Part 48: Golden Poem - War

War


Military Tactics

Oh, I think that's a great idea. But...how exactly would we do that? I nod silently, wondering if we're going to do some sort of simulation using the features of the Throne.

It is settled! We will play Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum!

What is that...?

Hm. So knowledge of it has escaped your grasp. Imagine, my own Praetor, so robustly informed of so many divine myths and history, completely at a loss. Well, no matter. Exactly as its name suggests, it is a game played with twelve lines. It was supremely popular in Rome! Surely you know of backgammon? Think of it as the Roman version of that. Truth be told, the difference between the two is not so vast. Seneca said that the game originated in the region neighboring Egypt, but...even I remain unaware of its true origins. Essentially, it is a military strategy game played using a board with twelve spaces on two rows.

Nero would be right to be wary of Seneca's explanation. Supposedly Ludus is based on the the Egyptian game senet, "but some consider this doubtful because, with the exception of limited superficial similarities between the appearance of the boards, and the use of dice, there is no known evidence linking the games. Another factor casting doubt on this link is that the latest known classical senet board is over half of a millennium older than the earliest known XII scripta board."

Oh, and XII scripta is another name for the game. Easier to remember.

Hm. I see. Frankly, the only thing I'm sure of is that Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum sounds like Latin... But if it's the "Roman version backgammon", as Saber says, it must have similar rules about getting all of one's pieces to the goal. ...Ah, I understand what Saber is trying to say. The battles that occur every day on this new SE.RA.PH are, in essence, one big conflict over territory. We could probably learn a thing or two from a game where we send our pawns to a goal point...

Now, I shall explain the rules. Do not let your mind wander during my explanation, as I will say this once, and only once.

And so Saber begins teaching me the rules. Her explanation definitely reminds me of backgammon, so I'm sure it'll be easy to pick up. We jump into our first game right away, but...



I can't win... Whether it's her natural talent, or whether she's simply got me beat in terms of experience, Saber is too good at this! I can get on a point where I think I'm only a step away from winning, but I can't seem to clinch the last move. It's just impossible. I've lost twice in a row now.

You were so close, my Praetor. You were one move away from your first victory, and yet the results speak for themselves. A single step, a single choice, is enough to decide the outcome of a match. It is not so different from the territory battles within SE.RA.PH, is it?



Yeah yeah. Hakuno didn't get to where she is by backing down, though. We'll win one of these days.

Splendid! As I expected, such is the indefatigable passion that lies within my Praetor's bosom! Now, let us play again! Steel your resolve, as I have no intention of holding back!

The next stage is gonna be pretty tough, and you'll want to prepare anti-Fire / Poison code casts going ahead. Otherwise, when you're choosing Side Missions, you can choose from anyone on Tamamo or Nero's staffs. So if you need to raise a few bond levels, now's your chance.


Golden Poem Stage 4

So in pretty typical late-game fashion, you and your allies will be under heavy attack at the start. You'll start with three Sectors under control: one is where Cu Chulainn currently is, one is where Gawain is (he'll start off under attack from Jeanne, however), and the Sector where Nero starts. There are two high-profile Sectors, one right in front of you, and the other at the bottom left of the map.

While it would definitely be most prudent to attack those two Sectors, Gawain can't hold out forever. If Gawain loses his fight with Jeanne and you haven't taken over one of the high-profile areas, that's your loss. My plan of attack is to hit the nearest high-profile, take it over, then take out the Plant at the bottom of the map, THEN relieve Gawain. You have to be fast doing this, however, since Gawain can't hold out forever.

As a note, the stage video features only gameplay stuff. The story cutscenes will be in their own videos.



You can always count on Cu. After a certain amount of time has passed (maybe like 3-4 minutes), this scene will pop.







Start by surrounding their base! Third unit, get into position, got it?!

What this scene means is Iskandar's calling his heavy units, and true to form, you're gonna be fighting a TON of these heavy Aggressors. Hope you like it.



And yeah, while you're busy with Iskandar's armies, Nameless will point out that Gil's just quietly hanging out in the upper left. Since Gilgamesh doesn't *do* quiet, you know he's up to something. Well, his plan is to invade the sector Cu is in, and we just can't have that. We'll intercept him as soon as we're finished with Jeanne.



Since you'll be fighting a lot of heavies in this stage, you'll quickly realize the importance in Nero's quick movements, since she can dash in the middle of a group of them, pull off a special attack to glide between them while doing damage. It's timing and position you'll have to make work for you, since you'll be facing groups of up to 4 or 5 of them at a time.



