Isis

"I can assure you, by my true identity, that I cannot stand to see a ritual sullied by the touch of chaos, danger and uncertainty. If I get the chance, I shall bring proper order and structure to the ritual" says the black haired Caster with a confident, friendly smile.

THE CHURCH

"It's my job to uphold the ritual so of course I can't let anything happen," Ruler said with a smile. "I would perform a check on the leylines tonight but..." Jeanne proceeded to eye the frigid cold outside through the comfort and warmth of the inside. "I would rather not risk the cold, so I'll save it for the first thing in the morning... not that the weather will get any better then either."

"It's PRETTY much like this til the beginning of Summer. You can count the number of warm days in Spring in only one hand."

Jessica's words made Jeanne's face wince in despair, "I see. Well, it's still better than running out there in the middle of the night. Either way, I'll check in the morning."

Rider simply laughed at the girls while turning his eyes on Elias, "The most intelligent man practices moderation," Adrastus warned his master while sighing. "The night is still young, so should we see about those drinks? If nothing is going to happen tonight, I'd rather beat down the battle fatigue and the Winter night with the finest ale this century can offer."

FELICIA'S HOME

Lancer narrowed her eyes, "You're probably right, though you're just a girl. Even if I'm strong enough to protect you, I'm not sure how a fight will go if the enemy Servants want to take a bite out of us the first time they see us." Of course, the Church was a neutral zone that no one could fight on. Even if that plays into their favor, there are some people who damn the rules for the sake of winning. "If we do go, we're going through public roads and walkways. Likely more people will see and scare off any amateur Magus that'd love to stir up trouble."

edited 12th Jan '15 2:29:17 AM by RagnaTheSaviour

The Church

"The drinks?" Elias asked. He took a sharp intake of breath through his teeth. "But.."

His fist clenched, and his other hand went across his brow. Another intake of breath.

"Well I do have to show you around... For the interest of this war lets get those drinks then."

Isis

"So in the morning. Most splendid, as the rebirth of the Sun is a most auspicious time to bring order to the world. I have the impression that you, Ruler, have the means of contacting or finding me, so I shall be waiting your invitation to the Grail" says Isis "Master, would that be alright?"

Felicia's House—With Lancer

Felicia frowned slightly at the "just a girl" comment, shrinking into her self a little. She didn't say anything, though, just nodded.

"...Sounds like a plan."

The teen exited her house, looking around outside and scanning the skyline. Fading into the shadows, she sent to her Servant,

Ready when you are. No one should be able to detect me now.

Assassin of Black

"Point taken," Assassin responded to Sue's snarky little comment on the logic of her plan, "As for my own input, well..."

The Servant paused for a moment, thinking about what he was going to say next. The idea he had could potentially be very beneficial to the idea his Master had, and he did understand the reasoning behind that idea; nonetheless, the potential consequences could be... less than desirable for both of them.
He supposed he would leave it to her judgment; at the very least, the plan would give him a decent means of observing the members of this team. His own Master was a nut he had yet to crack, but the apparent motives of the others were making him just as curious.

"I have one thing to suggest," He started, choosing his words carefully, "The secondary function of my Presence Concealment is... somewhat unique, it seems. If the intent of this arrangement is to benefit your own position, it may be worth a consideration."

Again, he paused, thinking. And as he finished thinking, he quickly continued.

"My Presence Concealment allows me to conceal my nature as a Servant to even other Servants; unless your allies have a Servant capable of negating that skill, I could liase with them in the guise of an associate of yours, rather than an Assassin-class Servant," He said calmly, before commenting, "Of course, the potential risks of this should be obvious enough; very few take kindly to deception, regardless of whether it was malicious or not."

Sue McCoy

"Hmm... a liaison... that may be useful, though perhaps not as a means of introduction to them. Do you have a skill at crafting disguises? Perhaps even more advantageous would be to present you as the Master of Assassin keeping your Servant away from sight. However... the problem would be the command spells, mark of the Magus. Without them, nobody would buy that you are a Master" says Sue closing her eyes to concentrate for a moment.

"Hmmmmg... troublesome... I can't make Command Spells, of course... could I make a fake that looks and feels like a Command Spell even if it does nothing else? Perhaps, but I'd need time, materials and research to do so. And all for negligible gain... I think your ability to pass as a normal person will be very useful, though better used against the enemy team. So far, I think we better have you meet with our allies as my Servant. I shall either speak through you or give you a communication device so that I can interact with them"

Summoning Lancer of Red

A bland room fit for a traveling woman was a little too low grade for Talia. Could she have made due with a hotel room? Probably but she preferred a roof over her head. Once she had discovered the location of the Grail War she had rented out a house Not too far from the center of town but not out in the middle of nowhere. As best as she could she made sure the house was prepared for the arrival of her Servant. Even beyond that it was well placed for the small lake behind the house. She'd supposedly gotten it for the view but it helped give her a source for her spellwork. She'd been slowly spending small amounts of prana to prime the lake should she need it for defense.

