ManyThings

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Reiki Matou

The Study, Matou Manor

---

All wrong. There were far too many.

Reiki spun around and around in her grandfather's office chair with a troubled look on her face. At the same time, she gave the grocer a warm smile as he bagged her fresh fruit. Meanwhile, she observed the numerous magi operating in Fuyuki. Far too numerous. Surely they couldn't all have been mobilized under one Master? If so, even the mighty Matou would likely crumble. But no, each was distinct, operating in their own way or in small groups. There was only one conclusion that could be reached from her observations of the many magi and occasional heroic spirits now active in and around town. The number of participants had increased.

"This is a really awful development, Lancer." She swivelled to look at the woman who sat on top of the desk. Reiki's desk, now that the house was empty.

Just as she made eye contact with her Servant, Reiki heard the front door open and then close as "Reiki" entered the house carrying groceries. She walked into the kitchen, placed her bags on the counter, and collapsed into a mass of worms which hastily dispersed to their hiding places. "Likely so, but those without strength will quickly fall in the chaos, and just one will be left, no matter the starting number." Her Servant stood from the desk and walked to the window. In theory, such an action could be described as absent-minded, but Lancer always seemed to consciously decide on everything she did. "Make no mistake about my power. Unless my wish can be granted in the midst of battle, I will be the last one standing."

Her Servant's death-wish. Even if it was troublesome, she had to respect Lancer's desires or there could be no partnership. "Well, I hope you can get what you want, but don't forget about me, okay?" She gave the woman a smile from behind, which shrunk somewhat as the thing she had been tracking reached within a few blocks of the manor. "Anyhow, it seems like there's a-"

"-A bird familiar bearing a letter." Lancer interrupted.

Reiki nodded wordlessly. She had seen the creature approach through her worms, but how had Lancer taken notice? Did the protective runes she had placed on the property extend that far, or was she making use of "Clairvoyance" or "Presence Detection" or something else along those lines. She couldn't be sure Lancer also somehow knew that the familiar in question had originated from Ryuudou Temple, but she wouldn't be surprised. Her intent had been to summon the Hound of Culann, but she had gotten lucky and ended up with a Servant with really amazing versatility. In any case, she sent a few flying units to carefully take hold of the messenger's payload. Once the winged worms carried the letter into the mansion, the bird turned back the way it had come, seemingly having satisfied the parameters of its mission. A moment after, Lancer opened the window and received the envelope from the worms. Reiki noticed her Servant raise an eyebrow as she glanced at the seal on the front. After a moment, she handed over the item, which Reiki took to mean that it contained no dangerous magical traps. Observing that Lancer's attention must have been grabbed by the runes covering the wax seal, Reiki produced a letter opener from a drawer and laid the message flat on the desk. "We're in luck, Lancer." Her face lit up as she read over the formal letter. "A Master in a favourable position is proposing an alliance."

"Dealing with the modern is your field of work. Just remember that at the very least, their Servant must eventually fall."

Always saying things to dampen her mood, that Lancer. Couldn't she enjoy the idea of some peaceful cooperation for even-

"Oh! She's found Shinji!" Reiki broke out into a joyous smile. "Well, there's no question about it now. I'd better write her back and invite her here for this afternoon." Reiki sat cross-legged in the swivel-chair, brought out a pen and paper, and got to work.

---

Scáthach

The Front Yard, Matou Manor

---

The response, a sealed letter bearing a wax seal of her Master's coat of arms, was carried off to the Temple by a group of winged insects. Lancer stood outside, leaning against the manor's front door while Reiki- the real Reiki, arranged chairs, a table, and a tablecloth in a small gazebo in the Matous' well-kept garden. The thing was located about halfway through the house's defences, such that they could invite their potential ally in as a show of trust while still leaving space behind for a retreat where it would be difficult to follow. Once Reiki seemed satisfied with the display, Lancer quickly moved to that point and scratched a few concealed runes in select places as preparation for conflict. This was almost over-caution. Playing it safe could get old quickly, but worse still was carelessly falling to an avoidable fate. For now, this house was her Land of Shadows and the other Servants were the spirits who sought to invade it. After all, killing gods and killing heroes were two different affairs entirely, and one couldn't always be relied on to be easier than the other.