So Jeanne again. I had a pretty easy time here, if only because Jeanne is quite slow in comparison to Nero's blazing speed. As long as you don't get caught in the blast radius of her most powerful special attacks, you won't have much to worry about. If Gawain is still standing, he'll do a good job of keeping other enemy Aggressors off your back.



When it comes to Gilgamesh, Nero is definitely fast enough to allow Gilgamesh to fire some of his most powerful attacks, circle around him, and attack from behind. The problem for Nero here is her lack of power makes this quite the battle of attrition. There's really no way to get around the fact this fight will take a while, but as long as you dodge the heavies and stay focused on launching special attacks against Gil, he is also not too big of a problem.

One of Gil's weaknesses is his long cooldowns between special attacks and resuming combat, so you can either use that time to break off and get some supplies or launch your own attack. As it usual, Gil will break off the fight when he gets low enough on health, but he will be back.



But yeah, just look at this clown parade. Those are some pretty big punching bags.



That was fast. Well, everything I said about him holds in your follow-up battle. I will not mention it further here.



Well, I will mention one thing. Getting too close to his Gate of Babylon, even from behind, is a bad idea.



Yikes. I came into this Sector with a full line-up of 11 Aggressors.



Alright. Almost time for Iskandar to make his grand debut.

And oy. Look alive, Gawain.




The Path of the King of Conquerors

*laugh* Splendid, splendid! I'm pleased you managed to defeat my men-at-arms and make it all the way here! Accept my admiration! However, I never expected this! How fortunate that I would cross paths with a Servant capable of keeping up with my army!

Indeed, it was a vicious battle that had us on the brink of death! You truly are a Top Servant in command of superb men. Most impressive! But we reach the end at last. Prepare yourself, pawn of the Umbral Star! As long as I have my Praetor at my side, glory shall shine upon me! My talents are no less brilliant on the battlefield! My swordplay sings in dulcet tones that elicit the most thunderous of applause!

Hm. You thrust your insults with grace and authority. Your boasts are filled with the pride and confidence of a rose that blooms on the battlefield. Allow me to state this plainly. You truly are a Hero. I pray that doubt will never cling to your footsteps, that you will neither bend nor break in the face of danger. Stand by your words even as I trample you underfoot!

I can feel it even from within the Regalia. His spirit doesn't waver in the slightest, even though we've destroyed so much of his army. He is exactly as the record described. This pressure... This force...! I'm struck by a feeling of tension and bloodcurdling fear unlike anything I've felt before. Even standing in front of nine Heroic Spirits doesn't compare to this. I'm lad that I'm inside the ring right now, because if I had a corporeal form, I'm sure I would have embarrassed myself in front of Saber. An army of 10,000 men would be no match for this great Heroic Spirit. The great King who invades, trampling his foes, roaring the proud song of victory at the end of his march of conquest...I know his name. His name is Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, who established the supremacy of Macedonia...!

Iskandar, you say! Even the enlightened ruler Gaius Julius Caesar admired the imposing great King! To face you in battle is the greatest of honors! However! On the battlefield, only one's sword speaks true! You have my respect, mighty King, but I shall cut you down along with your mantle! My name is Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus...! King of Conquerors, face my blade!

Oh?! So you are that Nero Claudius! *laugh* Now that I have a closer look at you, my eyes are nearly blinded by all that red and gold! I see now, the air of Rome is all about you! But this is quite the surprise. I never knew that the famed tyrant was so skilled in the art of war! And for you to reveal my True Name... Do you have a particularly skilled scout on your side? Or could it be that the Wizard you have hiding in that ring has invoked some curious magic?

Incidentally, Iskandar and the rise of Rome on the Mediterranean scene are somewhat contemporaries. Iskandar was born in 356 BC, and at the time, Rome had begun consolidating its power on the Italian peninsula. You have to keep in mind Iskandar's wars against the Achaemenid Empire were carried out over a short period of time, only 10 years. By the time Rome began looking toward the eastern Mediterranean, the remains of Alexander's empire in Egypt and southeastern Europe, they had been around for a couple centuries and were in decline, ripe for Roman plucking.

Alexander himself probably was not familiar with anything going on west of Greece, and even at death he seemed mostly uninterested in European affairs (such as they were, and supposedly the campaign he was planning at the time of his death in Babylon were expeditions into what's now the Arabian peninsula), but Rome was a significant power by the time of his death in 323.

