Lol, when you actually see the thing drawn it doesn't look nearly as threatening as one might imagine and instead looks like a real dork.
Yeah. There are more intimidating pictures, but my Glati is a sweetheart. She needed a softer pic, and I love her. Plus, even some of the older ones look kinda doofy.
While I understand that I'm simply not sentient to gain an alignment, I'd like to be included outside the chart.
Mailed direct from the Sarcophagus' Forges. No postage fee is required for return mail.
"And all the clout chasers and creators will look up and shout 'JUDGE US!'...and I'll look down and whisper 'No'."
Can a machine truly be sapient enough to possess an alignment? Nay, I say. Tis a human desire to be judged in the realms of morality. Were one to declare their humanity, then perhaps.
I feel it encroaching.
I feel it’s hands wrapping across my chest and grasping at my heart.
I feel it looming over my shoulders and whispering in my ear.
I know what I have to do, but more than anything
I know I will not last much longer.
He sat there, his body rebelling against him as his mind slowed. The flesh that he had so relied on was at its end. He could hardly breathe, much less hold a pen. Yet, he willed himself forward. He still was not finished.
Despite their weakness, his hands worked furiously. The candles burned down with each passing moment, mirroring their lighter far too clearly. Yet, he paid them no mind. Even if they were to extinguish, he would continue. He had no time to do otherwise.
Bodies littered the streets as a haunting song lilted through the city, the light fading as though recoiling from the horrid scene. Children and their parents lay unmoving across from dogwalkers and crashed vehicles. Streetlamps lit, further highlighting the damage even as the night sought to cover it.
Among the music and the death, only one more sound could be made out. Footsteps, ringing clear and constant against deadened landscape. Rhythmic, unyielding, and promising that this scene would not be the only of its kind.
For tonight, Death walked among the living.
At the BoundaryEX
Rather than Existence Outside the Domain, Foreigner possesses At the Boundary to show his intimate connection to Death, being its avatar wherever they are summoned. He walks beyond the boundary, a trail of bodies in his wake.
Every successful strike has an average probability of instantly killing an opponent. He is also immune to instant death, fear, or any other charm effects.
Divinity-
Despite being in the Class, Foreigner possesses no ranks in Divinity, as this Death is not based off any deity or divine entity. Death is neither divine nor demonic. It merely is.
As his flesh cried out and his soul flickered in time with his wavering light, he felt it. His efforts redoubled, the pen threatening to slip from his skeletal grip at any second. It wasn’t time. It couldn’t be time. There was still so much left. Just a little more. All he needed was a little more time.
“Damnit, Master, let me kill him!”
“You saw what happened to Chopin, so no. Just keep your phantoms searching.”
“At least he lasted longer than the princess. Why didn’t it kill you then, huh? God forbid it make me happy.”
“I’m sorry, I… I don’t know why. It just stopped after them.”
“Please be quiet, both of you.”
“Oh, why?! It knows we’re here! Don’t you, you bastard!”
The shadowy figure didn’t even flinch. It simply kept walking, seemingly no destination in mind. The Master of Chaldea didn’t understand it. The moment they found it, it began attacking, and kept doing so until Chopin had been slain. After that, it didn’t even attempt to defend itself when Steibelt continued his assault. Not that Steibelt seemed to damage it, to his growing frustration.
And that song. The Master felt it clawing at his mind. It was trying to lull him to sleep, but he knew where that led from the many that had fallen in its wake. Didn’t make it any easier, especially as his own being felt weary under its flowing notes. If this is what it felt like with Mash supporting him, then it’s no wonder everyone was already gone.
“See? The thing doesn’t even care anymore! Damn shadow only wanted the Gottlieb… lucky bastard stole my kills.”
“Um… but Francisco is still-“
“So what the hell are we still doing here, huh? Master, the water ghost was a hack, too high off his own product to think. All Foreigners are! We’re spinning our wheels, making me search for something that isn’t even there, and…”
Steibelt’s rant was cut off as a hateful scowl closed his mouth. He looked at where Chopin lay, his body almost vanished.
“I’d kill you if you weren’t dead. I found someone not far from here. Holed up in a basement.”
His teeth ground out the next words.
“The Pole was right.”
“Then we have to go! If we can stop this-“
“And what do you plan to do, huh? You can barely keep yourself alive, and you wanna do something? Just stay back and cry. All you’re good for."
Francisco wanted to argue, but he couldn’t. Even Transcriber of the Guitar takes time for him to utilize, and the only musician left he could copy, and Steibelt’s spells were all fairly high level. He just wasn’t someone suited for battle, especially when the enemy wasn’t another musician. Still, there had to be something he could do.
“What should we do, Senpai?”
Before the Master could speak, Steibelt cut him off.
“Isn’t it obvious? We head over there, knock that guy around until he stops whatever he’s doing, then deal with whatever other bull this singularity has to throw at us!”
Suddenly, something was absent from the world. It took them all only a moment to realize what.
The footsteps had stopped.
The Shadow of DeathEX
The shadow that trails everyone till their final day. Immutable. Transient. It exists and comes no matter how hard you fight it or break it. Even if you can stave it off for a time, it will always return, no matter how far you run.
Appreciation of the Arts (Music)A
He follows them, waiting for their time to come. Though Death comes for all, he takes particular interest in the musicians of the world. There is hardly a one he would not know by their sound.
Gray MessengerA
He delivers without fail, arriving without warning or cause. A silent messenger dealing death, making his way no matter the obstacle. No barrier, no force, can restrain him for long. He is inevitable as the turning of time.
A mixture of Presence Concealment and Territory Infringement that allows for imperceptible approaches even in the most secure of locations.
Protection of the Music God (False)A
A grand fan of music, one whose love borders on obsession, Foreigner’s keen ear and masterful skill allows him to perform complex musical performances effortlessly. Wielding his baton, his music flourishes against his enemies, though at a lower rank than normal.
It couldn’t be too late! As the shadows lengthened and mind wavered, he knew this couldn’t be the end! it wasn’t finished! It needed to be finished! Even as the cold hands curled around his heart and his breath slowed into a wisp on the wind, he still tried to finish it, because that was all that was left! Too late
The final candle guttered out.
