Stalkerkain

Soryn Éclaire (68/90 HP) Rays of sunlight began streaking across the landscape, slowly illuminating the land. Soryn preemptively opened up his umbrella above him, as some of the light began reflecting off the innumerable amount of metal objects in the area. The Blood Well is brimming... (103/108 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn consumes 20% of the Blood Well's max capacity [21] to activate Primal Awakening (Perk, free action), allowing any of his attacks that deal damage to inflict Bleed status, according to Suiren's effect (INT/2 [6] damage for 3 turns). All damage from bleeding effects are doubled while Primal Awakening is active. Only half of Soryn's dealt damage is added to the Blood Well while Primal Awakening is active. Soryn casts Siphon on Lesser Lahmu B, dealing [1d4 + INT(12)] damage and healing Spicy HG and Soryn for 75% of the damage dealt. Inflict Bleed [12 damage this turn (doubled from Primal Awakening)] for 3 turns. Frenzy (Trick) increases Soryn's initiative by 2, as a result of the Bleed effect on Lesser Lahmu B. The Sun is slowly rising over the horizon... Only one more turn until Soryn's flaw, Denounce the Sun! becomes active...

Soryn Éclaire (90/90 HP) Soryn stared rather impressed by the accumulated gold and trinkets that Caster had lying around. Not even he had gathered such a ludicrous amount of wealth over his lifetime. He couldn't help but be rather impressed by Caster's grandeur, and couldn't find it in himself to rebuke his opponent's behavior. Instead, he would respond with utmost seriousness and care, for he knew that, like Saber, Caster was not going to be easy to defeat. He let out a wearied sigh, as the sun, his longest nemesis, began peeking over the horizon. He was perhaps fortunate, to not have needed to fight during the daytime until now. But with the nature of the group, having the light of day would be more advantageous to the daytime dwellers. Soryn casts Hemosphere, consuming 25% of Soryn's current health (22 HP) to grant Jade a barrier that blocks [Health Cost/2 [11] + INT [12]] a total of 23 damage. Any enemy who breaks the barrier will receive [Barrier health/2 [11] + INT[12]] a total of 23 damage. The Blood Well is brimming... (103/108 Capacity) The Sun is peeking over the horizon... On Turn 3 (because I said so), the sun will rise, and Soryn's flaw, Denounce the Sun! will become active...

Magna Sigyl (60/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) "Sounds like someone needs a frieeeend~" Magna chirped magnanimously at Caster's remarks. "That is a nauseating proposition. I really wish you would get serious," said Jeanne, as she drew away slightly in disgust. She turned towards Gilgamesh, with her sword directed at him. "All that standing around was making me restless, but now I have quite the opportunity. I've always wanted to smash in that smug face of yours, Caster." (Stats and cooldowns are tracked below in spoilers). Jeanne d'Arc (102/900 HP) uses Self Modification EX. Jeanne's SYN increased by 5! Her INT decreases by 3. Her CON decreases by 2. Magna's Officer A (18/100 HP) uses Ignite on Greater Lahmu A, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and inflicting burn damage of SYN[10] for 3 turns. Magna's Officer B (18/100 HP) uses Ignite on Greater Lahmu B, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and inflicting burn damage of SYN[10] for 3 turns. Magna's Bel Lahmu A (18/80 HP Halved Damage from Melee (Flying. Passive)) uses Flyby on Greater Lahmu A, dealing [1d12 + DEX(8)]. Magna uses Death's Whisper, forcing enemies to target reanimations instead of Magna for 3 turns (unless Magna is the only target). Magna's reanimations gain INT/2 [6] HP for the duration of Death's Whisper, at the end of the turn.

Move to A11, Equip Slim Sword, on Wind the Leaf, wonder when this fight will end

"Hmph, if you aren't aware of legends of different worlds, then so be it. It will make little difference of how you will gauge his power, relative to the mythos of your world. Regardless of what I think of him, I won't divulge any information of a person such as he. For even a person that is disagreeable, wicked, and notable as he, should deserve their share of respect," Jeanne said in contemplation. "Lancer and Archer are welcome to inform you of what they will, but you will hear nothing from me. All I will tell you is that with as much spiritual power as he, your mages will undoubtedly know where to look." "As your 'Master', you know that I could have forced the information out of you, don't you?" Magna stated as a fact. "The fact that you haven't done so already is enough to let me know that you won't," Jeanne retorted. "Haha, it's like you know me already. After all, where's the fun in spoilers?"

"A rather disagreeable man, even by my standards," Jeanne added onto Lancer's brief explanation. "It may be both fortunate and unfortunate that he was summoned into the Caster class. Fortunate that he wasn't put into the Archer class, but that is not to say that he lacks in ability as a Caster." "It's simply one Servant, not like we haven't defeated others before," Magna said carelessly. "Foolish Master, does one blindly wander into the den of a beast? Unlike the others, Caster will have undoubtedly set up his own territory, where he will await us on his playing field. One would best make preparations before moving out against him," Jeanne scolded. She then turned to address the group. "There are mages of this world, are there not? If you truly wish to take down the King of Heroes, I would suggest you consult their knowledge in learning the geography of Caster's location."