In a certain sense, yes, but it's not something in the realm of a Code Cast. We've found ourselves in a rather curious predicament. ...Hm.

...Um, Saber?

What is the matter, Emperor of Roses? Your blade is suddenly clouded with doubt. The reason why I waited for you here was to claim your head. Of course, if you speak your desire to join my forces instead, I'll take that under consideration.

That is my line, King of Conquerors. I... I simply thought something to be strange.

Huh? Well, you sure know how to pique my interest. That's what I like about you. You're too straightforward to be malicious. Speak, then. Sate your curiosity.

...Then I shall ask. What circumstances have led to you, of all people, standing among the forces of the Umbral Star? I know naught of the King of Conquerors' original nature, but your powerful words and overflowing spirit embody the Iskandar portrayed in legend. You are no Anti-Hero, seeking to thrust the world into chaos. Why is one of history's greatest Heroes content being a mere pawn of the malevolent Star? It doesn't look as though they have meddled with the inside of your mind... Hm...

That's actually something I was curious about as well. What in the world is going on with this great Hero? Just as Saber says, he doesn't look like he's being manipulated, at least as far as I can tell. Then... He must be doing this because he has something else in mind.

Ah... Well, you see, there are...certain circumstances, and I have my own reasons. You're asking me something that's difficult to answer. No matter. I'll reward you for masterfully defeating my men-at-arms up to this point. ...You know of the maiden who goes by the name "Altera"?

...Of course I know of her.

I crossed blades with her. And I lost. Afterwards, I had to weigh certain considerations, and so I decided to fight on her side. She calls herself the "embodiment of destruction" or some such nonsense, but it makes not a shred of sense to me. Is destruction the true nature of battle? At the very least, that is not what I fight for. Then what does it mean to fight? For what reason do we raise our swords? That girl is missing those crucial answers inside her heart. So I thought to myself: I will ahve to fill in those answers for her by showing her the way I fight!



Of course, I have no way to confirm that she's properly paying attention to me, but...

I don't think I understand all of what he's saying. But maybe, just maybe, I understand a little bit of it. The King of Conquerors sensed something strange in Altera, who fights like a machine, and yet calls herself the "embodiment of destruction". So he's trying to convey something to her simply by being his true self, by fighting exactly the way he did when he was alive...Something like that, at least.

...I see. Even though we walk different paths, you and I have the same goal. My Praetor and I want to save Altera from her disastrous end. For that purpose, I will pick up my sword and cleave through an army of thousands. ...No, we are still not quite the same, King of Conquerors!

Fun fact: Nero and Iskandar were explicitly designed to be similar in character. Iskandar's character in Fate/zero made such an impression on Nasu (zero was written by his buddy Gen Urobuchi), that Nasu wanted a character who was pretty similar to him, and out of that desire came Nero.


*laugh* That's right, tyrant! There is a slight difference between us. All I intend to do is teach her a lesson by showing her the extent of my might!











Hmph, the mongrels are at it again. Their barbarity shines through on the battlefield. Those cretins are like two peas in a pod. ...Now. What shall I do if this battle fails to amuse me? Perhaps I should put the mongrel on our side down, along with that charlatan Emperor.



The flag-bearing woman. What is it? I am busier than you could imagine. Go speak to a wall if all you want to do is mutter inanities.

Why... Why do you obey Altera? Unlike me and the King of Conquerors, you were not selected by the Moon Cell. I cannot see a single reason why you would bother with the Umbral Star. And yet, you even volunteered yourself to be second-in-command. ...Why would you do this?

Obey? Me, obey? Hah! Woman, did you honestly expect me to bow my head in fealty to that girl? That is truly hilarious! You could moonlight as a court jester. That was such an amusing joke, I may even have to consider adding you to my vault!

I-I do not jest...

Jeanne is right there. There's always something fun about the overly-earnest person clashing with the dude not taking things too seriously.

Ah, that was quite the accomplishment, making me roar with laughter. I'll reward you for it. Why, it's a simple story. As I was riddled with unimaginable boredom on the "Far Side" of SE.RA.PH, I felt an awakening in the Zero Dark. It had been 14,000 years since the advent of the malevolent star. I hold no memories of that event, but there remains a faint connection. Either way, I was certain this would all make for a grand spectacle. I mentioned my profound ennui, yes? And so, I took it upon myself to intervene. Ah, but this battle nears its end. My father's contract, the base of my divine legend, is nearly finished as well. I wonder what end she will bring upon this generation. Even I cannot see what the end entails. You, too, should ruminate on what may transpire as you babysit the Moon Cell.