"The preparations are complete. If there's nothing else, I'll remain on watch from the roof." She stepped back toward the manor, and after a moment she tensed her legs and-

"Oh, Lancer?"

She stopped.

"I know you said you didn't like anything else in the wardrobe, but since we're having guests, do you think you could look again?"

She sighed. Her Master's potential as a warrior would be best summed up as "a negative number."

"I will make an effort."

Nonetheless, she had grown a bit fond of the girl.

Fate/WarGames Castere/Master needed

I better give this a bump.

We at the German faction need our magic man already!

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Lancer- I Believe the Term is "Shishou"

Name: Scáthach
Titles: Queen of the Land of Shadows, Witch of Dun Scaith, Lord of Spirits
Class: Lancer
Gender: Female
Birth and Death Dates: ? ? ?
Alignment: Neutral Good

Personality
A woman brimming with pride and confidence in her power, with a perfect understanding of the exact difference between herself and the mediocre. Although no one can deny her status as a queen once she claims it, her usual demeanour is more like a “teacher” to her allies and a “warden” to her enemies. Since this event is a rare chance to exist in the world for a time, she is able to accept calling a mage “Master” and conforming to other rules of the Grail War and world as a whole, although she is not willing to become some slave. Indeed, Lancer, who is aware of her status above normal people, has already decided to use he greatness to the benefit of the masses, being the “strong” who must protect the “weak.” Of course, she has her own desire in mind, as well.

Lancer has a keen eye for the qualities of people. She will never be left confused about her own actions, and can see through the motivations and personalities of others. Her specialty in this case is determining the potential of the person in question and whether or not they are mediocre. This is an important ability for Lancer, who has little patience for those lacking courage. Naturally then, her favourite people are those with great courage. Not just a foolhardy warrior too confident in his strength, but a warrior possessing the same extreme quality she once saw in her greatest pupil. She will begin speaking like a teacher too easily if she meets an ally with potential in the modern world, but will remember herself before she goes too far. Lancer’s wish, whether from the grail or in battle, is to find the one who can truly and finally kill her.

...If there's any chance, she hopes that person will be her beloved student.

Bio
In Celtic mythology Scáthach or the Land of Shadows. Throughout her battles, Scáthach eventually ceased being human and started to be closed off from the World, unable to die as a human. She was known to be a master of combat and runes who many sought out for apprenticeship. At the age of sixteen, the hero Cú Chulainn traveled to the Land of Shadows in search of fame, and she became his mentor, guiding him in her arts and eventually granting him his favorite demonic spear, Gáe Bolg. She lamented, however, that she was too late in bestowing him that weapon as she had already reached the level where it was impossible for her to be killed by such a thing. Her sadness was made only greater as she used clairvoyance to foresee her pupil's demise but was forced to let him return to the world anyway. Eventually, the Land of Shadows itself became completely cut off from the mortal world, fully becoming a land of the dead. Still existing unto modern times and unable to become a Heroic Spirit on the Throne of Heroes, Scáthach has not ventured outside of the Land of Shadows for two thousand years. Unable to die, she can only wait until the time the World and its outside finally disappear.

...Well, that's how it ought to be. Just this once, perhaps as a "reward" for dutifully protecting her domain, she has been projected into the Lancer class. While she is not living exactly, Scáthach will retain her memories from this experience and cannot enter spirit form, though the latter may be supplemented with runecraft or wisdom. Although immortal, she can be "killed" as a Servant, at which point she will return to Dun Scaith. If it's a truly unparalleled attack, however, there is a chance it will be sufficient to end her completely, thus fulfilling her fondest wish.

Parameters
Strength: B
Endurance: A
Agility: A
Mana: C
Luck: D

Class Skills
-Magic Resistance A: Lancer can cancel spells of A-Rank or below targeting her, no matter what High-Thaumaturgy it is. In practice, she is untouchable to modern magi, so it would not be an exaggeration to title her a 'Magus Killer'.

