Renascence: A Homura Quest

Higure · Aug 1, 2022

QM Note: It's done. I hope you all enjoy it. I will update the character sheet tomorrow, so don't count on that being up to date.

Going to pass out now.

Investigation Actions

Friends?

(598/2000) > Rolled (58) + 30 > (686/2000) > Madoka Rolled (52) + 10 > (748/2000)

Akemi Madness

"Madoka Kaname, Sayaka Miki, Kyouko Sakura. Junko's daughter and her childhood friend. Two orphans--one that attends the local middle school, one that's been missing for years, following her father's murder-suicide. Death defying and nigh-superhuman stunts, which no sane person would even attempt. Weapons skill that is frankly inhuman. Whatever happened with Karen Kohirukimaki when the footage bugged out. I'm not seeing things, am I, Mayuri?" I ask, indicating the footage from the Laser Tag arena Homura Akemi recently played at with her friends.

She smiles that shining, precious smile of hers, "Nope! Maybe they're superheroes, or cyborgs, or magical girls!"

"Bwahaha! Cyborgs, you say? Interesting! Yet, how would these four particular girls--perhaps five--become cyborgs? No, it must be something else…" I stroke my chin, bristles scratching my fingers as I consider it, "There's certainly something odd going on, but, as a Mad Scientist, I can't dismiss anything out of hand! Christina! What do you think!?"

My Assistant looks up grumpily from where she's working on Future Gadget 13, "I think you need to stop stalking teenage girls, and my name's not Christina." I clutch my chest at the ruthless assault upon my pride as a man, but persevere.

"You know this is strange, Christina. You're not blind. I genuinely believe this may somehow be connected to the temporal anomalies." I lay off on the ham a bit for a moment, hoping she'll scale back the banter too.

She sighs, setting down her tools for a moment to think it over, "Maybe they are anomalies? I've been checking our DNA for changes, but we're a small sample size. Perhaps anomalous people are naturally stronger or more durable…or maybe it's just magic?" She smirks at that, mocking me, and I chuckle heartedly, spreading my arms wide.

"Yes, clearly, it's magic! Why ever would I think otherwise!? Very enlightening, you two!" I indicate the two most important women in my life before heaving a sigh, "Well, it can wait I--"

There's a knocking at the window, and everyone turns to it, exchanging confused looks. Slowly, I make my way over, pulling the curtains aside to reveal…

Nothing. Just the view.

I open the window, sticking my head out to look down, then up, and find Homura Akemi regarding me impassively from the rooftop.

I close the window immediately, growling slightly as I rush out the door and up the stairs, the Lab Members giving me questioning looks as I go.

Soon enough, I reach the roof, where Homura Akemi is waiting calmly for me.

"Hououin. I was wondering if I could obtain your assistance with a matter." She says, cool as a cucumber, as if she had not just given me a heart attack.

"What is that, Homura-san?" I ask, "And why could you not simply knock at the door?"

She shrugs, almost seeming a bit confused herself, "This seemed appropriate. Regardless, I seek the secrets of my bloodline and its madness. As a Mad Scientist, I thought perhaps you could assist with the matter."

I start to object, then pause, considering the request. I had been looking into the Akemis already, and if she is anomalous…

Yes, this is an opportunity! I must grasp it with both hands!

"I would be happy to help you with this endeavor and, as a good first step, I would ask for a sample of your blood, so that we might sequence your DNA, and see if that might not reveal something about your family's genetics!" As well as if she is conventionally human, or somehow other.

She nods, drawing a knife and a flask--wait, where did she pull those from--and takes the blade to her wrist with complete calmness, as if she doesn't feel the pain at all.

As a man who has done much the same before, I can tell you that should not be terribly possible.

"Stop!" I rush across the rooftop towards her, but it's too late already, obviously. The girl is clearly mad--no, of course she's mad, what was I thinking!?

Only, as I reach her, she merely lightly bandages the wound--I still did not manage to catch where she took the bandage from--and hands me the flask, which is far too full for my liking.

"Here, that should be more than enough." She says as I stare down at the bottled pint of blood in my hands, then back up at her. The bandage on her arm is red with blood, but the stain isn't spreading further, almost as if the bleeding has stopped already.

"How?" I ask, determined to obtain an answer to this madness, "How can you do that? How did you make it to the window and back up so quickly? How did you even reach the window in the first place, and how did you survive jumping out yesterday!?"

She regards me for a long moment, then smiles slightly, as if enjoying a joke, "Magic. You'll get me the results?"

I just stare silently, mouth slightly agape at the obvious lie, before sighing, "Yes, I'll get you the results. Do you want to come and meet the team?"

She shakes her head, "Another day. I have to do quite a bit, then be on a plane for England this evening. I'll text you."

With those parting words, Homura Akemi leaps off the rooftop and into the alley below. It does not surprise me when I see nothing upon looking down for her.

Akemi Madness (199/500) > Rolled (10) + 30 > (239/500) > Hououin Rolled (4) + 75 > (318/500) > Kurisu Rolled (17) + 50 > (385/500)

Houoin Kyouma (0/200) > Rolled ((55) + 14 + 25 (Connoisseurs of Crazy)) / 2 > (47/200)

Social Actions

Mami Tomoe

Mami PoV

Knock knock knock

I look up from Friendship as a knock sounds a the door, tensing slightly. Kyouko would simply come in. Kaname-san would have called ahead.

That leaves either a stranger, or…

I walk to the door, glancing through peephole, and find Akemi-san staring directly at it, those cold purple eyes boring into my own even though she can't see me.

After a moment to dust myself off, I open the door for her, plastering a smile on my face. I'm glad to see her--I really am--but she still sets me a bit ill at ease, coming around like she does, 'What use does she have for me, to spend so much time on me? Why are her eyes like that? Why did she have to tell me about--' I end that train of thought sharply, knowing better than to brood in my condition.

"Ah, Akemi-san, what can I do for you?" I ask, trying to measure her like Madoka suggested--you have to see if there's a chance of friendship, and if it's desirable, before you can build something. Do those cold eyes seem a little warmer, now that she can see me, or is that wishful thinking?

"I had an idea on our shopping trip, but didn't have a time to act on it then. May I come in?" She speaks oddly. It's almost like she's forgotten how she's supposed to speak, or maybe like she never knew exactly? It's as if she's engineering her words for others, not simply speaking.

It makes me feel a little happy, knowing I'm not the only one who's trying so hard. Is that commonality something I can build a friendship on, or is it just a minor thing?

"Of course, Akemi-san! Please come in!" Please come in, so that I can figure out how to make friends with you.

She steps inside, and I close the door behind her, the two of us making our way to the living room--I put a lot of work into picking and arranging the new furniture just right, to create a kind of comfortable intimacy in that space, and I think it's working, maybe.

She sits in the chair that puts her back to the corner--it's my favorite chair, since it keeps my back covered, but I'm not going to complain--and I sit across from her in one that at least lets me watch the door, so I can bind it closed if someone tries to force their way in.

"So, what did you want to talk about, Akemi-san?" I ask, curious and a bit anxious. I hope she's not worried about me spending so much time with Kaname-san lately, considering how protective she is of the Potential.

Her shield appears for just an instant, flickering into existence on her arm for a fraction of a second--something I've learned to spot. A moment later, the are two boxes in her hands.

My eyes widen as I recognize them, and raise a hand to cover my mouth daintily--oh, there's the "princess" persona creeping in again--as my mouth drops open.

Akemi-san turns them around to reveal two identical gunpla: the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam model. I had been planning to build one, but--

I recall the ruined remains of my collection I had found upon visiting my apartment, and my chest hurts at the thought. All of those hours, all those memories, gone in an instant.

"I'd been thinking about picking up the hobby, and was wondering if you'd teach me, Senpai? Since we're friends?" She says without a moment of hesitation, those cold eyes gleaming ever so faintly, as if trying to be warm and failing.

'Since we're friends, she says. Like it's that simple. Like you just become friends, without any ceremony, or…' I recall how Kaname-san had just suddenly bought me a chair two days ago--for her home, so I would have somewhere to sit when I visited, 'Is Akemi-san trying to do the same thing, having seen that worked? Or is she just the same as Kaname-san, in some strange way? Is this the ceremony?'

I don't really understand it, but I'm already smiling as I answer instantly, "YES! Yes, of course!" I stand, restraining myself from hugging her without warning like I did with Kaname-san, "Umm…may I hug you, Akemi-san?"

The girl smiles at that, something about the expression not quite fitting. It's almost like she's remembering something, rather than happy about what I said. She stands, though, setting the gunpla down, and nods.

I embrace her. It's like hugging a piece of stone, the girl's body all hard muscle and bone, but there's something…

I can feel tears dripping down my face, and the strangest feeling of grief passes through me as I hold my friend.

???

Homura looks at me from the fencepost, where's she's posed dramatically, and I immediately leap up onto one myself, following suit. She dressed in her magical girl outfit, for once--it's nice to see, since so many of the others have started to wear them less and less as we've gotten older.

"What brings you over, Homulilly?" I ask, getting fully into my role as Magical Girl Candalero, Hero of Mercy and Justice.

The younger girl--younger, though she'll be out of high school soon--gives me a weak smile, "There's a problem, Candalero. Kyubey's missing--no one's seen him in several days. Can you help?"

I wink at her, raising two fingers up to my face in a classical magical girl hand gesture, "Candalero's on the case!" I pause for a moment, considering the problem. If something's happened to Kyubey, we're in big trouble, and, aside from that, he's been there for us through thick and thin--I can't let him down now!

"What do we know, Homu-chan?" I ask, abandoning my playfulness for the moment as Homura begins to tell me his last whereabouts.

Home Actions

Train Melee with Miho

Melee (178/190) > Rolled (64) + 100 > (342/190) > Level Up! > (152/195)

Sword Specialist (289/1500) > Rolled (17) + 100 > (406/1500)

Miho (0/300) > ((20) + 14)/2 > (17/300)

Play SAO with Sayaka and Miho

Sayaka (248/500) > Rolled (14) + 14 > (276/500)
Miho (17/300) > Rolled (93) + 14 > (124/300)

Mission Actions

A Royal Invitation

"You sure about this, Ribbons? I'm not exactly royal palace material, if you know what I mean." The redhead at your self-deprecates, scratching at her neck in embarrassment.

Kyouko's incredulity is not misplaced, you reflect--she's certainly not the best choice for this. Unfortunately, Ruki's father put his foot down at intercontinental travel, apparently, and Oriko assured you that she was the primary thing standing between Mitakihara and disaster in your absence; she also took the opportunity to imply that was also true when you were present, but you weren't going to humor that. Really, she probably just wasn't willing to leave Kirika's side.

Considering Madoka and Sayaka aren't contracted, Snow and the mercenary girls might be treated as US representatives, and bringing Mami would be like bringing a warhead into a meeting room, Kyouko had seemed like the best option.

"You're well-educated. You speak English, Greek, and Latin. You're a known Magical Girl, but not a political rival to Arthur. You also have my trust. There are not many better candidates." You explain simply as you stroll through Mitakihara Airport.

"Only in classical lit and religion. I didn't finish middle school, Ribbons!" Kyouko objects to being well-educated, gesticulating as she does so.

Passersby are giving you strange looks, but you can't be bothered to care. If they recognize you, they'll dismiss it as Akemi business. If they don't recognize you, they probably do not matter.

You make your way through the FBO, security a triviality thanks to your total lack of luggage--your shield's storage is very convenient--and make your way onto the private jet supplied by Arthur.

It's decadent, for a plane, with only a handful of seats, situated at proper tables, with the appropriate plugs for electronic devices stationed throughout the first room. Beyond it, you can see what appears to be a bedroom, with two single beds in place for yourself and Kyouko--one in purple, and the other in red.

"Well, they've either got a precog or a very good clairvoyant, and I honestly would prefer the former." Kyouko says, eyebrow rising at the sight, "But hey, at least it's comfortable. I normally hate flying, but this is pretty cushy. Wanna play chess?" She indicates an ornate gold chess set out on one of the desks.

"Later. I'm going to look around." You answer, already making your way through the bedroom into the space beyond--a dining room. It's currently occupied, to your surprise, by a red-headed girl in her mid-teens, who's walking in your direction with a confident stride.

A red-headed girl currently in what you instinctively recognize as full Magical Girl regalia--even though hers might pass as normal clothing, you can sense the magical nature of the jumpsuit--almost like the alien-ness of a Witch's barrier, but far subtler. Of course, the gleaming red Soul Gem that shines on her chest is a dead giveaway, regardless.

"Hey, so you're our VIP? Kallen Stadtfield, nice to meet ya." She say is perfect Japanese. Her expression seems bemused as she looks down at you--she must be relatively fresh, if she's still not used to treating an apparent middle schooler as a peer.

"Homura Akemi. You're one of Arthur's?" You ask, curious. She seems casual, for a royal agent, but you do not know the new monarch yet.

The girl raises a hand, tilting it back and forth, "Sorta, but not really. I answer to Agravain. Uh…how much do you know about the Knights?"

"She's really going hard with this Arthur schtick, isn't she?" Kyouko's voice asks from behind you as she strolls into the room, "Is she expecting us to believe that the Knights of the Round Table have followed her from ancient history, too? I can't imagine they were all women. Covering something like that up would be more trouble than its worth for Kyubey."

Kallen chuckles, "Nah, though the King does seem pretty sad about it. No, they're being used as titles, and kinda aliases, too? Not supposed to hand out real identities, probably to protect their families or something. But yeah, I work for Agravain, who works for Arthur. He apparently pulled some strings to get me as your pilot--seems like he's watching out for you, maybe."

You're not certain, but the smirk you receive from Kallen makes you suspect you've failed to hide your surprise, "He? They're not all Magical Girls?"

"No, Arthur doesn't seem to care much either way, she just wants the best. I don't know who all the Knights, though." She explains.

You wave her towards the sitting room, "Can we talk a bit before takeoff, then? I'm curious."

She shakes her head, "Sorry, need to get in the air, but we've got a layover to refuel in Paris--we can talk there!" She turns and walks off towards the front of the plane, waving a casual goodbye as she goes.

"Oh, wow, Paris. Uh…guessing no time for sightseeing?" Kyouko asks, looking around the dining room, "Also, do we get food?"

"It's only a brief layover--an hour or so. We do get food, though. There's apparently a chef on board--which implies a kitchen somewhere, I guess--who will bring food out for dinner in a couple of hours."

She rubs her hands together, smiling, "Perfect. Can't wait to see how the royals eat on the go."

You sigh fondly, shaking your head, and the two of you make your way back to the cabin to get that chess game in.

…

Several hours pass in comfort, the two of you relaxing, playing games, and reading books together.

Eventually, after a dinner provided by an excellent chef you suspect is also a Magical Girl, based on the quality, the plane makes landfall in Paris, and Kallen makes her way to the sitting room.

"Alright, we're gonna be here for an hour for refueling and a bit of maintenance. You wanted to talk?" She takes a seat, sinking into it slightly as she gives a sigh of comfort, "Oh, I wish we could have chairs like this in the cockpit."

Kyouko snickers, but you merely nod, "Yes, I wanted to ask about what we're walking into, if Agravain's really on our side."

She shrugs, "I don't know much, to be honest. I've only met the King a few times, and I'm no politician, so…well, she's really intimidating, but also seems to be fair, as far as I can tell. Strongest Magical Girl I've ever met, though--that Excalibur of hers can destroy pretty much anything, as far as I can tell. Outside of that? Good leader, good at management, best government Britain's had in my lifetime, at least. If you want to know more than that, you can talk to Agravain when we arrive."

"So, what's your boss like? He a normal stuck-up rich guy, or what?" Kyouko's diplomatic value, or lack thereof, makes itself known quickly, but Kallen seems unbothered.

"Eh, he has his moments, but he's…" She trails off, blushing faintly, "…he's hard to describe. You'll get it once you meet him."

You exchange looks with a smirking Kyouko, who throws a smirk at Kallen a moment later, "Oh, I think we've got the idea. You two engaged yet, or…?"

Kallen growls slightly at the light teasing, "Whatever, I'm gonna go get my dinner. See you two later." She stands, stalking off to the kitchen, face growing more red by the moment as she makes her escape.

…

Early the next morning, you find yourself standing before the open gates of Buckingham Palace, the guards firmly at attention as you're led in by Kallen--apparently your bodyguard for now, in addition to your pilot.

She leads you to an immaculate, decadent bedroom, "This one'll be yours, Akemi-san. The one next door is yours, Sakura-san."

Kyouko yawns at that, covering her mouth with one hand as she walks down to the next door, "Nice. Gonna go to bed, then. See you in the morning, Ribbons."

As she goes to open it, Kallen catches her hand, "The other one next door, Sakura-san." She leads your friend to her actual room as you go into your own, taking in the ornate purple decorations and the dozen clocks that fill the room with a heavy sigh.

You're looking forward to sleeping, but you really have to get some work done first.

Kyouko (66/400) > Rolled (68) + 14 > (148/400)

Kallen (0/100) > Rolled ((71) + 14) / 2 > (43/100)

Training Actions

Socialize

"So…you want to teach me how to make friends, before you fly off to England?" Snow seems somewhere between excited and insulted as you regard her from across her desk.

You shake your head, "No, I want to work together to learn how to be better a building trust and enduring bonds."

She relaxes at that, clapping her hands together in a decisive gesture, having apparently come to a conclusion. "Oh, I see, so you want to work together to learn how to effectively win people over for social advantage." She deduces, based upon your wording. She is certainly not entirely wrong.

"Yes, exactly. I even brought a book." You put Friendship on the desk, suppressing a wince as you realize you've contradicted yourself a bit in doing so.

She picks it up, thumbing through a few pages, "Hmm…well, sounds good to me! Maybe I can figure out how to get Rose to talk to me again. So…start with some basic exercises?"

You nod, "Sounds like a good start."

Socialize (32/70) > Rolled (58) + 50 (Friendship, Part 1) + 50 (Training Partner) > (190/70) > Level Up! > (120/75) > Level Up! > (45/80)

Socialize 14 > 16

Snow Socialize (0/50) > Rolled (67 + 50 (Friendship, Part 1) + 50 (Training Partner) > (167/50) > Level Up! > (117/55) > Level Up! > (62/60) > Level Up! > (2/65)

Snow Socialize 10 > 13

Snow (0/200) > Rolled ((12) + 14) / 2 > (13/200)

Creative Actions

Heart Surgery Working Research

Base "Heart Surgery" Research DC: 25
Ambition DC Increase: 25
"Heart Surgery" Working Research DC: 50

Rolled 43 + 12 = 55 | Success!

Prototype - Heartcrafter
- School: Puella Magus
- Cost: 100 Magic
- A Working that slowly corrects flaws in the heart until it is able to operate as a healthy organ. As this is a slow process carried out over the course of an hour, there is no need for the user to have an absolute understanding of the human heart, and the process can be assisted by a medical expert to account for lack of personal expertise.
- Development DC: 75
- Special Prerequisite: Medical 50. This can be provided by a second party, who does not need to be a magic user.

Sleep Actions

Clocksmithing

'Alright, now, remember Homura--your components are incredibly important. Even the slightest error in size for a gear can make a clock run fast or slow. That's why it's important to measure everything--especially when using parts you didn't make yourself, which I generally do not recommend.'

You carefully measure a gear for the fifteenth time--they've all been perfectly sized so far, but Jii-san would not have been so insitent if it weren't--

Your thoughts grind to a halt, and you measure the same gear for a second time, wondering if you made an error.

You have not. One singular spoke of this gear is one hundredth of an inch too long. This is what you get for using mass-produced parts, you reflect.

Development Roll: [5] + 5 = 5 10 | Failure!

Deciding to try your hand at fixing it yourself, you attempt to narrow down a Magic Blast enough to trim the spoke with it--only for the Blast to come out too large, annihilating the gear and blowing a in one of the Royal Family's tables in the process.

'Great. Hopefully it's not too expensive.'

Onto the next gear, and the next, and the next, and soon you've set aside very malformed one, leaving you with a collection of suitable components for your training project.

'Now that you've made sure every piece is perfect, you can actually begin assembly. First…'

Following the faint memory of Jii-san's words from your childhood, you set to work with passion and precision, each piece seeming to dance along your fingers as you slip them into their places, securing and adjusting them until they're exactly right--yes, this clock will be ready soon, even if it will not be suitable as more than a training aid.

Trait Revealed: Clocksmithing Prodigy - Double all Clocksmithing Training Rolls.

(0/65) > Rolled ((13) + 100 (Memories of Jii-san) + 50 (The Glory of Clocks)) X 2 (Clocksmithing Prodigy) > (326/65) > Level Up! > (261/70) > Level Up! > (191/75) > Level Up! > (116/80) > Level Up! > (36/85)

Clocksmithing 13 > 17

Development

With your training clock now resting comfortably on the table, covering the hole you created, you move on to your next task--improving your spell Development, so that doesn't happen again.

"So…form a clear idea of the spell you want internally, considering each necessary aspect of the reality you wish to impose, and hold tight to it until it crystallizes--then push it outwards. That's the basic magical theory, according to Oriko."

You take a deep breath, and form the image of a flickering sphere of light in your mind. It seems to naturally reach for other concepts, trying to grow into something else, and you have to actively trim those away in order to get the simple light creation spell you're trying to make. It's not the sun, it's not Madoka's smile, it's not a soul, it's not the revelation of secrets. It's just a light that glows. That's all.

Development Roll: [43] + 5 = 48 | Success! Light Sphere Spell Created!

The light forms above your hand as you extrude that concept you've formed out into the world, magic flowing into it naturally as you do so.

A success. A small one, but good practice, for sure.

