I didn't think I needed to specify that an attack can be dodged, but I suppose I can list that. I can also put a check on it if you want, since most instead death stuff in fate does have that, like Gae Bolg or Mort Espoir. I just didn't think it was necessary since removing skin is both something that can be done by degrees, and has a few canon examples of people who would literally just survive and then immediately retaliate.
As for her Parameters, it's because she's an Oni. I can tone them down a little but the physicals probably shouldn't be any lower than C.
Well this is also an attack that can be dodged or survived independently of that, so I don't really get the distinction. It's not like Gae Bolg where it reverses causality to always hit, it's just an attack. Even assassin-y sneak attacks can be dodged.
Well it would be a little strange if an Assassin can't kill people. Even then, there are plenty of heroic spirits that can handle a little flaying. What exactly do you consider makes something an 'instant kill attack'? Like, you've allowed big nuke Noble Phantasms, and it seems like getting directly hit by them would be an instant kill too.
Selfish, greedy, and prone to fits of sudden violence. A capricious personality that seems in some way monstrous, yet in others, fundamentally human. Though she has pride as a ‘monster’, and boats about her demonic power, sometimes it seems that she’s trying too hard.
Her attitude towards a Master is one of petulance and rebellion. The concept of obeying a Master is an irritation, but not something she’s completely opposed to, so depending on their attitude it’s possible to build a friendship.
Her desire for the grail is to take revenge against the cow that killed her, but she has plenty of other desires that might end up taking precedence.
Background
The child of Shuten Doji.
After the extermination of the Oni of Mount Ooe, one of the women rescued from the clutches of the Oni was carrying the child of Shuten Doji. Or, Kidomaru was simply one of the survivors of the extermination, along with Ibaraki-Doji…
Well, since Ibaraki was the only survivor of that clash, and since it’s unlikely that Shuten impregnated any of those women it appears her origin was more unusual.
The clash of legends at the top of Mount Ooe - what happened there is a mystery even to Kidomaru. All she knows is the deep grudge within her heart that drives her towards revenge against Raikou.
There are various anecdotes of Kidomaru serving at a temple, learning from the tengu and fighting with shapeshifting bandits. However, the main source of Kidomaru’s fame is her encounter with Minamoto no Raikou. After being captured by Raikou’s brother, Minamoto no Yorinobu, and held in his bathroom, she finally met the object of her grudge. She broke from her chains and listened to Raikou’s destination, and planned an ambush for her. She slaughtered a cow and hid inside its skin, waiting for her enemy to pass by.
As for why she chose a cow, it seems she was just drawn to it, as a taunt of sorts.
But together with her four heavenly kings, Raikou immediately saw through the disguise. Watanabe no Tsuna fired an arrow at the cow, injuring the oni. Kidomaru charged the group, and was cut down in a single stroke.
And so, the great monster that inherited the grudges of Mount Ooe was simply defeated in an instant. Perhaps there was another future that could have been reached, if things had been different.
Parameters:
STR: B ||| END: B ||| AGI: B ||| MAN: B ||| LCK: E
Class Skills
Presence Concealment: B
The capacity to erase one’s presence as a Servant. Suitable for spying. When preparing to attack, the intense killing intent of an Oni spills out without limit, nullifying the skill entirely.
Personal Skills
Oni-Kind Demon: A
A skill representing the demonic strength of an oni, inherent to one’s being as an oni. It is a mix of the Natural Monster, Monstrous Strength, Charisma and Mana Burst skills. In this case, the form of the Mana Burst is one of ‘heat.’
Disengage: B
The ability to disengage from battle, returning it to its initial state. In Kidomaru’s case, this is geared towards completely escaping from any confines or restriction of movement. No chains can restrict her, no room can hold her. As to why she was stuck in a bathroom for a while - she simply wanted to be there, of course.
Blooming Shadow: -
A creature born from the strange collected monstrous grudges created during the extermination of Mount Ooe. In that sense, she’s a creature destined to become a great monster, perhaps even exceeding Shuten Doji. However, one’s birth does not necessarily determine their role in life. After all, the one who killed her ‘father’ was a monster, too. One that suppressed and used her monstrous side to become a great hero who slayed various evils. That path, too, was open to her.
And yet, she was cut down in a single strike by that same woman.
Though the nature of a heroic spirit is generally that of a ‘complete’ existence, summoned at a spiritual or physical peak, Kidomaru is fundamentally a ‘child’. One who was cut down before she ever reached her true potential.
This results in a flexible Saint Graph that has more growth potential than most Servants. Unlike Self-Modification, which reduces one’s capacity as a ‘hero’, this allows Kidomaru to develop further as both ‘monster’ and ‘hero’.
Skin Collector
Rank: C Type: Anti-Unit Range: 0-1 Maximum Targets: 1 Person
A mutation of her father’s technique for extracting bones. Rather than the bones, the skin is targeted. Removing the entirety of the opponent’s skin in a single attack, it can be considered an instant kill strike if it hits correctly. Since it targets the skin rather than the skeletal structure, it is of course less deadly than her father’s technique, allowing some targets to live through the skinning process. Though ultimately, only the most stubborn and hot headed heroes would be able to move even slightly after the pain of an instant flaying.
Naturally, the technique can be lowered in intensity to be used as a tool of torture, though Kidomaru has little experience with this.