Personal Skills
-God Slayer B: A skill held as the gatekeeper of the Land of Shadows who kills divine spirits daily. Lancer gains a plus modifier when attacking Divine Spirits, wraiths, and Servants with the divinity skill.
-Primordial Rune: On a completely different level from the runes modern mages use, this is an incredibly powerful art spread about by the Norse god Odin. Even if it sounds like an unbelievable claim, it is accurate to say that Lancer is as capable with magecraft as she is with a spear. Most notably, her runes can be used for high-power attack, defence, healing, support skills, and parameter boosting, but there are countless combinations to write them in that can produce many different effects.
-Wisdom of the Haunted Ground A+: The wisdom of the abyss, consequently acquired by transcending mankind, killing gods, and being left behind at the Outside of the World. Excluding those that are characteristic of certain heroes, almost all Skills can be practically demonstrated at a proficiency of B~A Rank. Also, only to those who she truly acknowledged as heroes, she can teach such Skills to them too. A Skill she often employs during combat is “Clairvoyance” for the foresight of combat situations. Even in the Ulster Cycle, she often predicted the future according to this foresight; even the last moments of her favourite pupil, Cú Chulainn.

Noble Phantasms
Name: Gáe Bolg Alternative
Title: Soaring Spears of Piercing Death
Rank: B
NP Type: Anti-Unit
Range: 5~40
Maximum Number of Targets: 50 people
Description: Two spears forged from the bones of a terrible sea monster. Although similar, neither of them are identical to her pupil's spear, as they are both one step older. Once the true name is called there are two possible techniques which can be used individually or in immediate succession. The first is a close-ranged thrust which, should it make contact with the enemy, will immobilize them by pinning them in a spot in the air. The second possible application is a thrown attack guaranteeing the target's demise. As opposed to her student's thrust which inflicts an instant kill by manipulating cause and effect and relying on the enemy's misfortune, this attack brings about "certain death" simply by virtue of its extreme speed, accuracy, and damaging power.

Name: Gate of Skye
Title: Gate to the Magical Realm Brimming with Death
Rank: A+
Type: Anti-Army
Range: 2~50
Maximum Number of Targets: 200 people
Description: The privilege of Scáthach as ruler of the isle of Skye. She can temporarily summon a massive gate to the Land of Shadows which sucks in all life forms in range. If the target fails to resist it with their Mana or Luck stat, they'll be sucked into the gate and instantly killed. Even if resisted, the targets' mana is rapidly pulled from their bodies, an effect which can be quite damaging to spiritual beings such as Servants. Scáthach can choose to exempt specific individuals from being drawn into the gate.

Master- Bug Type Gym Leader

Name: Reiki Matou
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Alignment: Neutral Good
Rank: Fes
Objective for the Grail: To create a paradise by eliminating all evil and sorrow in the world. The method Zouken has chosen to achieve this is unknown to her, so in practice her objective is "Obtain the Grail, then contact Zouken."

Command Seal

Red and divided into thirds.

Personality
Naturally since Zouken is her greatest inspiration she has only kindness and goodwill for her friends, family, and even strangers, with her pride as a magus coming second to her spirit as a person. Despite having a good heart, she has grown used to the "gross" and "scary" nature of the family magecraft to the point where she is able to accept something like devouring wild animals to sustain her worms. When she was younger she was often outspoken and wanted to simply mobilize the Matou as a force to correct every wrongdoing in sight, but she has matured to the point of accepting that the war to decide everything will be a bloody and treacherous affair. In other words, she has been doing mental exercizes to prepare herself for the act of taking another human life. With that said, she hopes to avoid the war becoming an absolute bloodbath beyond the necessary deaths of Servants. Having been raised from birth with the Holy Grail War in mind, Reiki is prepared to accommodate a prideful hero without sabotaging her chances at victory.

Bio
A child born into the Matou with strong circuits and affinity for their signature worm familiars despite the decline that is beginning to gnaw on the family. Her relationship with her "grandfather" Zouken quickly surpassed that with her parents due to his superior teaching methods and the sense of justice they shared, and eventually he revealed his true role in the family as her ancient ancestor made immortal through exceptional worm techniques. She quickly became enamoured with her still-living ancestor's dream of a perfect world. Given time, she may have the capacity to transcend the human body as Zouken has, but such a thing will be unnecessary if the utopia of their dreams can be achieved, so instead she has simply prepared to battle for the creation of that world.