“Save your own goddamn self!”
Steibelt grabbed Francisco’s jacket and threw him away as a swirl of magical attacks lanced towards them. Steibelt barely grabbed an electric guitar from his phantoms and played it fast enough to create a field in front of him to block them.
Francisco rolled across the ground, his guitar getting scratched up before he came to a stop. That was the third time he’d tried to help, and the same amount that Steibelt had yanked him out of it, much to the growing anger of the Avenger. They’d been running and fighting for a few minutes, but the figure had hounded them the whole way.
“Stay the hell out of the way already, you useless idiot!”
Steibelt played a riff on his axe, electricity coiling off it before blasting toward the shadowy figure. Dust kicked up around it only to be blown apart as notes joined the constant ominous tune, magical energy lancing from the figure’s gesturing baton. Mash lived up to her Class and shielded them from the attack before rushing forward with her own. The shade attempted to strike her first, but her shield bashed it into the air. As it did, Steibelt slammed the guitar into the ground multiple times, which apparently counted as music because a fissure rushed from the point of contact and ended where the figure was about to land.
“Just die already!”
Spires of rock speared through the figure before sucking it down into the ground, the fissure closing behind it.
“That one! That’s where he is!”
Steibelt pointed at a nearby building that was their destination.
“Alright! Let’s hurry and-“
A pitch black hand suddenly appeared from the small crack in the ground and grasped onto Steibelt’s leg. There was an instant of tension before the roaring of countless souls pierced the nights in an unbearable cacophony.
Mash’s shield slammed on the hand, causing it to evaporate into shadow. Steibelt barely managed to keep standing, but the damage was clear even if he appeared the same.
“…Fu~ck…”
“Francisco, come help me carry him.”
Francisco came over while Mash attempted to loop Steibelt’s arm over her shoulder, but Steibelt yanked his arm away.
“Don’t… you dare… look down on me."
“We aren’t looking down on you. Please, Daniel…”
“Shut up you… stupid…”
Not too far away, shadows flowed up from what had been a fissure, slowly roiling into the shape of a musketeer once more.
“Just go! I have this freakin’… on the ropes.”
“Steibelt, we-“
“I’m not dying here! I still… have to kill them all.”
A flickering phantom handed him a cello and placed a chair behind him.
“Don’t get in their way, crybaby. You're... worthless... in a fight.”
As he sat down heavily, the others hesitated for only a moment before running to the building. The musketeer raised its baton, its eyeless gaze following the retreating group.
“Eyes here, kill stealer! He’s mine!”
With that, he began to play, and the world became enveloped in white snow.
Dies Irae
The Funeral Has Already Begun
Anti-Army
The Day of Wrath, a poem that has become inexorably intwined with the Requiem, speaks of the Last Judgement, describing the departure and damnation of souls. For Foreigner, it is a constantly active Noble Phantasm that brings this Last Judgement to the present.
A mournful song that drifts on the wind, following the Messenger wherever it treads. It permeates one’s very soul, drawing them into an unavoidable slumber. These are their last moments as life is slowly drained from them until they have moved to the next life.
Even those strong enough to resist the call will take demerits in in all physical parameters by two and takes constant damage directly to their souls. This damage is increased tenfold should the Messenger make physical contact, practically guaranteeing their demise.
This is the message the Gray Messenger delivers. The funeral has already begun. You have already died. All that comes after hearing its song are your death throes.
"Steibelt isn't the type to give up easily. He'll probably be angry if we take too long though."
Despite his words, everyone there knew Steibelt had no chance. Even before what happened, everyone they had attacking it barely fazed it. All he'd done was buy them time.
"He said they were in the basement. The door should be here on the ground level."
It didn't take them long to find the door, and they stayed on guard the whole way down. Soon, they began to see dim lights shining from down below, and the basement slowly came into view.
Burnt out candles were scattered around haphazardly, their wicks little more than scorched trash amid a pile of wax. Farther into the room, there were some still lit, if almost gone, casting light and shadow in flickering waves. And there below, they saw him. His gown was draped across the floor, the shadows seeming to bleed into and up it. His hair flowed out as a disheveled mess, twisted and gnarled along the ground. Candles were scattered around him, some even placed precarious on his own hair. Even as their footsteps echoed in the underground room, he had yet to react, something on the table he sat at having his entire attention.
"Nonononono. It's still not done. It's almost there it's almost there. More time. I just need more time. I'm so close. I can feel it, I'm so close..."
He murmured to himself constantly, his voice weak and hoarse as his hand continued writing on a paper.
The group reached the bottom, staring at the shell of a man that had caused this, with a sense of disbelief.
"Senpai, isn't that..."
She couldn't finish the sentence. It made no sense. Yet, the Master finished for her anyway, because he had to know.
"Mozart?"
╼_F_O_R_E_I_G_N_E R_╾ 「 Play a Requiem for Silence. 」
As he spoke, something shifted in the slight smokey air of the basement. The shadows bleeding on Mozart's gown coalesced, and, curling out of them, the musketeer took form. It hovered never to Mozart, its arm across his shoulders in an almost comforting manner. Then, the group noticed to grip it had on them, and how Mozart had dipped closer to the table as though a great weight was pressing on him.
"I'm almost done. I just need a little more time. It'll be done soon, and I'll be ready. I know you want it, I just need more time..."
The rapid string of assurances continued as the musketeer returned to its full form, turning its expressionless face toward the group.
Weak ConstitutionEX
At the stage of life he is summoned in, Foreigner’s health is nearly non-existent. What killed him, whether illness or poison, remains a mystery to this day, but it is widespread knowledge that he spent his final days in a spiral of atrophying health.
His muscles are withered and weak. His body prone to pain and swelling. His breathing labored and interrupted by nausea. He is a man not far from death, barely walking the boundary between worlds.
Yet he continues his work. It is all that matters now.
A single thing permeated his life in those final days. Even without pen to parchment, his mind was always occupied with a single item. A requiem, commissioned by an unknown client, that, unlike his other works that year, remained unfinished. He agonized over it as illness agonized his body. He struggled, despite the ravages of his flesh, to finish his work, even till the final moment.
