Cipher Holy Grail War - Wave 1, Day 2 - (Lancer, Archer, Berserker)
The Lancer duo wandered the streets, looking around, with readied weapons. An ambush could come at any moment, and they had to be prepared for any and all attacks.
So, they were prepared for the gunshot.
Oryou narrowly moved Ryouma out of the way, the bullet piercing one of the nearby buildings. She looked around, before her eyes snapped upwards- Ryouma following her gaze- as they both saw the woman in the sky.
ORYOU: "…There's an enemy."
RYOUMA: "Thanks. I see her. Archer, I presume?"
The floating woman smiled, as she readied another round. She was floating aboard her own artillery, standing triumphantly over the Lancers.
NOBUNAGA: "What gave it away? The guns? Well, you know my class-- what about yours? Should I call you 'Saber'? Or maybe Rider? Perhaps 'Caster', with that ghostly-looking woman floating behind you?"
ORYOU: "Boo."
RYOUMA: "We are Lancer. Forgive us for not using our spear, it's a pretty important weapon, so I'd rather not flash it around so casually."
NOBUNAGA: "…Is that so? What about the small army closing in?"
Their attention shifted, as all three Servants realized that there was another force slowly closing in on them. The soldiers continued to march forward in rhythmic pace, more shadowed bodies emerging from the darkness as they drew closer and closer.
RYOUMA: "…They're not mine."
NOBUNAGA: "So, it's probably the work of another Servant then… well, don't think this is a 'team-up' situation. My artillery can handle both you and these half-rate warriors. Better watch your back."
RYOUMA: "...If that's how it has to be, then so be it."
RYOUMA: "…I'll take Archer. If I need help, I'll shout. You fight off the wraiths."
ORYOU: "…Got it."
NOBUNAGA: "Hmm… so you're the fodder. I'm more interested in Lancer, so go ahead and die so the real Servants can fight!"
BERSERKER: "▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅▂▃▃▄--!!!"
The shadowed warriors let out a roar as weapons were raised, and the small army charged furiously at the other combatants.
The Grail War starts with a blazing Free-for-All! Archer, Lancer, and Berserker! Masters-- support your Servants!
ARCHER (Oda Nobunaga)
LANCER (Sakamoto Ryouma)
BERSERKER (The Unknown Soldier)
Voting ended onMar 24, 2025
All three Servants are unharmed!
The skill boosts are...
Nobunaga: +7%
Ryouma & Oryou: +1%
Unknown Soldier: +6%
SKILLS:
Oda Nobunaga
TRAIT: When engaged in a Free-for-All (while not Playing Defensively), all other participants are given a -3% demerit. If attacked while 'Playing Defensively'', they do not take the ambush demerit.
Unifying the Nation by Force (A Rank) - Nobunaga's power increases when fighting against an enemy possessing a higher rank of Mystery.
Tier 1 (Against ???): +5% boost.
Tier 2 (Against Lancer, ???): +3% boost.
Tier 3 (Against Berserker, ???): +1% boost.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
The male Lancer seems to be someone with low Mystery, while the female Lancer possesses a strong Mystery. This dichotomy lands them in Tier 2! The Berserkers possess a constantly shifting mix of Mystery. This lands them in Tier 3!
Strategy (B Rank) - When fighting in a Free-for-All, she gains a +2% boost. No matter the battle type, if Nobunaga is encountering a Servant that she hasn't met before, she gains a +2% bonus to her poll results.
SAKAMOTO RYOUMA & ORYOU
TRAIT: Lancer-Class Servants are fast and agile. If they end up in the bottom 2 of a 3-way confrontation, if there’s only a 5% difference in scoring between them and 2nd place, they make it out unscathed. They also gain a +2% boost when engaged in a battle, both 1-on-1 and Free-for-All.
Dragon of the Reformation (A Rank) - When engaged in any type of battle (except ambushes), the Lancer-trait passive boost is increased from 2% to 4%. When Ambushed, while they do take the demerit, they're given a flat +2% boost for the round as well.
White Orochi of Takachiho (A- Rank) - Demerits against Ryouma and Oryou are reduced by 2%, and the Lancer-Trait of avoiding damage is increased to 6% rather than 5%.
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
TRAIT: If engaged in a 1-on-1 fight with another Servant, they get +5% to their final combat poll results, and when engaged in a Free-for-All, they inflict a -2% demerit on their enemies as well.