"Hah, to be reduced to that pitiful state, you could hardly call Lancer a Heroic Spirit anymore!" Jeanne said mockingly. "I would absolutely would love to know what Lancer is thinking of right now." "Hmm, interrogation you say? I can't imagine what you'd want to know from Lancer, let alone acquiring her cooperation," Magna shrugged. "I can't really imagine a Heroic Spirit being intimidated by conventional tactics."

"If this is a jest, you'll find that I don't appreciate-" Jeanne said, as a myriad of expressions flashed across her face, from anger, puzzlement, realization, and finally, glee. She reached out to grab the plushie for a closer inspection. "...Ptf.... Kuhahahahaha! You weren't joking after all. This, is indeed you, Lancer. How did you end up in this pitiful state?" "Oi! Nobunaga!" her voice projected itself across the Courtyard. "Get a load of this!"

"Hmph, it took you that long to notice? And to think that you were placed in the Archer class... how laughable. It would seem that you are as perceptive as much as you are senile," she said with a snide remark. "No matter. Investigating Lancer's presence shall take priority over this frivolous conversation." Jeanne strode off towards the direction of Lancer's current position, which seemed to be in the same vicinity as the Courtyard. As soon as Jeanne was more or less out of earshot, Magna grabbed Nobunaga's attention. "May I ask a favor, Nobunaga?" Magna asked in a nonchalant manner. The mood hadn't changed from Magna's whimsical pacing, but her cadence had shifted ever so slightly to a more serious one. "Would you mind becoming friends with Jeanne?" The nature of the question would have normally thrown just about anyone off their balance, especially as the request had come from someone like Magna. "I realize that what I'm asking is a rather tall order, and that Jeanne is not the most amicable of people. I know it hasn't been that long, but I can already tell that with the way she is now, she's going to have a difficult time adjusting, let alone making friends," Magna said solemnly, which was a little difficult to tell, given that Magna had no expressions. "Though, I can already tell that Jeanne is more animated, perhaps even excited, when talking with you believe it or not. You are probably the best person to ask as well, being a fellow Servant and all." "But if you don't want to, that's entirely fine as well. All I ask is that you merely consider it," she said, returning to her regular cheer. "Anyways, I am rather intrigued about Lancer as well, so shall we join Jeanne in her curiosity?" -------------------------------------- "It's certainly around here..." Jeanne said pensively, as she looked around at Isobel, Ritsu, and Edmond for where Lancer could be. "Where is the one known as Lancer?"

Esyllt Sharp's explanation had only made her more curious. Esyllt leaned over the side of her bunk to face Caliko and Sharp better. "What do you mean that it wasn't your choice in staying in a dorm? There's nothing quite like the comforts of home, as many would say," she said playfully. "Oh, and by the way, is there anyone else who knows about this little arrangement, that we don't have to tiptoe around? I'd assume Mother Opium, to start."

"Hmph, if standing on your toes to appear taller is what it takes for you to intimidate someone, it would seem that I don't have very much to worry about," Jeanne scoffed. She wondered how Magna was getting along with such an incorrigible woman. She turned her nose up at Nobunaga, simply refusing to accept her as an ally. "I've had something I've been meaning to ask for a while now, 'Master'-" "What is it? Oh, if you wanted to call me Magna, you can just go ahead and-" "-As I was saying, 'Master'," Jeanne said with disdain. She wasn't about about to let Magna side-track her with her nonsense. "I'm sensing the presence of a third Heroic Spirit nearby, though it is rather weak. I hadn't realized your party was on a crusade to contract the enemy's Servants, nor that being possible with the current state of the Holy Grail War. Your little group seems to have more surprises than one would warrant." "Hm? We don't have a third Servant, do we, Nobunaga?" Magna said in puzzlement. She certainly hadn't seen any new faces around, nor could she detect magical energy like Jeanne and Nobunaga could. "You don't suppose it could be the work of Caster, do you?"

Esyllt Lying comfortably on her bunk, Esyllt planned on dozing off. She didn't quite trust Caliko yet despite her outward personality, but there was no point in stressing out about it. If they were going to be rooming together for a while, there would be little use in constantly keeping an eye open for herself. It was a situation that was more 'wait-and-see' if things would blow over or escalate beyond return. Aside from that, there was still something that bothered her, that Sharp seemed to already be clued into by Caliko. "So, for a girl who wanted to keep a low profile, why do something as open as moving into the school dorm?" she questioned. "Staying incognito in a crowded dorm doesn't quite seem like the best way to go about that, even for a publicity stunt."

