856765
Oh, yeah, in our first attempt in the second fight we went for the heel but in our second attempt after we tied up Achilles we were planning to go for the head and heart AGAIN. Another example of Sweets requiring exact words in the write-ins, never mind that we went for the heel just a few seconds ago.
>>
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>>3856756
>because we were wielding a miracle born of the direct power and action of the gods with a handle.
They explicitly stated that the miracles were theirs. There was nothing to suggest that they did anything else with OUR sword that WE made in the first place.
>>
>>3856773
The miracle producing the cutting edge was their's though.
>>
>>3856777
No, our sword ALWAYS had the cutting edge. The PORTAL PROJECTILE was added on as the first miracle.
>>
>>3856781
No, the miracles changed our sword so a passive use of the rift miracle was affecting our sword's edge at all times, rather than having to be activated temporarily.
>>
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>>3856785
You're so lucky that I can't grab the Luckeschwert description from the past so I can shove it down your proverbial throat.
>>
The rift on the edge was always there; that was OURS.
>>
>>3856787
Good thing that Luckeschwert and Heilig are totally different swords now, huh?
Otherwise you might have had a point.

How do you think we could indefinitely keep open a portal to imaginary numbers were it our power it functioned off of?
>>
>>3856788
Correction: it WAS ours.
But was activated temporarily and is no longer ours because the sword got upgraded on a conceptual level.
>>
>>3856393
>Tied between what? I can only see votes for going to the door.
4 people wanted to stay in the room and surveil the entrance, 4 wanted to go out and meet the person who arrived.

>>3856397
>Personally I believe you have feeling of Sword of Damocles made similarly to FSN which is good
This feeling of tension and looming danger is one of the main things I've been going for, so that's heartening. Unfortunate if that's putting people off, though.

>>3856453
Yeah, I'd definitely like to update more. It's one of the main problems I've had.

>>3856550
>-Most QM just combine similar votes
This is definitely doable, and I'll try and do this in future to keep things going.

>>3856560
>You would be surprised by the amount of anons I've recommended the quest to that dropped it because of the loli.
I am deeply saddened.

>>3856560
>Then we got btfo by Sword Autist
When you pull a draw after being outnumbered 2-1, I'd call that coming out ahead.

>>3856604
>those are just the most boring ability we have
Well, shit. I thought they were more interesting than the sword.

>>3856711
This is tough to address. My general approach has been to build tension and give you a preview of the enemy's abilities with the first encounter, then give you the chance to plan out how to counter them to win later on. I've always disliked fiction where the protagonist repeatedly meets an enemy, has it out, and wins directly; it's the "monster of the week" genre in anime. I can see your point, but I'm not really sure how to solve what you dislike about the quest.
>>
>>3856788
Then why did we attack the immortal demigod with better stats without a way to defeat him? TWICE. I'm starting to think that Alberich jobbing is a result of our bad decisions due to lack of information mixed with sweets wanting really precise write ins.
>>
The divine construct thing:
Honestly, Achilles is another one of those Servants where I just don't like how they interpreted him in Fate at all. His heel should be the only place he can be wounded, not a button to turn off his invincibility, and while the idea of people with Divinity being able to bypass it, I hate the concept that you can do it with just a holy item.
So for my version of the character, I wanted to address those points. You could have bled him to death from the heel, or hit him with poison there, but not used it as a weakness button. Odin could damage him, and Rider could a little bit, but (for example) Arturia wouldn't have been able to do a thing.
You folks seemed so hung up on the divine construct notion, though, that I think I said something about Heiligöffnungschwert not being really divinely constructed after the fact, hoping to paper over the discontent about it.
>>
>>3856799
>I'm starting to think that Alberich jobbing is a result of our bad decisions due to lack of information mixed with sweets wanting really precise write ins.
That's the way I see it, at least.
>>
>>3856791
>because the sword got upgraded on a conceptual level
... by US, using Rolan'd energy. The gods EXPLICITLY stated what they did to the sword: Let us project rifts out of our sword, make projections out of Imaginary Numbers (without incantations, mind you) and summon creatures from IN Space. They're is NOTHING to suggest that they did ANYTHING ELSE to it.

>>3856799
Breaking News: Anon Realizes that Players make Harebrained Decisions. Up Next: Water, Wet?
>>
>>3856793
The problem with almost all of Alberich's abilities is that they are all "all or nothing" abilities.
Heilig - cuts through anything, tends to hit nothing.
Kenotis - perfect defence, usually our enemies just totally bypass it anyway or we don't get a chance to use it.
Shadow Tendrils - either they perfectly bind them or they miss and are pretty much useless for the remainder of the fight because the opponent should be aware of them.

Do you see the problem here?
>>
>>3856805
>Do you see the problem here?
Do I see the problem? It's the problem I've seen and been wracking my brains to resolve since the beginning of the quest.
>>
>>3856793
Maybe we (as annons) could spend some more time planning how to defeat an enemy and scouting. Don't get me wrong, introducing a new enemy via fight is awesome, but doing it every time gets old. One thing I liked about Akeldama was how the other Servants interacted with each other without our presence, like Archer planning to kill Saber, Blackbeard killing Jobbing Hood, the Blackberad-Cowboy alliance, but reciently it feels like we are the center of the world (aside from the Oddiseus-Arturia draw). Every Servant finds us and fights us, we get so many fights and events in so little time that we can't even plan or train properly. One thing that angered me were anons voting for the less useful option in a really important training because void sounded cool. I know we are just unlucky as fuck, but getting nothing from the last update really unnerved me, because we need that power IC in order to survive and, right when a proper vote is most needed I have to study and make some errands. Sorry if I was too rough while writing critics about the quest, It's really good and I get butthurt when something like this happens.
>>
>>3856807
Yeah, I can't offer you any real advice on how to fix insta-kill attacks.
Neither can any form of fiction as a whole that I've found without resorting to Hard-Counters, which are quickly being exhausted.

Because insta-kills getting bypassed by almost any means always feels like a cop-out.
Roland and Durandal being unbreakable was the least cop-out-y.
Achilles and his regen were a little bullshit.
Matsuda effortlessly avoiding Heilig at all times just felt like a total cop-out.

The big problem with the fights is that Alberich with his actual powerful abilities, can't significantly wound the opponent, it's either "insignificant glancing blow" or "ur fukken dead kiddo."

To further illustrate this point, we have a better track record causing significant damage with punches than we do with Heilig.
>>
>>3856821
No apology necessary, you're not being rude or anything. It's good criticism.

>>3856824
Now that I think about it, people in general have a better track record with punches than with weapons in this quest. I may need to dial that back a bit.
>>
I have a feeling that we would've used our fists as Assassin.
>>
>>3856830
Probably for the best, otherwise I'm gonna start advocating hardcore for Bravery and just having Alberich punch everything.
>>
>>3856833
Assassin Alberich was truly the best timeline.
>>
>>3856830
Honestly just take away the sword or change its form somehow if it's that much of an issue. We're getting no use out of it as a cutting weapon whatsoever.
>>
>>3856804
So the main problems of the quest are excessive time between updates and anons ruining votes in the last possible moment?
AND NOW THE WATER IS WET?
The surprises never end...
>>
Quick killcount/wincount
Luckeschwert: 1 (Roland)
Heilig: 0
Kenotis: 2 (Judas (kinda), Roland's Horse)
Shadow Tendrils: 3 (Achilles, Matsuda, Saber)
Punching and Kicking: 6 (O'Mordha, Keiseki, Kikuko, Ambrose, Judas (kinda), Matsuda.)

I think we have a clear winner.
>>
>main weapon is absolutely bullshit and should kill everyone it goes up against but never does
>has powerful magic, unusual for his class
>has red eyes
>tried and failed to kill Shirou Emiya
>has an ability that allows him to easily defend against projectile attacks
>hates Archer
Now who am I talking about, Alberich, or Cu Chulainn?
>>
Here's an idea, somehow antaglio manages to fuck with our saber class container to weaken us. Little did he know, he just allowed us to respec
>>
>>3856888
Imagine if we went Lancer Alberich
>>
>>3856824
We could keep the sword sheated and fistfight every enemy because they are unworthy of looking upon our sword, like Gil and Ea but without underestimating our oponents (just spend the next sacrifice in getting bravery from Achilles). We could also use the sword without the portal on until we give the finishing blow or fight a worthy enemy (One that can take more than one hit, like Achilles or Heracles. Because Alberich is THE prideful fucker and won't fully use his sword against you if you aren't at least a 2/3 god tank). Just fight with a normal sword (a normal, indestructible, supersharp bastard sword used by a superhuman warrior that can perfectly swing it with one hand. It seems OP enough to me, maybe being constantly exposed to a portal to the realm of gods and fights against some of the greatest Heroes made it magical enough to take on Servants. The portal made it vorpal hehehehe...I know where the door is).
>>
>>3856889
That's not going to solve any issues.
That's just going to cause more problems.
>>
>>3856889
Not saying I wouldn't like it, but I'd leave it up to sweets. I don't want to compromise the narrative.
>>
>>3856892
We could just manifest a sword out of Nothingness if we wanted.
We could also control it's length at will to totally fuck with our opponents.
Or
You know, dual wield one Nothingness Sword with Heilig in the other hand.
>>
>>3856899
Now that I think about it, a second sword constructed from Nothingness would probably be a really solid weapon as long as we don't go against some anti-magic bullshit again.
We should try dual wielding.
If fucking Deermud can do it, so can we.
>>
>>3856892
>>3856899
Alberich is neither strong nor prideful enough to do those things. Maybe if he had a flawless record, but he doesn't.
>>
>>3856905
>not dual wielding
Look, if we have such a vast experience with sword fighting from our empowerment, we should at least use both hands at once in a fight by using two swords.
>>
>>3856909
You know you use your off-hand to move Kenotis, right? The thing that's saved your life on more than one occasion?
Far be it from me to stop you folks from experimenting with a new fighting style, but it's not as though your left hand is just hanging limp most of the time.
>>
Here's the issue.
The players want to win or lose battles based on decisions made using the tools we've been given.
Sweets decides if we win or lose based on how narratively satisfying it would be to him.
Unironically you should use dice in combat. Lower or raise the DC based on how good you think our plan of attack is and let the dice do the rest. Give up your iron grip on what will happen in each battle.
>>
>>3856912
Sure, but in our fight against Saber and Matsuda, Kenotis may as well have not even been there.

I'm gonna assume it's gonna be useless against Odin too.

>>3856914
>you should asspull to let us respec even though that will undoubtedly cause more problems than it fixes
>you should use dice
Begone, demon.
>>
>>3856914
>The players want to win or lose battles based on decisions made using the tools we've been given.
>Sweets decides if we win or lose based on how narratively satisfying it would be to him.
That's not the way I see things, but it's still a useful point. If that's the way it comes off to players, it's an important matter to consider how I can change that.
>Unironically you should use dice in combat.
Alright, now you're just fucking with me. I used dice in Akeldama, and it was all the worse for it. They're a decent enough way to model something that relies on random chance anyway, like open-ended summoning, but the day I bring dice back into combat is the day I hang up my hat and quit writing.
>>
>>3856925
Would you theoretically use dice in combat if Gae Bolg was in the quest?

You know, for that literal in-universe dice roll.
>>
Here's the big problem with the "to get the best results, you need the perfect write-in" option.
Sometimes, the perfect write-in (or close to) will actually be written, but will be disregarded somewhat by the players that don't bother with discussion and just pick one of the given QM options.

That's what it felt like with the magic training vote.
No discussion at all on the side of experimenting with manifesting Void and Emptiness, just mindless voting in favour of it.
I'm still mad, btw.
>>
>>3856926
Alright, that is admittedly an exception. If there's a weapon that directly functions based off of luck and chance, then dice would be appropriate in that situation.
Never mind that Gae Bolg, which reverses causality to create an absolute certainty of striking shouldn't rely on chance.
I could accept that scene, but I really do hate the explanation for it.
>>
>>3856931
>reverses causality to create an absolute certainty of striking
Yes Sweets, but you forget the most powerful form of defence against anything at all, even if it doesn't make any fucking sense.

"muh Natural 20."
>>
>>3856834
We launched ourselves against Berserker Hitler and Blackbeard while they were in Blackbeard's NP ship (even if we died, but we know that Alberich is capable of doing something like that). We literally went full "Charge!!!" against a guy with a "fuck you, me first" alsmost instakill gun while grabbing a bootleg nuke powered with our lifeforce. We dueled Roland and fought an even more OP version of regular Achilles. I dare to presume that we would get a pretty good synergy from Bravery.
>>
>>3856933
Real shit. Fuck swords, punching gang is in control of Awakening Mirror now. Sawing the heads of our enemies off with our bare hands, not jobbing against our fairy-boy brother!
>>
>>3856939
Honestly, punching wizard was always the real final class of Rushoberich.
>>
>>3856932
But I must say you've never felt pain with dice until you've run a tabletop game and had a player argue that he, as a level 1 fighter (this guy is basically just a guy with a decent swordarm) should totally be able to accurately throw a javelin at a man he couldn't see operating a magical searchlight from a tower three miles away.
At night.
While swimming.
Because "I might roll a 20."


This was an argument that lasted an actual hour.
>>
>>3856939
If Mecha Space Pirate quest taught me one thing it's a man only needs his fists! And the fists of a super op Mecha frame.
>>
Do we just need a break from Servant vs. Servant combat?
A sidequest?
Get pulled into the imaginary realm for an adventure?
It feels like both the players and Sweets need a break from the status quo
>>
>>3856943
I feel like the best thing to do in that case is just to let him try to throw the javelin and suffer the consequences.
On the other hand, this approach to storytelling is what led me to sit by while you folks spent the morning learning that it's impossible to materialize Emptiness or Void, so I suppose there are some who don't like it.
>>
>>3856951
Knowing that you can't be that accurate with a javelin is not the same as not knowing such specific details about the Fate magecraft "system"
>>
>>3856961
There you go, then. You gained something from this morning after all: knowledge!
>>
>>3856951
>learning that it's impossible to materialize Emptiness or Void,
Yeah, something like learning it's impossible to materialise Emptiness or Void shouldn't take us so long to accomplish, seriously.

If I had to put forward an argument in favour of experimenting like we did, it's that failure to manifest either of them shouldn't have taken us the entire morning to accomplish and we could've just moved on.
But now, it seems the plot is moving forwards again and we've accomplished basically nothing for increasing our battle power again except summoning a cat of dubious use.

>>3856961
I mean, it's kind of obvious that straight up attempting to manifest two immaterial substances was never going to fucking work.

>>3856962
I gained nothing.
>>
>>3856943
In the system I use there is literally a paragraph saying that you aren't allowed to roll when you couldn't succeed without a critical.
>>
>>3856965
>I mean, it's kind of obvious that straight up attempting to manifest two immaterial substances was never going to fucking work.
The idea was to learn about the two elements. And we did even if it was disappointingly little and I thought we would get more out of our entire morning.
>>
>>3856971
We learned nothing that we as the players shouldn't have been able to infer (and what I was desperately trying to convince you all of) and wasted time we could have spent trying to research Attributes instead of researching how immaterial things work when you attempt to manifest them like we're not in a god damn magical ghost battle royale.
>>
>>3856962
Good one. I've genuinely tried to give helpful feedback but if you're just gonna be an asshole then enjoy your dying quest.
>>
>>3856978
What a nice anon.
>>
>>3856975
So you know that Void can't be moved out of our circuits? How would you infer that?
>>
>>3856962
Worth a kek but we are trying to solve the systematic issues that are slowly killing this quest here man
>>
>>3856984
Because it's also immaterial?
>>3856987
The only issue that I can see is that you didn't pick the right option.
Then the update itself basically spelled out that you didn't pick the right option.
So you probably should have picked the right option
>>
>>3856991
I wanted to study Vaisset's notes, and I'm surprisingly not all that bothered by fucking up our research time. But sweets's response there did seem bit flippant.
>>
>>3856991
>Because it's also immaterial?
So is Emptiness and with that we had no issue moving it out of our circuits.
>>
>>3856998
Oh it's probably some ether clump related shit.
>>
I'm going to lay out a piece of advice here for you all.
Alberich is already pretty strong. He's not the greatest Servant in the world, but he has powerful tools and a good stat-line, as well as the ability to gain power from fighting; something Rushorou lacked, and Matsuda lacks, and just about everyone else lacks. Hence their need to train.
Your time during the day would be better spent trying to gain information and devise countermeasures than train on your own. Your enemies do not necessarily give good advice.
>>
>>3857000
That's too vague to be an inference we could have made before we had practical data.
>>
>>3856951
Part IV of Awakening/Mirror, speaking to the Gods about our new abilities
>To make real in your world the Nothingness and Void from which you were born, and which are there condemned to be Imaginary Elements!
Yeah, how could we have ever thought that we could materialize Void? So silly of us.
>>
>>3856997
Yeah, I was poking fun. Sorry for any ruffled feathers.
>>
>>3857011
You made it real, you didn't make it material. Didn't Circe tell you back in Akeldama that the first imaginary element is fundamentally about immaterial possibility?
>>
>>3857001
>powerful tools
That you nerf to near uselessness in every fight. Can you really blame us for looking for different tools?
>>3857017
>the first imaginary element is fundamentally about immaterial possibility
This means absolutely nothing to me. What?
>>
>>3857001
But we only beat Matsuda and his 6 whole days of training because of an ability we trained to use.
>>
>>3857014
All right, yeah, I need to chill out. Sorry for losing my cool. This is a frustrating quest. Obviously theoretical magecraft is not for me.
>>
>>3857022
>Can you really blame us for looking for different tools?
I can't blame you, that's why I'm giving you advice.

>This means absolutely nothing to me.
From the top. The Imaginary Elements are about that which was no longer possible in the real world after the Age of Gods. The Gods took True Ether and split it into two elements for the new world.
The first, Emptiness, fills the role of Ether. It's the element of things that are possible, but are not material. This is one form of being imaginary. The second, Nothingness, fills the role of the other four real elements. It's the element of things that would be material if they were possible. This is the second form of being imaginary.
Both need outside assistance to manifest in this world, but it's easier to do with Emptiness. Hence Sakura's use of it, and a few other canonical magi. They were using attribute magic, though, not elementalism.
Elementalism, you've read, is magic wherein you create the material form of an element and command it to move about and shape itself directly, without attributes. A fireball is the classic example. You can do this with Nothingness, since Heiligöffnungschwert bridges the impossibility barrier. Emptiness, however, has no material form. You get an invisible, untouchable mass of, well, emptiness.
>>
>>3857001
It really doesn't matter if we know exactly how our enemies's abilites work, no? The general route for dealing with NP/Magic bullshit is to either be able to completely ignore it (Magic resistance) or have something even more bullshit (Origin bullets, Avalon, Excaliblast, etc.). Alberich have never defeated enemies via careful observation and planning, he does it by dealing with their bullshit and bashing skulls in. Even if you *do* learn how stuff works, there aren't really countermeasures for "yeah he's a god with god magic" or "yeah he's an invincible super-berserker you can't touch with mundane abilities". You just either ignore the magic (sacrificing to upgrade conceptual biology/magic resistance) or kill the master (not an option in Odin's case anyways, for a fun plethora of reasons). I just don't really see any information we could gain that'd be useful or countermeasures to develop that aren't gained sacrificially. I suppose we could scry for the assassin, or look at what the Emiyas are up to....
>>
>>3857035
Okay. What is attribute magic?
>>
>>3857041
Unironically reread Akeldama.
>>
>>3857033
What you've done in the past isn't necessarily wrong, I'm just giving advice for the future since we're in a spot where you folks are frustrated with how things are going.

>>3857036
I know I've done a bad job of demonstrating this with the quest so far, but there are ways of dealing with Matsuda and Harris other than just getting stronger.