Once the skin is removed, a limited form of shapeshifting becomes possible. Taking on the skin of another being and utilising their form as a disguise, though none of the creature’s abilities are maintained. While it’s a disguise that was seen through immediately by Raikou and her Heavenly Kings, that was due to the spilling out of her overwhelming killing intent. The disguise itself is nearly perfect, allowing Kidomaru to hide her monstrous form and therefore function as an assassin.
A versatile tool of both assassination and disguise; excellently suited to the class of Assassin despite Kidomaru’s more angry disposition.
Not sure if i'd call being immune to a narrow subset of specifically mental debuffs shrugging off debuffs, but if it's not a good match for what you have planned, that's fine. Come to think of it, they really aren't a good match for this kind of game anyway, I was just excited about getting a chance to play them since it's been a while since I've seen a Fate rp come up here. I'll go for something else.
This one's probably skirting the line of power but I can throw something else in if that's the case.
This power hath work’d no good to aught that lives And these blind hands were useless in their wars.
Caster
Tiresias: Blind Seer of Thebes
Sex: Yes
Birth and Death Dates: Age of the Gods
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
A seer who stands aside from humanity. One who seems to have no emotions at all, who does not react to anything in front of them. Death. Ruin. Pain. All is witnessed with that same impassive stare. Perhaps it’s due to their inability to witness the present. Or perhaps it’s since they have witnessed multiple generations fall to ruin, foreseen and then actualised. It’s possible that their humanity has been lost entirely…
At least, that’s how it seems on the surface. To others, who notice the minute expressions that flash across Caster’s face and body, there is certainly more to their inner world. One who staunchly stands by their friends, no matter how much misery it causes. A person who keeps every promise made. One who will stand up and defy fate, even after getting pushed down by tragedy, again and again. In short, the personality of a shonen protagonist, hidden behind a mask of stone.
In addition, they certainly have a mischievous side, fitting of one who was a friend of Dionysus before his ascension to godhood. Though who knows what sort of situation would cause it to become known?
The blind seer of Thebes.
A priest of Apollo who one day came upon a pair of snakes mating, and bashed them with a stick. For this sin, Hera transformed him into a woman. Tiresias didn’t consider it much of a curse, though, and spent time as a prostitute, a priestess of Hera, and even married and had children. After seven years of this, she encountered the same snakes coupling again, and this time simply left them alone. For this, she was returned to her male form.
Since he was one of few people who had experienced sex from both a man and a woman’s perspective, Hera and Zeus used him to settle an argument over which gets more enjoyment out of sex. Well, it’s a question that has had various theories and answers over different societies, but for Tiresias, sex as a woman was more enjoyable.
Apparently this wasn’t what Hera wanted to hear. She blinded him - though Zeus gave him the gift of seeing as a reward, as well as a lifespan of seven generations, so it all worked out in the end.
After that, he spent much of his time advising the kings of the newly created Thebes, from its founder, Cadmus, to the tragic figure of Oedipus.
There’s also an anecdote of his ghost advising Odyseus as a ghost in Hades. Unfortunately, Odysseus’ crew didn’t listen to the advice so they ended up dying. But Odysseus got home in the end anyway, so it all worked out.
Parameters
STR: E ||| END: D ||| AGI: C ||| MAN: A+ ||| LCK: D
Class Skills
Territory Creation: A
The ability to build a special terrain that is advantageous to a Magus. At this rank, the creation of a “Temple” is possible.
Item Construction: B
The ability to manufacture magical items, from tools of war to items of everyday use, though time and materials are required. Includes multiple forms of necromancy, whether the calling of spirits, or the utilisation of parts of a corpse for the creation of items.
Personal Skills
High-Speed Divine Words: A
A skill that assists with magical incantations, allowing them to be greatly shortened. Particularly useful for direct attack spells. At this rank, even spells of a level of High-Thaumaturgy can be cast at the speed of a single action.
Mystic Eyes of Augury: A+
Powerful Mystic Eyes of Jewel rank. The ability to see ‘every possible future’ at the price of no longer being able to glimpse the present. A cheat-like ability that is similar to flipping to the end of a detective novel to see the outcome. But while the destination can often be glimpsed, the number of paths to reach it are infinite, and overwhelming.
A divine gift from Zeus, as consolation for when Tiresias’ eyes were destroyed by Hera. For one who lived in a world where even the greatest heroes were subject to unbreakable tragic fates, seeing those endings while being unable to change them may have been a greater curse.
If Tiresias glimpses the most desired future, it can then be enforced by utilising the magic circuits in the eyes, and taking any actions necessary to ensure that course of events. In life, these eyes could not compete against the fates that the gods had declared, and even in a grail war, they can be overcome by any hero with a great enough capacity to defy fate.
Wholeness of Mind: A
The mind of Tiresias, strong enough that even as a shade in Hades, he alone had a complete sense of his identity, and maintained his ability to foresee the future. No matter the circumstances, Tiresias’ mind will remain whole. This serves as a defence against any mental interference that attempt to disrupt thought or memory, though emotional effects such as fear or awe are unaffected. In addition, it allows for quicker interpretation of information, primarily used in coordination with Caster’s Mystic Eyes.