Development (0/25) > Rolled (44) > (44/25) > Level Up! > (19/30)

Development 5 > 6

Homura
Grief: 150/1000
Sanity: 522/1000
Bloodheat: 0/100

Kyouko
Grief: 405/1000
Sanity: 600/1000

[Daily Events]

Meeting with Agravain at breakfast.

[Texts and Emails]
[Madoka]
Madoka: Who was the author for that book you and Kyouko brought to the study group the other day? "Friendship." Was it Yamato Ishida?

Homura: Yes. Why?

Madoka: Turns out he's a friend of a friend's older brother. Apparently Part 2 is coming out soon.

Homura: Strange coincidence.

Madoka: A little, but it's a small world! Always weird when RL and online friends collide.

Homura: I get the feeling there's something more to this.

Madoka: Not exactly. Eight's a good friend, but some weird things happen in chats with her sometimes.

Homura: ?

Madoka: I'll just send a screenshot.

screenshot

Eight: Yamato's not really into writing, usually, but he's taking time away from his band to work on these books. They're really important to him.

HopeHurts : Part 1 seemed insightful, from what I saw! He's clearly been through a lot, though.

Eight: YOuR PrAyeR hAs bEEn HEArd

HopeHurts: Eight!? What's wrong!?

Eight: I didn't write that.

Eight: Maybe a hacker, or…

Eight: What have you been praying for, Hope?

HopeHurts: I haven't been, not really. I guess that I've been wishing for everyone's salvation, though?

Eight: I mean, me too, but nothing new?

HopeHurts: There's been some new problems around town that I'm worried about, I guess? Are you sure you didn't send that?

Eight: No, I didn't. Don't worry about it.

Homura: You didn't actually Wish, right?

Madoka: No, not yet. I'm sure she knew more than she was letting on.

Homura: Is she usually secretive?

Madoka: A little, but not too much. Just a lot of private stuff.

Homura: I'm not sure if it means anything, but keep an eye out, and let me know if anything happens. Could potentially be a Witch, or an anomaly.

Madoka: I'll be careful.

[Kyubey]
Kyubey: While you're in London, we'd be willing to pay a Seed it if you'd look into an Anomaly--there's a certain detective agency there which has been setting off our sensors severely. The file is in your desk drawer. We'd also be willing to pay for information on the Britannia family beyond what's on public record.

Homura: I will consider it.

[Arcana Magi, Requests, and Akemi Madness]
If you wish to perform an Action as a different Arcana Magi (Kyouko, for now), simply add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Arcana - Kyouko

If you wish to Request help from another character(s) for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Request - (Character Names)

If you wish to use Akemi Madness for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Akemi Madness

[Available Characters]
The following characters you can contact for Requests. Keep in mind that Alllies will expect a Favor in return, while Friends will help as long as they have time and are willing. You do not get information on willingness and availability prior to the vote, due to the amount of complexity this would add to the process. Social Links values are listed here--multiply these by 10 to determine the size of the die they will roll when assisting with an Action.

Keep in mind some characters may not be suitable for some Actions--Homura will simply not involve a mundane individual in magical combat, for example, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If you really feel the need to involve someone in something they normally should not be (like involving Miho Miki in a Witch Hunt, or anything Magical), please include a justification as a subvote, for mine and Homura's consideration.

Friends
- Madoka Kaname : 10
- Sayaka Miki : 5
- Kyouko Sakura : 4
- Mami Tomoe : 3
- Ruki Shironome : 4
- Miho Miki : 3
- Yuma Chitose : 1
- Junko Kaname : 2
- Nagisa : 1
- Hououin Kyouma : 2
Allies
- Nanoha Takamachi : 2
- Rose : 1
- Freya : 1
- Akane : 1
- Oriko : 3
- Kirika : 2
- Snow : 2
- Clovis Britannia : 2

[Investigative Actions: 2]
Mysteries
[ ] ~~Friends? (598/2000)~~ [Madoka]
"Igor claims there are 14 special friends I need to find. I should try to find more of them…and maybe find out how they're my friends if I don't know them."

"I did experience a strange connection to Nagisa when I met her, and she's apparently "The Death."

"I have a strange memory of Matoko, which led me to her Barrier. She was clearly older--in her late teens, I'd say--and I'd swear I was the same age, in that moment. It's impossible, but the memory remains."

"I encountered Yuma Chitose, and she has appeared among the list of Arcana Magi in the Velvet Room, as the Wheel of Fortune."

[ ] Igor's Contract (Progress 0/1000)
"I don't remember signing any Contract with Igor, but he insists I did."

[ ] False Memories (121/200)
"I have doubled memories of my first meeting with Weiss. I'm sure there are probably others I haven't noticed yet, too. Maybe if I can recognize them, I can figure out more about this strange timeline?"

"I got in touch with Clovis Britannia, apparently a childhood friend as well. His family's background seems to mesh poorly with the rest of history, suggesting he is an artificial addition, rather than someone that's supposed to be in this timeline."

[ ] A Missing Memory (0/1000)
"When I was talking to Igor, there was a memory that I couldn't find. It was something about selfishness? The Devil? What could have happened?"

[ ] Akemi Madness (385/500) [Hououin Kyouma] [Kurisu Makise]
"There's a strange inherited insanity in our family. It's always been a fact of life before, but others seem scared by it. Maybe I should try to find out more? Looking into our family's history should be a good place to start."

"My Father apparently knows something about this. Meeting with him might help me make some headway, too." (You can spend a Social Action with Takeshi Akemi for a Clue)

[ ] Detective Agency (0/100)

[ ] Britannia Family (0/100)

City

[ ] London

Known Locations

[ ] Buckingham Palace
[ ] Big Ben
[ ] The Tower of London

People

[ ] Arthur
[ ] Agravain
[ ] Galahad
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield

[Social Actions: 1]
[ ] Madoka (Maxed)
[ ] Sayaka (276/500)
[ ] Kyouko (148/400)
[ ] Miho Miki (124/300)
[ ] Takeshi Akemi (6/300)
[ ] Kayaba Akihiko (31/100)
[ ] Soichirou Mikuni (44/100)
[ ] Hououin Kyouma (47/200)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield (43/100)
[ ] Write-In Character

[Home Actions: 2]
[ ] Investigation: Arthur
[ ] Investigation: Buckingham Palace
[ ] Social: Kyouko
[ ] Social: Kallen Stadtfield
[ ] Social: Agravain

[Mission Actions: 1]
[ ] Go Shopping
-[ ] Shopping List
[ ] Go Thieving
-[ ] Thieving List
-[ ] Target Location
[ ] Meet with King Arthur
[ ] Write-In (Subject to QM Approval, Cannot Overlap with other Action Types.)

[Creative Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically.

Craft Actions
[ ] Craft Something (Appropriate Craft Roll Required)
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some products may fail automatically.)

Magic Actions
[ ] Spell Development (Development Roll Required)
-[ ] Existing Prototype Name or Spell Description (Broader descriptions are more likely to produce easily developed Spells.)
[ ] Spell Usage
-[ ] Spell(s)
-[ ] Action.
-[ ] Reason for action.
[ ] Attempt to perform a Magical Working. (Magical Theory Roll Required)
-[ ] Working Objective. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some workings may fail automatically.)

Research Actions
[ ] Research a Theoretical Crafting Product
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description.
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description.
[ ] Research a Theoretical Spell
-[ ] Spell Purpose
-[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
[ ] Research a Theoretical Magical Working
-[ ] Working Objective.

Grand Undertakings
~~[ ] The Restoration of the Yamato (78/500)~~ [Ruki]

[Training Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically. Students may refuse lessons if they are busy, or don't know you well.
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Skill
[ ] Train someone else in a Skill.
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Student

[Sleep Actions: 4]
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Write-In Action of another Type (Cost: 20 Sanity)

Higure · Aug 15, 2022

Event - Agravain Meeting

Investigate Galahad | Investigate Arthur

[Warning: Invisitext]

The next morning, you find yourself and Kyouko led by a very nervous butler to what he tells you is the "Chinese Dining Room," to share breakfast with "Sir Agravain." You have chosen to go ahead and put on your formalwear--you suspect you should put your best foot forward for this conversation.

Entering the room, you see why--the decor certainly includes a number of Chinese elements; you find it a bit gaudy, honestly, but Buckhingham has proven to be ostentatious if it's anything. You are a far cry from poor, but you were a tad uncomfortable with the sheer number of incredibly valuable objects in the bedroom they have you in. Such as that table, which currently has a hole in it.

Perhaps you'll try to fix that yourself tonight.

"Nice place! Kinda a weird design choice, considering, but definitely very fancy!" Kyouko pipes up, almost as if she's actively trying to provoke the man at the breakfast table up ahead.

You, however, barely keep yourself from freezing as you approach the young man you assume to be Sir Agravain, where he sits with Kallen at his side.

"Greetings, Akemi-san. Allow me to, at last, formally welcome you to the Royal Palace!" His tone is trying to be warm and inviting, but seems to boom in spite of that, an underlying tone of menace carried along in the process. Yet, you do not get the impression of malice--if anything, it seems strangely familiar. A compulsive affectation, rather than an attempt to intimidate, most likely.

It makes your blood stir, as if in answer. You try to fight it down, to maintain your ~~façade of~~ calm rationality, but ultimately something in his eye demands a response you cannot deny, and you feel Kyouko stiffen beside you as you smile, taking a seat across from Agravain and leaning towards him slightly.

"A fine welcome, if late. I'd expected to receive such a thing upon arrival, yet was smuggled in silently in the dead of night. Some machination, or was I just not worthy of it?" Your tone is mocking, you know, but he smiles in return, as if pleased.

"Oh, nothing of the sort, Akemi-san. Or, do Akemi-dono? Lady Akemi? Or…well, that's a matter for our King, I suppose." He hints at secrets you would very much like to have in your hands, but you let them pass--if it's a matter for the King, then you will get it from the King.

"Akemi-dono will do, for the moment. I am not, last I checked, a Noblewoman at all. Unless the King aims to change that." You feel your lips curl up until a smirk, and Agravain chuckles in return.

"Oh, now that's not for a mere Knight such as me to decide. Regardless, I am very pleased to finally make your acquaintance. Clovis haes always spoken well of you, which I frankly took as a condemnation, but you seem to be far more than he claimed."

You bridle a little at that, "Clovis may not be a master of politics--or many things, really--but he has been a friend to me, however distant, for many years." You defend the blond, but move, as the reality of the matter is obvious, "Of course, to have such disdain for him, you must be the brother he spoke of. I had not expected you to hold so high an office, considering Clovis' ignorance of Magical Girl affairs."

The butler, seeming very nervous, arrives with four Full English breakfasts, as well as orange juice and, for Agravain, pitch black coffee, before making a hasty retreat.
"Good stuff! I'm starving! Thanks Alfred!"
You idly note that Kyouko is present--already devouring her food--and that Kallen is still at the table, seemingly preparing to do the same.
"Please don't. They work really hard here. Basic respect is a minimum for staff."
You do not bother, for the moment. There are more important things to deal with--as Agravain apparently agrees, leaving his own meal untouched as well as he answers, waving a hand dismissively, "Of course. Clovis is far from the worst of my siblings--though also far from the best--but affairs such as these must be reserved for only the most trusted. Not least because the Incubator would likely grow overzealous in his memory erasures, if information flowed too far from the Round Table."
"Fair, not used to talking to normies, though."
Kallen nudges him, and he reluctantly takes a sip from his coffee, closing his eye momentarily to savor the bitter beverage. You've never terribly understood how one can enjoy something intended as a warning sign against poison, but you suppose chemical dependence will do that to you.
"Normies? What, a butler can't watch anime?"
You accept his explanation, regardless, and sip your juice slightly in that moment of stillness--it's very good, if not what you're used to--before proceeding on to the next matter, "If you are Clovis' brother, and you've chosen to meet me at this time, I assume you mean to grant his request an assist me in some manner?"
"Nah, I mean normies. You know, people who aren't rocks, or looking to become rocks. Anyway, is he always like this?"
Agravain smirks again, slowly spreading his hands open-palmed before him in a dramatic shrug, "In all honesty, I had little intention of doing so, beyond making sure you arrived and departed safely, but you have earned my interest, Akemi-dono. Allow me to present to you the lay of the land, so-to-speak."
"Yeah, pretty much. She is too, I take it?
"Please do." I entreat, setting my drink down gently on its coaster.
"On and off. She has her moments. They don't even know we're here, do they?"
"The Round Table is composed of--of course--the Knights of the Round, and King Arthur herself. Each of the Knights I permitted a retinue of up to four people that may be informed as to the full nature and affairs of the Round Table, and as many uninformed subordinates as they please. My own retinue consists of Kallen, Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald, my half-sister Euphemia, and a researcher by the name of Harumi Kiyama. If you encounter any of them, you may feel to discuss affairs of Magic with them without concern. I will not trouble you with listing my other subordinates, as it would take quite some time."
"He knows, he's just messing with us. Probably. Fifty-fifty. Her?"
His tone doesn't really intend to hide anything, conveying clearly that he is holding those identities in reserve, "I see--I do wonder what you have up your sleeve, but I won't pry further for the moment. What about the others?"
"Eighty-twenty she's forgotten we're here. If not, she's just oblivious to us talking. You get used to it.
"I am unsure about most of them. While we Knights are permitted to interact freely, many of my peers remain quite cagey about their identities--indeed, even I myself have taken steps, though less so than many of the others. This is likely more to shelter their civilian identities from prying eyes, as anything else. Many of them are also Magi, and likely wish to shelter family from politics." He pauses for a long moment, giving you the chance to speak up, but you forego it, for the moment, gesturing for him to go on. Asking again would only make you seem impatient, after all.
"For Heaven's sake, Homura, you can just ask questions. Everyone's on the same side here."
He smiles slightly as he proceeds, "Well, I can tell you what I know of Galahad, for certain. She alone fully forgoes any sort of privacy--reasonable, seeing as she does not seem to have any life beyond her service as a Knight any longer." He pauses to sip from his coffee, putting on a relaxed façade.
"Trust me, she's in there with the champion. I swear, he doesn't know how to just talk."
"Sir Galahad's real name is Kyrie Lux--an orphan, as far as I know. She was formerly associated with the Vatican, although the details of her time working with them are wholly unknown to me, bud cut ties with them and joined the Anglican Church as an Exorcist at the age of fifteen, before appearing as Sir Galahad two years later. She continues to operate in the public eye as Exorcist Kyrie Lux, and has become something of a minor celebrity as a face for the Church among young people--albeit one that deviates strongly from their usual routine. Other than that, she primarily operates as Arthur's right hand and bodyguard, as much as Arthur needs such a thing. She, like most of the Magi serving the King, wears her Regalia at all times within the palace--it looks much like one would expect from a Magical Girl variation on black plate armor."
"Oh, he's not talking about her combat options, huh? Or yours, either. Guess we're still in the "might kill each other next week" phase of things, huh?"
You nod, accepting that--it's not as if you've revealed your own capabilities, and Galahad is his ally, so further details about her Magic would not be likely to be given, "I see, interesting. Does King Arthur have some association with the Anglican Church, beyond being the King of England?"
"Pretty much. No offense, but we're not entirely sure why you're here, even now. The King plays things close to the chest, sometimes."
He sighs, in what you read as a genuine expression of frustration, for once, "I wish I knew. Perhaps the King will be more willing to answer your question. I would greatly appreciate information on the front, if she does. Otherwise, you can ask Galahad if you want to know about the Church itself--they have some involvement with Magical matters, but I'm far from an expert on their activities."
"I mean, I'm not happy about it, but I'm not really surprised, either. Mmm…this sausage is really good! Hey, wait, what was that?"
A fist slams hard into the fine table, catching you off guard as you look at the source--Kyouko, who's looking at Agravain with an angry, wide-eyed expression, "No seriously, what was that!? The Church knows!?"

Kallen, sitting across from her, looks wide-eyed from Kyouko to Agravain--who, to his credit, only slightly widens his eye in surprise before regaining his composure, "Yes, that is correct. Dealing with the consequences of the Magical Girls and Witches has been one of their main concerns for a very long time; you will recall that there's no biblical instance of the Devil dealing in Contracts and Souls. Yet, that idea perpetuates. The reason is obvious, I would think."

Kyouko sighs, "Yeah, I figured Kyubey originated most of that, but the Church actively says that it's impossible to sell your Soul to the Adversary, so it's not like they're warning people about Kyubey."

"There is a very great difference between official statements and allowing misinformation to flourish. They could be far more vocal about shutting down that notion, but they are not--they want young girls to be wary. Unfortunately, outing Kyubey directly would only lead him to silence them and erase memories on a grand scale, so this is the middle ground." He takes a bite from his eggs, humming his appreciation slightly.

"My father was a priest, and he didn't know. He thought I had made a deal with the Devil and become a witch." Kyouko's making a good attempt at looking like she's okay, but you can see the hysteria beginning to bubble beneath the surface; you have little doubt that Agravain can, as well.

He finishes chewing, then sets his fork down to answer, "Your father was a Heretic, correct? Do you know what led to his excommunication?"

Kyouko frowns, then shakes her head, "He preached a good number of things that the Church disagreed with, but I don't know what specifically it was, if that's what you mean. Church Unification, maybe?"

Agravain shakes his head slowly, "No. I looked into the matter when I found out about you, and it appears that your father became aware of what we call Witches, but did not find out the full details of the matter. He was excommunicated to discredit him, in order to avoid the need for him to be silenced by other means. I was not able to determine the full extent of his information--you might search his property for any records, when you return home--but it's possible he misunderstood the matter, and believed that there was no difference between Magical Girls and Witches, if that's what he called you. He very likely did not find out the truth of Kyubey's existence, as that is far more secret than even the knowledge of Magical Girls."

The rage seems to seep out of Kyouko, "…So…it was a misunderstanding? Everyone died because he had some bad information and…"

Agravain nods slowly, "That is my suspicion, but it is only that. You should look into the matter more thoroughly yourself--perhaps I am wrong."

"Fuck. FUCK!" You hear faint choir song in the back of your mind, but it's stifled a moment later, before anything unfortunate can happen in the physical world, "I…we need to look into it, if she doesn't. There was always something wrong, back then, but I never really dug into it. I didn't want to find out. If there was more to it, though…" There's a long pause, and you get the impression Kyouko's steeling herself, "I have to know."

You nod slightly, then raise an arm to touch the physical Kyouko's shoulder, trying to comfort her to some degree. She just stares down at her food, and you can see tear drops.

Agravain pointedly looks away, focusing on Kallen in order to give you a semblance of privacy.

'Sorry, Ribbons. Wasn't ready for this. Just give me a sec, and I'll get myself back together.' Kyouko says, through the privacy of telepathy.

'It is fine, Kyouko. Your emotions are a thing to be prized--wield them well, and do not blame yourself too greatly when they run wild.' You feel like, perhaps, you have said the wrong thing, as a faint feeling of confusion comes back to you, but you're uncertain. To be safe, you stroke her shoulder slightly, trying to comfort her as best as you can.

After about a minute of quiet crying, Kyouko wipes her eyes and raises her gaze, looking calm again, although you don't believe it for a second.

"Sorry about that. Anyway, uh…you said Galahad knows more about the Church?" She asks Agravain, who looks over as if he had forgotten she was there--likely just a kindness. Kallen, meanwhile, smiles weakly at Kyouko as she looks back at her.

"Yes, she does. She can likely provide more answers than anyone else on the Round Table." He says it calmly, almost reassuringly, and Kyouko nods her satisfaction, returning to her food silently.

With that, and a brief moment to taste your own food, you return to business, "What of King Arthur?"

Agravain raises his eyebrow, "Oh? Do you really think I'll tell you of my own King?"

Persuasion Roll | DC 60
Persuasion: (47) + 30 (Wordsmithing) - 20 (Wordsmithing Penalty) + 10 (Akemi Madness) = 67 | Success!

"I do. I think you value Clovis more than you let on. I also do not believe King Arthur would have invited me here if she believed we would be enemies--and I suspect you believe the same. Finally, I think you are interesting, and I do not think a person like you would waste the opportunity to establish my expectations of the King prior to our interaction--for good or ill, you have more to gain through words than silence." You do your best to bore your way into his soul with your eyes, trying to apply pressure to the cogs of his mind with your words and expression, just so as to shift his internal mechanisms to your desire.

You are perhaps successful, at least in some measure.

Agravain shakes his head, smirking in bemusement, "Well, you are not wrong. Very well, I'll tell you a little about our King. She has formally been Ruler of London for roughly three years--that is, every Magical Girl in this city answered to her and obeyed her laws: No Magical Girl may slay mundane human without absolute necessity--a judgement determined in a formal hearing from the King. Londoner Magical Girls must intercede in the defense of the citizenry from each other, Magical Girls, Witches, and all other threats, including Familiars. Londoner Magical Girls must swear fealty to King Arthur and serve in the defense of London against foreign threats." He pauses briefly, "In return, Londoner Magical Girls are provided Grief Seeds in times of desperation. The source of those Seeds is still unknown, but some believe they were hunted by the King herself in times long past."

He takes a sip from his coffee, allowing that to sink in, "Then, about a year ago, she began to gather the Round--I was approached fairly early in that process. Together, we managed to effectively consolidate power, bringing many of the nations leaders to heel. Once those who might oppose us were on the brink of ruination, the King simply had a meeting with Queen Elizabeth, and suddenly the Windsors were out of our way, doing what was needed to maintain the illusion of position while King Arthur Pendragon rules in truth. She made it seem simple." He sounds bemused and a bit exasperated at that, shaking his head ruefully.

You frown at that, "Why? Why would you so casually agree to take part in a coup? Even assuming the other Knights had some problem with the status quo, the Britannias were in an excellent position before this."