True Name Discernment (Warlord) (D) - An aggression and awareness targeted towards those who commanded others to their deaths. When fighting against specific enemies, their boost changes.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
The Berserkers seem to show aggravation towards both Lancer and Archer, though Archer seems to earn the majority of their ire! Archer falls within Tier 1, while Lancer falls within Tier 2!
Madness Enhancement (Distributed) (A) - Each time a body is lost (as in, when damage is taken), they gain a +3% boost to their damage. They also get 1 more 'health' than other Servants... however, they cannot use Command Spells to restore health. (Current Boost: 0%)
Cipher Holy Grail War - Wave 3, Day 2 (Mass Combat)
The Saber had reached her destination a while ago. Running through the brush, stopping by a lake, and seeing the woman standing at the edge. The knight had frozen still, her eyes wide and her grip on her sword loosening slightly.
The witch sighed.
MORGAN: "…So, this is the hand that fate as dealt us. Don't waste your breath- we're enemies, so hold your sword as such."
GARETH: "…Mother…"
A gunshot rang through the air, as the Caster and the Saber looked skyward, seeing the incoming Archer. The Archer grinned, as more shots rained down, the witch setting up a shield of magic while the knight ducked for cover. Both of them returned to focus as the Archer landed, matchlocks spinning around her with theatrical malice.
NOBUNAGA: "Sorry, was I interrupting something? I was looking for-- well, that doesn't matter. You two are Servants, right?"
The Archer reloaded her shot, preparing to attack again.
MORGAN: "And so more and more flies buzz in. First 'Saber', then a gunman. Archer, if I had to guess. Do all of you insects with to die?"
At that-- the ground rumbled. You watched an incoming army moving closer and closer, trampling through the brush.
Marching. Incessant marching. Vengeful marching.
They were approaching.
The warlord cackled, her guns focusing in more on the encroaching Berserker army.
NOBUNAGA: "Uwahahahaha! Party crashers all around, huh?!"
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅▃▃▄▄▅▃▃▄▄▅---!!!!"
GARETH: "So many enemies, and she's one of them-- my heads spinning! But I can handle this!"
MORGAN: "Hm… let's see just how far that confidence will take you, 'Saber'. All of you-- prepare to face the consequences of facing me."
Mass combat ensues! Archer, Saber, Caster, and Berserker! Masters-- support your Servants!
Archer (Oda Nobunaga)
Saber (Gareth)
Caster (Morgan le Fay)
Berserker (The Unknown Soldier)
Voting ended onMar 31, 2025
In a 'Mass Combat' scenario, the rules of and skills relating to a "Free-for-All" apply-- excepting that the bottom 2 Servants take damage, and the 2nd place Servant takes the demerit!
The skill boosts this round are...
Oda Nobunaga: +5%
Sir Gareth: +2%
Morgan le Fay: +0%
The Unknown Soldier: +0%
SKILLS:
ODA NOBUNAGA
TRAIT: When engaged in a Free-for-All (while not Playing Defensively), all other participants are given a -3% demerit. If attacked while 'Playing Defensively'', they do not take the ambush demerit.
Unifying the Nation by Force (A Rank) - Nobunaga's power increases when fighting against an enemy possessing a higher rank of Mystery.
Tier 1 (Against Caster, ???, ???): +5% boost.
Tier 2 (Against Lancer, Saber): +3% boost.
Tier 3 (Against Berserker): +1% boost.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
The Saber seems to rely more on martial skill than Mystery but has an element of magic to her weapons and techniques, while the Caster seems to rely heavily on Mystery.
Strategy (B Rank) - When fighting in a Free-for-All, she gains a +2% boost. No matter the battle type, if Nobunaga is encountering a Servant that she hasn't met before, she gains a +2% bonus to her poll results.
Nobunaga gets a +1% boost due to Defensive Play last round!
SIR GARETH
TRAIT: When engaging another Servant 1-on-1, they get +3% to their combat poll results. When engaged in a Free-for-All, they gain a +2% boost.
Gareth Beaumains (B Rank) - Her Saber-Class trait for 1-on-1 battles increases from 3% to 5%, and from 2% to 3% for Free-for-All's. When she takes damage, she gains a +2% offensive boost the following round that is not impacted by demerits.
Gareth's skills trigger! This round she has a +2% combat boost that cannot be reduced by demerits or ambushes! That will last until the round ends! When this skill triggers, it also means that her minimum cannot go below that granted boost of 2%.
Battle Continuation (C Rank) - When taking a mortal blow, Gareth can survive with one wound remaining, and she gains a +8% boost for the following round. This can only be activated once.