"Hmph, you seem awfully fixated on dying by fire, Nobunaga! Perhaps someone is rather bitter about the way they left the world?" Jeanne said mockingly at Nobunaga. Tiny flames began to spark about her figure, as if mimicking her agitation. "But if your fascination cannot be sated, perhaps I could lend an aiding hand in experiencing what it feels like to burn again, midget." "As eager as Jeanne is and as curious as I am to seeing the both of you duke it out, I don't think the natives would appreciate the surroundings being turned into several craters. I'd hate for our journey to come to a short ending, especially after we've just only met!" Magna said playfully. She was thoroughly enjoying her time experiencing and fighting in different worlds. "Changing topics then, would you like to remind me again, Nobunaga, of what our next move is? Do tell me that it won't be as simple as just taking out the remaining two servants."

"I see you've no remorse in murdering the devout," she smiled ominously. "It's no small wonder you were betrayed by your follower." "My! It hasn't even been a minute and you two are making friends already? How wonderful!" Magna said with a devious grin. "Or have you two met before already? You two seem awfully chatty! But I can never be too sure of anything with this Holy Grail War business."

Esyllt Esyllt could finally put a name to a face, as she disregarded their previous encounter with Caliko during the school trip as a proper meeting. It was difficult to find a person who hasn't heard of Caliko by this point, whether by her music or by the chatter of the other girls. Esyllt wasn't as huge a fan as Platinum was, but it didn't stop her from appreciating how talented Caliko was. After setting down her luggage, Esyllt wasted no time in crawling into an empty bunk and lazing about. There would be plenty of time to get acquainted with their new dorm mates. "Looks like we got lucky with our room assignments this time, didn't we, Platinum?" she said with amusement. Although Esyllt had regained her composure for the most part, she couldn't help but glance over towards Caliko every now and then. She had questions about the school trip, but now was not the time.

Esyllt Her first reaction upon stepping into the room had caused her to freeze on the spot much like Platinum, but for different reasons. It wasn't so much her drastic contrast in appearance, but the presence of the same girl with pink eyes who had bailed out her group during the school trip. Admittedly, she wasn't attentive enough to recognize every student of the Opium Institute, but Esyllt hadn't ever recalled meeting her before. The thought trailed to the possibility of Katja possibly being a student as well, but she would certainly hope not. It was becoming more difficult to know who she could trust at this point. Esyllt began deliberating about how to handle her initial reaction, as she didn't want to answer any questions about how the two knew each other, but it seemed as though her concerns were unfounded. The girl with pink eyes had defused her dilemma rather quickly as she practically barreled towards Platinum. Esyllt's initial expression of shock had turned into her doing a poor job of trying not to crack up. "Pttf, right? I resisted the urge to do so myself, but it seems as though I missed out," she said in agreement with the naked girl. She headed over to one of the free bunks and set down her belongings at the foot of the bunk. "Esyllt Morrianas. I would have said 'Let's get along with one another," but you seem to be way ahead of me."

"I suppose..." Magna replied dejectedly, as the actual explanation to it all was a little more disappointing than she had imagined. She supposed that it would be too much to ask for an omnipotent tool such as the Holy Grail to have a more whimsical element to its formula. Though disappointed, Magna's eyes flashed ever so slightly in amusement. "Now here comes someone amusing." "So I see you're here as well, Archer," Jeanne said, none too pleased at being in the presence of a Servant she was unable to fight. Despite being her Master, Jeanne hadn't bothered to even acknowledge Magna's presence. "Surprising how you're still kicking about. I didn't think you'd last long enough to contract with someone, let alone any remaining capable Masters."

Esyllt Esyllt's mind wandered off, the events of the school trip three weeks ago still lingering on her mind. No matter how much she tried to forget, the strange events that unfolded kept replaying themselves in her head. The only way she could get any answers would be to flag down Riley, but that proved to be a difficult task as well; she hadn't been able to flag down the girl ever since the trip. Not to mention that living in a dorm provided almost little to no privacy. The last thing she needed was for a passerby to eavesdrop and gossip about Esyllt's (lack of) sanity. The same concerns applied to her ability to transform. No matter how curious she was about it, there was no way for her to reliably test its properties. At the very least, she wasn't accidentally transforming at the drop of a hat. She was barely disrupted from her thoughts, when a small but familiar girl had bumped into her. She put aside her thoughts for the time being, and greeted the girl with a warm smile. "My my, it seems that we've crossed paths once more," she said innocently. For the most part, she was glad that it was Platinum, as opposed to any of the other girls whom she had been involved with during the school trip's unpredictable events. She had little hopes for a chance at normalcy for the rest of time, but one could dream. "I take it you being here means that you've also been assigned to this room?"