And he failed to do so.
Foreigner is trapped in that moment, one foot across the Boundary and one barely on the other side. As he wavers between worlds, his only reason to stay is the completion of his requiem.
And his commissioner has come to ensure he completes it this time.
The Gray Messenger is not actually Death, but Foreigner’s personification of it. It watches over him, his own obsession manifested as an oppressing shadow that compels him to write. This shadow, this Death, also guards him, filling the area with its music and eliminating any possibility of Foreigner being distracted without discretion or restraint. It will actively ignore anyone that attacks it unless they have intent to “interrupt” Foreigner’s writing, and will generally wander around the area Foreigner resides in to keep watch. Though, a part of it always resides with him, and can return to his side at a moment’s notice.
However, inevitably, Foreigner will be unable to complete his requiem. His Luck stat has been erased, becoming incapable of even a chance at changing his fate. He will fade from this world, his requiem unfinished, as was the destiny Death gave him.
If he were able to win a war, to gain a wish from the Omnipotent Wish Granting Device, this destiny may just be something he can overturn.
So he writes, struggling against a fate he cannot defy, because no matter what
it must be completed.
Francisco didn't know what to do as Mash fought the shadow in the enclosed space. It wasn't throwing around magic anymore, but all it needed was to touch them, and it'd be over. Luckily, Mash's shield didn't transmit the effect to her, but it was only a matter of time before she tired out.
The Master aimed a Gandr at Mozart, hoping that stunning him might do something to the musketeer, but the shadow instantly whirled its baton, and a single shot of magical energy lasered towards him. Mash instantly moved to block it before resuming the attack.
"Francisco, Mash needs your help!"
"R-right!"
Francisco prepared to strum his guitar, but he hesitated. What would he even be trying to accomplish? Every time he tried to help, he just ended up getting in the way, and this place was too small for him to be throwing around songs that would be able to damage it. Not that damaging it would help either. Any attack was just met with...
As Francisco thought back, the only time they had attacked it with no retaliation was after Chopin and Tchaikovsky were killed, but even then, it only really seemed interested in Chopin. Then, as soon as Steibelt had discovered Mozart's location, it had become focused on him. It had only ever directed attacks at Francisco when he attempted to attack it.
Rather than attacking, Francisco let his guitar hang in his hands as he slowly walked forward.
"Francisco, what are you-?"
"It's okay, Master. Daniel was right. I should remember that I'm not a fighter."
Despite that cryptic statement, the Master watched as Francisco calmly walked towards and past the shadow still attacking Mash, inches passing between them without intervention. As the fight continued, Francisco stopped beside the still hunched Mozart, his face obscured under a curtain of hair that almost blocked the paper from view.
"It's almost time. I'm almost done. Just a little more time, and I'll be ready. A little more time, and I'll finish. It'll finally be finished and I'll be ready..."
"Mozart? Can you hear me?"
The cadence remained the same even if the words changed in Mozart's ramblings. He was lost, completely absorbed in his writings. If Francisco was able, this would be the perfect time to kill him and end this, but Francisco was not able, even if he had the ability. As he listened and looked at the scribbled papers on the desk, he felt nothing but sadness for the man trapped in his work. However, he still needed to stop him, so Francisco did the one thing he knew best.
As soon as he began, he seemed to attract the musketeer's attention, but Mash and the Master were quicker to reclaim it, leaving Francisco to continue his song for the weary man.
Slowly, painfully slowly, the scribbling lessened in speed. Mozart, his face still hidden beneath his hair, became silent for the first time since they arrived. They sat there, Francisco gently plucking his strings without a hint of magic to the notes. This song was simply his music, beautiful and clear, for the tired man.
"...I'm still not done. The work must be finished."
Francisco smiled and continued strumming.
"There's plenty of time, my friend, but you look tired. Perhaps you should rest."
"Nonono, I don't have time to rest. I have to... have to finish it."
"We all must rest sometime. Remember, this is not the end. You'll have plenty of time to finish when you are done."
"When I am... done? I'm... not done. I... I have so much left to write..."
"And you will. But rest for now. It has taken this long. It can wait a little longer."
"He's... waiting... for... it. I... promised..."
As his words slowed and the song reached its end, Mozart's head slowly descended to the table with a soft thump. The fingers, decrepit and bony, seemed to crack as the pen was released, sliding from them to the table.
The musketeer, already attempting to return to Mozart's side, found itself time and again blocked by Mash and hounded by the Master. The moment Mozart released the pen, the shadow froze before convulsing and twitching. Starting from its hat, it melted in swirling darkness to the floor, the shadows sliding into those in Mozart's gown before they all vanished completely, leaving it a spotless white.
"I'm... done."
Mozart stilled after that, his labored breathing ceasing as he slowly evaporated from his gown up. Francisco wiped a couple tears from his eyes as he did, thinking that, though he couldn't see Mozart's face, he sounded content in that final moment. As Mozart disappeared, the only thing that marked his presence was a paper absolutely covered in musical note, many of which were being absorbed into the ink blot leaking from the dropped pen.
What remains here can hardly be called Mozart. Having once more dedicated himself to completing the requiem he couldn't in life and becoming one with his own "personal Death", all that remains is an obsessive shell with a single goal in mind. He is focused, uncaring, and neurotic, trapped in a hell of his own creation. It is nearly impossible to snap him out of this state, requiring either someone he's very close to or finding a way to break through the fog that's settled upon his mind. It doesn't help that the Gray Messenger is always there in some sense, feeding his own neurosis and compelling him to continue his work. The joyful, extravagant man has been reduced to a shadow very much like the Gray Messenger. One that, at it's core, wants nothing more for this to be over, but is completely incapable of making that change for himself.
Marie Antoinette: Ma… Marie? My shining… No. Not now. I can’t. There’s still so much to do.
Antonio Salieri: Surprisingly, the Gray Messenger is conceptually powerless against Salieri due to his association with Mozart’s demise. If Salieri is coming, than Mozart has simply run out of time.