He seems to consider your question for a moment, then answers somberly, holding your gaze, "Our leaders only cared about themselves. They saw the people as something to be pacified, so that those they elected could remain in luxury. Every ounce of good they did for Britain was carefully parceled out to keep the people complacent, and they had no morals themselves--if the people cried out for evil, their leaders would grant it. If the people asked for short-sighted, reckless choices, that was fine too. The future of the country, and the world, was unimportant. They only cared for themselves. King Arthur promised to do what she thought was best for Great Britain and the world--not to satisfy the demands of those who know no better, nor to line her pockets, but to create a bright future no matter what it took. Even if there's a risk, even if she may make mistakes, I believe she will genuinely strive for that, and that's far better than those who came before--a King that works for the good of her people, rather than a Parliament that works for their own greed."
"Okay, that sounds great, but it's definitely putting a LOT of trust in this King. Like, the beauty of democracy is that you end up with only moderately shitty leaders, on average, rather than getting true tyrants."
"You have such faith in her? You don't seem the type." You criticize, trying to read him as he answers.
"You also never have truly good leaders, either. The best you can hope for is someone well-intentioned fighting to do something in spite of the rest of them. King Arthur is a good leader, and a good person."
As he gazes into your eyes and answers, you're almost certain he's telling the truth as he says, "I'm gambling on her. I can't know, but I'm choosing to take the risk. If she fails, then I will have to find a solution at that point, but I do not think she will."
"Well, shit. I hope you're right, Kallen.
You regard him for a long moment, then nod, "Very well, Agravain. I look forward to meeting her. Shall we eat, before this grows cold?" You offer a small smile, trying to end the tension for now.

He reciprocates, smiling with a surprising gentleness, "Yes, let us."

You feast--it's only slightly cold, at least.

Investigate Galahad (0/100) > Rolled (43) + 30 > (73/100) > Rolled (18 [1d40]) + 10 > Breakthrough! > (0/150)

Investigate Arthur (0/100) > Rolled (70) + 30 > (100/100) > Breakthrough! > Kyouko Rolled (31 [1d40]) + 10 > (41/200)

Agravain (0/100) > Rolled ((34) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (30/100) > Rolled ((93) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (90/100) > Rolled ((90) + 16) / 2 > (100/100)

Kallen (43/100) > Rolled ((32) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (72/100) > Rolled ((80) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) > (100/100)

Kyouko (148/400) > Rolled ((81) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (202/400) > Rolled ((66) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (248/400) > Rolled ((46) + 16 + 10 (Akemi Madness)) / 2 > (284/400)

Investigation Actions

Investigate the Detective Agency

Setting to work on your laptop, you do some searches for this "Sherlock Holmes," quickly turning up a series of murders he's been investigating, which have been headlining recently. It seems this will be simple.

"Would you mind doing the footwork here, Kyouko? I'll guide you from here." You ask your companion, who chuckles in response.

"Oh, trying the Computer Girl bit? Sure, why not, I'll poke around town. My English is a bit rough, but it's not like I'm gonna be chatting much."

You discuss the information you've found with her over telepathy, as she travels towards the first crime scene, "We're looking at a family of three, murdered under mysterious circumstances in their beds. No clear point of entry. No signs of suicide--each died in their own beds at roughly the same time, with no sign of struggle. A bullet wound was found in each of their skulls. How none of them awoke as their family members were murdered remains unknown."

"Huh, sounds tricky. Could we just be looking at multiple killers, with a good lock pick? They enter together, hiding evidence of entry, then shoot all three victims simultaneously?" Kyouko posits.

You consider that, "Likely. Holmes claims this is the work of a serial killer, though--that he will strike again soon."

"Huh, well, let me poke around. This one's old, right? I can just walk in, by now."

A few minutes pass before you get a response again, "Yep, simple case. Signs of lockpicking on the front door--I'd know, I've done it a good bit over the years, to get a Witch in someone's house--and very slightly different sized footprints leading from the door. Three people coordinating the shooting. Probably not even trying to hide it as much as just avoid letting the victims put up a fight. No idea about motive, though."

You frown, "But Holmes--"

"Is making stuff up. Nothing vaguely serial-killeresque about this. You sure you get the right guy?"

You go back over your research, then dig a bit deeper, trying to figure out if the article may have been wrong, or something, and find your answer quickly enough.

article

"Private Detective Sherlock Holmes--borne James Mockwood--has been investigating the case, but the Police have largely dismissed his claims, in light of the evidence. We can't speak for everyone, but this Sherlock may be best left unhired. Meanwhile, the other Sherlock Holmes--the one that's managed to get an apartment on Baker Street--has been quiet lately. We suspect he'll appear with some great crime solved soon, much like the fictional character he was presumably named for."

You sigh, feeling your face flush in spite of yourself, "Come back Kyouko. It's the wrong Sherlock. We'll need to try again some other time."

You can feel her irritation, "You sent me on a wild goose chase for the wrong Sherlock Holmes!? I was hyped for this, Ribbons!"

"Just," You pause, sighing, "Just come back, Kyouko."

Detective Agency > Rolled (1) + 30 > Critical Failure! No Progress Made!

Kyouko (284/400) > Rolled ((16) + 16) / 2 > (300/400)

Social Actions

Kallen Stadtfield

"Kallen." You speak to the girl where she lounges in one of the Drawing Rooms, staring at her phone.

She looks up, eyes widening, "Oh! Umm…hey, Homura? You seem calm."

You nod, taking a seat across from her, "Yes, my blood has mostly died down." You feel your lips twitch slightly, but suppress the urge to tease her, "I was just wondering about you. I got a fairly good read on Agravain, today--at least, at the surface level--but we didn't really speak much, so I'm curious about you. How did you end up here?" You wave your hand, indicating the palace.

She gives you a searching look, "Not sure if you're asking because you actually care, or if it's just politics, but…ah, what the hell? I owe Agravain a lot. I'm half-Japanese, you see."

You lean towards her a bit, tilting your head slightly as you try to find any sign of Japanese ancestry, before stating bluntly, "You don't look it. Irish, maybe, but not Japanese."

She sighs at that, "Yeah, that's the way of it. Anyway, we used to live there, and my brother and I kinda fell in with a Japanese nationalist group. Nothing bad, but some of the other people in that group went a bit crazy. You heard of the JRI?"

You frown, searching your memories, and determine they only existed as of this loop--another "False" memory, "The Japanese Revival Initiative. A terrorist organization dedicated to restoring Japanese as a world military power. You were affiliated?"

She blushes at that, turning her head away, "Yeah. Like, they weren't blowing buildings up back then, but we did some sketchy stuff. We were angry that we couldn't have our own armies; as we saw it, Japan was basically at everyone else's mercy, and everyone was ignoring it. I know it's not that simple, but we were just kids back then."

Her hand grips the fine wooden arm of her chair, fingers white from pressure, "Anyway, I made a dumb Wish, and we almost started an actual war in Japan. Realized what was happening too late to stop it. Went online to some of the Magical Girl groups and started asking for help--didn't get any from them, but did get a message from Le--from Agravain. He said he could fix the problem, if we just did as he said."

She shrugs, "He did. Saved my family, saved the country, somehow it all worked out."

You nod, considering, "I'm surprised. I didn't expect this much up front." You look in her eyes, trying to understand her reasons, or at least how she's feeling.

She grimaces, "It's not a secret. You'd find out sooner or later, if you just searched my name. In the end, I was credited with stopping that rebellion, even though I was the reason it happened. Kinda unfair, but I'll take it, I guess. Better than being imprisoned or executed. Signed up with Agravain, after, since he seemed to know what he was doing better than everyone else. Anyway…uh, chess?"

She indicates a board on a nearby table, and you nod, accepting the diversion and settling in to relax with her for a little while.

Kallen Stadtfield (100/100) > Link Up! > Rolled (46) + 16 > (62/200)
Kallen Stadtfield 1 > 2

Home Actions

Investigate Arthur

Folded into Agravain Meeting

Investigate Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace (0/300) > Rolled (91) + 30 > (121/300) > Kyouko Rolled (21 [1d40] + 10) > (152/300)

Mission Actions

Meet with King Arthur

Even Kyouko is quiet as we enter the Throne Room.

It is, at a glance, little changed from Elizabeth's Reign--still done in the same brilliant red and gold. Still gorgeous and decadent and imposing. Still a thing ultimately crafted of mortal hands.

Yet, it is also not, any longer. For the throne that sits at the end of the hall is not one of the ornate chairs Elizabeth favored, nor is it truly like anything of mortal history, as far as I know. No, the towering silver and alabaster behemoth, formed with artistic curves and angelic wings that arch up to overshadow the breadth of the room, is not something a mortal would choose to sit upon.

After all, anyone who sat there, in that seat that towers high to the ceiling, would feel small, and no King wishes to feel small.

Yet, there King Arthur Pendragon sits, and she is of a scale with it, in spite of her petite form. The moment I step foot in the Throne Room, it is as if a weight has fallen upon me, demanding my fealty--as if I stand before not a Magical Girl, but a living god.

The King stands from her throne to look down upon you, and you stand tall even as Kyouko falls to one knee at your side.

"Welcome home, Emrys. I have long awaited your arrival." Her voice is hard and heavy as steel, nearly devoid of humanity, and yet you can almost believe you hear some semblance of warmth in her welcome.

Your mind whirls, trying to grasp what she means by that name--and you recall Clovis' reading of her letter to you.

'Homura Akemi, Immortal, you are hereby invited to Buckhinham Palace. That's what he said, but he was speaking in Welsh. Immortal, in Welsh, is Emrys, Merlin's surname, so that would mean…'

'It was literally lost in translation. She was trying to tell you were descended from Merlin--Homura Akemi, Emrys--and it was lost In translation. Also, holy cow my best friend is descended from Merlin!'

You take a deep breath, glad for centuries of self control at this moment, "It is an honor to stand before you, King Arthur Pendragon. I am afraid I was not aware of my family's connection to you until very recently. Why have you summoned me here?"

Too blunt. Too blunt by half. Maybe if your blood had been boiling you, you would have been better suited for this, but you also may have overstepped yourself badly, in that case.

"Merlin warned me it would be such. That your name would be removed from his until no memory remained, and that your legacy would be divided from his own. He warned me that the link between you was fragile and unreal, though I do not know what exactly he meant by that. He also asked me to wait until this time, and to call you home when the time was right, that you might receive my aid."

The King descends her throne to stand before you, and lays a heavy, gauntleted hand upon your shoulder, gleaming emerald eyes meeting your own.

"Camelot is here between us Homura Akemi. The time where I am most needed--by Britain, by the universe, and by you--has come, and I have returned as promised. Welcome home." With those words, the King smiles, and you see humanity within her for the first time.

You stare, feeling yourself shaking slightly as a feeling of palpable relief flows over you, as if you're seeing sunlight after a hurricane. It's almost like somewhere, deep inside your old, weathered Soul, some fragment of you is crying tears of joy.

"I-I don't know what to say, your Majesty." You pause, trying to get your wits together, but merely shake your head in the end, at a loss for words.

The King merely holds her smile for a moment before going on, "How about you take the rest of the day to work through things, and we speak again tomorrow. There is much to discuss, but you've received a great amount of news already."

Slowly, you nod, "Yes, that might be best. Thank you, your Majesty." You bow slightly, and pull Kyouko gently to her feet, leading her from the Throne Room as the King returns to her Throne.

King Arthur (0/100) > Rolled ((73) + 16) > (45/100)

Kyouko (300/400) > Rolled ((59) + 16) / 2 > (338/400)

Creative Actions

Research Efficient Time Stop

Base "Time Stop" Research DC: 15
Ambition DC Increase: 25
Research DC: 40

Rolled 57 + 12 = 69 | Success!

Prototype - Traceless Time Stop
- School: Puella Magus
- 5 Magic/Hour
- Out of Combat: Over the course of a minute, Homura fully disjoins herself from Time and Causality, entering a far more limited variation of Time Stop.
  - The world is fully immobilized in this state, and objects cannot be brought into Time Stop that Homura was not carrying with her upon casting Traceless Time Stop.
  - Any actions other than Homura's own movement, thought, and observation taken within the world of stopped time will be undone after the Spell is ended (such as placing objects in the world or casting spells).
  - Other individuals cannot be brought into Traceless Time Stop.
- Development DC: 65

[QM Note: Remember, performing the Research Action multiple times with the same Objective can result in different Prototypes. Homura doesn't mindlessly repeat the same research each time.]

Sleep Actions

Investigate Big Ben

Big Ben (0/100) > Rolled (61) + 30 > (91/100)

Train Development

Development (19/30) > Rolled (59) > (78/30) > Level Up! > (48/35) > Level Up! > (13/40)

Homura
Grief: 290/1000
Sanity: 482/1000
Bloodheat: 0/100

Kyouko
Grief: 405/1000
Sanity: 600/1000

[Daily Events]

Meeting with Agravain at breakfast.

[Texts and Emails]
[Madoka]
Homura: "Apparently, I'm descended from Merlin."

Madoka: "Does your life ever get more normal?"

Homura: "No. I'm meeting with King Arthur tomorrow to discuss further. I feel like the world's gone mad, Madoka."

Madoka: "Nanoha's in town, Homura. All bets are off, I think. Do you think you were related to him before this loop?"

Homura: "I don't know at this point. I…I'm going to bed."

Madoka: "Sleep well!"

[Snow]
Snow: "How's England?"

Homura: "Arthur's been a good host, but things are suddenly very complicated."

Snow: "Sounds like politics. Well, let me know if you need advice. I might not be great at making friends, but I know a thing or two about dealing with political rivals."

Homura: "Thank you."

[Arcana Magi, Requests, and Akemi Madness]
If you wish to perform an Action as a different Arcana Magi (Kyouko, for now), simply add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Arcana - Kyouko

If you wish to Request help from another character(s) for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Request - (Character Names)

If you wish to use Akemi Madness for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Akemi Madness

[Available Characters]
The following characters you can contact for Requests. Keep in mind that Alllies will expect a Favor in return, while Friends will help as long as they have time and are willing. You do not get information on willingness and availability prior to the vote, due to the amount of complexity this would add to the process. Social Links values are listed here--multiply these by 10 to determine the size of the die they will roll when assisting with an Action.

Keep in mind some characters may not be suitable for some Actions--Homura will simply not involve a mundane individual in magical combat, for example, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If you really feel the need to involve someone in something they normally should not be (like involving Miho Miki in a Witch Hunt, or anything Magical), please include a justification as a subvote, for mine and Homura's consideration.

Friends
- Madoka Kaname : 10
- Sayaka Miki : 5
- Kyouko Sakura : 4
- Mami Tomoe : 3
- Ruki Shironome : 4
- Miho Miki : 3
- Yuma Chitose : 1
- Junko Kaname : 2
- Nagisa : 1
- Hououin Kyouma : 2
Allies
- Nanoha Takamachi : 2
- Rose : 1
- Freya : 1
- Akane : 1
- Oriko : 3
- Kirika : 2
- Snow : 2
- Clovis Britannia : 2
- Kallen Stadtfield: 2
- King Arthur: 1
- Agravain: 1

[Investigative Actions: 2]
Mysteries
[ ] ~~Friends? (613/2000)~~ [Madoka]
"Igor claims there are 14 special friends I need to find. I should try to find more of them…and maybe find out how they're my friends if I don't know them."

"I did experience a strange connection to Nagisa when I met her, and she's apparently "The Death."

"I have a strange memory of Matoko, which led me to her Barrier. She was clearly older--in her late teens, I'd say--and I'd swear I was the same age, in that moment. It's impossible, but the memory remains."

"I encountered Yuma Chitose, and she has appeared among the list of Arcana Magi in the Velvet Room, as the Wheel of Fortune."

[ ] Igor's Contract (Progress 0/1000)
"I don't remember signing any Contract with Igor, but he insists I did."

[ ] False Memories (121/200)
"I have doubled memories of my first meeting with Weiss. I'm sure there are probably others I haven't noticed yet, too. Maybe if I can recognize them, I can figure out more about this strange timeline?"

"I got in touch with Clovis Britannia, apparently a childhood friend as well. His family's background seems to mesh poorly with the rest of history, suggesting he is an artificial addition, rather than someone that's supposed to be in this timeline."

[ ] A Missing Memory (0/1000)
"When I was talking to Igor, there was a memory that I couldn't find. It was something about selfishness? The Devil? What could have happened?"

[ ] Akemi Madness (500/500) (Breakthrough Ready!)
"There's a strange inherited insanity in our family. It's always been a fact of life before, but others seem scared by it. Maybe I should try to find out more? Looking into our family's history should be a good place to start."

"My Father apparently knows something about this. Meeting with him might help me make some headway, too." (You can spend a Social Action with Takeshi Akemi for a Clue)

[ ] Detective Agency (0/100)

[ ] Britannia Family (0/100)

City

[ ] London

Known Locations

[ ] Buckingham Palace (152/300)
[ ] Big Ben (91/100)
[ ] The Tower of London

People

[ ] Arthur
[ ] Agravain
[ ] Galahad
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield

[Social Actions: 1]
[ ] Madoka (Maxed)
[ ] Sayaka (276/500)
[ ] Kyouko (338/400)
[ ] Miho Miki (124/300)
[ ] Takeshi Akemi (6/300)
[ ] Kayaba Akihiko (31/100)
[ ] Soichirou Mikuni (44/100)
[ ] Hououin Kyouma (47/200)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield (62/200)
[ ] Agravain (100/100)
[ ] King Arthur (89/100)
[ ] Write-In Character

[Home Actions: 2]
[ ] Investigation: Arthur (41/200)
[ ] Investigation: Buckingham Palace (152/300)
[ ] Social: Kyouko
[ ] Social: Kallen Stadtfield
[ ] Social: Agravain

[Mission Actions: 1]
[ ] Go Shopping
-[ ] Shopping List
[ ] Go Thieving
-[ ] Thieving List
-[ ] Target Location
[ ] Meet with King Arthur
[ ] Write-In (Subject to QM Approval, Cannot Overlap with other Action Types.)

[Creative Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically.

Craft Actions
[ ] Craft Something (Appropriate Craft Roll Required)
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some products may fail automatically.)

Magic Actions
[ ] Spell Development (Development Roll Required)
-[ ] Existing Prototype Name or Spell Description (Broader descriptions are more likely to produce easily developed Spells.)
[ ] Spell Usage
-[ ] Spell(s)
-[ ] Action.
-[ ] Reason for action.
[ ] Attempt to perform a Magical Working. (Magical Theory Roll Required)
-[ ] Working Objective. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some workings may fail automatically.)

Research Actions
[ ] Research a Theoretical Crafting Product
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description.
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description.
[ ] Research a Theoretical Spell
-[ ] Spell Purpose
-[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
[ ] Research a Theoretical Magical Working
-[ ] Working Objective.

Grand Undertakings
~~[ ] The Restoration of the Yamato (200/500)~~ [Ruki]

[Training Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically. Students may refuse lessons if they are busy, or don't know you well.
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Skill
[ ] Train someone else in a Skill.
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Student

[Sleep Actions: 4]
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Write-In Action of another Type (Cost: 20 Sanity)

Higure · Sep 6, 2022

QM Note: It's done. This one saw a lot of revisions and tweaks, and some segments have been saved for later. Ultimately, I'm fairly pleased with it, though Homura caught me by surprise along the way!

Character sheet will be updated tomorrow. For now, enjoy the update!

Investigate Big Ben with Kallen

"So, why're we out here? Besides the obvious, I mean?" Kyouko asks you, seeming confused, and maybe a tad annoyed by your sight-seeing trip.

"It's one of the most famous clocks in the world. Even if we find nothing else, it will be worth the trip for that alone." You explain to her as you flash the credentials Kallen had provided you--you're fortunate she agreed to serve as your escort for this trip.

Two hundred and ninety-two steps later, you are standing directly behind one of the Elizabeth Tower's Clock Faces, and, to be honest, you expected more exposed gears. You suppose you may not have properly considered that this is a public location.

"You want to see the mechanism, I assume?" Kallen, nearly forgotten beside you, apparently has picked up on your interest.

"Immediately, yes. This is fine craftsmanship, but I must see the clock's heart to truly appreciate it." You explain, frowning slightly at the wall that stands between you and it.

She sighs, "Yeah, yeah, come this way. Door's over here." She leads you around a corner and up some stairs, then through a door into the room where the actual mechanism rests.

It's actually shockingly modest in size, but there's no denying it's a true work of art--while your Grandfather could certainly do better, you doubt you could, at the moment. Though, maybe just a small tweak--

A hand grasps your arm tightly as you reach towards the mechanism, as Kallen grapples you and pulls you away, "Yeah, no. I was given strict orders--you can see, but you don't get to touch."

"Fine." You grumble, moving closer while carefully folding your arms to restrain yourself. It's a fine piece of work, but you can't learn terribly much without interacting with it.

Thud

You hear a noise from overhead--like something heavy hitting the ground--and turn to Kallen with a frown, "Is there a room above this?"

She nods, "Of course, the Link Room, but no one should be there right now--come on!" She begins to sprint out, but you Stop Time briefly, running up on your own.

Only, the room is empty. There's something strange going on here. You tell Kallen as much, when she catches up, and she agrees, offering to see if Agravain knows anything when you return.

He does not, and you realize you'll need to investigate more thoroughly to find out what's going on here.

Big Ben (91/100) > Kallen (17|1d20) + 15 > Breakthrough! > Big Ben (0/100) > (20|1d100) + 30 > (50/100)

Kallen (72/100) > ((15|1d100) + 16 + 10)/2 > (93/100)

Investigate the Detective Agency with Kyouko

"So, what can I do for you, Akemi-san?" The gentleman before me is an anachronism--his clothing, his speech, and his mannerisms. There's something about him which seems profoundly wrong in the current moment, yet he seems entirely at ease with it.