Advice of the Seer: B-
The skill of a seer who advised Theban kings across seven generations of the cursed city. Advising others on the path they should take to avoid tragedy. Broader than something as simple as ‘strategy’, it encompasses correct advice for any situation or outcome. In this sense, it can be seen as a method of enforcing the ideal future that Caster’s eyes see, using others as the instrument.
Since people rarely bother listening to the advice, though, the skill has a minus correction.
Ophis Skeptron Caduceus Zero
Rank: A Type: Anti-Unit Range: 0-100 Maximum Targets: 1
One of the mythical origins of Hermes’ symbol, the Caduceus. The snakes that Tiresias interrupted in their mating, bound to the staff he beat them with. Since he was a priest of Apollo at the time, it seems Apollo took the stick and gave it to Hermes in a gift exchange.
A mystic code of the gods, prevailing over the domains of travel and transformation. It can be used to transport objects instantaneously from one location to another. So long as this Noble Phantasm is used, there are very few barriers that can impede Tiresias’ movement.
It can also be used as a mystic code to aid spells of transformation - Though since the snakes don’t like Tiresias very much, this tends to have unpredictable results that often backfire onto Caster.
Constantine Cosmo Penthouse Suite, Grand Bleu Hotel, Shinto Town
Constantine watched the summoning without much fanfare. This sort of thing wasn’t exactly routine, but it wasn’t really novel now either. He was used to these kinds of small pranks, in any case.
“Yeah, nearly died of fright, pipsqueak,” Constantine spoke, his voice completely flat. It was best to let her get it out of her system, at least for a moment.
“This place isn’t mine. I kicked the last guy out,” He said, glancing towards the window for just a moment. “I don’t go in for this kind of luxury. Makes you soft, at least if that loser was any indication.” He paused, and sniffed the air. “Plus, he might have left some kinda trap here, so I’m not sticking around for long.” He didn’t turn to move, though, instead squatting across from his Assassin’s relaxed form.
“Well, you can kill as much as you want, but I’m not here to win. Who needs a cup anyway? I can drink just as well with my hands.” It was a simple and blunt statement to dismiss the value of a device that could grant wishes. Was that simplicity stupidity, or did it make him smarter than the others who dashed themselves against that flame that drew them here?
Giving a smirk, he continued. “I’m just here to meet heroes. Unfortunately, I got stuck with you again,” he said, casually insulting the Servant to her face. “Still, maybe it’s for the best. Those guys are pretty human, so they can get quite temperamental. You Assassin types are a lot more practical, even if you’re nothing more than wraiths that discarded your humanity.”
He let the insult hang in the air for a moment, completely unconcerned about the threat the Assassin could pose - and then, clapped his hands together suddenly and burst into a grin. “Well, that’s all I have to say about that. Cup’s yours, if you can get it. I’ll help if I feel like it.” With that, he rose and strode from the room, either expecting the Servant to follow or completely uncaring.
At the door, he stopped for a moment, and turned back. “Oh, by the way, I don’t speak Japanese. If it comes down to it, I might need you to translate.” At the last bit, he sounded almost embarrassed.
Cyrene surveyed the room, watching as the last few sheep she’d set to work finished. Well, sheep were pretty limited in the work they could do, but they tried their best.
“This is entirely serviceable. Though I have to ask, is it even necessary to seek an alliance? I’m sure we can manage this entirely by ourselves.” Her voice was calm and confident, without the bite of arrogance. It seemed she simply believed in herself that much.
She appeared entirely regal, clothed in fine robes. Her posture was elegant except for the single sheep that she clutched to herself with arms crossed, like a schoolchild with a plush toy. It somewhat ruined the image.
“Naturally, my darling is used to conflicts of hero against monster, duels where the light of humanity can shine…” A voice came from the sheep that Cyrene was holding. It was deep and soothing, with a bleating tone to it. “A clash between heroes is more akin to the war against Troy; a battlefield of nothing more than dirt and tragedy. Yes, the difference between the two is as night and day…”
Lancer’s eye twitched a little, and her grip on the sheep grew in strength, distorting the ball of wool. “And who exactly asked for your opinion, Apollo?” Her serene voice didn’t change in tone one bit, but a cold atmosphere suddenly grew across the room. It seemed there was some marital tension between the pair.
There was a loud shattering of glass, accompanied by the sound of screaming as the dark-haired man fell from the penthouse towards the streets below.
Already, Constantine was striding back to the centre of the room, careful not to disturb the summoning circle. The magus’ defences had been pretty sub-par, but the circle was at least functional. Reaching down to the catalyst that the man had dropped, he casually grabbed it and brought it up to his nose, giving it a quick sniff.
“Just a forgery? This guy really was third-rate,” He scoffed, throwing the catalyst out of the window to follow its master. There had been a lot of obvious forgeries going around lately. Not that he blamed the scammers; people were willing to pay an awful lot for relics that might get them a strong servant. No, it was these idiots’ fault for not being careful enough. This was a game of death, after all.
This one in particular had certainly been unprepared. There had been no effort to cover his tracks, and the defences had been pretty barebones. Perhaps the man would survive a fall from this height; such a thing was within the toolbox of a competent Magus, after all. If he did, Constantine doubted he’d be gunning for revenge. He had been swiftly and brutally disabused of the notion that he could survive a Grail War… well, that was true if he was dead, too.