"Funny, I don't ever recall being referred to as 'Saint' Jeanne d'Arc in life. Oh right, that's because you can't canonize someone who is alive. Especially not those who were called 'witch' and 'heretic'," she glared. She had decided she had just about enough with Bridgett. Talking with her was going no where, and Jeanne felt she would rather be anywhere else. "I don't need to be patronized, so take your empathy and burn it alongside the rest of you." Jeanne d'Arc has left the Barracks "Ah... and there she goes. I suppose it was only a matter of time," Soryn sighed. He turned to Bridgett with a more sympathizing look. "Try not to take it too personally. It will probably take her a while to adjust to her new surroundings. Hopefully she will warm up to people over time." he said with uncertainty.

"Heroes? What a joke. You call being burned at the stake the appreciation of a 'hero'? No, I believe they've come up with a word for that. Martyrdom." Jeanne scoffed at Bridgett. The naiveté of this girl was making her sick, and didn't even bother to mask her sneer. "Don't apologize, because believe me, I'd like nothing more than to inflict more than just a punch to more people than just you right now. While I am able to maintain most of my autonomy, the person whom I have 'contracted' with prevents me from inflicting harm on your group. Foolish to think that 'she' thought of this ahead of time." "It still doesn't change that people still looked up to you, Jeanne. That you were able to be a beacon of hope is what led people to believe in you as a hero," Soryn stated somberly. "Tell that to the saint who was burnt at the cross," she replied sharply. "Though it is far too late for that."

Rosalvya stood before her opponent, wearied. Exhausted. She could barely make out the figure standing before her, hardly distinguishing that it was an enemy had it not been their reaction to pull out their tome. Time appeared to warp around her, as if slowing down to a crawl. Is this what they called a near-death experience? Because she certainly felt like death at this point. Magic began to swirl about the book, either in panic, or eagerness to strike down the figure on the verge of death. The shaman appeared to be reciting an incantation, but Rosalvya no longer had the focus to hear anything around her anymore. She had every intention of stopping the shaman from taking a step further towards Saffron's tent. Closing her eyes, she clutched her sword tightly, still in its scabbard. As she began moving and drawing her sword to attack, she lurched forward, a wave of light-headedness overcoming her. To avoid hitting the ground, she abandoned her frontal strike and performed a feint instead. Using her falling momentum, she pivoted on her front leg and spun; arcing the rest of her blade towards the side of the shaman's neck. By the time she had regained her footing, the shaman's head had already been sent flying to the ground. Time began to resume its flow as Rosalvya thrust her sword into the ground, resting on her knee to steady herself and catch her breath. She struggled to open her eyes again. There was so much blood on the ground, but she had no way of telling if it was hers or not.

Esyllt Katja's reaction and Riley's remark had only confirmed her suspicions. Regardless of whether or not either of them knew what Esyllt's abilities did, Katja had a reason to avoid her attacks. If this was going to be a game of tag, then she would have to switch tactics. With another snap of her fingers, a second volley of vines barreled towards Katja. Except this time, she sought to have the vines cut off Katja's movement, and lead her towards the girls who were trying to cut Katja off. With the enemy's movement severely hampered, Esyllt decided to join the fray, as she attempted to cut off Katja's escape route.

"You're asking the wrong person. And even if she were, I don't think you're doing a good job of making friends," he said, shaking his head in response to Alexandria's question. Granted, Jeanne wasn't being very co-operative either, but there was no need to push the envelope. Hopefully the both of them were civil enough to solve their own problems. If they even would accept Soryn's intervening to begin with. "My armor serves its purpose well enough. There's no need for any more useless ornaments," Jeanne said callously. "I'll never understand why you all hold such an interest in me. Is it that amusing to torment the dead? I thought I was the only one who could see the entertainment in that."

Rosalvya view of the world started blurring, as the sounds of battle began fading from her mind. She had lost quite a bit of blood, and was starting to lose her vision. Rosalvya only knew that she had to cut down the enemies around her. Although, it seemed that she couldn't feel the cold anymore. Move to A9 and attack Shaman 1

"And? What of it? Was I supposed to be moved by your sermon?" she said dismissively. Her voice was devoid of empathy, failing to show any remorse in her words. "You forget, that we Servants are not summoned of our own will. I fight not out of choice, but because I am ordered to. And I will do as such without hesitation, so long as there are enemies that stand in my way. Regardless of whether you're capable of fighting or not." The flames extinguished themselves as soon as she finished speaking, reminded of Magna's directive to avoid attacking the others. She merely folded her arms and leaned against one of the walls in silence. "I can't imagine... why. Recipes are certainly an excellent method for starting out, but whether it be cooking or baking, it is more about following one's intuition about what is right. The perfect recipe varies as vastly as the people in the world. Of course, you'll be joining me as well, won't you Jeanne?" he stated ambiguously. Jeanne merely shot him a sidelong glance, before closing her eyes once more.