"I was hired to look into you, Mr. Holmes." You explain, glancing around the room at his possessions--mostly antiques, but clearly in use. Selected in imitation of the fictional detective, perhaps, but perhaps selected by a man far out of his time and place, seeking some shred of comfort.

"You're having fun with this."

"They were excellent books." You explain to your Kyouko as your eyes alight upon a smart phone lying on what you assume to be his desk--not the newest model, but not an old one either.

You blink for a moment, reconsidering. No, that one is now quite outdated. It has been for several loops. You will one day find whomever has been Wishing for technological progress, and have a word with them for keeping you constantly out of date.

"I picked it up on sale--the newest models all seem to want some sort of implant, and are near certainly used as tools for espionage by certain parties unknown. I fortunately was able to find someone with the skills to remove and alter the functionality of that one." Sherlock explains, unbidden, "You're trying your hand at observation--I approve, though you must cultivate the practice of perpetual observation, rather than allowing yourself to fall into the habit of mere sight."

"Seventeen steps." This timeline's Kyouko says from the chair at your right.

Sherlock chuckles, gesturing towards her briefly with his pipe, "18, actually. My old residence does not seem to exist, unfortunately. You've read Sir Doyle's books, then?"

Kyouko blushes at that, turning her gaze aside a bit, "I mean, yeah, who hasn't? Still, not sure you're the real thing. You'd have to be a time traveler--" She pauses for a moment, brow furrowing, then shakes her head, "At minimum, I mean. Sherlock Holmes was fictional, so you'd have to come from another universe too, or something."

"A time traveler, you say?" His eyes glance to you, "Yes, I suppose that is one way to think of it. I am curious who would hire two Night Children to investigate me, however." He takes a long drag from his pipe, but keeps his gaze steadily upon you, as if trying to pick you apart with his eyes.

"Night Children?" You ask, suspecting you know what he means. Next to you, even you can make out Kyouko's flinch. Little hope he hasn't made a deduction from that.

"It's what we called girls like you, back where I came from. If I came from anywhere, at least. Young woman who walked rooftops as shadows in the night, clad in strange clothing and armed to the teeth with anachronistic weapons of war. Law enforcement was strictly forbidden from investigating your kind, with many ominous rumblings every time it was brought up." He frowns heavily, looking you up and down, "I, of course, chose to investigate anyway, and quickly determined that you were a supernatural matter, and quite invested in affairs of import well beyond common crime. It was not until I found myself brought into an investigation that touched upon your affairs, however, that I learned the truth of the matter--that you are mere children, enslaved via contract and put to the work of violence by an unknown party that goes by many names. That you are each a match for a hundred armed men, that you are likely the origin of many myths, and that you only rarely survive to reach your age of majority."

"What the--" Kyouko starts, and you stop her with a hand upon her arm, before she can offend his sensibilities.

He smiles slightly, "Thank you for your consideration for an old man, Akemi-san, but I have heard far worse in my many investigations. I do worry for our youth, though. Indulgence is one thing, but being ill-mannered is a dangerous thing, should one wish to succeed in life." He heaves a sigh, "Regardless, you show all the signs of being Night Children. You carry yourselves too lightly, as if your bodies weigh nothing. You show the habits of soldiers--a tendency to check every door in a room upon entry, for example, and a tension in your bodies not commonly found in children. Furthermore, and most importantly, you both wear the same type of ring, which you both protect with your motions in a way that normal people protect their throats and eyes. Finally, and most importantly of all, you are children at all, claiming to have been hired to investigate me, and showing no signs of deceit--I believe that rather speaks for itself."

You slowly nod, "I suppose it does. We are commonly called Magical Girls in the modern era, and sometimes Puella Magi--an old term popularized in ancient times that has proven useful for linguistic reasons."

His eyebrows rise, "Ah, you're more open about this sort of thing than my last contact of your persuasion. Could I inquire about your employer?"

You grimace, straightening in your seat, "He has a habit of meddling with the minds of those who know too much, so I'm not certain I should explain too thoroughly. I will say that he's not actually the devil, and that the work we do is generally for everyone's good, even if it's his fault it's needed."

He frowns at that, looking profoundly distubed, "Hmm…I see, I believe I have something of an idea, then. I will refrain from asking further, for the moment. Were you sent to determine if I had cottoned onto his machinations?"

You shake your head, "No, just to verify the nature of your existence. I believe we know enough at this point."

"Still can't believe we're helping the little bastard." Kyouko grumbles from beside you, "He doesn't deserve it."

You glance towards her, "We're going to need what he's offering. Besides, he's providing his information in the process."

"Yeah, yeah. I still don't like it. Sorry if this brings trouble down on you, Holmes." She looks to the world's greatest detective briefly before casting her eyes down to her feet.

Sherlock taps the arm of his chair, glancing out the window, "As do I. Nevertheless, this meeting was quite important for us." He pauses, "Sakura-san, could you excuse us for a few moments? There's something very personal I must ask your dear friend."

You begin to belay his request, then hesitate, contemplating all of the things he might have deduced in this meeting.

"It's fine, Ribbons. I know you've got your secrets. Gonna need to talk to you about some of that later, but this is fine--I trust you. I'll wait outside for a bit." Kyouko stands, giving you a steady look. Not happy--quite the opposite--but also not angry. Frustrated, maybe.

You give her a nod, "Thank you."

She returns the motion, and departs.

Holmes turns to you, "Apologies for that, but it is a very private matter, Akemi-san. I had not expected to see a woman such as you walk through my door at any point. May I ask your age?"

"13." You answer, out of habit.

"For how long? You make dear Watson look like a young child that has never seen combat. Your expression when seeing my phone--delayed surprise, as if not realizing the device was badly outdated--was also telling. Then there's the matter of your demeanor with me. Your friend, while clearly experienced in your field, reacts as a young girl her age should. You do not act like a human being. Your expressions are artificial to the trained eye--a way of expressing yourself, not an honest reaction--and the very faint genuine emotions that slip through are all misplaced--I put you ill at ease because I can read you, but your friend's words at her departure seemed to elicit only a hint of exhaustion. It's as if this is routine, to you."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Holmes." You do your best to give him nothing, distancing yourself from your body to suppress involuntary responses.

"Now that's interesting. Regardless, may we please cease the posturing? I enjoy a game of cat and mouse, after a fashion, but we do not have time for such things. There is no guarantee I survive the week, and you may require my expertise." He stands, and walks to the window to close the curtains, presumably to hide the pair of you from prying eyes--or to put you at ease.

He's right, though. He knows already, and you might gain something from his perspective.

"I do not know. Centuries, at least. I try not to think about it." The world seems to lurch at that thought, as a flood of memories--memories of countless Madokas and Kyoukos and Sayakas and Mamis dying in front of you over and over and over and over and over--

A jolt of pain pulls you from your thoughts and, looking up, you see Sherlock standing over you, hand still raised from slapping you. He grimaces, sitting back down, "Apologies, it seemed necessary, as you had taken leave of your senses."

You nod, "Yes, thank you. Therapy is not an option at this interval, you see. Quite dangerous, for our kind. Anyways, yes, I am very old."

"As I suspected, though the degree boggles the mind. You are insane, I take it?" He asks, as if asking about the weather, as he takes up his pipe again.

You nod, "Often. I have had a rather nice period of lucidity the last few days, but it probably won't last. I've learned to cope."

There's a long pause, "You're searching for a solution, then? Determination, restraint, obsession, insanity--you have a goal, and have not achieved it, so you seek a solution."

You nod, "Yes." There's little else to say.

"Well, I will be happy to consult, but, if I may offer a suggestion?" He takes a card from the table next to him, and offers it to you--his business card, "You should instead study under me for a time. I am certain you are busy, but it seems to me that you will require such expertise often. Obviously, I cannot be persistently available, with my investigations, but I would be happy to bring you along and help you develop your skills in observation and deduction, so that you might find the solution you're looking for."

You feel your eyes widen slightly at that, "Why? You do not take students, as I recall."

His eyebrows rise, "Well, it is the end of the world, is it not? Even I might make an exception, for such a reason."

You stand, looking down at the card, "I will consider your offer, Mr. Holmes, but I must take some time to measure it. Thank you for your time."

He nods solemnly, "I understand, Akemi-san. I really do. Go and rest--we can discuss this further another day."

Detective Agency (0/100) > Rolled (26) + 30 > (56/100) > Rolled (35) + 10 > Breakthrough! > Investigation Complete!

Sherlock Holmes unlocked as an Investigation Teacher!

Kyouko (338/400) > ((26|1d100) + 16 + 10 (AM) )/ 2 > (364/400)

Socialize with Agravain with Kallen and Kyouko

"So, you wanted to see me?" Agravain asks, lounging before a wall of monitors, which he appears to have turned off when Kallen announced your arrival.

The reports on his desk, however, are telling--engineering diagrams, of some sort. It seems the Round is funding some sort of research, though you can't tell what it is, from here.

You catch him smiling, slightly smug, as he regards you. These were placed specifically to earn your curiosity, it seems.

You wonder why. To mislead you? To attempt to lure you into involvement? To provoke conversation on it?

'I see, it's a distraction.'

"You know you mirror people, right? I thought you were doing it just to manipulate them, but you even think differently depending on who you're with--you use different mannerisms, you almost seem to have different feelings. It wasn't this bad, before, but it's almost like you don't…" She trails off, a feeling of sudden worry reaching you from her. You choose not to press her for now.

Besides, you're not sure what she's talking about.

"A pawn to draw my attention away from something else?" You ask him, calling his trick out for what it is, though it gets you confused looks from Kyouko and Kallen.

Agravain nods, "Yes, although it seems it wasn't sufficient to dissuade you. Very well, what did you want to discuss?"

He gestures, towards one of the chairs in the room--two are already occupied by your companions--but you instead walk up to him, provoking a slight widening of the eye as you meet his gaze.

"What do you love?" You ask, direct and to the point. You can tell that he, like you, likely lacks many secondary interests. He likely has things he loves, things he uses, and things he cares nothing for, with few things outside of those categories.

He blinks at that--a look of shock by his standards, you think--before standing slowly so that he can look down at you. He's passively jockeying for control of the conversation; trying to keep you off balance.

"What do I love, you ask? A dangerous question. Some would think it a threat in the making." That accidental menace you previously heard in his voice has been clearly replaced with something genuine. You've accidentally crossed a line.

That tells you more about him than anything else you've seen so far.

"It was not. That kind of game ends in mutual annihilation." You shake your head, wanting him to avert any misunderstanding, "I simply want to know you better, Agravain--and nothing tells you more about a person than what they love."

He frowns, "An interesting proposition. I would suggest that fear and hatred each tell us as much as love does. Yet, you focus on love." His eyes narrow slightly, as his lips quirk up in an infuriatingly smug expression, "That is your motivator, then. A desire to protect someone, or make them happy."

You nod, annoyed that you have been figured out so easily, but having no reason to deny it, "Yes, it is. You understood that easily. You seem to have some vendetta too, though."

He nods, "That I do. Certain individuals have drawn my ire, and I intend to see them eliminated. Relatable, perhaps?"

You consider it. Is there anyone you'd like to kill? Anyone who you would like to eliminate to protect your friends? Kyubey, maybe. Although, even Kyubey is apathetic and alien, rather than malicious. Removing him as a threat would be enough, if that were possible.

"Not for a long time, but once. I'm only aiming to destroy what I need to destroy now, I think." You clarify, meeting his gaze. His eye flicks downwards, avoiding yours for a moment before refocusing on you.

"Admirable. Fortunately, those I would see dead also need to die, so it works out well. As for what I love," He hesitates briefly, "I have some family members, and others, " His eyes twitch towards Kallen, then back, "I wish to protect, and ideals I would see realized. The King is the best means to both of those ends."

You nod, "That, I can relate to. I lack your confidence in the King's ability to fulfill my wishes, but I'm willing to pursue whatever means are needed to achieve the ending I desire."

His eye widens slightly, for some reason you're unsure of, "I see. Well, I would be willing to assist in some measure, if you are willing to return the favor."

You extend a hand, smiling slightly, "I will take that deal, Agravain. For the ones we love."

He takes your hand, returning the smile with his own.

You can trust him, you think, as long as you're useful to each other. Maybe someday it can be more than that.

Breakthrough!

Agravain 1 > 2

Agravain (0/200) > (56|1d100) + 16 + 10 (AM) > (72/200) > Kyouko (38|1d40) + 13 > (123/200) > Kallen (13|1d20) + 25 > (171/200)

Kallen (93/100) > ((11|1d100) + 16 + 10 (AM)) / 2 > (100/100) > Breakthrough Ready!

Kyouko (364/400) > ((2|1d100) + 16 + 10 (AM)) / 2 > (378/400)

Investigate Buckingham Palace with Kallen

Buckingham Palace(152/300) > (20|1d100) + 30 > (202/300) > Kallen (19|1d20) + 15 > (217/300)

Mission Action: Meet with King Arthur

Social Actions: Socialize with King Arthur

The Throne Room is no less imposing today than it was yesterday--no, not the Throne Room, but the King herself. You had hoped that familiarity would breed comfort, but that same presence is unyielding upon you as she approaches you with what you might dare call a friendly smile on her face, "Good, you have returned. We may continue where we left off yesterday." Those emerald eyes almost seem to shine, until everything in the room but the King seems to fade away into inconsequential shadows.

"Yes, your Majesty. What was next?" You ask, iron will holding your focus and composure against the awe that fills you.

She looks over your shoulder, gesturing with her chin for you to look behind you, and you turn to see a girl in her late teens, or perhaps her early twenties.

To Aru Universe - Adult Shirai Kuroko Fanart by... | Facebook

"Nice to meet you, Akemi-san! You can call me Sir Palamedes, though I'm not sure I'm really deserving of the title. I'll be your chauffeur, of sorts, today."

You tilt your head slightly, turning to regard the King, "Chauffeur?"

She nods, "It's a bit of a trip to Camelot, and that is where certain items that Merlin left for you are currently stored. Sir Palamedes is a Puella Magus specializing in Teleportation Magic, you see."

You nod slowly, weighing the danger, and eventually decide that she can probably do it whether you consent or not, so you shouldn't be risking much by agreeing, "That's fine. What do I need to do?"

"Nothing," says Palamedes with a small smirk. She raises a hand and, seamlessly, the three of you are elsewhere.

It's underground, you think, with walls of smooth, pristine stone. The chamber is dark, so you can see little, but it is cool, and a feeling of safety seems to wash over you. "This is Camelot?" You ask the King.

She nods, smiling slightly as she surveys the room, "Yes, this is what remains of our Capital. When I went to my slumber, leaving our Kingdom to my child, Merlin and I cast the Capital--the city you know as Camelot--deep within the Earth. It is here that I rested for all of these centuries, and where Merlin's secrets remain, among other precious things. Follow me."

She strides across the room, her sword--Excalibur, you assume--casting a light by which you may walk.

Next to you, Palamedes smiles slightly, whispering in your ear, "Sorry, Akemi-san, I know the King's charisma is a bit overwhelming. It takes everyone a while to get used to it--well, the ones that do, at least. Some people just fall all over themselves forever. Though, you know, holding yourself back like that's probably not helping."

You cut a glare at the girl, who just shrugs, "Fine, don't listen to me, but you're not gonna freak the King out--trust me, we've got plenty of weird around here." There's a long pause at that, followed by a snicker from her, which she refuses to clarify.

You pass by a number of rooms--a bedchamber, an armory, and a large room containing a single vertical glass tube that reaches from floor to ceiling, shattered from within--before stopping at what appears to be a study of sorts.

"Here we are, Emrys." The King says, as she glances back at you, "Your Ancestor's study. Some of his legacy was passed Agravain's line, but what is here was set aside for you specifically. Please, peruse it at your leisure, and take what you would like. It is yours, now."

Looking into the room, you can feel a shiver go up your spine, and a powerful feeling of want engulfs you. Like something there is pulling at you--or, perhaps, something within you is reaching for it. Like a black hole, pulling everything in inexorably, eager to devour it and make it its own.

You step into the room, the Arthur and Palamedes remaining outside, your blood boils instantly as you take the step, all resistance eliminated from you.

"So this is what was left for us, then?" The study seems modest, at first glance--a large, hutched desk, a small library laden with books and strange objects, and a corner of the room marked with some sort of magic circle, presumably for research. Yet, you can feel magic emanating from the walls--some kind of enduring Spell effect you'd guess, and the room has a strange feeling to it that's hard to define--like sparkling starlight, blood happily given, and painful, wonderful struggle.
"That's weirdly specific, Ribbons. Pretty sure some crazy shit's going on again."
You stand there for a moment, feeling something inside you--something deeper than your boiling blood--open, and you can feel them clearly now, filling this study, and flowing into you.

Love, joy, and melancholy. Hope and regret. Ceaseless ambition and a sincere desire to help anyone and everyone. Selfless compassion, and a will to sacrifice for it. Years and years of wonderful and painful emotions, lingering here, flow into you, and the world seems to warp around you.

You can see him vaguely, a man's silhouette, walking from shelf to shelf, pouring over books and casting experimental spells. Toying with the artifacts on the shelves, and creating new ones to join them. Speaking words of courage and kindness to someone unseen, and crying alone in the dark over failures. Looking directly at where you stand, with an expression of pride and compassion that you can feel but not see upon the shadowy outline's face.

You understand it, then, his intention. He knew. He knew what you'd face. He knew about Walpurgisnacht, and knew about Madoka. He knew everything, and couldn't do anything to stop it.

So, instead, he left this for you. Everything he could to give you a chance, and even his blood in your veins, that you might gain strength from it.

A resolve to help you, an ambition to conquer time and fate, and a wish for everyone to finally find a golden ending together, no matter the price.

On the desk, there is a single large tome set out, presumably for you, and you make your way to it, the world around you shrouded in kaleidoscopic light that drowns out the shadows, fleeting ghosts of someone long departed, and the life he lived here, all gathering to you as you begin to read.

Idly, you note that it's entirely in Japanese.

merlin's journal

Hello Homura-san!

I'm sorry I never got to meet you, but time's complicated, and so's your specific situation; going back to this point, and doing everything I could to rig the game for you was the most I could do.

This book contains a collection of spells that you should be able to use easily, in spite of the universe you're in, and your metabiology as a Magical Girl. You'll need to study up and learn the core principles of my school of magic, though, so the other books should help with that!

For your safety, I've locked a lot of the spells in here--they'll appear for you when you've gotten the basic skills you'll need to actually use them without killing yourself or everyone around you. Especially the last one. Please don't try that one until you've mastered everything else you can.

The Magic Items in the room should be useful to you--I've gone ahead and provided a variety of basic focuses and weapons, among other things. I even managed to get a Magic Gun for you, since you like those so much!

Anyway, the other books will help with most of the things I've left behind, so let's get to the important part--my bloodline, and how that's manifested with you. I don't know all the details of how it's developed in the Akemi family during your lifetime, but I was able to get a decent understanding with Divination Magic, until around the time your loops throw everything into chaos--which they needed to, so good job!

When I was younger, I utilized a certain form of Magic that had long-term consequences, turning me into something demonic in nature. It's not as bad as it sounds, but it does mean some of that magic and my inhuman nature has been passed down through the Akemi line.

The full details are explained further in, but to summarize briefly, your variation on my natural abilities allows you to absorb the Emotions of others--both those within them and those they expire. This room is designed to help awaken that ability within you, so that you can learn to harness it intentionally with practice.

I believe this will also allow you to pick up on memories and thoughts attached to those emotions, as well, so you may have perceived some echo of me! If so, I hope I made a good impression!

I've left more notes for you throughout this book and others, but, for now, I want to tell you how amazing you are! Enduring what you've gone through is the kind of thing most people can't even imagine, and growing as a person while going through it even more so! I know you've done things you aren't proud of, and I know you'll have many regrets, but please remember this: Even if you gained strength by running away from something, or by being selfish, strength is strength. It's yours, and you've earned it, and you have every right to be proud of it. Accepting who you've been, and becoming an even better version of yourself, is what you should aim for! Have courage, Homura-chan, and don't give up! I'm not the only one cheering for you!

P.S.: Tell Arturia-san that she's doing a great job, and thank her for me. I've left a massive burden on her shoulders.

You turn to the next page, and find it glimmering faintly, the text not yet willing to reveal itself to you.

You turn back towards your companions, smiling slightly as you bask in the emotions filling the room, "Merlin wants you to know that you're doing a great job, and that you have his thanks for all of your hard work, Arturia-san."

The King smiles slightly at that, "Of course he does. He was always like that. I can't imagine how damaged I might have become, without his support and advice the entire way. I will confess to you that I am worried about what I will do without him, now."

You consider that for a moment, "I can try to help, if you would like. I'm not him, but I feel like we are perhaps the same kind of insane, outside of his apparent lack of interest in Clocks." You frown at that, "Or perhaps that will reveal itself in time. Regardless, he believed in you, and he seems like a very good person. I have people to save and an apocalypse to avoid, but I'd be interested in working with you if May ever arrives."

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you feel confused. The same kind of insane? He seems like a good person? Those things don't matter to you. Only Madoka, and your friends, and their families. The mission is all you've cared about; nothing else.

What about Clocks, though? You care about Clocks. You'd like to be a great Clockmaker like your Grandfather.

The King smiles at your words, unaware of the confusion rising in the back of your mind, "Thank you, Emrys-san. My resources are largely bound here in Britain, but I will send what assistance I can, for Walpurgisnacht. I hope it will be enough."