---

Number of Magic Circuits: B (If you count the worms inside her body, then the value is much greater.)

Quality of Magic Circuits: B

---

Magecraft
Elemental Affinity: Water

Crest: Its name has changed over time and the practice of passing on their crest has long since ended, but the family that makes use of crest worms is over 400 years old.

The Basics: All simple magecraft which one would study within their first few years at the clock tower. Of course, having been trained at home by Zouken, the style may be slightly different. In particular, if Reiki is for some reason forced to resort to using dead animals as familiars, they will be of the finest construction and functionality.

Familiar Mastery: Reiki is constantly receiving information and relaying commands to and from her worms on a level that would be impossible for one without experience, and if she personally focuses on a group they can fight with a startling degree of precision. While a Heroic Spirit is not something that can be consciously commanded in that sense, they still benefit from a strong contract and mental connection.

Absorption: A dangerous method of completely breaking down matter and energy and consuming it through physical contact. Probably the deadliest technique available to Reiki since it is also possible to utilize through adding it to familiars and other magecraft. After all, it is a method which ignores "durability" in the conventional sense as it removes any matter it overlaps with, making surviving it into a matter of evasion or resistance to magecraft.

Binding: A form of magecraft for use primarily against spirits. It can prevent their movement and force them to do Reiki's bidding via contract. As a familiar master, Reiki is capable of severing the contract between a target familiar and its master before forcing a new one between herself and the target.

Healing: Different from the worms' interaction with flesh. Reiki, who has been preparing to support a Servant for many years, can cure wounds quickly even at range.

Water Magecraft: Spells to manipulate water. The normal offensive method of a torrent of water lacks power in Reiki's case, but she is effective in the ways of hydration and dehydration, being able to condense water from the air in various positions, hydrate herself, or quickly dehydrate others.

Equipment
Imperious: A brass ring on Reiki's right hand inlaid with a glimmering orange stone. Through its use, the binding magecraft of the Matou can be extended to humans, essentially allowing for a form of mental interference which relates to the impulses of the mind to the body rather than conscious decision making. The wearer can forge contracts with humans if both parties agree, which can force another to do Reiki's bidding or provide her with mana. Unlike a self-geas scroll, however, this contract is something over which the wearer holds power, so it cannot truly be considered an equal and safe bargain.

Ravenous: A silver ring on Reiki's left hand inlaid with a shining black stone. Through this, it is possible to fire largely ineffective black mana projectiles to which the Matou quality of "absorption" can be added with especial ease and effectiveness. Even if their speed and number is subpar, they carry a low cost and can deal large damage by simply "removing" the area struck. The ring itself can also act as a "processing plant" which can remove harmful attributes of that which is consumed by its projectiles before passing it on to the wearer.

Crest Worms: The signature familiars of the Matou family, and the method through which their arts are passed down. Worms which consume magical energy both directly and through the conversion of flesh and blood. Reiki carries a large number of them inside her body to act as artificial circuits, which would be dangerous if she lacked control over them. Many variations are possible, and in preparation for the war much of the stock has been turned into blade-winged insects which fly at high speeds and strip flesh like piranhas. It is possible for a group of worms to take on the exact form and texture of an object, a technique which Reiki takes to the point of being able to create a walking talking replica of a person, indistinguishable from the real thing but able to release into a mass of worms at a moment's notice. Perhaps the most potent application available in this war is the ability to insert worms into a person and allow them to breed and move through the body until it can be used like a puppet even in death, a technique which can even be used on magic circuits and spiritual beings due to the worms' ability to interact with mana.

3 Families Benefits
-Reiki resides in the home of the Matou family. Being a permanent residence of powerful magi it should go without saying that the protections surrounding it far surpass those which a mage entering Fuyuki would be able to set up around their base.

-The Matou possess considerable monetary wealth, which Zouken has given her leave to dip into without restraint if she can find a use for it that will actually affect her chances of victory in the war.