>>3857041
I have to step away from the computer for a bit, does the anon who had pulled up a reference to Circe's talk on it want to explain this?
>>
>>3857050
To be actually helpful, Thread 8
Control+ F Attribute.
>>
>>3857052
>but there are ways of dealing with Matsuda and Harris other than just getting stronger.
You haven't even done anything close to referring this is possible.
In fact, both of those fights gave the exact fucking opposite impression.
Hard to argue the logic of "train more, asshole." When we're getting our proverbial ass kicked by them.

But I do hope you intend for us to kill Matsuda. Because seriously, it is very optimistic of you to give Matsuda an absolutely completely broken Personal Skill, set him up as an enemy who practically embarrasses us and expect us not to sacrifice his ass the very first chance we get.

>just giving advice for the future since we're in a spot where you folks are frustrated with how things are going
Training usually works well though and it's the only reason we've ever beaten anyone except Roland. This sudden shift that it's not that important seems contradictory to basically everything we know.

I just want us to hurry up and derail a train for mana, I'm kinda sick of this shit.
>>
Okay, assuming we do still want to train our magic, it seems like it'd be best to get a tutor as well as studying attributes. I'm not sure if you just overestimated our magecraft knowledge or just decided that training our magic was a waste of time in the first place, but we obviously really needed more direction to make an educated decision when deciding what to focus on learning.
>>
Remember when we had Agility A and EotM B for like 20 minutes before the insta-nerf?
Good times.
>>
After a moment's consideration, you decide to go down and answer the door; or to find the origin of the noise, if you were wrong about that chime being the doorbell. If there's anyone coming to the house looking for Ayaka, it behooves your cover identity as a hired butler to receive them. If, on the other hand, one of your own acquaintances has come looking for you regarding the Holy Grail War, then Ayaka can contribute little.

As you're passing through the corridor to the living room, you run across behind Ayaka. She's also making for the door, from the look of it, with her back to you. You draw up behind her quickly, laying a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Oh!" Ayaka lets out a little gasp of surprise, then turns to see you. "Saber-san, you surprised me!"

"My apologies, Miss Ayaka," you say with a courtly smile. "Was that the doorbell I heard, a few moments ago?"

"Yes, it was. I was just going to see who was at the door." She gives you a puzzled look.

"Why don't you let me do it, then, and wait in the living room to receive them?" As you make the suggestion, you gently steer Ayaka in that direction. "I'm meant to be the butler, remember?"

"Sure," Ayaka says, "that would probably be a good idea, yes."

So she trots off to the living room and you continue towards the front door, to see who's come calling at the Shijou manor in the early afternoon. It shouldn't be any of Ayaka's schoolmates, surely; classes are still in session. That seems to leave only the other magi of your acquaintance, unless some family connection has come in search of one or the other of the siblings. Surely they would have contacted Ayaka in advance, though. These thoughts in mind, you open the door with careful professionalism, give a polite smile, and-

You almost freeze in your tracks. The face looking in at your from the walkway, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of you, is your own. Or, "your" own at any rate. It's the face you remember from a thousand memories of someone else looking in the mirror. The face that held an ever-fainter resemblance to your own as your metamorphosis into a hero progressed through the Grail War fought in Judas' Akeldama. It's the face of your original.

"Hello, young man," you say, suppressing your shock in an instant. "May I ask what your business here might be?"

"My name is Yumigawa Rushorou," he answers, matching your tone of formal civility, "I am the president of the student council at Kyoutenkan Academy, where Shijou Ayaka studies. I have an academic matter to discuss with her, or her guardian. Is she well enough to receive visitors?"

>[ ] Bring Yumigawa in to see Ayaka. (Duty)

>[ ] Take the role of guardian, as a family servant, and tell him she's indisposed. Hear whatever he has to say yourself. (Pride)

>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
>>
First off, a note. I will be home tonight, and free enough to post several updates. If you're here to vote, at least.

Secondly, >>3855332, how the hell did you know?
>>
>>3857168
I left out the write-in option, since it would've put me over the character limit, but it's there too.
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Bring Yumigawa in to see Ayaka. (Duty)
Well well well.
Hello, me.
>>
>>3857168
>eyes widening in surprise at the sight of you
Yumigawa...
How much do you know?
Our appearance alone probably shouldn't surprise you so much.

And yes, this is already awkward.
>>
Anyone there?
Where the fuck is everyone?
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
>>
>>3857168
Cut him down where he stands. There can only be one! Just kidding.
>[ ] Take the role of guardian, as a family servant, and tell him she's indisposed. Hear whatever he has to say yourself. (Pride)
>>
Let's take Yumigawa to Saber just for a laugh later.
>"Look Saber! It's the highschool student I was telling you about!"

Speaking of Saber, we should give her some bread or something
Help, I'm still angry about the magic training being a bust.
I don't think I'm ever going to stop being angry.
>>
>>3857253
Alright, let me put it to you this way. I know I was joking about this earlier, but it seriously wasn't completely wasted time, and you did gain knowledge. Alberich did, anyway.
Think about it. You may have known already that attributes would be more useful than more elementalism, but from Alberich's point of view it was reasonable to keep going with just the elements. It's been useful so far, after all.
Now he's pretty sure he has to use attributes to get anything out of Emptiness, and knows Void doesn't work for him right now.
With the only Caster around being your sister, who'd rather keep you as ignorant of magic as possible in order to preserve her own importance, you weren't likely to get that information without experimentation. After all, the only attribute-based magic Circe taught you was the specific type of Transference that the Command Spells use, and that's not something Alberich would want to pursue; without your own source of magical energy and your own Servant, it's not useful.
>>
>>3857268
And, now that it's been revealed that solo practice is something with diminishing returns Alberich is more likely to swallow his pride and ask for help from the one highly talented magus he knows who doesn't have familial reasons to keep her magic knowledge from him.
>>
>>3857271
Soooo.....
Liliesviel it is then?

Assuming that Circe is going to remain unavailable basically forever. Because she's pretty obviously the best teacher around.
>>
>>3857284
Like, I probably would've considered Tsubaki, but
>your sister, who'd rather keep you as ignorant of magic as possible in order to preserve her own importance
And she's back to being worst girl.
>>
>>3857293
She never stopped being worst girl desu
>>
>>3857293
Oh come on, you must have already known how she felt about your learning magic. Besides, it's cute. She's jealous of her only point of pride.
>>
>>3857301
That's a very generous interpretation of a good for nothing oni NEET
>>
>>3857298
You know that with that revelation it's highly likely she wouldn't have told us about Circe and Adelheid even if she knew where they were?
Considering she knew their true names and that seems like a function of her scrying book.
Or how she's still yet to actually tell us about her Noble Phantasms.
I call bullshit on her ever giving us the full details in our dreams and us ONLY forgetting the Noble Phantasms.

She's on her way to a Dead End of her own, it seems.
>>
>>3857301
Not to that degree though.
Also her "point of pride" is what, being the third best magus we know.
Four including Harris.
Kind of pathetic.
>>
>>3857311
What a waste of over 300 souls.
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
I'll change my vote for the sake of keeping things moving.
>>
>>3857315
1. Circe
2. ???
3. Harris? Kōrakuhime? You haven't seen the former do any magic.
>>
>>3857315
At least she's working on a solution to the Saber problem. If she doesn't deliver then she's officially a freeloader.
>>
>>3857322
Or rather, you've seen Harris do one magical thing, and don't know a thing about what it was.
>>
>>3857322
I'm including Odin in the list Sweets.

As for Harris, I mean, she did lose completely to him.

>>3857323
Yeah, something that Sakura with Manjew assistance did easily.
>>
>>3857328
Points of comparison:
A former goddess of magic, and the greatest witch in history
The God of Magic (and War, Death, Wisdom, etc.)
The manifestation of all evil

Those are some pretty high bars to hold up, anon.
>>
>>3857332
If she didn't want to be compared to Gods and Goddesses, maybe she shouldn't have called herself one.
>>
>>3857339
Yes, because Matsuda totally chose to be a bishie.
>>
>>3857339
Fair point.
Still, I think you're being a bit harsh. Worst girl is clearly

...huh. Now that I think about it, I can't bring myself to call any of the characters I've written "worst." Having created them, I'm partial to all of them. Think what you like, then, I guess.
>>
>>3857345
Anon she literally called herself "Bewitching divinity of calamitous death, Kōrakuhime".
>>
>>3857348
I don't really think she's definitively worst girl.
I don't really know who I'd give that title to.
She's probably a candidate for it though.
>>
Alright, clearly between noon and 5PM pacific time is when the least of you folks are online. I'm noting that down here in the hope that I'll actually remember it and stop updating during those hours.
>>
File: Updated for accuracy.png (725 KB, 1041x1341)
725 KB
725 KB PNG
Updated an image for the sake of accuracy.
Or uh
The lack thereof.
>>
>>3857412
This image is the quintessence of the current state of the quest.
>>
>>3857412
ha
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Take the role of guardian, as a family servant, and tell him she's indisposed. Hear whatever he has to say yourself. (Pride)
Wonder what type of servant hamlet would be
Seems like he would be a good fit for avenger
>>
>>3857176
>>3857168
>>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
May as well switch.
>>
>>3857293
Now anon, you're being a tad unfair
Circe did stuff like that and nobody gave a shit
>>
>>3857454
She took teaching us magic very seriously, at least.
Also, the relationship dynamic was totally different.
I mean, we technically owe Circe our life for saving us all the time.
And for teaching us magic.
And for helping us understand how to human.

Meanwhile, we owe Tsubaki absolutely nothing and basically permit her continued existence due to both (potentially misplaced) compassion and that she might have her uses.
>>
>>3857469
This may be a bit of a stretch, but if it wasn't for tsubaki we probably would have ended up getting gangraped in the matsuda encounter and I'm not sure what would happen in that whole harris situation
She has her uses and investing in her was a good idea, she just thinks she's almost completely useless and wants to maximize every advantage she has so we don't throw her away like her old family did
It's bit annoying at the moment, but overall understandable
>>
>>3857479
Honestly, Alberich deserved to die in that encounter for failing his perception check like a fucking retard. We should've at least looted the dead priests for whatever bullshit they were using that let them do that.

As for Harris, we wouldn't have noticed Saber's presence without Tsubaki and would've continued on to our intended target.

>she just thinks she's almost completely useless and wants to maximize every advantage she has so we don't throw her away like her old family did
*laughs in High Speed Divine Words*
Yeah, good luck with that one, Kōrakuhime.
>>
>>3857001

Then why the fuck do you keep giving us the option then?
>>
>>3857501
Agency? I give you the option to do all kinds of things. That's a core part of it being a quest.
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
>>
>>3857501
The solution here is obvious.
We go to the superior sister and ask her to teach us about magic.
Training on our own isn't gonna be too useful, annoyingly. I mean, we could just kill Tsubaki now for her witchcraft skill and track down Matsuda for his training enchancing skill if we actually wanted to win
Until we reunite with Circe (never ever lmao.), I guess we can ask Lily to teach us magic.
Eventually, actually sparring against Saber (if she ever fucking cooperates) might also provide some benefit.

>>3857001
>ability to gain power from fighting
If you're talking about the ritual, that's just something that apparently anyone can use unless it only works for us so well because of Conceptual Biology
>>
>>3857514
>that's just something that apparently anyone can use
It's part of the Shijou family magic crest, remember? Usually magus families are pretty careful about that stuff getting out.
>>
>>3857168
>>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)

I'm mildly concerned by the possibility that an enemy mage may be body-puppetting him to assassinate Ayaka, but we can surely cross that bridge if we come to it.
>>
>>3857518
Sure, but it's not exactly exclusive to Alberich like Matsuda's training skill is.
Or Kōrakuhime's (probably empowering) second noble phantasm.

Meanwhile, Alberich, the sibling with the greatest desire to grow more powerful (It's literally his wish) gets nothing for himself to actually represent that.

Hell, if Ayaka had any other Servant, she could still use that ritual.
>>
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>>3857168
>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)

Y'all checking out the Babylonia animu that drops soon?
>>
>>3857526
All we got from the Akeldama empowerment were average stats for a Saber
B rank magic resistance that has never actually once been relevant once outside of offhanded "Wow it sure was hard to bypass your magic resistance" style comments when they accomplish such a feat in like 30 seconds.
Our Riding is absolutely trash for no real reason.
A skill we actually already had since effectively the start of the quest.
Low ranked Eye of the Mind (true) (in the grand scheme, C is pretty low)
Terrible Charisma, completely useless skill.

A sword that can cut through anything when activated (a decent noble phantasm, I guess)
and
A bigger version of a cloak we already owned.

The mechanics of the empowerment feel super arbitrary and... kinda lame.
>>
>>3857168

>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
>>
>>3857168
>[ ] Inform Ayaka telepathically that Yumigawa Rushorou is here to see her, and ask what she'd like you to do. (Compassion)
>>
>>3857253
>He's still mad about that
Anons are retarded, the reasonable vote(s) lost. Go figure.

>>3857268
Still sucks tbqhf.a.m.

>>3857271
Your comment about training being useless earlier is still completely inscrutable to me

>>3857293
Never stopped

>>3857301
She's worst gorl, but 2x now.

>>3857309
Based

>>3857317
Amen

>>3857322
>Magic lets him dab on servants
Automagically a superior magus

>>3857332
Thems the breaks when you're a servant. Alberich is a top tier saber, but is at best the fourth strongest servant in the war he was summoned into.

>>3857412
L M A O

>>3857469
>>3857454
Circe was always advocating for Alberich, and never took actively steps to diminish his odds of victory in the war.

>>3857514
We should have killed worst sister when we first met her, but muh family

>>3857518
Your logic about Matsuda's training being a balance for Alberich empowerment still makes no sense for anyone but you. Like, I get it from a QM balancing perspective but it is just a hot maymay for us.

>>3857564
Of all the things in-quest to complain about, this is actually the worst to. There's literally nothing we can do about it but bitch. As they say, find a new slant.
>>
You know I kinda want to try summoning something again, but this time try and get a catalyst of some kind.

Maybe get a strain of Odin's hair or whatever, that could give us something fun. Like his horse.
>>
>>3858056
let's use our own hair as the catalyst and try to summon ourself from a timeline where we died and entered the throne of heroes
>>
>>3858069
Gee Ayaka why do you have TWO of the same servant?

Wait what if we absorbed ourselves?
>>
>>3858078
>Wait what if we absorbed ourselves?
Conceptual Biology: A++
>>
>>3858095
Would we also get our alternate timeline's memories?
>>
>>3858105
Probably, it's his life story.
The real question is this: what happens if we put one Heilig on another Heilig?
>>
>>3858131
If anything it would become Super Heilig or Heilig + or something. But why merge when you could have two Heiligs?
>>
>>3858156
Because then we can't use Gungnir with our left hand.
>>
>>3857858
>Of all the things in-quest to complain about, this is actually the worst to. There's literally nothing we can do about it but bitch. As they say, find a new slant.
I'm making up for the bitching that should have occured months ago when we were given our stats with nothing to really compare them to and just had to accept them.
Then here comes Kourakuhime and she has far superior personal skills to Alberich's garbage.
Then here comes Matsuda and his personal skills are so broken it's painful.
I want to kill Matsuda out of spite, just because of that skill.
And then there's Alberich.
D rank Charisma
C rank EotM

6 days is all it took Matsuda to get that far. Effectively Surpassing "biggest portion of the energy" (lol) and the guy who had powered up massively by using the ritual on two additional Servants and only lost the fight because of his own bad luck with a shadow tendril (and poor judgement??? Nice EotM (True): A faggot).

Matsuda losing to us with the abilities he was given was both unfulfilling and illogical.

Then Sweets got upset because players complained about Matsuda being fucking retardedly busted.

Who fucking needs a hyperbolic time chamber when you can train in a church for like 6 WHOLE DAYS?
>>
God, fuck it, I give up. When you lose it's frustrating, when you win it's unfulfilling, there's just nothing good I can write.
>>
>>3858244
Look, I'm only saying that against Matsuda in particular, him making a mistake is kinda contrary to what EotM A should've done.

Usually, fights are quite fulfilling, but the Matsuda fight is one I personally didn't enjoy.
Regardless, the win against Matsuda didn't feel like a win.
>>
>>3858244
Don't take a couple of assholes words to heart.

Is it a bit frustrating to lose? Yeah but that is not really bad writing but more like your giving us a hurdle to overcome with our decisions.

Unfulfilling win? Nah it means we have passed that hurdle with ease.
>>
Maybe its just me, but complaints have been consistent. There is no bitching about "unfulfilling wins" its all about not winning at all if based on personal merit.
>>
>>3858244
>there's just nothing good I can write.
You can't please everyone and this is the path you chose when you made Rushorou a Servant.
You missed out on the waifu wars you sought and instead got classic Fate powerlevelfaggotry.

The entirety of Awakening is a very enjoyable read and a good quest, there are just some issues I have with some design choices and plot developments.
>>
>post 1444
4 is death
>>
>>3858269
>You missed out on the waifu wars you sought and instead got classic Fate powerlevelfaggotry.

BAD END
>>
>>3858306
But I don't know. I feel like I'm happy with the way the quest is going, I just wish I could find a way not to have it be so unsatisfying for you folks.
>>
>>3858309
Sweets, we read your stuff because we read what you want to write, not what we want written.

If you're enjoying yourself, then it's all that matters.
>>
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>>3858317
>If you're enjoying yourself
That appears to be the problem, doesn't it?
>>
As you look the young, unnervingly recognizable man in the face, you pause for just a moment, keeping him on the stoop. During that pause, you reach out to Ayaka. After all, Yumigawa may have quite a connection to you, but there's no reason to assume he knows that. If he's here to see your Master, as a fellow student, it's her decision whether to meet him or not. Why he's come while afternoon classes are still going is a mystery to you though.

'Miss Ayaka,' you begin, 'your student council president has come to see you about an academic matter. He asks if you're well enough to receive visitors. Would you like me to show him in?'

'Yumigawa-senpai? He's here?' The shocked reply is immediate. 'Um, yes, sure, you can bring him in. I guess he thinks I'm sick, that's no good. Let's see...' The message fades as Ayaka shifts from thoughts she means to share to those that are private.

Having spent the moment of conversation appearing to give Yumigawa the thorough looking-over of an officious and dutiful servant, you nod and give him an infinitesimal suggestion of a smile. "Yes," you say, "I believe she will receive you. Please come in, Yumigawa-san."

He thanks you, returning your thin smile too angle for angle, and it's unnerving to see the muscles in his face quirking into the same false expression you've used so many times to put pleasantry on antipathy. Of course, most of those times were him, really; they're only his memories placed in you; but everyone has their own particular manner of facial expression, and to see your habits replicated precisely is strangely chilling in a way that simply being told you were a replica never was.

You quickly turn away, not wanting to look at that eerie similarity any longer, and say, "Miss Ayaka will be waiting in the sitting room. Please follow me." Without waiting for a reply, you stalk off down the entrance hall. He catches up soon enough though, for you hear the door shut behind you and his footsteps following briskly along behind. You can't shake the feeling that he's staring at you, adding to the discomfort of the situation. No doubt he's wondering about Ayaka's living circumstances, having a butler, and about your appearance. All the same, though, you find yourself wishing the doppelganger would take an interest in something else, if not obligingly disappear.

After what feels like an interminable walk through the front hall, you arrive at the living room, where Ayaka lounges on the couch, waiting for Yumigawa with that air of forced casualness that the unpracticed liar has when trying to suppress their nervousness.