No. No! I’m not ready! I need more time! I almost have it, I know it! Antonio, if we were ever friends, then just give me a little more time!
Steibelt wished he was dead. He lay there in the midst of the greatest pain of his life, his cello broken over him, and the bastard had disappeared before he could finish the job, and he knew it was somehow all the fault of the overly excited Spaniard looking down at him with happiness written on his face.
"I may hate God, but he's supposed to love me. Why couldn't he let you die?"
Apparently, the crybaby wasn't going to be cowed by his anger this time, because he kept smiling as he lopped his arms under Steibelt and began dragging him to a wall.
"We probably all would've if you hadn't kept it occupied. I'm glad to see you managed to survive."
Steibelt bit down a venomous retort, though this one would've been directed at himself. Steibelt was supposed to be better than all those damn Gottlieb, but here he was being dragged by someone that he could kill in his sleep. One that he had no doubt resolved this whole mess. What a pathetic sight.
"And thank you for the reminder of who I am."
As he was leaned against the wall, Steibelt gave him a glower.
"The hell are you talking about."
"You were right. I'm not a fighter. I can fight, but I kinda suck at it."
He laughed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"But not everything can be solved with a punch or a spell. Sometimes, all you can do is just try and connect with someone. Sometimes that's all they need. And I have the perfect tool to do so."
He strummed lightly on the guitar, a small smile directed at the Avenger.
"So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Steibelt looked at the man he hated. This man, so much lesser than those who Steibelt lumped him together with, but possessing something that set him apart from them in his eyes. This man was not a Gottlieb. This was a man that had taken his love and trials and had turned them into a legacy that was remembered beyond him. He looked at the man who was everything that he, that they, had wanted to be and weren't, and knew that he was someone they would never stop hating.
Still, Steibelt snorted derisively, looking away from Francisco.
═════════╣ Notes ╠═════════Notes: I'm usually not one to pull shenanigans, but I bet no one saw this coming. Mozart, but not an Alter or Demon Pillar, but instead just tied to the concept of Death as a Foreigner. I mean, what sane person would expect that? Because I sure didn’t!
I was looking into someone completely different, and the memory of the Gray Messenger came into my mind, and it just wouldn’t release. Initially, it was only going to be Mozart as the messenger with the reveal at the end, but then the idea of tying it even harder to Chariot Requiem slid inside, and then the scenario just began forming unbidden. Guess it’s what I deserve after coming on this out of nowhere.
This is also the second recent one that’s inherently self-destructive by nature. Taking Mozart and turning him into this was quite the experience, I’ll tell you. There’s so much argued information about that time but reading about his fear of his possible death and his strange insistence on completing the Requiem certainly influenced what I did. I just hope it came out well. Was hard to pick music, but I think I got the right tone down.
Francisco was a late addition to this, being a bedtime thought literally last night that I couldn't stop myself from putting in. Not just for the interaction with Steibelt, even though that was fun, but also because it felt good for Mozart to go out this way than a frantic fight to kill the person that was barely there. I won't lie and instead admit that, while writing that scene and playing the song in the background, I got a little teary. Feels good.
Kudos to Vidi for making me some pics, even if they’re more sketchy than detailed. Still worked really well though. Adds to the ominous nature, like he’s barely there, ready to fade away.
[
Giulio Tampalini - La Paloma
Ender Lilies - If You Gaze Long into an Abyss - Save Ver./Grudge
]
Last edited by Morg van Destro; May 19th, 2024 at 04:27 PM.
“Yes, hello! My looks may not inspire confidence, but I’m indeed a Servant of the strongest Class, Saber! I mean look at this sword! Swing-swang, whoosh huzzah! See how it cuts that rock?! It’s a sword of the highest grade! Only Sabers can have strong swords like this! Convinced now?”
(Image CV: Toyama Nao)
A newcomer to the latest GudaGuda event.
She tried to present herself as a great sword saint, but no matter how you see it, this Saber doesn’t seem to understand weapon safety, let alone sword technique. But still, after traveling with many blonde Sabers, her weapon is truly the real deal. It fires beams, after all.
“Akechi-kun?! Okuni-chan?! Nobunaga-sama, multiple of them?! Even that stupid Rikyuu too?!”
The happy-go-lucky girl also tried to hide her True Name, but it seems her luck runs out the moment she designed to be a 4* Event Welfare. Her identity is immediately revealed from the monthly Stream to generate instant hype in this extremely harsh and low attention span mobile gaming industry. No matter how you see it, some narrative must be sacrificed to earn revenue.
“So many people that I know, my great plan to hide my True Name immediately failed from Chapter 1… Fine, fine, you can share my Status Screen to your friends, it doesn't matter anymore. Why so many Servants come from the Sengoku era, anyway? There are many interesting periods in Japan, you know? What? Lack of video game and manga adaption means lack exposure in the entire world? The heck?”
Class
Saber
Epithet
Angel of Heaven, The North Governor of Toyotomi
Identity
Nene, Kodai-in
Origin
Historical Facts; Sengoku Era, Japan
Height/Weight
160cm/57kg
Alignment
Lawful Good
Attribute
Man
STR
AGI
END
MANA
LCK
NP
D
C
C
C
A
C
She claims that she is in this Singularity to protect the locals from an evil queen that terrorizes them. Indeed, said queen was the Limited Servant, 5* Avenger Chacha, her nemesis of affection during life, and now that spoiled girl possesses the Holy Grail too! Can someone of lower rarity like Nene stops a long anticipated, darker and stronger alternate version of a fan favorite like Chacha?
Class and Personal Skills
CLASS SKILLS: Magic Resistance
Rank: E (C)
Having no anecdote related with magecraft, Nene gained this Skill on the lowest Rank. However, due to possessing a very powerful sword blessed by Inari, she gains the deity’s divine protection somewhat.
Riding
Rank: E
Having no anecdote related with riding, Nene gained this Skill on the lowest Rank.
"Why Servants always starts with Parameters and Class Skills? Who designed this?! Have they heard about first impression?! I should start with Noble Phantasm section!"