"Arturia-san, while I appreciate the importance of your work here, Walpurgisnacht is an apocalyptic force, and that's assuming nothing worse appears. Surely you could spare more forces for a single day? Perhaps even make the trip yourself?" You suggest, pressuring her. You need every asset you can gather, and she--like every living person--has a vested interest in the events of Walpurgisnacht.

"Something's wrong, Kyouko. I'm acting strange. Stranger than normal."

There's a long, drawn out pause, at least by the standards of your mind, "Braids, when was the last time you thought about May?"

In that remote space in the back of your mind, you consider her words, even as the larger part of yourself regards the King steadfastly.

"I don't know. Why?" You ask, not understanding why it's relevant.

"Homura, you're old."

"What's your point?" You ask. You know you're old. You've lived far beyond anything a human is supposed to. Over and over and over again, you've lived the same story. It isn't relevant, though.

"You were a 13 year old girl when you started this mission, Homura. You didn't know who you were, or what you wanted, or really anything about yourself. You were caught up in the earliest beginnings of adulthood, struggling on the border of adolescence. Of course your entire world was holding on to what made you happy--to not being alone and scared again."

"I would if I could, Emrys-san, but I cannot leave Great Britain. My Wish renders that impossible, and I would be of little use to you beyond these borders if I did find a way. Likewise, many of my Knights depend upon our homeland as well, and I am not without enemies. I can only send those who may leave this Kingdom without consequence, and, among those, many would be useless to you--as weak as they are, they would be devoured by Walpurgisnacht." Her tone is firm and unyielding, but not cold or furious--her words are simple fact, beyond dispute, "I will send those I can afford to send; to send more would only bring disaster, and to send less would be to betray you, something I will not do."

"I understand." You say, nodding, "As long as you are doing the best you can for us, then I have no complaints." You quirk your head a bit, feeling tension leave you as the negotiation phase of this ends, "Tell me, Arturia-san, could I tempt you into spending some time together? If we will be working together someday, I would like to know you as more than just the King. Perhaps we might get some of the Knights together and have some fun as a group? Bonds are precious and powerful things, after all."

"Kyouko, I just suggested socializing. If you understand what's going on, I would very much like you to explain clearly."

In your mind's eye, you can see a blue velvet curtain, with Kyouko standing just behind it, regarding you steadily, "Young children are selfish, but they eventually learn to put their friends and family first. Teenagers make contact with greater society, and have to struggle to reconcile their own desires and the people they share the world with. Some people stay like they were as children--they only help others out of self-interest, only doing good so they'll be rewarded. Others try to figure out how much they care, clumsily trying to balance an invisible scale."

You can longer recognize the world around you. The King, Palamedes, and everything else have vanished. You wonder if you have fainted.

You're standing on the stage in the Velvet Room, though you do not see Igor here for the moment. In the audience, you can see many, many Homuras. Hundreds of copies of you. Some wear glasses, and some do not. Some have their hair braided, while others wear it down.

At your feet, you can see the Tarot Card from before--The Devil--ripped in half where you left it.

"But you, Homura? You're old. You've loved and lost. You've betrayed people and been betrayed by them. You've killed people and nearly been killed by them. You've seen the best and the worst in people. You've faced your demons, and formed new bonds. Of course you've outgrown who that."

Kyouko walks onto the stage with you, her usual humor gone entirely from her expression. It's still her, behind those eyes, but you realize that she is also old. You've been chatting and snarking together, just like old times, but she's changed since then. The Kyouko you knew--the Kyouko who died for you--had only just regained her desire to help others.

This Kyouko, though, has done nothing else since you heard her voice. Somewhere along the way, she went from letting herself care to naturally saving others. A predator became a hero, and a hero became something more, and you hadn't let yourself see it until now.

"You've been sleepwalking, Homura. You've been thinking and fighting, trying different things and trying to optimize your strategies. You've done wonderful and horrible things. You've felt hope and despair both. In spite of that, though, you've been asleep, simply letting yourself follow the script you set for yourself, never recognizing yourself."

A pair of Homuras walk from the back, carrying a large mirror together, and move to set it up in front of you.

"You woke up, Homura. You've been waking up. You befriended Sayaka from the start, breaking your pattern of animosity with her. You thought about your family, and remembered those early years where you studied clocks, and how much you loved them. You told Madoka everything. You made new friends, and started working to improve yourself again. Now, you're halfway across the planet, meeting new people and making new commitments, and the emotions that were left behind for you have woken you up. You're confused and scared, because you don't recognize yourself anymore."

The children heft the mirror up so that you can regard the person in it.

Akemi Homura - Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica - Image #3149260 - Zerochan Anime Image Board

She looks similar to you, a little. She's taller and older, but she's wearing your Regalia. She has your hair color, and her glowing eyes are purple like your own.

That's where the similarities end, you think. You are, ultimately, as much a human as any Magical Girl is. You spend time with your friends, and play games, and just try to protect the people that matter to you. Your fight--your mission--is really just you trying to hold on to the things you care about.

This woman, however, isn't human at all. Her body may resemble one, but her eyes gleam with something other. They remind you of Arturia's eyes, and of that other Madoka's. Devoid of simple humanity, but filled with something beautiful.

Love.

That's all you see in this woman's gaze. A wish to fix everything for everyone, and grant them a perfect future, without any hint of fear or apathy to balance it.

You look away, over to Kyouko. She's taller, you notice, than the one you meet every loop. She has been every time you came here, but you never could tell before. She's grown up too, when you weren't looking. Yet, her eyes remain human--different, maybe, than most, but still human at an essential level.

"She's you, Homura. The woman in the mirror is you. The girl outside is you, plus a little influence from what is apparently magical genetic insanity. You need to face her."

You look back into the mirror. Trying to find yourself in the woman, and…slowly, you see glimpses. Those inhuman eyes, for all their intensity, are tired. She's working endlessly for the sake of love, but she's still been suffering the whole way, and it shows. Yes, you've seen those eyes in only two places--in the mirror, and on Hououin Kyouma.

The way she holds herself--proud, almost posing--is not how you hold yourself. No, you've never practiced that kind of showmanship, but you also think she looks very cool. Like Madoka wanted you to be. Like you tried so hard to be, for her.

Tragically, though, it's not any of these things that make you certain. No. It's the Soul Gem on the back of her hand. You, exactly as you always look when transformed. Her body may be different, her posture changed, her intensity monstrous, but your Soul is mounted to her hand, and that's ultimately all there is to it.

You raise your hand, staring at the long, slender fingers, and the shining purple Soul Gem, then glance down at the two thirteen-year-old girls supporting the mirror with resolution in their eyes as they watch you.

"Thank you both. I promise, I won't let you down." They look up at you nervously. Not quite fearful, but almost as if--

You blink, realizing that they can see everything in you that you just did. That same inhuman intensity. It was scary, a moment ago, and it still is for them, you're certain.

You kneel down slightly, and gently pat their heads, the girls' eyes widening in surprise.

"It's okay. I'm going to save everyone. Your help won't go to waste." Exchanging uncertain looks, they turn their gazes back to you, and smile brightly.

"Thank you, Prima-san! We'll do our best!" With those words, the two girls release the mirror--which vanishes--and sprint off into the audience, which soon breaks up, the countless girls departing in droves.

"Prima. The First. So, they've been in here this whole time, then?" You ask Kyouko, locking your eyes upon her as you do your best to will her to explain.

She chuckles, for some reason, "Yeah, I think they're all in here--all the minds of all the versions of us that have been tied together by you. I'm apparently the "Boss" Kyouko. The one with the strongest ego, or the one closest to being who I want to be, or something. Meanwhile, the Homus seem to just cede everything to you--though I think there's a couple of others who have done some more work or something. Not sure on the details. Not sure about anyone else, although I think I heard about a Sayaka running around. Probably has something to do with the whole "Social Link" thing."

You nod slowly, "Will I remember this? It seems familiar, like an old dream."

The redheaded woman shrugs, "It is like a dream. The details will get foggy--for both of us, I'll add--while we're not in here, but the important parts might just stick with you. I think we'll remember what matters, at least."

You nod, pull her briefly into a one-armed hug, and then turn your attention outwards.

---------

"Emrys-san? What's wrong?" Palamedes is leaning over you, shaking you slightly, panic thick in her voice. The King is in the process of kneeling down as well, eyes wide with concern.

You smile, meeting first Palamedes' gaze, then Arturia's, "Sorry, Merlin's study had some spells on it, and they caught up with me. I'm alright, now. What was I saying?"

The two exchange looks, then Palamedes explains, "You were suggesting the Knights should try to spend time together and build bonds, which seemed suspicious. Are you you, Emrys-san?"

Her gaze bores into you for a brief moment, before flicking away suddenly, then back. She's having to be brave, to stare you down like this.

You wonder if it's always been obvious to others, or if your awareness has made it so.

"I am entirely myself, Palamedes." You use no honorific, going on the offensive in an attempt to create a sense of intimacy. Humans and Magical Girls can grow close by dancing around things and simply being around each other, with enough time, but you don't have time. If you want to be close to someone, you have to work for it, and push for it, before the loop ends.

There's no reason to hesitate.

Arturia leans down, takes your hand, and helps you up, "Yes, you do remind me of him--nothing was ever sane. I will confess that I have missed it." She smiles, and you return it with your own. It seems even madness loves company.

Trait Gained: Madness of Love - +20 to all rolls while Akemi Madness is active; +10 to all rolls while Akemi Madness is inactive. Lose 50 Sanity/day while above 400 Sanity. Bloodheat increase from Akemi Madness doubled.

Emrys Tome Acquired. When this option is available in the Turn Menu, you can study the next section of the book--this will allow Homura to gain Traits, Spells, and other benefits by reaching a Threshold.

Emrys Library [Expert | Magical Theory] (0/150)- Now stored in Homura's Shield, this is an Expert Magical Theory Library.

Emrys Arsenal - This collection of one hundred and one Magical Tools must be studied to be used. This will appear as an option in the Turn Menu--hitting Thresholds will grant Homura understanding of, and thus use of, the tools within the Arsenal. As actual objects, rather than conjured ones, these can be broken and lost.

King Arthur (89/100) > (31|1d100) + 36 > Breakthrough! > (0/200) > ((24|1d100) + 16) / 2> (20/200)

King Arthur 1 > 2

Palamedes (0/100) > (91|1d100) +16 > Breakthrough! > ((8|1d100) + 36) / 2 > (22/200)

Palamedes 1 > 2

Develop Accel Prototype with Akemi Madness

Rolled (65) + 38 = 103 > 20

Accel Spell Created!

Train Development

Development (19/30) > (70|1d100) + 10 > (99/30) > Level Up! > (69/35) > Level Up! > (34/40)

Development 8 > 10

Investigate Galahad with Kyouko

Investigate Galahad (0/150) > (36|1d100) + 40 > (76/150) > Kyouko (34|1d40) + 10 > (110/150)

Kyouko (378/400) > (40/1d100) + 16 + 10 (Love) > (400/400) > Breakthrough Ready!

Train Medical

Medical (80/135) > (6|1d100) + 25 + 10 > (121/135)

Homura
Grief: 360/1000
Sanity: 422/1000
Bloodheat: 100/100

Kyouko
Grief: 405/1000
Sanity: 550/1000

[Daily Events]

None

[Texts and Emails]
[Madoka]
Homura: "Have I ever been human to you, Madoka?"

Madoka: "I think, maybe a long time ago, if I'm understanding what you mean by that, but you've been this amazing since the start of the loop, for sure. You can understand me, when most people can't."

Homura: "You're much more comfortable with this than I am, Madoka."

Madoka: "You're normal, to me--it's most people who are weird!"

Homura: "Never change, Madoka."

[Arcana Magi, Requests, and Akemi Madness]
If you wish to perform an Action as a different Arcana Magi (Kyouko, for now), simply add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Arcana - Kyouko

If you wish to Request help from another character(s) for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Request - (Character Names)

If you wish to use Akemi Madness for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Akemi Madness

[Available Characters]
The following characters you can contact for Requests. Keep in mind that Alllies will expect a Favor in return, while Friends will help as long as they have time and are willing. You do not get information on willingness and availability prior to the vote, due to the amount of complexity this would add to the process. Social Links values are listed here--multiply these by 10 to determine the size of the die they will roll when assisting with an Action.

Keep in mind some characters may not be suitable for some Actions--Homura will simply not involve a mundane individual in magical combat, for example, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If you really feel the need to involve someone in something they normally should not be (like involving Miho Miki in a Witch Hunt, or anything Magical), please include a justification as a subvote, for mine and Homura's consideration.

Friends
- Madoka Kaname : 10
- Sayaka Miki : 5
- Kyouko Sakura : 4
- Mami Tomoe : 3
- Ruki Shironome : 4
- Miho Miki : 3
- Yuma Chitose : 1
- Junko Kaname : 2
- Nagisa : 1
- Hououin Kyouma : 2
Allies
- Nanoha Takamachi : 2
- Rose : 1
- Freya : 1
- Akane : 1
- Oriko : 3
- Kirika : 2
- Snow : 2
- Clovis Britannia : 2
- Kallen Stadtfield: 2
- King Arthur: 2
- Agravain: 2
- Palamedes: 2

[Investigative Actions: 2]
Mysteries
[ ] ~~Friends? (705/2000)~~ [Madoka]
"Igor claims there are 14 special friends I need to find. I should try to find more of them…and maybe find out how they're my friends if I don't know them."

"I did experience a strange connection to Nagisa when I met her, and she's apparently "The Death."

"I have a strange memory of Matoko, which led me to her Barrier. She was clearly older--in her late teens, I'd say--and I'd swear I was the same age, in that moment. It's impossible, but the memory remains."

"I encountered Yuma Chitose, and she has appeared among the list of Arcana Magi in the Velvet Room, as the Wheel of Fortune."

[ ] Igor's Contract (Progress 0/1000)
"I don't remember signing any Contract with Igor, but he insists I did."

[ ] False Memories (121/200)
"I have doubled memories of my first meeting with Weiss. I'm sure there are probably others I haven't noticed yet, too. Maybe if I can recognize them, I can figure out more about this strange timeline?"

"I got in touch with Clovis Britannia, apparently a childhood friend as well. His family's background seems to mesh poorly with the rest of history, suggesting he is an artificial addition, rather than someone that's supposed to be in this timeline."

[ ] A Missing Memory (0/1000)
"When I was talking to Igor, there was a memory that I couldn't find. It was something about selfishness? The Devil? What could have happened?"

[ ] Akemi Madness (500/500) (Breakthrough Ready!)
"There's a strange inherited insanity in our family. It's always been a fact of life before, but others seem scared by it. Maybe I should try to find out more? Looking into our family's history should be a good place to start."

"My Father apparently knows something about this. Meeting with him might help me make some headway, too." (You can spend a Social Action with Takeshi Akemi for a Clue)

"Akemi Madness apparently traces to the demonic blood of Merlin, of all things, and involves the absorption of Emotions from those around us, but that leaves many aspects of it unexplained."

[-] Detective Agency (Exhausted)
"Sherlock Holmes was exactly who he appeared to be. I look forward to studying under him in the near future."

[ ] Britannia Family (0/100)

City

[ ] London

Known Locations

[ ] Buckingham Palace (217/300)
[ ] Big Ben (50/100)
"There was someone hiding inside Big Ben. I couldn't find them, but they may return."
[ ] The Tower of London

People

[ ] Arthur
[ ] Agravain
[ ] Galahad (110/150)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield

[Social Actions: 1]
[ ] Madoka (Maxed)
[ ] Sayaka (276/500)
[ ] Kyouko (400/400) (Breakthrough Ready!)
[ ] Miho Miki (124/300)
[ ] Takeshi Akemi (6/300)
[ ] Kayaba Akihiko (31/100)
[ ] Soichirou Mikuni (44/100)
[ ] Hououin Kyouma (47/200)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield (100/100) (Breakthrough Ready!)
[ ] Agravain (171/200)
[ ] King Arthur (20/200)
[ ] Palamedes (22/200)
[ ] Write-In Character

[Home Actions: 2]
[ ] Investigation: Arthur (41/200)
[ ] Investigation: Buckingham Palace (217/300)
[ ] Social: Kyouko
[ ] Social: Kallen Stadtfield
[ ] Social: Agravain
[ ] Study Emrys' Tome

[Mission Actions: 1]
[ ] Go Shopping
-[ ] Shopping List
[ ] Go Thieving
-[ ] Thieving List
-[ ] Target Location
[ ] Write-In (Subject to QM Approval, Cannot Overlap with other Action Types.)

[Creative Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically.

Special Actions
[ ] Study Emrys' Tome

Craft Actions
[ ] Craft Something (Appropriate Craft Roll Required)
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some products may fail automatically.)

Magic Actions
[ ] Spell Development (Development Roll Required)
-[ ] Existing Prototype Name or Spell Description (Broader descriptions are more likely to produce easily developed Spells.)
[ ] Spell Usage
-[ ] Spell(s)
-[ ] Action.
-[ ] Reason for action.
[ ] Attempt to perform a Magical Working. (Magical Theory Roll Required)
-[ ] Working Objective. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some workings may fail automatically.)

Research Actions
[ ] Research a Theoretical Crafting Product
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description.
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description.
[ ] Research a Theoretical Spell
-[ ] Spell Purpose
-[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
[ ] Research a Theoretical Magical Working
-[ ] Working Objective.

Grand Undertakings
~~[ ] The Restoration of the Yamato (255/500)~~ [Ruki]

[Training Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically. Students may refuse lessons if they are busy, or don't know you well.
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Investigation with Sherlock
[ ] Train someone else in a Skill.
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Student

[Sleep Actions: 4]
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Write-In Action of another Type (Cost: 20 Sanity)

Higure · Feb 13, 2023

QM Note: While I'm still not quite sure what to do about the aforementioned issues, I know I don't want Rena to sit dormant forever, so here's the long awaited update.

I'm experimenting with replacing invisitext with small font text--please understand this continues to represent thoughts or sounds the POV character is not fully cognizant of or refusing to acknowledge.

Social Action: Kyouko

You step out of your bedroom, and make your way to Kyouko's, mind whirling.

You've spent so many loops trying to keep them alive, but you can do so much more for them, and you've barely even thought about it.

First, there's her misplaced guilt. You hope that looking into Kyrie and the Church will maybe offer some insight that will help alleviate that. If it doesn't, then you'll simply have to show her that she can be a hero anyway. You have proof, after all, even if you're wary of sharing that directly.

Then, there's her Magic. You could--no, you have someone you can ask about that.

"Kyouko, what broke your Magic? You must have figured that out by now, if you had time to figure me out."

"Rejecting my Wish, like anyone. That's not as simple as it might seem, though. It's not enough to reject a single aspect of the Wish--for example, my spoken intention to force people to blindly believe my father. You also have to reject the underlying foundation. In my case, it was my belief in my own wisdom. I came to believe that I was too foolish and evil to tell others what is good, or what they should do."

You consider this for a moment. Kyouko's Wish was, really, about getting people to listen to someone she thought could teach them. It benefited her family, but it sounds like she truly believed that was the best thing for everyone.

You recall her words to you yesterday. How she had forced you to confront yourself. How she's poked and prodded you, trying to get you to think things through, drawing your attention to things in need of it.

"Do you think you know better than everyone and should have the right to dictate their lives?" You ask, seeking clarity. If it's something that extreme, you will need more time to cultivate that, but if it's something less, you may be able to help more quickly.

There's a long pause, "Can't believe that wasn't an insult, Braids. No, I don't think I'm omniscient and omnibenevolent, not that I don't do my best." She chuckles slightly, "I just know I'm wise enough to be worth listening to. You don't need to know everything to guide people somewhere better, you know?"

So, it's just confidence in her own judgement? You can work with that.

You knock on the door of Kyouko's room. "Come on in. Want to talk to you about something." She sounds not quite angry, but confrontational, for certain. You recall that she did say something about needing to talk about your secrets.

You suppose it was inevitable. You've slipped up too many times, and acted too strangely, this loop.

You open the door to find Kyouko sitting on her bed, legs folded as she reads from Friendship, then puts the book down to look you in the eye.

Her posture shifts slightly, as she does. A hint of fear. She realizes something's changed, or maybe she's simply noticed your family's Madness is in play.

It is fortunate there are no Clocks in this room. You wonder if she removed one.

She relaxes, seemingly forcibly, "C'mon, Ribbons, sit down."

You do so, sitting on the bed next to her--the chair might have seemed more oppositional, and smile slightly as she shuffles away a bit. She's still wary, but you'll prove her wrong to feel that way sooner or later.

"So, before you go full crazy on me, I'm going to jump to the point, Ribbons. You're a Time Traveler." Her eyes lock with yours, watching for any response.

Yesterday morning, you'd have gone rigid--this was not in your plans, and accommodating for it would make it harder to keep things on course. It's also the kind of information she could use to disrupt your social position.

Today, you realize that's irrelevant. This is an opportunity--convincing someone you're a Time Traveler can be hard, but having someone come to that conclusion naturally means you can bring them in on things, like you have with Madoka.

You're not sure you should share that much--the full weight of the truth is something you know Madoka can carry, but--actually, you should just ask.

"Can she handle it?"

"Nope. Not until she's gotten her head back on straight. Right now, I think she'd probably either bail to escape Walpurgisnacht--probably try to get everyone to come with her--or fall into despair, if she knew how bad things are."

Accepting your Kyouko's wisdom, you give the one in the room a steady look for a moment, before nodding, "Yes, I am."

"Because you started talking to someone named Koko, back with Sachiel, and you seem to just know things, and you're clearly a veteran but you've only been--" She launches into a furious explanation for a moment, before blinking, confused, "Wait, what? Just like that?"