-By sending her worms to consume a large part of the local wildlife, Reiki has bred a network of familiars blanketing Fuyuki while the pit in her basement overflows with reserve troops.

-Reiki has summoned her Servant months in advance, allowing the two to cultivate a relationship and add a measure of powerful ancient rune magecraft to the manor's defences.

-Zouken has contacted one of his old associates, allowing a certain Italian homunculus to be called in to watch the dog, water the plants, and defend Matou manor from violent assaults by power-hungry mages.

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Lancer- I Believe the Term is "Shishou"

Name: Scáthach
Titles: Queen of the Land of Shadows, Witch of Dun Scaith, Lord of Spirits
Class: Lancer
Gender: Female
Birth and Death Dates: ? ? ?
Alignment: Neutral Good

Personality
A woman brimming with pride and confidence in her power, with a perfect understanding of the exact difference between herself and the mediocre. Although no one can deny her status as a queen once she claims it, her usual demeanour is more like a “teacher” to her allies and a “warden” to her enemies. Since this event is a rare chance to exist in the world for a time, she is able to accept calling a mage “Master” and conforming to other rules of the Grail War and world as a whole, although she is not willing to become some slave. Indeed, Lancer, who is aware of her status above normal people, has already decided to use he greatness to the benefit of the masses, being the “strong” who must protect the “weak.” Of course, she has her own desire in mind, as well.

Lancer has a keen eye for the qualities of people. She will never be left confused about her own actions, and can see through the motivations and personalities of others. Her specialty in this case is determining the potential of the person in question and whether or not they are mediocre. This is an important ability for Lancer, who has little patience for those lacking courage. Naturally then, her favourite people are those with great courage. Not just a foolhardy warrior too confident in his strength, but a warrior possessing the same extreme quality she once saw in her greatest pupil. She will begin speaking like a teacher too easily if she meets an ally with potential in the modern world, but will remember herself before she goes too far. Lancer’s wish, whether from the grail or in battle, is to find the one who can truly and finally kill her.

...If there's any chance, she hopes that person will be her beloved student.

Bio
In Celtic mythology Scáthach or the Land of Shadows. Throughout her battles, Scáthach eventually ceased being human and started to be closed off from the World, unable to die as a human. She was known to be a master of combat and runes who many sought out for apprenticeship. At the age of sixteen, the hero Cú Chulainn traveled to the Land of Shadows in search of fame, and she became his mentor, guiding him in her arts and eventually granting him his favorite demonic spear, Gáe Bolg. She lamented, however, that she was too late in bestowing him that weapon as she had already reached the level where it was impossible for her to be killed by such a thing. Her sadness was made only greater as she used clairvoyance to foresee her pupil's demise but was forced to let him return to the world anyway. Eventually, the Land of Shadows itself became completely cut off from the mortal world, fully becoming a land of the dead. Still existing unto modern times and unable to become a Heroic Spirit on the Throne of Heroes, Scáthach has not ventured outside of the Land of Shadows for two thousand years. Unable to die, she can only wait until the time the World and its outside finally disappear.

...Well, that's how it ought to be. Just this once, perhaps as a "reward" for dutifully protecting her domain, she has been projected into the Lancer class. While she is not living exactly, Scáthach will retain her memories from this experience and cannot enter spirit form, though the latter may be supplemented with runecraft or wisdom. Although immortal, she can be "killed" as a Servant, at which point she will return to Dun Scaith. If it's a truly unparalleled attack, however, there is a chance it will be sufficient to end her completely, thus fulfilling her fondest wish.

Parameters
Strength: B
Endurance: A
Agility: A
Mana: C
Luck: D

Class Skills
-Magic Resistance A: Lancer can cancel spells of A-Rank or below targeting her, no matter what High-Thaumaturgy it is. In practice, she is untouchable to modern magi, so it would not be an exaggeration to title her a 'Magus Killer'.