“Still, what a pain,” He muttered. Taking out a minor magus or two before the war even started wasn’t an uncommon tactic, and it was the way Cosmo had intended to grab himself a decent catalyst. But the fakes were less than useless for that. It had barely even been worth taking out the competition, as minor as this one had been. It had been an unlikely hope, but if he’d managed to get a catalyst of that man, his entire goal in this war would have been accomplished before the fighting even started. “Well, there’s always the backup.”
A catalyst was entirely unnecessary, after all. Simply speaking the name of ‘assassin’ would grant him a competent servant - even if they had somewhat fallen out of the metagame recently. And he knew exactly which Assassin would find their way to him; one that suited his purposes well. A pity that they would need to be reintroduced, and couldn’t simply return to working together without the need for tedious conversation. There was almost a kind of tragedy to it - but that was simply the nature of Servants. Their time as humans had passed, and now they existed as tools.
The bounded field over the penthouse meant that nobody should have noticed the sound of glass breaking, but Constantine didn’t want to put much faith in an incompetent’s magecraft. Better to finish the summon quickly and leave before there were any problems. It was a good enough time for it, at least. Taking a deep breath, he began the summoning chant…
A princess of Thessaly, who spent her youth disregarding womanly pursuits to roam the wilds around Mount Pelion. She accompanied Artemis on many hunts, and even spent some time under the tutelage of Chiron. At the funeral games of Pelias, she was able to win a great prize. But mostly, she worked as a shepherd, driving off any wild beasts that dared approach the sheep under her care, with spear, bow and even her fists alone.
It was while she was doing such - wrestling a great lion without a weapon on her - that Apollo took notice of her, and whisked her away as his bride. Perhaps Apollo has a thing for Shepards? Or maybe it was just a common job at the time.
After a brief honeymoon, Apollo decided to impress his wife by giving her an entire city - taking her to Libya, she killed a beast that was roaming the area at the time, and promptly took over as queen. Apollo named the city she founded after her, and granted her long life at the same time.
She eventually had two children by him, one who was taken to Olympus to become a god, and the other who ended up as an Argonaut. It seems she ruled the city named for her well, and took plenty of time to return to Thesally at various points - but is mostly notable in that her story carried very little tragedy. She lived a long and happy life as the bride of a god - and even if he spent a lot of their marriage simply chasing after young men, well, she had her own city to run, so it’s not as if she’s resentful.
The city Cyrene, under her rule, became a cradle of civilization in what was largely a land of savage amazons and monsters. It flourished under her watchful protection.
Personality
A seemingly calm and gentle woman with the bearing of a queen.
However, beneath that gentleness is an incredible toughness. Rather than ‘silk hiding steel’, it’s more akin to ‘wool hiding bronze’, but the principle is similar. She has no problem throwing down with anyone who challenges her, even without a weapon, and will viciously defend those weaker than herself.
She carries no significant wish, but simply wants an arena in which to gloriously run wild and have some fun. It can be considered similar to an overworked office lady wanting to relive her old sporting days… or something of that sort.
When it comes to Apollo, though she’ll smile sweetly and say that their marriage is a perfectly happy one, it seems there’s some tension under the surface.
Incidentally, her Archer version would be more akin to her early self as a savage huntress of Artemis, and her Rider version would be like a sickeningly saccharine newlywed who can’t be apart from her love for a minute.
Parameters
STR: B ||| AGI: A ||| END: A ||| MAN: A ||| LCK: A
Class Skills
Magic Resistance: C
Cancel spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against magecraft on the level of High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals.
Personal Skills
Divinity: D
A measure of one’s aptitude as a Divine Spirit. Derived from Cyrene’s descendance from a river god, and that some referred to her as a nymph rather than a mortal woman. In some interpretations, it’s said that Apollo turned her into a nymph to give her longer life. In either case, her status as the mother of a god is also a factor.
Bravery: B+
The ability to negate various mental interference effects such as fascination, pressure and confusion, among others. Has the bonus effect of increasing melee damage.
A skill that allowed Cyrene to casually wrestle various beasts. In Cyrene’s case, also included are the various martial skills of the art of Pankration, taught to her by both Chiron and her husband Apollo himself.
Affections of the God: A+
A skill denoting that one carries the love of a god. In this case, it’s naturally Apollo, who loved her enough to wish to marry her essentially at first sight. All skills are ranked up as a result of his blessings, showered upon her and her city.
In addition, it seems Apollo was summoned alongside his wife, though with the limitations of taking a completely powerless form. All he can offer is his own advice, and while that’s a powerful boon in its own right, Cyrene and he are in something of a marital spat right now.
Protection of the Shepherdess: A
The ability of a shepherd to watch over one’s flock. Not simply livestock, but also the civilians under one’s protection as a queen.
It manifests as a type of danger-sense, centered not around oneself but those under her protection. A kind of supernatural sixth sense that offers no protection for oneself, but for Cyrene’s master it can be considered a powerful defensive tool. A type of skill that allows one to maintain a carefree attitude
Whether it's due to this skill or another, it seems she also has the ability to manifest a number of harmless sheep for various purposes.
Kyre Gift of Origin
B+ Rank Anti-Fortress Range 3-50 Maximum Targets: 500
A spear representing the founding of the city Cyrene, named for the spring it was founded upon, sacred to Apollo. As to whether the spring was named for Cyrene herself, or it’s simply coincidental, it’s unknown. The concept of a ‘spear of founding’ is a common enough one, and though one never appears in Cyrene’s myth, her own status as a founder-queen is made manifest through it, with one of her preferred weapons. Incidentally, it's possible to be manifested as an arrow too, depending on one’s class.