A lot to take in there. Besides the obvious CCC reference, it does lend credence to the supposition he wasn't making excuses to Altera back when he joined in the Dawn Arc, since he has nothing to justify to Jeanne regarding his current state of affairs, and that he does feel at least somewhat obligated to defend the honor of Urukians such as himself. For the record, Gilgamesh's 1/3rd human side comes from his father's side of his parentage.

His "I cannot see what the end entails" is, I believe, a reference to Gilgamesh's Clairvoyance skill he actually has, but doesn't typically show. He's capable of quite a bit of foresight as to what will happen in the near future, but it's not something he can display as well as some others, but some accurate future-sight is possible. An EX rank in this particular skill would let the user see both the distant past and future with near perfect clarity. When Gilgamesh manifests as a Caster, he exercises it a bit more.

On a final note, I love his "profound ennui" line. He's like "I did mention how spectacularly bored I was, right?"

...It seems you are correct. Who can say what might happen? If only I had the clarity of purpose that comes with facing a clear evil such as yourself.

Hah, so you've finally regained your composure. Go on, then. Ride home on your high horse. Even your doubts will bring me some measure of amusement. *teleports out*



Getting back to business, it's getting a little crowded in here, and basically everywhere the enemy still holds court. This is primarily what makes fighting Iskandar on this stage tough, just that there's so many enemies he can easily pull out some of his most devastating special moves and get you with those. You'll want to start attacks a fair bit away from the mass of enemy heavies, just so that your special attacks will do the most damage to the largest number of them.



And keep in mind, these heavies have a lot of health. Enough to withstand an un-upgraded Noble Phantasm.



That is indeed a mighty chariot. He pretty much just drops it on top of a target.

Embarrassingly, I deleted the source video / battle video before I realized I posted a copy of the chariot screenshot here, so I'll just leave you with this as my finishing blow against Iskandar - Shoryureppa! Fill in the blanks for yourself.








Top Servants

...Hm. To place your pride on the line and fight for supremacy through a single sweep of your sword. That is what I mean when I speak of battle. To merely attack, and steal, and burn to the ground... How could that slake anyone's thirst? And especially if... Yes, this is good. This was a satisfying battle. As thanks for filling me with such joy, I'll allow you to trumpet your victory to the heavens! Indeed, this has been a whirlwind. I have no regrets! The King of Conquerors shall take his leave of the Moon! Emperor of Roses...no, Sword of Roses! ...Farewell!



The Hero is gone. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a certain majesty in his exit. I feel it strongly within me. The Hero fought and fell in the heat of abttle. He lost every function of his temporary Cyber Frame bestowed upon him by the Moon Cell, and in the end, lost his life as well. I'm at a loss for words. If Altera were here, if she'd seen this, would she have felt anything from it? I don't know. I can't say for sure. But I want to hope... I want to hope that if she had seen it, she too would have felt something in her heart.

To make you recognize him, to enthrall you, to make you submit to him in both body and mind... That was the "battle" of the King of Conquerors. Indeed, I could not imagine a greater King! Other battles have made my blood boil and my heart race, but this was the first battle that I almost wanted to lose! He was truly a fearsome opponent. I would not have been victorious without the power of the Regalia... No, without the support of my Praetor. I should be the one giving thanks, mighty King. The marks you've left as you chased your dreams to the ends of the Earth... I will never forget your bravery.



I knew we'd been missing something...

What kind of Top Servant was that?! He was just a meathead with war on the brain! If that's all he could do, I'm way more deserving of that title!



I'm the greatest idol of all time, an abominable Top Servant! Yeah, that's who I am! Everyone will know my name throughout SE.RA.PH as the most beautiful, the cutest, the most painful... No, I won't be limited to such a small stage! I'll be the number one galactic super idol in all of SE.RA.PH, the Umbral Star, and the galaxy combined!

I know that voice...

By the Gods, you are a blood-crazed beast when it comes to sensing the mood!

Well yeah, she knows just when to arrive to ruin things, so yeah, I would think so.

Praise me! Envy me! Sorry for being a little late to the stage, but here I am!



Corroded Elizabeth Bathory. The final version of Elizabeth. I saw her like this in the record. Hmm. It looks like she's gained a lot of power. All right. At least her name is super straightforward...!

So, Elizabeth, the Umbral Star has done its work on you... I-I see... It's exactly as you say... What should I...? Rather, I know not if I can... The King of Conquerors resisted the Umbral Star and remained majestic until the end, but you... How were you consumed so easily...?