You nod gravely, maintaining eye contact, "Yes, just like that. You've figured me out, and now this is your problem, too." You smile wanly at her, "Welcome to the Time Travel conspiracy. There's no escaping, until the clock turns back again."

She's unnerved, seeming to shrink slightly. It hurts to see her like that, afraid and off balance because of you. Some part of you insists that you're doing this wrong. That you should have let her have control here, and denied it, so that she could feel like she won this from you, rather than being honest and giving her her answers up front.

It's easier. She'll be happier, probably, if you say what she wants and expects.

That part of you, refusing to think, refusing to change, has been ruling your life for too long, though. This may be frightening, but she can do so much more if she understands what's happening--all you have to do is convince her.

You couldn't do that, when you started these loops, but that was a long time ago.

You give her a moment to regather herself. You could press the advantage, but you're trying to convince her to cooperate, not pressure her until she runs away.

After a moment, she stands--creating distance, elevating herself to try to assert some control--and moves to the chair, twisting it around backwards to look over the back at you, "So…wait. Alright, so you are a time traveler. I guess that the next question's when you're from, and what you want."

---

Kyouko PoV

Ribbons looks me in the eye and tells me, almost lounging as she does so. Her tone is dead serious, and I can audibly hear pain in her voice as she explains, but I get the strange impression her story seems perfectly reasonable to her--as if this were something traumatic, but normal.

She's been doing this for a while, clearly. She doesn't tell me how many "loops" she's been through--or how those loops went, except that we lost--but I get the picture well enough.

Things are pretty fucked, by the sound of it. She's been trying to find a way to change things for a long time, and she's still not found a way. Explains why she's come looking for help from Arthur--if our group can't win this, then getting backup makes sense.

It seems wrong, though. Everything about this seems wrong. It's--it's too clear. Too simple.

"Alright, so, what? You need me to help you kill her?" I force on a smirk, "Don't worry, Ribbons! We've got this! I'll talk Mami around, we can grab Nanoha and your Ruki, and we'll blow her to bits!" I know she wouldn't be such a mess if that was all it took to fix this, but it'd be really nice if it was.

There's no doubt that Ribbons is a mess, though. She's a badass and a veteran Magical Girl who could kick my ass, but she's always on the brink of falling apart. It's why the Blueberry's always hanging on to her--because she needs someone to anchor her. Hell, it's part of the reason I came out here. I can handle her going clock-crazed and charismatic--that's normal, sort of, and even then she's clearly her.

The Homura I'm talking to right now, though, is barely recognizable. Some part of me thinks I need to kill her--that she's an imposter--but I know she's not. She still feels like Homura, to my Magic, and I can't detect any sign of Enchantment on her.

She's just crazy, but I don't know what to make of this brand of crazy.

"I cannot beat Walpurgisnacht alone, and I cannot beat Walpurgisnacht with only the help of those in our immediate circle--not anymore, at least. Thus, we need to find every ally we can--to salvage every opportunity, gather every resource, and learn every new skill that could give us an advantage. Merlin's writings, which he left behind, for example, may be of great use in furthering our mission." She explains, speaking with a kind of rising fervor that is alien to her, as I've known her, "Arturia's offering some of her Knights, and I believe I can perhaps convince Snow to get the Military and Mercenary Magi on our side, as well. Tokyo may be difficult, considering their history with Mami. Ruki--" I realize that she isn't going to stop. That what I'm hearing right now is probably running through her head on the regular, waiting to be shared, but I am not ready to deal with the logistics right now.

"Slow down, Ribbons." I interject, putting as much force as I can into my voice while keeping my voice down, "I think I get the picture, but wow are we getting ahead of ourselves here. For starters, if it's that bad, why the hell aren't we running away?"

She jerks slightly--almost a flinch, as she's pulled out of her diatribe. A different kind of crazy, but still crazy. It's almost good to see, somehow.

"I've tried that before, and it failed. It finds us, no matter where we run. If we split up, it targets as many as possible, then comes for the rest. Walpurgisnacht isn't coming for Mitakihara, it's coming for us." A low tone of hysteria is audible in her voice, and a chill goes down my spine.

I stare at her for a long moment, struggling to find an answer to that absurd statement.

"You're kidding, right? Like, Mitakihara's full of people and Witches just waiting to be eaten or whatever. No way it's actually out to get us--like you, me, and Mami us--in particular. Do you mean that it chases evac groups or something? Because we can just go, and take anyone we need to save with us, you know?"

She abandons her relaxed posture, leaning forward and gazing steadily at me as if to show me she's dead serious. Her eyes are not dead like they sometimes are, but they are still profoundly tired, as she explains, "I mean me, you, Mami, Sayaka, Madoka, Oriko, and Kirika. I also believe it will go out of its way to target Yuma Chitose, Akagi Matoko, Nagisa Momoe, and a number of other specific girls from Mitakihara, although I have not tested it with them."

I want to ask why she suspects those additional girls, but it doesn't matter, right now. All that matters is that the Conglomerate Witch is apparently targeting us in particular. That we can't escape or survive without killing it. The rest can wait.

I sit there in silence for a long moment, trying to find the will to speak, and, eventually, I manage to stammer out that single word, "Why?"

She shrugs. She, with all her time travel and magic and insanity, fucking shrugs, "I don't know, Kyouko. There are things I still can't tell you, but I can promise you I have no idea why Walpurgisnacht is hunting us. I just know I have to save you all, no matter what it takes, and she will find us no matter where we run."

I begin to feel nauseous, and split myself from my body a bit further--perks of being a rock, it turns out--before taking my Soul Gem out on a hunch. I'm already halfway to full; a full quarter increase since this conversation began.

I set my Soul Gem on the nearby writing desk--I'll cleanse when it gets higher.

"So, we can't run, and we can't win. Well, what do we do, challenge it to a dance off? Because I don't think DDR's gonna count against Walpurgisnacht." I joke, trying to keep myself from panicking. I scrabble against my emotions, trying to hold them down, trying to keep myself from screaming,

Because I believe her. Ribbons is crazy, but Ribbons is my friend. Keeping secrets is one thing, but lying about something like this? I don't believe it.

Besides, it makes too much sense. It explains why she seems to know everyone before she meets them. It explains why she's crazy, too, and who "Koko" was--me, I'd guess, even if it's a weird nickname.

'So I'm going to die, then, huh? I wonder if there's a chance our Father will still have me?'

"Kyouko!" Ribbons' voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I look forward to seeing her pressing a Grief Seed to my Soul Gem--I was over three quarters, by the look of it.

I can feel a pressure lift off my shoulders as that blackness drains, but I still don't feel anywhere near okay.

"So we're gonna lose, huh? There's no hope." I look her in the eye, daring her to lie to me.

She shakes her head, "No, there's still hope. I have a plan--one that I think I can pull off in the next few loops--but, before then, we can still try. Maybe we can win without it. If not--if not, I can guarantee you that I'll see you again, even if you don't remember me."

It's a horrible feeling, imagining everything that's happened vanishing. Going back to being alone in Kazamino, hunting Witches without anyone beside me.

"Ribbons, if that's what happens, you have to help me again, okay?" I stare those sharp eyes of hers down, "I'm happy for the first time in a long time, and I don't want to lose that, but if I do--if I do, you have to save me again. Please." My chest hurts--not literally, since I'm not feeling pain from my body right now, but I feel it anyway.

She nods, looking me solemnly in the eye, "I swear I will, Kyouko. I will save you, and everyone else."

She means it. Ribbons is good at hiding shit, but she's not that good.

Well, that answers that, I guess. I'm probably gonna die, but Ribbons is going to save me anyway. All I can do is everything that I can to help.

I get the feeling I'm gonna have nightmares for a while, though.

"Alright, I'm in then. Let's get to work. Where do we start?"

Her smile is brilliant, like this.

Homura Rolled Socialize | Kyouko (400/400) > Link Up! > Kyouko(0/500) > 96 + 16 (Socialize) + 10 (Love) + 20 (Golden Bonds) > (145/500)

Kyouko > 5

Mission Action: Go Souvenir Shopping with Kyouko

Homura PoV
"You're kidding me? First mission to stop Walpurgisnacht, and its souvenir shopping?" Kyouko is understandably a bit upset about the wild switch in focus, from fighting for our lives to buying gifts for friends.

She has no context for understanding exactly how powerful gifts are. How essential it is to maintain everyone's psychological well-being and promote strong bonds between us. She's likely still thinking in terms of combat and recruiting, failing to realize that just getting these girls to the battlefield is a great struggle in and of itself.

"Don't underestimate it, Kyouko. They won't stand and fight if they don't trust us or don't consider us worth fighting with. Friendship is important." You explain, appealing to her pragmatism.

"Yeah, yeah, but Mami's gonna be all-in anyway, and Ruki basically worships you, and Nanoha's Nanoha, so I'm pretty sure she'll show up. So, who're you buying for? The Military teams? Oriko?"

She raises a good point, really. Your allies are either already set up to fight beside you, or not the sort that a metal statue of Big Ben will sway. Although, maybe some of the others among the Fifteen would care? Yuma would probably enjoy a stuffed animal.

You look around for something suitably fluffy, and eventually settle on an oversized lion plushie, with the Union Jack on the side. She'll probably like it--she's still a kid, in theory, and likely has not had anything cute to cuddle, considering her home life--oh! You could bring her proof of her parents' untimely demise, too, you suppose. She might like that. No, that might disturb her. You should get permission before murdering them.

"Okay, Ribbons, you've got a look in your eye I'm not sure about, but I'm pretty sure there's more to this, isn't there? You're not in mission mode." She pulls up next to you, looking at a small statue of the Sword in the Stone--you wonder if that was Elizabeth or Arturia who pushed that one. Probably Arturia, to help ease the transition if she reveals herself.

You turn to her and raise an eyebrow, "Mission mode?" You suspect you know what she means, but you want to hear her put it into words.

She chuckles, "You know, when you look like you forgot how to human, and you move everywhere with obvious purpose--like, even when you're pretending to wander around, you're obviously not wandering, but moving between locations you've clearly picked out to linger at. That kind of thing. Right now, you're actually just wandering around looking at things, which tells me that you're not in mission mode, even if you've got a goal here. So, what else is going on?"

You're fairly certain you're blushing, by the warmth you feel in your face. You had not realized you were that obvious. You kneel down to inspect a collection of porcelain tea cups, again marked with the Union Jack, and answer idly as you ponder them, "I suppose I just wanted to buy some nice things for the people I love, really. It's not like money's an issue."

Her response is delayed for a long moment, "Never heard that word out of your mouth before, Ribbons. You got anyone in particular in mind? 'Doka maybe?"

Her tone is much more serious than expected, so you glance up at her. She's giving you an odd look, as if trying to understand something, but you're not exactly sure what she's trying to get at, for a moment.

Then you realize exactly what you'd said, and laugh lightly, "Oh, it's not--I didn't mean eros, Kyouko. I'm not sure I even know what that feels like anymore."

She blinks heavily, looking perturbed again for some reason, "What do you mean, anymore? If it's not that, then--like, what do you mean by love? Philia?"

You are really happy you have a friend like her, who can follow this sort of multilingual conversation based in European roots in spite of being Japanese. She's wonderful, in that way.

"It's honestly much simpler than people have made it out to be, you know? There's only one kind of love, really--the wish for someone's dreams and wishes to come true; for them to live and die and, if at all possible, live again, without regrets or grief." You smile at her, imagining a future where she can stand at the front of a Church without guilt, or go out and save lives without reticence.

You go on, explaining your thoughts on the matter of love further, "Eros, storge, and philia are just words people use to excuse themselves--either by justifying their earnest feelings because they're embarrassed, or justifying why they claim to love someone when they don't. I love you all--I have for a very long time--and that's why I've kept fighting. Not because you're family and I'm stuck with you, or because we're friends and I need you, or because I want a romantic relationship with one of you so I won't be lonely, but simply because I love who you are, and your existence and happiness bring me joy. I love you all, and there's no point in making excuses."

Kyouko blushes brightly at that, yet still manages to glare at you, "That's not fair, Ribbons, you know that? You can't just say it's agape and say something like that without any warning or build up."

You shrug, "I don't know what to tell you. I'm just speaking honestly." You pick up the teacups--Mami will like them, you think--and stand, smiling at Kyouko, "Any ideas for anyone?"

She gives you a deadpan stare, "Yeah, that's the thing, Ribbons. People don't just speak honestly like that. I don't mind this new brand of crazy, but it's definitely crossing some social lines."

You really couldn't care less, to be honest, "I'm fine with that. Better than being someone I'm not. Anyway, souvenirs?"

She sighs, glancing around the room, "Eh, Sayaka will like the Excalibur replica over there." She points at what appears to be an actual, metal replica of the King's sword. You're now sure that Arturia's pushing merchandising, but Kyouko's certainly right that Sayaka will like it.

"Good call! Alright, what about--"

---

An hour later, you have gifts for all of your friends and acquaintances, and a few other random items besides, in case you forgot someone.

"So is that the day's mission? Do we, what, go back to the Palace and chat with Agravain, or…?" Kyouko asks, clearly trying to get a feeling for how you work.

You shake your head, though, "No, not yet. I would like to look into Galahad a bit further. I'm curious what she actually does for the Church."

"That makes two of us." Kyouko grumbles, clearly still upset about the Church's involvement with Magical Girls, as expected, "So, what, just go ask her about it?"

"Simple, but I can't see any reason not to."

Homura Rolled Socialize | Kyouko(125/500) > 79 + 16 (Socialize) + 10 (Love) + 20(Golden Bonds) / 2> (188/500)

Acquired Souvenirs!

Acquired Decorative Excalibur Replica!

Investigation Action: Investigate Galahad with Kyouko

"Galahad? Ah, she's not around, I'm afraid." Kallen explains, "Apparently she was called out on an exorcism job."

You start to just accept that--you can talk to her when she gets back--but Kyouko interrupts, "Where? Kinda important, so we'll go to her."

Kallen frowns slightly, "I'm not really sure I should tell you. It's her personal business, after all."

"Please!" Kyouko steps forward, too close to Kallen for comfort, "I have to know the truth behind this stuff, and I'm not going to find that out by staying away from it! Please, tell me so I can see for myself!"

You get a faint feeling of affirmation from the elder Kyouko at those words, clearly curious herself, though you don't notice the desperation you hear in her younger counterpart's voice.

"We have no intention of interfering with her work. We need these answers, though, and seeing her work in person could help greatly." You prod, throwing in your support.

Kallen, leaning next to the Throne Room door--apparently, she's currently operating as the King's guard in Galahad's absence--ponders it for a moment, before heaving a sigh. Raising her eyes to focus on first Kyouko, then you, she eventually relents, "Fine. I'll text you the address. Be careful, and don't mess things up for her. I don't know a lot about her work, but it's apparently not entirely safe."

"Gotcha, don't worry. Just gonna talk to her." Kyouko assures, though Kallen does not seem satisfied with that.

----

"So, this is the place, huh? Not what I expected, to be honest." Kyouko remarks, looking the building over as you approach.

It looks like a warehouse, really, devoid of meaningful adornment--there are no logos or symbols, no clear indication of a purpose. You'd think it abandoned, were it not for the guards standing at the double doors that appear to be the building's only entrance.

It's a simple matter to stop time and lead Kyouko through them, the guards none-the-wiser.

What you find inside is both very much not at all what you expected.

As you expected, you see Galahad, currently doing her job, you assume.

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On the other hand, you do not see a person thrashing around or screaming, or even charging at her or floating in midair.

No, what you see is a floating, winged, horned demon, wreathed in what you assume to be hellfire, with a magic seal of a school you do not know floating at its back. It looms over Galahad, lashing out with a whip of fire at the girl, who is rushing towards it with her shield pulled back, as if to strike the demon with it.

Around you, the warehouse has become something unnatural, the walls covered in what seems to be a twisted amalgam of flesh and chitin.

Worst of all, perhaps, is that every inch of the place feels wrong, in the way you have come to associate with Witch Barriers.

"Fucking Witches." Kyouko comments at your side, "That's what this is, right? Right?! We stumbled into a barrier."

You'd like to think so, but it doesn't fit--the dimensions of this place match the warehouse, for one thing, but something also feels different. Something subtle, you can almost…

A shiver goes up your spine as you realize. A Witch's Barrier is always oppressive, in an indistinct way. It reminds you of a funeral--thick with grief and pain. You'd thought that was just the cues from the environment, that you were just subconsciously noticing hints of what the Witch has endured, but you realize now it was probably you picking up on the Witch's emotions.

This place is not heavy with grief and pain, no. You feel, even within time stop, hatred and malice seeping into you ever so faintly. An urge to ruin and maim, to pillage and corrupt. Not the feeling of a child cursing the world for hurting her and hiding away, but the feeling of a deep grudge and a lust for vengeance.

"It's not a Witch, and this is not a Barrier, but we have to kill it anyway. Do not hold back, Kyouko--it will not stop until we're all dead."

She looks at you with wide eyes, and you give her a slight nod, confirming your words as you begin deploying your weapons.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three Minutes Earlier - Kyrie Lux POV

"That bitch." The man in front of me, Booker Brown, looks at me with dead eyes, seemingly at the brink of weeping, but I can feel Wrath in the air around us.

I reach out, and lay a hand on his shoulder, reaching out with magic, feeling for the source.

"She cheated on me. I worked hard, every single day, and she…she just…" He finally breaks down weeping, "What's going on? Where are we? Did she put you up to this?"

I recall the crying woman who came into the church, begging us to help her husband, and the tall man who came with her, carrying the poor man with an expression of shame on his face.

'Nothing is ever simple.' I think, as I rest my hand on the man's shoulder, "You had an attack. You're here to receive treatment."

I find it. Like a barbed tumor, rooted in his soul. I reach for it.

He looks up at me, "You're…a nurse? A doctor? Wait, I've seen you somewhere--" He cuts off sharply, voice becoming a brief scream that is silenced as his body explodes violently.

Around us, the entirety of the warehouse's walls and floors suddenly turn to oozing, twisted flesh and eyes, among which are hints of the human form, writhing in pain, or perhaps in ecstasy. Distorted human faces stare at me, moaning as they do so, eyes dead and empty of intelligence.

I was too slow.

The wicked, winged horror that burst from within Booker lunges without hesitation, a whip of fire bursting into existence in its grip, lashing for me as the Demon's arm whips out. I leap back, raising my shield to protect myself as I try to get a read on. It seems to be a Class B, properly defined by Wrath for the moment, and--

Two explosions erupt from the Demon, sending me stumbling back, as a redheaded girl bursts into view and slams into it, a crimson light shining from her spear as the two exchange blows, eventually allowing her to get a clean strike on it, though that seems to do little.

Suddenly beside me, Miss Akemi--the one the King is apparently looking to appoint Emrys--fires off a rocket from a strangely ornate rocket launcher, even as the Demon's whip strikes the redhead--that must be Kyouko Sakura, I realize--eliciting a howl of pain from the girl, as she leaps back from it.

"Does she not know how to turn off pain, Miss Akemi?" I ask as I raise my shield, gathering magic to invoke its power.

"She knows. Some ability of the creature?" She asks.

I simply nod in return, and slam my shield down the moment Miss Sakura is far enough back from the creature, crying my invocation, "LORD CAMELOT!(Walls of the Undefiled Kingdom)"

I feed Magic into my shield, seeming to emerge from the ground beneath my feet as Britain lends me her strength. Behind me, they rise--the walls of Camelot, stalwart against all Evil, shining between my sudden comrades and the demon, while the shield itself shines in my own defense.

They rise none too soon, either, as the demon sweeps its hand forward, and a massive, seemingly sourceless explosion erupts against the surface of Camelot's Walls, shaking the room as fire cascades across them..

I pour my Magic into those walls, and sacrifice it to turn the Demon's attack back upon it, flames and force alike gathering together before rebounding back to pummel their source.

Only to sputter out against its flesh, the Demon seemingly unfazed.

"Fool. I am Eligos of Wrath. I will sear your flesh from your bones, until nothing--" One moment, the Demon stands proud as I gather Magic to reflect the next attack, hoping my allies can find a way to slay it as I protect them.

The next, a flurry of explosions erupt from Eligos as it gives a ghastly scream, its form shaking violently before shattering like a broken mirror, leaving nothing behind but empty air, a twisted warehouse covered in gaping, distorted, burnt flesh…and the remains of Booker Brown, splattered across the hellscape.

Another day. Another life lost, but another massacre averted.

If only it didn't feel so awful.

Pre-Combat Actions:
Homura - Activate Akemi Madness - +20 Bonus to All Rolls, Additional +10 to Social Rolls, Development, and Mechanical Expertise
Kyouko - Activate Hunger for Violence - +10 Strength, +10 Celerity, -30 to Defensive Reactions
Eligos - Cast Wrath and Ruin - ???

Turn Order:

Eligos - 50
Kyouko - 37
Homura - 30
Kyrie - 20

Round 1

Time Stop Active! Targets: Homura, Kyouko (-20 Magic)

Kyouko's Turn - Cast Spell : Gloria Rosso - Spear (-20 Magic)

Homura's Turn - Cast Spell : Augment [Magic] - Rocket Launcher (-15 Magic)

Round 2

Homura's Turn - Assault : Rocket Launcher [Magic] | Target : Eligos

Attack Roll : (27|1d100) + 100 + 20 (Akemi Madness) - 20 (Rocket Launcher) = 127

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (19|1d100) + 60 = 79

127 > 79 : Attack Succeeds!

Eligos' [Magical Defense] is negated by [Magic] tag!

Damage Calculation : Power = 100, Harm = 20

Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10

100 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

20 - 10 = 10 Wounds!