PERSONAL SKILLS: North Governor
Rank: A
Kita no Mandokoro.
The rank was granted to Toyotomi Yoshiko as the matriarch and Hideyoshi’s personal advisor. Her ability as the first lady is beyond ordinary, she handles many diplomatic and domestic affairs that require courtesy and etiquette with many nobles that Hideyoshi lacked as a former commoner. Nene is also credited as the person that handles the effective logistics for the Invasion of Korea.
It is not a direct combat Skill, but a Skill to recognize what is the most optimal course of action one shall make in preparation for it and also denotes her competence to make it successful. In other words, a Skill that grants high modifiers towards action rolls outside of combat.
"Don't take that route, yesterday Berserker and Archer fights in there. There is a chance that Lancer pair want to check that place."
"I advise you not to over exert your magecraft on Bounded Field too much. A competent mage might detect it simply by the concentration of magical energy."
"Spicy food is bad for your stomach."
That kind of advisor.
Unrecognized Beauty
Rank: C
A Skill that denotes one’s beauty that is unnoticed by others.
At this Rank, most individuals will be unable to perceive her attractiveness simply by looking alone, subconsciously dismiss her as ‘average’. However, individuals that are capable of recognizing her beyond physical attributes are unaffected by the Skill, such as people with an eye for quality or those familiar with her, such as Oda Nobunaga. In fact, the Demon King once wrote to her:
...It has been quite some time since I last saw you, but your beauty grows day by day. Tokichiro [Hideyoshi] complains about you constantly and it is outrageous. While that "bald rat" [Hideyoshi] flusters to find another good woman, you remain lofty and elegant. Do not be envious. Show Hideyoshi this letter…
“Isn’t showing my private mail like this to everyone is immoral? This is a violation of privacy.”
– A certain Demon King.
This Skill is surprisingly meritful in resisting charm abilities, but as expected, having this Skill really hurt as a woman with feelings.
This Skill is especially effective against Hideyoshi.
Angel of Heaven
Rank: B
“There is no way Nene-chi did anything wrong.”
“The monkey doesn’t deserve her. She is so kind to my kid.”
“If anyone harmed her I will kill them personally.”
“Agreed.”
– A discussion between two of the three unifiers of Japan.
Hikari no Tenshi.
A positive Innocent Monster-like Skill that reinforces one’s Saint Graph from positive connotation posthumously. Nene is known historically as a very devout wife and respected by many individuals including Oda Nobunaga and Ieyasu Tokugawa, and became a very respected Buddhist nun after Hideyoshi’s death.
Not only does almost everyone have a positive opinion of her, she can bring divine blessing (and also plague and disaster) from the deity Tenjin simply by praying.
“Wha-what’s this extremely flattering name? In the first place, angels are not a thing in Buddhism, right?! Mou~ I’m not that great!”
“Wait, Tanuki, if you think about it, even the monkey is no match to her persuasion, isn’t it?”
“She also has good relations with both Eastern and Western Army’s generals too.”
“Perhaps the real unifier of Japan is…”
“Nobunaga-dono. Let’s not talk about that.”
– A discussion between two of the three unifiers of Japan.
This Skill is ineffective against Hideyoshi.
Noble Phantasm (1)
"Right, enough with the unfaltering Skills! Saber is all about those cool *swing swang* right?! Fortunately, I have one on my back!"
"Mikazuki, one of the Tenka-Goken. The Crescent Sword owned by the Ashikaga-shogun line. It's the real deal."
Mikazuki Munechika
Divine Crescent Moon Sword
Rank: B (C) Type: Anti-Unit Range: - Maximum Target: 1 Person
Mikazuki, one of the Tenka-Goken, five treasured swords of Japan.
Sanjo Munechika is the swordsmith that introduced the crescent blade of modern katana, a man whose skill is so divine that the Deity O-Inari decided to be his smithing partner. Among many swords forged by the duo, it is said that Mikazuki is the finest, and it belongs in the same grade with Dojigiri of Minamoto no Raikou.
Among its peers, it is considered to be the most beautiful. This partially owes to its crescent shape, which is the ultimate curved blade in Japan, and boasts an extremely absurd cutting capability that could slice most materials with ease. The other reason is because of its divine origin, as one of the craftsmen is the god of blacksmiths themselves.
Nene possessed this sword after Hideyoshi inherited it from the Shogun. She later passed it down to Tokugawa Hidetada, Ieyasu’s son, who has been cared for by Nene like her own children.
It is an extremely powerful Noble Phantasm and very easy to use that despite Nene’s lack of sword skills, she is still capable of exercising it at C Rank.
As the story progresses, it is clear that Nene, although silly, a very good natured person at her core. She always prioritize to save others before her own, tried her darn best to save friends and enemies alike. She even expresses her desire to save Avenger Chacha, despite someone that she competes for her husband's affection when they are alive, lamented that her fate was very unfair. Even Nobunaga claims that among many associates she had, Nene is the only person whose good nature she fully trust.
That's why, as the final battle with the evil queen nearly come to a close, she asked Mash:
"Say Mash. If Master become someone that no longer can be forgiven, will you give up on him?"
"Ah well, enough playing with sword. Even if as a Taira I am no stranger to the way of the sword, there is no way I can match the likes of Kenshin and Ginchiyo with my skill. Even that Kaihime gorilla will best me in a duel."
"I am a politician, a nun and most importantly, I'm his greatest supporter."
"The moment that man appears on my sight, I know that I want him to succeed no matter what. No matter how he will become, no matter how he will treat me, my heart has decided that I want to see that sun shines brightly more than anyone else."
"That is my love."
Kodai-in, an extremely intelligent woman that deals with Hideyoshi's domestic affair and also his trusted advisor. Being a descendant of the Taira, and adopted daughter of a descendant of the Minamoto, she possess extremely strong connection toward Sengoku politics. Not only that, she also understand well how to use those advantage effectively, effectively securing Hideyoshi's position as the most powerful man in Japan during that time.