MORGAN LE FAY
TRAIT: If the Caster decides to play defensively, and are attacked by another Servant, they get +4% to their combat poll results and do not suffer the ambush demerit.
Witch of the Lake (A Rank) - When 'Playing Defensively', the Caster-trait score boost is increased +5%, and you cannot be caught off guard. Demerits (including those from Noble Phantasms) against Morgan are reduced in effectiveness by 3%, and she gains a +3% boost in one-on-one battles.
Reciprocated Slaughter (Scheming) (EX Rank) - When involved in a Free-for-All, gain an immunity to non-Noble Phantasm demerits, and inflict a -5% demerit on opposing Servants.
If Morgan gains 1st place in the Free-for-All by a margin of 10% or more, inflict a -3% demerit to your foes for their next round and gain a +3% boost for your next combat round.
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
TRAIT: If engaged in a 1-on-1 fight with another Servant, they get +5% to their final combat poll results, and when engaged in a Free-for-All, they inflict a -2% demerit on their enemies as well.
True Name Discernment (Warlord) (D) - An aggression and awareness targeted towards those who commanded others to their deaths. When fighting against specific enemies, their boost changes.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
The Berserkers seem to show aggravation towards both Caster and Archer, though Saber is not safe from their ire either...
Madness Enhancement (Distributed) (A) - Each time a body is lost (as in, when damage is taken), they gain a +3% boost to their damage. They also get 1 more 'health' than other Servants... however, they cannot use Command Spells to restore health. (Current Boost: 0%)
Oblivion Correction (False) (B) - War never ends. When directed to 'Play Defensively', they will instead refuse, and attack a random opponent. However, their constant battle-vigilance means that they are completely immune to the 'Ambush' demerit. There is also a chance that they can 'surge'- their four bodies splitting to attack four enemies at once, though this also means four chances of taking damage. This 'incessant assault' can even disrupt the natural order of things- even invading full Free-for-All battles!
The enemy shadow had fallen back, not destroyed but retreating. That was a victory, considering Ruler had said those things were unbeatable.
…And speaking of Ruler…
RULER: "...So, this is the strength of Oda Nobunaga... you really are as dangerous as the stories say."
The smoke faded, and the Ruler-class Servant tossed his cloak aside, as it was riddled with bullet holes.
MORIARTY: "I'm James Moriarty, a Ruler-class Servant. Your strength was within my calculations… though you weren't as predictable as I expected. However, with names on the table, I'd ask you to turn back--"
His announcement was stunted by the arrival of the Lancer duo. It seemed like choosing to follow the strongest traces of magical energy currently present led to here. Neat.
MORIARTY: "…For heaven's sake. Well, this is only one setback--"
There was a large pulse of magical energy. You watched as Caster slowly began floating above the water, the water turning inky yet reflective, the leyline becoming hers to use. A connection to the land- one that was absolute.
MORGAN: "…And that is that. No magecraft is beyond my control… though is this truly magecraft? Perhaps this is the magecraft of the modern era, but I agree even more with the whelp now. This would be dangerous to me- but I am a grand magus, and I am not afraid of modern magecraft."
-
Even as far away as that pulse of mana was, everyone could feel it.
You saw the Ruler look around, his brow furrowing in frustration.
Off and away, the ground rumbled for only a moment in response to the Caster's grand success, before stopping.
GARETH: "Was was that noise?"
BARTENDER: "The sound of inevitability, my dear."
-
MORIARTY: "Can you all just go back to fighting amongst yourselves--"
NOBUNAGA: "Yeah, yeah. Move."
MORIARTY: "Uwagh--!"
You watched as Nobunaga shoved past the Ruler, heading into the room he was blocking, as the Lancer duo followed behind. There was a massive machine set up, thrumming with magical energy.
ORYOU: "…Creepy."
One of the Lancers, Ryouma, walked up to the machine, reading something written along the side.
RYOUMA: "…'Multivac Station 01'…?"
NOBUNAGA: "Now this is something… so this is our 'Holy Grail'?"
The Ruler stumbled in, trying to keep some of his authority and dignity.
MORIARTY: "Hold it, fools! Just leave- this isn't worth anything until Servants begin dying in the first place! You found the vessel- you know where to go when you win- now you can bugger off!"
Cipher Holy Grail War - Wave 5, Day 2 (Archer vs Berserker)
…Archer was wearing a swimsuit now.
NOBUNAGA: "Ta-da! Impressed? This is my dynamite body, full force! Well… no, if I went full Demon King mode, a lot of things would be bigger. Medium-force."