"Ojou-sama," you say, "you have a caller. Yumigawa Rushorou, who seems to be from your high school." You introduce him with a courtly swirl of one flattened hand.
>>
"Thank you, Saber-san," Ayaka says, feigning calmness with her tone as well as expression. "Please sit down, Yumigawa-senpai. What brings you to my home? At such an early hour, too." As Yumigawa walks over to sit down across from her, you retreat to the kitchen to prepare tea like a proper manservant, observing their conversation through the manor's bounded field as you do so.

"You have been," Yumigawa pauses for a moment, seeking a correct word. "...absent for longer than many, so I don't believe you will have heard; but we've had mounting absences at Kyoutenkan Academy. Today, nearly half of the student body was absent, enough to cause a cancellation. It seems to be due to the outbreak they're discussing on the news; most students have had parents contact the academy, to explain the absence. There are those, however, who have been absent without contacting our faculty." An outbreak? You haven't heard anything about this. Is Tokyo hosting some new disease? You curse yourself inwardly for not paying attention to mundane news.

"My goodness! An outbreak? Of what?" Ayaka sounds as surprised as you feel, and promptly goes to pump Yumigawa for information.

"You haven't heard?" Yumigawa raises an eyebrow at this, and dry surprise is in his level tone. "Why, it's been all over the news. A mysterious new disease is sweeping through the city, with the only observable symptom being extreme fatigue. It seems to be quite the medical mystery." For all that, Yumigawa doesn't seem to be much moved. Of course he wouldn't, knowing you. No doubt Yumigawa has simply observed the mysterious illness as one more event in his life to be experienced and observed, no more emotionally stirring than the weather.

"Oh, that's awful," Ayaka sighs, lamenting the condition of her classmates as you bring in the tea. "And I guess the school must have thought I had it; but why are you here, Yumigawa-senpai?"

"As you guessed, we were worried about your potential case," Yumigawa says, "The student council has been assisting the faculty in going around to all of the homes of students absent without information and finding out their condition. In this kind of circumstance, with people potentially in a condition that leaves them unable to seek medical care, we felt it was the least we could do for our students."

"Thank you for your concern," Ayaka says, "but as you can see I'm just fine. You must have others you need to visit, no?"

"Just one moment." A note of cold firmness creeps into Yumigawa's voice. "What has been keeping you away from school, Shijou? In light of the health circumstances we had overlooked it, but it is unseemly for a class representative to have such a prolonged absence without notice."
>>
"I haven't been able to come because I've been kept home with an urgent family matter," Ayaka replies without a blink. That takes you by surprise; you hadn't thought the girl capable of lying well, but there she is playing it off as smooth as silk. "I'm afraid we've had some disputes over ownership. People have been challenging my brother's claim to inherit, after all this time. Can you believe that? Oh, but I'm sorry, you don't want to hear about that business. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back in a week or two."

"I see," Yumigawa says, still eying Ayaka suspiciously. "In that case, I'll be on my way. Before I go, though, a suggestion: be careful about rumours. People tend to suspect things, when a young girl lives with an unrelated man."

Ayaka goes pale at the comment and in a moment you've stepped between them, sliding up like a ghost. "I believe that will be all, Yumigawa-san," you say, putting steel into your tone. "Let me show you out."

"Of course, thank you," he replies, giving you a damnably civil smile. As if he hadn't just been blackening your name! Still, in the scheme of things it's nothing to lose your temper over. Probably he's even well-intentioned, where the reputation of one of his fellow students is concerned. You decide to let the matter go there, and say nothing more as you walk him out to the front door. Just as you arrive, though, he turns back to face you for a moment before leaving and says softly, "Have a care. I don't believe being a servant suits a man like you." Then he's off, striding towards the front gate and off to the home of his next sickly student.

>[ ] Go back in and return to your studies of magic. There's still plenty of time to pursue another subject before dark. (Duty)

>[ ] Shut the door and head back inside to discuss something with one of your compatriots. (Ayaka, Kōrakuhime, Futodoki, or Arturia? About what?) (Trait dependent)

>[ ] You didn't like that at all. Surreptitiously follow Yumigawa, and see if you can discover whether he's really what he seemed. (Pride)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3858317
Thanks, anon. That really does lift my spirits. In the same way, though, my enjoyment of the quest in large part comes from the feeling that you folks are enjoying what I write. So I'll keep thinking about how to make fight scenes more satisfying.
>>
>>3858309
It's definitely an issue with how fights go down honestly.
Due to the nature of our own abilities, the only way a fight can go and make any sort of narrative sense is

Survive, deal no damage > Survive, deal no damage >win/retreat

Which sure, it works for other characters (like Shirou in FSN, or Rushorou in Akeldama.) Because they aren't squaring off against their supposed equals.
You can't keep both the feeling of the underdog pulling an unexpected win off and still give the impression that Alberich is actually strong.

Like, I understand the reasons why but it still sucks for the players.
I don't really know what to suggest to fix this either.
>>
>>3858337
This is what's known as writing yourself into a corner, I guess.
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] You didn't like that at all. Surreptitiously follow Yumigawa, and see if you can discover whether he's really what he seemed. (Pride)

>Kourakuhime is making everyone ill
The Emiyas aren't gonna appreciate that.

Ok Yumigawa you little shit, what are you up to?
>>
>>3858343
>>Kourakuhime is making everyone ill
We're gonna have to do something about that; we've put it off for too long.
>>
>>3858340
Pretty much.
This is one of the reasons anons are so desperate to train, too, as Alberich seems weak despite everything, and stuff like Matsuda really drives it home.

This is the major flaw with Alberich.
As a character, his ambition and powerset would be far more in tune with a character in the role of the main antagonist, where his abilities almost always work and represent a significant wall for the protagonists to overcome.

As a main protagonist though, these very same abilities hardly ever work in order to maintain the narrative integrity of the story, giving the impression that he's actually kinda weak.
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] You didn't like that at all. Surreptitiously follow Yumigawa, and see if you can discover whether he's really what he seemed. (Pride)

Though let it be known I REALLY want to mess with Artoria. Probably by just sitting there reading a book. Just something to annoy her
>>
>>3858363
We can go bully the dumb knight when we get back from following ourselves.

Why don't we give her some food?
Like, some bread. I don't know.
>>
I have two ideas on what is about to happen.

1. Real Yumigawa is a master, and the master of Assassin.

2. It's Circe in disguise.

I kinda hope its Assassin because I doubt Alberich can properly calm down the Yandere goddess right now if she is has gotten to the point of just showing up and talking a bit of shit.
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] Send Futodoki to keep an eye on Yumigawa.
I don't see a reason not to use our summoned familiar.
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] Send Futodoki to keep an eye on Yumigawa.
>[ ] Go back in and return to your studies of magic. There's still plenty of time to pursue another subject before dark. (Duty)
>>3858381
Maybe Yumigawa is actually Assassin in disguise, and he was spying on us.
Maybe he's Odin. Anybody could be Odin in disguise, really -- I suspect that Ayaka was replaced long ago and Odin is trying to replace all the other Masters as well so he can control the flow of the War.
>>
What if Assassin is actually Odin, but not Lancer Odin, a different aspect like the trickster wanderer.
>>
>>3858427
this anon is highly intelligent
>>
>>3858427
What if Assassin is Loki and he has been working with his blood brother from the very beginning?

but wait what if everyone is Odin?
>>
>>3858434
what if we are actually fenris and only odin and loki know it
>>
>>3858435
What if Judas was actually Loki and we are "fenris"?

What if this whole thing is so Odin and Loki can kickstart Ragnarok properly instead of it being halted. So the world and its mana can be reset.
>>
>>3858438
>the ritual is just a placebo, we are actually gaining the power through Soul Eater
>we can't use any of his powers because Dromi, Leyding and Gleipnir are sealing most of it
>we want to eat all the people of tokyo
>>
>>3858343
>>3858363
Guys, we shouldn't be following him personally when we have better things to do and have no aptitude for sneaking around. We also have an ally who's good at sneaking around (illusions, transformation, moving in shadows) and Tsubaki's probably done with her explanation by now.
We can just show Futodoki what Yumigawa looks like, tell him to do some investigation and go back to studying something useful.
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] You didn't like that at all. Surreptitiously follow Yumigawa, and see if you can discover whether he's really what he seemed. (Pride)
>>3858438
Oh boy time to reveal my autism
This train of thought kind of runs into something i've been turning over in my head, which is my guess as to who our alberich would be when inserted into myth. I'd say he'd be a weapon made by loki in order to win the vanir war. After he did his shit and killed half of the vanir population effectivly winning the war itself, he was given aelfhime as a reward(thus making him a "king of fey" of sorts, like the original alberich, while also giving a somewhat passable explanation for why the second miracle works like it does). Then at some point he ends up in a feud withe the aesir, gets his ass kicked by odin himself, and is imprisoned in the roots of yggdrasil until the coming of ragnarok. Perhaps he takes surtr's place in the event? Not sure how to wrap all our waifu's into this though
>>
>>3858463
Alfheim*
That was a hard botch
>>
>>3858421
Support.
>>
>>3858421
Support
>>
>>3858331
>>3858421
>>
>>3858331
>>[ ] Send Futodoki to keep an eye on Yumigawa.
>>[ ] Go back in and return to your studies of magic. There's still plenty of time to pursue another subject before dark. (Duty)
>>
>>3858331
>[ ] Send Futodoki to keep an eye on Yumigawa
>[ ] Shut the door and head back inside to discuss something with one of your compatriots. (Ayaka)
Let's talk about optimizing the ritual, if there are ways to increase the net gain. How is our master doing? No intense weariness, no particular fear of what is to come in the war?
>>
>>3858581
I'll switch to this.
>>
So, lets talk about Harris. For one thing, lets assume he ISN'T Odin for the moment.

>As you climb you can hear a man, presumably Harris, shouting in an odd tone. He sounds excited and angry at the same time, so you can't quite place the emotion. From the sound of it, he's finishing a speech; though perhaps harangue would be the better term in this case. "...t power and technique is wasted on you, because you don't know a thing about real combat!"
There's something about his technique that screams of invulnerability. Vaisset couldn't do shit from range, Kōrakuhime couldn't do shit from range. It's something that nullifies any attacks...

>Kōrakuhime is flying through the air with her back to you. Not by her own volition, but sprawled out parallel to the rooftop, hurtling towards you as if thrown with enormous force. Over her body, you can see the roof in shambles. Spread about it at random are numerous outcroppings of cement, as if all but the base of a statue has been broken off. Littered on the ground between them, you can see shards of metal blades, bits of wood, burn marks, and other incongruously placed signs of a battle of magic. At the center of it all stands Harris, in the posture of a discus thrower.
... and increases relative strength immensely. The man seems to be lacking in offensive options, and as I recall it he does have the look of a boxer.

>Your blade whips out to take Harris' left arm, and at that moment, as you close within a meter of him, you slow. Suddenly half of your speed, half of the power behind your movements, is gone. At the same time, Harris moves with impossible speed for a human, reacting perfectly to your attack.
So it slows down his opponents, immensely speeds him up, both physically and mentally....

It smacks of time magic to me. That would explain his hasty retreat- that shit has to be draining on his circuits and his physical body, even with reinforcement. That kind of relative bullshit could explain his defense, but also his percieved inability to take the offensive. It's evidently not bounded-field work, so it has to be some kind of personal actor with a Kiritsugu-esque debuff against whoever he's fighting.
>>
>>3858679
>...and increases relative strength immensely. The man seems to be lacking in offensive options, and as I recall it he does have the look of a boxer.
Simple full-body reinforcement can explain that. Since he's a Sealing Designation Enforcer, one would expect mastery of some sort of hand-to-hand style or multiple styles.
>It smacks of time magic to me. That would explain his hasty retreat- that shit has to be draining on his circuits and his physical body, even with reinforcement. That kind of relative bullshit could explain his defense, but also his percieved inability to take the offensive. It's evidently not bounded-field work, so it has to be some kind of personal actor with a Kiritsugu-esque debuff against whoever he's fighting.
I also suspect some sort of time-altering magecraft from the specific use of the word "half" as well as his own increase in speed. The big red flag here is that he somehow overcame our Magic Resistance, which at rank B can significantly hinder even high thaumaturgy and rituals.
Now, if he's a Sealing Designation Enforcer his lineage must not be very old or powerful, because he'd be an aristocrat otherwise (and aristocrats are hardly likely to pursue this particular line of work), so his magecraft logically shouldn't be powerful enough to fuck around with a Servant like that unless he's some kind of freak; if he was a freak, though, he'd have a Sealing Designation of his own or would otherwise be too valuable for his position.
>>
>>3858679
>There's something about his technique that screams of invulnerability. Vaisset couldn't do shit from range, Kōrakuhime couldn't do shit from range. It's something that nullifies any attacks...
Remember how Ayaka said he was tearing apart Kōrakuhime's magic with his fists? A modern human shouldn't be able to destroy a complete spell, especially one who's not supposed to have super bullshit magecraft like I noted.
>>
It could be psychic? A modified channel of perception which effects reality.
>>
>>3858692
>>3858700
>Some kind of freak
A magic targeting type of attack? An "anti-magic" one might say. Can explode magical circuits in their entirety, explaining Vaisset's unfortunate end and his ability to tangibly interact with magic (which I admit I forgot about).

>>3858703
I don't think any magus psychic manipulation would be sufficient to jump straight through MR B.
>>
Obviously Harris is actually a Pseudo-Servant .
He's being possessed by the actual majority of Judas' soul.
>>
Honestly, I think just a simple rift slash should do him in. It could essentially just be a replay of Alberich's experience with Caladbolg, where Harris would just think to punch through the Saber's pathetic magic.
>>
>>3858706
>A magic targeting type of attack? An "anti-magic" one might say.
That sort of thing would be very famous and well-documented. Vaisset certainly would've known about it and warned us, since he apparently had contacts who can tell him about Lorelei's decision to send one of her own sex slaves-- I mean magic gunners.
>>3858707
>we're in the meta-akeldama
this makes so much sense holy fuck
>>
>>3858715
I mean, he is the latterday magus killer. Not like his targets could report his actions, being bloody chunks and all.
>>
>>3858733
>Not like his targets could report his actions
Yeah, but the Clock Tower must keep after-action reports.
>>
>>3858711
A question for you. What exactly do you suppose the projectile of one of those is?
Describe it in as much detail as you can.
I'm wondering how well I've communicated the things.
>>
>>3858745
It's a portal to the IN dimension, motile and sustained in realspace by a combination of the gods' will and Alberich's energy.
>>
>>3858745
I suppose it's a portal to the IN realm, so edges but the inside is a random portion of the IN realm. A moving portal cut?
>>
We should probably all our nekomata friend to take so precautions (concealing oneself, retreating from anything suspocious, etc.).
>>
>>3858745
A moving (or not moving if we want) portal to some region within the IN Realm, which is basically Heilig's edge used as a projectile
>>
>>3858762
>>3858763
>>3858770
Well, that's one thing I haven't made too confusing then. Glad we're on the same page.
>>
>>3858331
I support >>3858581
>>
>>3858715
>>we're in the meta-akeldama
>this makes so much sense holy fuck
Explain? I don't see it.
>>
>>3859007
It's a joke about Judas being the mastermind behind this grail war too.
>>
Looks like a majority want to send the familiar, and a majority of those who want that would like to pursue another bit of magical study. If anyone disputes that, please let me know.

Since I don't want to make you wait for me to write another update only to stop for another choice about what part of magic you'd like to study, I'll give you that choice now.

>[ ] Practice further forms of Nothingness manipulation.

>[ ] Browse the shelves, looking for new magical knowledge and techniques.

>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (specify Transference, Rejection, or Absorption).

>[ ] Search for books on magic that could have accomplished Harris' feat.

>[ ] Go looking for Vaisset's notes on elemental conversion.

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Search for books on magic that could have accomplished Harris' feat.
In particular, we should focus on books about Modern Magecraft and the likes. Stuff written recently, within a couple centuries, even though they might be rare in the Shijou library. Harris is unlikely to be an old-fashioned and conventional mage.
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (specify Transference, Rejection, or Absorption).
Absorption.
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with
rejection seems pretty cool ngl
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (Rejection).
>>
>>3859410

>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (specify Transference, Rejection, or Absorption).

Rejection
>>
Just out of curiosity, why rejection?
>>
>>3859502

Well what's your reasoning for absorption?
>>
>>3859506
I feel like when combined with our imaginary elements it could give some kind of control over spiritual bodies, possibly including our own body, other servants, or summoned creatures. I'm not 100% confident though honestly.

Here's what Circe said about attributes way back when, just for reference.

>Absorption is the principle of taking something conceptually into yourself, making it subservient to your will. When used with the element of water, this can grant all sorts of power over the bodies of living creatures, but you'll be using the elements of Void and Sky instead. Sky-based absorption is primarily useful for things like the subversion of an enemy's magic, whereas Void can be used for direct attacks on the soul and other immaterial things. As for rejection, it's the attribute typically used in bounded fields, or barriers. Again, though, since you lack alignment towards the physical elements, we'll be focusing on conceptual rejection using the imaginary elements. By working with those, we should be able to construct barriers and curses that deny the material, or apply the definition of impossibility.
>>
>>3859432
Would an unconventional mage's techniques be in any book though?
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>>3859506
Also there may be a chance that if we learn the absorption attribute and then collaborate with Tsubaki, we could gain control over Saber.
>>
>>3859523

When you put it like that, it does seem pretty useful. However what was there about Transference?
>>
>>3859410
>>[X] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (Absorption)
Negating enemy spells sounds like a nice skill to unlock.
>>
>>3859410
Switching >>3859495 to Absorption.

>>3859559
Rejection could probably do that too, to be fair.
>>
>>3859544
All we really learned from her about it was control of the energy supply to Circe and Adelheid. I think she mentioned transference could imbue objects with power as well though.
>>
>>3859544
Turns out the compassionfags made us miss out on training from Circe for what else transference could be used for
>>
>>3859410

Switching >>3859496 to Absorption

>>3859588

DAMNABLE COMPASSIONFAGS, HOW DARE THEY RUIN OUR QUEST FOR POWER AND CONQUEST
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (Absorption).
>>
>>3859410
>[ ] Seek out volumes pertaining to one of the three magical attributes Circe suggested you'd be compatible with (Absorption).
>>
After seeing the intruding student out, you turn and briskly return to the living room, where Ayaka sits drinking tea. She looks a bit tired, after her conversation with Yumigawa, as if it put a great emotional strain on her which she'd kept hidden until now. Of course, you realize, she must be feeling concern for her fellow citizens. No doubt this "mysterious epidemic" has counted among its victims any number of her teenage friends. Perhaps you should lend an ear to her troubles.

That will be for later, though. At the moment a more pressing matter weighs on your mind, so you smile and nod as you pass through the living room without a word. Any comment could drag you into small talk, after all, and time is of the essence. You head down to the basement at a brisk pace, looking for your new comrade. You hadn't guessed you'd have a use for Futodoki so quickly, but now you're glad to have him. You need someone to shadow Yumigawa Rushorou, and who could be better for that sort of task than a cat yōkai?

Yumigawa's attitude didn't sit right with you, and the more you think about it the more suspicious it seems. There was the surprise at your appearance, for a start. You've appeared with Ayaka at school, so rumors about her having a foreign butler should have been circulating. Yumigawa may not be a gossip, but you don't remember him as deaf enough to miss such a strange occurrence; and if rumours about you were going around at all they surely mentioned your albino looks, so that couldn't have come as such a shock either. Then there was the speed with which he accepted Ayaka's claimed excuse, and the emphasis he put on the word "servant". None of these alone is certain evidence that he knows more than he should, but all the same they are odd. Judas' mention of "resonance" echoes in your mind...

These thoughts are put from your mind as you arrive in the basement. Scanning the room, you find the one you're looking for curled up on Vaisset's desk, at his ease beside a hardworking Kōrakuhime. She's still deep in examination of mysterious geometric shapes, though the shape of the paper stacks around her seems to have been altered since you were last down here.