Kyouko's Turn - Cast Spell : Lancia Rosso [Magic] [Fire] (-50 Magic)

Assault : Lancia Rosso [Magic] | Target: Eligos

Attack Roll : (25|1d100) + 100 = 125

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (59|1d100) + 60 = 119

125 > 119 : Attack Succeeds!

Eligos' [Magical Defense] is negated by [Magic] tag!

Damage Calculation : Power = 250, Harm = 2

Eligos' Armor = 60, Resistance = 10

[Fire] - Eligos' Fire Armor = 40

250 > 100 : Attack Succeeds!

2 - 10 = -8 | Minimum Harm = 1 Wound!

Round 3
Time Stop Ends!

Eligos' Turn : Assault (Hellfire Whip) [Magic] [Fire] [Torturous] - Target Homura

Wrath and Ruin (-20 Magic)

Regeneration 5 (-10 Magic)

Magic Gain (+30 Magic)

Attack Roll (73|1d100) + 60 = 133

Homura's Reaction : Parry (39|1d100) + 39 + 20 ([Shield]) + 20 (Akemi Madness) = 146

133 < 146 : Attack Fails!

Eligos' Trait : Relentless Lash - If an Assault with (Hellfire Whip) fails, redirect the attack to a second target.

Assault (Hellfire Whip) - Target Kyouko (Attack Roll 133)

Kyouko's Reaction: Parry (53|1d100) + 35 - 30 + 20 = 78 (Hunger for Violence)

133 > 78 : Attack Succeeds!

Damage Calculation : Power = 190, Harm = 5

Kyouko's Armor = 10, Resistance = 1

190 > 10 : Attack Succeeds!

5 - 1 = 4 Wounds!

Kyouko Wounds = 5/10

[Torturous] - Kyouko takes -10 to all Rolls for the duration of Combat.

Kyouko's Turn : Assault (Spear) [Magic] - Target Eligos

Regeneration 1 (-10 Magic)

Kyouko Wounds = 6/10

Trait: Berserker : +20 Strength

Attack Roll = (37|1d100) + 35 + 20 (Spear Specialist) + 40 (Spear) + 20 (Gloria Rosso) - 10 (Torturous) = 102

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (10|1d100) + 60 = 70

92 > 70 : Attack Succeeds!

Damage Calculation :
Power = 30 + 10 (Hunger for Violence) + 20 (Gloria Rosso) + 70 (Strength) = 130
Harm = 3 + 2 (Gloria Rosso) = 5

Eligos' Armor = 60, Resistance 10

130 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

5 - 10 = -5 | Minimum Damage = 1

Homura's Turn - Assault : Rocket Launcher [Magic] | Target : Eligos

Attack Roll : (50|1d100) + 100 + 20 (Akemi Madness) - 20 (Rocket Launcher) = 150

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (57|1d100) + 60 = 117

150 > 117 : Attack Succeeds!

Eligos' [Magical Defense] is negated by [Magic] tag!

Damage Calculation : Power = 100, Harm = 20
Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10

100 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

20 - 10 = 10 Wounds!

Kyrie's Turn : Cast Spell : Walls of the Undefiled Kingdom (-100 -80 Magic)

Until her next turn, Kyrie may perform the Parry Action against all enemy attacks, no matter whom they are directed at. If an attack is normally impossible to Parry, Kyrie may make an opposed Ego Check to stop the attack anyway.

Round 4

Regeneration 5 (-10 Magic)

Rage and Ruin (-20 Magic)

Magic Gain (30)

Eligos' Turn : Cast Spell : Cataclysm [Bomb] [Fire] [Magic] (-100 Magic)

Assault (Cataclysm) | Target: Homura - (27|1d100) + 100 = 127

Kyrie's Parry Reaction (~~-50~~ -30 Magic) - (79|1d100) + 185 = 264
Kyrie's Spell: Reflect (~~-50~~ -30 Magic) - Assault (Cataclysm) (127) | Target: Eligos
Eligos' Parry Reaction - (83|1d100) + 60 = 143
127 < 143 | Attack Fails!

Assault (Cataclysm) | Target: Kyouko - (27|1d100) + 100 = 127
Kyrie's Parry Reaction (~~-50~~ -30 Magic) - (78|1d100) + 185 = 263
Kyrie's Spell: Reflect (~~-50~~ -30 Magic) - Assault (Cataclysm) (127) | Target: Eligos
Eligos' Parry Reaction - (28|1d100) + 60 = 88
127 > 88 : Attack Succeeds!
Damage Calculation : Power = 150, Harm = 10
Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10
[Fire] - Eligos' Fire Armor = 50
150 > 110 : Attack Succeeds!
10 = 10 | [Devastating] Minimum Wounds = 2!

Assault (Cataclysm) | Target: Kyrie - (27|1d100) + 100 = 127
Kyrie's Parry Reaction - (58|1d100) + 185 = 243
Kyrie's Spell: Reflect (~~-50~~ -30 Magic) - Assault (Cataclysm) (127) | Target: Eligos
Eligos' Parr Reaction (61|1d100) + 60 = 121
127 > 121 : Attack Succeeds!
Damage Calculation : Power = 150, Harm = 10
Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10
[Fire] - Eligos' Fire Armor = 50
150 > 110 : Attack Succeeds!
10 = 10 | [Devastating] Minimum Wounds = 2!

Kyouko's Turn - Assault on Eligos (Spear) [Magic] & Develop (Detonate Spear | Ambition 5)

Regeneration 1 (-10 Magic)

Kyouko Wounds = 7/10

Trait: Berserker : +15 Strength

Attack Roll = (70|1d100) + 35 + 20 (Spear Specialist) + 40 (Spear of Fury) + 20 (Gloria Rosso) - 10 (Torturous) = 175

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (83|1d100) + 60 = 143

175 > 143 : Attack Succeeds!

Damage Calculation :
Power = 30 + 10 (Hunger for Violence) + 20 (Gloria Rosso) + 70 (Strength) = 130
Harm = 3 + 2 (Gloria Rosso) = 5

Eligos' Armor = 60, Resistance 10

130 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

Base "Detonate Spear" DC: 10
Ambition DC Increase: 50
Development DC = 70
Development Roll : (73|1d100) + 20 - 10 (Puella Magi Development) = 83 | 83 > 70 : Success!

Spear is destroyed! Harm +10

15 - 10 = 5 Wounds!

Homura's Turn - Cast Spell : Time Stop | Target: Homura

-20 Magic

Round 5

Time Stop Active! -20 Magic

Homura's Turn - Assault : Rocket Launcher [Magic] | Target : Eligos

Attack Roll : (85|1d100) + 100 + 20 (Akemi Madness) - 20 (Rocket Launcher) = 185

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (31|1d100) + 60 = 91

185 > 91 : Attack Succeeds!

Eligos' [Magical Defense] is negated by [Magic] tag!

Damage Calculation : Power = 100, Harm = 20
Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10

100 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

20 - 10 = 10 Wounds!

Round 6

Time Stop Active! -20 Magic

Homura's Turn - Assault : Rocket Launcher [Magic] | Target : Eligos

Attack Roll : (57|1d100) + 100 + 20 (Akemi Madness) - 20 (Rocket Launcher) = 117

Eligos' Reaction : Parry (28|1d100) + 60 = 88

117 > 88 : Attack Succeeds!

Eligos' [Magical Defense] is negated by [Magic] tag!

Damage Calculation : Power = 100, Harm = 20
Eligos Armor = 60, Resistance = 10

100 > 60 : Attack Succeeds!

20 - 10 = 10 Wounds!

Eligos Slain!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sakura Kyouko POV

I look at the horrors around us, the aberrations of human flesh and insect chitin, and a chill goes down my spine. I've seen shit like this before, of course, in Witch Barriers, but…those went away.

That thing is dead, but this is still here.

"Hey, uh, Galahad? You sure it's dead, the room…" I let myself trail off, not really wanting to put it to words.

She nods, grimacing, then turns to me and forces a weak smile, "Yeah, it's done. This is permanent. We'll get someone over to burn it all later."

My stomach twists at those words. Permanent? That's not how things work. Magic…Magic's temporary. You do stuff, and sure, people can die, but the world goes back to normal, and it's not so different from someone getting shot in an alleyway, at that point.

It doesn't scar the world like this.

I decide against trying to speak, not trusting myself to keep my lunch down, even as I sever myself from my sense of smell.

Burning flesh is always bad, but this place…something smells awful. Like rotten eggs or…sulfur.

'No fucking way.'

Galahad looks from me to Ribbons and back, "How'd you know to come? Did the King send you? Agravain?"

Ribbons barely seems to notice the room. As if this is normal, like walking down the street, she answers smoothly, albeit with that odd intensity that she seems to have suddenly picked up, "No, it was luck. We were looking to talk to you, and managed to get directions out of Kallen with some prying. Is this the usual, for exorcisms?"

Galahad's shield vanishes, and she raises her hand, twisting it back and forth in a so-so gesture, "Not the usual, but not unheard of. Most Exorcisms that get to me are just Witch Kisses. Most of the ones that are more than that are what we call Class C--the host is possessed, and performs supernatural feats such as levitating or attacking with superhuman strength. Class Bs, like this one, are rare, but I get one every couple of months."

Ribbons hesitates, probably trying to come up with a measured response, but I find myself jumping in before I realize it, "Wait, if this is Class B, that means…" I trail off. This thing was comparable to a strong Witch. I would definitely not want to face it alone. If there's something stronger, then I'm surprised I haven't seen them on the news or something.

Galahad--Kyrie, I guess--nods, eyes soft with something that looks irritatingly like pity, "Class A. Class B Demons resemble classical depictions--horned, winged fiends, or something similar. Class A Demons don't. They can be anything--a fire that can't be extinguished without magic and burns metal as easily as wood, a disease that spreads subtly with few symptoms before suddenly becoming lethal, a cat that spreads deadly misfortune to anyone that sees it, a name that drives people mad when they hear it. Those are all recorded Class As. There are many more."

I shudder involuntarily, thinking back through history as I try to figure out what disasters might have been unnatural. The Plague? Any of the historical fires? Natural disasters?

I think of Walpurgisnacht, which is compared to a hurricane, wiping out cities. Walpurgisnacht, which Homura wants me to help her fight.

Kyrie smiles weakly, patting me on the shoulder, and I realize I've frozen up, "I can tell you more, if you want. Just…not here." She indicates the walls covered in perverse, human-like tumors, "We can talk tomorrow. I need to report back." I nod, reluctantly, as does Homura, when Kyrie turns to look at her.

I'll have a lot to ask Kyrie tomorrow.

Homura Rolled Investigation | Kyrie Lux(110/150) > 19(1d100) + 30 (Investigation) + 10 (Love) > (169/150) > Breakthrough!

Kyouko Rolled Investigation | Kyrie Lux(0/200) > 40(1d100) + 10 (Investigation) > (50/200)

Homura Rolled Socialize | Kyouko(188/500) > 100(1d100) + 16 (Socialize) + 10 (Love) + 20 (Golden Bonds) / 2 > Critical! Progress Doubled! > (324/500)

Gained Ally: Kyrie Lux

Investigation Action: Investigate Big Ben with Kallen

You find yourself back in the Link Room, through which the cables ring the bells--including, of course, the actual Big Ben, the primary bell of Elizabeth Tower.

A fine component of the great clock, in its own way--it's amazing, really, to stand here, beholding one of the most famous clocks on the planet. For all that its accuracy is adjusted with a stack of coins due to its profound imperfection--having not made by Akemi hands, after all--it's still a monument to the glory of clocks. Thus--

"Akemi-san, please." Kallen's voice cuts through your distraction, and you draw your attention away from the cables, visions of the mechanisms you observed upon your previous visit slipping away as you direct your attention back to the actual issue.

There's something hidden here, you believe. Some source for that noise you heard before.

You transform your Soul Gem into its egg-like form, holding it up to search for any sign of a Barrier, but get no response. Not unexpected--you'd probably have noticed a Witch's presence already.

"Hmm…" You ponder it for a moment, then attempt to open yourself to the nearby emotions, like Merlin's study forced you to. It's difficult to grasp, even though you're doing it passively with your family's Madness--your inheritance--already flowing through you so strongly, but you do.

A flicker of something--not as strong an impression as Merlin left, but an impression nonetheless. A quiet pensiveness, standing strangely alongside a rare sense of wonder.

You reach for it--there's a word. Not a name, exactly, but a label. If you can just guess it, you think…

"Home. Lair. Shelter." You try a few, feeling for the right word, as Kallen gives you a perplexed look.

Your eyes narrow, a smirk quirking up the corners of your lips, "Hideout."

A shift, and the room seems to ripple for a moment before you find yourself in something that looks more like an attic than anything.

"It's not a barrier, or anything else I've seen before." Kallen says from beside you, seemingly brought along for the ride, "I wonder who set this place up."

You nod, frowning slightly, "Good question. Strange place."

The room is almost paradoxical, you reflect--an attic, simple and barely adorned, at first glance. Yet, the atmosphere, the emotions…the room is pensive and weighty. Like the simple aesthetic is dressing, and the actual heart of the room…

Your eyes flick to the poster, "Take Your Heart. Curious. I was thinking the same thing. A heart…"

Kallen, rummaging through a drawer near the PC, glances over, "Hearts? What?"

You find yourself walking over towards a closed cabinet, almost automatically opening it up. Within, you find a Shogi board, set out on a shelf of its own, obviously set aside for use.

"Agravain would like this person." You say, smirking slightly as you examine the board state--one player is on their last leg, with most of their pieces currently out of play, though their King's not in any particular danger for the moment, at least.

Considering it, you think you could learn something from this--to track something linked to an emotion, like this strange pensiveness. Something to research later, perhaps. It might help with investigations, among other things.

"What have you found?" You ask Kallen, who seems to be suddenly concerned, to your amusement.

She jerks slightly as you snap her out of her jealous reverie, "Oh, right, yeah. Some kind of vigilante group, I think." She points a thumb over towards the drawers she was searching earlier, "Got signs of corporate espionage, spying on government officials, that kind of thing. Even got some on the Round Table, which is a bit scary, not gonna lie."

"Someone dangerous, then. Magic, expertise, and an agenda. Sounds like my sort of person." You muse, eliciting an aggravated look.

"She's a criminal." Your redheaded companion of the moment protests.

"So are you, I believe. High Treason, is it? Or are revolutionary activities handled distinctly? Coups? Shadow governments?" Your lips twitch upwards, even as she sighs and stalks off towards the apparent entrance--a simple door.

"Fine. You talk to the thief or whatever. I'm going to report in." She opens the door, revealing a spiral of black and red, and walks through, vanishing.

You, instead, settle in, waiting to see who arrives.

It takes an hour before someone does--a figure like liquid shadow that emerges from nowhere, before resolving slowly into the form of a young Japanese woman in a red coat, accompanied by a matching hair ornament. She is, you reflect, almost dull looking, with such dark hair and faintly-colored green eyes. Yet, her gaze is sharp, and she quietly puts her hand on the weapon at her side--a wakizashi, oddly--with no change of expression or body language.

Hifumi Togo | Megami Tensei Wiki | Fandom

"I'm afraid we haven't met. You are?" She asks, as if you aren't waiting for her inside her hideout.

"Homura Akemi. Magical Girl." You stand, from where you've been lounging on her couch, but restrain the urge to engage in some showboating by summoning a weapon.

This insanity does make you ostentatious--best to watch out for foolish thoughts.

She smiles politely, "General. Phantom Thief of Hearts. How did you find your way in? I would like to shore up my security against future incidents."

"I guessed your password. Magic did the rest."

That brings her up short, eyes widening minutely--she's skilled at hiding her tells, but you've been lying constantly for centuries.

"It isn't a password, exactly, but close enough. What do you want, then? Are you here to arrest me? Kill me, Magical Girl?" The air behind her shimmers slightly--some sort of Magic, you assume.

You need to figure out what makes her tick. She's definitely got some attachment to Shogi, and is working hard to not just look calm, but remain calm. She could probably gain some advantage by feigning emotion here, though, if only by feeding you misinformation--that tells you she, like you, is not particularly good at feigning emotion.

'So, I just need to engage her like an equal--let her feel like she's got more leverage than she does, and she'll engage honestly. If I make her feel helpless, she'll probably run, but she won't play at all if she doesn't feel threatened. Once she's committed, though, she'll be reluctant to abandon the game entirely.'

You summon your regalia and your shield, the ticking of clocks momentarily filling your mind, but hold off on any offensive gestures, raising your palms to indicate you mean no harm, even if you don't expect her to believe that.

She'll probably take this as you "developing your board" or something, you imagine. Much like her calling on whatever she did a moment ago--trying to give herself an advantage in this social interaction by establishing her strength.

"No, I don't think there's any need for that." You answer her, implying you could, "Rather, I'm curious about who you are, and whether you might be interested in collaborating on something."

You can never have too many allies, after all.

She tilts her head, indicating interest, but the tension in her shoulders indicates far greater worry. She thinks you're trying to drag her into something dangerous--and likely that you intend to do it against her will.

She is half right about that, but you will definitely save her, so she doesn't need to worry.

"Are you perhaps concerned about the so-called King?" She asks, "She's the biggest news, for the moment, so I must imagine--"

"No." You cut her off, "King Arthur will do an excellent job, I believe. Instead, I'm trying to prevent a certain disaster--one back home, in Japan."

You don't give her too much, but she's obviously Japanese, and so you know what to expect.

She tenses, a slight fear crossing her expression, "Explain."

Several minutes of simplified explanation later, the two of you find yourselves looking at each other across a card table. "General" looks crestfallen and conflicted, hands tightened into fists.

"Are you familiar with Walpurgisnacht?" You ask, receiving a shake of her head in return. Surprising, but not unbelievable, particularly from someone who doesn't seem to be a Puella Magus, as far as you can tell.

And so, you explain--about Walpurgisnacht, her arrival, and your search for allies when that day comes.

She seems to recover her composure as you do, strangely, expression calming. After, she gives a slight nod, "I see. My seniors once dealt with something comparable, though I never faced it myself. They're not here, however, so I suppose responsibility falls upon me. I will see what I can do to assist, but I'm afraid I will need to explore some possible avenues before I can offer anything substantial. May I have your contact information?"

You pass that info off to her with a nod, and she returns the favor--her card does not list her real name, instead marking her as "General" of the "Phantom Thieves of Hearts," but she adds it on the back in precise handwriting, "Hifumi Togo."

You hadn't particularly expected a proper logo from such a group, and it gives them a surprising level of class.

"I'll be in touch." She assures you, and you accept it, making your departure.

Homura Rolled to Train | Investigation(50/100) > 15(1d100) + 30 (Investigation) + 10 (Love) > (105/100) > Breakthrough! > Location Exhausted!

Discovered: Hifumi's Hideout

Gained Ally: Hifumi Togo of the Phantom Thieves

Kallen (200/200) > Breakthrough Ready!

Training Action: Train Investigation with Sherlock

"Just in time, Akemi-san. I had worried you might arrive earlier, and then I wouldn't have our documents in order." Detective Sherlock Holmes says from where he sits, "It seems my brilliance will not fail me, however, even in the face of an ancient such as yourself."

You ignore the descriptor for the moment, "I could have refused, you know? I have much to do."

He chuckles slightly, standing and making his way to the window to look at the street below, silhouetting himself, "You could have, but you wouldn't. You're desperate, Akemi-san--desperate for answers--and the skills I have to offer you are desperately useful in that pursuit. On top of that, you're a fan Mr. Doyle's work; your friend is even moreso, but you instinctively show me more respect than I would be afforded if you were unfamiliar or apathetic to my past work. Thus, it was inevitable you would visit, seeking tutelage."

You weigh his words, then intentionally smile slightly as you find the trick in them, "No, Mr. Holmes, you suspected I would, and you deduced what times I would have available today, but you are also desperate--desperate to escape the monotony of your current life. You have no great rivals here--no Moriarty, no Mycroft--and there are no great, nefarious crimes to solve. On top of that, you have reason to believe my employer, or some other group, may have you killed. You, Sherlock Holmes, were ready to wait for days, then reverse justify your apparent prediction of my arrival, weren't you? Just for pageantry's sake."

He turns around, frowning, eyes narrowed as you as he focuses on you, "Yes, I'm afraid you've seen right through me. You're also mirroring me, however, Akemi-san. I had thought it was incidental last time, but it's compulsive, isn't it? Some special talent, or just a coping mechanism? A way to deal with disparate personalities without having to have your own eccentricities accepted by others?"

You do not allow yourself to react, even as Kyouko's voice teases from the back of your mind, "He's got you dead to rights, Braids."

"Yes, I suppose so. One of my magical abilities compounds the issue, but I honest do not have time to develop deep, genuine bonds with everyone within each loop, or the luxury of letting go of people who I cannot find real common ground with. I also do not need those things to help them." You pause, "I am working on it, as my more honest self seems to get excellent results now, but it is more difficult with people I do not know well, you understand."

He frowns, "You say you do not need those things to help them, showing broad concern for others, but no worry for yourself. Not a hint. That is unnatural, Akemi-san. Some would call it noble, but certainly not sane. I wonder what selfish act drove you to react so harshly against it."

You have no idea what he's talking about, and simply raise an eyebrow at the comment.

"Slight tilt of the head. You're not certain either. Artificial mentality, or some quirk of the mind? A repressed memory, or brain damage, perhaps. Something that has influenced your development, but is no longer accessible to you in the present. Fascinating. Well, no matter, we are not here for in-depth psychoanalysis of each other, as enjoyable as that might be. Instead, let us discuss the case."

He hands you a manilla folder, "There have been seven distinct disappearances in London within the last three weeks. The police do not see the connection, but there is a line of commonality that speaks otherwise. I have not deduced the abductor's identity yet--if there even is an abductor--but I am certain they are all-together one matter. Take a look, and see if you can figure it out."

