Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 12:25:49 AM

Title: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 12:25:49 AM
Grail Wars how do they work?

Let's find out together, shall we? I've been playing with the idea for years now, and yalls finally got me to do it. SO! I am going to run an RP set in the Type MOON's Fate setting. (Okay, it's really the whole kit and kaboodle, but you know what I mean.) That means, Grail war time. You'll control a single magician, and have a Servant, run into other servants, and so forth and so on. Stuff will happen, it'll be cool.

As a warning, while I am doing my best to stay relatively true to Fate, the fact of the matter is shit goes all over the place into alternate universes and questionable degrees of canon and stuff that just don't got no translation. And I certainly do not have all-consuming knowledge of the Nasu's. So let's keep things like this: Fate Stay/Night happened. What we learned there can be generally thought to be true, even if ICly you don't know about it (whether you do or don't, we'll see). Past that, we'll see. Maybe there was Hollow Ataraxia, maybe there wasn't. But really, what I am warning you is not to expect weird magic things from, say, Fate/ Grand Order to apply here, because I don't know them. So, let's assume the DnD standard of "The GM is always right" and maybe I'll say some mea culpas while it happens.  Also, don't expect any "mana transfers". If you get a love interest, yall gotta be legit.

As well, I am planning to take more initiative than usual in making scenes and stuff, sometimes pushing things further before the next choice comes up. As well, dead ends do exist. Should you get one, we'll have an ending and then rewind a little bit, and hopefully yalls will be more thoughtful. Contrariwise, this means you may get into tactically difficult situations that require some real strategies or someone gets killed. Someone not you getting killed may or may not dead end you, it depends. ALSO: Veterans of Nasu VNs may be well aware that the best answer is to do the stupid heroic thing even when it's clearly the dumbest possible thing.  This can sometimes work here, but don't expect it to work all the time or often. I prize cleverness over throwing yourself at an overwhelmingly powerful foe to "protect" your vastly more powerful waifu.

ANYWAYS! With that done, let's get started. We'll worry about whens and wheres and whys later. For now, let's establish the character.









>You have been a magus for much of your 25 years now. You've lived in a secret world that exists along side the everyday mundane life that most people know. You've grown up poor, but happy. Your parents did their best for you, provided you a sound education, and introduced you to the world of the mystical. You don't know anything about the rest of your family, they would simply tell you that a magus is better off not knowing about these kinds of things. You trusted them, not worrying too much about the notions of aunts, uncles, or cousins and continued your life. Secretly, you suspect that something bad may have happened to them, but you have not been able to bring yourself to ask.
>You did well in school, though your life as a magus cut well into time that might have been spent building up an impressive college application. Part of two worlds, you sometimes found it difficult to blend into society, but you had your friends and your socializing. Eventually you went to a local college, obtaining a degree that ultimately wouldn't be worth much in the current global state. Your grades were good, but not amazing. Magecraft requires devotion, and the secrets of the arcane appealed so much more to you. You hear there are special academies for magi, but these were never for you. Your life is too mundane, too removed for such things. Now you eke out a living on your own, balancing a seemingly mundane life with research into things most people would never know.
>But what sort of person are you? Each kind of person has their own advantages, disadvantages, and affects on your magic. Are you:
>>A: Athletic and active. You find it hard to stay still for long periods of time, you want to be outside moving and running and having a ball. You have some modest skill in several sports, and some small infamy for your exploits in local games. You like to work out and balance your studies and work with copious physical activity. You are fit and trim, a good runner and a decent brawler when it comes to that. You even know a little karate (but not too much, martial arts and magecraft are hard to share for long). Your job is making food deliveries by scooter and bike, and your prompt service more often than not gets you adequate tips.
>>B. Studious and overly focused. You're a couch potato, happiest diving into video games or books or the internet. You have amassed a wide range of knowledge on a variety of topics, and can annoy the hell out of others with your surprising knowledge. You didn't just do well in school, you did great! Coincidentally, you are kind of on the heavy side and build for comfort, as they say. You work a desk jockey for a local firm, and have a fairly reasonable amount of money and not too much physical stress in your work day. You have a bit more time to devote to your magic thanks to your nature as a homebody, but your social life suffers. Well, IRL. Online, you have many friends.
>>C. Passionate and unfettered. You live by your own code, and damn society's rules. Not too hard, you're not an awful person, but who does speeding or cursing in public really hurt? You live as you wish and do your best to refine yourself under your own ideals. When society's line up with that, great! When they do not, tough shit. You got in trouble in school for insubordination many times, and wore it as a badge of honor. You aren't so hard-headed that you can't take advice or just backlash against a thing because it's popular. You like what you like, and you take the wisdom of others through the focus of your own wisdom. Passionate and expressive, you threw yourself into art naturally, and into music in particular. You play gigs at a local clubs and parties, making unreliable money. Living by your own rules has won you fame from those who respect you for your honesty, and scorn from those who think you're full of shit, contrarian for no reason, or too dumb to acknowledge the wisdom of others. You know in your heart your critics are wrong, but they help you refine yourself too. Your physical activity is about average.
>>D: Serene and disciplined: You regulate your diet strictly, you approach your activities with calm grace. You never overindulge, you do your best never to speak out of place, and never let your immediate feelings get the best of you. Your teachers praised you as a wonderful kid, your childhood peers thought your were weird, and most people think you aren't really all that much fun. But few mess with you, because you had more than enough disciple to learn judo and well as your magecraft. You honestly don't do a whole lot for fun, but when you do you take it in measured doses so as to enjoy it to its fullest. Your approach to life has lead you to take up cooking as your profession; what better way to control what you eat? Being a chef can have lousy hours sometimes, but you are paid well and respected for your work. Your sense of discipline allows you to spend much of your free time perfecting your magecraft and keeping up with your judo, and your stamina and endurance are terrific, even if your agility and strength are somewhat average. Your social life is terribe, and sometimes you feel very stressed.

Select what you think is best, I'll tally them tomorrow and we'll go from there. As well, feel free to suggest other things to go with the character type you pick, and any questions you have!
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Z-Machine Fate Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 20, 2017, 12:29:13 AM
give 'em the
>>D
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 12:36:44 AM
Sneaky Purvis ! You are too good !

Agreed, they shall know the:

>>D.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Z-Machine Fate Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 20, 2017, 12:37:15 AM
//> For the first time, catches the beginning of a new game from Pur-
//> *It's Fate Stay/Night related*
//> Knew I had to watch the thing long ago :fail:
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 20, 2017, 12:52:08 AM
I'm honestly more on the

>>B

-list.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Chaore on July 20, 2017, 12:57:57 AM
>D

I wavered around on C, but we can make everyone love us in post, probably.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 20, 2017, 01:06:42 AM
I'm gonna toss in a

>>C

See?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 20, 2017, 01:29:23 AM
> A! This is where a picture of Arthur Fonzarelli would go if I knew that wouldn't immediately get my vote discounted.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Mao on July 20, 2017, 01:35:41 PM
Alright, I am jumping in on this after repeated prodding at home.

Its's just gotta be B. That's the law. It is known.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 01:38:28 PM
Oh hey, long time no see Mao, welcome back !
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 02:00:42 PM
I SEE YOU DRACO YOU BETTER PLAY IN THIS ONE
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 02:18:12 PM
Fine, Fine :P

>B. Being the mageiest mage seems like a definite advantage and the archetype feels more unique in context. Besides, I cannot resist the possibility of Literal Internet Wizardry.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: BT on July 20, 2017, 04:03:11 PM
> Compromise vote B
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 04:12:18 PM
> If I can't have A then I slightly prefer B to D. Futaba here we come!
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 04:21:44 PM
Please no Anzu mode.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 04:32:17 PM
Sakura, not Anzu.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 04:33:11 PM
Still, please no Anzu.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 06:06:58 PM
>YOU ARE LILY HUMBOLDT, OF CALUMET CITY, COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calumet_City,_Illinois). As far as you know, you're the only magus of Calumet City,  you don't think there are any others. There's certainly some in Chicago, but not here. Probably. If they are, they're laying low. Really, it never hurts to leave the question open, complacency never does anyone any good. Not that you get to complain about being complacent; you're perfectly happy to go for days without leaving your apartment. Really, there's no need. You have everything you need right here. Sure grocery trips have to happen, but seriously...
>Sadly, you are forced to venture from your comfortable lair on most days working for Intellitect Solutions LTD, which you are pretty sure is just a front for some sort of obscure financial crime under the guise of offering records filing services. But it pays well and you get a lot of time to yourself, which you're all to happy to put to use online or in the latest game you got your hands on.
>However, you aren't all play. You study hard on your magecraft, doing your best to advance your understanding and seek ultimate knowledge, like any true magus. Your knowledge of related topics is considerable, you are well versed in history, have some knowledge of the arcane fringe history much of the world is unaware of, and a treasure trove of magical minutia. You know about many of the great magus families, you know about the Mage's Association in England, and just how weak its tendrils are here, you know about the Grail Wars in Fuyuki, at least in general. You certainly don't know the details, but no one save the people who were there do.
>You also have your connections to the occult underground in this region. Lacking an official organization like the Mage's Association, some magi choose to come together in neutral grounds to meet and discuss and socialize among their own, bargaining and trading services and materials. While nothing compared to the power or prestige of the Mage's Association, the occult underground offers some aid and a sense of belonging to any magi that seeks it. A complex web of acceptable actions and honor have arisen from this grassroots network, and you are wise enough to observe them lest you get ostracized or worse.
>Your magic is like that of many magicians, assembled from an eclectic grab-bag of "whatever works". Runes, Onmyoudo, Alchemy, Arcane Numerology, whatever works. Lacking any grand magical tradition of its own, this can be called the American way. As of yet, you have not really solidified on what can be considered your style, but you have a grab-bag of spells you know well.
>Lately, you have been troubled. There's something in the air, something making the occult underground easy. From what you've been able to gather online (a fiendishly difficult task of separating the real stuff from the Alex Joneses of the world), it isn't just here as well. Something's up. Something's up, and you think you know what it is. For the past week, you've been having dreams. Visions of assembling a very particular circle, you can see it when you close your eyes and think about it. Every little detail. You dream of saying the words, invoking a great spirit to come to you. You know the words in your heart; even though you've never heard or read them outside of your dreams. Your research has turned up little in the way of details, but in your heart, you know what is happening. Another Grail War is brewing, and something has chosen you. You know exactly what this means, seven masters will fight for supremacy with the aid of seven heroic spirits. The one that succeeds, by whatever means they will, shall be allowed to draw upon the power of the holy grail to grant a wish.
>This shouldn't be possible. You aren't anywhere near the battleground, you have no connection to it whatsoever. It's completely baffling.
>Do you undergo the ritual, or do you ignore it?

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 06:19:45 PM
> Fortune favors the bold! Do it.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Chaore on July 20, 2017, 06:28:20 PM
>The real question we have to ask ourselves, is will the grail let us drink Dr. Pepper out of it, and if so will we survive the endeavor.
>The clear answer is no.
>But god damnit, we have to try.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 06:35:45 PM
Oh right

> What do we look like?
> How much do we see/speak to our family?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 06:39:35 PM
>What are some of that 'grab-bag of spells we know well'?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: BT on July 20, 2017, 06:46:59 PM
>What are some of that 'grab-bag of spells we know well'?
> And why does it include Invisibility?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 20, 2017, 06:59:31 PM
//Okay, I don't know a single thing of FS/N, but I will try to give this a shot too. Whatever God wants!

Oh right

> What do we look like?
> How much do we see/speak to our family?

> Special attention to our figure, of course!
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Chaore on July 20, 2017, 07:04:40 PM
We'll run you a quick primer when it's needed then, dw. I imagine what's relevant will come up once we summon our punch ghos- I mean, Servant, yes. But in short: Currently we have a very valuable condition/rash that allows us to join a war for the holy grail, which is the holy motherfucking grail, but there is a 98% chance we die because that's the grail war.

We don't actually have a way out, if we don't use it, someone else will likely take our hand (and or life) to use it.

>What is our best spell and why is it protection from arrows motherfucker, I saw runes in there, you can't stop me IF I CAN'T PUNCH GHANDI I'M GOING TO ABUSE THE SHIT OUT OF THAT.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 07:55:26 PM
>Remember to recover snacks before anything.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 08:03:10 PM
>The real question we have to ask ourselves, is will the grail let us drink Dr. Pepper out of it, and if so will we survive the endeavor.
>The clear answer is no.
>But god damnit, we have to try.

>You can't imagine it would like that, but who cares what it thinks? You'll have to remember to have some onhand.

> What do we look like?
> How much do we see/speak to our family?

>You are a smaller and somewhat heavier woman. You like to tell yourself you're attractively chubby, not everyone agrees. You have back-length brown hair which you tend to keep in a ponytail when you want to look professional. You have glasses for your nearsightedness. Your fashion sense is questionable; ranging from "very cheap" to "you meme-loving fuck". You don't usually wear the latter, it's embarrassing and you regret having them. But not so much you throw them out.
>You see them less and less these days. They live in Gary, Indiana, but lately they have been home less and less. They're also a pain to contact, because they absolutely refuse to get involved with the internet, seeing it as too removed from their art. In fact, they won't even use phones. Phones. Which have been around longer than they've been alive. Seriously. This is complicated by the fact that they have taken to travelling since you've grown up, so all you can count on is the odd post card.

>What are some of that 'grab-bag of spells we know well'?

>Your magic tends to work best around earth based-spells, then water based. You can make others work, but with increasing effort for diminishing returns.
>Spells you know well:
>Wall: Based in Kabbalic Imagery, you inscribe particular Hebrew letters on a stone, and toss it in front of you. It will gather surrounding earth into a wall that lasts for a few seconds. Even if it is composed of nothing but loose dirt, this wall can absorb powerful impacts with ease. With stronger rock and such, you would trust it to absorb gunfire. If you could find a way to extend the duration, you could probably create several of these. This spell comes easily to you, and does not greatly tax your mana.
>Freeze: By tossing a talisman inscribed with particular spiritual edicts into a body of water, you can freeze it. A bathtub's worth of water will freeze solid, while larger bodies of water will freeze over top to varying thicknesses. They will then melt naturally. You don't know the exact parameters, but you can freeze a pond well enough to walk on it safely. If you use it on a body of water that is too large, it simply creates a thin sheet that floats away and melts quickly. This is not terribly difficult, but it does draw strongly on your reserves of mana.
>Elemental Conjuration: You can summon quantities of earth and water; a few gallons of each at once. This tends to drain your mana heavily, as you are not actually making it out of nothing, but rather drawing minute amounts of various places over a radius. This implies that if you are too far from the earth or from water, it would not work. The conjured stuff appears in front of you, you can direct where within a couple feet. You struggle with these spells, more than you feel you should. Being near a body of water only makes it slightly easier to summon water.
>Halt: A single-target Germanic curse, this causes the target's feet to stick to the earth, with respect to their momentum. A person at rest will be unable to take a step, while a person running will stumble and perhaps fall. Their feet must be touching the ground for it to work, and the victim must be within sight. Magi can try to resist this, but it may interfere with their concentration otherwise. It can last up to 20 seconds. This spell comes easily to you, but requires some concentration to use, and do not draw too much mana.
>Blind: A variant of the Gandr curse; this in particular attacks the liquids inside the target's eyes, distorting or shutting down their eyesight. It's hard to measure how reliable it will be, but it tends to last a good half minute. Like with Halt, a skilled magi may try to resist this attack, and the target must be within line of sight.  This spell is not the easiest, but you are good at it. It can be taxing on your mana, though. A sufficiently powerful magician can create physical effects with this much like Gandr, but you can't seem to get the hang of it.
>Crash: A spell of your own design, merging sacred numerology with what little air magecraft you can control. By touching a computer and focusing for a few moments, you can cause it to experience a crash. It does not work on analogue objects. Some sufficiently advanced systems have shown an ability to resist and simply slow down briefly, you aren't sure what the criteria of that are, but you think it is probably either part quality or program quality. Maybe both. This consumes a lot of mana, and requires a lot of focus.
>Staunch: A spell of Persian origin, this allows you to seal open wounds. It does not stop the pain or heal them, but the blood will stop flowing out. You've never tested it on serious wounds, but you imagine it should be possible with the proper mana commitment.
>Forbidden Zone: You are not sure of this spell's origins, but it shapes earth to be less smooth and more hostile. This can manifest spikes of rock from the dirt, open difficult to traverse holes, or more. The more time you spend with the spell, the greater the effect. It can cover a small patch of ground, but more time results in a larger range. However, nothing compels anyone to fall prey to introduced hazards, and they can be dodged normally. This spell feels easier than it should be for you.

> And why does it include Invisibility?

>I cannot trust you people with that.

//Okay, I don't know a single thing of FS/N, but I will try to give this a shot too. Whatever God wants!

> Special attention to our figure, of course!

>I was trying to be circumspect but you reasonably thicc among that pudge.

>Remember to recover snacks before anything.

>You have a supply of junk food as well as real food.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 08:12:35 PM
>Ponder ways to become waifu-tier hot.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 08:16:01 PM
>How quickly can we inscribe the proper letters to use our Wall spell? Is this something that can reasonably be done on the fly, or does it realistically need to be prepared in advance?
>Likewise with the Freeze talisman?
>Are in control of precisely what sorts of hazards are created by Forbidden Zone and their location? Or does it just make terrain in the general area more hostile in an unpredictable fashion?

>Do we know what kind of materials we'll need to complete the Grail ritual? And if so, how many of these do we have easily at hand?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 20, 2017, 08:23:43 PM
>Ponder ways to become waifu-tier hot.

> Nonsense, we already are!

> When are we next required to go into work?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 08:27:13 PM
>Ponder ways to become waifu-tier hot.

>Man wouldn't that be the second worst use of a wish?

> Nonsense, we already are!

> When are we next required to go into work?

>You're goddamn right.
>It is friday, and you have the weekend off. In theory, though, something like this won't be complete over a weekend. You're going to have to call some time off, or possibly just quit.

>How quickly can we inscribe the proper letters to use our Wall spell? Is this something that can reasonably be done on the fly, or does it realistically need to be prepared in advance?
>Likewise with the Freeze talisman?
>Are in control of precisely what sorts of hazards are created by Forbidden Zone and their location? Or does it just make terrain in the general area more hostile in an unpredictable fashion?

>Do we know what kind of materials we'll need to complete the Grail ritual? And if so, how many of these do we have easily at hand?

>You can inscribe them within a couple seconds. You keep a few prepared, usually.
>A freeze talisman takes you a minute; you aren't good with kanji.
>You can direct the effects of Forbidden Zone if you like, but it can be faster if you don't. But with control comes better effects.
>You have what you need. The central thing is that you require is a catalyst, and you've seen it in your dreams. A sliver of ancient, razor sharp metal that you obtained a month ago via the occult underground. At the time, it was merely a curiosity for its age and possible connection to some lost magical tool.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 08:39:13 PM
>Become hotter !
>Also make sure to grab our portables ! Since we cannot take the consoles.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 08:55:41 PM
>What do we know about this catalyst and its origins?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 09:00:54 PM
>Become hotter !
>Also make sure to grab our portables ! Since we cannot take the consoles.

>Vanity is a sin
>That might not be a bad idea...

>What do we know about this catalyst and its origins?

>You're certain it's from a spearhead or an arrowhead of some kind, presumable sheared off in some way. It's made of iron rather than steel, so it's also got some oxidation issues. You haven't been able to put an exact date on it, but you are certain it's probably well over a thousand years old. A slight aura of something earthy and planty hangs around it, you haven't been able to dissect that any further yet; it's delicate and would die if done incorrectly. The seller assured you it was English in origin.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 09:06:23 PM
>Well grab them, also take the charger too, make sure to get our best games.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 09:07:59 PM
So an English Lancer or Archer. I'd be half-tempted to guess Robin Hood, if not for him having already been used in the franchise.

>How long will it take us to perform this ritual? Could we theoretically begin right now?
>Do we have any other prior commitments for the day?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 09:10:09 PM
>Also, what do we know about how the last Grail war ended?
>For that matter, what date is it?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 09:34:40 PM
>Well grab them, also take the charger too, make sure to get our best games.

>Obviously.

>How long will it take us to perform this ritual? Could we theoretically begin right now?
>Do we have any other prior commitments for the day?

>You aren't sure. It'll take a while to make the circle. Making circles is such a pain.
>No.

>Also, what do we know about how the last Grail war ended?
>For that matter, what date is it?

>You know that it was won by some dark horse that no one had ever heard of, who managed to make it markedly less bloody than the previous grail war. Though as you understand, there was still a need for the Mage Association to slide in some explanations for magical phenomena leaking into everyday life; but it wasn't necessary for them to explain away something like a thaumaturgical explosion that killed hundreds like last time! Apparently, there was no expectation of another grail war any time in the current generation, and some were saying it was the last one to happen. Which makes this whole scenario even more weird...
>It is June 2nd, 2017

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 09:37:21 PM
>Why don't we have an device fo facilitate that then ? We need to think ahead and make the process efficient !
>Also... what is the room we are in like ?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 20, 2017, 09:42:51 PM
>>Realize pain is ahead of you and put on your most gringeworthy but personal smile inducing memelordwear.

>>And yeah, call knows where we live so I guess ritual undergoing will be a thing.

>>That said how are we actually feeling about this whole mess besides confused? Worried, excited, scared, all the above?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 09:44:39 PM
>Do we know any specific figures from the past Grail War by name?
>Are we acquainted with any magical contacts that might be more familiar with this history than we are?

>Can we make the circle in our own apartment or will we need to go elsewhere?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 10:00:56 PM
>Why don't we have an device fo facilitate that then ? We need to think ahead and make the process efficient !
>Also... what is the room we are in like ?

>Yer a magus, Harry.
>You're in your bedroom, which is a mess.

>>Realize pain is ahead of you and put on your most gringeworthy but personal smile inducing memelordwear.

>>And yeah, call knows where we live so I guess ritual undergoing will be a thing.

>>That said how are we actually feeling about this whole mess besides confused? Worried, excited, scared, all the above?

>You don a solid pink shirt that reads: "NO, I'M PATRICK!"
>Who knows where you live now?
>You are well aware that you're contemplating entering a literal battle royale, where six other people, and their ridiculously powerful legendary hero familiars will be out for your blood. This is a sobering thought, at least. However, it is also a chance to win your heart's desire by risking it all.  And even if you die, you will die a true magus, tampering with voices and beings beyond your control. How do you feel?

>Do we know any specific figures from the past Grail War by name?
>Are we acquainted with any magical contacts that might be more familiar with this history than we are?

>Can we make the circle in our own apartment or will we need to go elsewhere?

>Sort of. You are aware that the head of the Tohsaka Family was involved. There was rumored to be some representation of the Matou Family (whom you never heard of before). Rumors suggest the Mage Association sent someone, but you've seen no hard evidence of such. You imagine they would send a person or two. You haven't precisely heard the Einzbern Family was involved, but you can't imagine they didn't send someone. Their representative must have been low key. From what it sounded like, the whole thing was a clusterfuck and key information is being controlled. It also seems the winner had no intention of boasting about their victory, which seems to be the norm. As far as you can tell, the understanding of magecraft was not significantly furthered by the excursion, either. Or if anything was learned, it is being hoarded. Which wouldn't be a surprise.
>None that you know personally.
>You do have a room for that sort of thing. It's supposed to be a second bedroom, but you use it as a lab.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 10:30:32 PM
>Stupid old money traditionalists. You better believe that if WE further the understanding of magecraft through this whole affair, there's gonna be a giant post on the Darknet occultist bbs about it the moment it's over with. Information Wants to Be Free!
>...at least where it doesn't violate taboos that are dangerous to our own health, that is.

>If we have nothing else to do, then let's set about making that circle. This is all dangerous nonsense, of course, but like... how does one resist the lure of THIS kind of magic, when it comes looking for you? Besides, this is already a mystery to be solved and it hasn't even started, yet.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 10:41:36 PM
>Stupid old money traditionalists. You better believe that if WE further the understanding of magecraft through this whole affair, there's gonna be a giant post on the Darknet occultist bbs about it the moment it's over with. Information Wants to Be Free!
>...at least where it doesn't violate taboos that are dangerous to our own health, that is.

>If we have nothing else to do, then let's set about making that circle. This is all dangerous nonsense, of course, but like... how does one resist the lure of THIS kind of magic, when it comes looking for you? Besides, this is already a mystery to be solved and it hasn't even started, yet.

>If nothing else, you don't think the occult underground would frown upon loosened secrecy.
>You set about making the circle. It's...an interesting experience, to say the least. Normally, circles require checking and double checking and then triple checking while you're squatting on the floor the whole time with achy knees and the like. But not this time. You don't need to check twice, you know what you need to do, and when you make a mistake you know and can correct it quickly. It consumes vastly less time than you anticipated.
>In the end, the hardwood floor of your lab is covered with what is essentially India Ink. Thankfully, you know of some rituals to fix that once you're done, you do want that deposit back someday. Frankly, this is the best circle you ever made. It may be the best one you ever will make.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 10:46:42 PM
>Well, look at the bright side, maybe the familiar that we get will be husbando material !
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 11:25:51 PM
>Ey! We're totally a lesbian, thank you very much :P

>Deep breath
>We're really doing this, aren't we?
>I mean, it's dangerous and probably crazy, but how can one possibly be okay with not knowing.

>...
>Let's do this
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 20, 2017, 11:27:12 PM
> Or bisexual.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 11:34:41 PM
This is also acceptable
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 11:41:10 PM
>Doesn't mean we can't have a husbando AND a waifu !
>Also, remember to leave a note saying that if we died in the end, we died happy.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 20, 2017, 11:46:36 PM
>Well, look at the bright side, maybe the familiar that we get will be husbando material !
> Or bisexual.
>Ey! We're totally a lesbian, thank you very much :P

>Deep breath
>We're really doing this, aren't we?
>I mean, it's dangerous and probably crazy, but how can one possibly be okay with not knowing.

>...
>Let's do this

>SPECTRUMS ARE CONFUSING AAAAAAAAA
>You're doing it. The dreams burn in your your thoughts. The words demand to be spoken. You place the metal shard in the circle. You let the words out like opening a jar filled with intonations from a dead age. You can feel the floodgates open, drawing your mana from you. The circle flares to life, opening up to places unseen. The world whispers around you. Then a shape resolves into the center of the circle. At first just a figure of light, features resolve themselves, as if the excess light were being carved away by a sculptor's tools, taking on details, then colors.
>Tall and slender, her body is lean and athletic in a way you could never be. Her hair is short and a bright fiery reddish orange, her skin pale. Her clothing is...drab, almost. Tones of green and brown. A quiver hangs from her hip, a bow across her shoulders in a leather sheathe. A green cloak is draped across her shoulders. Her eyes are dark, and fall on you, darting here and there. She feels as tightly strung as her bow must be, as if she could explode into some acrobatic display at any moment.
>The two of you observe each other in silence for long moments. Then she speaks, you only just realize that you couldn't. "Are you my master..." she says, then squints at you. "Patrick?"

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 11:48:40 PM
>"Um. I'm Lily, actually. And... yes?"
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 20, 2017, 11:49:41 PM
I knew that shirt would come back to haunt us the instant we got our Pokemon.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 20, 2017, 11:51:39 PM
Ahahahaha. It never even occurred to me that could be what she was referring to.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 20, 2017, 11:55:42 PM
>Who is this fiery-headed bowmaiden...?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 20, 2017, 11:56:07 PM
>Note to self: Remember that Servants do not know memes... yet.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 12:01:22 AM
>"Um. I'm Lily, actually. And... yes?"

>"What an unorthodox tactic..." she says. Then she nods. "Well then, I am Archer. The pact is sealed. Let us bring hell upon our enemies."

>Who is this fiery-headed bowmaiden...?

>That is an excellent question.

>Note to self: Remember that Servants do not know memes... yet.


>This could get problematic.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 12:07:17 AM
>"Sounds like a plan to me!"
>"But, um... I, er... I actually don't know which heroic spirit you are...."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 12:11:54 AM
>"Sounds like a plan to me!"
>"But, um... I, er... I actually don't know which heroic spirit you are...."

>"...That would be a problem, Master," she says. "I am Robin Wood."
>You have a very funny feeling in the back of your head.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 12:14:29 AM
>Funny feeling? Funny how?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 12:14:48 AM
>Analyze funny feeling.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 12:19:36 AM
>Funny feeling? Funny how?
>Analyze funny feeling.

>Funny in the...wait, what is this...
> Archer: Robin Wood
>Strength:   C   
>Mana:   B
>Endurance:   C   
>Luck:   B
>Agility:   B   
>N. Phantasm:   D      
>Class skills:
>>Independent Action   A
>>Magic Resistance   D
>Personal skills:
>>Subversive Activities   A
>Noble Phantasms:
>>Yew Bow: Anti-Unit   D
>>No Face May King
>"What?" says the Servant. "Did I say something weird?"

>_


Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 12:23:53 AM
>"No, I just... seemed to become aware of certain things the moment you spoke your name."

>Are we aware of Robin Wood as an archaic variant of Robin Hood?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 12:25:14 AM
>"No, not really... i just had something weird pop on my mind, don't worry."
>Stare at her.
>"So... Robin Wood, is it okay to just call you Robin ?"
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 12:28:56 AM
>"No, I just... seemed to become aware of certain things the moment you spoke your name."

>Are we aware of Robin Wood as an archaic variant of Robin Hood?
>"No, not really... i just had something weird pop on my mind, don't worry."
>Stare at her.
>"So... Robin Wood, is it okay to just call you Robin ?"

>She nods. "Good."
>You've never heard it before in your life.
>You stare. She frowns. "What?"
>"It would be a bad idea," she says. "If an opponent were to overhear, this would be a problem."

>_

Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 21, 2017, 12:29:45 AM
Try to be socially respectful, please.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 12:32:23 AM
>"Um, of course. Right."

>So we don't recognize Robin Wood as any kind of heroic spirit we know of at all, then?
>If so:
>"But I, um... I'm afraid I don't actually recognize that name."
>Try not to look TOO sheepish.
>Oh, we're probably making a terrible first impression....
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 12:37:22 AM
We aren't the best at IRL socialization after all. :<

>Nod and look around.
>"Uhm... i apologize for the state of my room."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 12:43:49 AM
>"Um, of course. Right."

>So we don't recognize Robin Wood as any kind of heroic spirit we know of at all, then?
>If so:
>"But I, um... I'm afraid I don't actually recognize that name."
>Try not to look TOO sheepish.
>Oh, we're probably making a terrible first impression....

>"...You've never heard of the Faceless Hero of Sherwood Forest?" she says. Raising an eyebrow.
>This is definitely going badly. Oh god, and this is the stuff of history too...

>Nod and look around.
>"Uhm... i apologize for the state of my room."

>"...I've seen worse," she says. "A magus' lab is supposed to be kind of messy, isn't it?"

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 12:44:58 AM
>Does 'Faceless Hero of Sherwood Forest' at least ring a bell to us?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 21, 2017, 12:47:54 AM
>>Or alternatively the red warning signals of historical revisionism? (if I am getting that term right here)
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 21, 2017, 12:48:24 AM
>Do we have any knowledge about the truth of King Arthur(ia)?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:07:07 AM
>Does 'Faceless Hero of Sherwood Forest' at least ring a bell to us?

>That sure does sound like Robin Hood.

>>Or alternatively the red warning signals of historical revisionism? (if I am getting that term right here)

>Now perhaps that is something...

>Do we have any knowledge about the truth of King Arthur(ia)?

>Hell of a bloke, that Arthur. Lotta stories about him, it's hard to tell which is real and which is not. You are pretty familiar with Arthurian legend, but you'd want to brush up before really getting down to the brass tacks about it. Good thing you have books about that!

>_

Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 01:12:00 AM
>"Um, I do know of a Robin Hood. 'Rob from the rich and give to the poor' and all that?"
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 21, 2017, 01:12:46 AM
>>"But he doesn't quite... legends're not entirely accurate there, I guess?"
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:17:00 AM
>"Um, I do know of a Robin Hood. 'Rob from the rich and give to the poor' and all that?"

>"Yes, that's right, but it's Wood," she says. "Don't tell me people are still saying it wrong?"

>>"But he doesn't quite... legends're not entirely accurate there, I guess?"

>"I can understand the "he" part," she says. "It was rather trying to keep hidden and all."

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 01:24:06 AM
>"I'm afraid they are still saying it wrong. Apparently. I mean, I've never heard the legend by any other name than Hood."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 01:25:30 AM
>"Although it does make more sense."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:28:05 AM
>"I'm afraid they are still saying it wrong. Apparently. I mean, I've never heard the legend by any other name than Hood."

>She mutters something under her breath. You think you hear something about a stupid earl.

>"Although it does make more sense."

>"I'm glad we agree," she says.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 01:32:40 AM
>"In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Wood."
>Is a bow the appropriate gesture here? Let's bow a little anyway.
>"I'm Lily Humbolt."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 21, 2017, 01:35:05 AM
>>"Sorry for pulling you into what I feel will be a huge mess."

>>Adjust hair nervously.
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 01:37:19 AM
>"And i apologize in advance for any issues that i might bring upon us due to my mistakes."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 21, 2017, 01:39:06 AM
> "As you probably noticed, I'm not exactly the best when it comes to socialize. I apologize for that too."
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:42:59 AM
>"In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Wood."
>Is a bow the appropriate gesture here? Let's bow a little anyway.
>"I'm Lily Humbolt."

>Robin nods. "Well, it's nice to cause some kind of reaction, isn't it?"

>>"Sorry for pulling you into what I feel will be a huge mess."

>>Adjust hair nervously.

>"Eh, I've been in huge messes before, and I've got words for that grail once we get it."
>She frowns. "So, where is the thing, anyways?"

>"And i apologize in advance for any issues that i might bring upon us due to my mistakes."
> "As you probably noticed, I'm not exactly the best when it comes to socialize. I apologize for that too."

>"Alright, no." She says. "I'm not going to hear about word about that. I didn't get summoned into this damned melee just to have my master melt at the slightest sign of a problem. Don't be sorry, do better. Because I can guarantee you they're not gonna be that nice."

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 01:45:14 AM
>Perk up.
>"Thanks ! So..."
>Analyze the info that we have currently !
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 01:46:24 AM
>"No, I'm sure they're not. I just think it's important to be honest with you as both of our lives may depend upon that, but I assure you I don't plan to stutter all over the others Masters. I am still a magus, after all."

>Actually, about that grail's location... are we going to have to catch a flight to Fuyuki? Can we even sense the answer to this question?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:48:47 AM
>Perk up.
>"Thanks ! So..."
>Analyze the info that we have currently !

>"No, I'm sure they're not. I just think it's important to be honest with you as both of our lives may depend upon that, but I assure you I don't plan to stutter all over the Masters. I am still a magus, after all."

>Actually, about that grail's location... are we going to have to catch a flight to Fuyuki? Can we even sense the answer to this question?

>"Don't plan to make mistakes," she says. "Make plans to deal with mistakes."
>You try to focus, and the back of your left hand gets itchy.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 01:50:35 AM
>Look at our left hand
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 02:12:29 AM
>Look at our left hand

>Oh, you have a tattoo now! It looks kind of like a badly drawn and asymmetric radiation symbol, if the top two triangles were more rounded, and the bottom one didn't exist. 
>You are aware that this is a Command Seal, the things you've read on the Grail Wars makes clear their purpose and meaning. They are the mark of your right to be in the Grail War, and proof that you are a Master. Should you lose it, you are out of the running and cannot win unless you can somehow recover it. More importantly, they allow you give absolute commands to your servant, commands that cannot be disobeyed no matter what. These commands may break the laws of magic and reason to an astounding degree; calling your servant from miles away in an instant for instance. On the other hand, you may use them to force them to violate their own codes of honor or engage in acts they would never agree to normally. If you understand properly, each mark represents one charge of the seal's power. Used three times, the seal vanishes and you are done. So, in reality, you have two uses, and one for an emergency if you value your life more than the infinitesimal chance of victory in a hopeless situation.
>Now that you are looking at it, it is no longer itching.

>_
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 02:16:43 AM
>Huh. Interesting.
>Do we have any better idea where the Grail War might be taking place this time, then?
Title: Re: The Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 02:23:38 AM
>Huh. Interesting.
>Do we have any better idea where the Grail War might be taking place this time, then?

>You ponder. There is a feeling in your heart, now that you think about it. A sort of instinctual pull.
>You need to go east.
>You need to go east for a long, long ways. More miles than you can trust yourself to estimate right now, but well into the hundreds.

>_ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tdu4uKSZ3M)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 02:31:09 AM
>So... not Fuyuki? Because that would be closer west than east from here, right?
>Do we think we could localize it more specifically if we were, say, looking at a map? Might some place 'feel right' to us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 02:40:04 AM
>So... not Fuyuki? Because that would be closer west than east from here, right?
>Do we think we could localize it more specifically if we were, say, looking at a map? Might some place 'feel right' to us?

>You think so. You're reasonably sure it would be about equidistant, but it should be closer to go west by at least a few dozen to few hundred miles?
>It's worth a shot?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 02:46:40 AM
>"'Make plans to deal with mistakes'. I promise you, I'll be happy to make as many layers of contingency plans as it'll take to get us both through this thing in one piece. I'm in no hurry to end up dead."
>Let's pull out a map and see if we can track down where the Grail is
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:13:44 PM
>"'Make plans to deal with mistakes'. I promise you, I'll be happy to make as many layers of contingency plans as it'll take to get us both through this thing in one piece. I'm in no hurry to end up dead."
>Let's pull out a map and see if we can track down where the Grail is

>Head to the front room, where you keep all your mundane books. Robin follows you out.
>Your front room, well...it's been better. Books are scattered around, as well as various papers and junk mail. You know where everything is, for the most part, it's just that you can never really summon up the energy to put things away. A TV, which exists exclusively as a gaming peripheral, occupies a knock-off IKEA entertainment center, connected to a huge mess of cords and consoles. In the corner is your computer, which you forgot to put into sleep mode.
>You quickly hunt down your 2014 atlas as Robin stands in the middle of the room, looking around. Opening it to the United States section, you glare at it and concentrate. You feel something tugging you eastward again, and after a few moments, you think you can visualize a course on the map. It seems to be leading you toward the East Coast, the Pennsylvania/Delaware region, to be precise. You feel that you will need to get to the sea.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 21, 2017, 01:18:53 PM
> What's displayed on our computer?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 01:46:16 PM
> What's displayed on our computer?