As a weapon, it carries the concept of civilisation, of founding. The walls and fires that protect against the beasts of the wild. Containing the spring’s water and Apollo’s light, it washes away at corruption and hatred. A particularly powerful weapon against monsters and civilisation-destroyers, that does little to those who build and uphold society.
Upon invoking the spear’s true name and plunging it into the ground, water springs forth from the ground and falls in a deluge from a hole in the sky to meet it. Anything between them is intensely pummeled by the initial rush of water, then crushed as they reach the other. After they crash together, the water dissipates without flooding the area. Multiple great pillars can be created, though the mana cost increases for each.
What’s left behind is not devastated earth, but rather springs of fresh water, surrounded by ground ripe for building. A blank slate, upon which great things can be constructed. In addition, it’s possible to add Apollo’s concepts of heat and light to make it a ‘hot’ spring rather than a cool one. Water for bathing or for drinking… well, it’s a difficult choice.
Name: Constantine Cosmo Title: "Stray Dog of Athens" Sex: Male Alignment: Chaotic Good
Biography
A child raised by wolves. It’s a cliche, of course, but in his case it’s quite literally true. Whatever caused his parents to abandon him in the woods cannot be known. He spent the first several years of his life living in the wild, among a small pack. But since wolf populations are very low in the modern era, and often closely monitored, it wasn’t long until he was recovered back into civilization. Frankly, he barely remembers the time. At least not the specifics - just a vague synesthesiac blur of tastes, smells and feelings.
After his recovery to the world of humans, he encountered that man. His teacher, his master. Considering him a mere curiosity, he was taken in by that man and looked after. Gradually progressing from a feral child to one able to understand human society, even if he could not accept being a part of it.
That man was the head of the Kerykes family, an important branch of Magi within Greece, utilising the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Even though Constantine had little talent for magecraft. Even though he lacked the mentality of a Magus. Even though he was little more than an experiment, that man still taught Constantine a number of things. His affection for Constantine grew to exceed even his affection for his own heir…
Well, it was an inevitability, then, that when he passed on his crest to his heir, Constantine was sent away from the house. At first, on various missions to attempt to secure valuable catalysts for the Kerykes family, then missions to participate in various subspecies wars. Well, to call them wars in the first place is a farce, since they all devolved into squabbles over catalysts of great heroes before the true battle even began.
Certainly, it was laughable. Constantine liked nothing more than watching the downfall of that type of fool. But at the same time, the purpose of these missions was obvious. There was no point in confronting his ‘master’, the one who was trying to get him killed, so Constantine simply left in the night, travelling abroad to as many grail wars as possible.
He participated in a few, but mostly only watched. Sometimes, he sold his services as a mercenary. Other times, he simply hunted down whatever magus took his interest - sometimes to follow like a lost puppy, other times to immediately kill. His goal was never a wish, but rather to look for true ‘heroes’. Well, one in particular. He always found it so disappointing that nobody managed to summon Herakles… well, perhaps the Prime Grail War would show him that man.
Personality
A completely irreverent, shameless man. ‘Social taboos’ have no meaning for him, and he acts with the intention to irritate and shock people out of their complacent ways of thinking. The type of person constantly judging others based on their words and actions, while standing beneath judgment himself.
Someone who takes pride in near-absolute self-sufficiency, though he does not truly care for himself as the greatest priority. His true goal is the improvement of humanity, or even the improvement of individuals, even if his methods are antagonistic. Though he is a constant critic of humans, he has no particular hatred for them, unless they fall below a certain standard to ‘people who have failed as humans’.
The comparison to a ‘stray dog without a master’ is apt. Though, if someone were to impress him enough with their morality and intellect, it is possible that he’d pledge himself to serve them.
He has no wish for a wish-granting device, either for himself or for humanity. Wishing to ‘improve humanity’ without them making an effort for it would be meaningless, and he has no personal desires. Rather, he participates in the war purely to encounter the shining examples of humanity that went on to become heroic spirits.
Magic Circuit Switch: The release of cold steel against his neck. Circuit Quality: E Circuit Quantity: D Affinity: Earth Attribute: Reinforcement
Magecraft Abilities
Cynicism
A philosophy rooted in the three ideals of self-sufficiency, austerity and shamelessness. Utilising human reason to determine natural virtue and live accordingly, without reliance on others or objects, and without considering their judgments.
Rejecting human society while not withdrawing from it; remaining near humans to guard virtue and critique their hypocrisies. With this, one becomes a being neither of nature nor of humanity.
Truly, a doglike way of thinking.
In keeping with the prioritisation of one’s ability to survive alone, utilising as few tools of human civilisation as possible, with no sense of shame or embarrassment, the human body and the human mind become the essential domain of the cynic.
Rejecting attachments to the constructs of human civilisation, both tools and concepts such as shame, to become closer to nature. Consequently, the strength of one’s body also increases beyond the limits of a human.
Eleusinian Mysteries
Rituals that were undergone by Herakles in preparation for entering the underworld to retrieve Cerberus as his final labour, similarly undergone by Constantine.