Eager to turn the topic away from yourself, you quickly set to work, cataloging the details of the victims' lives and final days in the public eye.

Gained 50 Progress towards the "A Missing Memory" Investigation!

Homura Rolled to Train | Investigation(0/155) > 41(1d100) + 200 (Teacher) + 20 (Love/Akemi Madness) > (261/155) > Level Up! > (101/160)

Investigation 30 > 31

Home Action: Study Emrys' tome using Akemi Madness

On Akemi Madness

Let me open by explaining that the phenomenon you know as "Akemi Madness" is not a form of insanity at all. While there is certainly a mania associated with it that I have not been able to determine the exact cause of, your family's "Madness" is nothing less than a mutation passed down from me--one that originates in a certain "Dark Magic" that allowed one to internalize Spells and Magical Power for use in combat, among other things.

Constant use of this technique eventually caused it to permanently alter my nature--it rendered me immortal, but also inhuman. I'm alright with this, to be honest, but it does make things complicated for my descendants.

In your case, your universe's Magic is rooted in Emotions, which are the energy naturally produced by the Soul--not to be confused with emotions, which are actual feelings you experience, although they're so interconnected it may not make a difference.

We'll explore the details of local Metabiology later. For now, just remember that Emotions are the root of most Magic in your universe, and that they're generated by your Soul.

Human beings from your universe naturally expire unused Emotions--they release them into the air passively. This is important, because excess Emotions building up within someone's Mind can have serious consequences.

The essential nature of our "Dark Magic" is to become an all-consuming black hole. Metaphorically, I mean. We take in and internalize Magic. As I used it, this allowed me to alter my body drastically, becoming akin to the Elemental Spirits my universe works with to perform Magic.

Your universe operates on entirely different principles, though--while you can certainly use my School of Magic in this universe, you do so by interacting with Free Emotion--that is, Emotion that has been expired and lingers in our surroundings--and having it imitate my universe's spirits and laws.

What this means, for you, is that your variation on Dark Magic has evolved to devour Emotion, rather than my universe's Magical Energy. It also isn't a source of nigh-infinite energy, although human Souls are, so it makes little difference in most situations. I'll be referring to this as Anima Erebea from here on, for the sake of clarity.

A large portion of this book is dedicated to helping you effectively leverage this ability as more than a form of supernatural empathy. All of this, however, will require you to inspire Emotions--either those within others, or Free Emotion--and store it within your Mind. This would be fine, but due to the incubator the Incubators have fitted your Soul Cage with, you will not be able to expire negatively charged Emotions without one of their Grief Seeds.

The first Spell in this book is a very simple one, but you'll need the foundational principles of my School in order to use it properly--not a minor thing, in my universe, but a tremendous undertaking in yours, without some assistance.

Fortunately, I've managed to devise a special type of Focus that works in this universe! While I hope you'll eventually learn to use this School without depending on a tool of this sort, it will, for now, automate Emulation of Law and Spirit for you--it should be fine for spells of two elements, four lines, and two circles or less. The focus is a small onyx rod with an amethyst tip, which should fit your theming!

The only purpose of this first Spell is to prevent the inspiration of negative Emotions when using Anima Erebea. It's a simple filtration spell, combining a Detection Array to distinguish the type of Emotion being inspired with a Rejection Barrier that--if used alone--attempts to repel all phenomena. Note that these are the hallmarks of a Light Elemental Magic--Light reveals, judges, and destroys. Darkness, in contrast, conceals, consumes, and grows.

Elemental theory aside--there are plenty of books on that in the library I've left for you--this Spell will make sure that you do not accidentally consume negative Emotion and become a Witch.

Please do not overestimate this Spell--while it is very useful as a protection against the consumption of ambient Emotion, it will not hold up under an onslaught of it. Until you have the skill for something more powerful, Anima Erebea will still be unreasonably dangerous to use with the boundaries of a Witch barrier or similar region.

You'll find the incantation just below, and the spell circles below--as usual, you must understand, memorize, and visualize the latter, while incanting the former and brandishing your focus.

Desperandum Negata

Spiritus lucis, ante me disponite et desperationem dividite.
Sta mihi custodes, et interfice dolorem.

Homura Rolled Magical Theory | Desperandum Negata (DC 60) : 99(1d100 + 16 (Magical Theory) + 10 (Love) = 125 | Success!

Spell Gained!

Desperandum Negata - Prevents the inspiration of negative Emotions (Grief) when using Anima Erebea. Costs 10 Magic/hour, and is not sufficient protection within Witch Barriers.

Emrys' Tome Exhausted until Magical Theory reaches 25

Home Action: Investigate Buckingham Palace with Kallen

The hidden door creaks open as a drop of magic turns the internal mechanism--the hidden switch intended to be linked to it was broken years ago, as far as you can tell.

Beside you, Kallen's eyebrows shoot up, "Huh, I thought it was just a myth when I brought it up. You got some kind of mechanical Magic going on? Or secret revealing, maybe?"

You shake your head, recalling the Akemi workshop's many hidden paths and traps, and briefly explain, "No, just experience with hidden doors. Let's see where…"

You stride through the hidden door, half expecting ancient treasures or dark old secrets locked away, but instead find yourself in a spacious, yet crowded, office. Piles and piles of paperwork line the walls, shelved where they can be and stacked on the ground where they cannot. The room is elegant, but not a tenth as ostentatious as most of the palace.

If you had to guess, this place was probably built so some royal or another could have somewhere to get some peace away from their staff and family.

The large oaken desk at the center of the room is likewise piled high with paperwork, and, amidst it all, you can see a familiar figure seated.

Daily FGO FanArt ✨ on Twitter: Castoria #FGO #FateGO https://t.co/A1IVzPupRr / Twitter

There's something different about the King, though--even maddened, you could still feel her force of personality crashing down on you like an ocean. You just didn't care, that was all--you could hardly puzzle her out, much less help her, if you were too busy being in awe of her.

Now, though, there's none of that. She's cute, you notice. A petite young woman with shining golden hair and bright green eyes that anyone would just adore, you're sure.

Except she's usually somewhere between awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The King looks up from her desk, eyes going wide in surprise, "Oh! How did you--that is--" She pauses, obviously scrambling to find words, "--I see you found my hiding spot! D-did you need something, you two?" She visibly cringes at the stutter.

"T-that is, no, your Majesty, we just--" Kallen stammers out the beginning of a response before running out of words, looking flabbergasted by the King's demeanor.

You don't have it in you to respond even that much, as you are struck by the imagining of a young, purple-eyed girl with two long braids sitting in that chair, eyes wide with panic, fidgeting as she tries to look cool.

After several seconds of silence from both of you, Arturia pouts slightly, stands and approaches, grabbing you both gently by the shoulders, "Then please leave. I have a tremendous amount of work to do. Britain's laws have become a bloated mess since I left, and I can't do a thing about that until I know them inside and out, so…" She gently shoves you both towards the door, "Out. Talk to me when I'm not busy in here."

You would later take some comfort in the fact you were not in your right mind at the moment, as you reach up and pat her on the head--inducing a blush--before being launched out into the hallway in a flash of light, Kallen apologizing and sprinting out after you before the door slams closed, again hidden away.

The redhead helps you up from where you lay dazed against the wall--not meaningfully injured, but completely confused.

"You know, Homura, I know you're crazy, but there are limits." She pauses, frowning as she looks you in the eyes, "It's not contagious, is it? Because I could have sworn I just saw…"

You can only shrug, "I do not believe so, but it's possible. Otherwise, the King is…"

There's a pause, as the two of you glance to the hidden door and back, hesitant, and Kallen finishes the sentence, "Adorable, yeah. Let's not mention this again anytime soon."

You nod, accepting her wisdom.

Buckingham Palace(217/300) > (89|1d100) + 40 > Breakthrough! > Area Exhausted!

Discovered: King Arthur's Hidden Office

Discovered a Clue for the King Arthur Investigation.
Investigation: King Arthur (41/200) > Clue Breakthrough! > (41/300)

Homura Rolled Socialize | King Arthur(20/200) > 51(1d100) + 16 (Socialize) + 10 (Love) / 2 > (59/200)

Kallen (200/200) > Breakthrough Ready!

Creative Action: Research a More Efficient Time Stop

You channel your Magic through your Shield, trying to shift the natural shape of the Spell for the fiftieth time, but it simply snaps back into the same Time Stop you've used so many times, which you deactivate as quickly as possible, to avoid wasting Magic.

"It doesn't feel like I can just do it the same way. Maybe it's because my Shield isn't made for this. If I could build something else…a different Clock, that operates in a different way…"

You puzzle over it. You know your Time Stop is tied to the grains of Sand in your Shield's hourglass, and that one grain is used each time you loop. Your increasing Magic expenditure is definitely related to the decreasing grains of Sand, you can tell. You're certain you can't make more, though--even with your relatively limited magical skill, you can sense the power in each of those grains. More than your Soul Gem could ever hold, you think.

So, you'll need something else--either a different system that doesn't depend on the Sand, or a variation that uses that power much more efficiently.

You think you could make it more efficient, maybe, by sacrificing power. If you gave up some of your interaction--perhaps so that you could move in Time Stop, but allowed objects to snap back into their original positions? You would probably need to keep your equipment in your Shield to move it with you, in those conditions, and you doubt you could take it out then. A scouting or travel tool, instead of your ultimate weapon. You're not sure how you'd even start on that, though, of if it's possible.

Alternatively, you could try to find another power source--it would need to be tremendous to match the Sand, though, and you aren't familiar with harvesting external power in that way. Maybe if you knew more about Merlin's Magic, you could pull it from elsewhere, or you could use ambient emotions with Anima Erebea?

Maybe you could simply find a different way to stop time? Even if it's not true Time Stop, something that works the same most of the time would be fine. You don't feel like super speed or something would be possible for you, but you might be able to do something to step between moments, or something, instead of actually stopping all time throughout the universe. Possible.

You'll need to study a lot more.

[Homura has some ideas, but nothing concrete. She gets the impression that the highest Ambition variations may require extreme innovation and require multiple schools of Magical Theory, but lower Ambition variants with trade-offs may be possible more easily.]

Base "Time Stop" Research DC: 15
Ambition DC Increase: 50
Research DC: 65

Homura Rolled Research | Time Stop (DC 65) : 2(1d100) + 12 (Research) + 10 (Love) = 24 > Failure!

Sleep Action: Train Magical Theory

You take out a few of the books from the library--Palamedes may be willing to lend you a hand commuting during the day, but not in the dead of night--and set to reading.

Unlike Emrys' Tome, these books are, while extremely useful, clearly not aimed at people from this universe. They manage to explain well the principles of his universe's Magic, but it's now very clear why he made you a focus to help with Emulation of Law and Spirit. You don't even have the faintest idea how you would do that, and it will be a necessity to use anything from these books.

They are fascinating, though. More advanced than anything in the Mitakihara Curriculum, for certain, but the subject matter is far more practical for the moment.

Comparing it to what you know about the Magic of Puella Magi, it's radically different, but you also see potential to take advantage of these principles, too--for example, their Circles work like entire Spells, which then build on each other, and you could probably use something like programming principles to do something similar with your own Magic--for example, having a Spell that first gathers information, then acts on it accordingly.

That level of complexity feels awkward for Magic as you've used it in the past, though--even the most advanced Magic is instinctive to use, if not to develop, but these kinds of rules and structures will require more than an intention and an emotion to use. You'd need preparation, or, perhaps, you could hybridize the schools somehow.

You will need to learn a lot more, to do something like that.

Homura Rolled to Train | Magical Theory(19/80) > 84(1d100) + 75 (Emrys Library) + 10 (Love) > (188/80) > Level Up! > (103/85) > Level Up! > (13/90)

Magical Theory 16 > 18

Homura
Grief: 660/1000
Sanity: 422/1000
Bloodheat: 100/100

Kyouko
Grief: 170/1000
Sanity: 500/1000

[Daily Events]

Meeting with Kyrie Lux
- Locked in as one of Homura's Investigation Actions.

[Texts and Emails]

Madoka: "I'm going on a trip to Odaiba for a couple of days, so don't worry if I'm not home when you get back. Should be back soon."

Homura: "That's new. Did something happen?"

Madoka: "Something happened there years ago, and I think it's worth investigating, for Walpurgisnacht."

Homura: "Please take someone with you. Mami--no, not Mami, you might start a war. Ruki, maybe, or see if Oriko will help."

Madoka: "...Umm...I already asked Mami. She seemed pretty lonely, so..."

Homura: "Don't let the Tokyo girls find out she's there. It will get ugly if they do."

Madoka: "I'll do my best--and we'll try to talk it out if that doesn't work!"

Homura: "Please be careful."

Madoka: "I will. See you soon!"

[Arcana Magi, Requests, and Akemi Madness]
If you wish to perform an Action as a different Arcana Magi (Kyouko, for now), simply add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Arcana - Kyouko

If you wish to Request help from another character(s) for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Request - (Character Names)

If you wish to use Akemi Madness for an action, add the following subvote to the action:

-[ ] Akemi Madness

[Available Characters]
The following characters you can contact for Requests. Keep in mind that Allies will sometimes expect a Favor in return, while Friends will help as long as they have time and are willing. You do not get information on willingness and availability prior to the vote, due to the amount of complexity this would add to the process. Social Links values are listed here--multiply these by 10 to determine the size of the die they will roll when assisting with an Action.

Keep in mind some characters may not be suitable for some Actions--Homura will simply not involve a mundane individual in magical combat, for example, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If you really feel the need to involve someone in something they normally should not be (like involving Miho Miki in a Witch Hunt, or anything Magical), please include a justification as a subvote, for mine and Homura's consideration.

Friends
- Madoka Kaname : 10
- Sayaka Miki : 5
- Kyouko Sakura : 5
- Mami Tomoe : 3
- Ruki Shironome : 4
- Miho Miki : 3
- Yuma Chitose : 1
- Junko Kaname : 2
- Nagisa : 1
- Hououin Kyouma : 2
Allies
- Nanoha Takamachi : 2
- Rose : 1
- Freya : 1
- Akane : 1
- Oriko : 3
- Kirika : 2
- Snow : 2
- Clovis Britannia : 2
- Kallen Stadtfield: 2
- King Arthur: 2
- Agravain: 2
- Palamedes: 2
- Kyrie Lux: 1
- Hifumi Togo: 1

[Investigative Actions: 2]
Mysteries
[ ] ~~Friends? (705/2000)~~ [Madoka]
"Igor claims there are 14 special friends I need to find. I should try to find more of them…and maybe find out how they're my friends if I don't know them."

"I did experience a strange connection to Nagisa when I met her, and she's apparently "The Death."

"I have a strange memory of Matoko, which led me to her Barrier. She was clearly older--in her late teens, I'd say--and I'd swear I was the same age, in that moment. It's impossible, but the memory remains."

"I encountered Yuma Chitose, and she has appeared among the list of Arcana Magi in the Velvet Room, as the Wheel of Fortune."

[ ] Igor's Contract (Progress 0/1000)
"I don't remember signing any Contract with Igor, but he insists I did."

[ ] False Memories (121/200)
"I have doubled memories of my first meeting with Weiss. I'm sure there are probably others I haven't noticed yet, too. Maybe if I can recognize them, I can figure out more about this strange timeline?"

"I got in touch with Clovis Britannia, apparently a childhood friend as well. His family's background seems to mesh poorly with the rest of history, suggesting he is an artificial addition, rather than someone that's supposed to be in this timeline."

[ ] A Missing Memory (50/1000)
"When I was talking to Igor, there was a memory that I couldn't find. It was something about selfishness? The Devil? What could have happened?"

"Sherlock believes I've forgotten a moment of selfishness that I have reacted against. Could he mean this?"

[ ] Akemi Madness (500/500) (Breakthrough Ready!)
"There's a strange inherited insanity in our family. It's always been a fact of life before, but others seem scared by it. Maybe I should try to find out more? Looking into our family's history should be a good place to start."

"My Father apparently knows something about this. Meeting with him might help me make some headway, too." (You can spend a Social Action with Takeshi Akemi for a Clue)

"Akemi Madness apparently traces to the demonic blood of Merlin, of all things, and involves the absorption of Emotions from those around us, but that leaves many aspects of it unexplained."

[-] Detective Agency (Exhausted)
"Sherlock Holmes was exactly who he appeared to be. I look forward to studying under him in the near future."

[ ] Britannia Family (0/100)

City

[ ] London

Known Locations

[-] Buckingham Palace (Exhausted)
"I found King Arthur's Hidden Office, and met her there, but she was behaving oddly.
[ ] King Arthur's Hidden Office (0/100)
[-] Big Ben (Exhausted)
"There was someone hiding inside Big Ben. I couldn't find them, but they may return."
"I met Hifumi Togo of the Phantom Thieves, inside her hideout here."
[ ] Hifumi's Hideout (0/100)
[ ] The Tower of London

People

[ ] King Arthur (41/300)
[ ] Agravain
[ ] Galahad (110/150)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield
[X] Kyrie Lux (50/200) [Locked In]

[Social Actions: 1]
[ ] Madoka (Maxed)
[ ] Sayaka (276/500)
[ ] Kyouko (324/500)
[ ] Miho Miki (124/300)
[ ] Takeshi Akemi (6/300)
[ ] Kayaba Akihiko (31/100)
[ ] Soichirou Mikuni (44/100)
[ ] Hououin Kyouma (47/200)
[ ] Kallen Stadtfield (200/200)
[ ] Agravain (171/200)
[ ] King Arthur (59/200)
[ ] Palamedes (22/200)
[ ] Write-In Character

[Home Actions: 2]
[ ] Investigation: Arthur (41/300)
[ ] Investigation: King Arthur's Hidden Office (0/100)
[ ] Social: Kyouko
[ ] Social: Kallen Stadtfield
[ ] Social: Agravain
[-] Study Emrys' Tome [Exhausted - Raise Magical Theory]

[Mission Actions: 1]
[ ] Go Shopping
-[ ] Shopping List
[ ] Go Thieving
-[ ] Thieving List
-[ ] Target Location
[ ] Write-In (Subject to QM Approval, Cannot Overlap with other Action Types.)

[Creative Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically.

Special Actions
[-] Study Emrys' Tome [Exhausted - Raise Magical Theory]

Craft Actions
[ ] Craft Something (Appropriate Craft Roll Required)
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some products may fail automatically.)

Magic Actions
[ ] Spell Development (Development Roll Required)
-[ ] Existing Prototype Name or Spell Description (Broader descriptions are more likely to produce easily developed Spells.)
[ ] Spell Usage
-[ ] Spell(s)
-[ ] Action.
-[ ] Reason for action.
[ ] Attempt to perform a Magical Working. (Magical Theory Roll Required)
-[ ] Working Objective. (Ambition will be decided by QM. Some workings may fail automatically.)

Research Actions
[ ] Research a Theoretical Crafting Product
-[ ] Product Type (Clock, Gun, Etcetera)
--[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
--[ ] Rough Description.
-[ ] Special Product
--[ ] Exact Product Description.
[ ] Research a Theoretical Spell
-[ ] Spell Purpose
-[ ] Ambition (1-20; Higher Ambition produces a better product, but sets a higher DC.)
[ ] Research a Theoretical Magical Working
-[ ] Working Objective.

Grand Undertakings
~~[ ] The Restoration of the Yamato (389500)~~ [Ruki]

[Training Actions: 1]
Applicable available resources will be used automatically. Students may refuse lessons if they are busy, or don't know you well.
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Investigation with Sherlock
[ ] Train someone else in a Skill.
-[ ] Skill
-[ ] Student

[Sleep Actions: 4]
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Write-In Action of another Type (Cost: 20 Sanity)

Renascence: A Homura Quest

Honorifics or Western-style Titles? I've used both before, which is bothersomely inconsistent

Japanese Honorifics (-san, -sama, -dono, -chan, -kun, -senpai, etcetera)

Western Titles (Mister, Miss, job titles, Lord, Lady, etcetera)

Use whichever works better for a given sentence.

Higure

Witch of Faith

Investigation Actions

Friends?

Akemi Madness

Mami Tomoe

Home Actions

Train Melee with Miho

Play SAO with Sayaka and Miho

Mission Actions

A Royal Invitation

Training Actions

Socialize

Creative Actions

Heart Surgery Working Research

Sleep Actions

Clocksmithing

Development

Higure

Witch of Faith

Event - Agravain Meeting

Investigate Galahad | Investigate Arthur

Investigation Actions

Investigate the Detective Agency

Social Actions

Kallen Stadtfield

Home Actions

Investigate Arthur

Investigate Buckingham Palace

Mission Actions

Meet with King Arthur

Creative Actions

Research Efficient Time Stop

Sleep Actions

Investigate Big Ben

Train Development

Higure

Witch of Faith

Investigate Big Ben with Kallen

Investigate the Detective Agency with Kyouko

Socialize with Agravain with Kallen and Kyouko

Investigate Buckingham Palace with Kallen

Mission Action: Meet with King Arthur

Social Actions: Socialize with King Arthur

Develop Accel Prototype with Akemi Madness

Train Development

Investigate Galahad with Kyouko

Train Medical

Higure

Witch of Faith

Social Action: Kyouko

Mission Action: Go Souvenir Shopping with Kyouko

Investigation Action: Investigate Galahad with Kyouko

Investigation Action: Investigate Big Ben with Kallen

Training Action: Train Investigation with Sherlock

Home Action: Study Emrys' tome using Akemi Madness

Home Action: Investigate Buckingham Palace with Kallen

Creative Action: Research a More Efficient Time Stop

Sleep Action: Train Magical Theory