>...Something very embarrassing.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 21, 2017, 01:51:04 PM
>...turn the monitor off.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 21, 2017, 02:29:14 PM
>Remember to call her Archer from now on.
>Curse the distance, see what we can do about pinpointing the location and what our options are for setting up a base of operations after we figure out how we're getting there. Without a Workshop our chances are slim.
>In fact we can probably try pinpointing it with a Mystery of some sorts, we're the earth and water type.
>Reanalyze Archer or ask her outright, see what details we can glean about her Noble Phantasms. Those are our most powerful tools.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 07:07:01 PM
>Remember to call her Archer from now on.
>Curse the distance, see what we can do about pinpointing the location and what our options are for setting up a base of operations after we figure out how we're getting there. Without a Workshop our chances are slim.
>In fact we can probably try pinpointing it with a Mystery of some sorts, we're the earth and water type.
>Reanalyze Archer or ask her outright, see what details we can glean about her Noble Phantasms. Those are our most powerful tools.

>You pledge to do your best to remember this.
>You can probably take some of your things with you; how much depends on the method you employ to get there.
>You might be able to do this if you were willing to spend some time and mana on it, but it is nice you've found as much as you have as easily as you have.
>You don't need to ask, you already knew the moment the two of you sealed your pact.
>Yew Bow: A bow made from wood considered holy to the Celtic Peoples of Northern Europe. Known for its concentrations of taxine, a potent poison. The yew tree was believed to be the gateway to the underworld, and the act of carving a bow from it separated one away, making them a person of the forest. This poison aided Archer well in her life as she lead a one-woman revolt against the cruel treatment of the peasantry of Nottingham. A humble weapon at a glance, the yew's poison flows strongly within it, adding its bite to arrows launched from it when Archer wills it. One suffering from poison may then have the effect amplified, exploding outward and eating even further at the target's body. As well, Archer may opt to focus the phantasm's power into a single arrow and fire it into a tree, causing it to release poison over an area for some time. This will inhibit its other functions for a time, though it will still serve as a weapon.
>No Face May King: A representation of the faceless lord of the forest that Archer came to be associated with, her green and brown clothing allow her to blend seamlessly into the world. With some preparation she can use it move around practically unseen, though it does not mask her from being sensed by other methods. Without preparation, it can be used to briefly cloak her actions for a moment, until others can adjust to what they've seen. As an aspect of the forest, it works best in nature and places of isolation, and with somewhat less effect in more and more developed areas or crowded areas.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 08:53:29 PM
>Do we have any idea the timeframe for the War? How quickly do we need to arrive at our intended destination?
>Do we have a car and a driver's licence?
>Do we have access to any more mystical means of transportation?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 09:02:54 PM
>Do we have any idea the timeframe for the War? How quickly do we need to arrive at our intended destination?
>Do we have a car and a driver's licence?
>Do we have access to any more mystical means of transportation?

>You don't think there is one. It theoretically goes on until someone obtains the right to claim the grail.
>You have a valid Illinois driver's license and a used 2003 Honda Civic.
>You suppose airline tickets are kinda mystical, they involve flight.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 09:15:39 PM
>But that's a no to any kind of teleportation, even with preparation?
>Do we think we'd be able to localize the place we're supposed to reach better if we were closer?
>Do we know of any other magic or ritual that might help us localize it from where we currently are?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 09:28:44 PM
>But that's a no to any kind of teleportation, even with preparation?
>Do we think we'd be able to localize the place we're supposed to reach better if we were closer?
>Do we know of any other magic or ritual that might help us localize it from where we currently are?

>Teleportation is a form of magic that no one in this era could hope to use.
>You sure hope so.
>There's a few divination rituals you could try, but you'd have to sink some serious time and mana into it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 09:44:26 PM
>"Okay, so."
>Flag Archer over and point to our current location on the map
>"We're currently here."
>"The grail is somewhere over here."
>Sketch a finger around the general area we believe it to be
>"That's pretty non-specific, I know, but if I can sense that much from 700 miles away, it seems likely I'll be able to get a much better picture as we get closer."

>What condition in our car in, anyway?
>And how easily transportable are the materials for those divination rituals, were we to take them with us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 09:52:05 PM
>"Okay, so."
>Flag Archer over and point to our current location on the map
>"We're currently here."
>"The grail is somewhere over here."
>Sketch a finger around the general area we believe it to be
>"That's pretty non-specific, I know, but if I can sense that much from 700 miles away, it seems likely I'll be able to get a much better picture as we get closer."

>What condition in our car in, anyway?
>And how easily transportable are the materials for those divination rituals, were we to take them with us?

>Archer lets out a long whistle. "I understand there's ways to do that faster than walking," she says. "But even then, that sounds pretty far..."
>Your car's in pretty okay condition. You probably don't want to try to do anything crazy with it, but you're not worried about a cross-country drive as far as it's concerned.
>You aren't sure, not without looking things over, but you can probably stash everything into a cooler? Lab equipment necessary will be the make or break point.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 09:57:13 PM
>Do we have any awareness of the summoning ritual imparting any modern knowledge on the heroic spirits that are summoned? Or, as far as we're concerned, do we need to explain to her what a car is?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 10:06:08 PM
>Do we have any awareness of the summoning ritual imparting any modern knowledge on the heroic spirits that are summoned? Or, as far as we're concerned, do we need to explain to her what a car is?

>You understand that they should have enough knowledge to not be left helpless in the era that they are in, but you don't know how far that extends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 10:11:52 PM
>"Well, I have a car we can use and it can probably get us to the general area in around 12 hours, give or take."
>"...do you know what a car is?"

>What time of the day is it anyway? (And how long have we been up, for that matter?)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 10:19:30 PM
>"Well, I have a car we can use and it can probably get us to the general area in around 12 hours, give or take."
>"...do you know what a car is?"

>What time of the day is it anyway? (And how long have we been up, for that matter?)

>"One of those chariots that move themselves, right?" says Archer.
>It is late afternoon. You have been up since this morning.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 10:36:29 PM
>"That's, well... I suppose that's not such a bad way to think of them. They don't actually move on their own, of course; they have a combustion engine inside them which, well... I suppose the simplest explanation might be that it uses the force of tiny explosions created by setting sparks to oil within a complicated metal chamber to make the wheels turn. Er, I guess you maybe don't care how it actually works...."
>Sheepish head scratch
>"Anyway, they're very fast and reliable and probably our best bet for getting to wherever the grail is."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 10:53:04 PM
>"That's, well... I suppose that's not such a bad way to think of them. They don't actually move on their own, of course; they have a combustion engine inside them which, well... I suppose the simplest explanation might be that it uses the force of tiny explosions created by setting sparks to oil within a complicated metal chamber to make the wheels turn. Er, I guess you maybe don't care how it actually works...."
>Sheepish head scratch
>"Anyway, they're very fast and reliable and probably our best bet for getting to wherever the grail is."

>"I'm going to be honest, that sounds worse than a good horse in every conceivable way," says Archer. "So, what's the plan, Master?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 11:04:45 PM
>"It's too late to leave today. I think I should probably use the rest of the day to prepare and pack as many supplies as I can reasonably take with us and then we set out tomorrow morning. Get closer to the general area of the grail and then figure where we need to go from there. Probably rent a hotel room or something, wherever we end up. I have absolutely no knowledge of the other Masters, but I doubt any of them are close to where we are right now, so I'm not sure there's much for you to go scouting for just yet. Unless you disagree, of course."
>Do we have any contacts in that general area?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 21, 2017, 11:17:33 PM
Just as a heads-up, Chicago to the Delaware coast is a legitimate full-day's drive. Like, even assuming stops only for meals and the bathroom. It'll also be really hard for a single driver. It's not impossible, certainly, but I want to make sure you all know what you're getting into.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 11:19:54 PM
>"It's too late to leave today. I think I should probably use the rest of the day to prepare and pack as many supplies as I can reasonably take with us and then we set out tomorrow morning. Get closer to the general area of the grail and then figure where we need to go from there. Probably rent a hotel room or something, wherever we end up. I have absolutely no knowledge of the other Masters, but I doubt any of them are close to where we are right now, so I'm not sure there's much for you to go scouting for just yet. Unless you disagree, of course."
>Do we have any contacts in that general area?

>You don't know of any contacts.
>"Right. What kind of supplies are you thinking?" she says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 11:21:55 PM
I checked google maps for an estimate of the driving time and then added a little more on top, but you're the one who's actually done a bunch of driving back and forth the US so I'll certainly defer to you on that one.

But keep in mind, we don't necessarily have to make the whole trip in a day - just get close enough to hopefully get a better idea of where our ultimate destination is.

>How much space would 'all the magical supplies we have on-hand that would be reasonably useful in our current situation' take up? Is this something we can reasonably cart around with us?
>Do we actually have enough food on-hand for a couple days' road trip?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 11:28:24 PM
>How much space would 'all the magical supplies we have on-hand that would be reasonably useful in our current situation' take up? Is this something we can reasonably cart around with us?
>Do we actually have enough food on-hand for a couple days' road trip?

>Reasonably useful is an extremely broad category whose answer ranges from, "You have enough pockets" to "You would need a large truck"
>You...might? You tend to eat more takeout than you like to admit. You're sure it would be better to get stuff dedicated to the trip.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 21, 2017, 11:31:54 PM
>All materials/reagents we have on-hand for our most familiar spells, as well as anything with an obvious use for combat, concealment/warding, and divination magics. Could this all fit in a suitcase or two?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 11:43:08 PM
>All materials/reagents we have on-hand for our most familiar spells, as well as anything with an obvious use for combat, concealment/warding, and divination magics. Could this all fit in a suitcase or two?

>Warding may be difficult, good wards take time to lay out. Otherwise, yes. ...Assuming you had suitcases.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 21, 2017, 11:55:20 PM
>Retrieve suitcases from closet.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 21, 2017, 11:57:44 PM
>Retrieve suitcases from closet.

>You ain't some rich-ass princess magus livin' in a mansion by yourself since you were in third grade with more money than half the damn town. That's why you work for a livin'.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 22, 2017, 12:00:08 AM
Doing the trip in two days is certainly possible but comes with the equally-bad-if-not-outright-worse downside of staying the night in either Ohio or Western Pennsylvania.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 22, 2017, 12:07:04 AM
>Make preparations for a shopping list.
>Add suitcases to shopping list.
>What's our Favorite Food? What's Archer's?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 12:09:40 AM
>Make preparations for a shopping list.
>Add suitcases to shopping list.
>What's our Favorite Food? What's Archer's?

>You get a notepad and start writing down stuff you'll want; food, suitcases...
>What is your favorite food? And you have no idea what Archer likes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 22, 2017, 12:16:06 AM
>"Ehm, do you have any food preferences ? Like an favorite meal ?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 12:44:43 AM
>"Ehm, do you have any food preferences ? Like an favorite meal ?"

>"I do like a haunch of venison," says Archer. "It's not strictly necessary for me to eat, though. It may be efficient for your mana reserves, I suppose."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 22, 2017, 01:13:50 AM
>"It may not be necessary, but why not do it anyways ? It will make things more comfy for you no ?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 22, 2017, 01:20:56 AM
>"Eating is good for morale. I mean, eating is good for my morale, anyway; I'm sure I can scrounge up something you'd like, too."
>Venison's kinda pricey, but honestly who can dislike pizza. Even if they're legendary no-longer-strictly-human archers from medieval England.
>So that's suitcases, travelling food (trail mix, crackers, fruit, whatever), water bottles if we don't have any on hand, any extra materials we might be low on, and then we can pick up a pizza on our way back home. One last proper meal before we dive headlong into this madness.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 01:43:46 AM
>"It may not be necessary, but why not do it anyways ? It will make things more comfy for you no ?"

>"As long as it doesn't get in the way, I guess," she says.

>"Eating is good for morale. I mean, eating is good for my morale, anyway; I'm sure I can scrounge up something you'd like, too."
>Venison's kinda pricey, but honestly who can dislike pizza. Even if they're legendary no-longer-strictly-human archers from medieval England.
>So that's suitcases, travelling food (trail mix, crackers, fruit, whatever), water bottles if we don't have any on hand, any extra materials we might be low on, and then we can pick up a pizza on our way back home. One last proper meal before we dive headlong into this madness.

>"Yeah, I bet it is," says Archer with a snicker.
>You compile a list. With regards to magical materials, you really aren't going to find them on an afternoon shopping trip. But you really aren't low on anything that you think that you would use.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 22, 2017, 01:46:42 AM
>Do we actually have any experience with magical duels? Even very tame ones with nothing of consequence on the line?
>Do we know if Archer has gained any automatic knowledge of our own repertoire of magical skills via our contract, the way we did for hers? Or should we sit down and inform her?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 02:04:08 AM
>Do we actually have any experience with magical duels? Even very tame ones with nothing of consequence on the line?
>Do we know if Archer has gained any automatic knowledge of our own repertoire of magical skills via our contract, the way we did for hers? Or should we sit down and inform her?

>You have not. You've had to blind an asshole or two in the past, but you've never really fought another magus.
>You aren't sure, but you don't think so.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 22, 2017, 02:18:44 AM
>Do we have a laptop or tablet we'd want to bring with us on this trip?
>Do we have any vacation time saved up? And how short-notice are we able to use it without getting into trouble at work. I mean, if work has to be left hanging, so be it, but no need to burn bridges until we have to.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 02:21:16 AM
>Do we have a laptop or tablet we'd want to bring with us on this trip?
>Do we have any vacation time saved up? And how short-notice are we able to use it without getting into trouble at work. I mean, if work has to be left hanging, so be it, but no need to burn bridges until we have to.

>You have a smart phone and a tablet.
>You do, and it's...variable. Scheduling anything is always a nightmare.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 22, 2017, 02:22:15 AM
>Not fighting anyone in a duel if we can help it anyways. Master vs Master, servant vs, servant, whatever.
>More efficient for Archer to be in Astral form if we don't specifically need her physical presence, Servants are fucking costly to maintain even if they're a stealth Archer with A rank Independent Action. We should be feeling the tug on our Prana already.
>Being nice is one thing but the situation's kind of life or death right now.
>Call in and use whatever paid or unpaid leave we have. If we need to work from afar so be it.
>Try not to freak out about our impulsive yolo-life-or-death-wizard-brawl decision.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 02:37:08 AM
>Not fighting anyone in a duel if we can help it anyways. Master vs Master, servant vs, servant, whatever.
>More efficient for Archer to be in Astral form if we don't specifically need her physical presence, Servants are fucking costly to maintain even if they're a stealth Archer with A rank Independent Action. We should be feeling the tug on our Prana already.
>Being nice is one thing but the situation's kind of life or death right now.
>Call in and use whatever paid or unpaid leave we have. If we need to work from afar so be it.
>Try not to freak out about our impulsive yolo-life-or-death-wizard-brawl decision.

>So far, Archer is not draining you too badly. You expect it's because she's not doing much of anything.
>You mentally prepare yourself, and call the Human Capital department at work. As expected, they are not happy with your request. They are definitely not happy that you can't give a definite time of return. But you'e made your decision, and really can't budge from there. They don't exactly agree to it, and they don't exactly not agree to it. It is a hazy non-answer to try to spook you into thinking they expect you come in like normal. Maybe they do? But chances are they'll be disappointed.
>During this time, Archer has taken up resident on your couch, watching you have a conversation with a rectangle and clearly trying to be polite.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 22, 2017, 02:47:37 AM
>Assuming that phone call is actually concluded now:
>"Sorry, I was just calling work to let them know I'll be away for a while."
>"So, you asked about supplies. Right. Well, I'm going to be packing a bunch of materials for the spells I know and think might be useful, some food, a couple changes of clothing, and a device that'll help me keep tabs on the news and maybe some chatter among the local magi. Is there anything important you think I'm overlooking?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 03:32:57 AM
>Assuming that phone call is actually concluded now:
>"Sorry, I was just calling work to let them know I'll be away for a while."
>"So, you asked about supplies. Right. Well, I'm going to be packing a bunch of materials for the spells I know and think might be useful, some food, a couple changes of clothing, and a device that'll help me keep tabs on the news and maybe some chatter among the local magi. Is there anything important you think I'm overlooking?"

>"Tent?" she says. "Some kind of fire maker? I know you got those. Cooking gear? Definitely something to sleep in."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 22, 2017, 03:39:18 AM
>Oh right. Setting up base in nearby wilderness makes much more sense with Archer's specifics than motel'ing it for who knows how long.
>Rearrange plans around that. Look into renting a trailer, maybe.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 22, 2017, 03:49:15 AM
Archer may have better concealment in the wilderness than elsewhere, but surely us setting up a trailer on our lonesome is going to be a lot more conspicuous to any other Masters looking for us than blending into the crowd of other people at a motel or something would be?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 03:58:47 AM
>Oh right. Setting up base in nearby wilderness makes much more sense with Archer's specifics than motel'ing it for who knows how long.
>Rearrange plans around that. Look into renting a trailer, maybe.

>Camping...
>You decide to look into getting a trailer. ...Wow, 350 dollars for one that would only start to work as a mobile lab. That's about half your bank account right there. Can a civic even tow these?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Von Stein on July 22, 2017, 05:10:22 AM
>>Reconsider to following Archer's advice and look into an actual tent rather than spending our life savings on a trailer.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 22, 2017, 05:12:48 AM
A small trailer with Archer's expertise would let us hide something as insignificant as a car and trailer easily. Not like magi pay attention to modern amenities; however, money's money. Tent it is.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 01:06:04 PM
>>Reconsider to following Archer's advice and look into an actual tent rather than spending our life savings on a trailer.

>A tent seems to go for about 50 or so dollars, according to amazon, and a sleeping bag to go with it would be around 30...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 22, 2017, 01:38:42 PM
>"Hm... seems easy enough..."
>Are there any options to choose the color ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 07:06:51 PM
>"Hm... seems easy enough..."
>Are there any options to choose the color ?

>There are, but it's not like you're just gonna order a tent off amazon. Well, not unless you intend to wait several days for it to get here.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 22, 2017, 07:47:12 PM
>Well, it tells us that we can find those colors around !
>Examine wallet.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 22, 2017, 08:28:57 PM
>Well, it tells us that we can find those colors around !
>Examine wallet.

>You have 700 dollars in savings.
>"Why do you keep poking that thing?" says Archer, after a couple minutes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 23, 2017, 03:43:51 AM
>"It's a device that aids me on the daily basis, it allows me to search for info for example, i was just using it to find out how much is a tent and a sleeping bag."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 23, 2017, 01:09:34 PM
>"It's a device that aids me on the daily basis, it allows me to search for info for example, i was just using it to find out how much is a tent and a sleeping bag."

>"Is money a problem?" says Archer. "I mean, we can fix that."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 23, 2017, 01:24:19 PM
>Oh. Duh.
>On one hand, morals. On the other, life or death situation.
>I vote let her loose.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 23, 2017, 01:34:59 PM
So, trailer or tent ?

>"Well... it's not like we can't manage with what he have currently, but having more money would certainly be nice..."
>Look thoughtful.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 23, 2017, 01:46:52 PM
>Oh. Duh.
>On one hand, morals. On the other, life or death situation.
>I vote let her loose.

>This is an internal debate...

So, trailer or tent ?

>"Well... it's not like we can't manage with what he have currently, but having more money would certainly be nice..."
>Look thoughtful.

>"I'd be surprised if you didn't have some rich muckity mucks making life worse for everyone in this era," says Archer. "Point me at them, I'll find their their treasure room, and clean it out."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 23, 2017, 01:47:45 PM
Mao and I are on the road but our vote is to find out exactly how far Becky is willing to go before making a concrete decision.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on July 24, 2017, 01:48:32 AM
There's also the need to consider that "treasure rooms" are mostly banks, since no smart rich person would have money on hand or on their houses, unless you intended to steal valuable goods.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 01:03:15 PM
>"Well... i am not sure..."
>Have we ever stolen anything before or had part on any case of theft ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 01:27:50 PM
>"Well... i am not sure..."
>Have we ever stolen anything before or had part on any case of theft ?

>Archer shrugs. "It's up to you. It'd be nice to focus on the war and nothing else, but you can't have a fire without fuel."
>You haven't needed to thus far.
>Indecision is quietly pushing time toward the point when stores start closing.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 01:34:40 PM
Well people ? I am leaning to the "Don't do it choice.", so it's 1x1 for now ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 24, 2017, 01:53:05 PM
//Considering that Archer will be the one who would do all the process, it could be doable. There are still consequences for doing it, but highly beneficial. Am I a bad person for considering something like this? Probably I am :V
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Mao on July 24, 2017, 02:32:01 PM
>Hold off for now.

There's no need. $700.00 can make a heck of a dent on a 1-2 day road trip-- And unless Archer has the ability to deposit into our bank account, lugging around bags of money would be dangerous at worst, inconvenient at best.

>Plan to depart for supplies.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 02:51:22 PM
That makes it 1x2, with an possible Tashi Vote favoring it, anyone else ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 24, 2017, 03:36:38 PM
If we are to attempt to go it on our current finances (which I have no problem with), I think it would be best phrased in a way to minimize (a) moral concerns, which Becky would clearly disagree with (EAT THE RICH), and (b) implications that we don't think she could safely get the job done (that is, that we won't get caught). Perhaps saying that we're pretty sure we can get by with what we have but will revisit the possibility later if something goes badly wrong would be best.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 24, 2017, 04:26:26 PM
//I'm not overly attached with the idea to make it happen. If you guys say that it's okay with what we have, then all the merrier. I'm okay with going with our current status.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 05:13:52 PM
That makes it 1x4, with an Neutral Vote from Tashi going for the winning included.

I suppose this is enough ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 05:46:31 PM
>Hold off for now.
>Plan to depart for supplies.

>You decide to hold off for now. "Alright, no skin off my nose," says Archer. "I'm just saying, it's a problem we can solve."
>You plan to head out for supplies. You suppose hitting a big store would be easiest, but you might be able to save some money by scrounging through thrift stores before they close. Getting a trailer, if that is still on the menu, probably won't have any shortcuts, you'll just have to hope U-Haul or such has what you need. As far as food goes, you should still have some time for that afterward.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 05:56:14 PM
>"If it becomes an bigger issue then maybe."
>How far are the thrift stores ?
>Get those car keys and check for anything we might be missing.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 06:33:08 PM
>"If it becomes an bigger issue then maybe."
>How far are the thrift stores ?
>Get those car keys and check for anything we might be missing.

>It's a bit of a drive, but most things are.
>You get your keys!
>What things do you think you might be missing that you are checking for? Is there anything you intend to bring along?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 06:51:02 PM
>First, the sacred, car keys, our home's keys, phone, and the wallet.
>Second, maybe a portable ? :v
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 24, 2017, 06:54:44 PM
> We own a 3DS like a proper person rather than a Vita like a poser, correct?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 06:57:09 PM
> We own a 3DS like a proper person rather than a Vita like a poser, correct?

>Why not both ? Each has it's strong points !
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 24, 2017, 06:59:25 PM
> Shit's expensive, yo, and we ain't made of money.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 07:04:49 PM
>Not if you know some special tricks.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 24, 2017, 07:06:56 PM
> Nonsense!
> Everyone shall know we have a Virtual Boy!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 07:15:17 PM
>You mean a Game Boy ? Which one ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 24, 2017, 07:16:17 PM
> No. Virtual Boy. Best console, best person.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 07:29:19 PM
>Too far away from our reach.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 07:48:35 PM
>First, the sacred, car keys, our home's keys, phone, and the wallet.
>Second, maybe a portable ? :v

>YALL
>You grab some everyday items. "You don't have any magus things to take in case of an emergency?" Archer says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 07:53:17 PM
>Oh yeah, recheck the magus tricks list, maybe we can take something for safety, we are on quite a situation after all.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 08:05:46 PM
>Oh yeah, recheck the magus tricks list, maybe we can take something for safety, we are on quite a situation after all.

>The main thing you possess are small vials of absolutely pure water than you have been storing excess mana in for some years now. 12 of them, to be precise. You keep them in sealed steel tubes, so as to keep them from breaking or spilling easily. Keeping them on your person, you can draw upon them to replenish lost mana or directly power magecraft. They are quite valuable, and you could theoretically get a good amount of money for one in the occult underground. You...may have sold one in the past to allow for more mundane purchases...
>You also possess a small knife that can easily cut through ice. While you wouldn't want to use it as an ice scraper, it may have other uses.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 08:09:05 PM
>How do we get more of those ? Do we make them ourselves or are they something we also bought ? And if the latter, where ?
>What about Pepper Spray ? Simple but effective !
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 08:36:01 PM
>How do we get more of those ? Do we make them ourselves or are they something we also bought ? And if the latter, where ?
>What about Pepper Spray ? Simple but effective !

>You've made them yourself over the years, channeling unused mana into them every evening. You may be able to buy something like this through the occult underground, but it would take more than you have, probably. And it would depending on how many are there to be bought.
>You do not have pepper spray. Beforehand, you didn't need it, a blind spell was just as good against any mugger.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 24, 2017, 09:05:25 PM
>Does it ache as much though ?
>"I have some tricks up my sleeve, like an blinding spell."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 24, 2017, 09:13:59 PM
>Does it ache as much though ?
>"I have some tricks up my sleeve, like an blinding spell."

>It does not.
>"Well, that might mess up a magus," says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 25, 2017, 08:23:57 AM
>"Guess that's true. Won't do much against a Servant, probably; but that's where you come in, ehe..."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 25, 2017, 02:02:56 PM
>"Guess that's true. Won't do much against a Servant, probably; but that's where you come in, ehe..."

>"Well, taking out the master is just as good," says Archer. "As long as you don't mind killing people, I guess."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 12:01:47 AM
>You finally head out to buy some things! Since you are also supposedly a smart person, you take along your vials and the knife. It shouldn't hurt to have those along, you're hardly expecting to deal with metal detectors.
>While Archer is reasonably familiar with the concept of a car, actually encountering one is a new experience for her. But she adapts to it well, taking to the speed without flinching, though she does vocally agree that seatbelts are a good idea. From then on, she fades to an immaterial form, so as to both conserve your mana and draw less attention. Frankly, she is going to need clothing that doesn't make her look like a refugee from a Ren Faire if she is going to be walking around in the open much. But she seems content to remain unseen and immaterial for now, commenting every so often on the side of this or that office building or shopping center. In particular, she seems a bit put off by how many people there are on the road. You don't have the heart to tell her that Calumet City is just a drop in the bucket compared to nearby Chicago.
>You manage to reach a thrift store before closing time, and luck out with regards to finding a particularly decent sleeping bag that doesn't seem to have any particular problems, picking it up for a mere five dollars. A tent, unfortunately, requires a trip to Walmart. You manage to get lucky and find a decent-sized one for about a hundred dollars. You also learn that Walmart does in fact have pepper spray (not that this is surprising, they do carry firearms, too), but also have it for about ten dollars. You also pick up a decent array of things to eat on the road; you try to tempt Archer into making a few choices, but she seems put off by them more than anything.
>You then go to a U-Haul to contemplate a trailer, only to find you've driven halfway across the county just to see it's closed already. You'll have to try in the morning. Irritated, you make your way back home, perhaps after swinging out toward a pizza place you know well for its quality.
>The sun has nearly set as you make your way through a part of town that has seen better times. Fog clings to the ground, and there is little if any traffic. "There's something here," comes Archer's voice from the seemingly empty passenger seat.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 26, 2017, 12:15:24 AM
Shit, I rolled Robin Hood for Nerofest, so I am now obligated to keep him around by this adventure. :derp:

>Geez, already?! It's only been a few hours...
>Is this just some supernatural phenomenon or the work of an enemy stand rival servant?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 12:24:07 AM
>Geez, already?! It's only been a few hours...
>Is this just some supernatural phenomenon or the work of an enemy stand rival servant?

>Maybe you weren't the first...
>That's an excellent question!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 01:41:44 AM
>"Can you tell what it is?"
>Can we?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:45:07 AM
>"Can you tell what it is?"
>Can we?

>"Not yet," she says.
>No. You didn't even notice it at all until she spoke. You'll need more information, which will be difficult to get while driving along.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 01:46:23 AM
>"What direction?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:47:12 AM
>"What direction?"

>"I don't know yet...But I think to the north?" she says.
>You are currently driving westward.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 01:52:55 AM
>How close are we to home or anywhere identifiably connected to us?
>Do we have any innate ability to sense magic or other supernatural phenomena without performing actual divination (ie: something we can't do while driving)?
>What's to the north of us, anyway?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:59:06 AM
>How close are we to home or anywhere identifiably connected to us?
>Do we have any innate ability to sense magic or other supernatural phenomena without performing actual divination (ie: something we can't do while driving)?
>What's to the north of us, anyway?

>About 15 minutes away, so some distance.
>Sort of. You are familiar enough with magic that when you see it happening, you can kind of identify that it is magic. Sometimes you have to stare at it a bit, depending on how subtle it is. You're certain it's possible to slip stuff past you, if it's designed to do that, though.
>North leads toward a neighborhood, and then the Grand Calumet River (which eventually meets with the larger Little Calumet River)

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 02:39:20 AM
>"Keep an eye on... whatever it is."
>Continue driving on our way without appearing to change our behavior, but if we seem to be approaching our own neighbourhood before whatever this is has either been identified or gone away, take a random detour elsewhere. Casually.
>Stay alert
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 02:50:48 AM
>"Keep an eye on... whatever it is."
>Continue driving on our way without appearing to change our behavior, but if we seem to be approaching our own neighbourhood before whatever this is has either been identified or gone away, take a random detour elsewhere. Casually.
>Stay alert

>You continue on for a few more blocks. The fog is letting up a bit as you move away from the river.
>"I think...we're outpacing it," says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 02:57:21 AM
>"You think it's chasing us?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 02:59:21 AM
>"You think it's chasing us?"

>"I don't know," she says. "It's hard to tell, it's like all your streets are walled in."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:13:00 AM
>How inhabited is the area we're currently driving through and how inhabited is the area in the general vicinity of... whatever this is is?
>Are there any wooded areas nearby?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:19:15 AM
>How inhabited is the area we're currently driving through and how inhabited is the area in the general vicinity of... whatever this is is?
>Are there any wooded areas nearby?

>There's some houses and such, but the area is kind of dying.
>To the north now, there is The Calumet City Prairie and Marsh Nature Reserve.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:24:56 AM
>"Think you can go scout out whatever that is without being noticed?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:27:02 AM
>"Think you can go scout out whatever that is without being noticed?"

>"They won't even know I'm there," she says. "But if we're going to split up, just what are you going to do?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:49:50 AM
>Do we know if we're able to communicate from a distance via our link?
>Would we at least be able to know where the other physically is?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:50:48 AM
>Do we know if we're able to communicate from a distance via our link?
>Would we at least be able to know where the other physically is?

>You should be.
>That you do not know.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:55:20 AM
>"I thought I'd pull off somewhere and wait for you to get a better look and report back. If it really istracking me and you're heading in that direction, it shouldn't be able to reach me without you getting a good look at it first, so we know what we're dealing with. Worst come to worst, if I'm outpacing it now, I can just take off again and rendezvous with you someplace else in the city, once we figure out whether this is something we'll have to fight or not."

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 04:00:31 AM
>"I thought I'd pull off somewhere and wait for you to get a better look and report back. If it really istracking me and you're heading in that direction, it shouldn't be able to reach me without you getting a good look at it first, so we know what we're dealing with. Worst come to worst, if I'm outpacing it now, I can just take off again and rendezvous with you someplace else in the city, once we figure out whether this is something we'll have to fight or not."

>"Alright," she says. "Pull over somewhere, and wait for me to check in. If things get doubtful, just run and let me know. I can find you."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 04:02:42 AM
>"Alright. And let me know as soon as you find out anything more."
>Find a spot to pull over where we aren't going to attract immediate attention from the locals and wait for Archer's report
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 26, 2017, 01:16:54 PM
>Did we already get our pizza?
>>If we did, maybe we should have a remaining slice or two while we wait...
>>If we didn't, lament the fact this incident halted us getting some.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:20:34 PM
>"Alright. And let me know as soon as you find out anything more."
>Find a spot to pull over where we aren't going to attract immediate attention from the locals and wait for Archer's report

>Did we already get our pizza?
>>If we did, maybe we should have a remaining slice or two while we wait...
>>If we didn't, lament the fact this incident halted us getting some.

>You pull off the main road and parallel park beside a shopping center whose only living business is a divorce lawyer. Archer manifests for a moment, long enough to get out of the vehicle, then dons her  cloak, fading from sight. You can just hear her dash away.
>Some tense minutes past. You sit there, eyes and ears open, but nothing more unusual than a car passing by happens. The night is silent, save for distance noises off traffic. No one's on the streets. You find yourself somewhat regretting that you hadn't had time to get that pizza yet, frankly having something to snack on might held with the tension in the air, and you don't want to go pop the trunk to get some of the food you've planned for the road.
>Then you hear something, like a thought in a mental "voice" that isn't yours. "Lily, I found it, and it's bad news. I think it's Berserker. I'm pretty sure this fog is him, too."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 26, 2017, 01:27:10 PM
>That is not a good thing! "Well, crap."
>Try not to panic.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:30:12 PM
>That is not a good thing! "Well, crap."
>Try not to panic.

>"Sooner than I would've liked, yeah," Archer says.
>It's several blocks away, you should be fine. Several blocks away, and Archer's there. It should be fine... ...Oh crap it's only like a few minutes away from your apartment! And where's its master?!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 01:41:56 PM
>First to gather more info. "Where is he headed to ? Any signs of the master ?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 01:57:59 PM
>First to gather more info. "Where is he headed to ? Any signs of the master ?"

>"It seems like he's headed toward the street we were on," she says. "But he's a few blocks behind us. And no signs of a master at all. Which...feels weird. This whole thing is weird, he's not even walking. He's just...He's just laying on the street and pulling himself along by his hands. Making a pretty good pace, too."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 02:04:39 PM
>"Wow... What does he look like ?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 02:10:38 PM
>"Wow... What does he look like ?"

>"Big," she says. "Really big, I'm pretty sure he's at least seven and a half feet tall. He's not bothered with a shirt, and he's got muscles like a bull. Lots of scars, a beard. Fairly craggy face, too. His hair and beard are white, I get the feeling he's an older man. Not that this is stopping him. His legs aren't nearly as muscular as everything else. He's got leggings on, so I can't be too sure, but I think they might even be kind of withered up? If they matched his top half, those leggings would definitely be a lot more strained than they are."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 02:12:15 PM
>Can we fit that description to any figures we know of ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 02:13:03 PM
>Can we fit that description to any figures we know of ?

>Not off the top of your head.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 02:17:52 PM
>"...yup, can't get a clue as to whom he is, nevertheless, he is certainly dangerous, and the fact that there is no sign od his master makes things even more troublesome..."
>Look around, anyone else around here near us ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Suwako Moriya on July 26, 2017, 02:21:01 PM
>"...yup, can't get a clue as to whom he is, nevertheless, he is certainly dangerous, and the fact that there is no sign od his master makes things even more troublesome..."
>Look around, anyone else around here near us ?

> Hold up on this.

Don't just go ahead and give up on this so quickly and unilaterally. I imagine at least one of the large number of other players reading/playing this game wull want to try to pick through in-character (and out-of-character) knowledge to try to figure out who it is. "Not off the top of your head" doesn't mean Lily can't eventually figure it out by connecting a bunch of dots.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 02:25:06 PM
Kay.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 26, 2017, 02:41:58 PM
with regards to pre-established material, fog implies Jack the Ripper heavily. the current situation does not fit any of the established depictions of Jack the Ripper though (either as Assassin of Black from Apocrypha or the transforming, Hassan of Many Faces like one from Strange/Fake).

major clues are:
-traveling by hand only, literally
-skipped leg day, beard, hair, heavily scarred
-causes fog
-as of now, unarmed.

kilga is inclined towards thinking it is some form of pirate. my personal theory is a WW1 or WW2 vet who managed to escape from being a PoW, leaning towards WW1 since fog was more prevalent there.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 02:49:13 PM
Maybe it's not that he skipped Leg Day, it's that he simply can't move them at all ?

>"Does his legs seem to be moving at all ?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Mao on July 26, 2017, 03:00:52 PM
> "How close did you get to observe this? Did he notice you?"
> Realistically speaking, if his mobility is limited, we could utilize Archer's range to pick him off from a distance. If this mist benefits her, it would be possible for her to attempt this without him even discerning her location. That being said, taking things at face value isn't always the best option-- if he can control the mist, there's a chance he can sense through it.

> Furthermore, having a servant use abilities like this is too conspicuous. Only an idiot would make such a display while wasting mana without an ulterior motive.

> "What's your analysis, Archer? "
> She would know her abilities better than anyone.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 03:02:29 PM
A distraction maybe ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:08:59 PM
>"Does his legs seem to be moving at all ?"

>"No, I don't think so," says Archer. "It looks like he's just dragging them behind himself."

> "How close did you get to observe this? Did he notice you?"
> Realistically speaking, if his mobility is limited, we could utilize Archer's range to pick him off from a distance. If this mist benefits her, it would be possible for her to attempt this without him even discerning her location. That being said, taking things at face value isn't always the best option-- if he can control the mist, there's a chance he can sense through it.

> Furthermore, having a servant use abilities like this is too conspicuous. Only an idiot would make such a display while wasting mana without an ulterior motive.

> "What's your analysis, Archer? "
> She would know her abilities better than anyone.