In the study she pushed the furniture and computer to one side of the room. The magical circle covered the floor of the room where she stood staring down at the wonderful work she had done and she grinned. In the center of the circle sat a rather nondescript, by some modern standards, lump of clay. Research she had done claimed it to be related to some legend or other. She'd never really been able to nail down if the clay was an item held by a hero or something else. A fine day to enter a battle. The words were chanted, the light was blinding, and the Servant would soon appear. Assuming she'd done the ritual right.

Rider of Black summoned by Samuel.

The spell activated and fulfilled its purpose. In the center of the fading light stood a man with lengthy white hair and an easy smile. There was an aura of regality and dignity to the man standing before Samuel. Rider looked upon his Master and asked the question that all Servants do. "You are my Master," he asked. Even as he spoke he looked around the room he found himself in. A noticeably different look to the palace he was used to. It seemed to lack the touch of a woman as well. Ah, not even alive again for more than but a minute and his thoughts reminded him of Sita. His wife would not be with him on this journey nor his other companions. But he had the might of Vishnu and that would more than suffice. His eyes returned to his master waiting for an answer.

edited 15th Jan '15 7:37:51 AM by AuraofMildChaos

Lancer of Red

Before the woman who had used a piece of discarded clay as her relic, soon would appear, in a dazzling display of light, an androgynous slender figure. With long pale colored hair, white skin and a gentle pretty face the Servant displayed nothing but serenity and peace as they stood before their summoner. They wore nothing, and carried nothing, more than an unremarkable white robe with the which to clad themselves. However, for some reason their existence, their very aura seemed terribly vast... even in their serenity, glancing at this young looking being was like gazing upon the vast ocean.

The figure stopped for a few moments... and with a slightly surprised and concerned look in their face, they glanced down at their hands... flexing their fingers before their eyes looked up at their Master... to the which they flashed a small, friendly smile "Although this is surprising, I am Servant Lancer... Are you my Master?"

Samuel Birkham

Samuel stood tall, bracing himself by what he knew would come. For in the face of a Heroic Spirit, an ancient being whose might and spirit was so distanced from the common man he had to contain his awe or fear to be able to face them with dignity.

However, facing this white haired man before him was indeed an creature of awe... a powerful entity that radiated peace and nobility unlike anything Samuel could imagine. Before such a being, Samuel felt all the more his own failings and how small he truly was. Still, he bore through it... he who was a summoner had been trained extensively to control himself.

"Indeed, I am your Master. Into this battle, I called upon you to be my blade and shield. And to be the shield of all I hold sacred and dear. For the sake of a shared wish, will you fight alongside me, Servant?" asks Samuel extending his hand in full respect of this man... eyes resolute and fixed upon his.

Talia with Lancer of Red

The light wasn't as blinding as the power she felt radiate from her new Servant. It was...awe inspiring. Assuming that Talia was one to fall on her knees in awe. Instead she just returned the smile with her own as she walked right up to the robe wearing Lancer. "I dunno, ya see anyone else here," she said "I mean, based on your power I'd imagine I look a little weak eh?"

She moved to place an arm around Lancer and holding onto their shoulder. "But you an' me Lancer," she said "are gonna win this war. Preferrably after we get something to drink. Summoning legends makes ya damn thirsty you know?" Talia laugheda little then stopped. "Ah, right, where are my manners. The name's Talia. Good to meet you...uh...Lancer."

Rider of Black, with Samuel

Rider took in the sight of his Master and looked him over with appraising eyes. "I'm afraid that my skill with a swword is only decent and I was never that fond of shields," he said with a smile to place the boy at ease "but if you wish to protect those you care for I shall be your bow and your general." Rider took the hand offered to him and shook it firmly.

"Though I must ask, what is your name young Master," he asked.

edited 15th Jan '15 8:47:59 PM by AuraofMildChaos

Lancer of Red

"I don't feel anyone else around, indeed, however I guess it's part of the formalities to ask for confirmation" says Lancer, tilting their head slightly as their Master wraps an arm around their shoulder.