NOBUNAGA: "This is all part of a major plan! See, nobody wants to see a beauty get hurt, right? And good-looking people get an automatic bonus to their stats. By all accounts, this is pretty ideal for me!"
NOBUNAGA: "And see? We find someone who already finds me irresistible!"
The Berserker Army, smaller yet still potent, lumbered forward.
BERSERKER: "The warlord, Oda Nobunaga… countless have died due to your cruelty and vice…"
NOBUNAGA: "You talk now, huh? Take some night courses? That's nice."
BERSERKER: "You will pay for your crimes! Burn in hell!"
NOBUNAGA: "Hm… still obsessed, even with some newfound vocal skills. Well, I guess now's a chance to see if this really is a morale booster! Come on, Masters!"
-
Waterside Brawl! Archer versus Berserker! Masters, support your Servants!
ARCHER (Oda Nobunaga)
BERSERKER (The Unknown Soldier)
Voting ended onApr 18, 2025
Oda Nobunaga has 2/3 Health!
The Unknown Soldier has 2/4 Health!
Boosts currently stand as...
Oda Nobunaga: +2%
The Unknown Soldier: +15%
Berserker is surging! They're attacking two targets at once!
Nobunaga gains a generalized +1% this round due to her successful defense round!
Skills:
ODA NOBUNAGA
TRAIT: When engaged in a Free-for-All (while not Playing Defensively), all other participants are given a -3% demerit. If attacked while 'Playing Defensively'', they do not take the ambush demerit.
Unifying the Nation by Force (A Rank) - Nobunaga's power increases when fighting against an enemy possessing a higher rank of Mystery.Tier 1 (Against Caster, ???, ???): +5% boost. Tier 2 (Against Lancer, Saber): +3% boost. Tier 3 (Against Berserker): +1% boost.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
Strategy (B Rank) - When fighting in a Free-for-All, she gains a +2% boost. No matter the battle type, if Nobunaga is encountering a Servant that she hasn't met before, she gains a +2% bonus to her poll results.
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
TRAIT: If engaged in a 1-on-1 fight with another Servant, they get +5% to their final combat poll results, and when engaged in a Free-for-All, they inflict a -2% demerit on their enemies as well.
True Name Discernment (Warlord) (D) - An aggression and awareness targeted towards those who commanded others to their deaths. When fighting against specific enemies, their boost changes.Tier 1 (Against Archer, Caster) - +4% Tier 2 (Against Lancer, Saber) - +2% Tier 3 (Against Assassin, ???) - +1%
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
The Berserkers seem to show aggravation towards both Caster and Archer, though Saber is not safe from their ire either…
Madness Enhancement (Distributed) (A) - Each time a body is lost (as in, when damage is taken), they gain a +3% boost to their damage. They also get 1 more 'health' than other Servants… however, they cannot use Command Spells to restore health. (Current Boost: +6%)
Oblivion Correction (False) (B) - War never ends. When directed to 'Play Defensively', they will instead refuse, and attack a random opponent. However, their constant battle-vigilance means that they are completely immune to the 'Ambush' demerit. There is also a chance that they can 'surge'- their four bodies splitting to attack four enemies at once, though this also means four chances of taking damage. This 'incessant assault' can even disrupt the natural order of things- even invading full Free-for-All battles!
The Summoning Circle is preparing to beckon forth a ARCHER-Class Servant. Which of these heroes seem to resonate with you?
Oda Nobunaga, 'Demon King of the Sixth Heaven' and 'Great Unifier'.
Sei Shounagon, famed author of the Pillow Book.
Helen of Sparta, 'the most beautiful woman in the world'.
Baobhan Sith, devilish faerie of Scottish folklore.
Robin Hood, hero to the downtrodden and marksman of the forest.
David, divinely-blessed shepherd and slayer of Goliath.
Tomoe Gozen, oni-blooded warrior of the Genpei War.
Voting ended onMar 20, 2025
The TOP 3 results of this poll will move on to the final round of Summoning Polls for the Archer Crew!
[ ARCHER, the Heroic Spirit of the Bow. This class excels when it comes to long-range combat and scouting, and generally possess incredibly powerful and versatile Noble Phantasms. They also generally possess the Independent Action skill, allowing them to act without mana for extended periods of time. While close-range combat tends to be their weak point, their skillset allows them to generally find the most advantageous places to combat enemies. ]
You found yourselves in a heavily mechanized building while searching for the Grail's vessel. The air was scorching, and it felt like one identical hall led into another. It was like a maze… but Archer seemed to stride through confidently nonetheless, only stopping when a figure appeared before her.