Personal Skills
-God Slayer B: A skill held as the gatekeeper of the Land of Shadows who kills divine spirits daily. Lancer gains a plus modifier when attacking Divine Spirits, wraiths, and Servants with the divinity skill.
-Primordial Rune: On a completely different level from the runes modern mages use, this is an incredibly powerful art spread about by the Norse god Odin. Even if it sounds like an unbelievable claim, it is accurate to say that Lancer is as capable with magecraft as she is with a spear. Most notably, her runes can be used for high-power attack, defence, healing, support skills, and parameter boosting, but there are countless combinations to write them in that can produce many different effects.
-Wisdom of the Haunted Ground A+: A skill produced through the endless experience of killing gods in the land of shadows, to the point of transcending humanity and being cut off from the world. Lancer can temporarily grant herself any skill with proficiency A~B rank, excepting those characteristic of specific heroes. She is able to impart skills onto those she recognizes as "true heroes," in which case the teaching process will be significantly sped up as she basically transfers a talent into their mind over time.

Noble Phantasms
Name: Gáe Bolg Alternative
Title: Soaring Spears of Piercing Death
Rank: B
NP Type: Anti-Unit
Range: 5~40
Maximum Number of Targets: 50 people
Description: Two spears forged from the bones of a terrible sea monster. Although similar, neither of them are identical to her pupil's spear, as they are both one step older. Once the true name is called there are two possible techniques which can be used individually or in immediate succession. The first is a close-ranged thrust which, should it make contact with the enemy, will immobilize them by pinning them in a spot in the air. The second possible application is a thrown attack guaranteeing the target's demise. As opposed to her student's thrust which inflicts an instant kill by manipulating cause and effect and relying on the enemy's misfortune, this attack brings about "certain death" simply by virtue of its extreme speed, accuracy, and damaging power.

Name: Gate of Skye
Title: Gate to the Magical Realm Brimming with Death
Rank: A+
Type: Anti-Army
Range: 2~50
Maximum Number of Targets: 200 people
Description: The privilege of Scáthach as ruler of the isle of Skye. She can temporarily summon a massive gate to the Land of Shadows which sucks in all life forms in range. If the target fails to resist it with their Mana or Luck stat, they'll be sucked into the gate and instantly killed. Even if resisted, the targets' mana is rapidly drained and they take major damage from the extreme force pulling at them. Scáthach can choose to exempt specific individuals from being drawn into the gate.

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Well, I've got no shortage of ideas. If we're still on Predetermined Providence I might switch to another class just to balance things out better.

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Still considering my Servant options, but there's a very good chance it'll be someone from the Lancer class. I'll probably wait and see the general power level of the war before deciding.

Fate/Factitious Paradigm

Oh! These are always fun.

Room for one more, @Red Alice?

Fate/WarGames (A Fate/RP)

Nori Tohsaka

Faction: White | Servant: Archer

Pandarus, then. Even if his worldwide fame didn't quite match up to that of the invincible Achilles or the clever Odysseus, he was a mighty warrior, a fact which Nori could see reflected in the parameters of the spirit revealed through the summoning smoke. "Nice to meet you, Pandarus." He bowed, "I'm your Master, Nori Tohsaka. My pockets are deep as far as mana is concerned, so please don't hold back when it comes time to deal with the enemy faction. Also, try to let me know about any internal issues before they get out of hand, okay?"

His Servant. Even though he hadn't been trained properly, the high-grade circuits of his family meant this was a competition where he actually had something that might be called an edge. He suddenly wondered if he looked awkward, standing there dumbly before the legendary warrior, so he gave himself something to do by returning his catalyst to his bag and quickly making for the door that lead back into the hall. "If there's nothing else pressing, we should rejoin the group. This building is only a meeting place, and it feels as though two more Servants have just arrived."

With the pact formally made, Nori opened the door in time to catch the latest Masters, seemingly a soldier and a more traditional sort, introducing themselves to the group. His eyes widened for a moment as he almost missed Lancer revealing her identity. "Just remember," He turned back to his new Servant, "Once you pass through this door, you're only known as Archer."

Reentering the beer hall while leaving it up to Archer whether to follow in full view or spirit form, Nori quietly pointed out and named to his companion the two Masters and Servants he had met before taking a shot at the names of the new arrivals he had only just overheard through the doorway. Having traversed a sufficient distance across the expansive room, he spoke up to the woman at the head of the table, "Thank you for preparing that circle, Frau Emilia. I've now become the Master of our side's Archer." He could have delved into strategies with the other Masters, then, but it would have been a waste to do so without the entire faction present, since they would have to repeat everything to the absent pairs.