>"I'm about ten yards away," she says. "I am dead certain he hasn't noticed me, otherwise he would have reacted, I'm sure of it."
>These seem like valid thoughts.
>This is also a good point. His master either must be completely ignorant, or not care at all. Why is a good question..."
>"He's dangerous," says Archer. "Even now, when he's...as close to calm as he can be, I can feel he's not to be taken lightly. I'm not sure what he can do, aside from clearly mangle anyone he gets his hands on. But I'm convinced there's more to this than what I'm seeing."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:27:39 PM
>"You say he's headed towards where we were, not where I am now?"
>Assuming those two places wouldn't be in mostly the same direction here

Because if so, this raises the question of whether Berserker himself can track us or whether he was just dispatched to a particular location on his master's orders
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:40:25 PM
>"You say he's headed towards where we were, not where I am now?"
>Assuming those two places wouldn't be in mostly the same direction here

>"Toward that road we were on before you stopped," she says.
>He would be heading south. Once he got to the road, he would be east of you by some number of blocks.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 03:50:46 PM
>Is this the most direct route to our current position or could he theoretically still be following roads and heading more straight towards us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 03:52:35 PM
>Is this the most direct route to our current position or could he theoretically still be following roads and heading more straight towards us?

>You suppose he could cut through yards or alleyways; you're not intimately familiar with this area. But it would be the most direct route by car.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 04:07:01 PM
Okay, so we can't assume he's not still pursuing our current position. And I'm also drawing a blank on potential identities, despite how conspicuous his current appearance is.

>"Is the fog thick enough there to hide him from civilians? I mean, there's houses around, right - what's keeping someone from looking out the window or even getting a video of Berserker and posting it somewhere?"
>That has to violate magi propriety somehow, doesn't it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 04:29:28 PM
>"Is the fog thick enough there to hide him from civilians? I mean, there's houses around, right - what's keeping someone from looking out the window or even getting a video of Berserker and posting it somewhere?"
>That has to violate magi propriety somehow, doesn't it?

>"I don't think so," says Archer. "But I also don't think anyone is really looking?"
>It would definitely make the Mage Association upset, and probably get you blacklisted from the Occult Underground.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 04:53:33 PM
>Blacklisting might seem a small penalty if one won the Grail, of course....

I'm a little curious what might happen if we had Archer subtly draw someone's attention to the lumbering crazy person on the street - whether Berserker's master would have them withdraw to avoid causing a scene (and thus potentially tip off their presence or at least where they would have Berserker withdraw TO), but the chance that the policy is instead 'eliminate all witnesses' feels too high to actually attempt this with random people's lives.

>"Trail him for a bit and see if he turns down the street I just turned down or keeps going straight - in other words, whether he is capable of directly tracking my current position or is just following orders towards our last-known location. And keep an eye out for his master, of course."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 05:02:31 PM
>Blacklisting might seem a small penalty if one won the Grail, of course....
>"Trail him for a bit and see if he turns down the street I just turned down or keeps going straight - in other words, whether he is capable of directly tracking my current position or is just following orders towards our last-known location. And keep an eye out for his master, of course."

>With the right wish, they might well beg you to come back...
>"Got it," says Archer. "He's just about at the intersection now. Okay, he's stopped. He's looking around. And...it seems like he's going the opposite way you are? No signs of his master, I'm looking around alleys and rooftops and stuff now. Hope these people don't mind I'm on their roofs."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 05:06:33 PM
>Lightly: "As long as you don't put a hole through them."
>Do we have any magic at our disposal that could detect an approaching magus? On the off-chance that Berserker and his master split up and the master is busy searching for us somehow?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 05:11:53 PM
>Lightly: "As long as you don't put a hole through them."
>Do we have any magic at our disposal that could detect an approaching magus? On the off-chance that Berserker and his master split up and the master is busy searching for us somehow?

>"Isn't that more your territory?" Archer replies. "Yeah, this guy is definitely hunting. He's looking around, peering between buildings and stuff."
>You can set up wards, but those take time and materials. You do have one around a four block radius at your home, though. It's only ever gone off once; when you mail ordered a scarab with a light-based enchantment the original owner didn't know about that you managed to sell for twice what you paid a couple years ago.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 05:21:27 PM
>Will that ward alert us if any foreign magic passes through it, even if we ourselves are not inside it at the time?
>At four block's radius, that's large enough to be inside it without clearly identifying where we actually live, right?
>How easy would it be for a magus to detect the presence of the ward before they actually physically encounter it? Could they sense it from a distance to pin down that a magus probably resides there? (Or at least has a base of operations there)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 05:26:03 PM
>Will that ward alert us if any foreign magic passes through it, even if we ourselves are not inside it at the time?
>At four block's radius, that's large enough to be inside it without clearly identifying where we actually live, right?
>How easy would it be for a magus to detect the presence of the ward before they actually physically encounter it? Could they sense it from a distance to pin down that a magus probably resides there? (Or at least has a base of operations there)

>You have to be there to hear it. Though you might be able to set up some kind of system to hear it and alert your phone? You hadn't thought about that before, since there was no need...
>You hope so!
>You know there are some spells that can sniff out wards, but the people who seek them out tend to be people who deal with wards a lot. Otherwise, you don't think they should be able to detect it? But who knows, there's a wide world out there.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 05:30:53 PM
>What about a servant ? Would one have better odds at sensing one ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 05:31:22 PM
>Presumably setting up a system to alert our phone isn't something we could do on the fly from our current location, is it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 05:46:57 PM
>What about a servant ? Would one have better odds at sensing one ?

>That depends on the servant. You imagine, for instance, Caster would be very likely to be able to sense your wards, and possibly even track them back. Or quietly alter them. Who knows what Caster could do?

>Presumably setting up a system to alert our phone isn't something we could do on the fly from our current location, is it?

>You'd need, at least, something that could hear the alarm chime, and then connect that to something with a program to call you when triggered. It would take some work and a trip to a store.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 05:51:30 PM
>Make a note to check up on our wards when we go back home.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 05:56:05 PM
>Make a note to check up on our wards when we go back home.

>That may not be a bad idea at all, it would be a pain if someone silently cut them.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 06:05:20 PM
>"Then it is possible he is coordinating with his master to split up and scan the area more effectively."
>Do our windows have tinted film ? If so how dark are they ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 06:06:44 PM
>Could we get inside our wards from here without crossing near Berserker's current path?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 07:44:43 PM
>"Then it is possible he is coordinating with his master to split up and scan the area more effectively."
>Do our windows have tinted film ? If so how dark are they ?

>"I was wondering that myself," says Archer. "It would be a huge risk if the master ran into me alone, but some would be willing to do this."
>They are not tinted.

>Could we get inside our wards from here without crossing near Berserker's current path?

>Yes, but it would take a bit to drive back home from here.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 07:54:16 PM
>"It is possible the master predicted that by causing this mist and having that presence, their opponents would send the servants to investigate rather than do it through other means, hence making things rather equal."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 07:56:58 PM
>"It is possible the master predicted that by causing this mist and having that presence, their opponents would send the servants to investigate rather than do it through other means, hence making things rather equal."

>"...That could be true..." Archer replies.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 08:33:31 PM
>"I think I maybe should pull back into the wards I have set up in my corner of the city. They ought to be able to detect any magical intrusion, so long as I'm inside them - if this master is looking for me, I'd rather be the one who spots them first. It's a couple of blocks away from here; how quickly could you cover the distance if I needed you?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 08:43:22 PM
>"I think I maybe should pull back into the wards I have set up in my corner of the city. They ought to be able to detect any magical intrusion, so long as I'm inside them - if this master is looking for me, I'd rather be the one who spots them first. It's a couple of blocks away from here; how quickly could you cover the distance if I needed you?"

>"It would take me some time," she says. "I can only run so fast. Honestly, I don't like the idea of you running off on your own."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 08:49:28 PM
>"I guess it's a toss-up between reducing the chance of being ambushed and having you close to hand if I do get ambushed. I definitely think you ought to keep tailing Berserker for the moment; he has to give up or make contact with his master at some point, right?"
>If we have a few minutes here, could we set up some kind of impromptu alarm for moving magical signatures in the nearby area?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 08:51:49 PM
>"I guess it's a toss-up between reducing the chance of being ambushed and having you close to hand if I do get ambushed. I definitely think you ought to keep tailing Berserker for the moment; he has to give up or make contact with his master at some point, right?"
>If we have a few minutes here, could we set up some kind of impromptu alarm for moving magical signatures in the nearby area?

>"I'll do as you say," says Archer. "But I don't like it."
>No, you would need at least the texts you have at home to work from.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 08:55:01 PM
>"You think you should pull back to my position, then?'
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 09:03:15 PM
>"You think you should pull back to my position, then?'

>"If you're going to be leaving, yes," she says. "I can't do anything for you if you're too far away."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 09:18:10 PM
>"I'll stay put for now, then. I don't want to give up this opportunity to possibly learn something about Berserker and his master while they don't seem to know where we are. Let me know if his behavior changes. And I guess if he keeps moving directly away from me, I ought to make my way in your direction too, so you don't get too far away."
>Stay on alert. And keep a Wall stone close at hand in case we need it
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 09:22:39 PM
>Prepare a Blind too in case we have an unpleasant Master vs Master bout.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 09:43:45 PM
>"I'll stay put for now, then. I don't want to give up this opportunity to possibly learn something about Berserker and his master while they don't seem to know where we are. Let me know if his behavior changes. And I guess if he keeps moving directly away from me, I ought to make my way in your direction too, so you don't get too far away."
>Stay on alert. And keep a Wall stone close at hand in case we need it

>Prepare a Blind too in case we have an unpleasant Master vs Master bout.


>"Understood," says Archer. "Right now, it just seems like he's looking around. He's making a good pace, though, he's already covered a block and a half. I think you'd have trouble outrunning him."
>You keep your spells ready, in case something happens.
>A minute passes, then another. You then notice a single car coming from the west, quietly making is way down the road. As it reaches the block you are on, it slows down to a crawl, going perhaps 15 miles per hour at most, then slower still. You get a good look at it as it creeps down the road, it is a small black limousine, the windows are tinted, preventing you from seeing who is inside.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 09:46:32 PM
>Quietly. "Archer, there's an suspicious car passing by here, it keeps slowing down, it may be the master of the Berserker."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 09:48:39 PM
>Quietly. "Archer, there's an suspicious car passing by here, it keeps slowing down, it may be the master of the Berserker."

>"Okay. Do you want me to pull back?" says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 09:50:17 PM
Okay ladies and gentlemen, time to debate.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 09:51:44 PM
Honestly, I think it's almost certainly best to have Archer come back for this and take a look. If it turns out it's nothing, she should be able to find Berserker again easily enough. Better safe than sorry.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 09:58:20 PM
Yeah, plus, if it IS the rival master, she will have a headstart over the mysterious Berserker to reach us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 26, 2017, 10:15:20 PM
I can't wait for it to be, like, Mark Kirk or some shit.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 11:26:48 PM
>"I think you probably should. If it turns out it's nothing, you ought to be able to find Berserker again easily enough. And if it isn't, well...."
>Keep a subtle eye on that car
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 11:30:25 PM
>"I think you probably should. If it turns out it's nothing, you ought to be able to find Berserker again easily enough. And if it isn't, well...."
>Keep a subtle eye on that car

>"On my way," says Archer.
>The car is definitely slowing down. And it comes to a stop in front of the road you've parked on.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 11:37:41 PM
>Keep cool, keep cool....
>And be prepared to slam our foot on the gas if needbe
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 26, 2017, 11:39:30 PM
>And be prepared to slam our foot on the gas if needbe

> In preparation for this, if we put the car in Park previously, put it back in Drive.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 11:43:13 PM
>Isn't it an 2003 Civic ? Does that mean it's manual ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 11:46:02 PM
>Keep cool, keep cool....
>And be prepared to slam our foot on the gas if needbe

> In preparation for this, if we put the car in Park previously, put it back in Drive.

>Isn't it an 2003 Civic ? Does that mean it's manual ?

>You turned the car off, so the engine noises wouldn't attract attention. Both manual and automatics exist, you got the latter because Americans don't like clutches and shit.
>You try to stay cool, watching the black limo as discreetly as you can. One of the doors in back opens up. No interior lights come on, so you cannot see inside. Then a hand extends from it, and makes a come hither gesture.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 26, 2017, 11:48:55 PM
>Who are they beckoning? It can't be us, can it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 26, 2017, 11:49:41 PM
Really ? I never thought that Americans favored Automatics so much.

>Was it to us ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 26, 2017, 11:52:03 PM
Manuals are pretty uncommon outside of car enthusiasts and the elderly. I literally have no idea how to use one, and I'm not alone in that by far.

>Who are they beckoning? It can't be us, can it?
>Was it to us ?

>You...don't see anyone else around.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 12:01:38 AM
//What a gap in worlds.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 12:04:28 AM
Yeah, I've been in a car with a manual transmission maybe... once in my life?

>Well, never getting into a stranger's car is one of the first things they drill into you as a kid and that goes double when that stranger might be a magus who wants you dead. Stay put and act like we didn't see that.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 12:06:15 AM
>Try to act as if we are waiting for a friend. (We are after all.)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 12:16:19 AM
>Well, never getting into a stranger's car is one of the first things they drill into you as a kid and that goes double when that stranger might be a magus who wants you dead. Stay put and act like we didn't see that.

>Try to act as if we are waiting for a friend. (We are after all.)

>You stay put and act like you don't notice. After a moment the hand withdraws and the limo's door closes, seemingly on its own.
>The limo reverses, then turns down the street that you are parked, slowly approaching.
>"I can see it," says Archer. "Just a couple moments and I'll be right beside your car!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 12:20:45 AM
>Quietly. "Quick, it's coming closer."
>Keep Wall at hand.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 12:24:49 AM
>Quietly. "Quick, it's coming closer."
>Keep Wall at hand.

>You palm your rock with the proper letters painted on it.
>The limousine pulls up beside your car and comes to a stop.
>"I'm just outside the door on the side beside you," Archer sends to you. "Orders?"
>One of rear windows of the limo, even with your driver's side window, slowly rolls down. You can just see the outline of someone inside; a man. An older man, you think.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 12:30:18 AM
Ideas ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 12:31:49 AM
>Are there any noticeable details we can see even from here; weight, hair color, complexion? Do they look vaguely familiar in any way?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 12:37:52 AM
Obviously just have Robin waltz over there and shank him, and be back home in time for tea.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 12:45:46 AM
>Are there any noticeable details we can see even from here; weight, hair color, complexion? Do they look vaguely familiar in any way?

>You think he's Caucasian. The shape of his face suggests either one hell of a lantern jaw, or he is definitely older. You can't see his hair, but you think he wear glasses?
>You can just hear him say, "Young lady." His voice is definitely that of an older man.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 12:55:14 AM
>Can we tell if he's a Master, or even if he has an air of magic to him?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 12:56:02 AM
>"Um..."Well, guess we can't avoid this guy now that he's verbally addressed us. We should still stay put, though.
>"Robin, he's talking to me. Hurry up please."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 12:58:17 AM
>Can we tell if he's a Master, or even if he has an air of magic to him?

>You cannot. Whether this means he isn't one, or you just can't sense it is up in the air.

>"Um..."Well, guess we can't avoid this guy now that he's verbally addressed us. We should still stay put, though.
>"Robin, he's talking to me. Hurry up please."

>"I'm right here, what do you want?" Archer says.
>"If you wish to survive this war, it is best that you listen to what I have to say," says the man in the limo. You can detect a hint of irritation in his tone.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 01:01:01 AM
>"Get close to him and do your best not to be detected. I'll talk to him and if he reveals that he's a Master and he's up to no good, get ready to... stop him. If you know what I mean."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 01:02:39 AM
>Er, hang on a second. Is this vocal communication that could be heard by the guy talking to us? If so, don't actually say this yet.

Edit: Also, I think we ought to at least hear the guy out, so long as Robin has aim on him to do something if he turns out to want to do more than just talk
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 01:04:30 AM
My bad, didn't realise he was so close.
>Hold that for now, how quietly can we communicate with Robin? Do we have a telepathic link?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:09:27 AM
>"Get close to him and do your best not to be detected. I'll talk to him and if he reveals that he's a Master and he's up to no good, get ready to... stop him. If you know what I mean."
>Er, hang on a second. Is this vocal communication that could be heard by the guy talking to us? If so, don't actually say this yet.
>Hold that for now, how quietly can we communicate with Robin? Do we have a telepathic link?

>He would probably hear you speak. You do have a telepathic link, though.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 01:12:36 AM
>"Get close to him and do your best not to be detected. I'll talk to him and if he reveals that he's a Master and he's up to no good, get ready to... stop him. If you know what I mean."

>Convey this telepathically.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:16:09 AM
>Convey this telepathically.

>"Closer than this?" she sends back. "I'll do my best."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 01:18:02 AM
>Telepathically: I mean, do you have a shot on him now? That's good enough. I think I ought to listen to what he has to say, but the moment it looks like he means to attack me instead... well, you know...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:18:47 AM
>Telepathically: I mean, do you have a shot on him now? That's good enough. I think I ought to listen to what he has to say, but the moment it looks like he means to attack me instead... well, you know...

>"Got it," Archer sends back.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 01:22:48 AM
>"...go on, Mister..."
>Try to recognize him.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:25:33 AM
>"...go on, Mister..."
>Try to recognize him.

>You can't see enough to really recognize him in this light.
>The limo's door opens, offering access to the seat opposite of his. "Get in," he says. "I have no intention of staying put while that servant up the road is on the prowl."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 01:31:48 AM
>Is he referring to Archy or the Berserker ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 01:34:21 AM
>So he's not the Master of that Berserker after all?! Phew. Well, there's one assumption we can make now, we suppose...
>"...Are you someone from the Association?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:36:01 AM
>Is he referring to Archy or the Berserker ?

>Who knows? Not you!

>So he's not the Master of that Berserker after all?! Phew. Well, there's one assumption we can make now, we suppose...
>"...Are you someone from the Association?"

>"No. And I have no interest in hosting 20 questions where that thing can hear," he says.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 01:37:57 AM
>"You'll forgive me if I'm leery about getting in a car with someone I don't know, particularly under present circumstances. Surely, he's too far away to overhear us?"
>To Archer: If he insists, do you think you could slip in the car alongside me, without him noticing? There's no way I want to run off with... whoever this is without insurance.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:41:01 AM
>"You'll forgive me if I'm leery about getting in a car with someone I don't know, particularly under present circumstances. Surely, he's too far away to overhear us?"
>To Archer: If he insists, do you think you could slip in the car alongside me, without him noticing? There's no way I want to run off with... whoever this is without insurance.

>"And I don't know you, young lady, so that puts on equal terms," he says. "Now if you would like to stop wasting everyone's time and letting that thing draw closer?"
>"Yeah, that should be easy," Archer sends back.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 01:42:51 AM
>Okay, let's do it.
>"Fine, fine."
>Let's accept the offered seat and try not to freak out too badly.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 01:47:28 AM
>Turn off and lock the car too !
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 01:57:36 AM
>Okay, let's do it.
>"Fine, fine."
>Let's accept the offered seat and try not to freak out too badly.
>Turn off and lock the car too !

>"I'm getting in first," Archer sends to you.
>You leave your vehicle, and climb into the limo. The interior is plush and soft beyond anything you've felt in a vehicle before. There is more than enough room to stretch your legs without hitting the other seat. As you sit down, your door closes on its own, and the limo slowly begins to roll down the street. Sitting opposite of you, barely illuminated in a dim car light shining behind him, is an older man with glasses. His age is hard to guess at, but he is certainly in his 60s at least. He has  a full head of hair, short and immaculately coiffed, with a clear part following his left temple.
>"I will get directly to the point," he says. "My name is Charles Koch, and I will pay you 30 million dollars for those command seals."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:00:43 AM
>"....what ?"
>Did we just hear it right ? 30 million dollars for our command seals ?
>Have we heard of this Charles Koch ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 02:04:34 AM
On the one hand, 30 million dollars is a lot of dollars. On the other hand, Charles Koch is rather low down my list of people I'd like to have command seals. (And dear LORD would Robin be a horrible fit for him - and thus a great cruelty to inflict upon HER). Though what I'd like to know is how he knew we were a master so quickly as to get here already. (And what he'd plan to do with them, of course)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 02:05:02 AM
>"....what ?"
>Did we just hear it right ? 30 million dollars for our command seals ?
>Have we heard of this Charles Koch ?

>"Did I stutter?" he says.
>You apparently did.
>You are well aware of Charles Koch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Koch); multi-billionaire industrialist with a well known interest in advancing libertarian political causes, known for funding numerous fringe and mainstream right wing groups.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:08:56 AM
>"Well... this is quite the offer... how did you even find me ?"
>First this guy just randomly finds me, then he offers a fortune for my seals, what even...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 02:11:28 AM
>Er, I'd not actually say that to Robin under these circumstances. Also, the issue isn't how he found us - we're presumably in the phone book - but how he had any idea we were important to find in the first place.

>"My apologies. It's just... not at all the sort of conversation I was expecting."
>"How did you know I even had them?"

>Are we even aware of how we can give our seals to someone else?

I also should say here that, regardless of how tempting the money and 'not being a target in a contest for our own life' may be, binding Robin of all people to a figurehead for the 'more money means more right' faction is wanton cruelty.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 02:15:05 AM
>"Well... this is quite the offer... how did you even find me ?"
>First this guy just randomly finds me, then he offers a fortune for my seals, what even...
>Er, I'd not actually say that to Robin under these circumstances. Also, the issue isn't how he found us - we're presumably in the phone book - but how he had any idea we were important to find in the first place.
>"My apologies. It's just... not at all the sort of conversation I was expecting."
>"How did you know I even had them?"
>Are we even aware of how we can give our seals to someone else?

>"Why don't you tell me how your friend slipped in here instead?" he says. "It's not important how I know, what is important is whether or not you accept."
>"What!?" Archer's voice in your head squawks. "How did he-? But I-! You aren't seriously going along with this, right?"
>You know that the Church can remove them and transfer them in their role as overseer. There may be other ways to do it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 02:15:29 AM
I mean, if i were Lily, I'd just have Archer kill him right then and now... But I'm not Lily and keeping him alive may get us further information on the plot, so hmmmmm.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 27, 2017, 02:19:22 AM
If I were Lily I'd take the money, but then this wouldn't be much of a quest now would it.

I mean, $30mil is a lot of pizza!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 27, 2017, 02:19:40 AM
consume the rich, consume the rich

>"No, no I think it's important for me to know. Like you said, that 'thing' is out on the hunt right next to us, and what you want from me is what's keeping me safe."
>"And thirty million is chump change compared to the Grail."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:21:45 AM
>Well... you remember those rich folks and nobles you opposed ? He is sorta like the modern version of them. So nooooooope, no chance.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 27, 2017, 02:26:33 AM
//We aren't accepting the offer, naturally. Though it would be one of the fastest ends for a Quest.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 02:31:38 AM
>"No, no I think it's important for me to know. Like you said, that 'thing' is out on the hunt right next to us, and what you want from me is what's keeping me safe."
>"And thirty million is chump change compared to the Grail."

>"You will not get the Grail," he says flatly. "You do not have the drive, the power, the resources, or the knowledge to do so. And no, the grail is not worth 30 million dollars. That money will bring far more power into your life than any amount of magic trickery ever will. You will never obtain a chance to improve your life to this degree again."

>Well... you remember those rich folks and nobles you opposed ? He is sorta like the modern version of them. So nooooooope, no chance.

>"I am definitely getting that feeling," sends Archer. "But there's more than meets the eye here...I think I'm a little too far removed from my element to tell you what."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:39:07 AM
>"And yet you are offering me that money in exchange for the chance at the grail even though you said it is not worth it, and how do you know if i have the drive or the resources or the knowledge ?"
>Just what is he even planning ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 02:42:54 AM
>Hang on a sec. The command seals have value even outside of contending for the grail, so we can't assume this is what he wants them for.
>(And Archer certainly can't know what he's planning - she doesn't even know who he IS)

I also feel like mentioning, for those who seem in favor of killing Koch here, that he was able to track us down as having command seals almost before we knew this ourselves, can somehow see through a noble phantasm (at least partially) and still has a living brother with presumably comparable access to whatever resources Charles is using. We might prefer not to give him reason to kill us just yet.

>We presumably were not aware of either Koch brother having magi connections, right?

>"And if I decline?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:45:20 AM
>The latter was more of an thought to the self.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 02:45:51 AM
>He kind of has a point. We ARE just a working-class Magus after all. But we also have better morals and a differing political compass than to take him up on his offer...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 27, 2017, 02:47:05 AM
"I have a Servant in the car, you've admitted you don't because you want my seals, and you really think this is negotiation is in your favor?"

I wanna go with this.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 02:47:55 AM
>Moreover, however much we might arguably benefit, it would mean binding Robin into the service of someone who stands for the very antithesis of her own ideals. Sure, we haven't known her very long, but how could we honestly conscience such a thing?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 02:49:23 AM
>Hang on a sec. The command seals have value even outside of contending for the grail, so we can't assume this is what he wants them for.
>(And Archer certainly can't know what he's planning - she doesn't even know who he IS)
>We presumably were not aware of either Koch brother having magi connections, right?

>"And if I decline?"

>There's always been rumors of big money players being dabbling into the occult underground, but nothing really ever seemed to come of it.
>"Then you will return to the mud," he says. "And you will shortly be slain by some other Master. You will die pitifully and alone, perhaps you'll be lucky enough not to have time to mourn your wasted life. I offer you not just a way out, but a way upward."

>He kind of has a point. We ARE just a working-class Magus after all. But we also have better morals and a differing political compass than to take him up on his offer...

>You hate to admit he has...something of a point. With that kind of money, you could easily set yourself up for life... But at the same time...

>Moreover, however much we might arguably benefit, it would mean binding Robin into the service of someone who stands for the very antithesis of her own ideals. Sure, we haven't known her very long, but how could we honestly conscience such a thing?

>People have done awful things for money all throughout history. Could you?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 27, 2017, 02:52:26 AM
//I had the urge to coerce him. Or at least, find a way for him to work for us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 02:57:25 AM
That's a far away dream, we are no Yuri.

>We have also been getting along well too, actually, isn't she one of the few, if not the only one person, that we have an rather friendly relationship with irl ?
>"Well, it is true that i am but a simple worker that is also an Magus, i do not have vast amounts of money, nor manpower or certain knowledges... however... a certain someone showed me that i must have more confidence on myself, and that even if it does not go the way we planned, we just get up and do better, and i trust that person."

So ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 27, 2017, 03:01:30 AM
> Uh, no.

What on earth are you talking about there? Are you doing that thing again where you write up some flowery inspiring dialogue about stuff that ever actually happened? <_< Also that is way too verbose for such a tense situation, especially considering our lacking social skills. Double especially considering who our audience is.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 27, 2017, 03:05:58 AM
>Okay, no offense taken, just got it outta the system.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 03:19:31 AM
>Nervously look towards the front seat, as if considering something, only for something to occur to you in doing so...
>Who's driving the car, anyway? Just some valet, or...?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 03:21:08 AM
>Nervously look towards the front seat, as if considering something, only for something to occur to you in doing so...
>Who's driving the car, anyway? Just some valet, or...?

>Unfortunately, your back is to the driver's seat, so you have no idea. You try to glance back discreetly and disguise it as a thinking motion, and see that there is a privacy screen up.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 27, 2017, 03:29:23 AM
> How much time has passed since the Grail War started? Or aren't we able to determine it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 03:30:23 AM
> How much time has passed since the Grail War started? Or aren't we able to determine it?

>You don't know, honestly. It could be upwards of a couple weeks?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 27, 2017, 03:38:08 AM
>"Um, with all due respect, Mr. Koch... why are you doing this? Surely a magus with your resources could do better than bribing someone like me..."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 03:42:39 AM
>"Um, with all due respect, Mr. Koch... why are you doing this? Surely a magus with your resources could do better than bribing someone like me..."

>"Because I'm a better class of person than that," he says. "I believe in opportunity. I believe in giving those with the proper spark the chance to shine where they will do their best. You will not do your best here; you will not do much at all. But you have come that far and I choose to recognize it."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 04:46:42 AM
After extensive discussion on IRC, we seem to have agreement to verbally decline the offer. Whether we use this to segue into strong-arming him for more information/resources or actually just walk away with nothing remains to be seen based on how he reacts.

>"If you think I'd be flattered to be recognized by someone whose done as much as you have to take healthcare away from people, then think again. Maybe these seals are wasted on me, but that's still better than whatever it is you'd use them for - unless you'd care to inform me otherwise?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 02:09:52 PM
>"If you think I'd be flattered to be recognized by someone whose done as much as you have to take healthcare away from people, then think again. Maybe these seals are wasted on me, but that's still better than whatever it is you'd use them for - unless you'd care to inform me otherwise?"

>"Why, it's quite simple," he says. "I'm going to shut the whole thing down. Can you tell me that anything good would come of allowing such an unfettered force running wild, where just anyone can change the world at their whim? There's nothing else for it but to remove it and allow us to be free of such meddlesome forces."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 04:12:06 PM
>Of course he's in favor of Small Grail.
>"How... can that be accomplished?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 04:39:10 PM
>Of course he's in favor of Small Grail.
>"How... can that be accomplished?"

>"Turn its own power against it, of course," he says. "If it can grant any  wish, then you need only wish for it never to do so again. And then we are free. If that won't work, other methods can be considered."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 05:40:31 PM
>"Do you intend to buy everyone's command seals, then?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 05:43:12 PM
>"Do you intend to buy everyone's command seals, then?"

>"If they are willing," he says. "And if I don't deem them too dangerous to approach."
>"Master," Archer's voice echoes in your thoughts. "I'm liking this less and less. I've been trying to investigate this car, and...something's off. I can't tell what. I don't know if its magecraft or magic or what, but there's something going on."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 06:04:49 PM
>"Less interested in the master of... whatever that is skulking around the neighbourhood, then?"
>'Going on'? So not just that the car is warded or enchanted, but that something is happening?
>Can we see out the window? Where do we appear to be going?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 06:08:57 PM
>"Less interested in the master of... whatever that is skulking around the neighbourhood, then?"
>'Going on'? So not just that the car is warded or enchanted, but that something is happening?
>Can we see out the window? Where do we appear to be going?

>"That one, we haven't found just yet," he says.
>"I...think so?" she sends. "There's some kind of background thing going on, I think?"
>You glance out the window, and see an unfamiliar neighborhood. You think you're probably not too far from where you parked, though. A couple blocks, maybe?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 06:17:38 PM
>Do you think whatever it is presents an immediate danger to us?
>Out of curiosity, how quickly can we reshape ground with Forbidden Zone? Could we theoretically use it to make the ground beneath us jagged enough to puncture the tires of a vehicle we were currently riding in?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 08:34:47 PM
>Do you think whatever it is presents an immediate danger to us?
>Out of curiosity, how quickly can we reshape ground with Forbidden Zone? Could we theoretically use it to make the ground beneath us jagged enough to puncture the tires of a vehicle we were currently riding in?

>"I don't know,"  Archer sends to you. "It doesn't feel like, but I'm, not sure what it does feel like."
>It takes a few moments at best. Maybe if you were stopped?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 09:09:09 PM
>So our range isn't long enough to reshape the area ahead the car before it reaches it?

Honestly, the bad vibes here make me kinda want to just bail post-haste even if there's still more questions I'd like to ask (not that we can really expect honest answers either). Tradeoff between trying to figure out what this oddity might be and putting some distance between us and it (I mean, provided Koch doesn't attempt to do something if we say negotiations are over).
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 27, 2017, 09:12:48 PM
//If Archer's worried, we shouldn't take the risk. We have to take into account and be extremely cautious at Koch's reaction at us leaving the negotiations.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 27, 2017, 11:14:39 PM
>So our range isn't long enough to reshape the area ahead the car before it reaches it?

>You have to be in the area you are affecting.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 27, 2017, 11:42:36 PM
>Yes, but what's the approximate radius of what counts as 'in the area'? Could we reshape something at the furthest extent of it in the length of time it might take a car moving at town speeds to reach it?
>I'd still like to know what he knows, but if you're creeped out, that goes double for me.
>"Then perhaps you'd be better served by looking for them. Who knows, they might even be a libertarian."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 12:03:08 AM
>Yes, but what's the approximate radius of what counts as 'in the area'? Could we reshape something at the furthest extent of it in the length of time it might take a car moving at town speeds to reach it?
>I'd still like to know what he knows, but if you're creeped out, that goes double for me.
>"Then perhaps you'd be better served by looking for them. Who knows, they might even be a libertarian."

>That's an interesting question. The few times you have used it, it spread out from where you were, placing you in the middle.
>"It's sort of like trying to pick out one conversation out of a market," Archer sends. "I'm becoming sure he has some kind of thing on him, though."
>"Oh, everyone's a libertarian in the end," he says, "I've watched just about any kind of person you can name acknowledge it over the years. But that's beside the point, this war doesn't have anything to do with ideologies, does it? A bunch of treehuggers will fight it out just the same."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 28, 2017, 12:09:51 AM
>We kind of understand what he's trying to say here; this could affect Americans/Magi from all directions on the compass. We won't readily admit that though.
>"Well, with all due respect, I've hugged quite a few proverbial trees in my time. Mr. Koch. A-a-and I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 12:14:57 AM
>Er, not to quibble on wording too strongly, but even I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say to him right there?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 28, 2017, 12:18:36 AM
//She's respectful-skeptical-awkwardly telling him that she's one of those tree hugging types he's talking about. This is a socially awkward person we're playing here, after all. We tend to talk like that.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 12:22:52 AM
I mean, I guess so. But on the other hand, if there was ever a time NOT to fumble over ourselves, it's now. We can blubber all we want afterward. But no matter, I guess.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 02:01:07 AM
>We kind of understand what he's trying to say here; this could affect Americans/Magi from all directions on the compass. We won't readily admit that though.
>"Well, with all due respect, I've hugged quite a few proverbial trees in my time. Mr. Koch. A-a-and I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon."

>"You say that," says Charles, a little grin on his lips. "But you've already entered yourself in a bloody free for all. Not very treehugger of you, is it? I daresay you agree with me more than you want to acknowledge already. Well, perhaps save for the key point that I am trying to reduce bloodshed and you apparently are not."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 02:15:42 AM
>"If you really cared that much about keeping people from dying, you'd have put that money of yours behind making healthcare cheaper instead of the opposite. Whatever death toll will come out of this war is a drop in the bucket by comparison."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 02:23:27 AM
>"If you really cared that much about keeping people from dying, you'd have put that money of yours behind making healthcare cheaper instead of the opposite. Whatever death toll will come out of this war is a drop in the bucket by comparison."

>"Of course I am doing just that," he says. "But it is a shame that people do all in their power to have the government shield them from market forces. I'm sure you're quite happy with rising medical costs buoyed by the guarantee of government payment taken from the hands of the poor, aren't you? But that's beside the point, isn't it? It's odd you'd try to assume moral superiority when you're supposedly ready to kill with your own hands. Not that you actually can, of course."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 28, 2017, 02:25:55 AM
>"My Servant's in this car, too, you know. Would you like them to test out that theory, Mr. Koch?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 02:34:43 AM
>"You sound awfully sure that I wouldn't."
>Although if he's that confident with a servant in the car with him, something tells me we ought not to test it just yet.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 02:39:55 AM
>"You sound awfully sure that I wouldn't."
>Although if he's that confident with a servant in the car with him, something tells me we ought not to test it just yet.

>"You think that you would," he says. "You think that you ready. But you haven't been in that position yet. You've never been in a proper fight, I would guess. And you certainly don't have discipline, none of your generation does. We were too kind to you, I suppose. You aren't ready to kill, and you will never find yourself in a position to do so, in any case. You should be thrilled with the kindness I have offered you."
>"If he's bluffing," Archer sends to you, "Then he's one hell of a bluffer. I really hope he is, though. I really do."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 02:55:03 AM
>"Under other circumstances, perhaps I would be, but - if I'm honest - I don't really trust you and I'm not interested in binding someone to your service against their will. So now, if you could stop the car and let me get out, that would be great."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:01:46 AM
>"Under other circumstances, perhaps I would be, but - if I'm honest - I don't really trust you and I'm not interested in binding someone to your service against their will. So now, if you could stop the car and let me get out, that would be great."

>"If you're certain," says Charles. "Though I warn you, you are forsaking a much greater power for a lesser one. This will only bring you bitter frustration and ruin."
>The limousine begins to slow.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:03:47 AM
>"Well, if I change my mind, I'm sure I can figure out how to contact you."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:18:08 AM
>"Well, if I change my mind, I'm sure I can figure out how to contact you."

>"I'm afraid not," he says. "I won't have time to come find you again. You only have this opportunity now."
>The limousine stops, the door opens on its own.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:20:30 AM
>Take a look outside and assuming everything seems fine, step out
>"Then I guess I'll have to live with my decision."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:25:50 AM
>Take a look outside and assuming everything seems fine, step out
>"Then I guess I'll have to live with my decision."

>He says nothing as you step out.
>The door closes behind you a few moments later, and the limousine begins to drive away.
>"Should we be leaving him like this?" Archer sends to you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:27:30 AM
>To contact other masters and possibly gain their command seals, you mean?
>Also: can you tell how far away we are from Berserker?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:31:30 AM
>To contact other masters and possibly gain their command seals, you mean?
>Also: can you tell how far away we are from Berserker?

>"Just in general, really," Archer sends, as the limousine speeds away and turns a corner. "And, well, there's no fog anymore, so pretty good distance, I imagine."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:36:02 AM
>I don't like it, either, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he had some kind of ace up his sleeve - otherwise you'd have to be insane to sound that confident when you knew there was a Servant sitting right next to the person you were goading. I mean... wouldn't you?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 28, 2017, 03:38:07 AM
> Look around. Where are we exactly?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:44:14 AM
>I don't like it, either, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he had some kind of ace up his sleeve - otherwise you'd have to be insane to sound that confident when you knew there was a Servant sitting right next to the person you were goading. I mean... wouldn't you?