"You may call me Lancer for the sake of hiding appearances, Master. However, if not, I was known as Enkidu when I was alive. Pleasure to meet you" says Enkidu in a gentle serene tone of voice "Hmm and yes... it's a battle what we have been summoned to fight in"

Samuel Birkham

"Ah, yes. I'm Samuel Birkham... of the Birkham Clan, responsible for this land. It's a bit of a peculiar situation... but defending the lives within this place is truly, the greatest of my concerns" says Samuel, eyes resolute and full of conviction.

"You should have received information about the current situation from the Greater Grail, no?"

Talia. with Lancer

"Ah, so your name is Enkidu...wait you mean that old Enkidu? The one that was best buds with Gilgamesh from that old legend? Made of clay and all that," she asked in a rush. Her eyes were looking at her servant in a new light. She'd heard of the Epic of Gilgamesh and she'd skimmed it once for a class forever ago. Something about Enkidu being the Bull of Heaven, made of clay, and strong as hell sprang to mind.

"Well, if I got a servant like you we should have it easy," Talia said "but from your tone o' voice I'm guessing fighting isn't really something you enjoy?"

Rider of Black, with Samuel

"Naturally Master, I am aware of the general layout of this place as well as the rules of the war. Among other things. Seeing as you are the leader of this land and my Master I shall lend you my power," Rider said with a graceful bow.

"Since you introduced yourself it is only fair I do the same. I am Rama, Hero of the Ramayana and slayer of Ravana. I hope we can work together to defend this land Master," he added revealing himself not with pride in his voice but a much more matter-of-fact tone. These were simply things he had done that his Master would know him by.

Lancer of Red

"I may have expressed myself improperly, I enjoy battle quite a lot... however, wars leave a bad taste on my mouth" says Enkidu, then smiling a bit sadly as she mentions the name of Gilgamesh... the memory is somewhat bittersweet in that it is such a bright and happy one while at the same time seeming so far away "And indeed, you know exactly who I am then, Master"

Samuel Birkham

"Rama... I know of you certainly and your deeds, though I should make myself more acquitted with the myths and story of your homeland. I only know the rough details but not the true context and meaning on which they rest" says Samuel stepping back to take in the entirety of his Servant once again.

"Well, if you know we're on a team battle then it makes things quicker. I'll prepare a big meal for tonight... I'm inviting everyone on our team for a strategy meeting" says Samuel, moving to a desk where both magic tools and a telephone lay "I'll contact my closest associate on this matter, Dorian... And from there we'll see who else appears. I may try to get in contact with the Overseer so they rely my message of meeting with the rest of the team. As it stands... given the hurry of our summons, I'm afraid many of those who were picked for our team are unknown to me"

CHURCH — DAY 0 PROLOGUE END (RED TEAM)

It was in that moment at the church the night had been decided. Ruler dismissed the meeting at the church because, well, she had been rather fatigued on the way over from all the way across town. No transportation running at night + lack of a Riding Skill = a pretty tired Ruler, despite the magic that the Caster of Red used to remedy her fatigue.

Jessica left for home, the thoughts of the Grail War still in her mind. Elias and his own Servant went out to the bar for drinks to help the night along.

DOWNGATE MANOR

Dorian stood there, facing the window with a hand to his chin. His Servant finished messing with his phone sometime ago and he threw a call at Samuel. No response, however, but he really needed to speak to him.

"Caster, what are you up to now?" the man walked back into the study from the hallway, looking at his Servant. He really just wanted to go over any plans they might have again for clarity's sake.

FELICIA'S HOME > OUTSIDE FELICIA'S HOME

Scathach followed Felicia out of the house. It was pretty funny that she had the power to vanish into shadows and Lancer herself had a swelling black mass of shadow as a Noble Phantasm. Worked well, so if they got in a jam, they may be able to get out much more easily than any other Mage/Servant pair.

"Seems pretty cold, don'tcha think?" she said with a smile on her face. It really didn't bother her at all - being a Servant and all. But her Master? Well, it was the dead of Winter - couldn't take any chances for something other than an enemy in the Grail War to take Felicia's life.

Downgate Manor

In response to his Master's question, Caster of Black turned around.

Behind him, taking a focal point in the library, was a large paper circle on the ground. It was a rough circle, made of overlain rectangular paper sheets, but a circle none the less. Atop the sheets was inscribed a large magic circle in black ink. Prana flowed from the surrounding area, into the sheets, and then through the house.

"The basic foundation of my Territory is complete. I still need those materials I gave you on that list to complete it, my son." Caster replied, "closing" the phone he was using. "For now, it simply serves to transmit the prana from the leylines around this house into a bounded field within it, and whatever is left over into me."