A good natured person that continues to hold such a heart despite her position as the most powerful woman during her husband's reign. She secretly helps the Christians despite the ban of the belief, treats the son of Ieyasu with genuine kindness despite being a political hostage, someone that earn the respect of both Ieyasu and Nobunaga, and continue to have a good relationship with Yodo-dono despite being her source of pain.
However she have a severe weakness--
Her love for Toyotomi Hideyoshi is truly selfless.
"Despite your love has long gone, you continue to trust my words as a friend. Despite you no longer seeing any beauty in me, you continue to entrust your life to me."
“My Lord, a woman's love, is not so weak to demand something back."
Although it is true that Avenger Chacha is the one that terrorize the Singularity, it was Nene who is the source of the Singularity. Chacha guards the Holy Grail to stop Nene from using it. The creation of Golden Zipang Lostbelt through the Holy Grail, to revive the glory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and him only.
It doesn't matter what kind of dark ambition he had, it doesn't matter how many blood that man will spill. She want to see the Hideyoshi that makes her fall in love again. The great Hideyoshi that able to makes her laugh and feel safe with his smile.
“No matter how, no matter when, no matter what. So long I’m here, I promise, your legacy will shine even when it falls with no glory left."
"Jubuzan Kōdai-ji. Goodbye, you will always burn brightly in my heart.”
Jubuzan Kōdai-ji
The Heavenly Temple Where the Shining Sun Sets
Rank: C+ Type: Fortress Range: - Maximum Target: ~
Kodai Temple, the place Nene built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
It is Nene’s true Noble Phantasm as the place where she prays and honors her late husband, and the place where she witnessed the flame of the Osaka Castle burned down. The area continues to shine even in the middle of the night, as the ray of the sun that has already set is still reflected through the white moon.
It reaffirms the legacy of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Hashiba Hideyoshi, Kinoshita Tōkichirō and Hiyoshi-maru, regardless of his form, status and time, as a great man whose hard work managed to shape Japan to what it is today, and should be remembered regardless of his fault with glory and respect. It greatly raises the effectiveness, Rank and Saint Graph related to Toyotomi legacy, including his Noble Phantasm that grows weaker over time to remains in its strongest indefinitely, even allowing her to use Mikazuki Munechika in its strongest.
In other words, the ultimate Toyotomi supports Noble Phantasm.
As the gang enters the real final battle, Avenger Chacha confront Nene. She understand more than anyone, that Nene at her core is a good natured person. Despite her deception, she truly tries to save people for real, as there is no real benefit for Nene to do so in the first place.
"You think... He will still like this version of you? You think Hideyoshi will enjoy to see his first love do something terrible like this?"
"Just like you said, love can be selfish. We are willing to become a monster for our loved ones. But we are not willing to see our loved ones become monsters themselves."
"Your role is always been the good one. Kodai-in. The role of a demon queen is mine."
And defeated Nene for good.
Last edited by Spartacus; December 31st, 2024 at 05:02 PM.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (The Gray Messenger): OH MAN. THIS SHEET REALLY IS THAT GUY.
I always joke around how yours and Rey’s marriage is a thing of beauty but here it’s an actual statement. The way his formatting really lent that flare, a sort of gravitas, to your style of narrating… I absolutely loved how you took a page of his book in incorporating skills as narrative devices, sprinkling them here and there over the sheet instead of keeping them all in one part. The colors are a great addition, I mean, the explosion of them is your trademark but keeping them contained in one or two this time really works wonders. The cameos of Tchaikovsky and Tarrega were so good, but as always Steibelt really steals every scene he’s in, and here I was absolutely engrossed in the narrative of these goofs trying to stop an unstoppable force.
Speaking of this force, absolutely deserving FC. Honestly, this was NOT something I was expecting for that contest (and it’s a shame it didn’t land) but oh man, it’s exactly a thing your deranged mind would come up with. The legend of Mozart’s last days and the Requiem that took his life is so, so full of possibilities, and it just warms my heart to see more people jumping at the bandwagon to make him suffer a bit more. But honestly, the one who suffered the most was ME because I wanted a whole book about this Servant. I was having so much fun reading the sheet that when I finally got to the end it felt even sad. I’m devastated. When are we getting part 2? This is a Jojo FC after all, c’mon!
(P.S.: VIDI YOU’RE SO COOL THESE DRAWING ARE NNGGGH.)
Kodai-in: My beautiful waifu who lacks distance awareness and can’t swing a sword can’t be this cute!
—Or is what I wanted to say, but then she betrays her and all of my love is tested right here and there. Just kidding though, I still love her. And I absolutely love, love this narrative you crafter here. Is simple and sweet and so effective even then… Sometimes less is truly more. We don’t need 5 pages of an essay on why she loves Hideyoshi, or why she was feeling unloved, it’s just something you can FEEL on the sheet and humanizes her and makes you sympathize with her heel-turn into villany for the sake of love in the end. She’s such a competent failwife, that dude was crazy. I can fix her.
tldr; LOOK THIS IS MY OWN WAIFU.
Kodai-in: My beautiful waifu who lacks distance awareness and can’t swing a sword can’t be this cute!
—Or is what I wanted to say, but then she betrays her and all of my love is tested right here and there. Just kidding though, I still love her. And I absolutely love, love this narrative you crafter here. Is simple and sweet and so effective even then… Sometimes less is truly more. We don’t need 5 pages of an essay on why she loves Hideyoshi, or why she was feeling unloved, it’s just something you can FEEL on the sheet and humanizes her and makes you sympathize with her heel-turn into villany for the sake of love in the end. She’s such a competent failwife, that dude was crazy. I can fix her.
tldr; LOOK THIS IS MY OWN WAIFU.
Uwaahhh, someone's waifu, such an honour o//////o
On her love to Hideyoshi. I interpreted her as someone whose allegiance is only for the man, not to the clan, nor to his dream. She simply madly in love with a very controversial man and willing to do anything for him, so the moment he died, all those wars and conquests and political struggles no longer important to her. She is feeling unloved because historically Hideyoshi thinks she isn't pretty.
Last edited by Spartacus; October 8th, 2023 at 03:57 PM.
Well, guys?