Nori was happy to see that the spot he had sat in before remained vacant, and returned to it quickly after hasty and quiet greetings to the new arrivals. Naturally, the size of the table allowed for a spot next to him to remain empty, which his Servant could fill. He took a moment to gaze around at the other Servants. The flamboyant Saber, the noble Lancer, the unsettling Rider, and one more who lingered on the air rather than materializing. Be careful around them, Archer. Nori took a moment to test out the mental connection granted by their familiar contract. They won't be our allies forever.

Fate/WarGames (A Fate/RP)

The Headless Horseman

Faction: White | Class: Rider | Master: Jäger Schrodinger

Rider followed a few steps behind as his Master engaged with the others. He could see the occupants of the room from any angle, but chose to meet their gazes with his stolen eyes simply because it was pleasurable for him, even after having the head for months, to exercise such a basic function. Jäger had supplied him with a uniform similar to his own, and together they had sought out a head providing both appearance and functionality. The hermit cooped up with his research had refused to support the regime, and so Rider had found another use for the mage, at which point Jäger had gone to the trouble of arranging a shave and haircut to free him from the appearance of an especially haggard librarian. He could reach through his "wound" and, seeing the mage's entire being laid bare before him, grab hold of those abilities which benefited him. The spells of that mage were far from exceptional even by modern standards, but such things did provide excellent utility.

The other Masters present were of little interest to Rider. As he understood it from his Master, there would be those in support of Germany and those simply here out of personal desire. Those who could not be trusted would have their Servants sacrificed in the early stages to weaken the enemy and reveal their abilities. Perhaps it was Jäger's intent in summoning Rider, then, that even if unruly teammates had to be cast aside their abilities might still be available to the faction through his Noble Phantasm. Of course, he was one of those here for personal desire, so beyond the success of Germany he had to ensure it was their own pair who reached the final goal and had their wishes granted.

He had little interest in the two other Masters present. They would support his allies, but never join him against a real threat. No, Rider only sought the source of the unmistakable aura of another Servant which pervaded the building, and as the old woman uttered the name of the supreme Servant class, his attention focused on the point where magical energy began to gather. He remembered himself and turned his physical eyes in that direction in time to see the man himself appear. One who was truly significant in this conflict, one he would fight beside. "Good evening. Even if I don't quite look the part, I'm the Rider for our side." He spoke up, as Saber's Master had seemingly done so on his part. He might have said something more formal, but the reclusive researcher's anti-social nature had rubbed off on him somewhat.

He gave a slight bow, clearly towards the Servant and not the Master, before joining Jäger at the table. As was often the case during the quiet moments in the last few months, Rider watched. He watched the doors, the tables, the old woman sitting with authority, the, oddly dressed Saber brimming with power, the timid boy without a Servant, and of course his own Master, putting on a show of enthusiasm for the coming death-match. His eyes, however, remained on the spread in front of him. His Master had usually been busy with preparations, and it seemed like such an unimpressive request, but he greatly enjoyed using his new tongue. He pulled a single grape from a bowl in front of him and brought it to his mouth.

Delicious.

Nori Tohsaka

Faction: White | Servant: Unsummoned

Obviously the jab at his family was meant as one at him, but it was too early for a show of weakness even if he had little desire to defend those people. "Nice to meet you, Frau Weber. And please don't worry about affairs in my homeland. My father is guaranteed victory this year, so you can just think of me as an ally who would never personally make for this Grail." Even calling it a bold-faced lie would be too generous. Of course every Master had their own goals in mind, even among those straight from the heart of Germany, Nori suspected. Still, had he overcompensated with boldness? He sunk just a little deeper into his chair, even as it weakened his stand from a moment ago. He dreaded that Weber might instigate a drawn-out conversation, but was saved by the arrival of another Master and the Rider-Class Servant he had already summoned, both dressed as soldiers of the country. As the Master introduced himself, Frau Weber's own Servant appeared. Please don't let me be the only one unprepared.