>"It's why I held back," she says, aloud now. Her voice comes from your left.

> Look around. Where are we exactly?

>You don't know precisely. You're in some neighborhood. Presumably part of the one you were just in, but you have no idea where.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:45:55 AM
>"I guess you'd have wanted to put an arrow or two in him otherwise?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 28, 2017, 03:47:10 AM
> "I'm sorry you had to watch in action such a disgusting type of person."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 03:53:02 AM
>"I guess you'd have wanted to put an arrow or two in him otherwise?"

>"Or knives. Whatever's quickest," she says.

> "I'm sorry you had to watch in action such a disgusting type of person."

>"He's not the first," she says. "Let's just get back to your car already. It's this way."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 03:57:27 AM
>"Right."
>Let's head back.

>"You know, there's something I'd been meaning to ask. When I first summoned you, you said you had a bone to pick with the grail or something, right? Would it be prying to ask what you meant?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:01:41 AM
>"Right."
>Let's head back.

>"You know, there's something I'd been meaning to ask. When I first summoned you, you said you had a bone to pick with the grail or something, right? Would it be prying to ask what you meant?"

>You start heading back.
>"Huh?" she says. "Oh, that. It was just a little joke. I want it as much as anyone. Though, I am wondering something. Just what do you want it for?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 28, 2017, 04:03:26 AM
> Have we ever wished for something that badly?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:04:10 AM
> Have we ever wished for something that badly?

>Have you?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 28, 2017, 04:09:06 AM
> "... Honestly, I didn't thought about that until now."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 04:21:03 AM
>"I-"
>Stop, shake our head, and then snicker sheepishly
>"This is probably just going to me me sound stupid, but I... don't really know what I'd wish for. I mean, the grail wasn't something I'd ever planned to seek. I just woke up one morning, knowing that the grail was calling to me - that I'd been chosen by it somehow. And that frankly makes no sense to me at all, even now - I don't have any family connection to it, I'm on the other side of the world from where every other grail war was fought. The way I heard it, they weren't even expecting there to be another Grail War. What magus could resist investigating a magical mystery on that scale?"
>"I mean, that probably doesn't sound like much to risk your life on and maybe it isn't, but I just knew that if I let this pass me by, I'd spend the rest of my life wondering what might have been. And the wish itself is nothing to sneeze at, either."
>Awkward chuckle, then sigh again
>"Honestly, the wish itself is almost too enormous a thing to decide upon so quickly. I want it to count for something - to matter in the grand scheme of things, somehow."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:42:17 AM
> "... Honestly, I didn't thought about that until now."
>"I-"
>Stop, shake our head, and then snicker sheepishly
>"This is probably just going to me me sound stupid, but I... don't really know what I'd wish for. I mean, the grail wasn't something I'd ever planned to seek. I just woke up one morning, knowing that the grail was calling to me - that I'd been chosen by it somehow. And that frankly makes no sense to me at all, even now - I don't have any family connection to it, I'm on the other side of the world from where every other grail war was fought. The way I heard it, they weren't even expecting there to be another Grail War. What magus could resist investigating a magical mystery on that scale?"
>"I mean, that probably doesn't sound like much to risk your life on and maybe it isn't, but I just knew that if I let this pass me by, I'd spend the rest of my life wondering what might have been. And the wish itself is nothing to sneeze at, either."
>Awkward chuckle, then sigh again
>"Honestly, the wish itself is almost too enormous a thing to decide upon so quickly. I want it to count for something - to matter in the grand scheme of things, somehow."

>"I guess I can see-GET BACK!"
>Invisible hands roughly grab you by the shoulders and pull you back as you start to cross a street, a moment before something large and black rumbles past you! Was that a car?! Why weren't its headlights on? You could barely even see it!
>Tires screech just past you. You can see it moving in the darkness now, large and black and pulling a a surprising turnaround despite its mass!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 04:45:46 AM
>"The hell?!"
>Is it actually a car? Like, an ordinary honest-to-goodness car? Can we sense anything strange afoot?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:49:19 AM
>"The hell?!"
>Is it actually a car? Like, an ordinary honest-to-goodness car? Can we sense anything strange afoot?

>It's an actual car. Or rather, as you look at in in what weak light there is available, it seems to be a black limousine. You would almost say a familiar black limousine, but you are certain it didn't have tires like that, beforehand! Nor did it have what seems to be several large spikes attached to the grill and front bumper! It pulls out of its spin, having pulled a neat 180.
>"Master! Orders!" Archer shouts.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 04:52:50 AM
>Did it come from the same direction the limo departed from earlier? Not that it matters, perhaps....
>What do our surroundings here look like? In terms of building and terrain.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:56:02 AM
>Did it come from the same direction the limo departed from earlier? Not that it matters, perhaps....
>What do our surroundings here look like? In terms of building and terrain.

>No, but it could have gone around the block, maybe?
>You are currently at an intersection in a residential neighborhood. All around you are various houses, mostly of the one story variety. There are no streetlights, and not a lot of light in general as a result. There are some cars parallel parked on the road, but not too many. Some of the yards are fenced in on some sides, some of those on all sides, while others have no fences at all.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 05:00:50 AM
>Presumably there is no high ground to stand on that isn't the roof of someone's house?
>Are we capable of using Wall at our own feet to get a quick altitude boost? If so, how quickly does the wall form?
>The limo is pointed back at us again, right?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 05:03:33 AM
>Presumably there is no high ground to stand on that isn't the roof of someone's house?
>Are we capable of using Wall at our own feet to get a quick altitude boost? If so, how quickly does the wall form?
>The limo is pointed back at us again, right?

>There are some cars you could jump onto. Otherwise, not that you can immediately see.
>You've never tried it, but Wall tends not to be very thick unless you pour a good amount of Mana into it, and have a lot of loose material onhand.
>Yes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 05:19:54 AM
>How well does asphalt work for Wall material? Not loose enough to be usable?
>Could Forbidden Zone create 'pillars' beneath ourselves or are those not hazardous enough to fall under its purview? (Also, how long would that sort of thing ordinarily take?)
>What do we know about the special capabilities of Archer's bow?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on July 28, 2017, 07:48:45 AM
>Everything, that's how it works.

The smartest thing is to have Archer cover us as we get the fuck away, not waste our own resources. Get on the car roof or something.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 08:20:22 AM
I don't think a car roof is going to be high enough to matter for this. I'd thought about having Archer hoist us onto the roof of a house, but then I have terrible images of the car just barreling into the house and maybe getting a bystander killed. Still, I'm not certain anywhere that's safer.

(Honestly, the first call that comes to mind in the situation is to have Archer try to take out the driver, but I have a very strong suspicion we may be dealing with Rider here which wouldn't make that altogether easy.)

Also, I realize that Lily should know the bow's capabilities, but I wanted them listed explicitly for the purposes of this game, which is certainly a more reliable resource for what we can do with it here than the Fate wiki is.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 28, 2017, 10:10:07 AM
>Have Archer do a quick assessment of the souped-up combat limo. Is it a Servant?

//Probably one of the things we should be trying here is that. As for bystanders, well, A.) Considering it's Nasuverse night, no one is probably even home, and B.) Collateral damage happens in these sorts of situations. We should be trying to save ourselves here, and hope the risk doesn't come into play.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 02:41:41 PM
>How well does asphalt work for Wall material? Not loose enough to be usable?
>Could Forbidden Zone create 'pillars' beneath ourselves or are those not hazardous enough to fall under its purview? (Also, how long would that sort of thing ordinarily take?)
>What do we know about the special capabilities of Archer's bow?

>Loose or broken asphalt is good. Asphalt from a road doesn't really work unless there's no other options available. Then it creates a weak wall.
>You could directly it to so, but it would not on its own.
>You are aware that she can apply poison to her arrows without any effort on her part, though she then needs to let it rest for a moment before she can do it again. She may also use it to intensify the effect of any poisons within a target's system. Finally, she may use it to cloud an area about the size of a city block in poisonous gas, though as long as that is in effect, it hampers the other abilities of her bow.

>Everything, that's how it works.

>Are you trying to make some sense? Start making some sense!

>Have Archer do a quick assessment of the souped-up combat limo. Is it a Servant?

>This will take a couple moments on her part, you imagine. Which you also imagine this thing can exploit in the meantime. So you might wanna plan for more than just that.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 28, 2017, 03:20:45 PM
>"Archer, get us to higher ground or a rooftop now! Try and get us on top of the garage, though, if it goes through the building to get to us it'll be less risky to any residents."
>Get Archer to try and assess the evil limo while we look around for anything on the street we can make use of for our spells one we're up there. Do we see anything with good potential?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 04:49:08 PM
>"Archer, get us to higher ground or a rooftop now! Try and get us on top of the garage, though, if it goes through the building to get to us it'll be less risky to any residents."
>Get Archer to try and assess the evil limo while we look around for anything on the street we can make use of for our spells one we're up there. Do we see anything with good potential?

>"Got it!" Archer sends back.
>You look around, and see there are a couple of gravel driveways around. There may be other things, if you want to take the time to look around more.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 05:44:10 PM
>If one of those ones with a gravel drive is about as near as any other and presents a good garage, point out that one to Archer as where we should go. Otherwise just pick whichever looks closest and most suitable
>And if it keeps on coming once we're out of the way, try to take out the driver!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 06:27:04 PM
>If one of those ones with a gravel drive is about as near as any other and presents a good garage, point out that one to Archer as where we should go. Otherwise just pick whichever looks closest and most suitable
>And if it keeps on coming once we're out of the way, try to take out the driver!

>"One thing at a time!" Archer sends back, as you feel an invisible arm slip under your arm and around your lower ribs, before you're jerked off your feet and forcefully drug toward one of the gravel driveway houses. Then there's a sudden jerk and a weightless sensation, and a definite feeling you're about to fall, before your feet touch on a strange surface and you have to balance.
>The limousine simply sits in the street as you're jerked away. Then, once you land on the roof, it starts to pick up speed, angling off of the road and starting to cut through a yard to make a beeline toward your position.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 06:54:13 PM
>Strange surface? Are we not on a roof or something?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 08:25:25 PM
>Strange surface? Are we not on a roof or something?

>Now that you have a moment to collect yourself, you are on a roof. It turns out shingles feel very different than sidewalk or grass! Especially when you are suddenly hijacked from one to the other.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 08:47:24 PM
I'd normally hesitate on immediately ordering her to shoot someone we haven't even seen, but under the circumstances I'm not so confident that attempting to have her puncture the tires instead would be more productive. Who knows what magic might be involved here.

>Take out the driver!
>Let's ready a Wall spell if the car keeps barreling forward anyway. Try to block it from ramming the structure beneath our feet, if it looks like it's going to come to that.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 09:00:05 PM
>Take out the driver!
>Let's ready a Wall spell if the car keeps barreling forward anyway. Try to block it from ramming the structure beneath our feet, if it looks like it's going to come to that.

>"Got it!" Archer's sends back.
>The limo barrels toward your position; it seems very much like it's planning to ram the garage you're standing on. You get ready to place your wall. As you do, Archer sends a few arrows into its windshield; leaving little white pits on it as they bounce off.
>You are just about to saw the words and place your wall when the vehicle suddenly springs into the air, barreling right for you! You barely have time to process that before something snakes around your waist, and you are falling! Then you land on something soft, but not soft enough to keep them impact from hurting a bit. "You didn't tell me those things could jump!" Archer cries, almost right in your ear!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on July 28, 2017, 09:24:35 PM
>"Because they can't ! At least not normally !"
>Scan the situation !
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 09:32:53 PM
>"Because they can't ! At least not normally !"
>Scan the situation !

>"Not reassuring, Master!"
>At a glance, you think the limousine landed in the back yard of this house. You seem to be on the ground again, prone and held by Archer. And laying on her, by the feel of it. Though she lets you go, and immediately pushes you off of her.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 09:35:33 PM
>Did the limo seem to have any maneuverability in the air? ie: was it flying or just jumping?
>Presumably all the windows were up, right?
>And the arrows barely scratched them?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 09:50:23 PM
>Did the limo seem to have any maneuverability in the air? ie: was it flying or just jumping?
>Presumably all the windows were up, right?
>And the arrows barely scratched them?

>You think it was the latter, not that you had much time to see before Archer pushed you off of the roof.
>They were all up, and the arrow only seemed to do about as much damage as a kicked up rock might do to your windshield. You aren't sure if that's due to some kind of magic, or if the glass is protective.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 10:22:56 PM
>Does the Wall stone have to be thrown by US? Could we give the incantation and then have Archer land the stone somewhere more precisely?
>If we created a Wall in a narrow space, could it theoretically be used to push something apart with the force of it growing?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 10:24:52 PM
>Does the Wall stone have to be thrown by US? Could we give the incantation and then have Archer land the stone somewhere more precisely?
>If we created a Wall in a narrow space, could it theoretically be used to push something apart with the force of it growing?

>Yes. And it can't be placed too far away from you.
>If the components of the wall are strong enough, it may push apart weaker barriers.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 10:26:50 PM
>What about throwing the stone and then having an arrow knock it somewhere as a form of course-correction? Would that prevent the magic from taking hold properly?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 10:31:35 PM
>What about throwing the stone and then having an arrow knock it somewhere as a form of course-correction? Would that prevent the magic from taking hold properly?

>You...have no idea. It doesn't feel like it should work, but...maybe?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 10:38:46 PM
>If we were to form a wall on the hood of this limo, would it in an way be anchored to that surface or would it just topple over again for not actually being physically adjacent to 'earth'?
>Are these walls always purely/primarily vertical, or do we get some control over angle?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 10:41:42 PM
>If we were to form a wall on the hood of this limo, would it in an way be anchored to that surface or would it just topple over again for not actually being physically adjacent to 'earth'?
>Are these walls always purely/primarily vertical, or do we get some control over angle?

>It wouldn't form, due to being separated from the surrounding earth.
>They are perpendicular to the surface they form on. You may be able to slant the angle a few degrees, though.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 10:46:42 PM
>Oh, so it always has to be formed on earth, and not just 'close enough to draw nearby materials into itself'?

Because that probably tosses multiple ideas out the window here....

>The 'line of sight' requirement for Blind, does this require us to be able to clearly make out our target or just 'point in the right direction with no opaque obstructions in the way'?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 10:51:43 PM
>Oh, so it always has to be formed on earth, and not just 'close enough to draw nearby materials into itself'?
>The 'line of sight' requirement for Blind, does this require us to be able to clearly make out our target or just 'point in the right direction with no opaque obstructions in the way'?

>It has to be in contact with the planet. Though you get some wiggle room for stuff like blacktop, concrete, and whatnot. Though without loose earth nearby, the results can be disappointing.
>You have to see the target, enough to distinguish an outline of them. Seeing someone in the fog from a distance will do.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Yaersulf on July 28, 2017, 10:55:04 PM
>'This is the work of an enemy stand!
>'I think this car might have something to do with a Servant. It's doing things that should be impossible.'
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 11:06:38 PM
>'This is the work of an enemy stand!
>'I think this car might have something to do with a Servant. It's doing things that should be impossible.'

>YOU FOOL! Do you not know a Pillar Man when you see him!?
>"I'm pretty sure that's a Noble Phantasm!" she says above you, you must have gotten to her feet. "I'd bet anything that's Rider in there! Now get up!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 11:18:21 PM
>Get up! And get ready to move quickly
>Normal cars have air intakes. Could you localize a poison cloud to the path it's driving? Maybe some might seep inside.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 11:24:55 PM
>Get up! And get ready to move quickly
>Normal cars have air intakes. Could you localize a poison cloud to the path it's driving? Maybe some might seep inside.

>You scramble to your feet, as you hear the limo moving around in the back yard, knocking things over.
>"It's spreads out," Archer sends. You have no idea where she is now. Hopefully she's still with you? "That's what it does. Probably bad news for this neighborhood if I used it here."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on July 28, 2017, 11:29:38 PM
I swear to God Purvis if this is Michael Knight
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 11:31:49 PM
>Could we use Forbidden Zone to create a sinkhole that might collapse beneath the car when it drove over it? Sure, it can jump, but maybe it still needs forward momentum for that?
>Are there other houses/walls we could duck behind before the limo tears out of that back yard? Someplace where our location might not be immediately obvious once it does so?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 11:37:48 PM
You fool, I would only draw upon Stringfellow Hawke!

>Could we use Forbidden Zone to create a sinkhole that might collapse beneath the car when it drove over it? Sure, it can jump, but maybe it still needs forward momentum for that?
>Are there other houses/walls we could duck behind before the limo tears out of that back yard? Someplace where our location might not be immediately obvious once it does so?

>Plausibly, but it would take some effort.
>Yes, but you aren't sure if you could reach any of them before the limo reaches the front yard of this house.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 11:41:05 PM
>Effort, sure, but how much time? More than it would take the limo to reach our present position?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 11:41:43 PM
>Effort, sure, but how much time? More than it would take the limo to reach our present position?

>Definitely. You would need probably half a minute at least.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 28, 2017, 11:44:23 PM
>Scramble for the nearest house cover that would break line of sight with where the limo is expected to emerge and see if we can manage it before it spots us
>See if you can puncture the tires!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 28, 2017, 11:54:02 PM
>Scramble for the nearest house cover that would break line of sight with where the limo is expected to emerge and see if we can manage it before it spots us
>See if you can puncture the tires!

>You scramble to put the house you were just on between the limo and yourself, then head further down the street. You now have two options, continue on toward the next house, or circle around this one.
>"Got it!" Archer sends back as you flee. You hear a chainlink fence get knocked over!

>_

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 12:01:02 AM
>Try to circle around this one, so long as the sound doesn't make us think that means moving towards where the car currently us; no matter how good its turning radius, it has to be slower at that than driving in a straight line
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 12:10:44 AM
>Try to circle around this one, so long as the sound doesn't make us think that means moving towards where the car currently us; no matter how good its turning radius, it has to be slower at that than driving in a straight line

>You around the side of the house. You can hear the limo reach the front lawn, and a odd sort of ripping noise. You hear several thuds as well.
>Ahead is the back yard, which is cut off by a chain link fence. The neighboring back yard, though, is open.
>"I put a few in the tires!" Archer sends. "No luck, they just sank right in and didn't do anything! And they damn near hit me when they whipped the stupid thing around to turn! They're heading east!"
>You just realized you have no idea which direction you are going.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 12:39:34 AM
>Which way is east?!
>Are there any capabilities of Archer which we are aware of that have not already been explicated in-game?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 01:00:09 AM
>Which way is east?!
>Are there any capabilities of Archer which we are aware of that have not already been explicated in-game?

>"It's East!" she sends back.
>Nothing supernatural, at least.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 01:03:02 AM
>To the right of this house from the road or left?!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 01:06:15 AM
>To the right of this house from the road or left?!

>"Left!" she sends, This becomes moot a moment later, as you can hear the limousine do another of its drift turns behind you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 01:20:45 AM
>Nearest concealment we can get behind is presumably the opposite wall of the house we're currently nearby, right? Is that the only thing in close range?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 01:22:05 AM
>Nearest concealment we can get behind is presumably the opposite wall of the house we're currently nearby, right? Is that the only thing in close range?

>Yes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 01:31:56 AM
>Toss a Wall behind us and make for the other side of the house, then. Probably won't stop the limo, but it might at least slow it down a little.
>Try shooting one of the side windows. Where Koch was. Maybe if you hit it enough times, the glass will actually crack.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 01:49:15 AM
>Toss a Wall behind us and make for the other side of the house, then. Probably won't stop the limo, but it might at least slow it down a little.
>Try shooting one of the side windows. Where Koch was. Maybe if you hit it enough times, the glass will actually crack.

>You leave a wall behind you, chanting the words as you run. You can feel the mana flow, and you're thankful the spell is such an easy one. A sort of muffled 'whump!' sounds a moment later.
>You duck around the corner of the neighboring house; this one yellow opposed to the white of the first one; just a heartbeat or two before the limousine speeds past! It slams into the metal pole at the corner of the fence and bends it over, running it down under the passenger-side tires. You then hear an arrow whiz past and smack into the rear window, leaving another little pit, followed by another.
>"There's got to be a weak point somewhere!" Archer sends, as the limousine skids into another 180 degree turn.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 29, 2017, 02:07:39 AM
>Hmm, where would this thing especially vulnerable other than the windows and tir-- Of course! Even if it is a Noble Phantasm, it's still a vehicle!
>"This is going to sound completely batshit ridiculous, Archer... But we need to get it to expose its underside! The gears and fuel system are there."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 02:15:41 AM
>Hmm, where would this thing especially vulnerable other than the windows and tir-- Of course! Even if it is a Noble Phantasm, it's still a vehicle!
>"This is going to sound completely batshit ridiculous, Archer... But we need to get it to expose its underside! The gears and fuel system are there."

>"Just save yourself right now!" Archer sends back.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on July 29, 2017, 02:26:42 AM
>"Yeah, you're right. But let's keep that suggestion in mind."
>Look to see if we can get to the next house or if we're by an intersection so we can book it around. After all, if we're going to keep running...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 02:51:50 AM
>"Yeah, you're right. But let's keep that suggestion in mind."
>Look to see if we can get to the next house or if we're by an intersection so we can book it around. After all, if we're going to keep running...

>You are nowhere near an intersection. You are behind a house with an open yard. The limousine is in this same backyard, having just completed a 180 after nearly hitting you a moment ago. The "next" house is either just to your right, which is the one that just got its fence ruined and was the one you were just using a few moments ago. The other is across the length of this house and then a few yards more, you think. You haven't really had the time to assess that direction, what with the narrow life and death situation and all.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 03:15:13 AM
>Swing back around the nearest house corner and this time try to toss a Wall roughly so that it would rise while the limo was passing over it. Maybe that could tip it over for a moment at least?
>Be ready to grab me if this doesn't work!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 03:22:31 AM
>Swing back around the nearest house corner and this time try to toss a Wall roughly so that it would rise while the limo was passing over it. Maybe that could tip it over for a moment at least?
>Be ready to grab me if this doesn't work!

>You swing back around to the side of the house.
>"Coming coming coming!" Archer sends.
>The Limousine accelerates, having surprisingly little problem finding traction on the grass. You prepare your spell. If this doesn't work, and Archer is too slow...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 03:29:36 AM
>No time to ponder whether we're screwed. Neither of us can move any faster than this, anyway. Just go!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 03:38:27 AM
>No time to ponder whether we're screwed. Neither of us can move any faster than this, anyway. Just go!

>You wait, you wait...time seems to slow. You toss the rock. As you do, the Limousine starts to swerve. It skids. The rock bounces under it and you can feel the spell pull mana from you. There is a a loud bump, the limo raises slightly for a moment; rather higher than you would expect it to be able to without its tires leaving the ground. You can hear metal scraping underneath, as the vehicle comes to a stop, its front angled diagonally toward the white house from before. You don't think it did any critical damage, but the spell certainly achieved something before the weight of the limousine overcame it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 04:02:21 AM
>'Before the weight of the limousine overcame it' as in: 'the wall stopped growing because there was too much weight on top of it' or 'the limo has now crushed the wall beneath it and is mobile again'?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 04:06:50 AM
>'Before the weight of the limousine overcame it' as in: 'the wall stopped growing because there was too much weight on top of it' or 'the limo has now crushed the wall beneath it and is mobile again'?

>You don't know, but you suspect it's more the latter.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 04:26:44 AM
>Okay, so it hasn't started moving again yet, but its underside is also not really exposed either?
>We have to more or less remain immobile to cast Forbidden Zone, correct? Would that still apply if someone was carrying us? Or in other words, could we take the time needed to use it while Archer took care of actually getting us out of the way of things?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 04:33:24 AM
>Okay, so it hasn't started moving again yet, but its underside is also not really exposed either?
>We have to more or less remain immobile to cast Forbidden Zone, correct? Would that still apply if someone was carrying us? Or in other words, could we take the time needed to use it while Archer took care of actually getting us out of the way of things?

>No more than usual. Dirt was not enough.
>You don't think you could cast while being carried, regardless of whether the spell required you to be still.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 04:51:31 AM
>Is there any terrain nearby that would produce a more forceful Wall?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 04:57:54 AM
>Is there any terrain nearby that would produce a more forceful Wall?

>The closest you've seen is some gravel driveways. Better yet would be a pile of proper stones, or bricks. Or cinderblocks.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 29, 2017, 05:03:42 AM
> Certainly we can't manipulate Wall angle much enough so it can be used as a ramp for the limo, in case its hard enough to resist being completely obliterated by the car... right?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 05:07:41 AM
> Certainly we can't manipulate Wall angle much enough so it can be used as a ramp for the limo, in case its hard enough to resist being completely obliterated by the car... right?

>Not directly, it is perpendicular to the surface you place it on, within a few degrees.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 05:12:04 AM
>Make a dash for the nearest corner again
>I could do that better if I had a pile of bricks or stones or something. You see any nearby?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 29, 2017, 05:14:05 AM
> Can we feel how much Mana we have left, right?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 05:18:37 AM
>Make a dash for the nearest corner again
>I could do that better if I had a pile of bricks or stones or something. You see any nearby?

>Presumably you mean one other than the corner you are already close to?
>"I'll keep an eye out!" Archer says, as a couple more arrows whiz past you.

> Can we feel how much Mana we have left, right?

>Yes. You are not especially drained right now.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 29, 2017, 05:30:23 AM
> How good at resistance are Forbidden Zone's hazards, such as spiky rocks? Same as the materials from that they were made from, yes?
> When it comes to create hazards, can we make a completely plain asphalt into spiky area?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 01:58:19 PM
> How good at resistance are Forbidden Zone's hazards, such as spiky rocks? Same as the materials from that they were made from, yes?
> When it comes to create hazards, can we make a completely plain asphalt into spiky area?

>Yes.
>Yes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 04:19:39 PM
>Would we be able to use it to leave a trail of spikes and otherwise uneven terrain behind us while we were moving or is this definitely a 'stand still for a while' thing, even if we're being less specified about exactly what hazards to create?
>How quickly have we been moving when carried by Archer? Fast enough potentially for her to yank us behind a different house across the street before the limo rounds the corner of this one, after we break line of sight ourselves? ie: to allow us to not be in the first place it'll look when chasing us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 07:37:19 PM
>Would we be able to use it to leave a trail of spikes and otherwise uneven terrain behind us while we were moving or is this definitely a 'stand still for a while' thing, even if we're being less specified about exactly what hazards to create?
>How quickly have we been moving when carried by Archer? Fast enough potentially for her to yank us behind a different house across the street before the limo rounds the corner of this one, after we break line of sight ourselves? ie: to allow us to not be in the first place it'll look when chasing us?

>You need to stay still to finish the spell.
>She is reasonably fast, you are not sure if she is that fast.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 08:44:50 PM
>Well, let's dash around the nearest corner of this house and out of sight of the limo first
>As we're running: Think you can get me across the street and behind a different house before it spots me again? If so: do it!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 08:59:55 PM
>Well, let's dash around the nearest corner of this house and out of sight of the limo first
>As we're running: Think you can get me across the street and behind a different house before it spots me again? If so: do it!

>"I don't know!" Archer sends, as you hear the Limousine correcting itself behind behind you. Then you're suddenly drug off of your feet and hurtling forward!
>"Sorry," she sends as you are sped across the street, carried around the waist. "I don't think we're gonna get that far! They're coming!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 09:10:53 PM
>Don't suppose there's a pile of bricks or stones in sight, is there?
>If not: Another rooftop! And try to use its forward momentum against it so it can't leap after us; you can change direction faster than it can!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 09:16:47 PM
>Don't suppose there's a pile of bricks or stones in sight, is there?
>If not: Another rooftop! And try to use its forward momentum against it so it can't leap after us; you can change direction faster than it can!

>Not that you can see at this split second.
>Archer doesn't answer, instead she juggles you into a princess carry as she dashes across the street and into someone's lawn, then hops into the roof. You can hear the limousine some distance behind you.
>"What's the plan?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 09:30:50 PM
>If we can find some stones or bricks to work with, I might be able to beach it with that Wall spell. Either that, or lose sight of it for long enough to prepare a proper trap. Can't do that on the run.
>Are we anywhere near a body of water, by any chance?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 29, 2017, 09:37:48 PM
>If we can find some stones or bricks to work with, I might be able to beach it with that Wall spell. Either that, or lose sight of it for long enough to prepare a proper trap. Can't do that on the run.
>Are we anywhere near a body of water, by any chance?

>"I can try to get away from it," Archer sends as she runs across the roof.
>You can't see one, but one or the other Calumet Rivers should be a few blocks to the north, they can't have carried you that far away. Or at least the prairie and marsh conservancy.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 29, 2017, 09:51:43 PM
>Do we know of any place in the general area that might have an abundance of hard Wall materials to work with?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 03:56:58 AM
>Do we know of any place in the general area that might have an abundance of hard Wall materials to work with?

>No. This isn't really your area at all.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 04:09:32 AM
>North! Towards the river!
>And let's keep our eye out for suitable Wall materials while we go
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 04:27:40 AM
>North! Towards the river!
>And let's keep our eye out for suitable Wall materials while we go

>"Any preference on how we get there?" Archer sends as she crests the roof, and you start to descend the other side of it. It is very difficult to shake the feeling that you're going to fall.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 04:35:33 AM
>Whatever you think is safest for both us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 04:42:21 AM
>Whatever you think is safest for both us.

>"Right, Hold on!" Archer sends, as you hear the limousine getting much closer! A moment later it flies just past you, spinning to realign itself in midair. Watching it land is kind of fascinating, , it seems to have some kind of suspension system that extends down from the main undercarriage to absorb the shock of the landing.
>Then you're suddenly in midair yourself as Archer leaps off the edge of the roof. The fall has some shock to it, but it's not enough to really hurt, though it does leave you feeling that she's just about to drop you as she dashes across the yard and around the front of the neighboring house. Then you're back at the intersection where this all started, Archer dashing across the road without pausing and into the yard of another house.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 04:48:41 AM
>The limo was realigning itself in midair, but not actually showing signs of being able to propel itself or shift momentum in midair, right?
>Hang on and keep eyeing our surroundings
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 04:51:54 AM
>The limo was realigning itself in midair, but not actually showing signs of being able to propel itself or shift momentum in midair, right?
>Hang on and keep eyeing our surroundings

>Correct.
>You hang one, which does wonders for your stability while leaving the sensation you're clinging onto hard air. Archer runs past this house, then another, then one with a gravel driveway. You see no sign of the limo.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 05:15:14 AM
>Nowhere? At all? Surely we can't have outsped it entirely, can we?
>Can we hear it at all?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 08:14:39 AM
So, if this game gets ahead of me while I'm asleep, I just thought I should say that a tentative idea for using the river was freezing the surface of it enough to supports ourselves and luring the limo onto the ice in pursuit of us, where its weight would break the ice and cause it to sink. (Could then possibly freeze over the top of it again for good measure?). Of course, this depends on the level of control we have over our Freeze spell and the time involved and probably a few other things. And of course we have to reach the river, too.

Alternatively hoping we might find a pile of bricks or cinderblocks on the way so that we could try the Wall trick again with a harder barricade. Who knows what other logistical problems might present themselves in the meantime, of course.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 01:59:49 PM
>Nowhere? At all? Surely we can't have outsped it entirely, can we?
>Can we hear it at all?

>Can't imagine you have...
>You don't hear anything, but then again you know it can run surprisingly quiet.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 05:01:18 PM
>Well, keep a close eye out for it and don't limit ourselves to the direction we last saw it in. Maybe it's trying to cut us off, somehow. Be ready to bark a warning to Archer if she doesn't notice first.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 08:10:26 PM
>Well, keep a close eye out for it and don't limit ourselves to the direction we last saw it in. Maybe it's trying to cut us off, somehow. Be ready to bark a warning to Archer if she doesn't notice first.

>You look around as Archer dashes though yard after yard. You catch a glimpse of some old cinder blocks stacked in someone's back yard.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 08:22:28 PM
>Enough to make a whole Wall from?
>What's the surrounding terrain like? How spacious and what kind of cover does it offer?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 08:36:52 PM
>Enough to make a whole Wall from?
>What's the surrounding terrain like? How spacious and what kind of cover does it offer?

>Should be.
>You're suburban hell. Which is to say, the land is pretty flat, gentle hills at the very most. Trees are minimal, houses are plentiful. The street plan should be relatively grid-like, from what you've seen. Yards tend to be open, houses are probably about fifteen feet apart on average. Pretty much everything here is one story.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 10:04:40 PM
>And how close to the river are we now? Approximately how much percentage of the distance have we covered?

Debating which of the two general strategies to pursue at the moment. Wall was the original plan, but the river might be a better one anyway? Actually...

>Can we control the thickness of ice produced by our Freeze spell, to a degree?
>Knowing the river in this city, what effectiveness/thickness would we expect with our Freeze spell as applied to it?
>How quickly would it freeze once we magicked it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 10:32:08 PM
>And how close to the river are we now? Approximately how much percentage of the distance have we covered?
>Can we control the thickness of ice produced by our Freeze spell, to a degree?
>Knowing the river in this city, what effectiveness/thickness would we expect with our Freeze spell as applied to it?
>How quickly would it freeze once we magicked it?

>Not much closer. You've only passed by several houses at this point.
>A little bit, but only to a small degree. It's less about controlling thickness and more about controlling width or length to create more thickness. If you can attach it to two different shores, you can keep it from expanding out until it's only a millimeter thin sheet that melts instantly.
>Some parts are narrow enough you can make a worthwhile bridge that you can cross.
>Almost instantly.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 10:52:48 PM
>So we could create a bridge across the river that would support us but almost certainly not a limousine?

That being said, if this option's that much closer, we might as well try it

>There's some cinder blocks over there I could use.
>Point them out
>Where's the limo gone?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 11:08:13 PM
>So we could create a bridge across the river that would support us but almost certainly not a limousine?
>There's some cinder blocks over there I could use.
>Point them out
>Where's the limo gone?

>Almost certainly the bridge wouldn't support the limo, unless it can negate its own weight...
>"I don't know," Archer sends. "Want me to head for them?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 30, 2017, 11:12:23 PM
>Closer than the river, so I think it's worth a try.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 30, 2017, 11:28:48 PM
>Closer than the river, so I think it's worth a try.

>She cuts around the house in question, a white one without an attached garage. The backyard has an empty plastic kiddie pool and a small bike with training wheels on a patio. A football sits in the grass, which has about a week and half's worth of growth. The cinderblocks are piled near a tree; you aren't certain what they're intended for; maybe edgign a garden?
>"What's the next step?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 12:09:37 AM
>It really feels kinda mean using some poor person's backyard for this....
>If I can get it to drive over those cinder blocks over there, I might be able to pull the wheels off the ground and strand it for a bit. Then you can try going to town on the underside. But I'm... a bit nervous that we seem to have lost track of it so quickly....
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 12:14:55 AM
>It really feels kinda mean using some poor person's backyard for this....
>If I can get it to drive over those cinder blocks over there, I might be able to pull the wheels off the ground and strand it for a bit. Then you can try going to town on the underside. But I'm... a bit nervous that we seem to have lost track of it so quickly....

>You would hope they don't mind...
>"Would it just drive over a pile of carved up stones like that?" Archer sends. "And, I don't know where it went...maybe it was trying to head us off?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 12:30:27 AM
>Well, it hasn't seemed to pay much mind to what it was driving over. If it was chasing me, it might just ignore them.
>Go see if you can spot it from the rooftop.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 01:00:09 AM
>Well, it hasn't seemed to pay much mind to what it was driving over. If it was chasing me, it might just ignore them.
>Go see if you can spot it from the rooftop.

>"Can't you just use them to make a wall elsewhere?" Archer sends. "Okay, I'm on the roof. Hmm...nothing yet."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 01:21:12 AM
>Er, wait, CAN we use them to make a wall without the Wall stone landing directly on those materials?
>If so, how close do the stone and the cinder blocks have to be?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 01:23:03 AM
>Er, wait, CAN we use them to make a wall without the Wall stone landing directly on those materials?
>If so, how close do the stone and the cinder blocks have to be?

>It has to be within a couple feet of the materials you want to use. The closer it is, the more of them you'll pull in.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 01:32:43 AM
>Only within a couple feet, and the closer the better.

This is a slightly awkward situation. The Wall trick probably works best if it doesn't look like we're obviously laying a trap and instead doing it 'on the fly' while chased. It's rather more suspicious if we're just sitting here waiting.

On the other hand, it looks like we might have time to use Forbidden Zone to set more detailed traps - some of which might be even better than that wall thing, potentially. Unfortunately, I think it's difficult to set traps if we don't actually know what direction the car is going to come from. Like, we can't turn everywhere into a sinkhole and even if we spike a lot of the terrain, it could just leap over them to land on top of our heads if we're standing still in the only stable area. I'd almost be tempted to just ignore this and make for the river again except that the limo's absence itself is actually making me a little nervous now. This is probably a better situation than one we'd get if it cuts us off before the river. Hmmm....
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 01:37:02 AM
>Only within a couple feet, and the closer the better.

>"Maybe we need to find someplace with a lot of stuff you want to use?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 01:44:29 AM
>Can we actually think of such a place? Somewhere ideally kind of isolated and not in someone's backyard? Even if it's a moderate distance away now.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 02:03:07 AM
>Can we actually think of such a place? Somewhere ideally kind of isolated and not in someone's backyard? Even if it's a moderate distance away now.

>You still don't really know where you are beyond the most general of generalities. There was a construction place to the east of the prairie and marsh preserve, along the road that goes north of it. But who knows how far away that is now?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 02:23:09 AM
> Out of a whim, of chances, or out of our probably bad luck if it ends up being true... look up to the sky for any imminent dropping limo about to blast us away.
> By any means, can 'Halt' work with inanimate objects, like tires?