"Pardon me, Kōrakuhime," you say, reaching past her shoulder to slide an arm under the lazy feline and scoop him up off the desk. "I need to set our new friend about his first task."

"Go ahead, Ani-ue... best of luck," comes the distant reply. Kōrakuhime doesn't even look up. The girl is truly buried in her work, you suppose.

Futodoki comes awake as you drop him to the floor, eight legs scrambling into order as he falls. So the saying about cats' composure when landing applies to those with extra limbs too, you think wryly. He doesn't seem to find any humor in the situation, though, for he gives you a look you can almost be sure is an angry glare. Those three slitted pupils somehow convey enough emotion to make up for the expressionless remainder of the cat's face.
>>
"What'd you do that for," he snarls, "can't you wake somebody up more comfortably?"

"Not someone who makes his bed on a worktable," you shoot back. "Follow me, if you're serious about helping us. I have your first task."

"Damn it, you arrogant-" The cat seems to think better of it at the last moment, and starts over. "Listen, you may be sustaining me here, but it'd be no hardship for me to be sent home. That isn't a threat. I don't mind helping you win this War of yours, but you ought to treat me decently if we're going to work together. I'm not your pet, Alberich."

"I'll bear that in mind," you say, "but do try to sleep at more appropriate times." Despite his outburst, Futodoki follows you without further complaint up to the living room, and then the second flight of stairs as you continue upwards. Once you've brought him to a second-floor window overlooking the front yard and street, you explain. "Now then, Futodoki," you begin, "I need you to follow a young man, go unnoticed while doing so, and report his doings to me."

"That isn't difficult," the cat replies smugly, "you do a good job fitting the task to the person. Who, when, and where?"

"The young man in question is Yumigawa Rushorou. He's an 18-year-old human with black eyes and hair, glasses, and slightly androgynous features; definitely either handsome or pretty. He's wearing a dark school uniform, and just after leaving this house turned left up the street. He shouldn't have gone far. Return around midnight if you observe nothing unusual, but if there's something I need to be made aware of earlier or that you must remain later to observe, do so."

"Good, that's just about all the information I could want. I'll see you later, then." With that, the cat slips out of the window and drops silently to the shrubs below, seeming to blend into the shadows cast by the vegetation. You don't even see him emerge onto the street, just feel his presence fade away.

With the suspicious mystery of Yumigawa's behavior hopefully to be resolved, you can return to the important matter of your studies. You know now that attempting to manifest Void or Emptiness through pure elementalism is relatively useless, so your studies will have to be on other matters. As you return to the Shijou library, you cast your mind back to the conversations you had with Circe about magic, back in Judas' Akeldama. She told you then that she would teach you how to apply three useful attributes to your energy: Transference, Rejection, and Absorption. Perhaps it's this attribute-based magic that you should study now, if you want to make Emptiness useful.
>>
Which of the three should you focus on, though? You ponder the question as you walk. Transference enabled you to fine-tune the transmission of energy from yourself to your Servants, so presumably its more general applications all have to do with the charging of objects or individuals with magical energy. Since you don't produce your own energy, though, and all of your other abilities already drain Ayaka's, pursuing magic that will further swell your energy consumption is likely unwise. Rejection, next, seems to be primarily concerned with constructing barriers. You don't doubt it would be a useful ability to have, but you do already have an ally highly specialized in bounded fields. You don't doubt Kōrakuhime's facility with those extends to the creation of barriers, so studying Rejection at the moment would likely be redundant. All that remains to be considered is Absorption, the attribute which enables one to create magic that binds by taking the power of another into one's own.

Decision made, you comb through the shelves of the Shijou library, looking for any books on the execution of that attribute. Your hopes aren't particularly high, given that the knowledge is more specific than the basic elementalism you've studied before, and so more likely to be the private province of certain magus lineages. Worse, the generalized books all seem to have been the property of the Vaisset family, if the extreme opacity of the Shijou journals is anything to go by, and being a dueling family you can't imagine they had much use for binding magic.

Still, you search, and after poring over almost the whole of the collection your dedication is rewarded with a boon in the form of An Encyclopedia of Formations for the Binding of Spirits, an aging tome that appears to be a Meiji-era translation of a far older French grimoire. The illustrations are detailed down to the cracks in the original's parchment, and the text is often broken by [indecipherable], but nevertheless you apply yourself with a will to the only information on binding magic in the library that doesn't lie within the sacrosanct pages of the Shijou family's personal chronicles.

After a few hours dedicated study, you come away weary but enlightened. Magic circles, it seems, are essentially tools to draw in and direct magical energy that exists in the world into certain formations, which are conducive to the demonstration of attributes that have been applied to the energy within the mind of the magus by means of the self-hypnosis of incantation. Thus, highly complex magical circles are created to draw in the world's Mana and enact potent ritual magic with it. You can infer, then, that magi who formulate use their own Od and short incantations are formulating the magic into the shapes that a magic circle would dictate within themselves, and applying simpler configurations of attributes appropriate to the simpler shape taken by the energy.
>>
With this in mind, you then proceeded to analyze the various magic circles in the Encyclopedia for their points of commonality, and you're fairly certain that you were able to isolate the particular structure that lends the attribute of Absorption to a particular manifestation of magical energy. By holding the Od within yourself in that structure and manifesting it as Emptiness, then, you should be able to apply the soul-binding Emptiness magic that Circe once described to you! Of course, without a test subject this remains theoretical.

Coming out of the trance-like state of reading, memorization, analysis, and formulation of new technique, you blink groggily to clear your vision as you set aside the book. There's no outside light in the windowless library, but you don't doubt that the deep golden of sunset would be the light's tone if there were. Joints popping, you pry yourself out of the chair you've been ensconced in, stretch, and make your way out to the corridor.

>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)

>[ ] Head down to the basement to chat with Kōrakuhime about her work on Arturia and your most recent studies. (Duty/Pride)

>[ ] Pay your prisoner a visit in her magically formulated cell. Perhaps she's ready to be more cooperative now. (Write in anything in particular you'd like to say.) (Pride)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Head down to the basement to chat with Kōrakuhime about her work on Arturia and your most recent studies. (Duty/Pride)
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)
Surely it's not just Tsubaki's energy demand from the leyline that's affecting all those people. She hardly uses her magic at all.
>>
So was I actually right that Absorption could help us bind Saber to our will?

If so, how would we supply her with energy? Could she continue to use Harris as a source of energy while we somehow block her from receiving any of the effects of his command seals? We're obviously reaching the limit of the local leylines.
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Pay your prisoner a visit in her magically formulated cell. Perhaps she's ready to be more cooperative now. (Ask about the Emiyas, also ask for more info on the Fifth War and how Harris is somehow more powerful than she is.) (Pride)
Also give her some food, she might be our prisoner, but that's no reason to act like such a brute.
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)
>>
>>3859888
>So was I actually right that Absorption could help us bind Saber to our will?
It does seem that way, doesn't it?
>If so, how would we supply her with energy?
That'll definitely be an issue for you folks to work out in that case.
>>
>>3859888
>If so, how would we supply her with energy?
I'm thinking of a pyramid scheme where a bunch of people donate tiny amounts of energy and recruiting more people lets you get away with giving less energy.
>>
>>3859794
>[ ] Go and see Ayaka to discuss the visit from your other self. (Compassion)
>>
>>3859513
>Absorption is the principle of taking something conceptually into yourself, making it subservient to your will.
Hey, you know what this reminds me of? The Shijou eatem ritual.
>>
>>3859794
>>[ ] Head down to the basement to chat with Kōrakuhime about her work on Arturia and your most recent studies. (Duty/Pride)
>>
>>3859807
>>3859813
>>3859877
>>3859952
>>3860140
Go and see Ayaka: 4
>>3859833
>>3860173
Go and see Tsubaki: 2
>>3859908
Go and see Artoria: 1

Give it your best, Artoria!
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>>3859794
Supporting this >>3859908
We kind of left her unattended for a while now, can't hurt to check to make sure she hasn't done anything sneaky.
>>3860078
If we can convince the Edelfelts to join us mana problems could be greatly mitigated.
I wonder if we could come up with some kind of bootleg command seal so non-combatant mages can contribute as mana-sources for the extra servants like K-Hime, Adelheid (if we find her) etc.
>>
>>3860295
>I wonder if we could come up with some kind of bootleg command seal
Not without a lot (A LOT) of improvement, but Circe can do that and probably designate other people as sources of energy as well.
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>>3860300
God I miss Circe.
I wonder what she's plotting.
>>
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>>3860303
>what she's plotting
Isn't this obvious?
>>
By the way, we have too few conspiracy theories.
>Everyone is actually Odin in disguise
>Ayaka=Manaka
>Alberich is Fenris V2
Too few conspiracy theories.
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>>3860306
You forgot the theory about us still being in Akeldama.
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>>3860362
that one is too much like the matrix, but OK
>Akeldama is a Matryoshka World
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>>3860306
You forgot
>everything is part of a grand plan to re-enact the Age of Gods
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>>3860421
That's just... true.
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>>3860484
It's still a conspiracy without confirmation.
>"why did you create us, Judas?!"
>"dunnolol."
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>>3860500
Didn't he say he just wanted to create a possibility for a return to the age of gods?
>>
If Awakening Mirror were a 2-D fighting game, Alberich would be such cancer.

>Unblockable super
>If you amplify the super, it's fullscreeb (dodgeable af tho)
>Full screen grapples
>Cucks zoners to death with cape
>Footsies for days
A grappling zoning-immune rushdown attacker. Cancer. Just wait till we get Bravery and up that grappling damage to the max.
>>
>>3860604
>"I have not repeated the same methods," Judas proclaims in a baritone that matches your volume, echoing off the stone walls. "Behold thyself, Alberich! I have, by my ritual, brought forth into this world a hero who can return the Age of Gods. Though you do not yet possess the capability, the potential is there." Excitement cooling, he returns to a more normal tone of voice. "Just as He chose the manner of His heroism, young man, it is your choice how you make use of that potential. Whether you let Age of Man run its course, open the gate for the return of divinity to the earth, or choose some other path which I have not foreseen, it makes no difference to me. I have already completed my role by the creation of this possibility. Now we have had enough talk of me, and of the past. Look to the future, young man. It is yours for the taking."

"Do what you want asshole, I don't care now."
Though if do "open the gate" to the return of the God's, I imagine Heilig might get a pretty significant buff in rank and power.
It is "The Key and the Gate" after all.

>>3860618
The only way to balance Alberich would be to have him start the fight with Luckeschwert which by performing a super with a charge time turns into Heilig for the rest of the Match.
>>
>>3860637
The hardest counter to Alberich is Achilles

>Can essentially teleport across full screen
>Every fucking blow is meme city
>Can only do chip damage to him without the divinity modifier
>Can dodge all zoning, even if it hits him divine zoning is impossible to find
Funnily enough though, Achilles is just like the rest of the Greeks in that pros at tournaments never use them regardless of their place on the tierlist.
>>
>>3860666
>Achilles
>not getting insta-killed by the Kenotis Ultimate
Lmao.
>>
>>3860684
>He doesn't know about the animation limitations.
Rewatch the Alberich-Roland match at the last tournament fag, Kenótis's hitbox is too small to get the hol horse. As we know, Achilles' regeneration is essentially full body. Kenótis is too minus of an ultimate to catch his whole body unless the player is literally blind. Despite the reputation, Achilles mains are not just mindless button-mashers.
>>
>>3860694
>not just using the Shadowbind Stunlock in order to position Achilles correctly.
He's got one of the slowest recovery times from Shadowbind in the game.
The only Alberich players that lose to Achilles are casuals that can't use him properly.

Besides Achilles' hitbox is small enough to fit easily.
>>
Now that it's October, I hope you folks are all looking forward to the final Servant of the Tokyo Grail War:
Assassin-class Elizabeth Bathory!
>>
>>3861186
Please god no
>>
>>3861186
As long as Animusphere doesn't show up with Solomon and hand everyone their asses, that's fine.
>>
>>3861211
It's 2019, that asshole is hopefully dead.

God damn, Animu Sphere.
What the fuck were they thinking?
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>>3861186
>Assassin-class Elizabeth Bathory!
WHY CAN'T THERE BE ANY NORMAL GIRLS IN OUR LIFE
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>>3861214
Well, for one thing, we decided to heelkick the "normal-est" girl we know in the forehead before having her brainwashed.
So that's probably why.
>>
>>3861214
You have Ayaka. What's wrong with her?
And yeah, as >>3861217 pointed out, there was Kikuko. You could have your sister find her and bring her back into the War, if you wanted.
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>>3861211
>Animusphere
That name always gets me. Watch out for the next family of magi to show up, the House Vitaecube.
>>
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>>3861222
>What's wrong with her?
Those trips won't dissuade my suspicion of you, Sweets.
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>>3861272
Suspicion of me? Shock! To think you could even conceive of such a thing! Why, when have I ever led you astray?
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>>3861287
At this point I just assume everything I know about this quest is a half-truth at best.
>>
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>>3861287
>>
After nearly a full day of intense magical study, the last thing you want to do now is discuss your sister's magical research with her, though you're sure it would be useful. More appealing is the notion of visiting Arturia, but though you've enjoyed the verbal sparring with her previously at the moment the prospect seems draining. No, you think, you need something to do to rest, something that won't necessitate much thought; and the most productive way of resting is no doubt to lend a sympathetic ear to your Master. You can't have her too emotionally compromised to properly attend to her duties during your next confrontation with a Servant, after all, and no doubt all you'll need to do if she's worrying about her mundane classmates is murmur a few platitudes and let her pour her heart out.

Unsure of where Ayaka might be, you reach out to the girl mentally. 'Miss Ayaka,' you begin, 'I noticed you appeared rather out of sorts after your conversation with Yumigawa. My apologies for brushing past you just then, I had to attend to an issue of magic which required my immediate attention. Would you like to discuss matters?'

'Sure, thanks. I'm in my room.' Ayaka's voice in your mind is glum as you'd expected, and from the curtness of her answer you gather this is definitely something to be discussed in person, if at all. That makes it all the more important that you hear out her troubles, though, so you lose no time in walking to the girl's bedroom. What greets you there is a sight of near-lifelessness.

Ayaka is splayed out half on and half off of her bed, lying on her side in a fetching outfit of cream cardigan, white blouse, and charcoal skirt that's quite ruined by her boneless posture, staring blankly at a space somewhere above and to the right of her door. At your entrance, she says, "Hi, Saber-san. Thanks for worrying about me," and gestures limply at a chair for you to be seated. If you were expecting more of a greeting you don't get it; her only further move is to roll fully onto her back.

"I see you're feeling yet more dejected than I had feared," you say in the most caring, gentlemanly voice you can summon up. "Why not share your concerns? Worried about your classmates, are you?"

"My classmates?" Ayaka sounds vaguely confused, so it seems that guess was off. "Oh, you mean about the epidemic, huh? No, that's probably just from too much Mana being used around here. It isn't a very big conflux here, you know, and the Holy Grail ritual is probably already taking up almost everything, so when people keep using ritual magic, people will start dropping off, right? And Yumigawa-senpai didn't say anything about fatalities, so they'll probably all be fine after the War is over."
>>
"I see," you say, nodding and showing understanding while inwardly surprised at the girl's cavalier attitude. It's one thing for you or Kōrakuhime to be unconcerned with human life, but you did expect Ayaka to be more worried. Is she truly that optimistic, or does she simply not care? It must be the former, she's such an ordinary girl. You can't imagine her dismissing the idea of her classmates dying out of indifference. If that's not the core of her mood, though, then you must ask, "in that case, what is it that has brought your spirits so low, Miss Ayaka?"

"It's just that," Ayaka begins, then pauses to sigh and start over. "Well, seeing Yumigawa-senpai like that, and making up an excuse for being absent, it made me think about the normal world. The life I left behind, you know? Then he left, and I just... sat there, without anything to do. I'm supposed to have stopped going to school so I could fight in the Holy Grail War, right? So why am I just sitting around with no purpose? The last few hours have just been a big empty space, just waiting around for something to happen, and I feel like, what am I doing with my life? Before, I was always moving forward towards something. Even if it was just a normal school life, I always had something to do and a reason for it. But now I'm just like baggage, dragging you down when we go out to fight and spending the rest of the time sitting here, waiting for you to need me. You and your 'sister' always have something to do, but I don't. I'm just... here." The whole complaint is addressed to the ceiling and delivered in a listless, dejected tone, finishing on a long sigh.

So that's it. Another one of her crises of direction and self-esteem. You'd hoped this problem of hers might have been resolved when you comforted the girl after meeting Liliesviel, but here it is to trouble you again. Nothing to be done, then, but to try and comfort her once more.

"I'm sorry, Miss Ayaka," you begin gently, getting to your feet and walking over to take her hand with a concerned expression, "I had no idea you were so troubled by not taking a more active role in our War preparation. As I've said before, you do play a vital role in battle, but if you're troubled by the time we spend here..." You trail off, biting your lip and doing your best to look put-upon by worry for her mental state, rather than frustration at it. Then an idea strikes.
>>
"Why don't you spend your free hours in your family library, reading the annals of your predecessors?" You fill your voice with excitement, hoping her spirits will be lifted in emulation. "I'm certain you haven't had time to read them all from the beginning, and familiarizing yourself would surely be an excellent way of improving your capabilities as a magus," you continue. "If you would step into the Moonlit World after this War, then to learn in full the lives of your ancestors and the knowledge they learned must surely be a more effective subject of study than the mundane arts taught at the school you once attended!"

"Would that really help you, Saber-san?" Finally Ayaka sits up and faces you, some light coming back into her countenance even as she remains uncertain.

"It would be impossible for me not to be heartened at my Master broadening her knowledge of magic," you answer, keeping up your gleaming smile and pressing her hand in yours. "The important thing, however, is that it will help you, Miss Ayaka. If you deepen your connection to your family's heritage and improve yourself as a magus, you will be working towards your future once again."

"Yeah," she says, managing a faint smile, "I guess you're right." For a moment you two remain that way, until her eyes drop and she seem to notice her hand in yours for the first time. With a start she yanks it out of your grip as a red blush spreads across her cheeks. "A-anyway," she says, eyes wobbling back and forth, "it's getting dark, isn't it? What do you think we should do for the War tonight?"

Ayaka has a point. Behind the gauzy curtains that hang over her window, you can see the sun rapidly dipping below the horizon. In a few hours the city will be asleep, and the surviving contestants in the Holy Grail War will be taking to the streets, seeking bloodshed. Assassin is somewhere out there, still a faceless unknown. Archer will be prowling in search of the captured Saber, and no doubt more active with the matched partner who's been his fetter removed. Matsuda and Antaglio will surely be hunting you again, trying to restore order to the bizarre thing that the War has become. Emiya may be looking for you as well, or he may still be injured; you can't be sure.

Harris, now, what will he try? Will he think his War lost, and flee to the shelter of the Church? Surely not, by his confidence when you last fought. Will he attempt to track you down, then, and rescue his Servant? Again the idea seems improbable. Who would attempt to attack a pair of Servants, one of them a Caster, in their own base of operations? Perhaps he has some other scheme that you can't guess at; the man certainly seems to be full of surprises. Then there are Odin and Liliesviel. Like as not, they'll spend tonight as they have most of those previous, watching the War from their tower and waiting for the last survivor to challenge them. What, then, are you to do?
>>
>[ ] Continue with the last night's plan, and chase down Archer with the help of Kōrakuhime's divination.

>[ ] The last of your siblings is the most pressing danger to you, and you mean to do away with him tonight. Kōrakuhime may not be able to find Matsuda by scrying, but she can surely locate Antaglio.