Seemingly such a problem would never come to pass, as Frau Weber directed Nori to a location prepared for just such a purpose. He rose from his seat and slung his bag over one shoulder as he made his way to the other room. "Sorry to disappear just after meeting you, Leutnant Schrodinger, but I really should prepare myself for the incoming conflict."

Nori closed the door to the storeroom behind him, switched on the light, and immediately identified the summoning circle at the centre. There was no point in wasting time, but even as a mage there was a certain mystic air to what he was about to do. From his bag he produced a sizeable chunk of wood with a bit of iron stuck on one corner. Although dull-coloured and generally unimpressive, it was a piece of the gates of the great city Troy. There were a variety of Trojan defenders who might be summoned from this, and if the Greek heroes who fought and deceived in order to pass through could also be counted, then this unassuming chunk of wood was a veritable fountain of Heroic Spirits, if an unpredictable one.

If I spend too long thinking about it, I'll get myself worked up and make a mistake.

Nori placed the gate-shard at the edge of the summoning circle, spent a moment running energy through his circuits, as if to flex or stretch them, and began reciting the words he had carefully memorized.

"Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill."
"Do so five times, but when each is filled, annihilate it."

The sigil on the ground reacted, and the connection was formed through which mana could flow.

"The elements of silver and iron make up the essence."
"The foundation is stone and the archduke of pacts."
"White is the color I pay tribute to."

White embers burned among the circle, now.

"Raise a barrier against the wind and close the gates of four directions."
"Be drawn from the crown and follow the forked road that leads to the kingdom."

Those embers grew until the circle itself became composed of light.

"Heed my words, my heart forges your body, and your power creates my destiny."
"If you heed the Grail's call and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning."

The light, having enveloped the circle began to pour forth, bringing with it a tangible force.

"Henceforth I pledge to embody all the good of this world."
"And to bring crumbling down all the evils of this world."

The intricate patters were gone, and now a bright white spot on the ground overwhelmed the entire room.

"Seventh heaven clad in the great words of power!"
"Come forth from the circle of binding,"
"Guardian of the sacred balance!"

There was nothing but white, for a moment.

And then, someone arrived.

Fate/WarGames (A Fate/RP)

Nori Tohsaka

Faction: White | Servant: Unsummoned

Even accounting for the feeling of wonderment at leaving the country for the first time, the lights of this city were definitely more beautiful than those from his home. Nori Tohsaka ached for his paints, or at least an hour alone with his sketchbook, but he was in a hurry, trying to make up for the fact that he had taken the scenic route through the city on foot by moving at a brisk pace. He had only just arrived in the city recently, with no time to prepare-

For a moment, he felt a burning sensation. His eyes darted down and registered the red marking on the back of his right hand, some sort of pattern involving one crescent inside another. Quickly, he shoved his hands into his pockets.

That's probably a good sign.

The appearance of his Command Seals gave a newfound reality to the task at hand. He was here for the Grail, for now he was backing the side of the local government, but only one could claim the final prize, so he had to be wary around them. Nori further quickened his pace, arriving at the arranged beer hall. The description might have sounded comical, to make one's way into a huge open building, only to be greeted by a single old woman surrounded by food. There was not a trace of humour in the actual situation, however, as the woman in question, while old, lacked any trace of weakness or warmth, not to mention he could feel a uniquely overwhelming mana signature that gave away the presence of a Servant. The woman's gaze made the journey to the table feel very long, and in the end, he settled on a spot only just close enough to the head that he wouldn't have to raise his voice. He didn't go the extra mile to shake her hand, and he wasn't sure she'd appreciate it if he did. Instead, he stood behind the chair he had chosen and held up his right hand, with the back to her. "Good evening. Nori of the Tohsaka family, at your service." He bowed, "Unaccompanied, for now." He added before taking a seat.

He tried to catch a glimpse of the woman's hand over the table, to ensure this wasn't all some mistake. Then again, how could it be? "Such a large space. Do you have arrangements for summoning around here somewhere? The floor he could see looked clear, but the many tables could easily obscure decently-sized ritual circles.