//Zent grasped my attention with the limo's 'supposed weak spot', which is the part under it. Mostly the reason why I asked about the ramp Wall we could possibly make, but I think it would be very difficult to have it done, or the other thing I said at IRC before about the 'Halt' spell and the front wheels of the car. The river idea is good, though. Maybe even Forbidden Zone could help in a river situation, but again, it could be difficult.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 02:26:28 AM
> Out of a whim, of chances, or out of our probably bad luck if it ends up being true... look up to the sky for any imminent dropping limo about to blast us away.
> By any means, can 'Halt' work with inanimate objects, like tires?

>You see no oncoming death from above at the moment.
>No, it is designed to work on living things.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 02:37:11 AM
> If an acrobatic limo like that isn't a living being already...
> How dark/dimly-lit is the scenery right now?
> Archer when we first met with this... limousine beast, did you heard anything when it was about to ram us, or you just acted out of reflexes? Because I don't remember hearing anything like it's motor or tires before you saved me, but only after you did.
> Maybe it was because we were so distracted, or was it maybe because it really was able to be silent until it tried to strike us to death? For such thing to take us by surprise like that...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 02:45:24 AM
> If an acrobatic limo like that isn't a living being already...
> How dark/dimly-lit is the scenery right now?
> Archer when we first met with this... limousine beast, did you heard anything when it was about to ram us, or you just acted out of reflexes? Because I don't remember hearing anything like it's motor or tires before you saved me, but only after you did.
> Maybe it was because we were so distracted, or was it maybe because it really was able to be silent until it tried to strike us to death? For such thing to take us by surprise like that...

>You don't...think it's living? Archer hasn't made it bleed, at least.
>Fairly dark. There's some residual light from porch lights and such. It's a bit brighter here than than intersection.
>"I have sharper senses than any normal human," Archer sends back. "I definitely heard it, but only once it got close. Uh, sorry about that. Also, don't see anything yet... I'm thinking this is a bad vantage point."
>Who knows?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 03:50:09 AM
>I don't suppose you can spot any better ones?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 03:51:47 AM
> Are there any higher points, well, more than the one story houses, nearby, or at least close enough so we can trust Archer to take us there quickly?
> Agreed. Unless we can spot it, we are at a huge disadvantage. And I really hope it doesn't know where we are.
> Does 'Blind' also work only with living beings?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 04:00:33 AM
>I don't suppose you can spot any better ones?

> Are there any higher points, well, more than the one story houses, nearby, or at least close enough so we can trust Archer to take us there quickly?
> Agreed. Unless we can spot it, we are at a huge disadvantage. And I really hope it doesn't know where we are.
> Does 'Blind' also work only with living beings?

>There are some trees that are taller than that, but you aren't sure you'd do well with trees.
>"I could range out a bit more," Archer sends.
>Only living things can see, so yes. Perhaps if there was a sufficiently advanced AI, but you doubt that's going to be an issue in your lifetime.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 04:12:48 AM
>Are we able to undo terrain modifications made with Forbidden Zone if they are no longer required? Or would we be stuck leaving untriggered sinkholes in someone's yard if that limo really is gone?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 04:19:21 AM
> Consider, despite the crazy and unwise idea, is 'Crash' would help to use it against that limo. Probably? Maybe? Pretty much impossible, surely...
> Does having a bunch of hard materials to make a Wall stronger make any difference on its general resistance? For example, would it have more resistance due to the use of different materials, or would it just have parts more/less resistant than others of the wall?
> Look around again to make sure we aren't about to get wasted.

//We aren't in a great position, and neither a good situation. We don't know the position of the enemy! Standing still on a place, even if we trap it, will make us more predictable than ever. That limo won't fall for it. I suggest we move. I think we are being too bold for just cinder blocks.

//If the limo is indeed gone, I suggest we move between houses at a fast speed, not too much to be careless, neither too obvious like jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Between houses should be okay. Either way, standing in that position so much time won't help.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 04:31:36 AM
>Are we able to undo terrain modifications made with Forbidden Zone if they are no longer required? Or would we be stuck leaving untriggered sinkholes in someone's yard if that limo really is gone?

>They are permanent. But they can be repaired though normal means.

> Consider, despite the crazy and unwise idea, is 'Crash' would help to use it against that limo. Probably? Maybe? Pretty much impossible, surely...
> Does having a bunch of hard materials to make a Wall stronger make any difference on its general resistance? For example, would it have more resistance due to the use of different materials, or would it just have parts more/less resistant than others of the wall?
> Look around again to make sure we aren't about to get wasted.

>Crash would only help if it were controlled by a computer program. Given all signs point toward Rider, this is likely the case.
>A mix of materials does make a difference over a purely strong material. Paradoxically, it doesn't seem to make the wall have weak points, but rather be less strong as a whole.
>You look around. There is no sign of the limousine that you can see.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 04:49:08 AM
> Could you look using other spots, Archer? Be sure to be as near as you are right now of me, and possibly without much obstacles in your way in case I need your help. We need to make sure we aren't in danger.
> By any means, we don't know if Rider can... you know... come from underground?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 06:43:38 AM
>Or rather, feel free to range away just a little, but not too much. Expanding circles and let me know what directions you've covered.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 01:26:24 PM
> Could you look using other spots, Archer? Be sure to be as near as you are right now of me, and possibly without much obstacles in your way in case I need your help. We need to make sure we aren't in danger.
> By any means, we don't know if Rider can... you know... come from underground?

>Or rather, feel free to range away just a little, but not too much. Expanding circles and let me know what directions you've covered.

>"Got it," Archer sends.
>You certainly hope it can't come up from underground! Or if it can, you could at least feel something like a tremor...
>"There!" Archer sends after a few moments. "It's to the the northwest; looks like they were trying to circle around to cut us off when we were running away west."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 02:30:39 PM
> Look towards northwest if we know where it is, aware of anything that might happen.
> Is it moving? Does it seem to be still looking for us? Please, Tell me how far away it is from us right now.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 03:06:57 PM
> Look towards northwest if we know where it is, aware of anything that might happen.
> Is it moving? Does it seem to be still looking for us? Please, Tell me how far away it is from us right now.

>You can guess where it is now, and you don't see anything immediately. But your guard is up.
>"It's moving," Archer sends. "And...about a street over from here. I don't think it's looking so much as its trying to keep a low profile and outflank us."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 06:02:16 PM
>So, heading this way?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 08:14:38 PM
>So, heading this way?

>"No, I just told you," Archer sends. "It looks like it's trying to get ahead of where we were going."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on July 31, 2017, 08:25:23 PM
//For what is worth, are actually trying to take out the limo, or we'll leave if we have the chance?

> So they are going to the west as we communicate, right? Maybe they don't know where we are...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on July 31, 2017, 08:44:29 PM
It seems we could possibly leave if we wanted to, but Koch almost certainly knows where we live or could easily find out, so that doesn't seem to make it terribly safe to just abandon this without attempting to defeat him unless we don't plan to go home at all.

Obviously setting up traps somewhere they mightn't even be heading without conspicuously luring them back isn't ideal either, though
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on July 31, 2017, 09:43:32 PM
> So they are going to the west as we communicate, right? Maybe they don't know where we are...

>"I don't think they know exactly where we are," Archer sends. "But, they have to know in general. Once we fail to be where they expect, they'll come hunting."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 12:49:54 AM
>Think you could use this chance to scout out a weak point, while they don't know you're as close as you are? I can set up another trap or two here in case it draws their attention this way - besides the Wall thing.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 01:22:09 AM
>Think you could use this chance to scout out a weak point, while they don't know you're as close as you are? I can set up another trap or two here in case it draws their attention this way - besides the Wall thing.

>"There's a few things I could try," Archer sends. "But any suggestions? You know more about these things than I do."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 01:25:00 AM
>Do we actually have any specific knowledge of points in a car particularly vulnerable to physical damage like this?

I mean, arrows don't exactly seem very suited for plugging up a car's tailpipe and we already tried the tires
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 01:27:59 AM
>Do we actually have any specific knowledge of points in a car particularly vulnerable to physical damage like this?

>You are not and automotive person, buuuuut! You know there's all kinds of hoses in the engine that are bad to sever. And there's the fuel line thing you mentioned beforehand. There's probably other ways, if you are creative.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 01:38:05 AM
>I'm no expert on cars, but all the most critical parts that make the car run should be under the hood - inside that bump at the front of the car - though I don't know how well you could get through the metal on top of it. If you could block the pipe coming out the back of the car, that should also cause it real trouble. Aside from that, I'd think the wheels were the most vulnerable exposed thing if you hadn't already tried that.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 01:44:46 AM
>I'm no expert on cars, but all the most critical parts that make the car run should be under the hood - inside that bump at the front of the car - though I don't know how well you could get through the metal on top of it. If you could block the pipe coming out the back of the car, that should also cause it real trouble. Aside from that, I'd think the wheels were the most vulnerable exposed thing if you hadn't already tried that.

>"Maybe I could do that, if you can get me something to block it with?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 03:35:28 AM
>Is there anything we can see nearby that is a suitable size/shape/composition to attempt this?
>Barring that, could our earth conjuration create one of the appropriate attributes?
>Might it be more mana-efficient to use Forbidden Zone to create such an object from the earth and then break it off than conjuring it in the first place? Conjuration was noted as being mana-intensive, after all
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 03:39:01 AM
>Is there anything we can see nearby that is a suitable size/shape/composition to attempt this?
>Barring that, could our earth conjuration create one of the appropriate attributes?
>Might it be more mana-efficient to use Forbidden Zone to create such an object from the earth and then break it off than conjuring it in the first place? Conjuration was noted as being mana-intensive, after all

>Not that you can immediately see...but you've never tried to clog a tailpipe before...
>Maybe you could conjure up a lump of good clay?
>That's hard to say. It...could be? You're not sure if a lump of earth or stone would do it. It was always fruit in that one Eddie Murphy movie...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 03:41:33 AM
>Okay, let's go with the clay and try to make it an appropriate size for whatever tailpipe we saw on the limo - presuming we had time to look
>Then hold it out for Archer, after we've conjured it
>This might work.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 03:51:55 AM
>Okay, let's go with the clay and try to make it an appropriate size for whatever tailpipe we saw on the limo - presuming we had time to look
>Then hold it out for Archer, after we've conjured it
>This might work.

>It takes a couple moments, and more concentration than you'd like. The spell seems to almost fight back a little and you have to devote yourself to holding it in place. But it is done, and you can feel parts of your body are somewhat strangely warm now and you have a fist-sized lump of clay in your hand. Your mana has definitely taken a hit, but it helps that you only summoned a little bit. You should still be good.
>It takes a moment before the lump is lifted from your hand. "Okay, so cram this in its tailpipe?" Archer sends. "Do you want me to do this now, or is there some bigger plan to it?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 04:03:55 AM
>Best-case scenario: that stalls the car, but we'll still need to get at the people inside it. Think you'd have a better chance of breaking the glass if you could hit the same spot repeatedly?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 04:05:56 AM
>Best-case scenario: that stalls the car, but we'll still need to get at the people inside it. Think you'd have a better chance of breaking the glass if you could hit the same spot repeatedly?

>"I don't know," she sends. "But it's worth giving a try. What're you going to do?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 04:16:11 AM
>Give the car a wide berth while you're trying the tailpipe thing; don't want to attract its attention or give you two things to worry about. If that fails and they get a bead on you or me again, I can make the terrain here a bit more inhospitable for it and there's that Wall trick to try.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 04:23:16 AM
>Give the car a wide berth while you're trying the tailpipe thing; don't want to attract its attention or give you two things to worry about. If that fails and they get a bead on you or me again, I can make the terrain here a bit more inhospitable for it and there's that Wall trick to try.

>"Call if anything bad happens," Archer sends, as the bit of clay zips off, then soars into the air and onto a roof before vanishing entirely.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 04:34:05 AM
>You too.
>Is there any way we could prepare a Forbidden Zone spell here without actually unleashing it upon the terrain until we decide we're going to want to use it? Like, can we pay some of the time cost upfront without potentially leaving deathtraps for the poor homeowners to find tomorrow morning if we turn out to have no use for them?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 04:37:04 AM
>You too.
>Is there any way we could prepare a Forbidden Zone spell here without actually unleashing it upon the terrain until we decide we're going to want to use it? Like, can we pay some of the time cost upfront without potentially leaving deathtraps for the poor homeowners to find tomorrow morning if we turn out to have no use for them?

>"Coming up on it now," Archer's voice echoes in your thoughts. "It's almost straight west of us, now. They have to know they haven't really outflanked us by now."
>You don't think the spell allows for a delay like that.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 04:58:45 AM
>What's directly west of us from here?
>And where is the cinder block pile in relation to that?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 01, 2017, 04:59:47 AM
> Got it. Be wary of anything.
> So the hazards have to be active at the moment the spell is casted? We can't have them in standby? That's troublesome.
> Wait... if that's so, can't we have the spell prepared to be casted, which would unleash the hazards at the moment we want?
> Is there any nearby terrain that doesn't seem used often?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 05:05:53 AM
>What's directly west of us from here?
>And where is the cinder block pile in relation to that?

>Presumably more intersections. You are no more familiar with this area than you were a minute ago.
>The pile is on the western side of the yard, toward the south; where the street you were on previously lies.

> Got it. Be wary of anything.
> So the hazards have to be active at the moment the spell is casted? We can't have them in standby? That's troublesome.
> Wait... if that's so, can't we have the spell prepared to be casted, which would unleash the hazards at the moment we want?
> Is there any nearby terrain that doesn't seem used often?

>Spells generally cannot be precast and left hanging, no. And even if you could, it still takes a few moments for the effects to kick in.
>It seems like the rear portions of the yard, to the north, see less use.
>"Getting closer," Archer sends. "It's not going nearly as fast as you were; they're definitely looking around for us... Closer...closer... Got it! It's in!"

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 05:26:08 AM
>Great!
>...does it seem to have done anything?

>Also, I meant west as in 'The things we can currently see in the direction - ie: is the house in that direction and are we concealed from the road in that direction'
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 02:18:05 PM
>Great!
>...does it seem to have done anything?

>Also, I meant west as in 'The things we can currently see in the direction - ie: is the house in that direction and are we concealed from the road in that direction'

>To the west are more yards, most of them are surrounded by chain link fences. Here and there you see the odd backyard tree or shed, some have patios or a small porch. Here and there you can see a grill or propane barbecue.
>"Nothing yet..." Archer sends. "Wait, it's starting to make some ugly noises and slow down!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 04:28:06 PM
>Great! Now give it a sec to see if someone gets out to investigate. If not, try taking advantage of its incapacity to work on one spot on those windows. Koch's, ideally.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 08:35:54 PM
>Great! Now give it a sec to see if someone gets out to investigate. If not, try taking advantage of its incapacity to work on one spot on those windows. Koch's, ideally.

>"It's stopped!" Archer sends. "They...aren't getting out. I've drawn back and have a clear shot at the back window."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 08:48:50 PM
>Go for it.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 09:02:50 PM
>Go for it.

>"It's...not exactly breaking," Archer sends after a few moments. "But there's a little white spot that's getting worse the more I shoot it."
>A moment later she follows with: "Master...there's suddenly a lot of ghosts here."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 09:11:31 PM
>Ghosts?! Are they coming from the limo or somewhere else?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 09:14:38 PM
>Ghosts?! Are they coming from the limo or somewhere else?

>"Ghosts," she says. "They look miserable. And, they seem to be gathering around it. Should I still be working on that back window?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 09:22:26 PM
>Do we know any ways to deal with ghosts ourselves? Banishment spells or the like?
>Gathering to protect it or attack it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Kilgamayan on August 01, 2017, 09:37:50 PM
Ghost Rider!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on August 01, 2017, 09:39:26 PM
Ghost Rider!

Took the words right outta my mouth.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 10:40:41 PM
>Do we know any ways to deal with ghosts ourselves? Banishment spells or the like?
>Gathering to protect it or attack it?

>You've never had to deal with a ghost in your life. You have knowledge of things you can do to deal with them, but frankly this tends to fall more in the Church's wheelhouse. But while you have knowledge of such things, you don't actually know how to do them.
>"I think they're...protecting it, maybe? ...There's weird machines coming out of the ground now around the car."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 01, 2017, 10:52:54 PM
> Try to recall any fictional being that is related to ghosts and vehicles. Maybe...
> A-Are they coming for you, by any means? And how they look like? Like some kind of reinforcement or maybe to repair it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 11:00:05 PM
> Try to recall any fictional being that is related to ghosts and vehicles. Maybe...
> A-Are they coming for you, by any means? And how they look like? Like some kind of reinforcement or maybe to repair it?

>Oh man there's a bunch if you start including ghost legends and stuff.
>"I...don't think so?" Archer says. "They're all wearing the same kind of clothing, overalls I think you call them? And helmets that only cover the upper half of their heads. And...they look miserable. I think they're trying to repair it. Should I just keep watching or what?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 11:09:30 PM
>Keep working on that window. And don't let them take the blockage out of the tailpipe, if you can help it; if they're corporeal enough to touch it, they might be corporeal enough to shoot. And just... if anything else changes, let me know. I'm afraid ghosts are a little outside my domain.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 11:12:10 PM
>Keep working on that window. And don't let them take the blockage out of the tailpipe, if you can help it; if they're corporeal enough to touch it, they might be corporeal enough to shoot. And just... if anything else changes, let me know. I'm afraid ghosts are a little outside my domain.

>"Got it," Archer sends. "They're doing something with the wheels and the front. The...Wait, someone just spoke! I think it's Rider! ...He's a good match with that Charles Guy, I'll say that much."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 11:14:38 PM
>Like-minded. you mean?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 01, 2017, 11:18:25 PM
> Oh, and how the machines look like?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 11:20:59 PM
>Like-minded. you mean?

>"He called us poison mushrooms," Archer sends. "Something about how we're hiding among the garden of society. I think he's gloating? It's hard to tell."

> Oh, and how the machines look like?

>"Big," she sends, "Modern. I don't really get what they're doing. The ghosts are swarming the car. ...Ah hell, one of them found the clay! I shot it, but my arrow just went through it. Which doesn't feel right... Maybe they aren't real ghosts?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 11:28:18 PM
>Does it look like you were making any progress on that window or do we need a new plan?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 01, 2017, 11:36:07 PM
>Does it look like you were making any progress on that window or do we need a new plan?

>"The pit on it is makes it look like someone punched it," Archer sends. "But I think it needs more work. Oh, it's started again! And I think the ghosts and their machines are leaving."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 01, 2017, 11:56:27 PM
I really feel like there has to be something better we can do to take advantage of this situation, but if I can figure out what it is. I mean, shooting the windows might work eventually, but they're going to be moving again in a moment. I can't think of anything else obvious to have her aim at that we haven't tried and could describe from here. Like, there might be something vital on the underside, but what are the odds of hitting the right part with an arrow if we don't even know what to tell her to aim at?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 02, 2017, 12:07:47 AM
//I mean there's one insanely stupid thing we could try......... but do we really need to wind up dealing with two Servants at once if it backfires?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Chaore on August 02, 2017, 12:18:36 AM
//I mean there's one insanely stupid thing we could try......... but do we really need to wind up dealing with two Servants at once if it backfires?

(Something tells me we ain't gonna matador him into the fog, even. Unless Koch is brainless, which is possible, but.)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:15:04 AM
>Could you just... stick the clay back in if the ghosts are moving off?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:20:59 AM
>Could you just... stick the clay back in if the ghosts are moving off?

>"Maybe?" Archer sends. "Not right now, though!"
>A moment later she sends, "They tried to back over me. Or...maybe not? They're going backwards down the street. I'm not sure if they saw me or not."

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:26:47 AM
>Maybe they were just guessing you'd be there? I mean, trying to plug it back up probably seems logical. Keep tailing them, just... not so close as to risk getting run over. And take the clay with you.
>Is the car close enough that we can actually hear it moving?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:33:11 AM
>Maybe they were just guessing you'd be there? I mean, trying to plug it back up probably seems logical. Keep tailing them, just... not so close as to risk getting run over. And take the clay with you.
>Is the car close enough that we can actually hear it moving?

>"I'm on it," Archer sends. "So, the wheels look different now. I don't know if it means anything, though."
>You cannot. But you also didn't hear it when it nearly ran you down the first time so this may not mean anything.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:42:46 AM
>Different how?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:45:30 AM
>Different how?

>"They're shaped different, heavier-looking, The things in the front are different." she sends. "They're turning down, and going down a street parallel to the one you're on, just to the north of you."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:52:33 AM
>Keep following. If they turn down this way, I'll try to have a surprise ready for then.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:55:19 AM
>Keep following. If they turn down this way, I'll try to have a surprise ready for then.

>"They're going to get close, at any rate," Archer sends. "Be ready. I think they're speeding up a little bit. I'm getting back to you."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:06:43 AM
>Okay.
>Let's estimate the stretch of street that they'd most directly cross to reach the yard here and use Forbidden Zone to make a nice slightly-larger-than-limo sinkhole, still covered over by a thin layer of ground - enough to support a person but not a car. Even better, if we can manage it - don't completely hollow the space beneath that part of the road, but leave a few nice spikes of rock for the limo to skewer itself upon if it falls into it.
>And inform Archer of the spot we're putting it
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 04:18:26 AM
>Okay.
>Let's estimate the stretch of street that they'd most directly cross to reach the yard here and use Forbidden Zone to make a nice slightly-larger-than-limo sinkhole, still covered over by a thin layer of ground - enough to support a person but not a car. Even better, if we can manage it - don't completely hollow the space beneath that part of the road, but leave a few nice spikes of rock for the limo to skewer itself upon if it falls into it.
>And inform Archer of the spot we're putting it

>You cast the spell and set to work shaping it. It comes easily to you, but trying to focus it all into a single sinkhole is difficult; the spell wants to blossom out and create a number of small hazards on the surface.  It's also irksome that you can't see it actually working.
>"They're speeding up!" Archer sends, which absolutely does not help your concentration. "They found you, they must've! Run!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:24:31 AM
>Need a moment! Get here first!
>Try to work fast! If we've got to pour ourselves into a spell, now's the time. Trust in Archer - but bail the moment we think we've accomplished enough or know that we won't be able to do any more in time.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 04:31:20 AM
>Need a moment! Get here first!
>Try to work fast! If we've got to pour ourselves into a spell, now's the time. Trust in Archer - but bail the moment we think we've accomplished enough or know that we won't be able to do any more in time.

>"Can't!" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:33:02 AM
>How much work do we think we've already accomplished on this and how long would it probably take us to finish?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 04:33:35 AM
>How much work do we think we've already accomplished on this and how long would it probably take us to finish?

>Who knows? You can't see it. It feels...about half done at best?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:35:52 AM
>How far away are we from that pile of cinder blocks?
>Does concentrating on the spell keep us from being able to keep an eye out for the limo?
>Are we visible from the street here?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 04:39:19 AM
>How far away are we from that pile of cinder blocks?
>Does concentrating on the spell keep us from being able to keep an eye out for the limo?
>Are we visible from the street here?

>You are reasonably close to it.
>You can do both things, but the spell will suffer for it.
>You have no idea. But you can certainly see the street a little bit from where you are at, and you definitely saw those cinder blocks from the street.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:56:23 AM
>Well, we can't afford to not keep an eye out for the car here. Try to hurry up and finish quickly, even if that means more mana consumption, but break off as soon as we catch sight of the car coming our way (unless we're JUST about to finish) and try to put the sinkhole between it and us as we run towards the cinder blocks
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 05:01:25 AM
>Well, we can't afford to not keep an eye out for the car here. Try to hurry up and finish quickly, even if that means more mana consumption, but break off as soon as we catch sight of the car coming our way (unless we're JUST about to finish) and try to put the sinkhole between it and us as we run towards the cinder blocks


>You try to finish as quickly as you can when you suddenly see it hurtling over the roof of a house from the northwest! "It's coming!" Archer sends, a bit too late.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 05:06:26 AM
>Where does that place it in relation to us, this sinkhole, the cinder blocks, and any nearby house cover?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 02:20:24 PM
>Where does that place it in relation to us, this sinkhole, the cinder blocks, and any nearby house cover?

>It really comes down to where it is going to land, which you are aren't sure of yet. That would take a moment of watching to figure out its trajectory.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 02:25:37 PM
>Well, try at least to put the sinkhole between us and it and scramble away as fast as we can manage!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 02:34:46 PM
>Well, try at least to put the sinkhole between us and it and scramble away as fast as we can manage!

>You scramble back and toward the house! The Limousine lands toward the back of the yard; you note that its wheels and undercarriage seem to have extended to absorb the shock of the fall. It rolls forward a bit at it lands, too, then but hardly seems to miss a beat as it accelerates smoothly and turns to move along the outer edge of the yard. You're not sure if it is avoiding the sinkhole, or trying to set itself up to run you down from the side without slamming into the house. You also not that Archer was right, the hubcaps are different, they  some kind of thing in the middle, but in this moment you aren't sure what function it might serve.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 02:40:32 PM
>They haven't added spikes to those thing by any chance, have they?
>Is the sinkhole between us and them or did they land on the other side of it?
>Are the cinder blocks between us, on the opposite side of the car, or closer to us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:12:41 PM
>They haven't added spikes to those thing by any chance, have they?
>Is the sinkhole between us and them or did they land on the other side of it?
>Are the cinder blocks between us, on the opposite side of the car, or closer to us?

>Maybe. You suppose it would be plausible if they're looking to murder someone on foot.
>It is somewhat between you and they, but they are definitely going around it. Whether that is intentional or not has been addressed.
>They are closer to you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:22:23 PM
>How plausible would it be for us to swing around such that the direct route between the car and us passed over that sinkhole? Like, force them to either drive over it or take an obviously evasive and longer route to us? Or does the geometry of the situation make that seem very risky to try?
>If we can do that with minimal additional risk, try it. Otherwise run for the cinder blocks (and past them) and be ready to create a Wall with them as soon as the underside of the limo is above to pass over them.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:34:38 PM
>How plausible would it be for us to swing around such that the direct route between the car and us passed over that sinkhole? Like, force them to either drive over it or take an obviously evasive and longer route to us? Or does the geometry of the situation make that seem very risky to try?
>If we can do that with minimal additional risk, try it. Otherwise run for the cinder blocks (and past them) and be ready to create a Wall with them as soon as the underside of the limo is above to pass over them.

>It is going to be risky to try no matter what, because you have are going to have a Noble Phantasm barreling toward you and Archer is nowhere to be found as far as you can tell. You may be able to lure them over it, assuming they don't think you're up to something by doing something obviously dumb.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:36:27 PM
>Well, if our positioning would make that look obviously dumb, let's not do that. No surer way to trip off a trap than act obviously dumb - they probably sensed the magic being cast in the first place, after all. Let's go with the Wall plan.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 03:43:30 PM
>Well, if our positioning would make that look obviously dumb, let's not do that. No surer way to trip off a trap than act obviously dumb - they probably sensed the magic being cast in the first place, after all. Let's go with the Wall plan.

>You dash toward and past the cinderblocks. The limousine completes its circuits and speeds after you, and moves to swerve around the pile of cinder blocks as you flee into the neighboring yard.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 03:48:53 PM
>Is it at least close enough to them for the Wall to grab them?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 04:04:02 PM
>Is it at least close enough to them for the Wall to grab them?

>You imagine it would grab at least some of them.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 04:21:51 PM
>Then if we think this is the best shot we're going to get in the short-term, let's take it! (And keep moving)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 05:15:43 PM
>Then if we think this is the best shot we're going to get in the short-term, let's take it! (And keep moving)

>You toss out the proper stoene and chant the spell. You feel the mana flow through you and the wall starts to form.
>However, as you toss out the stone, the Limo suddenly springs upward! It soars overhead, landing a short ways in front of you, the vehicle's rear pointed toward you!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 05:38:48 PM
>Turn around and make a break for the other side of that forming wall. If it can't strike the underside of the car, at least it's a barricade - just make sure not to stand between it and the car.
>Alternatively, if we have a better line for the sinkhole, run to that instead. Run across it, even, if we're still confident it will support our weight.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 05:55:50 PM
>Turn around and make a break for the other side of that forming wall. If it can't strike the underside of the car, at least it's a barricade - just make sure not to stand between it and the car.
>Alternatively, if we have a better line for the sinkhole, run to that instead. Run across it, even, if we're still confident it will support our weight.

>You turn as quickly as you can, but it is not as quickly as the Limousine can start reversing! You aren't able to easily outrun it, and there seems to be little to be done about the situation until something slams into your side like a ton of bricks and sends you almost flying into the grass and nearly conking your head on the house whose backyard this is.
>"Get up and hold on!" Archer's voice cries in your mind as you feel that ton of bricks shifting around your side.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 05:57:11 PM
>Do as she says!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 06:07:06 PM
>Do as she says!

>You do as she says, aching just about everywhere, it feels like. The Limousine has come to a stop, and is wasting little time in charging right at you! Then Archer's invisible arms grab you, and charge right at the machine! Then you're airborne, then there's a impact as you hear Archer's feet slam onto the vehicle's hood, then the roof! Then you're airborne again until you land on the roof of another house; maybe it's the one where you laid out the sinkhole? You don't know. But Archer isn't stopping, as she juggles you into a princess carry again.
>"I shouldn't have left your side like that," she sends, "And you shouldn't have just waited there. We both messed up."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 02, 2017, 06:33:58 PM
>I think one of them might have picked up on the spell I cast. Timing's suspicious, anyway. I made a sinkhole by [describe location]. Should collapse if they drive over it. I hope.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 02, 2017, 06:43:21 PM
>I think one of them might have picked up on the spell I cast. Timing's suspicious, anyway. I made a sinkhole by [describe location]. Should collapse if they drive over it. I hope.

>"We'll worry about that in a bit," Archer sends. as she crests the roof and reaches the end, leaping across to the next one in a heart-stopping instant. "Right now, we just need to get safe and get away!"
>The limousine is definitely following you two now, some yards behind but accelerating.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 04, 2017, 05:18:57 PM
>"Yeah, going on the offensive from two fronts was nearly a complete waste of time so far. We need to stay on the defensive and together..."
>Curse the name of Ayn Rand for creating people like Koch and thereby putting you in this situation.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 04, 2017, 05:32:07 PM
>"Yeah, going on the offensive from two fronts was nearly a complete waste of time so far. We need to stay on the defensive and together..."
>Curse the name of Ayn Rand for creating people like Koch and thereby putting you in this situation.

>"We learned some things," Archer sends, Then she leaps to the ground suddenly, changing directions and dashing toward the street. "But I we're going to have to think a few steps ahead from now on!"
>May she and Hayek strangle each other eternally in hell.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 04:42:10 AM
>Is the river preserve far enough away from housing that we think we could safely use Archer's poison cloud without endangering civilians?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 04:53:31 AM
>Is the river preserve far enough away from housing that we think we could safely use Archer's poison cloud without endangering civilians?

>It should be fine. It'll be hard on the prairie life, but better them than you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 04:56:34 AM
>I still think the river's our best bet at this point.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 05:04:25 AM
>I still think the river's our best bet at this point.

>"Okay. Then we probably need to shake this guy, first," Archer sends as she reaches and dashes across the street. Behind you, you can see the limousine spring over a house, turning in midair as it hurtles forward.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 05:16:55 AM
>There's not much we can do to help Archer run faster, so let's just hang on tight for now
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 05:38:35 AM
>There's not much we can do to help Archer run faster, so let's just hang on tight for now

>The limousine lands squarely in the yard, pointed at you, and accelerates. Dashes straight into the, nearest yard. and up onto the roof.
>"I'm only going to be able to stay half a step ahead like this," Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 05:52:07 AM
>Any ideas?
>Are there any malls or other public buildings somewhat nearby that would be open at this time of night? Maybe Koch wouldn't be too thrilled about running straight through a building with people in it. ...maybe?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 05:58:45 AM
>Any ideas?
>Are there any malls or other public buildings somewhat nearby that would be open at this time of night? Maybe Koch wouldn't be too thrilled about running straight through a building with people in it. ...maybe?

>"Not just yet," Archer sends. as she dashes over the peak of the roof
>There aren't much of malls around here that you know of, but the main roads will probably have a some kind of traffic and restaurants that should be open for just a little while longer...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 06:06:57 AM
>Would any of this be vaguely north of us or would we need to divert our direction entirely?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 06:11:00 AM
>Would any of this be vaguely north of us or would we need to divert our direction entirely?

>"If you have your bearings correct, south would be more likely to be busy than north, but there is a main road both ways.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 06:17:56 AM
>Maybe if we head towards a place with more traffic, he'd need to stop the whole 'jumping over buildings' thing, which could give us a chance to slip out of sight, even if I'd have to go on foot, too. Maybe find a restaurant to slip out the back door of.

>Is it possible for Archer's invisibility cloak to mask our presence, too, if we sort of had her try to drape it around the two of us? Enough to slip past regular people in a non-combat situation without being noticed, anyway? Or does it strictly only work for her?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 04:08:53 PM
>Maybe if we head towards a place with more traffic, he'd need to stop the whole 'jumping over buildings' thing, which could give us a chance to slip out of sight, even if I'd have to go on foot, too. Maybe find a restaurant to slip out the back door of.

>Is it possible for Archer's invisibility cloak to mask our presence, too, if we sort of had her try to drape it around the two of us? Enough to slip past regular people in a non-combat situation without being noticed, anyway? Or does it strictly only work for her?

>"I guess even a monster like that would want to keep a low profile," Archer sends, just before leaping to another roof. The limousine swings around the house you were just on and starts to follow, smashing through a barbecue as it speeds up.  "What's the best way to get there?"
>It only works for her and small objects in her possession.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 10:28:56 PM
>Give her some directions, as best we know them
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 10:37:25 PM
>Give her some directions, as best we know them

>Which direction do you intend to go, North or south? Or perhaps chance it with another direction entirely?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 11:08:30 PM
>The one in the most riverly direction, which means north, yes?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 11:10:08 PM
>The one in the most riverly direction, which means north, yes?

>Yes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 05, 2017, 11:35:28 PM
>Er, that was a: give her directions towards the main roads to the north (unless I was mistaken about the direction)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2017, 11:43:04 PM
>Er, that was a: give her directions towards the main roads to the north (unless I was mistaken about the direction)

>"Alright, just let me know if you have any ideas how to get this guy off our tail in the meantime!" says Archer, as she continues to run eastward. The limousine is starting to gain on the two of you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 12:07:05 AM
>Don't suppose there are any alleyways or other passages in sight too narrow for the limo to fit through?
>Other good Wall materials in sight we could maybe at least use for a distraction?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 12:10:59 AM
>Don't suppose there are any alleyways or other passages in sight too narrow for the limo to fit through?
>Other good Wall materials in sight we could maybe at least use for a distraction?

>There isn't much in the way of alleys here; too suburban.
>There are still some gravel driveways here and there, and you see a brick garden path a few houses ahead that might work.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 01:33:24 AM
The Walls aren't really good to help get it off our tail unless used at closer range, though.... Otherwise it'll just jump over them.

>Any public buildings we could slip into?
>Any people in the distance whose attention we might be able to attract?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 01:45:42 AM
>Any public buildings we could slip into?
>Any people in the distance whose attention we might be able to attract?

>Unfortunately, this is an American neighborhood, and zoning tends to forbid having businesses and the like within low density residential areas. It's all houses here.
>No one is out right now that you can see.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 03:17:08 AM
>As far as there is 'etiquette' when it comes to the use of magic in public, would there be some kind of penalty from the overseers of the war for deliberately attracting the attention of civilians to someone else?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 03:46:40 AM
>As far as there is 'etiquette' when it comes to the use of magic in public, would there be some kind of penalty from the overseers of the war for deliberately attracting the attention of civilians to someone else?

>You...don't know, actually. You don't know if anyone has tried it. You suppose it would come down to plausible deniability.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 04:01:34 AM
>I can call the police. Tell them there's a limo swerving all over the place and trying to run people down. Maybe a few police sirens will get him to stop jumping over buildings for a little while.
>Try to pull out our phone and dial 911
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 04:16:19 AM
>I can call the police. Tell them there's a limo swerving all over the place and trying to run people down. Maybe a few police sirens will get him to stop jumping over buildings for a little while.
>Try to pull out our phone and dial 911

>"Okay, just try to keep an eye on things..."
>You pull out your phone and dial. There is a ring, then "What is the nature of your emergency?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 04:22:44 AM
>"I'm near [some nearby street we know of]. There's a black limo swerving all over the road here; they've nearly run someone over twice now!"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 04:26:51 AM
>"I'm near [some nearby street we know of]. There's a black limo swerving all over the road here; they've nearly run someone over twice now!"

>"Are you or anyone else hurt?" says the operator after you name a Buffalo street that you saw on one of the signs; she sounds like a middle-aged woman.
>The limo is gaining on you. Archer starts making her way toward the peak of the roof while running forward. "This is gonna help now, right?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 04:32:05 AM
>"I'm fine, I think, but someone's gonna get killed at this rate. It's heading north."
>I sure hope so.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 04:39:28 AM
>"I'm fine, I think, but someone's gonna get killed at this rate. It's heading north."
>I sure hope so.

>"Is anyone in danger right now?" says the operator. "Can you describe the driver?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 04:44:43 AM
>"I can't see them; the windows are tinted. And yes! I think they're actually trying to run someone over."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 04:47:38 AM
>"I can't see them; the windows are tinted. And yes! I think they're actually trying to run someone over."

>"Police are on the way, and we'll have a paramedic there shortly," says the operator. "In the meantime, just try to stay hidden."
>Archer crests the roof while you talk, and a moment later, the Limousine comes soaring over it, slowly turning in midair!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 04:54:11 AM
>"Thank you!"
>Er, does this mean the limo is currently above us? Or just 'really damn close behind'?
>Useful Wall terrain nearby?
>Or other sorts of cover or usable elements?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 05:05:46 AM
>"Thank you!"
>Er, does this mean the limo is currently above us? Or just 'really damn close behind'?
>Useful Wall terrain nearby?
>Or other sorts of cover or usable elements?