>[ ] Head for the Einzbern tower, to meet your allies and see if Odin has made any headway in locating Assassin. The idea of a completely unknown Servant lurking in the city unnerves you.

>[ ] Make no offensive tonight. With Arturia taken prisoner, it behooves you to remain on the defensive and focus on breaking her instead of foraying out into the city. Besides, you ought to be here at midnight to receive Futodoki's report.

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3861503
I want to have Korakuhime locate Archer and Matsuda to see what they're up to, and discuss our new absorption attribute skills, her own work on Saber, possible energy sources, etc. before we decide on our course of action for tonight.

Make an actual educated decision for once.
>>
>>3861516
>>3861503
This, but scry Harris as well.
>>
>>3861503
Supporting >>3861516
Hey, why not scry Odin again so we can talk to him directly? He's probably going to pull some "I know you know" bullshit because he was also scrying us or something, and we can use that.
>>
Wow. Slow night for votes tonight.
>>
>>3861503
>>3861711
Gonna support >>3861516.
>>
>>3861503
>[X] Make no offensive tonight. With Arturia taken prisoner, it behooves you to remain on the defensive and focus on breaking her instead of foraying out into the city. Besides, you ought to be here at midnight to receive Futodoki's report.
It bothers me that we're letting a sentient nuke nap in our basement and we haven't checked up on her recently.
>>
>>3861719
>It bothers me that we're letting a sentient nuke nap in our basement
If it makes you feel better, she's been disarmed. Her MR's probably taken a hit as well because of her lack of energy, which only makes things worse for her.
>>
>>3861516
Support.
>>
>>3861503
>>[ ] Make no offensive tonight. With Arturia taken prisoner, it behooves you to remain on the defensive and focus on breaking her instead of foraying out into the city. Besides, you ought to be here at midnight to receive Futodoki's report.
>>
>>3861516
+1 on this
>>
>>3861503
>[ ] The last of your siblings is the most pressing danger to you, and you mean to do away with him tonight. Kōrakuhime may not be able to find Matsuda by scrying, but she can surely locate Antaglio.
Each passing minute that imp can become stronger. We better choke this thing off while it's in the cradle.
>>
Now that i think about it Harris magic is probably some shit like Kirei's double accel it sorta explains why he was able to beat Kōrakuhime's ass by just being a magus and not a servant
>>
>>3861807
>Kirei
>Double accel
????
And no, Kiritsugu shouldn't be able to beat a Servant, especially not a Saber.
>>
>>3861503
>[ ] Make no offensive tonight. With Arturia taken prisoner, it behooves you to remain on the defensive and focus on breaking her instead of foraying out into the city. Besides, you ought to be here at midnight to receive Futodoki's report.
>[ ] Do something else (Have Korakuhime locate Archer and Matsuda to see what they're up to, and discuss our new absorption attribute skills, her own work on Saber, possible energy sources, etc. before we decide on our course of action for tonight.)
>>
>>3861503
I support >>3861516
Let's find out where all the pieces are on the board before we move
>>
>>3861503

I'll support this >>3861516
>>
Have we truly been so callous to Ayaka, especially compared to how protective we are of Kōrakuhime? I don't think the voting has trended that far in this direction... Worst girl must be put back in her place
>>
>>3862152
Part of the protectiveness thing was possessiveness, an aspect of the pride which is a dominating character trait for Alberich. It wasn't just that he was angry that Kōrakuhime was hurt, he was angry that someone else had hurt one of the people he's gathered around himself (something of his) hence why the "your" in that moment was emphasized.
Contrast this with Ayaka, who's come to no actual harm but is frequently becoming troublesome over her own emotional worries. They're perfectly valid from a human perspective, but they hardly stir up that same kind of reaction in Alberich. This is particularly true as his own situation of rootlessness is so much worse than the state of having come adrift from her old life that Ayaka is experiencing. Ayaka may feel that she's lost her family and future, and doesn't have a course in the world, but for someone who never had any of those things in the first place, who's only ever received the guidance of "do what thou wilt" from his father, and who literally has no place in human society... well, from Alberich's point of view she's really making too much of her problems.
>>
>>3862190
I see. Makes sense.
>You merely adopted the existentialism- I was born in it, molded by it!
Kek
>>
>>3862190
Hmm that makes sense.
I'd say why his Compassion wasn't making him a bit more sympathetic, but I guess we can thank his current level of sympathy to that nice 44.
>>
"I'm not certain of just what we should do yet, Miss Ayaka," you answer. "Last night's events served as a potent reminder that one should not rush out without proper reconnaissance. We would do best, I think, to have Kōrakuhime determine for us what the positions of all our foes are before making any foray into the city to battle. If you're feeling up to it, shall we go down to the basement and discuss the matter with her?"

"Sounds good," Ayaka says, and from the sound of it she has pulled herself together now. As the two of you get to your feet and head out into the hall, she continues, "While we walk, tell me what you were working on earlier."

"I've spent most of the day researching the improvement of my magical abilities, and I believe I've successfully managed to manifest a mystery of Absorption. Without a test subject, I can't be sure of exactly what it will do, however, considering the way that the same attribute can have such varying effects depending upon the magus." You stop there, hastily shifting topic to explain, "That wasn't the task that prevented me from asking after you just after Yumigawa left, however. There was something in his behavior that struck me as suspicious, so I had to have him followed before he got too far from this manor."

"Have him followed?" Ayaka sounds confused. "How did you do that?"

"I summoned a familiar this morning, you see. He's a rather unusual creature: a nekomata," you explain. "Just when I was looking for a way to make him useful, I found that there was Yumigawa, needing to be followed. Fortunate timing, was it not?"

"Oh, definitely. That was a great time for you to get a familiar." Ayaka titters, covering her mouth with a hand and trying to suppress the noise. "Sorry, it's just kind of weirdly funny. A Servant with a familiar, you know?"

"Do you find it amusing that I should summon a familiar, when I am a sort of overlarge familiar myself?" You grin wryly at Ayaka, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps you're imagining my familiar calling forth a still lesser spirit, so we would come to resemble a matryoshka doll? A most unkind way to think of your poor Servant, Miss Ayaka. Why, next you'll be calling it absurd that I should pursue magic at all."

"No, it's just, I mean," but Ayaka is getting nowhere. She collapses into another fit of giggling under your deadpan gaze and mock offense, before finally getting herself under control enough to say, "oh, Saber-san, you're too much. But anyway, you were saying you learned how to use absorption? That's great! I know it's one of the main attributes of the Shijou family mysteries in my crest, so I'm sure it's very effective. Do you think it will be useful against dangerous enemies like your brother? It seemed like he gave you a hard time last night."
>>
"I certainly hope so." At the thought of Matsuda, you suddenly find that your smile becomes strained. "He did seem to have an armament effective against magical constructs, but perhaps more subtle magic will prove the key to dealing with him. At any rate, I believe pursuing greater magical knowledge cannot fail to be a boon in combat. One doesn't expect a knight to strike with a curse, after all."

With that statement you take the last step down into the basement and find Kōrakuhime still at her desk as before, bent over in diligent candlelit study. Again, only the papers that surround her have moved since your last visit.

"Still trying to understand how a Servant is created? Are you making much progress?" you ask, walking up to look over her shoulder. Despite your earlier study of magical formations, though, the figures she's analyzing remain inscrutable.

"Good evening, Ani-ue... I certainly... am," Kōrakuhime answers, in a tone as close to jubilant as you've ever heard from her. "What I had originally believed was... an illusion created by my own insufficient understanding of... the Servant container... was in fact reality. The Servant you took prisoner truly is in possession of... a living body, as you and I are!" At this announcement, Kōrakuhime's eyes gleam, and her lips curve into a tiny, close-mouthed smile of triumph.

"What?!" It's the only word you can think of, for a moment. You're taken flat aback at the statement. Arturia, a living body? How can that be, when Servants are the spirits of the dead? A condition of life as a Servant should be unique to you, Kōrakuhime, and Matsuda. Even more plainly than that, you already know of the girl's identity, and King Arthur is can hardly still be alive. Not wanting to leave your contribution to the conversation as only an exclamation, you splutter, "Are you quite certain?"

"Entirely," declares Kōrakuhime with satisfaction. "I have analyzed her... condition in full detail. That woman is bound to the Holy Grail, but not as you and I are. Nor, I believe, as other Servants are. Where you and I are entirely anchored in the... present, your prisoner is bound... to the past. There is a... connection to suggest that she has been pulled from... the distant past, her point of origin, and transplanted to various... points in history, before... arriving now."

"...and I've heard from both she and Emiya that she was a Servant in the last War," you mutter. "The other points must be other Grail Wars she's been summoned to. Why should you suppose that this is unique to her, though? Surely other historical Servants must be summoned in a similar manner."
>>
"No," Kōrakuhime says, shaking her head, "I am certain that it is... not so. This Saber has a living body, as we do, but I have... analyzed other Servants, albeit from a... greater distance, and confirmed that they... differ essentially. They are... spirit bodies, which suggests that... rather than being summoned directly from the past, they come from another... point of origin."

"Intriguing," you say, "so she's another special case. Tell me, though, have you found anything to use against her?"

Kōrakuhime presses a slim finger to her cheek, thinking. "Not... yet," she says, "but there are... possibilities. I am in the process of... researching the underlying construction of the Command Spells, which would certainly bring her into... our power if we could manufacture them. In addition... there are traces in her spirit of another method of subjugation, some sort of... transformative magical enslavement. If I could induce that state once again, it is... possible that we might be able to control her without the aid of... her Command Spell."

So there was a time when Arturia was subjected to some kind of outside magical power. That makes sense as well, with what Emiya had told you about having to kill her and her own comments about becoming a pawn in Avenger's scheme. Perhaps your own newly acquired Absorption magic could help in taking advantage of this state as well, you consider.

"Excuse me..." Ayaka's voice cuts into your thoughts, as the girl takes advantage of the momentary break in your conversation with Kōrakuhime to enter the discussion. "Who is it you two are talking about? When did you take a Servant prisoner?"

>[ ] This is a perfect moment for a sought-after meeting. Introduce Ayaka to Arturia, the woman who ensured the death of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. (Compassion)

>[ ] Ayaka should know, but you'd rather keep up your conversation with Kōrakuhime than discuss what happened last night at length. Explain briefly, then return to the subject of breaking Arturia. (Pride)

>[ ] While this has been an encouraging discussion, and Ayaka should know who the prisoner in her basement is, there are more important things to be done at night. Briefly explain, then turn to the topic of reconnaissance by divination. (Duty)

>[ ] React in some other way. (Write in)
>>
>>3862809
>[ ] This is a perfect moment for a sought-after meeting. Introduce Ayaka to Arturia, the woman who ensured the death of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. (Compassion)
>>
Didn't have much time to write today, so this update ended up getting done pretty late. I will be online for at least three hours yet, though, so I may be able to write another one before turning in.
>>
>>3862809
>[ ] This is a perfect moment for a sought-after meeting. Introduce Ayaka to Arturia, the woman who ensured the death of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. (Compassion)
>>
>>3862809

>[ ] Ayaka should know, but you'd rather keep up your conversation with Kōrakuhime than discuss what happened last night at length. Explain briefly, then return to the subject of breaking Arturia. (Pride)
Tell Korakuhime about our absorption attribute+ our elemental alignments
especially since we already voted for it
>>
>>3862833
>Spoiler
You voted to have her scry, and talk about absorption, and talk about energy sources, and talk about Arturia, and so-on. Considering that just this much conversation took up a normal update length, it seemed appropriate to give you a choice of priorities here rather than just bowling on to write a ten-post-long conversation.
Especially since if you want to talk about everything in that previous write-in it could end up taking half the night, and I know some of you folks would end up getting angry about losing time if that happened.
>>
>>3862840
As long as everything that the players had near unanimous agreement on happens, that's cool. Half the night seems like way too long for that amount of conversation though.
>>
>>3862809
>[X] While this has been an encouraging discussion, and Ayaka should know who the prisoner in her basement is, there are more important things to be done at night. Briefly explain, then turn to the topic of reconnaissance by divination. (Duty)
>>
>>3862809
>[ ] This is a perfect moment for a sought-after meeting. Introduce Ayaka to Arturia, the woman who ensured the death of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. (Compassion)
>>
>>3862833
>Tell Korakuhime about our absorption attribute+ our elemental alignments
It might give her the idea that she isn't needed in this case, which is bad.
Remember that she's keeping us in the dark to remain important, and showing her how we're advancing without her help would...
Better to just forge some Command Spells and use those.
>>
>>3862809
>[ ] While this has been an encouraging discussion, and Ayaka should know who the prisoner in her basement is, there are more important things to be done at night. Briefly explain, then turn to the topic of reconnaissance by divination. (Duty)
Ok, so the only way of clntrolling Arturia i Alter, and Alter equals to Angra Mainu waking up and infecting the Grail. Korakuhime can't totally ensure that she won't put the God of Evil inside the grail (or us). We should talk to Lili. Lilisviel knows everything about the grial and is an ally, we should at lest ask her if eating Arturia is safe.
>>
>>3862892
But Alter doesn't mean that at all though.
And Angra would infect the grail whether she is Alter or not.
>>
>>3862892
>Ok, so the only way of clntrolling Arturia i Alter,
Actually, there are two ways: we make our own Command Spells, or we GRAIL her.
That begs the question: if we Alterize her, who's really in control? Us or AM?
>>
I am still under the option that we should try to recruit her un-Altered.
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>>3862809
>[ ] This is a perfect moment for a sought-after meeting. Introduce Ayaka to Arturia, the woman who ensured the death of Jean-Pierre Vaisset. (Compassion)
>>
>>3862900
>Actually, there are two ways: we make our own Command Spells, or we GRAIL her.
Yep. It's a choice you'll have to make eventually.
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>>3863205
I say we take the third option: talk no jujitsu until she breaks down and bows to us
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>>3863212
Our Charisma isn't high enough to pull of that technique.
>>
>>3863212
I guess that's one approach.
>>
"Ah, of course! You were asleep when last night's fighting ended, so you haven't heard of our prisoner yet," you say, a smile playing across your lips at the thought of bringing Ayaka face-to-face with one of the pair who orchestrated Vaisset's death. "Rather than killing Harris' Servant last night, I captured her. Kōrakuhime has been holding her here, in the basement."

"Is that safe?" Ayaka furrows her brows, looking concerned. "I mean, couldn't her Master use a command spell to get her out? How do you restrain a Servant, anyway?"

"My restraints are absolutely... safe, girl," Kōrakuhime answers for you, smirking. "That Saber is surrounded by... a multilayered bounded field that completely... cuts her off from the world beyond, not permitting her to receive... energy, contact, or even the compulsion of her Master's Command Spell."

"Quite so. In fact," you continue, "she's bound so securely that you can go in and meet her without having a thing to fear. Why don't you do so, Miss Ayaka? I'm sure you must have been hoping for the chance to face those who killed your brother."

"I guess," Ayaka says hesitantly. "If she's going to be staying here, I should probably meet her. It's not like I expect her to apologize or anything, though." There's a surprise. Ayaka is less excited by the prospect than you'd thought; but then, she didn't behave as if animated by the desire for revenge just after Vaisset died, either. Perhaps she just isn't the type to hold a grudge.

"I believe... I shall come along as well," Kōrakuhime interjects. "After... spending so much time in examination of her... magical composition, I would like to see her... in person, as it were."

"You haven't spoken to her today?" You cock an eyebrow, surprised at this. "I would have thought you'd be in there interrogating her in support of your analytical efforts."

"No... I felt that to do so would compromise my... information," Kōrakuhime explains. "I wanted to... consider her from a purely magical perspective... before meeting her myself."

"Well then, it seems you'll both be meeting our recalcitrant prisoner for the first time," you say. "Perhaps the experience will help her to become a bit more conscious of her own position. Follow me, then."

So Kōrakuhime steps down from her chair at the desk (which you now notice was tall enough to keep her feet off the ground) and the three of you head into the corridor that branches off from Vaisset's old workshop. From there it's a short walk to the room where Arturia is kept. You'd hoped to hear some sound of her presence and consternation as you approached. Wailing, perhaps, or the sound of the girl struggling to free herself from her stone seat. Even mere angry grumbling would have given some satisfaction, as evidence that you're inflicting similar humiliation on her to what you've felt. As you do approach, however, there's only silence from the small chamber converted into a makeshift cell.
>>
The three of you enter the room to find Arturia slumped limply in her bonds, head sagging down to rest her chin on her chest. Listening closely, you can hear the girl's soft breathing at slow, regular intervals. She's asleep again. Not quite the tableau you were expecting, for a confrontation with a rebellious prisoner of War.

"What an easygoing girl," you sigh, walking around the couch outside of the barrier to take a seat. "It hardly bears thinking of, does it, Miss Ayaka? That this is the merciless knight who drew me away from your brother, so her Master could kill him." You glance over at your Master as you say it, wondering if this will sting her into a greater fury at the bound Servant, but she seems almost not to hear. She only looks fixedly at Saber, examining the sleeping form without a trace of emotion on her usually animated face.

"On the contrary," Kōrakuhime says, "I believe... it demonstrates a sharp mind, and nerve... to sleep in such a condition. She knows that we... deny her power by restricting the energy available to her, so she... conserves that energy by sleeping. Most would be too worried... to sleep in an enemy dungeon, but this Saber must have... already concluded that if we intended to kill her we would not have taken her prisoner."

"Saving her energy for an escape, eh?" You suppose it is a bit of good thinking, at that. You can't have it going on unimpeded, though, especially when you've come to see her. "Can you wake her up through the bounded fields?"

"Of course." At your suggestion, Kōrakuhime takes one of the talismans floating about the barrier between two fingers and stops it in its drifting course. She mutters something below your hearing, and as she releases the talisman to let it retake its place in the circle, Arturia starts awake as if struck. She looks around, betraying just a moment of confusion, before settling into her old resentful glare at you.

"Alberich," she hisses. "It is my second time awakening to your face. Do you take some pleasure in watching me sleep?"

"Oh, that stings," you chuckle, "but no, Arturia. You simply sleep too much. I had worried, you know, that our accommodations here would be unsatisfactory to one used to a royal palace. From the ease with which you find rest here, though, I see that worry was in vain."

"What have you returned for?" she sighs, tone laced with resignation. "Are you keeping me here only to taunt me?"

"Why, of course not," you say, putting on a posture of mock affront. "I hope to convince you to become my ally, in time. But that is by the way. As for why I've come just now, look behind me. I've brought you more visitors, Arturia: my Master and my sister, both of whom were eager to meet you."

"My name is Shijou Ayaka; Master of Saber, and Second Owner of this area," Ayaka says, as if on cue. "Saber-san tells me that you planned to draw him off so your master could kill my brother. Why?"
>>
Arturia looks at Ayaka with an expression of blank disbelief. "Why? What do you mean, why?"

"You could've tried to only defeat the Servant, and leave the Master alive," Ayaka answers, indignation rising in her voice. "That's what Saber-san and I have been doing. We've already eliminated Rider and Berserker, and no-one's died! Why did you kill Nii-san?"

"All four of us fought according to our positions," Saber declares, stiff-necked and looking Ayaka straight in the eye. For the first time since capturing her, you can see again that icy, untouchable, regal dignity that so infuriated you on your first meeting. "The Holy Grail War is not merely a battle between Servants, but between Masters. That the former Master of this wretch died is due only to his ineptitude as a Servant, and your brother's weakness as a magus."

"Be silent!" It's Kōrakuhime who loses her composure first, hissing a furious reprimand and seizing another of her talismans out of the air, crushing it in her grip. Suddenly Arturia goes rigid with pain, straining at her bonds and biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. "You will not speak ill of Ani-ue again," Kōrakuhime continues in a blazing, barely controlled whisper, her eyes flashing with rage. Arturia matches her, though, staring mute hatred at the newcomer without showing sign of surrender.