Ya like Jazz? Glad to be here, kid. If you’re a little star struck, I understand. Stare long enough at a star, and you’re bound to be blinded.
… Yeah? And? They ain’t got nothing on me.
The Devil’s Horn Player Source
Other Classes: Caster
True Name: Antoine-Joseph "Adolphe" Sax
Alignment: True Neutral
Place of Origin: Belgium
Height: 191 cm.
Weight: 73 kilo.
Likes: Innovation. Inventing things. Surpassing expectations.
Dislikes: Monopolies. Arrogant incapables.
Natural Enemy: Jean-Baptiste Lully
Parameters:
STR: D
END: B
AGI: D
MGI: C
LCK: A++
NP: A
Class Skills:
Independent Action (A):
A natural wanderer that was often left to fend for himself, Archer was always able to find a way back up on his feet despite the odds. Whether homeless or foreclosed, Archer plays his way back to the top.
Magic Resistance (E):
Only granted this Skill due to Class Container.
Personal Skills:
Little Sax, the Ghost (A):
Fate wanted Archer dead. There’s no other way to describe it. Even his own mother said, “He's a child condemned to misfortune; he won't live.” Yet, Archer did live, in defiance and spite of Fate’s best efforts. More than that, he flourished, and passed away at a ripe old age.
This Skill is a manifestation of Fate’s desire, warping causality around him in an effort to kill him once more. If there is a chance the ground will open beneath him, it will. Convenient piano hanging overhead? Random bystander mad/crazy enough to stab him? The alcohol he’s drinking accidently having a high enough content to kill an elephant? If there’s a chance for it to happen, it’s guaranteed to occur.
However, it also gives him an equivocally high rank in Battle Continuation which, combined with his Luck stat, more often than not just causes problems for people around him rather than hurting him, and, if it does, he’s very likely to just walk it off.
Instrument Creation (C):
An avid creator in life, Archer not only created the instrument he’s known for, but several others as well. While some have fallen out of use, many of his creations are still used to this day, and some were never even made.
With proper time and resources, he can create many different instruments, all possessing power equal to a low ranked Noble Phantasm, with them capping out at C rank. These instruments can even be used by normal humans, though they still require actual skill to use them.
His rank in this Skill would be higher in his Caster form.
Against the Odds (A):
A Skill that increases the user’s Parameters and certain Skills when in a disadvantageous position such as being caught off guard, afflicted with negative effects, forced to fight multiple opponents, or dealt heavy damage in a battle.
Archer took almost fervent joy in knowing that the world was against him. From the many assassination attempts, public discrediting, loss of business, and poverty he experienced, he always came back, often stronger than ever, just to rub it in their faces. For Archer, the idea that they’d actually beat him is laughable, because if Fate failed to beat him, how could they?
Pioneer of Music (C):
When Archer created the saxophone, it had been over one hundred years since the last new instrument had been invented. Even more, the saxophone filled a much-needed gap in orchestras and caused several other instruments to become outdated and useless. With a single instrument, he turned the music world on his head, and he would only improve it and create more, many of which are still used in the present.
Rather than making the impossible possible, it is a strong form of musical Charisma. His melodies inspire people, and often rally them to him, making it easy to gain a band to wield his instruments. It is essentially an ability that makes "individuals" a "group" and "strangers" into "brothers".
Noble Phantasm:
Saxocannon: The Devil’s Horn (A)
Anti-Fortress
The weapon Archer could never create in real life. A massive cannon he described as a “city destroyer”, the Saxocannon would’ve been a weapon capable of firing a round 11yd (10m) in diameter that weighed 550 tons (907kg).
Taking the form of a normal saxophone, this instrument can fire powerful projectiles and be used to cast minor spells, though not as many as he could as Caster. Its true power comes in its True Name Release, which temporarily allows it to launch the immense round it was meant to without changing size. This round, aside from its power, also possesses a strong advantage against things classified as territories and cities.
It also possesses an often overlooked advantage against other musicians, born out of the many musicals duels he won during his life. When facing another musician, the effect causes their music to occasionally miss notes or sound discordant, throwing off their spells and attacks unless they possess a sufficiently ranked counter.
Were he summoned as a Caster, its rank would fall by two and be classified as Anti-Army.
Sax Thunder: Resonance That Shakes the Earth Like Thunder (C)
Anti-Army
Another invention that never made it beyond his mind, the Sax Thunder was to be a 167ft (51m) tall organ that was powered by a steam engine. He projected that he’d be able to serenade an entire city with the organ alone, thinking it would be used to city-wide celebrations.
The strongest instrument he can create, the Sax Thunder is often impractical for him to use as an Archer despite its power and wide reach. Given its size and the cost in resources, it becomes a large beacon to his enemies without a territory to help defend him while he builds it. Still, if he does manage to build it, it has an omnidirectional range that can shift the earth, call down lightning, blast pure force of sound. With enough time, it can return on the investment, especially in a defensive battle.
Were he summoned in his Caster form, this Noble Phantasm would rise to A rank and gain an Anti-City classification.
Lore
“In life there are conquerors and the conquered; I most prefer to be among the first”
These are the words of Antoine-Joseph Sax, a man who was, at the time of his life, an extremely controversial figure. One that, despite it all, carved his name into music history, whether it wanted him or not.
Born to an instrument maker in Belgium, grew up learning the craft as well as discovering a talent for playing instruments as well. However, it seemed as though he would not live to see these talents bear fruit, as the world appeared determined to snuff him out before he got the chance.
Before the boy was even ten years old, he had fallen down three flights of stairs to hit his head on a rock and go into a weeklong coma, drank 3 different highly poisonous liquids, ate a needle, nearly asphyxiated sleeping in a drying varnished furniture, jumped atop a hot stove, a roof tile fell on his head, another time struck unconscious by a cobblestone and nearly drowned in a river, and a barrel of gunpowder exploded and horribly burned his right side. By his first decade of life, many parts of his head and half his body were scar tissue. Yet, Adolphe, as he had come to be called, simply refused to die.