>The operator hangs up.
>A bit of both!
>There is all kinds of dirt on the ground.
>You're on a roof, there is no cover.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 05:13:37 AM
>Will shingles or whatever roofing material this house is made from work for a Wall?
>As far as we can tell in an instant, does it seem like the car is poised to land on us or still somewhat behind us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 05:16:51 AM
>Will shingles or whatever roofing material this house is made from work for a Wall?
>As far as we can tell in an instant, does it seem like the car is poised to land on us or still somewhat behind us?

>You doubt the shingles would work, after all the processing and such they've been through. It removes them too far from their native element.
>You aren't immediately sure. It could hit you, or go just past you.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 05:19:22 AM
>Well, so long as it's definitely not going to land behind us....
>Double back! Off the roof!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 05:26:22 AM
>Well, so long as it's definitely not going to land behind us....
>Double back! Off the roof!

>Archer does not respond. She doesn't waste the time, doing precisely what you say.
>The limousine sails past you by not quite a yard. There is a sound, and suddenly something explodes out from the hubcaps with a distinct sound of metal on metal. You can feel something pass just under you. Archer grunts, but doesn't waver and keeps moving. The limousine lands in the front of the house that you are on, angled to keep going the direction that you were moving a moment ago. You can see it now, long blades extend from the vehicles tires; they retract as it starts moving again.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 05:42:35 AM
I feel like I may be misunderstanding some of what just happened here.

>Clarify: if the limo passed over us, how did the blades extending from the hubcaps pass under us?
>Does this mean that the limo is now on the opposite side of the house that we landed on? As in, there is now a house between the two of us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 01:45:11 PM
I feel like I may be misunderstanding some of what just happened here.

>Clarify: if the limo passed over us, how did the blades extending from the hubcaps pass under us?
>Does this mean that the limo is now on the opposite side of the house that we landed on? As in, there is now a house between the two of us?

>It passed by you, not over. It was on a descending arc.
>Yes, though you got to see it land before Archer jumped.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 06:48:47 PM
>Are you alright?!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 07:42:18 PM
>Are you alright?!

>"Just got me in the side a little, that's all!" sends Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 07:56:08 PM
>Try to get behind a different house before they can get back over this one. If we can stall a little, the police might give us the distraction we need to put some real distance between us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 08:16:40 PM
>Try to get behind a different house before they can get back over this one. If we can stall a little, the police might give us the distraction we need to put some real distance between us.

>"How long is it going to take for them to get here?" Archer sends as she hops off the roof and speeds across this house's back yard and toward the one facing the opposite street.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 08:47:55 PM
>If one was already nearby, not very long at all, but I'm afraid I can't promise that. I'm open to other suggestions!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 09:06:12 PM
>If one was already nearby, not very long at all, but I'm afraid I can't promise that. I'm open to other suggestions!

>"Me, too!" she sends back as she reaches the opposing house and rounds it. You can hear the limousine somewhere behind, but can't see it at the moment.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 09:12:33 PM
>Just keep trying to keep me out of sight while staying mobile. We'll worry about where we're going once we get some breathing room. And if I think of anything else, you'll be the first to know!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 09:18:08 PM
>Just keep trying to keep me out of sight while staying mobile. We'll worry about where we're going once we get some breathing room. And if I think of anything else, you'll be the first to know!

>"I should I cross this street or head up or down it?" Archer sends as she gets to the front of the house and dashes down the driveway.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 09:26:56 PM
>Pick whichever seems to offer the closer-spaced cover
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 09:35:23 PM
>Pick whichever seems to offer the closer-spaced cover

>Heading up or down the street will keep a house between you and the limousine, save for when you cross between them. Crossing potentially lets you put more houses and distance between it. With the former choice, whether you move up or down the street (North or south)  is also to be considered.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 10:36:19 PM
Man, I feel I am getting progressively less sure of the geometry here.

>Cross!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 11:17:13 PM
>Cross!

>She bolts down the driveway immediately, angling toward the back yard of the house across the street.  You can hear the limousine pass through the back yard that you had just cross, mostly because it you hear it run over a plastic yard chair that was back there. Whether or not you were seen is impossible to say.
>Archer continues running, crossing the street and charging into the fairly empty backyard of this new house. "Where now?" she sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 06, 2017, 11:29:45 PM
>South!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 06, 2017, 11:57:49 PM
>South!

>She nods, and starts running southward, quickly vaulting over a fence, then the other side of the enclosure.
>For now, you see no sign of the limousine.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 01:13:17 AM
>Keep going, and keep your ears out for sirens. I'm not sure what direction they'll be coming from.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 01:30:59 AM
>Keep going, and keep your ears out for sirens. I'm not sure what direction they'll be coming from.

>She passes another house, then another and a third. As she passes the fourth she sends, "I don't hear anything. Do you?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 01:38:07 AM
>We don't, presumably?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 01:46:29 AM
>We don't, presumably?

>No.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 04:56:08 AM
>Nope. I mean, stalling might still be our best bet to put real distance between us, but I don't like the idea of running in circles if it's going to take them another 15 minutes or something. I don't suppose you have any ideas?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 04:59:52 AM
>Nope. I mean, stalling might still be our best bet to put real distance between us, but I don't like the idea of running in circles if it's going to take them another 15 minutes or something. I don't suppose you have any ideas?

>"We need to find a good way to hurt it," Archer says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 05:04:45 AM
>No kidding. The two best ideas I have at the moment are either to try sinking it in the river or drawing it far enough away from other people to try using poison gas on it - the riverbank is probably isolated enough for that too. I can freeze a path across the river thick enough to walk on, but too thin for the car to drive over it. Of course, we still need to manage to get there.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 05:06:40 AM
>No kidding. The two best ideas I have at the moment are either to try sinking it in the river or drawing it far enough away from other people to try using poison gas on it - the riverbank is probably isolated enough for that too. I can freeze a path across the river thick enough to walk on, but too thin for the car to drive over it. Of course, we still need to manage to get there.

>"Didn't you manage to hurt it earlier?" Archer sends, as she passes by another house. "And where should we be going now? Just this way?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 06:04:55 AM
>Inventory
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 06:13:19 AM
>Inventory

>Your inventory contains
>Glasses
>You need these to see.
>Dumb Meme Shirt
>No, You're Patrick!
>Smart Phone
>Your friend away from home.
>3DS
>Never hurts to have it onhand, though perhaps not in combat situations.
>Wallet
>Full of valuable cards attached to your ID and bank account!
>Prepared stones x 7
>A vital component to your Wall spell
>Talismans x 5
>A key component to your Freeze Spell
>Sealed vial of Mana-infused water x12
>The work of half a lifetime.
>Enchanted Knife
>It cuts through ice like butter! It cuts through other things like a knife!
>Pepper spray
>You'll need to remove the safety tabs before you use this.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 06:20:58 AM
>Can we obtain a temporary power boost by drawing on one of those mana vials or is it effectively just to replenish our magical stamina as we run out of it by casting things?
>If the former, approximately how much? Could this also be used to speed up casting of a spell? Say, to allow us to unleash Forbidden Zone rapidly enough to surprise an oncoming limo?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 04:06:25 PM
>Can we obtain a temporary power boost by drawing on one of those mana vials or is it effectively just to replenish our magical stamina as we run out of it by casting things?
>If the former, approximately how much? Could this also be used to speed up casting of a spell? Say, to allow us to unleash Forbidden Zone rapidly enough to surprise an oncoming limo?

>Some spells can benefit from more mana. It does not speed up the casting, but, but it can increase some of their effects taking place. It may speed up the amount of time it takes for Forbidden Zone to take effect, but not the actual casting to start it up. You don't know if it would be so fast as to defeat a speeding car, though.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 07, 2017, 05:53:15 PM
>What effect would it have on Wall?
>Also, does the wall have to form immediately after the stone lands on its destination, or could we 'prime' a stone and command it to spring forth from there at a later moment?
>This mana booster wouldn't allow us to Blind someone without clearly being able to see them, would it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 07, 2017, 06:11:57 PM
>What effect would it have on Wall?
>Also, does the wall have to form immediately after the stone lands on its destination, or could we 'prime' a stone and command it to spring forth from there at a later moment?
>This mana booster wouldn't allow us to Blind someone without clearly being able to see them, would it?

>Perhaps you could make them stronger or last longer?
>It is not instant, but it does begin to form immediately. It takes about a second. You cannot cast the spell and have it happen later, you think.
>No.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 09, 2017, 04:00:43 AM
>Could we make them build faster?
>How exactly do we go about using one of these vials, anyway? Is it effectively always 'one entire vial at a time' or does each vial contain enough juice to draw upon usefully more than once?

>I'd still like to get to the river, but changing direction seemed like it might make it easier to shake them off for the moment.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 09, 2017, 04:31:04 AM
>Could we make them build faster?
>How exactly do we go about using one of these vials, anyway? Is it effectively always 'one entire vial at a time' or does each vial contain enough juice to draw upon usefully more than once?

>I'd still like to get to the river, but changing direction seemed like it might make it easier to shake them off for the moment.

>...Maybe? But the improvement would be infinitesimal, you think. They already build pretty fast once placed.
>It is easiest to drain a whole vial, but you can take portions of one. You've never actually used one, but you can probably take as little as a quarter at once. How effect that will be is hard to say, but you know using a whole vial ought to have a significant effect.
>"Which way do you want?" Archer sends.  It seems she taking a more relaxed pace now.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 09, 2017, 06:11:57 AM
>Take a moderately wide loop around and head back north, I think. Focus on keeping me out of sight more than moving quickly, until Koch makes another appearance.
>...which I hope won't be until after either the police get here or we make it to better terrain.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 09, 2017, 03:23:33 PM
>Take a moderately wide loop around and head back north, I think. Focus on keeping me out of sight more than moving quickly, until Koch makes another appearance.
>...which I hope won't be until after either the police get here or we make it to better terrain.

>"North it is," Archer sends. "You never did answer me, by the way."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 09, 2017, 05:00:50 PM
>Answer what?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 09, 2017, 05:21:47 PM
>Answer what?

>"How are we going to hurt it?" Archer sends. "And really, didn't you already manage to do it it a little?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 09, 2017, 10:47:41 PM
>Well, if we can sink it in the river or gas the interior, it doesn't matter if we hurt the car itself - it's moot without Koch. And... that wall of mine might have hurt it a little, but I'm not sure. I'd want stronger materials to make it out of and they dodged the last attempt the moment I threw the stone. I think they're expecting it now.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 09, 2017, 11:32:00 PM
>Well, if we can sink it in the river or gas the interior, it doesn't matter if we hurt the car itself - it's moot without Koch. And... that wall of mine might have hurt it a little, but I'm not sure. I'd want stronger materials to make it out of and they dodged the last attempt the moment I threw the stone. I think they're expecting it now.

>"So, we have to make it so they can't dodge," Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 10, 2017, 03:54:31 AM
>Got any suggestions? They came straight for me the last time I tried to make a sinkhole and then skirted right around where I put it. I think one of them could detect what I was doing, so I don't know if I can catch them with that - at least not unless I used it while very far away from them.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 10, 2017, 04:52:45 AM
>Got any suggestions? They came straight for me the last time I tried to make a sinkhole and then skirted right around where I put it. I think one of them could detect what I was doing, so I don't know if I can catch them with that - at least not unless I used it while very far away from them.

>"Hm, when are they not able to dodge something..." Archer sends, her mental voice almost muttering.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 10, 2017, 05:14:43 AM
>Well, they don't seem to be able to change direction mid-air, but they're too high up to- When they land! If I aim it for wherever they're going to land, they'll probably be forced to land right on top of it. But... that sounds dangerous. Every jump so far has either been out of range or poised to land on top of me. Hmmm....
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 10, 2017, 05:25:41 AM
>Well, they don't seem to be able to change direction mid-air, but they're too high up to- When they land! If I aim it for wherever they're going to land, they'll probably be forced to land right on top of it. But... that sounds dangerous. Every jump so far has either been out of range or poised to land on top of me. Hmmm....

>"Sounds worth trying..." says Archer. "Maybe when they're going over a house?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 10, 2017, 05:42:19 AM
>We said we weren't certain if the Wall spell would still work if the stone was physically deflected before landing yet still landed on valid terrain, right? But it might?
>If so: How capable would you feel of hitting one of those Wall stones with an arrow before it hit the ground again and deflecting it to a specific area? Without destroying the stone itself in the process, that is?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 10, 2017, 05:59:53 AM
>We said we weren't certain if the Wall spell would still work if the stone was physically deflected before landing yet still landed on valid terrain, right? But it might?
>If so: How capable would you feel of hitting one of those Wall stones with an arrow before it hit the ground again and deflecting it to a specific area? Without destroying the stone itself in the process, that is?

>It might, but you are not confident.
>"That's easy," Archer sends. "But sounds convoluted."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 10, 2017, 06:11:43 AM
>Well, I can only throw these things so far. You could probably launch them much further - far enough to reach the limo's landing zone while we were safely outside it. Might even make a good surprise that way.
>Only problem is that I'm not sure that this wouldn't disrupt the magic in it and prevent it from going off, so we've have to give it a test shot first - before attempting to actually hit them with it.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 10, 2017, 06:22:49 AM
>Well, I can only throw these things so far. You could probably launch them much further - far enough to reach the limo's landing zone while we were safely outside it. Might even make a good surprise that way.
>Only problem is that I'm not sure that this wouldn't disrupt the magic in it and prevent it from going off, so we've have to give it a test shot first - before attempting to actually hit them with it.

>"Just say when," she says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 10, 2017, 07:10:18 AM
>Okay.
>Let's take out a stone, point out somewhere relatively unobtrusive but also outside our normal throwing range to Archer as the target, then give our signal and throw it. Let's see if this remote Wall deployment works.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 02:10:00 AM
>Okay.
>Let's take out a stone, point out somewhere relatively unobtrusive but also outside our normal throwing range to Archer as the target, then give our signal and throw it. Let's see if this remote Wall deployment works.

>Archer puts you down, and you take out a stone and cast the spell. You don't really see what she does, but the stone definitely skips in midair as something hits it, lands about 145 degrees from where you aimed. You can feel the mana drain from you, and dirt kind of rises and and starts to twist into a kind of vertical shape, then it all collapses. It doesn't feel like it  has drained as much mana as it normally would have.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 11, 2017, 03:55:06 AM
>So basically: it misfired? And this plan therefore seems unusable?
>Assuming so: Well, we learned something, anyway. I guess we'll just have to be closer to them for this to work than I'd like.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 04:25:03 AM
>So basically: it misfired? And this plan therefore seems unusable?
>Assuming so: Well, we learned something, anyway. I guess we'll just have to be closer to them for this to work than I'd like.

>This seems to be the case. You would need to improve your own skills before this is viable, you think.
>"So it seems. But we have something now," Archer sends. "So, where now?"

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 11, 2017, 04:49:05 AM
>Keep moving north, I think. Slower and more cautiously, since we don't know where they are and they mightn't know where we are, either. I mean, I'd be happy to take a surprise attack if we can spot them first. And if not, well... here's hoping we can still give 'em a surprise regardless.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 05:08:57 AM
>Keep moving north, I think. Slower and more cautiously, since we don't know where they are and they mightn't know where we are, either. I mean, I'd be happy to take a surprise attack if we can spot them first. And if not, well... here's hoping we can still give 'em a surprise regardless.

>"Right," Archer sends, and picks you up again and continues north.
>As you come to the edge of the block, you notice flashing red and blue lights to the west.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 11, 2017, 06:01:00 AM
>Do they seem to be moving? If so, coming closer or moving further away? Can we hear sirens?
>How close do they seem to be, for that matter?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 06:15:59 AM
>Do they seem to be moving? If so, coming closer or moving further away? Can we hear sirens?
>How close do they seem to be, for that matter?

>You can't tell at the moment, you haven't quite passed by the house to see. No sirens at the moment.
>Reasonably, though you can't see at this split second.
>Archer stops before passing the edge of the house. "Oh hell," she sends, "What is that damn aristocrat's Servant doing now?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 11, 2017, 07:04:46 AM
>Can you see the limo? Those lights are from the police, though; it would be best if we didn't get spotted by them either, or there'll be awkward questions for me to answer, but they shouldn't be trying to kill us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 04:56:15 PM
>Can you see the limo? Those lights are from the police, though; it would be best if we didn't get spotted by them either, or there'll be awkward questions for me to answer, but they shouldn't be trying to kill us.

>"Oh, got it," Archer sends as she immediately reverses direction. "Aren't they supposed to be on our side, though? What should I do?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 11, 2017, 06:11:01 PM
>They're more or less on our side, but I can't be caught using magic where ordinary people can see it, nor having you carry me over rooftops. And I'd just rather not have to try and explain why Koch is trying to kill us or have my name plastered all over news stories about this.
>Put me down for a sec and take quick look at what's going on on the other side of this house.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 11, 2017, 07:58:48 PM
>They're more or less on our side, but I can't be caught using magic where ordinary people can see it, nor having you carry me over rooftops. And I'd just rather not have to try and explain why Koch is trying to kill us or have my name plastered all over news stories about this.
>Put me down for a sec and take quick look at what's going on on the other side of this house.

>Archer puts you down. You assume she disappears without a word. After a moment, she sends, "There's a mostly white car with those bright lights on top of it, just going down the road at a slow speed. The driver looks really bored and irritated."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 12:05:03 AM
>Probably thinks this was just a prank call. But at least he's here, I guess.
>Keep an eye out and let me know when it's safe for me to cross to the next house without being spotted.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 12:55:50 AM
>Probably thinks this was just a prank call. But at least he's here, I guess.
>Keep an eye out and let me know when it's safe for me to cross to the next house without being spotted.

>"Okay, he's going across that house you're beside now," Archer says after a few moments, as the lights become brighter and more obnoxious. "Circle around back, and just walk across"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 01:01:25 AM
>Do as she suggests
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 01:03:35 AM
>Do as she suggests

>You follow her suggestions, doing your best not to stumble over a garden hose that has been left out, and pass behind the neighboring house with no difficulties.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 01:08:40 AM
>Continue heading north in this manner for so long as the police car is in the immediate vicinity and neither of us catches sight of the death limo
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 01:14:11 AM
>Continue heading north in this manner for so long as the police car is in the immediate vicinity and neither of us catches sight of the death limo

>You are not able to head north in the manner, you reached the end of the block and these houses are going from east to west. That said, you don't see any signs of the limousine from your spot behind this house.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 01:42:04 AM
>Do we have any idea whether east or west leads to a northbound road more directly? If not, ask Archer to see if she can tell from a rooftop and then let's head that way
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 02:19:09 AM
>Do we have any idea whether east or west leads to a northbound road more directly? If not, ask Archer to see if she can tell from a rooftop and then let's head that way

>You do not.
>You ask Archer, and while you don't see her leap up onto the roof you swear that you can feel it.
>"East takes us closer," Archer sends after a moment. "One of those cars with the lights is that way, too."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 05:51:12 PM
>Still no sign of Koch, I assume.
>Assuming not, let's creep East, then North again, using Archer to scout and ensure we don't get noticed by the police
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 06:41:25 PM
>Still no sign of Koch, I assume.
>Assuming not, let's creep East, then North again, using Archer to scout and ensure we don't get noticed by the police

>"Nope," Archer sends. "I'll tell you if I see him."
>Without archer carrying you, the going is much slower. You can jog across yards just fine, but you don't quite have Archer's talent for smoothly dodging around things or vaulting over fences. Especially fences; you have to climb over several of them, and it is slow and unpleasant going.
>You think you're within three houses of the end of the block when Archer's voice comes to you. "It's Rider," she says. "They're stopped by one of those police cars."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 08:04:39 PM
>Tell me what they're saying.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 08:12:07 PM
>Tell me what they're saying.

>"I'd need to get closer, okay," Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 16, 2017, 11:07:20 PM
>Go on.
>And keep approaching ourselves, such that it's safe
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 16, 2017, 11:19:27 PM
>Go on.
>And keep approaching ourselves, such that it's safe

>You keep moving along at your own pace. Nothing has stood out as dangerous yet.
>"Hm, their vehicle's back to normal," Archer sends. "None of those prongs on the front or different wheels or anything. The front window is down, the driver is talking to the constable... I can't hear them yet, but he gave the constable a card of some kind, and I think some money? It seems like they're exchanging pleasantries?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 01:35:30 AM
>The money's probably a bribe. Would be pocket change to Koch.
>You say the window's down? Do you have a shot on the driver?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 01:40:29 AM
>The money's probably a bribe. Would be pocket change to Koch.
>You say the window's down? Do you have a shot on the driver?

>"I do," says Archer. "He's an older man, clean-shaven. Not quite as old as the bastard in back was. I think his style is a bit more dated, but he's really well dressed, too."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 17, 2017, 02:10:20 AM
>Sounds like the smarmy, rich basterd has a smarmy rich bastard for a Servant. No irony there at all.
>How dated? Like last hundred years dated or last thousand-plus?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 02:36:38 AM
>Sounds like the smarmy, rich basterd has a smarmy rich bastard for a Servant. No irony there at all.
>How dated? Like last hundred years dated or last thousand-plus?

>Fitting.
>"It's similar-looking, just it seems a bit older," Archer sends. "So probably last hundred?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 03:19:38 AM
I still can't decide whether this is daring or just foolish, but I'm seriously considering just having Archer shoot him right now - even with a police officer talking to him. Sure, he'll be a witness to someone shooting an apparently-normal person with an arrow and that's certain to put the police on alert, but I don't know how that could actually be traced back to us. Even if they somehow apprehend us as a suspect, we don't own a bow and have probably never shot one, have no known connection to the person being shot, no criminal history, etc, etc. It would be nice to wait until there weren't witnesses, but it seems a shame to pass up finally having a shot without this arrowproof glass in the way.

Of course, I wouldn't put it pass the arrow not accomplishing anything. Rider detecting the attack and putting the windows up in time or some kind of property of the noble phantasm that keeps people inside the car safe (which could explain why Koch was so calm earlier). Which means this might just create new problems without solving any old ones, but I still feel pretty tempted. Thoughts?

Though now that I think about it....

>To a non-magical observer, would Archers arrows pass for mundane projectiles or would there be something undeniably supernatural to their appearance?
>Revealing the presence of magic to non-magi is taboo, but does that extend to civilians witnessing magical acts that are capable of being passed off as mundane (if highly unusual) ones?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 03:24:32 AM
>To a non-magical observer, would Archers arrows pass for mundane projectiles or would there be something undeniably supernatural to their appearance?
>Revealing the presence of magic to non-magi is taboo, but does that extend to civilians witnessing magical acts that are capable of being passed off as mundane (if highly unusual) ones?

>You think they would just look like normal arrows.
>This is the grayest of gray areas and everyone has their opinion. The best answer is: Don't let the Magic Association catch you doing it, or the occult underground know you have a reputation for it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 03:37:56 AM
>And would having Archer shoot someone in view of a civilian fall firmly within the realm of things the Magic Association really ought not to know about? If is dark, after all, so it could easily have been some crazy sniper dude in the bushes or something.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 03:41:41 AM
>And would having Archer shoot someone in view of a civilian fall firmly within the realm of things the Magic Association really ought not to know about? If is dark, after all, so it could easily have been some crazy sniper dude in the bushes or something.

>This is the grayest of gray areas. Everyone has their own opinion. You imagine that's the kind of cover-up they would go for if needed, at least.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 03:58:00 AM
>If you have a shot on the driver, take it. I'd rather there wasn't someone watching, but I don't know we can afford to pass this up regardless.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 03:58:55 AM
>If you have a shot on the driver, take it. I'd rather there wasn't someone watching, but I don't know we can afford to pass this up regardless.

>"I'm going to try and poison him, alright?" Archer sends back.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 03:59:34 AM
>Yes.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 17, 2017, 04:01:03 AM
>Sounds good, especially if it winds up not being a killshot, Take the shot, Archer!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 04:02:56 AM
>Yes.
>Sounds good, especially if it winds up not being a killshot, Take the shot, Archer!

>Archer goes silent. The air is tense, your stomach is doing acrobatics that you have never dreamed possible. So much could go wrong....
>"Right in the shoulder!" Archer sends. "He jerked away at the last moment, but not fast enou-What the!? Lily, we got to go! I'm coming back!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 04:03:47 AM
>What's wrong?!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 04:05:45 AM
>What's wrong?!

>"He just drug that constable through the window, and took off!" Archer sends. "I don't know what they're up to, but stay hidden! I'm sure he's feeling the poison now, though!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 17, 2017, 04:08:12 AM
> Stay hidden.
> I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 04:08:51 AM
>Through the window?! They kidnapped him? What direction did they go?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 04:12:13 AM
> Stay hidden.
> I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.

>You do not move.
>You do your best to keep calm, but oh god so much might be going wrong now. They took the cop!? What happens when his empty car is found...?

>Through the window?! They kidnapped him? What direction did they go?

>"They're northeast of you now," Archer sends. "And yes, just grabbed him by the lapels and drug him through! And I am pretty sure I heard screams!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 04:15:23 AM
>Fuck, fuck! Oh god, if they kill him because of this, I-
>No, panic later. Still need to stay focused
>Would that direction mean the car is moving towards us or away from us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 04:50:44 AM
>Fuck, fuck! Oh god, if they kill him because of this, I-
>No, panic later. Still need to stay focused
>Would that direction mean the car is moving towards us or away from us?

>"I don't know!" says Archer. "They might have to buy time!"
>You try to stay focused. It's hard not to panic, but the idea that you're in renewed direct danger helps!
>Somewhat toward you, but not directly. But if they happen to turn south at the right street...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 06:50:43 AM
>Would we be visible from the street from here?
>If so, do we see any place nearby to take cover where we wouldn't be?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 06:55:43 AM
>Would we be visible from the street from here?
>If so, do we see any place nearby to take cover where we wouldn't be?

>Hard to say. You might be from some angles, briefly.
>There is a shed a few houses away, but you'd have to go out into the open a bit to get to it. Whether this is open enough to be seen or not...
>"Time is going to be of the essence for them if they can't heal that," Archer sends. "They know it."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:03:19 AM
>If it's a few houses away and requires exposing ourselves more than we currently are in the process, let's just try to keep very still and inconspicuous and hope Archer gets here first
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 07:06:51 AM
>If it's a few houses away and requires exposing ourselves more than we currently are in the process, let's just try to keep very still and inconspicuous and hope Archer gets here first

>"They need to kill me to stop the poison," Archer continues, "But right now, they can't find me. So they need to get to you. And they can't play a long game anymore like they were..."
>You hear squealing tires to the east.
>"And...I think they've turned down your street!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:22:41 AM
>Can we tell from what direction that would be?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 07:33:15 AM
>Can we tell from what direction that would be?

>Probably from the east, giving the squealing tires and all.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:36:14 AM
>How exposed are we from the east? Any convenient bushes?
>Could we flatten ourselves against a nearby house or something to block sight from that direction and shift around the house as the car passes by to keep from being exposed on the other side?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 07:40:24 AM
>How exposed are we from the east? Any convenient bushes?
>Could we flatten ourselves against a nearby house or something to block sight from that direction and shift around the house as the car passes by to keep from being exposed on the other side?

>Right now, you are a behind a house, so from the street you ought to be concealed. You could flatten yourself, but you should be concealed.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:42:27 AM
>Well, let's stay put then and shift only if we think we need to, as the car passes by the other side of the house, to keep from being exposed to the street
>Try not to breathe too loudly
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 07:48:39 AM
>Well, let's stay put then and shift only if we think we need to, as the car passes by the other side of the house, to keep from being exposed to the street
>Try not to breathe too loudly

>You stay put, and try not to breath too loudly.
>Then suddenly lights appear to the east, followed by a dark mass flying over a house and landing solidly in a yard about four houses down!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:50:58 AM
>Was that in sight of us?
>How close are you?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 07:53:15 AM
>Was that in sight of us?
>How close are you?

>You just saw it, at least...
>"Coming, coming!" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:59:23 AM
>I meant, is it in sight of us now? As in where it landed.
>Either way, let's try to dash for somewhere that's neither in sight of where we just were or where the car landed, if at all possible.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 08:01:10 AM
>I meant, is it in sight of us now? As in where it landed.
>Either way, let's try to dash for somewhere that's neither in sight of where we just were or where the car landed, if at all possible.

>Yes! Curiously enough, it does not seem to be moving.
>You can try to go around the near side of the house, and hope the neighboring house will shield you, or go around the far side, which is further away.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 08:08:34 AM
>Let's go for the near side
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 08:12:30 AM
>Let's go for the near side

>You scurry toward the near side. As you do, you see whisps of pale blue light gathering around the motionless Limousine.
>Rounding the corner, but still easily about to see the vehicle at the moment, you hear Archer's voice in your thoughts, a moment before you hear a soft thump in the grass. "I'm here!" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 08:19:38 AM
>What's it doing? Is that what it looked like before the ghosts showed up that other time?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 08:21:43 AM
>What's it doing? Is that what it looked like before the ghosts showed up that other time?

>"Yeah, definitely," Archer sends.
>There are large blue shapes gathering around it, now.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 08:30:36 AM
>Were we close enough to where the limo landed that we feel pretty confident we were seen before it elected to stand still and do this instead? Or do we think there's decent odds it could have overlooked our presence?
>Is it within Forbidden Zone range?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 08:32:00 AM
>Were we close enough to where the limo landed that we feel pretty confident we were seen before it elected to stand still and do this instead? Or do we think there's decent odds it could have overlooked our presence?
>Is it within Forbidden Zone range?

>Either way is possible. Frankly, you don't know.
>No.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 08:36:51 AM
>Would you be able to tell if they somehow neutralized the poison?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2017, 06:37:25 PM
>Would you be able to tell if they somehow neutralized the poison?

>"Not innately," Archer sends. "But it'd definitely show in how they act."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 07:03:57 PM
Frankly, I'm torn again. If the ghostly mechanic crew can somehow also 'repair' Rider (because Fate sure loves its metaphorical extensions of abilities), then I feel we ought to capitalize on this moment of immobility to attempt to incapacitate the vehicle itself; if it's spotted us already, we're barely giving up any advantage by trying. But if it didn't spot us and is just trying to gear up to be better at hunting us down while Rider remains poisoned, then surely trying to put distance between it and keep a low profile is best; let him waste his time searching around. And these are basically polar opposites whose merit depends entirely on unknowns - whether Rider has already seen us and whether he has a means to cure himself in any fashion.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 17, 2017, 09:54:22 PM
I'm sort of joining in mid-story so I don't know the full extent of the situation...

But it seems to me that the answer to a self-repairing car is to just total the fucking thing in one go. Are there any large trees around we could dunk on it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 17, 2017, 10:33:18 PM
Well, the approach that seemed the best idea to me if we wanted to attack the car at this point would be to use Forbidden Zone and try driving spikes into the tires / underside or just outright mire the wheels somehow - could probably blow a mana vial to make it quicker. The downside with this spell in past was that it required us to be immobile for a while and also gave away our location, but if they're also frozen stationary and probably already know where we are, this isn't much of a downside. I'd ideally prefer not to just, y'know, blow the car up or crush it under a tree (even if we could) due to the cop that got pulled inside the car. (I mean, assuming he's even still okay at all)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 17, 2017, 11:38:07 PM
Damn muggles! Yeah you're right, I guess I can't justify obliterating the car with a possibly-alive cop inside it. (Or, at least, this character can't...)

Well, smashing the hood would be sufficient, but toppled trees aren't exactly precise weapons. As for tearing up the tires, fixing that is easy even without spooky ghost magic so I suspect that's really not worth exposing ourselves for...

I'd suggest letting Archer size this dude up, we should find out really quickly if the poison is working.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 12:31:52 AM
Well, we can't actually see inside the car with the windows up and even repeated arrow hits haven't put more than a dent in them, so I'm not sure how we can 'size him up'. And I meant less 'tearing up tires' than 'skewering the whole place a tire would go' which could theoretically keep the ghost mechanics from even replacing the tires. Other than that, we could try to raise another Wall under the middle of the car and hope a vial would give it enough strength to keep from just collapsing under the weight of it. That might still be the best option if we're not just going to run away. (Honestly, that mightn't be a bad option even if he can't get rid of the poison)

>Did the car when it landed have any of the spike gear that it had earlier? Not just the wheels, but otherwise?
>Are we able to get close enough to toss a Wall stone underneath the car without stepping too far from cover? Like, could we follow a house around to get mostly back into range?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 01:22:15 AM
>Did the car when it landed have any of the spike gear that it had earlier? Not just the wheels, but otherwise?
>Are we able to get close enough to toss a Wall stone underneath the car without stepping too far from cover? Like, could we follow a house around to get mostly back into range?

>You aren't sure, it's far away and dark. But you don't think so.
>That's hard to tell. You might be able to go around the fronts of the houses and travel that way?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 01:40:44 AM
>Wait, how far away from it are we? It's not just in the neighboring yard?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 03:08:10 AM
>Wait, how far away from it are we? It's not just in the neighboring yard?

>It landed four houses down.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 07:14:05 AM
Okay, that's further away than expected, and it also occurs to me that if he could cure himself of poison in some manner using his own abilities, why did he start looking for us first and only do this now? Why not do it immediately? So maybe he's just gearing up to fight us better and it would be best for us to just run away?

>I think we should get out of here. Fast. Let them waste their time trying to find us again.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 07:18:53 AM
Okay, that's further away than expected, and it also occurs to me that if he could cure himself of poison in some manner using his own abilities, why did he start looking for us first and only do this now? Why not do it immediately? So maybe he's just gearing up to fight us better and it would be best for us to just run away?

>I think we should get out of here. Fast. Let them waste their time trying to find us again.

>"Okay,"  Archer sends, "But I think there's going to be another problem, too. Constables don't like it when constables go missing, from what I've seen."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 07:32:19 AM
>If I thought I could rush in and save him, I would.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 08:02:35 AM
>If I thought I could rush in and save him, I would.

>"I think it's too late for him," Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 08:07:16 AM
>...maybe.
>But either way, I don't think we should sit here waiting for Rider to finish whatever he's doing.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 08:14:02 AM
>...maybe.
>But either way, I don't think we should sit here waiting for Rider to finish whatever he's doing.

>"So we're gonna flee?" she says. "Fine by me. Where?"

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 08:21:29 AM
>Actually, how confident are you that the poison will drop him if we wait long enough?
>What direction would seem to provide the most immediate concealment from the limo here?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 08:31:03 AM
>Actually, how confident are you that the poison will drop him if we wait long enough?
>What direction would seem to provide the most immediate concealment from the limo here?

>"Very," Archer sends. "His endurance isn't anything to boast about, I'm sure."
>North, between this house and the next one one, and into the front yard. From there, you won't be able to see it and vice versa until it or you move.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 08:38:31 AM
>Then let's move north again. Try to keep out of sight of him until we're sure we've put some some real distance between us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 08:41:26 AM
>Then let's move north again. Try to keep out of sight of him until we're sure we've put some some real distance between us.

>Archer's response is to scoop you up again, it's hard not to cry out in surprise, and break into a dead run to the North.
>"It's the constables I'm really worried about," Archer sends. "We wouldn't have gotten that shot without them, but once they find that one's gone. Or even worse, dead..."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 08:58:23 AM
>Are you worried they'll think I'm responsible somehow?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 07:12:25 PM
>Are you worried they'll think I'm responsible somehow?

>"I think we're way more likely to get blamed than the insanely wealthy aristocrat, yes," Archer says as she dashes through the yard and toward the street.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 07:19:48 PM
>What evidence could there possibly be to connect me to it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 07:38:10 PM
>What evidence could there possibly be to connect me to it?

>"Does it matter?" Archer sends. "If they catch you here where you don't belong, that's good enough. Especially if the aristocrat blames you!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 09:17:28 PM
>Let's just make sure we don't get caught then - by either of them.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 09:54:50 PM
>Let's just make sure we don't get caught then - by either of them.

>"Right, just...we're going to have to be careful," she sends as she reaches the sidewalk and darts across the street. "And get out of here! The further away from the constables, the better!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 09:59:49 PM
>I won't argue that.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 10:36:00 PM
>I won't argue that.

>"I mean, we may have to leave town tonight," she sends, as she reaches the opposing yard.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 10:44:15 PM
>I was afraid you might say that. I'm not sure how much driving I'm going to be up for after all this, but I guess... Well, that's something to worry about after we're sure there's no limos trying to kill us anymore.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 18, 2017, 10:57:22 PM
>I was afraid you might say that. I'm not sure how much driving I'm going to be up for after all this, but I guess... Well, that's something to worry about after we're sure there's no limos trying to kill us anymore.

>"If nothing else, we probably should be trying to find your car, too," Archer sends as she dashes up the yard and between the two houses there. There is a fend between them, you tense up for the jump.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 18, 2017, 11:11:12 PM
>Do we have any idea where we parked compared to where we are now?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 19, 2017, 12:29:44 AM
>Do we have any idea where we parked compared to where we are now?

>Not really. You'd need to get to a main road.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 19, 2017, 12:45:16 AM
>Would we actually know where we parked, if we looked at a map of the city?
>And do we have the hands needed to check the GPS on our phone for this without risking dropping it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 19, 2017, 01:00:40 AM
>Would we actually know where we parked, if we looked at a map of the city?
>And do we have the hands needed to check the GPS on our phone for this without risking dropping it?

>If you could find streets here on a map...
>It would be risky, but not impossible.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 19, 2017, 01:03:06 AM
>Well, let's leave that for a moment's downtime, then. Don't want to risk losing the phone if we don't have to.
>If we had a few minutes to spare, I could check the map on my phone and figure out how to get back to it, but it would be great if Rider were gone for good first.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 19, 2017, 01:31:23 AM
>Well, let's leave that for a moment's downtime, then. Don't want to risk losing the phone if we don't have to.
>If we had a few minutes to spare, I could check the map on my phone and figure out how to get back to it, but it would be great if Rider were gone for good first.