"Do we have any idea on who our teammates are? As Caster, I've sensed that we do in fact have some. This Holy War is a strange one indeed." Caster added, flipping his Mazarin Bible open. Pages streamed out from it, combining and binding together to form a single tome that floated gently above his Noble Phantasm. Inscribed upon it was a symbol of a cup entwined by twin snakes. The book opened in mid-air, opening on a page covered in archaic and messy diagrams.

"And summoning Divine Spirits as well... is this even allowed by Grail standards? What has corrupted this ritual so?"

edited 27th Jan '15 4:07:33 PM by amporiusrex

Heading to the Church

Felicia frowned. Now that the other woman mentioned it, it was kind of cold. But they'd already made it a considerable distance from the house, and she didn't really want to go back...

...I'll be fine, I think, she finally decided, transmitting it to her Servant.

After a few beats of silence, she added, So, now that we're on the road, any information about yourself you think I need to know? Or vice versa?

Talia with Lancer

"Yup, you're a pretty unique hero far as I know," she told him...her...it? "Well, nothin' gets done by standing inside a house and just talkin'," she said "so how about we go for a walk an' you tell me what kinda stuff you can do Enkidu. I'll come up with a nickname for ya later too. Look forward to it." Talia offered a wide grin as she moved to pull on her sneakers. "Ah, if ya need clothes there's some in the closet there. If you don't mind my clothes. I'm not really sure if you're a guy or a lady so your taste may be different."

"I see," Rider said "our team will be more than capable. I trust that this will go in our favor." He moved away from his master and closed his eyes. He tried to recall the general layout of the city so that he could actively recall it later. The Grail provided just enough for them to function but learning everything he could with what he had was ideal. A good leader was prepared or, failing that, prepared to think on his feet. "Let me know when you have arranged for our allies to meet," he said "I will keep an eye out in the meantime." And with that he moved away to find the nearest window and merely look of into the distance unless some Servant decided to make their presence known. A foolish move if they did.

Samuel Birkham

"I will, thank you Rider" says Samuel as he waits for Dorian to pick up.

Lancer

"Would you rather walk alone with me in Spirit Form or with someone at your side? If the latter, I'll be in your debt for borrowing me of your own clothes" says Enkidu with a little kind smile on their face.

Downgate Manor

A ringtone broke the silence brought by Caster's musing. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the phone he had been using earlier, turning it around in his hand to make sure that this was what was making the noise.

Shrugging, he "opened" it (it was a touchscreen phone), and put it up to his ear. He didn't bother to check the caller ID.

"Downgate Household, how may I be of assistance?"

Samuel Birkham

Samuel frowned a little as he heard the voice of an unknown man on the other side of the line "It's Samuel... Looking for Dorian" he says for the moment, not giving any more details for the moment. They were at war after all...

Downgate Mansion

"Ah yes. One moment, my child." Caster replied. He pulled the phone from his ear and covered the receiving end. "It's for you, Master."

He handed the phone over to Dorian gently.

"It is a 'Samuel'."

DOWNGATE MANOR

Dorian nodded at the 'get everything on the list' comment. Though when Caster asked about their teammates, Dorian sighed. "We know that—" then suddenly there was a call from Samuel. He took the phone and put it to his ear. "Hey there, Birkham. Was just going to call you to make sure everything is alright on your end. More convenient that you call me. What's going on with you?" Dorian said after a sigh.

ON THE WAY TO THE CHURCH

"Nothing from me that needs to be shared," Lancer said with a smile. "Now, there is something I have to ask you, Master," she locked eyes with Felicia. "Are you prepared to die in this war?"

Samuel Birkham

"It's all working as we planned... I managed to summon my Servant. I imagine the one who answered the phone was your own?" asks Samuel before proceeding "Anyway... It's all set up. Two teams, 14 Servants and Masters. If we're going to win this and protect Faecastle, we got to start organizing. I was thinking of contacting the Overseer to send an invitation to all in our Team to come to my house for a meeting and dinner"

DOWNGATE MANOR

"Sounds like a good idea," Dorian walked around the study, keeping Caster within his sight. "Things are going to get a whole lot worse from here, I can feel it. Hope you're ready for this, Samuel."

Downgate Manor

At the moment, Caster was filling up his own coffers of mana using the leylines near the Downgate Manor.

Due to Dorian's sub-standard magic circuits, Caster had to make do with what he had in his immediate vicinity. Thankfully for him, the leylines were rather powerful, so it wasn't much of a detriment. A different class of Servant would probably suffer greatly from that unfortunate occurrence.

He had closed his eyes while his master talked, and held his Mazarin Bible open in his hands.