At the sight of your sister leaping to defend your honor, your own rage at Arturia's insult fades, so it's with courtly grace that you can say, "and here is my sister, the Caster of whom I previously spoke: Yōjinshi-no-Kōrakuhime."

As if those words break the spell of her fury, Kōrakuhime releases the talisman, letting it slowly drift back to its place in the circle. She takes a few moments to compose herself while the tension goes visibly out of Arturia, before saying icily, "Good evening, Arturia."

>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)

>[ ] Ask Arturia about her being a living Servant, as Kōrakuhime had discovered. You can't be certain, but perhaps she'll be willing to explain the mechanics behind it, and in the process reveal something you can use against her. (Pride)

>[ ] Interrogate Arturia about Harris' superhuman abilities. (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Now that you've made the introductions, and Ayaka is no longer in the dark about what you're using the basement for, it's time to get back to other matters. Ask Ayaka and Kōrakuhime if they have anything more to say to the prisoner before you return to discussion of tonight's prosecution of the War. (Duty)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3863417
>>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)

That went well
>Saber finds out that "Avenger" has been acting like less of an asshole than she has
>she tries to defend her own actions anyway
>then calls the servant that captured her inept
Pathetic.
>>
>>3863417
>[X] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
Why go to such lengths?
>>
>>3863463
What sort of lengths? Her lengths, to believe you are Avenger, or do you mean in the War?
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>>3863466
I meant why would the Emiyas go to such lengths to impede us if there wasn't any valid concern?
>>
>>3863417
>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
>>
>>3863417
>[X] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
>>
>>3863419
There's really nothing she can do right in this situation. It's a total smug festival for Alberich as long as Arturia tries to recover.
>>
>>3863664
>There's really nothing she can do right
You could've stopped here and still been accurate about Arturia.
>>
>>3855332
Seriously, anon. How did you know it was going to be Yumigawa?
I really thought it was going to come as a shock to you folks, him showing up at the manor.
>>
>>3863417
>>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
I think Arturia wanted us to get angry and try to hit her, breaking the circle in the process.
I'm surprised that Korakuhime, broke that chuneet dramatic and calm composture she's so proud of at the first sign of her brother's pride being attacked. She won a few points with that, despite the "keep myself useful by keeping him ignorant", because I feel it was a desperate move to keep Alberich, the ever-improving murderknight, from leaving her/not loving her (like the rest of her brothers).
Arturia is worst girl confirmed, like, seriously, wtf. You don't just dismiss being an important part of the murder of the guy keeping us alive IN FRONT OF HIS FUCKING SISTER. Unless she is secretly suffering from extreme guilt trip, she is more Alter than Arturia now.
>>
>>3863664
>as long as Arturia tries to recover.
We should ask Korakuhime to drain her energy from time to time. And no, I'm not talking about mana transferences.
>>
>>3863683
>You don't just dismiss being an important part of the murder of the guy keeping us alive IN FRONT OF HIS FUCKING SISTER. Unless she is secretly suffering from extreme guilt trip, she is more Alter than Arturia now.
>She is more Alter than Arturia now
Au contraire, please remember
>"King Arthur does not understand human feelings."
She's also very likely trying her absolute hardest not to show any weakness in front of us.

>>3863688
>drain her energy
What? She's already running on just enough to not fade away.
>>
>>3863688
>no, I'm not talking about mana transferences.
So are you saying you want Kōrakuhime to drain her physical energy, then? Or maybe help her vent her emotional energy? If you're not talking about magical energy, what do you mean?
>>
>>3863702
My guess is if Arturia is sleeping to conserve energy in an attempt to build up enough of a reserve to free herself then draining any reserve of mana she builds up in regular intervalls should keep her contained.
>>
>>3863417
>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
>>
>>3863417
>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
>>
>>3863417
>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
>>
>>3863416
> "Are you keeping me here only to taunt me?"
Until you break and join us? Yes.

>>3863417
>[ ] Now that you've established to her (hopeful) satisfaction that you aren't Avenger, interrogate Arturia as to why she believes you to be this individual, and the details of its manifestation in the last War. You've heard only vagaries about it from the Emiyas.(Curiosity)
"Now that you see I am not Avenger, who the fuck was Avenger?"
>>
>>3864025
> "Are you keeping me here only to taunt me?"
>Until you break and join us? Yes.
What, you don't want to do anything else to her? Lukewarm torture, that.
>>
>>3864057
If only Shakespeare was here we could've done some great psychological torture. I guess we'll just have to settle for thumbscrews and three-hour monologues.
>>
>>3864063
>You expect me to talk?
>No, Miss Arturia, I expect you to listen!
Cue pained grimace.
>>
>>3864064
Also we should probably feed her. lets just buy her some Big Macs and we shall eat steaks and other decent meats in front of her.
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>>3864085
We don't even know of her likes/dislikes.

Wait--I got it! We feed her our cooking so we can learn to git gud!
>>
>>3864087
But what if we were to purchase fast food and disguise it as our own cooking?
>>
>twn be a Streamed Hams parody featuring Alberich and Lily
>>
>>3864089
>Streamed
Alberich really ruined that roast, huh.
>>
Lets leave some music on for her too. Though it seems like she is having trouble hearing, I mean she is still calling us Avenger even though we have told her many times that we are not. We should probably turn the volume up as loud as possible but not enough to wake up Ayaka and Tsubaki.

Why yes I am trying the most passive aggressive torture route.
>>
>>3864096
>Lets leave some music on for her too.
https://youtu.be/-KNkn5fVBmE
>>
If you want to torture her, just leave an audiobook about the life of King Arthur on repeat.
>>
>>3864162
Better yet, we read books about King Arthur out loud.
>>
>>3864166
amateur critique of her life choices using charisma d
>>
>>3864167
Charisma of the Predator C++
Eventually.
One day...
Would it turn to B++ if we became a king?

>"Ok Arturia, I'm going to need you to explain something for the next chapter, just what the hell was going on in Camelot for Mordred to even be conceived?"
>>
>>3864168
>Charisma of the Predator C++
that's what the D stands for
>Would it turn to B++ if we became a king?
Are kings known for being kiddy fiddlers?
Maybe if we practiced diligently in that direction and gave it our 100%, then someday--
>>
>>3864168
>"Wait so Mordred was your son yes? I don't care if you did not see him that way I meant biologically."
>"So you gave birth to Mordred? But it says Morgan, your half sister, was his mother? So was Morgan a man? No?"
>" Wait but then how did Mordred get born? two females can not produce a child naturally."
>"What do you mean "dick wizard"?"
>>
>>3864172
No I mean, if you're a king, you sorta automatically get it at B.
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>>3864174
Why would you automatically get that at a B if you become king?
>>
>>3864178
He's talking about regular Charisma, which at rank B is good enough to rule over a kingdom.
>>
>>3864180
Oh okay, I kinda put them as separate.
>>
>>3864180
A very short lived coup by a fucking retard that ends with everyone dead is enough for C- too.
>>
>>3864185
Should've been a D+ rather than a C-.
>>
>>3864085
This would be a good lead in to altering her, I suppose. Dietary conditioning under magical treatment is a better explanation for why Saber Alter likes hamburgers than we ever got from the source material.
>>3864172
>Maybe if we practiced diligently in that direction and gave it our 100%, then someday
That's the ticket. Got to work for a Charisma rank up, unless you steal someone else's.
>>3864185
I really don't understand why Mordred has the Charisma skill. As far as I can tell, she couldn't lead a street gang. Much less a kingdom.
>>
>>3864379
Mordred somehow lead half of Camelot/Britain into a civil war all the way until Camlann. Somehow.
>>
>>3864506
That shouldn't give her Charisma though.
Maybe a skill to represent starting a rebellion, but certainly not Charisma.
>>
"Now," you begin, smiling lazily, "why don't we pick up the conversation where we left off last night? I believe it's time for you to start satisfying my curiosity."

"Satisfying your curiosity? What do you want from me, now that I have spoken of my true name?" Arturia's voice is hard, and she favors you with a glare. Despite it, though, you can see she's weakened by her ordeal at Kōrakuhime's hands. There's a previously unseen trace of worry in the set of her brows, and her head is held a few degrees less high than before. A trickle of blood runs from the corner of her mouth down to her chin, the red rivulet standing out against white skin to mark the pressure that was needed to keep from crying out. Whatever sort of pain that bounded field can administer, it must be truly agonizing.

"Oh, that's hardly all. Why, you've told me only of your life before becoming a Servant, and very little of that," you say, "but it isn't the life of Arturia Pendragon I wish to know of. No, I want you to tell me about the last War. You plainly remember it, even going so far as to confuse me for one of its participants. Now I want an explanation. Who is Avenger, Arturia, and why do you persist in this belief that I am he?"

For a few moments she just stares at you, unknown thoughts working behind her cold eyes. Then she sighs heavily, and begins to speak.

"I cannot understand you, Alberich. Do you truly lack any understanding of what it is that is bound to you?" Then she shakes her head and continues, "No matter. If you are lying, and already understand the situation, then telling you can make no difference; and if you are telling the truth, it may do some good. Avenger is the corruption that lives at the heart of the Holy Grail. It is a mass of curses, animated by the will to do evil, and seeking manifestation into this world through the power of the Grail. Fifteen years ago it partially manifested through a magus who had become an imitation of the Einzberns' Lesser Grail, and fed off of the magical energy it enabled her to harvest from the death and consumption of humans and Servants alike, corrupting her will as it gave her ever-greater power. When in the power of Avenger, that girl looked just as you do now. Her hair became white; her eyes, red; and the agent of her power was a shadow, red and black, which consumed all it touched."
>>
That certainly provides one interesting detail that Emiya had left out in his account of the previous Grail Wars. From his story, it had sounded as if the evil were sealed in the Holy Grail after dying as a Servant back in the Third Holy Grail War. For it to have partially manifested through a Lesser Holy Grail changes things significantly, and explains why those familiar with the previous Holy Grail War have been so nervous about your appearance. Then it hits you. Emiya's reluctance to speak about it, the unspoken words that passed between he and his wife, her enormous magical energy, Liliesviel saying she seemed to be an imitation Grail, it all leads to one answer. She must have the one who became the channel for Angra Manyu! That explains one mystery at last, if it is true. There are still more questions to be answered, though, and you press on.

"How was this danger dealt with, then?" you ask, energy rising in your voice. "You make it seem as if Avenger is quite invincible, being able to manifest as it pleased while keeping its core beyond the boundaries of this world."

"Not perfectly invincible, no." Saber shakes her head. "I died before seeing the end of the War, but the Masters who still lived must have found a way to stop it. What they did plainly wasn't enough, however. The fact of your presence is evidence that Avenger has not been truly eliminated, and the Holy Grail must surely still be corrupt." Clearly, Arturia remains convinced of your identity as a host of Avenger. At this point, you're beginning to wonder if it's possible to sway her at all. Better, then, just to move on.

"Putting aside my resemblance to this other host," you say, "there's another detail I'd like to hear about. You mentioned becoming a tool of Avenger's during our last battle, and proclaimed you wouldn't let it happen to you again. How did that occur, exactly?"

Saber sniffs derisively. "You must think me an utter fool," she snaps in defiance, "if you expect me to supply you with a guide to the subversion of my own independent will! I will not speak of that!"

At this, Kōrakuhime interjects, frigid calm having returned to her voice. "You will do..." as she pauses, carefully deliberating over her choice of words as is her habit, she takes another of the rotating talismans in her hand and sends a jolt of pain through Arturia. "What we bid you to do!"
>>
Despite her continued torment, Arturia only sits mute, glaring at the two of you in stern and defiant reproach. Physical pain shows diminishing returns when dealing with her, it seems. As you're contemplating how best to resolve Arturia's obstinacy, though, a new thought suddenly strikes you. Ayaka must be horrified, watching you torment the woman! This is the girl whose compassion does not permit her to sacrifice doves, after all; and you're doing this just after her most recent emotional crisis. Internally berating yourself for the mistake and thinking quickly on how best to put a more positive face on it, you look to Ayaka.

There's no trace of emotion on your Master's face as she watches Arturia suffer. Just as when she first entered, her eyes are passive and analytical behind their lenses, and her face is relaxed and unemotional. She betrays no more sympathy for the captured Servant than you do, and rather less investment. For the second time, you find yourself wondering just what is going on in her mind. The girl seems to possess neither vindictive interest in nor compassion for the imprisonment of one of her brother's killers. It's as if Arturia means nothing at all to her.

Returning to the subject of the prisoner's own attitude, you scrutinize her as she sits, rigid with pain. She betrays no sign of mental torment to accompany the physical, or of weakening resolve, as the seconds drag by. Perhaps pain will be totally useless in extracting information from her. Perhaps, on the other hand, you simply haven't yet reached her threshold. You're hardly a trained torturer, ant at this point you haven't much idea of the answer.

>[ ] Continue the torture until Futodoki arrives with your report on Yumigawa. Hours of pain should push anyone past the point of willpower, surely. (Pride)

>[ ] Abandon this subject of conversation as well as the present torture, and discuss something else with Arturia (Write in subject/questions) (Compassion)

>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Abandon this subject of conversation as well as the present torture, and discuss something else with Arturia (Write in subject/questions) (Compassion)
Let's ask her about Harris' superhuman capabilities. It's one thing to fight defensively against a Servant, but what he pulled off should've been impossible.

Then let's ask her about a Master in the previous war she's likely very familiar with, Shirou Emiya.
Tell her that he's here in Tokyo trying to stop the grail war alongside the last war's Rider and Rin Tohsaka.
His wife, Sakura, the woman who was the previous host of Angra Mainyu is also in the city.

If we really were Angra Mainyu, why would a Servant be chosen as it's host? Would it not make more sense for it to possess the girl with a potentially inexhaustible mana supply again?
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Abandon this subject of conversation as well as the present torture, and discuss something else with Arturia (Write in subject/questions) (Compassion)
What >>3864812 said.
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)
>>
>>3864812
I'd vote for this if I thought she would tell us about her Master, but I 100% doubt that she would. Torture doesn't work on her and he's her best chance of escape. How could we trust anything she tells us?
Also telling her about the FSN crew is giving her valuable intel without really getting anything out of it, the Sakura thing is a weak argument.
>>
>>3864885
If Saber shows some concern or feeling about her old Master, we could use that to our advantage.
Physical Torture likely won't break her, so we should take a different route.

Also it makes no sense for Angra Mainyu to become a Servant when he could take a physical host.
Why would it want to limit it's mana and link itself to the life of a human like that?
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)
>>
I will only agree to Compassion only if we just ask about Harris and omit any mention of the Emiyas.
>>
We can still question her line of logic of AM using a Servant as its host, just not mention anybody from the last War.
>>
>>3864913
But why?
What reason could we have to hide them from her?
>>
>>3864921
We know that she knows them. That's enough reason for me.
>>
>>3864929
We can use that against her.
We know Shirou and Rider killed her.
>>
Giving some advance warning in the thread when you're gonna post an update would probably get you more voters, especially when it's a bit early.
>>
>>3864913
>>3864929
We have no reason to hide them. You're being paranoid.
The only way to convince her that we're not Avenger is to tell her Sakura is still alive and she's logically a better host. The argument that a Servant would make a bad host will have no force without this crucial fact.
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)

>>3864933
>>3864954
Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to tell her that we've made an enemy out of the man she failed to protect the first time and risk strengthening her resolve to resist and deny us information. Talking to her is worthwhile right now specifically because she talks. If we give her a good reason to keep her mouth shut, then we forfeit the chance that she might let something slip by mistake.
>>
>>3864966
I think there's very little good will left between them, since he's protecting the girl who put her through all this and she's already more hateful by default.
>>
>>3864949
You're probably right about that.
>>3864966
Hey, you're still around! I was thinking you were one of the readers who dropped the quest. Maybe I'm not losing as many readers as I'd figured.
>>3864933
You know Shirou killed her, but not exactly what they're relationship was. Something to consider when trying to put that information to use.
>>
>>3864725
>>3864812
This but drop the 'trying to stop the grail war' bit, We know she has no idea how previous war ended only that it did. Tell her Shirou happens to be in town with the previous host who happens to still have most of their raw power. As long as still our prisoner we control what learns, lets see what conclusions she reaches before offering more.
>>
So exactly how much does Alberich know?
>Avenger (aka Angra Mainyu) was sealed in the Fuyuki Grail after the Third War, and the Emiyas think it's in the Tokyo Grail as well.
>Avenger used Sakura as its host, which gave her white hair, red eyes, maybe huge reserves of magical energy, and the power to create an all-consuming shadow that looks like our cape.
>Avenger enslaved Saber by transforming her, but Shirou and Rider killed her somehow.
>>
>>3864967
Considering how Saber was just talking about Sakura:
>corrupting her will
>When in the power of Avenger
It doesn't much seem like there's much blame placed on anyone but Avenger.

>>3864969
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBxMPqxJGqI
I don't intend to drop the quest, I just don't have the time to vote as frequently. I try to keep up with the reading, at least.
>>
>>3864725
>[ ] Abandon this subject of conversation as well as the present torture, and discuss something else with Arturia (Write in subject/questions) (Compassion)

Lets talk about Odin. See if we can just talk about how to deal with that bullshit.
>>
>>3864725
>>[ ] Put an end to the night's interrogation and return to discussing the War with Ayaka and Kōrakuhime. (Duty)
>>
>>3864723
>At this, Kōrakuhime interjects, frigid calm having returned to her voice. "You will do..." as she pauses, carefully deliberating over her choice of words as is her habit, she takes another of the rotating talismans in her hand and sends a jolt of pain through Arturia. "What we bid you to do!"
Looks like we have a potential good-cop-bad-cop routine.
>>
>>3864725
I actually have a question.
She just acknowledged that the grail is likely still corrupted. Does she still plan to use it? If not then why is she even here?
>>
>>3865040
That would be a really solid thing to ask her. See if you can get folks to vote for it.
>>
>>3865037
>Looks like we have a potential good-cop-bad-cop routine.
Man, I wasn't thinking about that but it totally is how it plays out, huh?
>>
>>3865106
Are you going to count the votes separately for each question?
>>3865108
Or, well, good-cop-chuuni-cop.
>"When will you understand, Saber... you have no control, not even your own will."
>"You should answer the question quickly, Saber, I can't control her when she's like this--"
>"BOOGITY BOOGITY BOO, YOUR EFFORTS ARE WORTHLESS"
>>
>>3865118
>Are you going to count the votes separately for each question?
Not necessarily, but anon voted to quit the interrogation and then suggested a question, so his contribution is a bit mixed.
>>
>>3865122
To elaborate, it's currently 5-4 in favor of quitting the interrogation unless >>3865040 is counted as a vote change.
Since some people disagree on which questions to ask, that's something to be resolved.
>>
>>3864725
Switching from >>3864906 to >>3865040. How could she be so short-sighted?
>>
Drop the interrogation
>>3864741
>>3864872
>>3864966
>>3865012

Ask about Harris and tell her that Shirou, Sakura, Rin, and Rider are here and trying to stop the war. Also ask why Angra would choose a Servant host.
>>3864812
>>3864855

Ask about Harris and why Angra would choose a Servant host, but only mention the Emiya party's presence, not their goals.
>>3864979

Tell her about Odin's power, and ask how she'd try to handle him in your position.
>>3864998

Ask why Arturia is fighting for the Grail if she believes it to be corrupted.
>>3865040
>>3865127

That's the tally as of now, folks. What are your thoughts on it? Would you like me to pool all the votes for continuing the interrogation and have that get the majority? If so, what would you like to ask about? Would some of you rather quit the interrogation than discuss certain topics if your preference doesn't get it?
Those voting to quit the interrogation, if it seems like further discussion with Arturia is the majority which subject would you prefer?
>>
>>3865140
>Would you like me to pool all the votes for continuing the interrogation and have that get the majority?
Yes, it's a sensible thing to do.
>If so, what would you like to ask about?
So the topics everyone brought up are:
>What's the deal with William Harris?
>What do you know about the rogue agent known as "Avenger"? Why would he use a Servant as his host?
>Did you know the Einzberns are cheating again? Odin's their Lancer.
>I think we have some mutual friends, their names are "Emiya Shirou" and "Emiya Sakura" and they kinda sorta want to kill me and dismantle the Grail...
>Why are you chasing the Grail if you know it's corrupted?
Tell me if I missed anything. I'll go with the majority vote, whatever happens.
>>
>>3865148
>What do you know about the rogue agent known as "Avenger"?
Isn't that what she just told you in this last update?
>>
>>3865150
We need to extract all the intelligence from her brain-meats. She's withholding important information about how to control her.
>>
>>3865148
I kinda want to do all of them but lets do

>Did you know the Einzberns are cheating again? Odin's their Lancer.