>"I think I know the way back," Archer sends, and she circles around a house.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 19, 2017, 04:57:53 AM
>How close to do you think we are to it? I mean, I wouldn't want to try to dodge that limo in my own car, but if we got it onto a road with actual traffic, he might be limited in what he could do.
>...although if he's on a clock, maybe he'd be willing to ignore that. I don't want to draw any more civilians into this if I can help it.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 19, 2017, 05:22:53 AM
>How close to do you think we are to it? I mean, I wouldn't want to try to dodge that limo in my own car, but if we got it onto a road with actual traffic, he might be limited in what he could do.
>...although if he's on a clock, maybe he'd be willing to ignore that. I don't want to draw any more civilians into this if I can help it.

>"In that case, maybe it's best we end it as soon as we can." Archer sends as dashes for the next house. "They don't care about civilians, no way."
>Looking over her shoulder, you can see the limousine burst between the two hours where you had reunited with Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 19, 2017, 06:20:24 AM
>Does it look differently-equipped than when we last saw it?
>About how much distance do we have on it now?
>What odds do we lay on it having caught sight of us from that distance?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 19, 2017, 07:52:12 AM
>Does it look differently-equipped than when we last saw it?
>About how much distance do we have on it now?
>What odds do we lay on it having caught sight of us from that distance?

>At a glance, yes. It seems spikier!
>About the length of two yards and a street that you crossed.
>You can see it, which suggests its not impossible that they saw you.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 19, 2017, 06:12:32 PM
>There it comes! Try to get out of sight of it again.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 03:48:46 AM
>There it comes! Try to get out of sight of it again.

>"Urgh, got it!" Archer sends, as she circles rightward around the house she just passed.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 04:48:10 AM
>Okay, so I think the plan is to keep breaking sight lines as much as possible, even if this slows us down a little. Make him leap over the rooftops to try and catch us. And either we lose him and let the poison do its job or he gets up close and personal and I make sure the limo has a very unsoft landing.
>Do we need a mana vial in our hand to be able to draw on it? If so, let's ready one along with a Wall stone.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 05:21:11 AM
>Okay, so I think the plan is to keep breaking sight lines as much as possible, even if this slows us down a little. Make him leap over the rooftops to try and catch us. And either we lose him and let the poison do its job or he gets up close and personal and I make sure the limo has a very unsoft landing.
>Do we need a mana vial in our hand to be able to draw on it? If so, let's ready one along with a Wall stone.

>"Right!" Archer says.
>Contact is necessary. It need not be with your hands, but it has to be with your skin.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 05:23:07 AM
>Is it currently in a place that has contact with our skin? If not, where are they?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 05:26:36 AM
>Is it currently in a place that has contact with our skin? If not, where are they?

>You have them in your purse.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 05:30:46 AM
>Does this seem like something we could plausibly retrieve in motion without risking spilling stuff on the ground?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 06:05:51 AM
>Does this seem like something we could plausibly retrieve in motion without risking spilling stuff on the ground?

>You think so.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 06:28:18 AM
>Then let's do so, and be very careful and keep a good grip
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 06:34:32 AM
>Then let's do so, and be very careful and keep a good grip

>You fish a vial out as Archer circles around the back of the house. Just as she starts to turn the corner, the limousine bursts into the back yard, smashing the chain-link fence that Archer just hopped over a moment ago!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 06:46:28 AM
>Over the roof! Make them jump after us!
>Get a stone ready
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 06:59:07 AM
>Over the roof! Make them jump after us!
>Get a stone ready

>"Got it!" Archer sends, moments before she springs onto the roof. "
>The Limousine does a one-eighty spin as Archer springs and lands on the roof. It seems they were expecting you to go around the house and were planning to cut you off. This works to your favor, Archer needs a minute herself to get her footing. "Should I try to bait them?" Robin sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 07:10:39 AM
>As long as it's not too transparent, do it.
>And be ready
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 07:38:38 AM
>As long as it's not too transparent, do it.
>And be ready

>"I'm going to try to get them to land on the front yard," says Archer, as she moves to run diagonally toward the peak of the roof. "Get ready!"
>The Limousine backs up a little as she runs, and you get your first good look at it. The grill and front bumper are festooned with spikes like before, but they are joined by more where the window framing meet the roof, more on the roof itself, and you think some smaller ones in the rear. There isn't much on the sides though, likely to keep a more narrow profile. The limousine then suddenly surges forward and springs into the air on a direct collision course!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 07:40:23 AM
>Do we have a confident read on where the limo is going to land? Y'know, assuming Archer gets us out of the way in time.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 07:52:53 AM
>Do we have a confident read on where the limo is going to land? Y'know, assuming Archer gets us out of the way in time.

>You think so.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 07:55:56 AM
>Then let's supercharge our Wall spell with that vial and let it loose roughly in the middle of where we think the car is going to land
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 08:09:58 AM
>Then let's supercharge our Wall spell with that vial and let it loose roughly in the middle of where we think the car is going to land

>You do so, and set yourself to casting. You trust Archer to deal with the thing and focus. Mana floods through the tube and races through your body like a sudden wave of heat! You chant, you focus the power, letting it flow through you. Then you cast, sending the rock into the air.
>Then you suddenly feel your face slam into gritty tiles! Your focus is nearly lost, but you feel the mana continue to flow through the pain and sudden weight atop you.
>A moment later, the feeling is gone and the air is filled with the sound of rending metal.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 08:15:36 AM
>Did we... did we do it?
>Attempt to survey our situation
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 08:19:38 AM
>Did we... did we do it?
>Attempt to survey our situation

>You look up. Your face hurts a bit.
>You have a good view of the front yard, where the front of the of the vehicle is practically impaled on a wall of dirt and sod that has pushed the hood open. Even more strange, the rear section of the car is simply gone; the passenger area has opened up, and the rear sear where Charles was sitting is gone entirely...there is simply some kind of low mechanism you cannot identify that seems to have been under the seat.
>Archer is already getting to her feet, the driver's side door flies open.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 08:25:03 AM
>An ejector seat in a limousine??
>If Archer's no longer holding us, let's get back to our feet as well
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 08:28:36 AM
>An ejector seat in a limousine??
>If Archer's no longer holding us, let's get back to our feet as well

>...Oh god, what if it is?
>You get to your feet; it's hard to tell what archer is doing when she's invisible, but you're certain she's at least stood up. An older man emerges from the vehicle, carrying a cane in hand. Archer was right, he's definitely wearing an older style of suit with a closed vest underneath, you estimate he must be in his fifties. His left shoulder is oozing blood.
>"Orders?" Archer sends.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 08:35:46 AM
>We are confident this is Rider, right?
>Assuming so: Let's put an end to this.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 08:51:11 AM
>We are confident this is Rider, right?
>Assuming so: Let's put an end to this.

>You are.
>"Got it," Archer says as the old man, Rider, charges toward the roof. For a moment, you wonder if he's going to leap onto it, then vanishes below the roofline. You hear Archer loose an arrow he does, and see it slam into the dirt. "Lucky bugger," Archer sends.
>A moment later, the hook of his cane snares onto the lip of the roof, and a moment later he pulls himself up with a surprisingly smooth motion! The old man's face is contorted in fury, you nearly expect him to be foaming at the mouth! His eyes are locked on you.
>Information update: Rider.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 08:56:09 AM
>Check this info
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 09:01:34 AM
>Check this info

>Rider: ?????
>Master: Charles Koch
>Strength:   Low
>Mana: ???
>Endurance:   Low?   
>Luck: Good?
>Agility: Mediocre?
>N. Phantasm:  ????
>Class skills:
>>Riding   A+
>>Magic Resistance   B
>Personal skills:
>> ????
>> Independent Action:    Good.
>>?????
>>?????
>Noble Phantasm:
>>?????

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 09:03:12 AM
>Does Magic Resistance B mean there's not even a point in trying to land a Blind or Halt on him?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 09:04:19 AM
>Does Magic Resistance B mean there's not even a point in trying to land a Blind or Halt on him?

>Probably not without without sacrificing a lot of of stored mana.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 09:10:48 AM
>Do we think it's possible Rider could be Henry Ford? He was a clean-shaven gentleman approaching a century of datedness now, with strong capitalist leanings, highly associated with cars, and famous in particular for pioneering lines of soulless workers laboring on those cars in a swift and efficient fashion. Also supposedly fond of black.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 09:12:08 AM
>Do we think it's possible Rider could be Henry Ford? He was a clean-shaven gentleman approaching a century of datedness now, with strong capitalist leanings, highly associated with cars, and famous in particular for pioneering lines of soulless workers laboring on those cars in a swift and efficient fashion. Also supposedly fond of black.

>You put the pieces together, and this feels like it could be on the right track, but you feel you need a bit more to be sure.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 09:45:49 AM
>Do we have any awareness of the use of 'poison mushrooms' as an anti-semitic metaphor and the fact that Ford was an anti-semite? Given this was how he talked about us to Koch earlier.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 09:55:28 AM
>Do we have any awareness of the use of 'poison mushrooms' as an anti-semitic metaphor and the fact that Ford was an anti-semite? Given this was how he talked about us to Koch earlier.

>You are well aware of that metaphor, it's tends to be taught in schools that do decent coverage of the lead-up to the Holocaust. And Ford's antisemitism was legendary.
>Information update: Rider.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 09:56:26 AM
>Check info
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 10:14:55 AM
>Check info

>Rider: Henry Ford
>Master: Charles Koch
>Strength:   E   
>Mana:   B
>Endurance:   E   
>Luck:   A+
>Agility:   E   
>N. Phantasm:   Variable      

>Class skills:
>>Riding   A+
>>Magic Resistance   B
>Personal skills:
>>Charisma       C
>>Independent Action   C
>>Exceed Speed Barrier    A+
>Noble Phantasms:
>> Model T   
>>>Anti-Unit   
>>>Vairable
>>Assembly Line
>>>Variable Target
>>>E-A
>Henry Ford is popularly attributed with inventing the assembly line and the automobile, having invented neither. History lionizes him as a great innovator and a hero of commerce and innovation. Ford is hailed for implementing the idea of the living wage, and with it solidifying the pay gap in gender by giving it to married men only; and subjecting them to rigorous and invasive social controls to obtain it. Henry Ford's mass-produced and popularized the automobile like none other, creating a company that bears his name to this day as an industry leader. As well, he left a legacy of antisemitism in newspapers and literature that he was forced to publically recant and continue in veiled language, leading to him being the only American praised in Mein Kampf and to ardently declare the second world war to be due to the machinations of 'international financiers' until the US got officially involved; selling material to the Third Reich before that point. He was a firm believer in the power of commerce to bring peace by uniting nations in firm economic bonds, and expanded his business wherever he could to try to achieve this goal. Eventually he succumbed to a series of cardiac events that left him mentally unstable and unable to run his company, leading to an ouster by other officers in it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 10:19:58 AM
>Are we able to get further details on those noble phantasms and Exceed Speed Barrier?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 20, 2017, 03:22:05 PM
It's probably safe to assume it means he's gotta go fast.

> Warn Archer about his speed; try not to stand in any one spot too long. With that E in agility he probably has shit maneuvering, so as long as he can't get a bead on us we should be okay.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 08:35:46 PM
>Are we able to get further details on those noble phantasms and Exceed Speed Barrier?

> Warn Archer about his speed; try not to stand in any one spot too long. With that E in agility he probably has shit maneuvering, so as long as he can't get a bead on us we should be okay.

>Exceed Speed Barrier: The ability to surpass the limits of physical speed regarding one's person. It may affect one's actions or one's abilities. An A class user may draw upon this frequently.
>Model T: This noble Phantasm is the essence upon which the modern automobile is built. Supremely adaptable, it can be reconfigured to meet Ford's needs with the use of the Assembly Line, taking on aspects of practically any vehicle regarded as an automobile. However, it is still subject to many of the limitations that automobiles possess, and while it can be weaponized, it is not primarily a weapon itself.
>Assembly Line: The backbone of Henry Ford's success, this phantasm draws countless ghostly workers to labor at his will. Their effectiveness is tied directly to how close their labors mirror that of the plants that Ford owned, making them peerless with regards to modifying the Model T. Frequently subject to abuse and insane social controls in life, their suffering may be focused as a kind of spiritual weapon against entities that are vulnerable to such things.
>You send your warnings to Archer. "Got it! stay back, I'm moving in!" she sends back.
>Rider darts forward with surprising speed and an angry cry, his cane poised to strike you, only to be met with an unseen force that freezes his cane in midswing and breaks his moment, a mere couple yards from you. "There you are!" he growls, his focus shifting from you to just past you.

>_


Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 10:45:42 PM
>Let's make sure to stay out of their way as best we can without tumbling off the rooftop
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 10:50:27 PM
>Let's make sure to stay out of their way as best we can without tumbling off the rooftop

>You are currently at about the middle of the roof on the front side. Where will you be moving to keep out of the way?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 20, 2017, 11:11:50 PM
>Is there a chimney or something we could hang onto in the event of slipping? If so, and it's not in the path of Rider and where we think Archer is, go there
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 20, 2017, 11:46:49 PM
>Is there a chimney or something we could hang onto in the event of slipping? If so, and it's not in the path of Rider and where we think Archer is, go there

>There are practically no chimneys in this neighborhood that you've seen. And most there's just been the odd hooded vent pipe. This roof seems to just have some covered vents.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 12:14:06 AM
>Well, just try to find some happy medium between 'in the middle of the battle' and 'near the end of the roof'. Try towards the far side opposite Rider, such that Archer ought to be in FRONT of us
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 12:23:06 AM
>Well, just try to find some happy medium between 'in the middle of the battle' and 'near the end of the roof'. Try towards the far side opposite Rider, such that Archer ought to be in FRONT of us

>You have at best a vague idea where Archer is, due to her own noble phantasm.
>You make your way back from the fight. You have no idea what Archer is doing, but at the very least she is keeping Ford in check as he swings and jabs with his cane.. moving back, and then forward.
>As you make your way back, you notice a some light out of the corner of your eyes.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 12:36:38 AM
>Light? What's this?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 21, 2017, 12:39:02 AM
> NO!! The Model T is probably still fucked up for a little while, and nothing else warrants taking our attention away from Rider while he's attacking us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 12:45:59 AM
Er, well Rider seems to be attacking Archer at the moment, not us, and I'm not entirely clear on how we can assist her at the moment anyway. Also, I'm a bit worried those lights might be incoming police cars.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 21, 2017, 12:52:51 AM
I really don't think we should afford a guy with super speed a moment's distraction.

EDIT: Is Rider even looking at us? If not, THEN look.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 06:15:17 AM
Just to make this official then....

>Provided Rider's attention seems to be focused elsewhere than us, let's take a glance at that light
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 06:19:53 AM
>Provided Rider's attention seems to be focused elsewhere than us, let's take a glance at that light

>Rider seems to be wholly focused on Archer at the moment. As far as you can tell, since she is invisible.
>Looking back, you see a great deal of blue behind you. Looking toward, a mass of translucent blue figures are making their way up the roof, filling the yard below and literally climbing over each other to get onto the roof!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 06:46:00 AM
>We've got ghosts coming up behind us!
>Do they appear to have any particular implements to climb with? Any weapons or other tools?
>Assuming they're not completely intangible, do we have anything at hand to try shoving them off the roof with as they attempt to climb it?
>How difficult would it be to conjure some kind of pole to do so?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 07:10:41 AM
>We've got ghosts coming up behind us!
>Do they appear to have any particular implements to climb with? Any weapons or other tools?
>Assuming they're not completely intangible, do we have anything at hand to try shoving them off the roof with as they attempt to climb it?
>How difficult would it be to conjure some kind of pole to do so?

>"Grah!" Archer sends back. "This guy is slippery as hell!"
>They seem to be intangible, and do not seem to have any kinds of weapons or other tools.
>You do not spells that really conjure up weapons. You suppose you could get a fist-sized rock with elemental conjuration.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 07:37:22 AM
>Couldn't we conjure up a rock at least club-shaped if not pole-shaped?
>Is it possible to use Freeze on a person who is drenched in water, or is that not a sufficient quantity of water to freeze? If we can, what practical effect would this have on them?
>There's no materials on the roof that would allow us to use Wall, right?
>How close are the ghosts to getting onto the roof?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 07:49:42 AM
>Couldn't we conjure up a rock at least club-shaped if not pole-shaped?
>Is it possible to use Freeze on a person who is drenched in water, or is that not a sufficient quantity of water to freeze? If we can, what practical effect would this have on them?
>There's no materials on the roof that would allow us to use Wall, right?
>How close are the ghosts to getting onto the roof?

>Perhaps if you were better at them, but you've always struggled with Elemental Conjuration.
>You've never tried that. You have successfully frozen a fountain, though...
>The roof is separate from the earth, so you cannot use Wall on it.
>They are already on the roof, and are making their way up it at what seems to be a moderate shamble.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 07:57:20 AM
>Let's see if Halt will work on these ghosts, at least
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:10:04 AM
>Let's see if Halt will work on these ghosts, at least

>You focus for a moment as the ghosts shamble forward and the two Servants clash behind you. You weave the spell and...find that it takes hold on the nearest ghost. Huh. You honestly didn't expect that to work. However, there are still dozens more coming.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 08:15:53 AM
>Even at their slow pace, they're still coming faster than we could reasonably curse into stillness, right?
>There's no way to apply Halt to a group at once, is there?
>How does the ghost we cursed seem to be reacting to it, other than being unable to step forward?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:29:28 AM
>Even at their slow pace, they're still coming faster than we could reasonably curse into stillness, right?
>There's no way to apply Halt to a group at once, is there?
>How does the ghost we cursed seem to be reacting to it, other than being unable to step forward?

>There's far too many of them. You could easily outrun them as they are, but are just too numerous to curse like that.
>Not that you know of. You imagine isn't impossible, but that's not helpful right now.
>That ghost seems to be struggling to move. Its resistance doesn't seem to be any better than that of a normal human.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 08:33:33 AM
>How does Archer seem to be faring against Rider, from what we can see?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:39:00 AM
>How does Archer seem to be faring against Rider, from what we can see?

>Given you can't see her at all, it's very hard to tell. But Rider seems to be at best just holding his own.
>"What are they doing?" Archer sends. "I can almost just finish this idiot off, but I swear for every opening I get, he's ready to punish me for trying! I want to get out of this without a broken rib or something! I just need a minute!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 08:43:20 AM
>Can we make a guess as to whether the ghosts are moving towards Ford, Archer's general location, or us? Or does our clustered position on the roof make this impossible to tell?
>How much room do we have before we'll be forced to run into either a ghost or the fight itself?
>And no sign yet of a ghost doing anything more than walking?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:48:51 AM
>Can we make a guess as to whether the ghosts are moving towards Ford, Archer's general location, or us? Or does our clustered position on the roof make this impossible to tell?
>How much room do we have before we'll be forced to run into either a ghost or the fight itself?
>And no sign yet of a ghost doing anything more than walking?

>It seems like they are angling toward the fight, now that you look at it, but there's enough of them that take take up much of the roof anyways.
>You have a few yards between yourself and them for the moment.
>Not yet.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 08:50:24 AM
>Just stumbling towards you. I don't know what they're planning.
>If I could distract him for a sec, could you use that?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:54:55 AM
>Just stumbling towards you. I don't know what they're planning.
>If I could distract him for a sec, could you use that?

>"Definitely!" Archer sends back!

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 09:02:11 AM
Now here's hoping this isn't entirely stupid....

>Here goes nothing.
>Loud and clear: "Hey, Henry! How's it feel for your son's name to have become a byword for failure?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 09:31:52 AM
>Here goes nothing.
>Loud and clear: "Hey, Henry! How's it feel for your son's name to have become a byword for failure?"

>Frankly, you don't think this would have worked beforehand. You're dealing with someone who has, if nothing else, gone through a lifetime of business dealing with great success and probably has enough pride to ignore petty insults, as well as enough humility to pose as an average limousine driver for a different billionaire. On the other hand, he is also clearly operating off of rage and fighting for not only his life due to Archer's poison, but also likely his own pride after how this battle is gone.
>"You damned miscegenated harl-!" He cries, not really daring to look away from his fight. But it's enough as something Archer does sends him stumbling back! Then just as suddenly she is visible and holding her bow, as a pair of daggers tumble down to the roof. Ford is already on his feet and lunging as her bow takes on a greenish hue, you can just make out ghostly vines seeming to sprout from it. He makes a choked noise and stumbles as a ghastly green aura flares around him; just looking at it makes you feel queasy. A split second later, she launches a kick as his face as he stumbles out of his lunge and sends him flying backward! Within another split second she has an an arrow nocked and lets it fly.
>The arrow flies true, sinking right into Ford's chest as he falls to the roof below from her kick. The sort of strangled noise he makes is...grotesquely fascinating and will almost certainly haunt your nightmares as he crumbles to the ground, blood quickly spreading through his vest.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 09:36:03 AM
>How are the ghosts doing?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 09:39:41 AM
>How are the ghosts doing?

>Glancing over, they seem to be fading like mists in the morning.
>"D-damn the lot of you," Ford gasps. "You deserve to dance...like puppets at the hands of the war financiers...You'll never know peace..."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 09:50:27 AM
>"Peace begins with treating people like people - no matter what blood they carry."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 09:56:20 AM
>"Peace begins with treating people like people - no matter what blood they carry."

>He just gives a hollow laugh in response.
>"We don't have time to be dickering with the merchant who think's he's a king," Archer says aloud as she gathers her daggers. "We have to go before those constables find all this! And maybe get that other guy, too!"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 09:59:46 AM
>"Right, right."
>And here it seemed like we might have been able to collapse for a bit....
>Can we estimate where that ejector seat contraption might have gone?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 10:00:47 AM
>"Right, right."
>And here it seemed like we might have been able to collapse for a bit....
>Can we estimate where that ejector seat contraption might have gone?

>Presumably skyward.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 10:08:18 AM
>Let's pull out our phone and see where we currently are in relation to where we parked our car
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 10:10:35 AM
>Let's pull out our phone and see where we currently are in relation to where we parked our car

>"What're you doing, let's go!" says Archer.
>"S-scurry," Ford spits. He says more, but it doesn't really come out as anything comprehensible.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 10:16:12 AM
>I'm checking what direction we left the car, but I guess I can do that on the move. Let's get going.
>Have Archer get us out of here in some direction, check where we ought to be headed, and keep an eye out for any police activities or sign of Koch
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:33:38 PM
>I'm checking what direction we left the car, but I guess I can do that on the move. Let's get going.
>Have Archer get us out of here in some direction, check where we ought to be headed, and keep an eye out for any police activities or sign of Koch

>Archer scoops you up again and hops off the roof. It's somewhat different experience now that you can see her rather than see through her.
>As she dashes past the wrecked vehicle, you notice that it is no longer a limousine at all, but what appears to be a car from the early 1900s. As well, you notice the front seat is splashed with blood' another thing you didn't really need to see right now. Just the amount tells you there's no way that cop could have survived whatever happened.
>It's a bit difficult to focus on directions right now, as you keep an eye out for the police while Archer runs between houses, assuring you she is going the proper way. However, it doesn't take long for you to note there is definitely a parachute descending toward the ground to the south.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 08:51:05 PM
>Look, a parachute.
>Point it out
>I'll bet it's Koch.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 08:53:11 PM
>Look, a parachute.
>Point it out
>I'll bet it's Koch.

>"Wanna finish this, then?" says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 09:23:16 PM
>I... I've never killed a person before. Rider didn't give us a lot of choice, but... But I know he's done a lot of bad things - worse than just trying to kill me....
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 09:45:14 PM
>I... I've never killed a person before. Rider didn't give us a lot of choice, but... But I know he's done a lot of bad things - worse than just trying to kill me....

>"You don't have to do it," says Archer. "But at least, we need to deal with those Command Seals."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 10:02:46 PM
>"I know. But it's still my responsibility whether I do it with my own hands or not, but... I'm sure you're right. Let's go."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 21, 2017, 10:51:19 PM
>"I know. But it's still my responsibility whether I do it with my own hands or not, but... I'm sure you're right. Let's go."

>Archer nods and cuts southward.
>The parachute descends slowly, and Archer's skills at making her way through the urban terrain are not to be underestimated. You don't think you'll catch him before he lands, but you doubt he'll get far away after landing. Soon you leave the neighborhood you were in behind, passing across a major street with some moderate traffic on it. It is suddenly very embarrassing to be carried by a tall woman with a green cloak, but you don't think anyone really notices, there isn't too many people here and the only things open are a gas station and half of a shopping center. You do recognize this area; your car should be a few blocks up the road. Then you plunge onward into another neighborhood, this one with older and smaller houses than the last. The parachute is getting low to the ground, some distance ahead.
>"How do you want to approach this, Master?" Archer says as she makes her way down the road. "We're getting close."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 21, 2017, 11:25:50 PM
Sorry if I missed this somewhere, but I don't actually know Grail War rules that well! What do you have to do to take another player out of the game and have it be considered a win?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 21, 2017, 11:42:27 PM
This is honestly a fair question, as this Grail War wasn't anticipated to even occur, we have no idea who is supervising it, and we're not even in the city where the grail seems to be. I'm not sure if all of the rules of past wars even directly apply to this one - and Lily wouldn't know the details of any of them anyway.

>What do we know about the rules regarding elimination of other masters, for it to actually 'count'?
>For that matter, do we have any idea how we might find out who is supervising this war?

But there's the additional issue that even if Koch isn't a candidate to win anymore, it might nonetheless be in our best interest to kill him. He has more than enough money at his disposal to cause further problems for us (and is possibly motivated to do so) and it would probably be good if he couldn't provide testimony to the police that would implicate us in the death of that police officer or any other part of this mess. Though I also find myself wondering if there's anything useful we wrestle out of him at this point. I don't think we have any means to take his command seals, handy as those might be, but he still is definitely more knowledgeable about the players in this war than we are, if he knew where to find us.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 22, 2017, 12:15:11 AM
>What do we know about the rules regarding elimination of other masters, for it to actually 'count'?
>For that matter, do we have any idea how we might find out who is supervising this war?

>You have to get a master to give up their command seals. In theory, the church could do that, but...you aren't even certain how the church is involved in this. They never contacted you, that's for certain. You don't know who is supervising.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 22, 2017, 12:39:05 AM
>Can a master just transfer their seals to another at their own discretion? Or would this require magic or materials we don't currently have access to?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 22, 2017, 12:52:57 AM
>Can a master just transfer their seals to another at their own discretion? Or would this require magic or materials we don't currently have access to?

>This is a fuzzy area that hasn't been well explored. It's plausible he may have already lost them, not that you're thinking on it. You're sure that's happened to some grail war participants.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 22, 2017, 01:44:55 AM
I'm honestly a little torn. We could just kill him, we could try to see if there's some way to take the command seals, we could try to press him for information on other masters or the unusual parameters of this war (since he clearly seemed to know more than we did) and could even do that before one of the other two. Possibly there'seven something more interesting we could strongarm him into doing at this point (since we presumably have leverage), though I'm not sure what. Opinons?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 22, 2017, 03:06:40 AM
I'm getting caught up on the whole story before making that judgement. Right now I am not keen on killing him since he tried to negotiate with us initially (and we are obligated to be on the level since we tried to pull the moral high ground card on him). I doubt we'll be able to really get anything out of him except a surrender though...

(As a side note, ironically, what Koch wants to do with the Grail is exactly what I would personally do. But Lily isn't me.)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 22, 2017, 03:40:37 AM
The idea of using it to end grail wars isn't such an inherently awful idea, but I frankly don't trust Charles Koch of all people to actually be looking out for the little guys.

(Also, the casualty rate of grail wars pales in comparison to those of actual social policies of which he's had influence and could easily still have influence without any magic at all being involved)

Also also, I'm not at all convinced that he wouldn't have immediately tried to run us down with Rider after leaving, even if we did give him our command seals. You know - have your enemy surrender their weapons and then kill them.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 22, 2017, 04:15:22 AM
Well, in any case I don't feel like Lily will have it in her to order his execution.

Alright, how's this? Let's track him down, have Archer point an arrow at him, and tell him to make us a new offer. Let's see what he's willing to spill.

> Can command seals be simply relinquished, in the event that we can't get them from him? (I'm not sure how a surrender would play out.)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 22, 2017, 04:21:11 AM
> Can command seals be simply relinquished, in the event that we can't get them from him? (I'm not sure how a surrender would play out.)

>This is a fuzzy area that hasn't been well explored. You know that the church could do it. But they are questionable entity in this event.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 22, 2017, 09:22:03 PM
So is it just taken for granted in Grail Wars that the masters are going to get killed, even though their deaths serve no practical purpose?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 22, 2017, 09:54:05 PM
I think it's pretty common, generally speaking. And the thing is, there actually is a practical purpose to them being dead. As I understand it, even without a Servant, a Master remains a potential Master and there are ways in which they could reacquire a servant and get back into the game - something which happened multiple times in F/SN and F/Zero alone. Koch in particular might easily be able to convince someone else to sell him their servant - it didn't work on us, but there's plenty of people $20 million (or even more, if he's more desperate) would work on, and then suddenly he's a major threat again who already knows who we are and many of the capabilities of our Servant (while we might know none of his). There are means to forcibly take someone else's command seals and Servant too (which we don't know and he probably doesn't, but theoretically could gain access to).

Basically, leaving another Master alive is always a kind of security risk and it's a matter of how you rate their likelihood of wishing you harm and likelihood of having the resources to make good on this. I'm all for Lily trying to be as non-murderous as possible, and sparring / attempting to ally with anyone where this seems like a reasonably doable idea, but I don't trust very much of what Koch said to us in the limo and he's already (unlike most masters are likely to) demonstrated plenty about his character outside the game itself and the picture isn't a good one.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 23, 2017, 03:30:44 AM
Well! Seeing as there's no practical way to get rid of his command seals, guess we have no choice but to murder the evil billionaire CEO!

(http://i.imgur.com/6ejV4cK.jpg)

It would probably be unethical to try to wring any information out of him knowing we're going to kill him anyway, so I think the best thing to do is just have Archer make it as quick and painless as possible. Right between the eyes.

> Struggle to come up with fitting one-liner before we kill him.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 03:36:06 AM
> Struggle to come up with fitting one-liner before we kill him.

>You resolve to end it now. You just need the right thing to say, something to really ram home what a shit he is...
>Archer continues ahead as the parachute finally vanishes behind some buildings a couple blocks away. ?He won?t get far,? Archer says. ?I?ll let you take the lead once we find him, I?ll just be ready for anything nasty.?
>You continue on for a block and a half. Then you see a figure emerge from some trees ahead, coming out into the illuminated circle of a streetlight near an outdoor cafe that has closed for the day. He is clearly an older man, and very clearly dressed in a fine suit. He seems a bit disoriented. ?That?s him,? Archer says, as she sets you down.
>The two of you approach him, when some motion from the side catches your eye. ?Look out!? Archer cries, as the air around you seems to take on a kind of heaviness. Looking toward the movement, you see a smallish, thin man languidly standing standing up from one of the seats; was he always there?! Dressed in close-fitting black clothing, your eyes are immediately drawn to the half-mask that he wears, shaped like a skull. His lower face is exposed, revealing pale white skill and a thin mustache. Then your eyes are drawn to the gun he smoothly draws. It is a pistol, looking somewhere between antiquated and modern. In the back of your mind, you know you should be doing something, anything, but you can only watch.
>The gunshot is almost too quiet, just a sort of soft crack. You can almost imagine you see the bullet streaking through the air. It strikes Charles firmly in the chest, and the old man crumples to the ground with nary a sound, falling back a few feet from the force of the impact. You can feel a sort of wrenching sensation in the pit of your stomach, as if the world had just tilted on its axis. Then suddenly you can hear the background noises of the city again, as the man in black turns and runs the direction that Charles had just appeared from.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 23, 2017, 03:52:16 AM
> YIKES

like, from a pragmatic standpoint we should probably chase him, especially because we were lucky enough to see Assassin expose himself, but back-to-back fights is nerve-wracking as hell, and we should also consider getting back to our car before Berserker starts wandering this way...

> How are we and Archer feeling, energy/mana wise? We know she was slightly injured earlier.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 03:57:25 AM
> YIKES
> How are we and Archer feeling, energy/mana wise? We know she was slightly injured earlier.

>It takes you a moment to even realize you can move again! That sort of axis-tilting feeling is still with you...
>You can't vouch too much for Archer. As for yourself, this is the most active day you've had in ages. You're unhurt, though a bit roughed up, and still have a respectable amount of mana.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 23, 2017, 04:37:40 AM
I'll leave the decision of whether to chase to someone else.

In the meantime:
> The gun wasn't a revolver, right?

This may help narrow down the time period to guess his identity.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 04:39:17 AM
> The gun wasn't a revolver, right?

>While you don't know much about guns, you are very sure it wasn't a revolver.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 23, 2017, 04:41:05 AM
>Us feeling stunned in place wasn't just a natural shock reaction, right? But something supernatural?

As for chasing, I'm not certain if we didn't get attacked because Assassin doesn't know we're a master or because Assassin specifically doesn't want to tangle with another servant or because Assassin's master gave them specific orders regarding this. If it's the first of these, racing after them seems bad for our health. I'm additionally concerned that whatever 'freeze' effect Assassin appears to have used might also be effective enough on Archer to allow Assassin to kill us at their leisure if we decide to engage.

Of course, there's always the possibility that Assassin's master doesn't actually want to kill us at this point for some reason....
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 23, 2017, 04:42:48 AM
I kind of want to guess Gavrilo Princip (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavrilo_Princip) but the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was such a hilarious clusterfuck that I don't think I would be able to take him seriously.

If we're feeling leery about engaging, another reason would be that we should really get back to our car before the police (or Berserker) start crawing the area.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 04:43:24 AM
>Us feeling stunned in place wasn't just a natural shock reaction, right? But something supernatural?

>You aren't sure, but you haven't had that much trouble with shock up until now... So you want to believe it was something else.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 23, 2017, 04:46:02 AM
>Did you feel that?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 23, 2017, 04:46:43 AM
//I'm re-reading the whole game again, so I should be back on track with this again by tomorrow. Oh dear lord what just happened.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 04:47:36 AM
>Did you feel that?

>"That was a Noble Phantasm, I'm sure of it," Archer sends. "I could only watch, I'm sorry. He caught me completely off guard. What do we do now?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 23, 2017, 04:49:44 AM
>Are we close enough that it seems almost certain that someone like Assassin would have noticed we were here?
>If so, should it also have been obvious to another servant that we had a servant with us?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 23, 2017, 04:53:15 AM
>Are we close enough that it seems almost certain that someone like Assassin would have noticed we were here?
>If so, should it also have been obvious to another servant that we had a servant with us?

>Yes.
>You think so. If nothing else, you've recognized Rider nearly immediately, and you are certain that you recognize this as Assassin as well. So, in theory, he ought to have at least noticed the lady beside you in the green cloak and leather boots.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 23, 2017, 05:05:20 AM
Okay, so we have to assume that he knew Archer was here and yet elected not to shoot us. It seems impossible to know whether he didn't want to risk provoking Archer, whether he was given specific orders to target only Koch, or specific orders not to kill us, whether his noble phantasm is more limited than it appeared to be on first glance and he can't maintain it long enough to have shot the both of us, or his master is ideologically similar to us.

And whether or not chasing him is a good idea depends on the answer to this question and also the range and duration his noble phantasm can reach. Like, I considered sending Archer on ahead of us so that he couldn't use his freeze attack and just shoot us (Archer might be able to tank a shot, for instance), but it's also conceivable that he could then freeze her for long enough to come back and kill us now that we have no protection. I genuinely don't think we have the information to make a sane call here, but one thing we probably can assume is that Assassin wasn't worried about being noticed by us or he could have elected not to present himself.

...which honestly makes it sound like we ought to retreat for now, regardless.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 23, 2017, 09:31:39 PM
The only reason I might disagree is that if we run into him again and we haven't ID'd him, we still won't know how his power works and we'll probably be dead. It might be best to press the advantage while he apparently can't attack us, and at least try to get another clue to his identity.

Also, most servants don't have that fancy Independent Action ability, right? So we might be able to get a look at his master if he's nearby.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 23, 2017, 10:46:21 PM
I don't think you need Independent Action to rove fairly far away from your master - at least servants in F/SN went halfway across a city without it. As I understand it, it's their ability to sustain themselves even without an existing contract with their master - typically if that master is killed, but also under other circumstances where the contract is somehow broken directly. So Archer will stick around for a while even if Assassin kills us, but that's small comfort to us. And I don't think it implies that Assassin's master need be nearby (though of course they might be).

I'm not sure I read Assassin's actions as those of someone unable to attack us, but rather unconcerned about us following them (for whatever reason).

Don't forget there's plenty of chances for other masters/servants to intervene regarding Assassin in the meantime - even if only in a context that allows us to learn more about them.

But yeah, there's good arguments to both chasing and not chasing, and I'm not sure any of the questions that determine which option is best are even knowable to us at the moment. Withdrawing seems safest to me since Assassin shows no outward signs of concern towards us at the moment and I don't see how it makes us more vulnerable (and we might have additional knowledge or resources by the next time we meet - 'reroll' the encounter, as it were.) But certainly there are routes where this is the incorrect move, too....

(It's also occurred to me that we MIGHT be able to use a command seal to allow Archer to bypass this noble phantasm the next time, but I'd hesitate to spend one without knowing if it will work or if it would even be necessary, for several reasons)
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 12:11:20 AM
Quote
I don't think you need Independent Action to rove fairly far away from your master - at least servants in F/SN went halfway across a city without it. As I understand it, it's their ability to sustain themselves even without an existing contract with their master - typically if that master is killed, but also under other circumstances where the contract is somehow broken directly. So Archer will stick around for a while even if Assassin kills us, but that's small comfort to us. And I don't think it implies that Assassin's master need be nearby (though of course they might be).

Oh, okay. I'm not well-read on Fate stuff at all so I'm bound to make a few misunderstandings.