A purification of the soul by release from material concerns; catharsis via ritual enactments of Persephone’s crossing through the underworld. Naturally, this purification is more achievable for one who follows the philosophy of the cynic.
Its function is to elevate one’s existence to the point where ‘survival in an underworld’ becomes possible, reinforcing one’s Force of Providence. In this sense, Constantine’s ability to avoid mortal danger and continue living is greatly heightened.
Beast Enhancement: Imitation Cerberus
Utilising one’s Reinforcement Attribute, it is possible to elevate one’s existence as a ‘doglike being’ due to one’s cynicism further. Similarly, as a ‘being who can exist in the underworld’, it is possible to draw on the concept of the guard-dog of Hades, Cerberus.
Along with one’s physical capabilities, the senses of hearing and smell are also greatly enhanced. Drawing on Cerberus’ three heads completely is impossible for one of Constantine’s skill, but it is possible to conceptually transform one’s hands into ‘mouths’, as both a method of ‘tearing’ and of delivering venom.
Since it’s an imitation of a gatekeeper of the dead, one who was able to keep shades within the underworld no matter the circumstance, his fangs and venom inflict spiritual wounds that are difficult to heal.
Mystic Codes
Nameless Club
An olive-wood club modelled after that of Herakles, a symbol of the cynics. In its very nature, it is a transgression; carrying a weapon within city limits. Similarly, a weapon that Herakles used to conquer various beasts, as a hero conquering nature.
The sole tool, sole possession of Constantine. Nonetheless, it is still in many ways ‘the simplest possible tool’, as well a product of nature, straddling the same line between mankind and nature that Constantine does.
A tool that facilitates the crossing of boundaries, whether between beast and man, the boundaries and taboos of human society, or a Magus’ bounded fields. Naturally, it’s also heavy enough to hit people with.
Pankration
The ancient Greek martial art, meaning ‘all might’, legendarily utilised by Herakles to slay and subdue various monsters. A form that mainly uses techniques of boxing and wrestling. In the modern sense, it can be considered an origin to Mixed Martial Arts - stripping away the mysticism of self-improvement and centering of the soul common to many martial arts - and simply taking the most practical techniques with which to fight. In this sense, at least for Constantine, it has no magecraft applications whatsoever.
While the ancient and modern forms are not quite ‘all’ forms of combat, banning various techniques in formal tournaments, Constantine’s own personal style has no limits, and will stoop to any kind of low blows - eye gouging, biting, hair-pulling, headbutting, targeting the groin and use of tools are all used when necessary, as a matter of course. Truly, a shameless form of fighting that focuses on absolutely nothing more than the result.
Miscellaneous
There is not a single thing beyond his staff that Constantine owns. Even the clothes on his back can comfortably be discarded at any point.
Any skill that involves the use of ‘human tools’ that requires any kind of training beyond its apparent use from examination is absent from Constantine’s abilities.
His ability to ‘survive’ harsh conditions and perilous situations is top-notch.
In order to achieve self-sufficiency, his body and mind are trained to the peak of human ability. Perception, intuition and knowledge of various aspects of both the human and natural world are all at high levels.
As someone who has observed multiple grail wars, he has a decent amount of experience with them - though it is almost all firsthand, rather than from some form of community source.
A princess of Thessaly, who spent her youth disregarding womanly pursuits to roam the wilds around Mount Pelion. She accompanied Artemis on many hunts, and even spent some time under the tutelage of Chiron. At the funeral games of Pelias, she was able to win a great prize. But mostly, she worked as a shepherd, driving off any wild beasts that dared approach the sheep under her care, with spear, bow and even her fists alone.
It was while she was doing such - wrestling a great lion without a weapon on her - that Apollo took notice of her, and whisked her away as his bride. Perhaps Apollo has a thing for Shepards? Or maybe it was just a common job at the time.
After a brief honeymoon, Apollo decided to impress his wife by giving her an entire city - taking her to Libya, she killed a beast that was roaming the area at the time, and promptly took over as queen. Apollo named the city she founded after her, and granted her long life at the same time.
She eventually had two children by him, one who was taken to Olympus to become a god, and the other who ended up as an Argonaut. It seems she ruled the city named for her well, and took plenty of time to return to Thesally at various points - but is mostly notable in that her story carried very little tragedy. She lived a long and happy life as the bride of a god - and even if he spent a lot of their marriage simply chasing after young men, well, she had her own city to run, so it’s not as if she’s resentful.
The city Cyrene, under her rule, became a cradle of civilization in what was largely a land of savage amazons and monsters. It flourished under her watchful protection.
Personality
A seemingly calm and gentle woman with the bearing of a queen.
However, beneath that gentleness is an incredible toughness. Rather than ‘silk hiding steel’, it’s more akin to ‘wool hiding bronze’, but the principle is similar. She has no problem throwing down with anyone who challenges her, even without a weapon, and will viciously defend those weaker than herself.
She carries no significant wish, but simply wants an arena in which to gloriously run wild and have some fun. It can be considered similar to an overworked office lady wanting to relive her old sporting days… or something of that sort.
When it comes to Apollo, though she’ll smile sweetly and say that their marriage is a perfectly happy one, it seems there’s some tension under the surface.
Incidentally, her Archer version would be more akin to her early self as a savage huntress of Artemis, and her Rider version would be like a sickeningly saccharine newlywed who can’t be apart from her love for a minute.