We can ask the other things later. Also just for the good cop vibe lets apologize about her actions. "She means well, she is just very ... "Overprotective" of her older brother."
>>
>>3865154
Sorry I meant our sister's actions.
>>
>>3865148
>>I think we have some mutual friends, their names are "Emiya Shirou" and "Emiya Sakura" and they kinda sorta want to kill me and dismantle the Grail...
I still prefer if we omit this one.
>>
>>3865168
There's no point to omitting it though.
>>
>>3865207
Hey Arturia, do you know Shirou, that guy you could ally with in order to defeat me and destroy the Grail, killing me and the rest of my family forever? He's our neighbour. Also he tried to kill me like you did and wants to destroy the Grail, but his faction lacks the power to win, they would need like, another Saber or something to face my group of allies and succeed.
>>
>>3865246
"Hey Arturia, do you know that guy who killed you and casually discussed killing you again in front of us?"

Also if she escapes we're already fucked.
"She might ally with the Emiyas!' Is a moot point when she's locked in our basement, because we're getting our ass Excalibur'd immediately if she breaks out. Also, all the better if it gives her hope.

>he's our neighbour
What?
>>
>>3865248
That is why I want to try and recruit her un-alterded. I would think while she fucked up her advice as a former king would be great for us later on.
>>
>>3865246
Hey Arturia, do you know Shirou, the guy who killed you and is harbouring a perfect host for Avenger? He's our neighbor. Also he tried to kill me like you did and wants to destroy the Grail, but I ran him out of town, and with your help we could prevent him from causing a disaster.

But I'm just being a contrarian.
>>
>>3865252
To be fair to Arturia for a second, her Kingdom was sort of destined to explode.
No thanks to Merlin being both an asshole and incompetent.
Or Lancelot deciding to ruin everything.
Or Mordred deciding to also ruin everything.
Or Tristan deciding to hurt Arturia's feelings.

It's still hilarious that despite the fact that the material tries to call her "the perfect king" every chance it gets, half the country decided to join her retarded daughterson in rebellion.

Literally who the fuck would want Mordred as king?
Shit makes no sense.
>>
>>3865262
I like to think Morgan gave her retarded child a script to read to start a rebellion. Mordred would not have lived that long and Morgan would have sat on the throne.
>>
>>3865274
Morgan being incredibly pissed about not becoming monarch is completely justified considering Arturia is also a female.

Like seriously, what the fuck?
>>
>>3865286
>Morgan being incredibly pissed about not becoming monarch is completely justified considering Arturia is also a female.
Yes, but can she undo the seals on Excalibur if Altera wakes up?
>>
>>3865289
Well, she's kind of a fairy, and Excalibur is a fairy forged weapon... so...

Probably, yeah.
>>
>>3864725
Switching from >>3864988 to >>3865040
It's a darn good question.
>>
>>3864725

switch >>3864979 to >>3865040
>>
>>3864725
I support the “why do you want to use the grail if it’s still probably corrupted?” vote
>>
Alright, I've slept on it and it now looks like asking about why Arturia wants to pursue a grail she believes to be corrupt is now the majority. Writing now.
>>
After a few more moments, though, you settle on an answer. Pain doesn't seem to be doing any good, and you aren't free enough to wait endlessly for it to yield results that may never come. "This is doing no good, Kōrakuhime," you say, raising a restraining hand. "Let her be."

Your sister looks at our uncertainly, with an expression you can't quite place between disappointment and worry. Wordlessly, though, she releases the talisman, letting it bob back into the air and drift over to rejoin its circle. This time, Arturia's relaxation is more pronounced. She slumps in her stone chair almost as limply as when she was asleep, letting out a great breath, before seeming to become conscious again of your eyes on her and straightening to meet your eyes again.

"That may have been going too far," you allow, smiling at the sight of Arturia's heavy breathing and struggle to regain composure. "My apologies, Arturia. I did not realize you were so committed to remaining silent on that particular subject. Why don't we discuss something else?" There is one thing you still don't understand about Arturia's story, after all: her motivation. What does she intend for the Grail she believes to be, in Emiya's words, "filled with blood and curses"? Did she intend to destroy it? To use Avenger for her own ends? Something else?

"What?" It comes out as half word and half sigh, a last exhalation of weariness as Arturia steels herself for your next round of questioning.

"Why do you pursue the Holy Grail, if you believe it to house Avenger? The wish granted by a corrupted Grail could surely yield no happiness."

"I do not know the Grail to be corrupt," Arturia says, but there's an almost pleading note in her voice that makes it plain that she doesn't really believe it isn't. "I have a wish that must be granted at an cost. I cannot allow any chance at the Holy Grail to slip by me. You could be Avenger itself, fully incarnated after the last Holy Grail War, and not connected to this Holy Grail; or you could be a remnant of that other Grail, seeking to lay hold of the still-pure power of this one because you had been cut off from incarnation through the other. I had to try to win the Grail, despite the fear that my effort was in vain."

"I see." Optimism, then, lies at the root of her actions. "Well, you will be happy to know that I am not Avenger in any form, and you can rest assured that the Holy Grail is pure." You raise a hand to restrain the coming outburst. "Yes, I know, you refuse to believe me. All the same, I would be remiss not to say my piece. Now, I believe we shall leave you to rest. Miss Ayaka, Kōrakuhime, let us go. Unless either of you would like to discuss something with Arturia."

You glance at each of your two companions in turn, but neither is interested. Ayaka wordlessly shakes her head, while Kōrakuhime simply turns away; she's happy to have the prisoner out of her sight, it seems.
>>
As the three of you make your way back to the main room of the underground workshop, you turn to Ayaka. "I am sorry, Miss Ayaka, that you had to witness such a thing. I understand that your compassionate nature must have found the sight of such pain uncomfortable. Since it appeared ineffective, however, I believe we will not have cause to repeat the event."

"No," Ayaka shakes her head and gives you a reassuring smile. "That's just an enemy Servant, I don't mind what you do. As long as you're fighting for my sake, it'd be pretty ungrateful of me to complain over something that trivial." That confirms the sentiment she showed before Arturia herself, then, surprising though it may be.

"Thank you for your understanding," you reply, dipping your head in the suggestion of a bow. Then you turn to Kōrakuhime. "Although I was touched by the way you leaped to the defense of my honor," you begin, "I do not believe pain to be a very effective motivator for our prisoner. We shall have to focus on your proposed methods of magical control."

"It was not... on your behalf that I grew angry," your sister protests, pouting slightly. "As we are a family... our reputation is shared, and by insulting you... she was also insulting me." Huh. It's a bit disappointing, but you suppose that does make more sense, considering Kōrakuhime's egotistical personality. "As for controlling her," she continues, "I have already... devoted the entire day to researching the method, and intend... to continue. Unless you have some... method of enhancing the process, I can hardly see... how we might focus more on magical... control."

"As a matter of fact, I believe I may be able to assist," you reply with a smile. "I spent a some time researching magic myself today, and I believe I've learned to use Absorption, at least in one form. If we were to work together, wouldn't that make controlling her more feasible?"

At your mention of Absorption, Kōrakuhime perks up. "have you? That is... excellent. Yes, if you can apply Absorption magic while I return her to a receptive state... I must continue my research tomorrow, but I think this may be the key to... bringing her under our control," she declares, eyes gleaming.

"Hey, Saber-san," Ayaka cuts in, "you were calling that Servant Arturia earlier, and you mentioned a castle. Doesn't that kind of make it sound like she's a woman version of King Arthur? Who is she, anyway?"

"Why, Miss Ayaka, I see I needn't tell you," you reply wryly. "You've already guessed her identity. That is King Arthur in there. As you could see, she has a rather boyish figure, and apparently hid her gender while alive. An intriguing revelation, is it not?"

"Wow," Ayaka says dreamily, "if you beat King Arthur, doesn't that make you history's greatest knight? That's amazing, Saber-san!"
>>
"You do me too much honor," you say, feigning modesty, although it certainly is true enough. Not that you'll ever tell Ayaka how you really defeated Arturia. If she wants to believe in a knightly duel, let her. "Thank you, Miss Ayaka."

While you and Ayaka were talking, the three of you returned to the main workshop room and Kōrakuhime quickened her pace, walking out ahead of you to lift herself up onto the chair at Vaisset's worktable and rotate it to face you and Ayaka. Now, she cuts into your exchange of pleasantries, clearing her throat sharply. "Ani-ue," she says, "although I have no doubt that it was a... worthwhile exercise to probe our prisoner's mind, the hour is beginning to grow... late. No doubt the other Masters... will be joining battle soon enough. I would like to hear your... plans for this evening."

"My plans are simple, at the moment," you explain. "I must have more knowledge of my enemies' locations and intent. Reconnaissance, Kōrakuhime, is what we must have first. To that end, why don't you begin by showing us..."

>[ ] "...Father Antaglio, the overseer of this War. I must know whether or not he and Matsuda intend to attack us again tonight." (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] "...the Emiya household. I wonder if they've recovered enough yet to pose a threat once more." (Pride)

>[ ] "...how Liliesviel is spending her evening. I'd like to know whether she and Odin intend to take the field yet." (Compassion/Self-Preservation)

>[ ] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)

>[ ] "...Harris' location. If he intends to make a rescue attempt, I must know in advance." (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Something else (Write in)
>>
>>3865421
>[ ] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)
Antaglio won't be showing his face too soon after our last victory (and he certainly wouldn't attack a Caster with a home-field advantage), and Harris was too willing to part with Artoria; however, we don't know IC what Archer and the Hag are doing now. In conclusion, Archer is the top priority for scrying.
>>
>>3865421
>[X] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)
>>
>>3865421
>[ ] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)
Lotta self preservation options here. Let's see what building this asshole is standing on top of.

Also
>"Wow," Ayaka says dreamily, "if you beat King Arthur, doesn't that make you history's greatest knight? That's amazing, Saber-san!"
Thanks, Ayaka.
Lancelot is stronger than Arturia though.
So is Gawain, probably.
>>
>>3865435
>Lotta self preservation options here.
The whole "advance reconnaissance by divination" think is a self-preservation option, really, so subdividing motivations by target was a bit iffy.
>>
>>3865421
>[ ] "...Harris' location. If he intends to make a rescue attempt, I must know in advance." (Self-Preservation)
Has Tsubaki made any other defensive upgrades to the manor? If I remember right all Ayaka had was that basic bounded field that she linked our perception to.
>>
>>3865498
If she has, she hasn't told you about them.
>>
>>3865421
>[ ] "...Harris' location. If he intends to make a rescue attempt, I must know in advance." (Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3865421
>[ ] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)
He was our original target after all.
Not checking in on him would be a huge oversight.
>>
>>3865421
>>[ ] "...the Emiya household. I wonder if they've recovered enough yet to pose a threat once more." (Pride)

I wouldn't put it past Luvia to betray our ass hard
>>
>>3866123
The Emiyas are pretty low down on our threat list right now, hence it not being a self-preservation option.
>>
>>3866123
What can she really do if she does betray you, though? All things considered, a stronger version of Truvietianne is pretty much the least dangerous thing in the War.
>>
>>3865421
>>[X] "...what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia." (Duty)
Also there's no reason to assume we can't scry anyone else before leaving, but this is a reasonable first one to look into.
>>
>>3866161
Could she beat our cat?
>>
>>3866184
Well now, that's a tough one...
You haven't seen Futodoki fight, but it's probably reasonable to assume Rin or Luvia could beat him.
>>
>>3865421
>>[ ] "...the Emiya household. I wonder if they've recovered enough yet to pose a threat once more." (Pride)
>>
>>3866161
Pretend to be on our side, get the Emiyas to distract us and backstab Ayaka?
>>
Alright, looks like there was no further discussion during the night so looking in on Archer takes the vote. Writing now.
>>
"Why don't you begin by showing us what Archer is doing now that he's no longer tied down by his battles with Arturia?"

Archer: the Servant who stopped you from executing Rider's Master along with his Servant, and who's fought Arturia to a standstill each night since. He was your target last night, and you don't intend to lose sight of him now. Next to the unknown Assassin, there's no Servant who poses a greater danger to your Master than Archer. You learned that in the Akeldama, and it's only a mercy that this one hasn't imitated his predecessor and intervened in your battles up until now.

"Reconnaissance... and Archer... how very like you, Ani-ue." Kōrakuhime gives you a knowing smile, and you suspect you're not the only one remembering The Man With No Name when you prioritize this Archer. "Let us see, then..." she continues, "what tower he has set himself to guard... tonight."

Your sister draws the now-familiar origami lotus from her sleeve, setting it in the air and letting the smoke grow from its burning center to fill the space between you. Then, once sufficient space has been filled with the airy canvas to hide your Kōrakuhime completely from view, the image begins to form through shreds of haze. Like evaporating fog, the smoke disappears bit-by-bit at its center, until it is no more than a border around the sight of another place.

There he is, the titanic frame clad in tight-fitting bronze and leather, the roughly handsome face framed by black hair and beard, and the golden eyes that seem to glimmer strangely out of that dorkly tanned form. Archer stands in an ostentatiously decorated room, with his hands down at a wide table that you can't see much of, covered as it is by the enormous map of Tokyo that Archer is scrutinizing. As usual, he's beside his Master, a woman who-

Your mind stops. You blink, clearing the illusion from your vision. No, the sight remains. Something that cannot be. The woman beside Archer is not Akagata Kyouka; far from it, she's someone you know well. Archer's Master is a diminutive woman clad in an extravagant off-the-shoulder gown of white silk fringed with cloth-of-gold, and a tiara of feathers with a weighty gold centerpiece in the form of a miniature mask. Her long strawberry-blonde hair falls below her waist, passing over lengthy, pointed ears and a pair of feathered wings that sprout from her shoulders. Two-toned eyes gleam with haughty intelligence over fine, elfin features as she speaks animatedly to Archer of her plans. There can be no doubt about it. Archer's Master, plainly recognizable by the the command spells that adorn her left hand, is Circe.
>>
The realization hits you like a hammer-blow, and you almost stagger back from the image. Here, at last, is proof of Circe's survival and location, and she's one of your enemies? It can't be! After the devotion she showed as your Servant, it's impossible that she could have abandoned you; could have stood before you, in the guise of that human magus, deceiving you by transformative magic, and threatened battle with a Servant of her own. Yet this sight can hardly be interpreted any other way!

Marshalling your will, you return your focus to the matter at hand, paying attention to the words being spoken, rather than just the presence of your former Servant.

"You'll go and handle the overseer of the War tonight," Circe is saying, poking a spot on the map with the golden needle she sometimes uses as a wand. "I want him taken out of the situation before he makes a move against us. Also, if we're lucky that attack will draw out Assassin. I never had the chance to deal with either of them in the other War, and I don't want to miss this one."

"You planning to come along as well?" Oddly, Archer sounds somewhat hostile. You certainly wouldn't guess by his voice that he's as loyal to his Master as he was during the last conversation you overheard between the two. You muse on it, considering whether Saber's failure to appear after Archer's tower gambit has perhaps strained their relationship.

"No, I won't be there to spoil your fun," Circe says indulgently. "I'll be watching, and I'll step in if you need my help, but I'm sure that you of all people won't have any trouble with a few priests."

"Of course not," Archer snaps. Without another word, he turns on his heel and strides out of frame. As he does so, Kōrakuhime abruptly dispels the image.

"My goodness," she says, with characteristic passivity, "to think... your old Caster would appear... in such a place, as an enemy Master... You must be... shocked."

"I never would have expected it of her," you reply, nodding, "but if she intends to make me her enemy, there's nothing we can do but accept it and move forward." You manage to sound stern, businesslike, and calm only through supreme effort. Inside, there's a boiling rage threatening to burst out of you if you don't maintain a vice-grip on it. You can't decide whether you want to rush to Circe and demand an explanation or never see her again. No doubt your face is going livid with fury, even if you do manage to keep your expression in order.

"Saber-san," Ayaka asks, "who was that with Archer? Can you explain, for me?"

"My Servant," you choke out. "From the fake Grail War."
>>
>[ ] Better not to dwell on Circe's betrayal. Archer is your target, and now that you know his destination time is of the essence. Have Kōrakuhime find Antaglio, and go to intercept him. (Duty)

>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)

>[ ] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Choose one from the prior list) (Self-Preservation)

>[ ] Do something else (Write in)
>>
>>3867063
>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)
>>
>>3867063
>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)
It's fucking happening.
It's finally happening.

Alberich has a bad habit of immediately assuming he's been betrayed.
>>
>>3867063
>>[ ] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Harris, then Emiya, then Matsuda, then finally Liliesviel. There is no reason why we should jump to action immediately. Collect as much info as you can about the state of the war before making committing.) (Self-Preservation)
>>
>>3867089
Ah, but is it truly a bad habit? Or is it prudence?
>>
>there's nothing stopping Kōrakuhime scrying on Circe's territory
>she knew Circe's true name already
>won't tell us what her Noble Phantasms are for no discernible reason
>"Kōrakuhime abruptly dispels the image."
>immediately tries setting us against her.

I've fucking had it with your shit, you oni fuck.

>>3867099
It would be prudence if his assumptions weren't always hilariously wrong.
>>
>>3867063
>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)
>>
inb4 scrying Harris would reveal that he's about to assault the manor to retrieve Saber
>>
Can't wait to pull a "You have outlived your usefulness." on Kōrakuhime.
I've had enough of having to rely on worst girl for anything.

How poetic would it be for her attempts to preserve her own importance to be the direct cause of her downfall?

Raikou did nothing wrong
Oni genocide now.
>>
>>3867061
>going into a hostile Caster's territory
Circe (presumably) doesn't know it's us and we probably changed enough to be unrecognizable from before we escaped Akeldama (need confirmation on this); this could make things go very poorly.
>>
>>3867162
Mhm
Or how about we just don't wear our helmet?
We've got the same face as we did.
Also a larger Kenotis.
>>
Should we leave Tsubaki behind to receive Futodokis report?
>>
>>3867063
>>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)
>>
>>3867185
We'd have more luck leaving a note for him with instructions on how to use a phone along with Ayaka's Phone Number.
>>
>>3867063

>[ ] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Harris)
Before we go kill Archer and Antaglio, we need to make sure our "guest" doesn't get rescued.