If there's no reasonable assumption that we'll run into his master if we follow him, it's a lot less attractive to do so since even if we straight-up killed the dude his master would still be on the loose with command seals to spare.

Screw it, we already made one crazy risk tonight sniping Rider, let's just back off.

That doesn't mean we can't gain any more info, though!

> Scope the scene for clues - check where Assassin was sitting while Archer inspects Koch.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 12:41:16 AM
> Scope the scene for clues - check where Assassin was sitting while Archer inspects Koch.

>"Let's not linger too long," Archer says, as you direct her to investigate the dead billionaire's remains.
>You look around the area were Assassin was sitting. Nothing seems particularly awry with it, it is just a normal wrought-iron seat connected to a wrought iron table by a metal cable. Frankly, you're surprised that has stopped anyone from stealing them. It seems Assassin was just waiting here.
>"What the-, is this gold?" Archer says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 12:42:39 AM
> "Gold what?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 12:57:36 AM
> "Gold what?"

>"Gold this," says Archer, as she holds out a glass tube about as long as her forearm. Inside it is what appears to be a long, twisty length of gold.

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 24, 2017, 01:57:38 AM
>Take a look at it. Do we have any knowledge on what this is?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 02:24:24 AM
>Take a look at it. Do we have any knowledge on what this is?

>Leaving the cafe behind, you head over to examine the tube. The length of gold is at least a foot long, maybe more. Its entire surface looks rough and gritty, it takes you a moment to realize that the surface is covered in little crystal facets.
>You don't really know what this is, but it is clearly important if it's being kept in a tube like this. "I found it inside of his coat, set into a little pocket with a loop to keep it in place," says Archer. "It feels like there's a lot of mana in this thing."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 02:36:11 AM
>Could it be a mana-store like our vials are or do we think it might be an enchanted object of another purpose?
>If we had some time and materials, do we think we have the means to identify any enchantments on it, if they exist?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 02:48:33 AM
>Could it be a mana-store like our vials are or do we think it might be an enchanted object of another purpose?
>If we had some time and materials, do we think we have the means to identify any enchantments on it, if they exist?

>That sounds entirely plausible. Given its apparently crystalline nature, it is definitely suited for such.
>Definitely.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 02:53:35 AM
>"Definitely. I'll have to take a closer look at it when we have time - figure out what it is. Find anything else?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 02:55:41 AM
>"Definitely. I'll have to take a closer look at it when we have time - figure out what it is. Find anything else?"

>"Well, he was shot in the chest, and he's definitely dead," says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 02:57:12 AM
>"Well, I assumed that much. I don't suppose you can tell from this whether the gun itself was a noble phantasm or just a regular gun?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 03:07:01 AM
>"Well, I assumed that much. I don't suppose you can tell from this whether the gun itself was a noble phantasm or just a regular gun?"

>"If the gun isn't," says Archer, "Then drawing it definitely was. There's no question a noble phantasm was involved. So, are we done here? I really want to be done before the police show up."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 03:15:05 AM
>"Yes, let's go."
>Let's head back to pick up our car and have a much-deserved delayed freakout
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 03:38:21 AM
>"Yes, let's go."
>Let's head back to pick up our car and have a much-deserved delayed freakout

>You make your way back to the car, taking a few side streets to keep away from the main road for the time being. This works to your advantage as you hear police cars race down it with sirens blaring when you are but a couple blocks from it. Archer is silent the whole time, having dissolved back into an intangible state. Your thoughts race the whole time; three other servants already, and one is out of the running already. Frankly, you're dead tired and running mostly on fading adrenaline at this point. You've never seen someone die before today; even in the occult underground things tended only break into private violence, away from prying eyes and recriminations. Not only that, one of the more harmful people in the western world... You're going to have nightmares about that sound that Ford made with Archer shot him, you know it. And both Berserker and Assassin are still out there...
>You get back to your car and find it is still there and still intact. There is no sign of the fog. You waste little time in leaving, going back the way you came and resolving to take the long way back home, well away from the battlefield. Archer is still quiet and unseen in the passenger seat. You aren't sure if she's brooding or nervous, or perhaps disappointed in you somehow.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 03:47:17 AM
>"Hey, Archer, I just wanted to say... thanks. I didn't really get the chance while everything was busy going crazy. You're the only reason I'm still alive here and sure, maybe that's just part of the bargain, but that doesn't mean I'm any less grateful for it."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 04:10:49 AM
>"Hey, Archer, I just wanted to say... thanks. I didn't really get the chance while everything was busy going crazy. You're the only reason I'm still alive here and sure, maybe that's just part of the bargain, but that doesn't mean I'm any less grateful for it."

>Archer materializes again, sitting in her seat. "You did alright yourself," she says. "Good enough to deal with that car, anyways. And good enough to figure out who was driving it, that definitely helped. Calling in the constables wasn't a bad idea, either. It definitely changed the tide of the fight and put them off guard. Rider would have been way more dangerous if he weren't desperate."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 04:22:53 AM
>"Thanks. I guess I... did do pretty okay for someone whose idea of 'danger' is usually limited to playing games on company time."
>Nervous chuckle
>"...although I admit that I'm mostly running on leftover adrenaline by this point."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 04:33:51 AM
>"Thanks. I guess I... did do pretty okay for someone whose idea of 'danger' is usually limited to playing games on company time."
>Nervous chuckle
>"...although I admit that I'm mostly running on leftover adrenaline by this point."

>"Yeah, I imagine," says Archer. "Though don't let it go to our head, there's places to improve."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 04:38:00 AM
> "Okay. We can go over everything in the morning, I guess. By the way, how's your wound?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 04:50:52 AM
> "Okay. We can go over everything in the morning, I guess. By the way, how's your wound?"

>"It hurts a bit, but nothing too bad," she says. "It should be better by morning."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 05:02:56 AM
>"Good, good. ...do you still think we should leave town tonight?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 05:08:44 AM
>"Good, good. ...do you still think we should leave town tonight?"

>"I think that depends on just how bad the constable response is going to be," says Archer. "Leaving in the middle of the night would definitely be suspicious if they saw us. So I guess that choice is up to you, you know them better than I do."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: The ⑨th Zentillion on August 24, 2017, 05:27:46 AM
>"Hmm, good point. Let's go back to the house, at least for a little bit. Besides, maybe I could find something out about this thing we found if I looked online..."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 05:39:36 AM
>"Honestly, the biggest problem is that I'm growing too exhausted to drive us out of town. I would be very happy if I could have a good night's sleep in my own bed before getting into any more of this craziness."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 24, 2017, 05:50:42 AM
> Assess fatigue...
> ...
> Assess everything of ourselves, actually. Maybe we are missing some limbs and we aren't noticing, nor Archer thinks it's the big deal to tell us! This has been a brutal day, dammit!
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 06:08:16 AM
>"Hmm, good point. Let's go back to the house, at least for a little bit. Besides, maybe I could find something out about this thing we found if I looked online..."
>"Honestly, the biggest problem is that I'm growing too exhausted to drive us out of town. I would be very happy if I could have a good night's sleep in my own bed before getting into any more of this craziness."
> Assess fatigue...
> ...
> Assess everything of ourselves, actually. Maybe we are missing some limbs and we aren't noticing, nor Archer thinks it's the big deal to tell us! This has been a brutal day, dammit!

>You are largely unhurt, just kind of exhausted and frazzled. Your face does hurt from having been tackled onto that roof, but it's nothing to worry about.
>"Are we still doing that pizza thing, then?" Archer says.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 06:16:32 AM
>Grin
>"You know what? I think we are."
>Let's get some pizza and try to squeeze a little normalcy into the rest of the night
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 24, 2017, 06:19:20 AM
> We jumped from roof to roof, escaped from an acrobatic car and did a bunch of things more. Sure, let's act like nothing happened for the rest of the night.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 07:15:46 AM
>Grin
>"You know what? I think we are."
>Let's get some pizza and try to squeeze a little normalcy into the rest of the night

> We jumped from roof to roof, escaped from an acrobatic car and did a bunch of things more. Sure, let's act like nothing happened for the rest of the night.

>"Good," says Archer. "I've earned a treat."
>You don't know about normalcy, but...
>You didn't jump nowhere, you had Archer carry your ass around like a sack of potatoes.
>You take the long way around to get home. Thankfully, you don't run into any particular police-related issues along the way, though does seem to get kind of nasty going other way. It is nearly closing time when you finally get to Danello's Pizza, about five blocks from home. Frankly, they aren't very happy with the last minute order, but seeing a regular customer softens the blow a little bit. Archer remains immaterial for this visit and mostly quiet, though you can't shake the sense she is prowling behind the counter and perhaps out the door from time to time. Honestly, just waiting in a booth for the deed to be done and idly browsing Twitter for shitposts is fairly relaxing; even if the store radio seems to be playing nothing but The Eagles.
>After getting your food, you head back home and all but collapse onto your couch. Archer follows you in, and has a seat nearby. "So," she says as she eyes the box. "What's the plan for this evening? Right to bed?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 07:30:25 AM
>How long do we think it would take to do at least an initial analysis of that item we got from Koch? Is this something we could reasonably fit in between pizza and bed without pushing ourselves too much?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 07:36:44 AM
>How long do we think it would take to do at least an initial analysis of that item we got from Koch? Is this something we could reasonably fit in between pizza and bed without pushing ourselves too much?

>That is entirely dependent on just how hard this thing is to read. It could be an all-nighter, or it could be fifteen minutes and a google search.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 07:45:39 AM
>"I think the plan is pizza, then try to figure out that thing we got from Koch, and then bed. Well, I don't think I have the energy to go plumbing the depths for info on this item tonight, but I'll at least see if brief search can turn up something."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 24, 2017, 08:09:00 AM
> "Who knows? Maybe I can even use this thing to my favor if It's safe and such."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 08:51:21 AM
>"I think the plan is pizza, then try to figure out that thing we got from Koch, and then bed. Well, I don't think I have the energy to go plumbing the depths for info on this item tonight, but I'll at least see if brief search can turn up something."

> "Who knows? Maybe I can even use this thing to my favor if It's safe and such."

>Archer nods. "Alright. I'll keep watch after we're done here. I don't think we'll have to worry about the likes of Assassin tonight, but I am worried about Berserker showing up again. Still, three others were here..."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 08:59:30 AM
>"Yeah, I honestly don't know what to make of that given that the grail didn't feel like it was here. And I've always been pretty sure that I was the only magi in this whole city - it's not really a big or important place. Koch coming here of his own initiative I could believe if he had info that I was a Master, but for so many people to be drawn here? Surely it can't be a coincidence."
>We're still getting that sensation that the grail is eastward, right?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 09:10:26 AM
>"Yeah, I honestly don't know what to make of that given that the grail didn't feel like it was here. And I've always been pretty sure that I was the only magi in this whole city - it's not really a big or important place. Koch coming here of his own initiative I could believe if he had info that I was a Master, but for so many people to be drawn here? Surely it can't be a coincidence."
>We're still getting that sensation that the grail is eastward, right?

>"Hm," says Archer. "If I recall what that upjumped merchant said correctly, he was chasing after Berserker when he found us, right? And, I'm convinced Assassin was tailing him."
>The sensation of the grail's direction has not changed at all.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 09:21:18 AM
>"You think it might have effectively been a conga line of people pursing each other as they passed through?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 09:29:57 AM
>"You think it might have effectively been a conga line of people pursing each other as they passed through?"

>"Maybe so," says Archer. "Whatever Assassin did was intentional as could be."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 09:33:32 AM
>"I wonder if he was following us the whole fight. It's possible he might not have had a good way to get through Rider's noble phantasm to get at Koch until we took care of it for him."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 09:34:08 AM
>"I wonder if he was following us the whole fight. It's possible he might not have had a good way to get through Rider's noble phantasm to get at Koch until we took care of it for him."

>"Or he was just content to let us die first," says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 24, 2017, 09:37:47 AM
>"Maybe. But I still can't help but feel that if he'd wanted us dead tonight, he wouldn't have just left us alone while we were under the effect of his noble phantasm."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 09:52:30 AM
>"Maybe. But I still can't help but feel that if he'd wanted us dead tonight, he wouldn't have just left us alone while we were under the effect of his noble phantasm."

>"I wonder about that..." says Archer. "I think, if he could have gotten Charles and you and me, or even just you and Charles, he would have done it. The opportunity was just too good to pass up otherwise."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on August 24, 2017, 10:17:42 AM
>Say... did we check up on our wards ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 10:24:09 AM
>Say... did we check up on our wards ?

>No. But you haven't noticed anything immediately awry, at least.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on August 24, 2017, 10:26:05 AM
>Hm...
>How far away were we from Assassin ?
>Do we know if he actually detected us and Archer or not ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 10:39:47 AM
>Hm...
>How far away were we from Assassin ?
>Do we know if he actually detected us and Archer or not ?

>A few yards at most.
>You are 100% certain that unless he has some strangle vision issues, he saw you. You were out in the open.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Monarda on August 24, 2017, 11:09:19 AM
>Maybe he is limited to one target and only one target ?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 24, 2017, 03:47:59 PM
> "Yes... Another theory I have is that Assassin and his Master are the kind of 'let them kill themselves and we'll take care of the leftovers', but yet, that just doesn't seem right since he didn't aimed that gun of his to us."
> Chuckle awkwardly.
> "... It may sound a bit like we are full of ourselves, but maybe it left us alive so we can defeat most of the enemies and THEN he kills them? Pretty unlikely, though."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 08:09:36 PM

>Maybe he is limited to one target and only one target ?
> "Yes... Another theory I have is that Assassin and his Master are the kind of 'let them kill themselves and we'll take care of the leftovers', but yet, that just doesn't seem right since he didn't aimed that gun of his to us."
> Chuckle awkwardly.
> "... It may sound a bit like we are full of ourselves, but maybe it left us alive so we can defeat most of the enemies and THEN he kills them? Pretty unlikely, though."

>....Maybe? It seems unlikely this would be a "feature" of the Servant himself, although it would definitely be a telling quirk. It is possible that the Master ordered one kill only? But you would have no real idea why they would do that outside of some odd sense of honor. It feels unlikely.
>"Hm. I can't see any use in being a vulture like that," says Archer. "But that doesn't mean someone isn't of the mindset of doing that. I wouldn't trust it until I see more proof, through."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 09:37:06 PM
> When we get a spare moment, let's google up some pictures of guns, starting with WW1-WW2 era pistols I guess, to see if we can find out exactly what Assassin's gun was.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 09:50:14 PM
> When we get a spare moment, let's google up some pictures of guns, starting with WW1-WW2 era pistols I guess, to see if we can find out exactly what Assassin's gun was.

>It's not like you having dicked with your phone while eating before, especially since pizza only takes one hand.
>You start on the pizza, pleased to see they seem to have given you extra cheese, presumably to avoid having to put up the last of the cheese when cleaning up. Archer regards is with some mild suspicion at first, then takes a slice and bites it it. "Huh, this is different," says Archer. "We didn't have most of these things back in my time... Not bad at all, even if it's greasy as boar. No idea how you can get bread to do that."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 10:13:42 PM
> "There's a lot of different kinds of cheap hot meals you can buy these days. I'd get used to the grease, though..."
> Resolve to have a burger with Archer at some point.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 10:19:06 PM
> "There's a lot of different kinds of cheap hot meals you can buy these days. I'd get used to the grease, though..."
> Resolve to have a burger with Archer at some point.

>"There's worse things," says Archer. "Actually, this is pretty good. What's that sauce?"
>No doubt Archer will enjoy the fruits of the Earl of Sandwich's regency era decadence...
>Just idly looking around WW1 era weapons on Wikipedia, which are frighteningly well-listed, you are see some weapons that look similar to  the one that Assassin had. In particular, some of these Browning pistols...

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 10:49:21 PM
> Google "assassin browning pistol"
> Poke around a bit...
> "Princip?s FN Browning designed M1910" (http://www.guns.com/2013/10/31/infamous-weapons-guns-of-the-assassins/)
> OH MY GOD IS IT ACTUALLY HIM?
> CHECK INFO
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 10:58:07 PM
> Google "assassin browning pistol"
> Poke around a bit...
> "Princip?s FN Browning designed M1910" (http://www.guns.com/2013/10/31/infamous-weapons-guns-of-the-assassins/)
> OH MY GOD IS IT ACTUALLY HIM?
> CHECK INFO

>You look, and...that is unquestionably the gun that you saw.
>You don't think just the weapon is enough... If you had something else to confirm it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 11:10:09 PM
> Okay. Browse his wiki article and try to commit it to memory so we can try to pick out any other details next time we see him.
> "Oh, sorry, uh, it's just called pizza sauce, it's tomato with a lot of spices. Anyway, look, look, I just found Assassin's weapon! I need more evidence to be absolutely sure who he is, though."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 11:22:21 PM
> Okay. Browse his wiki article and try to commit it to memory so we can try to pick out any other details next time we see him.
> "Oh, sorry, uh, it's just called pizza sauce, it's tomato with a lot of spices. Anyway, look, look, I just found Assassin's weapon! I need more evidence to be absolutely sure who he is, though."

>You look through the wikipedia article, and find there is a photo of Gavrilo Princip, as well as another picture of the gun. Looking at his picture, the mustache and jaw line look very strikingly like what you saw before... It's got to be him.
>Information update: Assassin.
>"We didn't have in Nottingham," says Archer. "It's tasty though. And salty, you guys must have a lot of that, too. Wait, you found his weapon?"

>_

Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 11:23:56 PM
>> CHECK INFO
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2017, 11:39:52 PM
>> CHECK INFO


>Assassin: Gavirlo Princip
>Master: ???
>Strength:   E   
>Mana: E
>Endurance:D   
>Luck: EX
>Agility:   A+   
>N. Phantasm: EX      
>Class skills:
>>Presence Concealment: D
>Personal skills:
>>Luck of the Devil: A
>>Anarchist: B
>Noble Phantasms:
>>Edge of History
>>>Anti-causality   
>>>EX
>Gavrilo Princip is commonly agreed to be the man to set the events of World War 1 into motion with the assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. The assassination can best be described as an immense stroke of luck on his part. As a member of the Black Hand organization, he sought Bosnian independence and for the formation of a Yugoslavian state, and is frequently regarded as a hero among Bosnians and European anarchists to this this day. The assassination of of Archduke Ferdinand nearly failed, and it was only due to mere chance that Princip was able to complete the deed before being arrested; after the initial attempt had been botched and the Archduke happened to stop near a cafe where Princip was resting. From there began a series of events that would lead to the bloodiest war of its time. He would later die in prison from tuberculosis, having been too young to assign the death penalty under the law, after having lost his right arm to the disease. 
>"You look like you'e just seen a ghost," says Archer, frowning.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 24, 2017, 11:45:35 PM
> Stay quiet for a sec while we digest this.
> Luck of the Devil is pretty self-explanatory, but holy shit, EX class Noble Phantasm. How does it work?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on August 25, 2017, 12:26:53 AM
a point: EX does not mean 11/10. it means orange/10. rather than do things better than everything else, it does things that shouldn't be possible; so based on Princip, I imagine it's related to how his bullshit luck allowed him to still get the shot in the end. What, shitty cyanide pill, was at a cafe the Archduke happened to go to after for some reason deciding to go off route after the first failed attempt? he can probably domino effect things into motion REALLY well
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 12:44:48 AM
> Stay quiet for a sec while we digest this.
> Luck of the Devil is pretty self-explanatory, but holy shit, EX class Noble Phantasm. How does it work?

>"Lily?" says Archer.
>Luck of the Devil
>The tenuous quality of luck sometimes works strongly in the favor of the bearer of this trait, but their charmed life may betray them.
>Edge of History
>This noble phantasm exists less as a tool and more as a concept around the user. With this, absolute focus is drawn upon a small action, whose effects shall not be denied and will ripple out to affect surrounding events. This will build up to alter the course of history on a large scale. However, much like a natural disaster born from the single flap of a butterfly's wings a half world away, the final form of the resulting events cannot be known until they have happened. The unusual focus of this Noble Phantasm means that it cannot be used in a repeated manner until the effects of the previous use have radiated out to some degree.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 25, 2017, 01:13:25 AM
Well. If you need something to kick off a series of events, murdering a prolific billionaire is one hell of a place to start. Jesus christ.

> "Ah...I just figured out who Assassin is. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think tonight's events will end up changing the world..."
> Explain what we just learned to Archer.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 01:43:20 AM
> "Ah...I just figured out who Assassin is. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think tonight's events will end up changing the world..."
> Explain what we just learned to Archer.

>You try to summarize what you've learned. Archer listens, nodding from time to time, finishing her slice and moving on toward another one as you do. "How...weird," says Archer. "I've heard of changing the battlefield, but this is ridiculous..."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 02:26:39 AM
> A single bullet. A dead body. A lot will change. Something BIG will happen, and that's an understatement.
> Check what time it is.
> "I don't know what EXACTLY might happen... but I sincerely hope that the fact we were there will affect us... I hope."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 02:29:37 AM
> A single bullet. A dead body. A lot will change. Something BIG will happen, and that's an understatement.
> Check what time it is.
> "I don't know what EXACTLY might happen... but I sincerely hope that the fact we were there will affect us... I hope."

>You have a bad feeling about this.
>It is a bit after ten thirty.
>"Well, we didn't get shot," says Archer. "So that's something. What I'm more worried about is the next time."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 02:44:57 AM
> "Next time, we'll be a bit more prepared. We already know who is our enemy."
> Remaining pizza slices.
> Where's the gold tube thing we have to examine?
> "As you said before, if we are going to plan anything else we will have to foresaw the possible consequences. I don't want to get more innocent people involved in this, if possible."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 02:57:56 AM
> "Next time, we'll be a bit more prepared. We already know who is our enemy."
> Remaining pizza slices.
> Where's the gold tube thing we have to examine?
> "As you said before, if we are going to plan anything else we will have to foresaw the possible consequences. I don't want to get more innocent people involved in this, if possible."

>Archer nods. "Yes, that will do a lot to make the next fight go better. Once we know who they are, we can figure out their weaknesses."
>There are five slices left; you're on your first and Archer is on her second.
>It has been set aside on a table.
>"So far, I don't think we've gotten anyone innocent involved," says Archer. "Though that's poised to change, I suppose."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 02:59:47 AM
> "And what about the constable?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 03:12:47 AM
> "And what about the constable?"

>"...Okay, I forgot about him," says Archer with a shrug. "A lot happened, okay?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Stuffman on August 25, 2017, 03:34:05 AM
That wasn't TECHNICALLY our fault, but we can learn from it, right? :V

> Have two more slices, then prepare to call it a night so we can be up early. We'll definitely want to see the morning news.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 03:49:48 AM
>Hey, don't forget to take a little time to examine that magic item we got from Koch before preparing to go to bed
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 04:04:57 AM
> "Totally understandable."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 04:24:47 AM
> "Totally understandable."

> Have two more slices, then prepare to call it a night so we can be up early. We'll definitely want to see the morning news.

>Hey, don't forget to take a little time to examine that magic item we got from Koch before preparing to go to bed

>"Heh," is all Archer has to say in response.
>You grab two more slices. Frankly, part of you feels you can take on the whole thing at once, but another part of you just doesn't have the heart right now.  The news tomorrow is going to be...something.
>You take the gold tube in hand, and make your way toward the lab. Before you really set to work, you do a bit of searching online to try to determine what it is; you don't want to have your phone with you in the lab; its modernity disrupts things. You find that the gold is actually metallic crystal, which is quite rare for gold. Apparently nuggets of gold crystal go for quite a lot. This particular one is freakishly large; you suspect either it is artificial, if that's even possible, or worthy of being part of some nation's crown jewels. With that done, you set the phone aside and head in to examine the thing.
>This turns out to be more simple than you suspected. For all its formidable appearance, apparently is role is simply that of a mana battery with a great deal of capacity. That is to say, it is attuned to support a thing, and then can be forgotten about until the mana inside is depleted. This one...has a tremendous amount of mana stored inside. Enough to power some very stupidly wasteful magecraft indeed. It may well be how someone with no apparent magical background managed to keep a Servant.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 04:30:46 AM
> Dear god, how much this will cost...
> Are we able to tell if it's dangerous for someone other than Koch to use it? Like some kind of curse of sorts to those who dare to use it against its original owner? Though it's also possible that Koch wasn't even the original owner...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 04:33:51 AM
> Dear god, how much this will cost...
> Are we able to tell if it's dangerous for someone other than Koch to use it? Like some kind of curse of sorts to those who dare to use it against its original owner? Though it's also possible that Koch wasn't even the original owner...

>You suspect it's probably nearly priceless. As in, you don't think you could sell it, the pool of buyers would be tiny, even if it didn't risk exposing you as someone who had a thing like this. And if it's artificial, well... you suppose it's still a lot of gold. It's certainly heavy.
>As far as you can tell, there's no kind of curse or ward on it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 04:34:28 AM
>How do we think the mana in this stacks up to those in our vials?
>Is it something we could draw upon for reinforced spellcasting, similar to our vials, or is is specifically to be used to sustain something pre-existing?
>Could we theoretically 'plug' Archer into it and make her stronger as a result, or would it only free up our own mana slightly by being used at a similar level instead of it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 04:38:37 AM
> Having something like this around isn't exactly a perfect idea... We need to make it more subtle, if possible.
> Check size again?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 04:54:22 AM
>How do we think the mana in this stacks up to those in our vials?
>Is it something we could draw upon for reinforced spellcasting, similar to our vials, or is is specifically to be used to sustain something pre-existing?
>Could we theoretically 'plug' Archer into it and make her stronger as a result, or would it only free up our own mana slightly by being used at a similar level instead of it?

>Vastly more.
>It is specifically designed to sustain something, rather than be an all-purpose reservoir that can be dipped into at will like your vials are.
>You could, and imagine it would get the latter effect. You and the Grail are supplying her with anything she needs unlike that one fuckup.

> Having something like this around isn't exactly a perfect idea... We need to make it more subtle, if possible.
> Check size again?

>You certainly don't want to wave it around.
>It's bit over a foot long, and about as thick as if you scrunched all your fingers together.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 05:12:15 AM
> Is the 'recipient' of this mana power really necessary? Like, we could transfer it to other hypothetical vials so we don't have to carry this monstrous attention grabber?
> Where's Archer?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 05:35:14 AM
> Is the 'recipient' of this mana power really necessary? Like, we could transfer it to other hypothetical vials so we don't have to carry this monstrous attention grabber?
> Where's Archer?

>You could. It would take some time, but you could use it to charge up some vials. However, the transfer would likely be wasteful and you wouldn't receive as much as you take out.
>You think she's still in the front room.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 05:46:06 AM
>Do we know of anything within our repertoire or current possessions that this item could usefully power?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 05:51:38 AM
>Do we know of anything within our repertoire or current possessions that this item could usefully power?

>You know some theoretical things, but nothing you have ready. It would be the months of work to actually get them set up. You didn't exactly expect to have this kind of thing just fall into your lap! Does this happen to other magi?

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 06:11:49 AM
>Probably having a Servant just fall into their lap doesn't happen to other magi very often either
>...speaking of which, this thing could totally let us power a second Servant if we somehow managed to come across one lacking a master, couldn't it?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 06:33:54 AM
>Probably having a Servant just fall into their lap doesn't happen to other magi very often either
>...speaking of which, this thing could totally let us power a second Servant if we somehow managed to come across one lacking a master, couldn't it?

>At least for awhile. Certainly long enough to see through any Grail War that has happened historically.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 06:39:12 AM
>Well, assuming we don't think there's anything else in particular to learn about this artifact right now, let's return to Archer and convey our findings
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 06:51:07 AM
>Well, assuming we don't think there's anything else in particular to learn about this artifact right now, let's return to Archer and convey our findings

>You return to the front room and find Archer is missing and the pizza has been finished off and the box put away; good thing you don't have to teach her about trash cans. However, it is easy enough to contact her, and you find that she is currently on the roof of your building. It takes her only a moment to return.
>You explain what you've found, and Archer listens quietly. Once you're done she says, "Sounds useful. Maybe paint it over so you can't see the gold, though."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 06:54:08 AM
>Do we have anything to do that with on short notice? Without permanently marring it, ideally.
>And are we confident that this wouldn't in any way disrupt its magical properties?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 06:58:26 AM
>Do we have anything to do that with on short notice? Without permanently marring it, ideally.
>And are we confident that this wouldn't in any way disrupt its magical properties?

>Hmmm. You might have some ink that would work.
>You...don't think it would? But you don't wholly understand how it works, either, so there's a small chance.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 07:01:15 AM
>"I'm a little nervous that might disrupt the magic in it somehow . It probably wouldn't, but I don't entirely understand how it ticks yet. Maybe I should just keep it covered up."
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 07:05:35 AM
>"I'm a little nervous that might disrupt the magic in it somehow . It probably wouldn't, but I don't entirely understand how it ticks yet. Maybe I should just keep it covered up."

>"Yeah, I guess you could slip some long socks over it," says Archer.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Amraphenson on August 25, 2017, 07:13:27 AM
hilariously this thing is kind of wasted on us because we have a ridiculously efficient servant with low cost NPs anyways, but hey.

>"Hmm. You could keep it pretty well hidden on you right?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 07:18:16 AM
>"Hmm. You could keep it pretty well hidden on you right?"

>"In theory," says Archer. "On the other hand, I'm the one most likely to get hit by Noble Phantasms if I'm doing my job right, so maybe it's not the best idea?"

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 07:36:53 AM
>"I think I'll go with the sock option for now. I don't have any immediate application for it, but I wouldn't be surprised if one came up before this war is over; the amount of mana in this is serious business."
>Is it too big/heavy to conveniently fit in our purse, once wrapped up?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 08:19:06 AM
>"I think I'll go with the sock option for now. I don't have any immediate application for it, but I wouldn't be surprised if one came up before this war is over; the amount of mana in this is serious business."
>Is it too big/heavy to conveniently fit in our purse, once wrapped up?

>Archer nods. "Just don't flash it around. And if nothing else, maybe it can serve as a bargaining chip."
>You'll need a bigger purse, one of those ones that look like shopping bags.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 09:12:58 AM
>"Yeah, that's definitely possible."
>Do we have a backpack or something maybe? Either way, let's go with the sock plan and stow this away for now.
>Do we have any idea whether Archer needs to sleep or not?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 09:47:41 AM
>"Yeah, that's definitely possible."
>Do we have a backpack or something maybe? Either way, let's go with the sock plan and stow this away for now.
>Do we have any idea whether Archer needs to sleep or not?

>Archer nods. "If nothing else, just break it to spite the old bastard's memory."
>You do have a backpack or two.
>Archer should not need to sleep unless her mana is critically low and she cannot replace it.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 09:55:23 AM
>"There anything else you think I ought to take care of before I hit the sack?"
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 10:15:12 AM
>"There anything else you think I ought to take care of before I hit the sack?"

>"Not unless you have some practical tricks up your sleeves for extra defenses," says Archer. "Which I figure you would've done already. So go and get rested up. Call for me if anything unusual happens, I'll be nearby. On the roof at worst."

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 10:44:26 AM
>"Sure, sure. Goodnight, Archer."
>Let's put this away and go get some well-earned rest
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 09:57:54 PM
> Might be in vain... but try to not think too much on what happened some hours ago, specially Rider and Koch's deaths. The least we need is a night full of nightmares and not being well-rested.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 10:26:06 PM
>"Sure, sure. Goodnight, Archer."
>Let's put this away and go get some well-earned rest

> Might be in vain... but try to not think too much on what happened some hours ago, specially Rider and Koch's deaths. The least we need is a night full of nightmares and not being well-rested.

>You conk out not long after your head hits the pillow, you barely have time to even reflect on the day.
>Snowflakes lazily make their way down the crystalline surface. With each moment, it the motion becomes slower, lazier. This is good, it is as it should be. Bit by bit, they approach an asymptotic stillness, growing ever closer, yet not quite reaching it. As it should be. This is the correct way of things. A young woman toils on the other side of the curved surface of the glass, in a dry and dusty place. The grass is brown, the trees are small huddled things. Dryness fills the air. The young woman swings a hammer at the side of a rickety trailer house, securing loose siding into place. The wind blows, disturbing the dust and kicking it into the air in sharp, unpleasant spirals. Then they slowly drift to the earth, losing the momentum that the wind imparted. This is better.
>The woman only barely knows what she is doing, but this does not bother her. She is confident in her work. There is no need to get anyone else involved. There are neighbors, but they are not welcome this deep into her life. She does not need them, they do not need her, and she is content with this. There is little hope here, but that is fine too. It is an illusion, something to be taken away at the merest whims of greater forces. This cannot be helped, this cannot be changed. All that can be done is adapt to it.
>Snowflakes drift along the glass, carried by the the whims of the world. They float aimlessly, coming closer and closer to perfect stillness, never quite reaching it. This is good. A woman in rough leathers chants in a thick forest, invoking a song to please the land in a tune that the ears of no human can decipher. Soon the time will come again, but for now all is peaceful. This is all she can ask for.
>Morning light streams through your window. It's hard not groan as you perceive it through blurry eyes. For a moment your mind grasps to remember where you are, who you are, before you can really understand that you've waken up.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 11:02:09 PM
>Heck of a dream....
>What time is it?
>Try to stretch and stand up
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 25, 2017, 11:18:12 PM
>Heck of a dream....
>What time is it?
>Try to stretch and stand up

>You are sure you remember it pretty well...
>Judging by the light, probably around 7-8 AM. You'd check the clock but you can't read the damn thing without your glasses anyways.
>You stretch and stand up without too much issue.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 25, 2017, 11:31:21 PM
>Let's get up, grab some breakfast and check the news
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 25, 2017, 11:45:54 PM
> Normally remembering dreams well is pretty hard, let it alone near impossible... Ah, thinking if something else is involved will just get us stressed... Let's enjoy the peace moments while we can.
> As we get breakfast, tell Archer we are awake if she's not aware by that time.
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 26, 2017, 12:08:55 AM
>Let's get up, grab some breakfast and check the news

> Normally remembering dreams well is pretty hard, let it alone near impossible... Ah, thinking if something else is involved will just get us stressed... Let's enjoy the peace moments while we can.
> As we get breakfast, tell Archer we are awake if she's not aware by that time.

>You try not to dwell on it and go get some breakfast. A bowl of cereal ought to do it.
>As you gather breakfast, you check on Archer. She tells you that everything's been fine all night, if boring as hell. Apparently there have been some traffic snags visible from the roof, but otherwise nothing of interest.
>As you eat, you check various news sites. The response is...not good. Practically every article is full of shock and "How could this possibly happen?" Comment sections are full of regressives blaming every left wing cause under the sun. Left wing response has been split between a responding "THANK GOD!" and others chiding for taking such a low road, which is quickly devolving into a circular firing squad as it usually does. Government response has been mixed; some are fairly measured, and others are entirely content to invoke this as casus belli for something. A 3 AM tweet from the president probably sums up the latter sentiment the best: "When we find out who's killing our finest citizens, we're gonna bomb the HELL out of them, believe me! There will be nothing left!"
>Midway through breakfast, Archer returns and plops down on the couch.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 26, 2017, 12:12:59 AM
>"Well, the news is about as bad as you'd expect when someone as visible and polarizing as Koch ends up murdered. Some people are angry, some people are cheering, some people are angry at the people who are cheering. I wish I could say I knew how any of this is going to work out in the end."
>Can we see any news info pertaining specifically to credible theories or the police investigation locally?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Tashi on August 26, 2017, 12:16:30 AM
> This couldn't be all. Surely not. If we take Assassin's Noble Phantasm into account...
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 26, 2017, 12:22:22 AM
>"Well, the news is about as bad as you'd expect when someone as visible and polarizing as Koch ends up murdered. Some people are angry, some people are cheering, some people are angry at the people who are cheering. I wish I could say I knew how any of this is going to work out in the end."
>Can we see any news info pertaining specifically to credible theories or the police investigation locally?

> This couldn't be all. Surely not. If we take Assassin's Noble Phantasm into account...

>Archer nods. "I'm surprised that anyone would be on his side. But then again, a lot of things about this place surprise me."
>As far as local news goes, there hasn't been much announced. Apparently the bullet type has been released. On the speculation side, there's all sorts of people putting up their their theories about fantasy assassins; who are generally foreign and not white. It kind of reminds you of things you heard about the Oklahoma City Bombing back in the day, when the news was salivating over the prospect that one of the bombers was of Middle Eastern descent. In fact, it seems at least one local news network is going for exactly that.  Others seem to be keen to blame Black Lives Matter or The Black Panthers (new and old, if they even know the difference), Antifa movements, George Soros, Jews as a whole, or liberals in general since they are the real nazis.
>If something doesn't distract from this, it'll get nasty.

>_
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: DracoOmega on August 26, 2017, 12:33:29 AM
>"Well, I could probably spend all day trying to explain the politics behind that one, but let's just say that a lot of rich people have managed to convince the middle class that they're on their side - that the supposedly lazy poor are the real drain on the system, that the wealthy would be able to help everyone better if only the government would just let them be even richer, and then of course there's always immigrants and minorities to pin the blame for things on. Really, I'm not sure it even matters who's correct when enough people are agitated like this. Like, I could honestly see riots coming out of this at some point...."

>Can we see any news relating to the wrecked Model-T or a police report involving a car trying to run down civilians?
Title: Re: JoJo's Bizarre Grail War - A Fate/Z-Machine Adventure
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 26, 2017, 12:49:06 AM
>"Well, I could probably spend all day trying to explain the politics behind that one, but let's just say that a lot of rich people have managed to convince the middle class that they're on their side - that the supposedly lazy poor are the real drain on the system, that the wealthy would be able to help everyone better if only the government would just let them be even richer, and then of course there's always immigrants and minorities to pin the blame for things on. Really, I'm not sure it even matters who's correct when enough people are agitated like this. Like, I could honestly see riots coming out of this at some point...."

>Can we see any news relating to the wrecked Model-T or a police report involving a car trying to run down civilians?

>"...Yalls hella stupid," Archer says.