Taking his talent and skills, Adolphe innovated on an instrument called the bass clarinet, turning it from a barely tolerable instrument into the new standard for its woodwind counterparts. This new addition was immediately challenged, leading to Adolphe’s first musical duel, where he easily trounced them, gaining greater esteem for his skill in playing instruments as well as making them.
With this acclaim, he decided to create his first original musical instrument, the saxophone, presenting it at the Belgian National Convention. However, this is where Adolphe would meet his first challenge in the music world, as they refused to give him first prize because he was too young, saying he would have nothing to aspire to if he won now. Adding insult to injury, a competitor kicked his saxophone a long distance when Adolphe wasn’t looking, damaging his only prototype.
For Adolphe, this was the last straw.
“If I am too young for the gold medal, I am too old for the silver.”
Leaving Belgium, Adolphe moved to Paris, where he would gain a glowing review of his instruments from a well-known composer. With this, he made waves throughout France, waves that were noted not only by those that admired his work, but by a group that very much the opposite.
After only a year in France, this young Belgian had earned their ire enough that they formed a unified group. This group, which eventually became known as the United Association of Instrument Makers, were formed with the specific purpose of besmirching, ridiculing, thieving, and completely ruining anything associated with Adolphe Sax.
“It is scarcely to be believed that this gifted young artist should be finding it difficult to maintain his position and make a career in Paris. The persecutions he suffers are worthy of the Middle Ages and recall the antics of the enemies of Benvenuto, the Florentine sculptor. They lure away his workmen, steal his designs, accuse him of insanity, and bring legal proceedings against him. Such is the hatred inventors inspire in rivals who are incapable of inventing anything themselves.”
Adolphe would not be deterred though, and, at the Paris Industrial Exhibition, a high-ranking officer would hear Adolphe’s saxophone in action, and immediately vouched for him to overhaul the band of France’s military forces.
One musical duel with a competitor later, where Adolphe’s band trounced his opponent’s despite being half their size (with Adolphe wielding two instruments himself to compensate), and Adolphe was commissioned to overhaul the French military’s music.
Only incensed by this new development, the UAIM redoubled their efforts, trying to tear him done with legal battles he always won, before switching to more permanent tactics. One of Adolphe’s workshops caught fire after he left, one of his employees was stabbed because he appeared similar to him, and a bomb placed under his bed exploded prematurely due to a faulty fuse. Once more, the world was trying to kill him, and it continued to fail.
However, revolution did what the UAIM couldn’t, as the new government removed Adolphe’s instruments from the bands due to their association with the previous administration. Adolphe would spend four years battling for his creations to be reinstated in the military, finally succeeding after another revolution looked more favorably on him.
The world tried a new tactic now, a cancerous tumor growing on his bottom lip. So great was it that he could barely open his mouth, making it nearly impossible to eat or even breathe, and preventing him from playing many of his instruments. Luckily, after consulting a doctor from India, the tumor eventually vanished, once more depriving the world of his death.
Eventually, after three bouts of poverty and decades of legal struggle thanks to the UAIM, Adolphe was able to obtain a pension to live out the rest of his days in peace thanks to an article that he wrote inspiring important musicians and composers that admired him to speak on his behalf.
“Before me, I am proud to say, the musical instrument industry was nothing, or next to nothing, in France. I created this industry; I carried it to an unrivaled height; I developed the legions of workers and musicians, and it is above all my counterfeiters who have profited from my work.”
Still, he lived out final years in peace, dying at the age of 79, once more in poverty, but, as far as anyone that knew him could tell, not very bothered by it.
Personality
Pride is often equated to a sense of self-importance, but another definition, and one Adolphe himself ascribes to, is having an understanding of one’s abilities and acting accordingly.
And, in this way, Adolphe is a very prideful man.
He’s an innovator. An inventor. A musical prodigy. He’s a man death itself could not claim until Adolphe was ready to go. He was able to flourish and succeed in an industry that constantly sought to cast him out because they were threatened by his ability. To him, his supreme confidence is just a reflection of the truth: he’s unabashedly amazing.
In that same vain, he’s both similar yet disparate from someone like Gilgamesh, who believes himself the pinnacle and any challenge is met with anger and derision. Adolphe knows for a fact that he’s the top of the food chain, but there can be others there as well. He respects those that respect him, despises those who deride what they cannot do, and is willing to help others on their way to the top. He may be the top of the world now, but he always worked hard to get there.
Adolphe is basically unflappable. Even the oncoming destruction of humanity doesn’t deserve more than a shrug. Any struggle he faces, it only means he has to hunker down and get back to work. He never worried over things like that before, so why should he start now? With hard work, an iron will, a bit of elbow grease, and a healthy dose of time, anything can be beaten.
As for his, he just wants to get rid of the UAIM. With them gone, he probably could’ve gotten out some of his other inventions he never did. He may hate them and their close-minded arrogance, but he can’t help but admire their determination.
“They were a lot harder to beat than death was.”
Relationships
Jean-Baptiste Lully: Ah, a monopolist! I have a special composition prepared for people like you.
Daniel Steibelt: Just another jealous counterfeiter. Hardly even worth the effort to crush this one.
Iskander: I see we are of like mind. Have you ever considered forming a band for your army?
Ludwig van Beethoven: Shame you died before I made it. If they knew Beethoven approved of my instruments, those idiots would basically hang themselves.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: You know, you play one of my favorite instruments.
…
No, not that. I meant the cannon.
Niccolò Paganini: Well, we just need a few others, and we’ll have a whole Devil’s Orchestra.
Creator Notes
Thanks, Puppet History! You've once more given me a great Servant!
This guy was so easy to write when I finally sat down to. He's not some complicated or intense character. He's just a man of supreme confidence that doots his instrument. I wavered between the current rank and EX, but EX is canonically Taiga's level because her mere presence can deflect meteors, so I didn't think he was quite there. Still deserved a very high rank. Just not "diverts earth's destruction" level. It was also fun to think and mention his Caster form even if it's never something I'll make. Overall, I'm happy with him. Most happy.
[Blazblue - Lust Sin Jazz cover]
Last edited by Morg van Destro; December 16th, 2024 at 05:52 AM.
Originally Posted by pinetree
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