Y-You're wrong! I wasn't "consumed". I'm the one doing the consuming here! I'm taking advantage of its power for my own sake, okay?! I'm gonna invade the heart of every single intelligent being and consume THEM! That's what Corroded Liz is all about, okay?

...

Hold up, what's going on here? Why are you guys so quiet? Is this thing on...? You're scared, right? You're horrified, yeah? I mean, I've seriously got over ten times the mana that you have! There's nothing I can't do now. No matter what anyone says, I can smack them down with my power. I won't let anyone say I'm not a top idol!

What can you say? Idol business is cutthroat.

...I pity you. You once found salvation in the path of the idol, and now you've utterly forgotten what it means. it is not something one achieves with brute force. I must imagine you went looking for power and were swallowed up. Heartbreaking. Once, you were truly worthy of being called my rival. So this is how far you've fallen... Elizabeth Bathory, washed up...

I didn't fall at all! And I'm NOT washed up! And hello, I am STILL your rival! Oh my god! Just shut up already!



...Just shut up already. I'm done losing. I clawed my way up to the top. No one will ever call me a loser again. I don't need atonement or redemption. Hey, you can hear me in there, right, little squirrel? The Umbral Star gave me what I needed to bloom with all my might as the incarnation of evil I am. So now I can do anything. It doesn't matter if it's my rival or a Top Servant. It doesn't matter at all. I could even kill YOU.

Her voice... It sends a shiver up my figurative spine. Whatever else she is, Elizabeth is telling the truth here. She probably will kill anyone who gets in her way. Even if it's Saber. Or me.

...Elizabeth. If you are so determined, I will say no more. Regardless, it is not as if my words have ever reached you in the first place! I do not understand your pain and suffering. Or why you have suddenly changed. However... If you still call me your rival after all that you and I have been through, then I shall answer your call!





So I dunno what was going for me this time, but this fight was really easy for me. Elizabeth could barely even attack.



She really was just an extended punching bag. Quite a sad showing for the idol.




The door to the Zero Dark

Strong, so strong! Good! You'd have to be in order to be my rival! Oh, you're so strong! *laugh* I can tell you have two pieces of the Regalia! It seems you're a hard one to kill! But that doesn't mean I CAN'T kill you! I haven't even started yet!

Ugh...!

...She's strong! I can't deny that Corroded Elizabeth Bathory is a fearsome enemy. Even discounting the fact that we're exhausted from the fight with Iskandar, this Liz stands head and shoulders above her usual self.

Yes, my Praetor. She is an entirely different entity from the Elizabeth we know.

This is such a good feeling, Saber. *chuckle* I'm finally looking down on you, and the view is incredible. I should praise you. You're actually pretty strong. I have the power of the Umbral Star, you have the power of the Regalia. We're a good match now, don't you think? Guess it was a little presumptuous of me to assume I'd just squash you like a bug. So then... Come to the Zero Dark. I'll leave the door open just for you. ...I don't need the Regalia anymore. I'm gonna get my hands on something much, much more powerful. And I'll do anything for it. I'll be waiting to welcome you there. The more you struggle, the more everything will fall into place exactly like I have planned... Yeah, first I'll defeat Altera! And then I'll take care of that gross Archimedes! And after that... *laugh* You'd better prepare yourself, squirrel! *laugh* *teleports out*



...The entrance to the Zero Dark. We've completed our first goal, at least. However... It's true that we don't stand a chance like this. The power of the Regalia... I will have to truly brace myself...

The Boss of the area should have been Iskandar. But seeing as how Liz opened the entrance, maybe the Boss fights were switched to her right before she was destroyed. Either way, just as Saber said, we've managed to complete our first goal...even if we did come out of it pretty torn up. We normally don't have a way to get to the Zero Dark from SE.RA.PH, but the path is open now. Although I don't believe everything that Elizabeth said to us, as far as I can tell, the entrance is stable.

The observation results agree. The space that was opened as an entrance does remain stable, by the standards of such things. At the very least, it won't close of its own volition. You should head back to base first and rest before going any further. I salute the both of you. Now I highly recommend you recover your mana.

Yes... You're right. Irksome as it may be, I fear I may be nearing my limits. I trust you have no objections, my Praetor? Let us nurse our wounds in My Room. ...The true battle is yet to come.



For a pretty tough stage, just length-wise, that's about as I can do. Side missions were also a perfect 5/5.