RULER: "Good day, Archer. I am the Ruler of this Grail War… and I assume you're here for the Grail's vessel?"
ARCHER: "I am. Nice factory you've got here."
RULER: "A factory? I wouldn't call it that. I'm sure under your hands, it would be heavily industrialized… however, I can't allow that to happen-- or for you to lay hands on the Grail's vessel. So I'll have to firmly yet politely beat you back... or you can leave quietly. Understood?"
ARCHER: "You can certainly try, 'Ruler', but I'm not backing down easily. Let's dance."
Fight back Ruler! Balance the polls!
Keep your distance with your guns!
Watch out for his incoming techniques!
Get a read on his movements!
Voting ended onApr 4, 2025
Fight back Ruler, and balance the polls as best you can!
If successful, you gain +1% to any polls next round. If you fail, you take a point of damage!
You know Nobu, I am surprised you don't like Berserker very much. It's an undying horde of warriors from all across history. Like, that is completely fucking metal you have to admit. Aesthetically it is amazing.
Then again I just like skeletons and stuff like that.
"The way they exist gets on my nerves. From what I can tell, they're stuck in past grudges, but not even burning bright enough to shine from it. Heroic Spirits are rooted in the past, but a Heroic Spirit like that is inherently 'stuck' there. It's pitiful."
"That, and they arrogantly pointed their weapons at me and wanted me dead like there was no tomorrow."
"…But, I guess you are right, a phantom army is pretty cool! Uhahahaha!"
MORIARTY: "I suppose he was right… fine, you want me to act like a Ruler? Is that what it takes for you lot to listen? Force? Aggression? Strict orders? I'll give you what you want."
He held out his hand.
MORIARTY: "Your Command Spells are limited in their execution, but mine aren't… so, with my authority as Ruler, and by my Command Spell... Archer, Lancer-- 'Leave this place and fight until one of you sustains a notable injury'. No more distractions."
The rest happened quickly.
A crash-- as Oryou's fist firmly planted itself in Nobunaga's chest, sending her flying up and through the ceiling into the night sky above.
RYOUMA: "Oryou…"
ORYOU: "Oryou has been waiting for a fight. The twig didn't even have to ask her to."
NOBUNAGA: "Is that so? Fine- let's see how you stand up under my firepower, Lancer!"
Wrapping up the wave with one more fight! Archer versus Lancer!
Archer (ODA NOBUNAGA)
Lancer (SAKAMOTO RYOUMA)
Voting ended onApr 7, 2025
Both Nobunaga and Ryouma/Oryou are unharmed!
Oda Nobunaga has a -2% demerit this round due to coming in 2nd during the prior round!
Ryouma and Oryou gain a +1% bonus this round due to chatting with Charisma in the prior round!
Score boosts are:
Oda Nobunaga: +1%
Sakamoto Ryouma/Oryou: +5%
SKILLS:
ODA NOBUNAGA:
TRAIT: When engaged in a Free-for-All (while not Playing Defensively), all other participants are given a -3% demerit. If attacked while 'Playing Defensively'', they do not take the ambush demerit.
Unifying the Nation by Force (A Rank) - Nobunaga's power increases when fighting against an enemy possessing a higher rank of Mystery.
Tier 1 (Against Caster, ???, ???): +5% boost.
Tier 2 (Against Lancer, Saber): +3% boost.
Tier 3 (Against Berserker): +1% boost.
The 'tier' a Servant falls into is revealed upon engaging with them the first time. In a Free-for-All, this does not stack- only the highest boost is applied.
Strategy (B Rank) - When fighting in a Free-for-All, she gains a +2% boost. No matter the battle type, if Nobunaga is encountering a Servant that she hasn't met before, she gains a +2% bonus to her poll results.
SAKAMOTO RYOUMA:
TRAIT: Lancer-Class Servants are fast and agile. If they end up in the bottom 2 of a 3-way confrontation, if there’s only a 5% difference in scoring between them and 2nd place, they make it out unscathed. They also gain a +2% boost when engaged in a battle, both 1-on-1 and Free-for-All.
Dragon of the Reformation (A Rank) - When engaged in any type of battle (except ambushes), the Lancer-trait passive boost is increased from 2% to 4%. When Ambushed, while they do take the demerit, they're given a flat +2% boost for the round as well.
White Orochi of Takachiho (A- Rank) - Demerits against Ryouma and Oryou are reduced by 2%, and the Lancer-Trait of avoiding damage is increased to 6% rather than 5%.