Parameters
STR: B ||| AGI: A ||| END: A ||| MAN: A ||| LCK: A
Class Skills
Magic Resistance: C
Cancel spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against magecraft on the level of High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals.
Personal Skills
Divinity: D
A measure of one’s aptitude as a Divine Spirit. Derived from Cyrene’s descendance from a river god, and that some referred to her as a nymph rather than a mortal woman. In some interpretations, it’s said that Apollo turned her into a nymph to give her longer life. In either case, her status as the mother of a god is also a factor.
Bravery: B+
The ability to negate various mental interference effects such as fascination, pressure and confusion, among others. Has the bonus effect of increasing melee damage.
A skill that allowed Cyrene to casually wrestle various beasts. In Cyrene’s case, also included are the various martial skills of the art of Pankration, taught to her by both Chiron and her husband Apollo himself.
Affections of the God: A+
A skill denoting that one carries the love of a god. In this case, it’s naturally Apollo, who loved her enough to wish to marry her essentially at first sight. All skills are ranked up as a result of his blessings, showered upon her and her city.
In addition, it seems Apollo was summoned alongside his wife, though with the limitations of taking a completely powerless form. All he can offer is his own advice, and while that’s a powerful boon in its own right, Cyrene and he are in something of a marital spat right now.
Protection of the Shepherdess: A
The ability of a shepherd to watch over one’s flock. Not simply livestock, but also the civilians under one’s protection as a queen.
It manifests as a type of danger-sense, centered not around oneself but those under her protection. A kind of supernatural sixth sense that offers no protection for oneself, but for Cyrene’s master it can be considered a powerful defensive tool. A type of skill that allows one to maintain a carefree attitude
Whether it's due to this skill or another, it seems she also has the ability to manifest a number of harmless sheep for various purposes.
Kyre Gift of Origin
B+ Rank Anti-Fortress Range 3-50 Maximum Targets: 500
A spear representing the founding of the city Cyrene, named for the spring it was founded upon, sacred to Apollo. As to whether the spring was named for Cyrene herself, or it’s simply coincidental, it’s unknown. The concept of a ‘spear of founding’ is a common enough one, and though one never appears in Cyrene’s myth, her own status as a founder-queen is made manifest through it, with one of her preferred weapons. Incidentally, it's possible to be manifested as an arrow too, depending on one’s class.
As a weapon, it carries the concept of civilisation, of founding. The walls and fires that protect against the beasts of the wild. Containing the spring’s water and Apollo’s light, it washes away at corruption and hatred. A particularly powerful weapon against monsters and civilisation-destroyers, that does little to those who build and uphold society.
Upon invoking the spear’s true name and plunging it into the ground, water springs forth from the ground and falls in a deluge from a hole in the sky to meet it. Anything between them is intensely pummeled by the initial rush of water, then crushed as they reach the other. After they crash together, the water dissipates without flooding the area. Multiple great pillars can be created, though the mana cost increases for each.
What’s left behind is not devastated earth, but rather springs of fresh water, surrounded by ground ripe for building. A blank slate, upon which great things can be constructed. In addition, it’s possible to add Apollo’s concepts of heat and light to make it a ‘hot’ spring rather than a cool one. Water for bathing or for drinking… well, it’s a difficult choice.
Name: Constantine Cosmo Title: "Stray Dog of Athens" Sex: Male Alignment: Chaotic Good
Biography
A child raised by wolves. It’s a cliche, of course, but in his case it’s quite literally true. Whatever caused his parents to abandon him in the woods cannot be known. He spent the first several years of his life living in the wild, among a small pack. But since wolf populations are very low in the modern era, and often closely monitored, it wasn’t long until he was recovered back into civilization. Frankly, he barely remembers the time. At least not the specifics - just a vague synesthesiac blur of tastes, smells and feelings.
After his recovery to the world of humans, he encountered that man. His teacher, his master. Considering him a mere curiosity, he was taken in by that man and looked after. Gradually progressing from a feral child to one able to understand human society, even if he could not accept being a part of it.
That man was the head of the Kerykes family, an important branch of Magi within Greece, utilising the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Even though Constantine had little talent for magecraft. Even though he lacked the mentality of a Magus. Even though he was little more than an experiment, that man still taught Constantine a number of things. His affection for Constantine grew to exceed even his affection for his own heir…
Well, it was an inevitability, then, that when he passed on his crest to his heir, Constantine was sent away from the house. At first, on various missions to attempt to secure valuable catalysts for the Kerykes family, then missions to participate in various subspecies wars. Well, to call them wars in the first place is a farce, since they all devolved into squabbles over catalysts of great heroes before the true battle even began.
Certainly, it was laughable. Constantine liked nothing more than watching the downfall of that type of fool. But at the same time, the purpose of these missions was obvious. There was no point in confronting his ‘master’, the one who was trying to get him killed, so Constantine simply left in the night, travelling abroad to as many grail wars as possible.
He participated in a few, but mostly only watched. Sometimes, he sold his services as a mercenary. Other times, he simply hunted down whatever magus took his interest - sometimes to follow like a lost puppy, other times to immediately kill. His goal was never a wish, but rather to look for true ‘heroes’. Well, one in particular. He always found it so disappointing that nobody managed to summon Herakles… well, perhaps the Prime Grail War would show him that man.