>>3867159
Day of the Banishment soon
>>
>>3867063
>[X] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Harris)
>>
>>3867162
Truvietianne instantly recognized Alberich anon. We're not like Lancelot either.
>>
>>3867063
>[ ] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Choose one from the prior list) (Self-Preservation)
Harris.
Antaglio will be dealt with and Odin wants a fight that makes him feel young again, so he needs us alive and strong. That only leaves Harris and Assasin as a threat. We should ask Korakuhime to put some defensive measures (but be careful and not get kidnapped) and stay until our yokai cat get's back.
>>
>>3867296
A well-considered notion, but can you convince people to go with it over impulsively rushing out?
>>
>>3867296
Fuck it I'll switch to this.
>>
>>3867063
>[ ] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Harris) (Self-Preservation)
Either way, we'll have to go out and make sure Archer doesn't cut Matsuda's power or something.
>>
>>3867063
>>[X] Circe, Archer, you don't want to think of either one right now. Just move on to the next enemy to be observed. (Harris) (Self-Preservation)
Haste makes waste
>>
>>3867296
Changing to this
>>
>>3867057
>this one hasn't imitated his predecessor and intervened in your battles up until now
I wonder why
>dorkly tanned
pfffffffffffthahahahahaha look at that dork
>>3867061
>Here, at last, is proof of Circe's survival and location, and she's one of your enemies? It can't be! After the devotion she showed as your Servant, it's impossible that she could have abandoned you; could have stood before you, in the guise of that human magus, deceiving you by transformative magic, and threatened battle with a Servant of her own. Yet this sight can hardly be interpreted any other way!
How easily his trust is shattered.
>"No, I won't be there to spoil your fun," Circe says indulgently. "I'll be watching, and I'll step in if you need my help, but I'm sure that you of all people won't have any trouble with a few priests."
New plan: fuck Archer's ass (metaphorically, or literally if you want to piss off Circe), wait for best bird to show up, take off helmet
>As he does so, Kōrakuhime abruptly dispels the image.
Now I can't object to killing Matsuda, because we have a good reason to kill Tsubaki and even out our round table.
>"My goodness," she says, with characteristic passivity, "to think... your old Caster would appear... in such a place, as an enemy Master... You must be... shocked."
Wait, how did she know we were thinking Circe was an enemy? Was she pulling out her book and reading in front of us? very ballsy
>>
>>3867774
Damn it, there's always a typo.
So you're the second person now to take issue with Kōrakuhime cutting off the image at that moment. What makes it so reprehensible?
>>
>>3867063
>>[ ] There's nothing more to be said. You've got to know why Circe has set herself against you, and immediately! Ask Kōrakuhime where Archer just was, and travel there to confront your former Servant. (Pride)
>>
>>3867790
>So you're the second person now to take issue with Kōrakuhime cutting off the image at that moment. What makes it so reprehensible?
It's one more example of her sabotaging Alberich just to keep him dependent on her. My serious opinion is that we need to make her stop that and fast.
>>
>>3867774
>Wait, how did she know we were thinking Circe was an enemy?
She could just have seen that Circe was giving orders to an enemy Servant, with a command spell on her hand, and drawn the natural conclusion. It's not like she necessarily knew that you were thinking the same thing.
>>
>>3867919
>She could just have seen that Circe was giving orders to an enemy Servant, with a command spell on her hand, and drawn the natural conclusion.
How natural is it, really? Circe was our closest ally in the Akeldama.
More like Tsubaki's enemy, since she's at risk of becoming obsolete. It was a very cunning trick she played, but she made the critical error of forgetting that tricks are for kids and Alberich is not Titania.
>>
>>3867815
Agreed, it's a fucking terrible character trait and it's not like it reallly even makes sense to assume that Alberich would've discarded her or whatever the fuck considering how he acted in Akeldama towards people it was genuinely more trouble to keep alive.

Literally all you need to do is not betray him.
But no, big brain Kōrakuhime seemingly has a plan that could realistically only lead to a single decision for Alberich to take in regards to his siblings.
There can only be one.
>>
>>3867815
>>3867938
Do you really feel like she was sabotaging you here? What do you feel like you missed, anyway? Archer grumbling on his way to Antaglio's church?
>>
>>3867940
>What do you feel like you missed, anyway?
Archer grumbling on his way to Antaglio's church.
I'm being facetious
>>
>>3867940
>Do you really feel like she was sabotaging you here?
I feel like she's been sabotaging ever since she said she had already tried scrying for Circe yet was apparently unable.
But unless Judas decided it would be relevant to reveal the names of our Servants, the only way she could've found their names is with her divination Noble Phantasm.
The one that seems to reveal true names.
What, it couldn't see through an apparent magical disguise either?
She's obviously lying to us.
>>
Your answer must have carried more of your emotion than you'd intended, because Ayaka goes doesn't pursue the matter any further. Kōrakuhime, likewise, remains silentas you get a handle on your reaction to Circe's disorienting reappearance. Gradually, as you hold yourself in check, the rage and despair within you subside until you're left feeling drained and distantly unemotional. You don't want to think about Archer or Circe any longer.

"Kōrakuhime," you say quietly, "show me what William Harris is doing. We need to ensure he isn't readying some plan to free Arturia."

"Certainly."

At a nod and esoteric gesture from your sister, the floating lotus once again begins spewing smoke into the room. This time, the image that forms is of a grassy slope, leading down to a river softly flowing through the city night. Two men are on the slope, one standing and one sitting. You recognize them both.

"So you need a Master," Harris says. "That priest sure works quickly, huh?"

Matsuda doesn't turn or rise to greet his visitor. Staring morosely at the water, he curtly replies, "Whaddya want?"

"Heh. You're a friendly one," Harris remarks sarcastically. "It's like this. You don't have a Master, and I don't have a Servant. Right now, we could both die pretty soon. Why don't we work together instead?"

"Why should I care about dyin', huh?" Matsuda's despair-laden voice rings out across the vacant scene, reverberating off the water. "I just found out I'm not even real, and you wanta talk ta me about keepin' alive! I don't even know if I'm alive now!"

"Not even real, huh?" Harris gives the younger man an appraising look. "I don't know about your problems, but you'll never get an answer if you fade away in the next day or two. You can't make it with no Master forever, not even with this setup the priest's done for you."

"Why not?" Finally Matsuda does get to his feet, rounding on Harris to demand angrily from the man, "Why can't I make it, ya smug bastard? I've been doin' just fine with Antaglio's energy 'til now, and without bein' tied up by a command spell. All Antaglio can do is cut off that power for a bit. What's tha good o' throwin' in with you?"

"You get it through a crucifix," Harris answers contemptuously, not giving an inch before Matsuda's intimidation. "What happens to you when somebody breaks that thing, huh? It's the end for you, that's what. A Master, now, that's someone who won't get put out of commission as easily as a bit of jewelry. As for being bound, that priest's got a far tighter hold on you by cutting you off whenever he feels like it than a Master would have with three absolute orders."

Matsuda considers this for a few moments, before grudgingly conceding, "Fine, so maybe ya are tha better option. That still doesn't say why I should care about stickin' around for tha war in tha first place. I got no home ta go back to, no family, no future, no nothin'!"
>>
"Maybe that's true," Harris says, "but it doesn't bear here. You could find those things and get yourself a future if you live past the end of this War. Pass on my offer, though, and well," Harris sets a comforting hand on Matsuda's shoulder. "Your priest handed you off to me. Whether you take me up or not, I don't think that crucifix of yours will be supplying you with energy much longer. So what'll it be, Lancer? Live or die?"

"Shit! Goddamn that bastard, why'd he hafta... ah, shit! Hell,-" As the realization that he has no choice sinks in, Matsuda gives in to his frustration and vents for a while. Once he's calmed down, though, he puts out a hand to shake Harris'. "Alright," he says. "Ya got a deal. Who're we gonna attack tonight, then?"

"Assassin," Harris answers with a smile. "I've been wandering around enough as a Master without a Servant that they should be looking to tie up loose ends, if how Lumenza went out means what I think it does. So now we'll go for a walk, Lancer."

Waving your hand through the smoke, you shred the image and tell Kōrakuhime, "I've seen enough. Remove this smoke, can't you?" As you wait for a reply, you consider the implications of a Matsuda-Harris team. For one thing, Arturia is now completely dependent on you. The new alliance of your enemies, however, could be even more dangerous than she was when with Harris. The best thing to do, you think, is to...

>[ ] Get out there and attack Harris and Matsuda now, while they haven't yet worked out their coordination as a pair. (Duty)

>[ ] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Pick the next target of reconnaissance.) (Pride)

>[ ] Do something else. (Write in)
>>
>>3867981
>[ ] Do something else. (Go after Antaglio, and ambush Archer in the act.)
We need to get this over with as soon as we can, and we could use that crucifix against the pair since it's linked directly to Matsuda.
>>
>>3867981

>[X] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Emiyas) (Pride)

We may yet end up setting up our second loss tonight.
>>
>>3867981
>[ ] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Pick the next target of reconnaissance.) (Pride)
I'm torn between Assasin (to know his location and identity so we can go and sacrifice him, even put an ambush for Matsuda and Harris) or the Emiyas (to make sure they aren't planning on breaking into our house to free Saber).
We could always go to find Assasin after we discover where he is and leave Korakuhime here guarding Saber and scrying the Emiyas and Assasin to make sure they won't try any buillshit.
>>
>>3867998
Support.
>>
>>3867981

>[ ] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Pick the next target of reconnaissance.) (Pride)

Emiyas.
>>
>>3867981
>if how Lumenza went out
Oh, dear.
How much does Assassin know? Why kill Lumenza after Berserker died? (Or did he vanish because Assassin got to him?)
What's his endgame? And what does Odin want with him?
>>
>>3867952
You are forgetting how Circe as a Caster could block scrying and has no reason not to, since she doesn't know that we have a way to scry through Tsubaki.

>>3868012
The problem with Assassin is that apparently even Odin can't scry him.

>>3867981
>[X] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Emiyas) (Pride)
>>
>>3868094
>You are forgetting how Circe as a Caster could block scrying
Don't be stupid. If Circe was blocking scrying, then it would've applied to her territory too.
The fact that we could scry her at all is quite telling of Kourakuhime's deception in regards to Circe.
She likely wasn't expecting Archer to show up there of all places.

Circe would render Tsubaki just slightly more useful than Ogawara was in Akeldama, should Alberich reunite with her.

Also can we please not spend the entire night scrying? It's a boring option honestly. Time is of the essence.
>>
>>3868098
>The fact that we could scry her at all is quite telling of Kourakuhime's deception in regards to Circe.
Don't be stupid. We didn't scry her. We did on Archer, but not directly on Caster/Circe. And that she would have blocked the entire territory is an assumption you are making.

Also the opposite applies too, If Circe put any kind of effort into scrying and checked out the servants she would have found and recognized us. If she put any work into searching for us with familiars she would also have found us.
>>
>>3868111
Cease being ignorant.
Why would Circe not block scrying on her territory if that was something she had done for herself?
And even if that were the case, what about Adelheid?
There's no reason she should've been impossible to scry at all.

Also, Alberich often fights wearing a helmet and his name is no longer Yumigawa Rushorou. We also don't know whether or not she actually is aware of us.
>>
>>3868120
>Cease being ignorant.
This doesn't make you sound smart you know?
>Why would Circe not block scrying on her territory if that was something she had done for herself?
Because warding empty territory is mana draining for little use.
>And even if that were the case, what about Adelheid?
Might be dead, since she was a Berserker without a master and we haven't heard anything about her through any sources, magical or not.
>Also, Alberich often fights wearing a helmet and his name is no longer Yumigawa Rushorou. We also don't know whether or not she actually is aware of us.
And how much of each day does Alberich spend fighting? Ten minutes? Thirty?

Ultimately you are assuming malice when until now Tsubaki was pretty helpful and fixate on the bad things. Let's not assume malice and jump to killing off what we ourselves declared to be family for frankly minor stuff. And yes Tsubaki jumping to the conclusion that Circe might be an enemy could be a honest mistake, if Circe isn't an enemy in this case.
>>
>>3868125
>empty territory
>literally her temple
??? Ok.
>Tsubaki was pretty helpful
Holy shit are you for real?
Yes.
She's being helpful out of some desire to be considered important.
Though she's also not revealing her Noble Phantasms to us.
In addition to that, she wants to keep us ignorant of magic to preserve that importance.

Now, how important do you think she will be if a far far superior Caster were to join us?
So, why wouldn't it make sense for her to
You know...
Try her hardest to stop that from occurring?

Tsubaki is worst girl and worst ally.
>>
>>3868136
>??? Ok.
So what is important in her temple that nobody should see?
>Tsubaki is worst girl and worst ally.
So basically she's not giving us everything we feel entitled to?
Keeping her NPs secret is in the end annoying but hardly something that hurts us.
Keeping us ignorant of magic is just her not teaching us.

>So, why wouldn't it make sense for her to
>You know...
>Try her hardest to stop that from occurring?
Does it make sense? Yes, but so would Circe having killed Adelheid to get rid of competition. So would also Circe having blocked direct scrying on her.

Technically so would Circe betraying Alberich for Odysseus. Just because something would make sense doesn't mean we should jump to conclusions.
>>
>>3868142
>So what is important in her temple that nobody should see?
Her temple.
>Keeping her NPs secret is in the end annoying but hardly something that hurts us.
[Citation Needed]. By not telling us all of her capabilities, she is hindering our efforts, actively harming our potential to win this war.

>Keeping us ignorant of magic is just her not teaching us.
Yes, that's what that means.

>Does it make sense? Yes
I accept your surrender.
>but so would Circe having killed Adelheid to get rid of competition
Except the two would've appeared in different places.

>So would also Circe having blocked direct scrying on her.
Not really, not like modern magi can scry like a Caster can.

>Technically so would Circe betraying Alberich for Odysseus
But that makes no sense at all.
In fact, with all of Alberich's experiences with Servants getting new masters, his automatic assumption that one of the two people in the world that loves him the most has betrayed him and was pretending to be somebody else entirely just kinda makes him look retarded.
>>
>>3868151
>Her temple.
To scry on it someone would need to know it exists in the first place and if they do then it defeats the purpose to try to hide it from scrying. It's not like servants where you would scry on them on principle. You would actively need to scry for another Caster's territory as a Caster yourself. Not something you would normally do.
>[Citation Needed]. By not telling us all of her capabilities, she is hindering our efforts, actively harming our potential to win this war.
That is not actively hindering. That is being passively unhelpful because she's chuuni as fuck and wants to be mysterious.
If she was actively hindering us then we would have less chances with her than without her and that is pretty obviously not true.
>But that makes no sense at all.
Circe's love for Odysseus was kind of legendary. That you in your bias don't see how it makes sense doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.
>I accept your surrender.
I accept you being a condescending asshole. End of discussion.
>>
>>3868160
>End of discussion
I don't think that's how it works, faggot.
>To scry on it someone would need to know it exists in the first place and if they do then it defeats the purpose to try to hide it from scrying. It's not like servants where you would scry on them on principle. You would actively need to scry for another Caster's territory as a Caster yourself. Not something you would normally do.
>You would actively need to scry for another Caster's territory as a Caster yourself. Not something you would normally do.
>scry for Caster... as a Caster yourself.
The fact you can't see the contradiction of what you just typed is hilarious. If she hasn't warded her territory, she wouldn't ward herself against it either.
>That is not actively hindering
She's literally hurting our chances to win because of her own wants.
This is called hindering.
>If she was actively hindering us then we would have less chances with her than without her and that is pretty obviously not true.
Tell that to the Shijou ritual.
>Circe's love for Odysseus
Except we don't know Archer is Odysseus IC so this is another moot point.
>>
>>3867981
>[ ] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Pick the next target of reconnaissance.) (Pride)
Take a look at Shirou.
I still think we should go see Circe after this, now that we know where all the major players are.
>>
>>3867998
>>3867981
This
>>
>>3868047
It's definitely a mystery you'll want to solve.

>>3868167
Arguing about Circe and Kōrakuhime's motivations is all well and good, but you might want to vote on the current choice as well.
>>
>>3868326
Oh right, I got caught up in my attempt to spark a waifuwar.

Out of concern that otherwise we'll be spending endless updates just fucking scrying forever I guess I'll support.
>>3867998

This is why we don't deserve the chance to scry everyone. Why bother wasting time on the Emiyas?
We're being too cautious for no reason.
>>
>>3867981
>[ ] Get out there and attack Harris and Matsuda now, while they haven't yet worked out their coordination as a pair. (Duty)
Allowing Matsuda to train with Harris might be a bad idea.

Tough choice though. We've got too many irons in the fire right now.

We still need to receive Futodokis report and turn Saber. And now we need to meet up with Circe too. I'm concerned about losing out on servant sacrifices so maybe we can steal their assassin kill.
>>
>>3868347
>Allowing Matsuda to train with Harris might be a bad idea.
That's what we have Saber for.
Let's see him dodge an Excaliblast.
>>
>>3868363
You are kidding, right? The only one that would get a excaliblast if we release Arturia would be Alberich (or Tsubaki).
>>
>>3868391
This is what Saber Alter is for.

Oh man, Shirou is going to fucking loathe Alberich.
>>
>>3868407
>I'm definitely not related to Avenger, and the Grail is just fine. You're being too fearful, Emiya.
>Also, you know that Saber we were talking about? I found a way to alter her, so she's now one of my subordinates!
>What? Why are you looking at me that way?
>>
>>3867981
>[X] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Emiyas) (Pride)
>>
Should we actually go out tonight? Or should we just focus on altering Saber, gathering intel, and then worry about visiting Circe during the day tomorrow so it seems less like an attack?
>>
>>3868487
>Should we actually go out tonight?
This is a great opportunity to meet Circe. Remember, she said that she would come if Archer was having trouble.
>Or should we just focus on altering Saber
We really shouldn't, because it will bring Angra Mainyu into this clusterfuck of a War and I strongly suspect it won't put her under OUR control.
>visiting Circe during the day
Do we actually know where she is?
>>
>>3868497
>Do we actually know where she is?
One of the options at the last update was to ask your sister where the image of Archer was just pulled from, and go there to confront Circe. You can get that location regardless of when you want to go.

>>3868487
Anyone else have an opinion on this? I've been going through actions one-by-one, but it's always good for you folks to discuss your overall plans.
>>
>>3868487
Since an assault on our compound is a nonstarter for tonight (Harris doesn't care), hunting down Antaglio/Archer takws priority for me.
>>
>>3868487
gibe Archer food
>>
>>3867981
>>[X] Find out what one of the other participants in the War is doing. You can deal with Harris and Matsuda later, when the proper time comes. (Emiyas) (Pride)
While this may seem like wasting time IRL, in-quest we've only been looking for a couple minutes per target. Let's not get blindsided because we jumped into the battlefield unprepared.
We might also want to have someone call the local church to let Antaglio know his pet lancer is probably ditching him. There might be a way to get into his good graces.
>>
>>3868765
Oh wait I think I misread that last bit, looks like the church gave Matsuda away
>>
Ambush Archer at the Church
>>3867998
>>3868019
>>3868264
>>3868338

Attack Harris and Matsuda before they can get their act together as a team
>>3868347

Surveil the Emiya Family
>>3868000
>>3868021
>>3868094
>>3868260
>>3868441
>>3868765

Do some surveillance, target uncertain
>>3868012
>>
By the way, I'll be staying online tonight and plan to get at least two updates done in the next 8 hours.
>>
>>3869047
Sick
>>
>[ ] Do something else. (Go to the Church)

Go in with no helmet on, lets see how Circe will react. Antaglio is nothing without Matsuda with him and we can just ignore him but if he does try to start shit then we can turn him into the new fresh coat of paint on the wall.
>>
Oh shit, we're on Page 10.
>>
>>3869443
Yeah, I'll probably post a new thread with this update.
>>
>>3869047
So that turned out to be laughably untrue. I had some unexpected company, and wasn't able to write at all earlier. Sorry about that, folks. I'll definitely resume in the morning.
>>
Alright, the new update is up with a new thread! This time I really will try to stick around for the evening.
>>3870506



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