Personality
A completely irreverent, shameless man. ‘Social taboos’ have no meaning for him, and he acts with the intention to irritate and shock people out of their complacent ways of thinking. The type of person constantly judging others based on their words and actions, while standing beneath judgment himself.
Someone who takes pride in near-absolute self-sufficiency, though he does not truly care for himself as the greatest priority. His true goal is the improvement of humanity, or even the improvement of individuals, even if his methods are antagonistic. Though he is a constant critic of humans, he has no particular hatred for them, unless they fall below a certain standard to ‘people who have failed as humans’.
The comparison to a ‘stray dog without a master’ is apt. Though, if someone were to impress him enough with their morality and intellect, it is possible that he’d pledge himself to serve them.
He has no wish for a wish-granting device, either for himself or for humanity. Wishing to ‘improve humanity’ without them making an effort for it would be meaningless, and he has no personal desires. Rather, he participates in the war purely to encounter the shining examples of humanity that went on to become heroic spirits.
Magic Circuit Switch: The release of cold steel against his neck. Circuit Quality: E Circuit Quantity: D Affinity: Earth Attribute: Reinforcement
Magecraft Abilities
Cynicism
A philosophy rooted in the three ideals of self-sufficiency, austerity and shamelessness. Utilising human reason to determine natural virtue and live accordingly, without reliance on others or objects, and without considering their judgments.
Rejecting human society while not withdrawing from it; remaining near humans to guard virtue and critique their hypocrisies. With this, one becomes a being neither of nature nor of humanity.
Truly, a doglike way of thinking.
In keeping with the prioritisation of one’s ability to survive alone, utilising as few tools of human civilisation as possible, with no sense of shame or embarrassment, the human body and the human mind become the essential domain of the cynic.
Rejecting attachments to the constructs of human civilisation, both tools and concepts such as shame, to become closer to nature. Consequently, the strength of one’s body also increases beyond the limits of a human.
Eleusinian Mysteries
Rituals that were undergone by Herakles in preparation for entering the underworld to retrieve Cerberus as his final labour, similarly undergone by Constantine.
A purification of the soul by release from material concerns; catharsis via ritual enactments of Persephone’s crossing through the underworld. Naturally, this purification is more achievable for one who follows the philosophy of the cynic.
Its function is to elevate one’s existence to the point where ‘survival in an underworld’ becomes possible, reinforcing one’s Force of Providence. In this sense, Constantine’s ability to avoid mortal danger and continue living is greatly heightened.
Beast Enhancement: Imitation Cerberus
Utilising one’s Reinforcement Attribute, it is possible to elevate one’s existence as a ‘doglike being’ due to one’s cynicism further. Similarly, as a ‘being who can exist in the underworld’, it is possible to draw on the concept of the guard-dog of Hades, Cerberus.
Along with one’s physical capabilities, the senses of hearing and smell are also greatly enhanced. Drawing on Cerberus’ three heads completely is impossible for one of Constantine’s skill, but it is possible to conceptually transform one’s hands into ‘mouths’, as both a method of ‘tearing’ and of delivering venom.
Since it’s an imitation of a gatekeeper of the dead, one who was able to keep shades within the underworld no matter the circumstance, his fangs and venom inflict spiritual wounds that are difficult to heal.
Mystic Codes
Nameless Club
An olive-wood club modelled after that of Herakles, a symbol of the cynics. In its very nature, it is a transgression; carrying a weapon within city limits. Similarly, a weapon that Herakles used to conquer various beasts, as a hero conquering nature.
The sole tool, sole possession of Constantine. Nonetheless, it is still in many ways ‘the simplest possible tool’, as well a product of nature, straddling the same line between mankind and nature that Constantine does.
A tool that facilitates the crossing of boundaries, whether between beast and man, the boundaries and taboos of human society, or a Magus’ bounded fields. Naturally, it’s also heavy enough to hit people with.
Pankration
The ancient Greek martial art, meaning ‘all might’, legendarily utilised by Herakles to slay and subdue various monsters. A form that mainly uses techniques of boxing and wrestling. In the modern sense, it can be considered an origin to Mixed Martial Arts - stripping away the mysticism of self-improvement and centering of the soul common to many martial arts - and simply taking the most practical techniques with which to fight. In this sense, at least for Constantine, it has no magecraft applications whatsoever.
While the ancient and modern forms are not quite ‘all’ forms of combat, banning various techniques in formal tournaments, Constantine’s own personal style has no limits, and will stoop to any kind of low blows - eye gouging, biting, hair-pulling, headbutting, targeting the groin and use of tools are all used when necessary, as a matter of course. Truly, a shameless form of fighting that focuses on absolutely nothing more than the result.
Miscellaneous
There is not a single thing beyond his staff that Constantine owns. Even the clothes on his back can comfortably be discarded at any point.
Any skill that involves the use of ‘human tools’ that requires any kind of training beyond its apparent use from examination is absent from Constantine’s abilities.
His ability to ‘survive’ harsh conditions and perilous situations is top-notch.
In order to achieve self-sufficiency, his body and mind are trained to the peak of human ability. Perception, intuition and knowledge of various aspects of both the human and natural world are all at high levels.
As someone who has observed multiple grail wars, he has a decent amount of experience with them - though it is almost all firsthand, rather than from some form of community source.
Nallore
The Irish Tree
