User blog:Wassboss/Ancient Real Life Holy Grail War!

Every 60 years the Great Grail manifests itself in Fuyuki City and Seven Magi summon history's greatest heroes to fight for possession of the omnipotent wish granting device (Which sounds like something you'd hear on T.V Tropes but nope that's how it's referred to in universe). However the first three Grail Wars, well, let's just say they didn't exactly go to plan and nobody has actually successfully claimed the Grail in it's 200 year history. Corrupted by the death Angra Mainyu in the 3rd Holy Grail War and now a vassal for All the World's Evils the Grail no longer has faith in any Magus being able allow the destruction it so desires. What the Grail needs is a simpler processes without all the politics associated with the various founding families and their assortment of potential masters.

Bypassing the usual procedure for selecting participants for the Grail War, the Holy Grail has plucked seven of history's most famous warriors from the past and brought them to Fuyuki City to fight for it's power. An English King, a legendary Samuari, a Song General, the Asia conquering Khan, the Old Man of the Mountain, a Viking King and a Child-Murdering Knight have all been summoned for the ultimate historical battle royale. But which one, if any, will be able to claim the Grail for themselves and grant their deepest desire...

Let's meet the combatants

Saber: Richard the Lionheart


"You can make plan for the future battle, but as soon as it starts – your plan will be ruined. Horn shall sound! And the God with knights help, will put everything in its place."

- Richard the Lionheart

Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was a King of England during the 12th century. Richard was best known for being a leading figure for the christians in the Third Crusade where his battles against Saladin made him into a legendary figure. Spending rarely any time in England (he lived in France and barely spoke any English) nonetheless he was a beloved figure, so much so that he is known as "The Lionheart" due to his bravery and piety.

Arming Sword
 * -|Main Weapon =

The favoured weapons of English knights at the time was the Arming Sword. Weighing in at 2.4 lbs with a length of 3 foot it has a double edged blade and could be used for cutting, slashing and stabbing as well as finding usage as both a one and two handed weapon.

Crossbow
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

Despite likely being trained in using a Longbow, Richard preferred the sheer power of a Crossbow. Weighing in at 4lbs it has an effective range of about 300 foot and could penetrate even the plate armour worn by knights of the period.

 War Axe 
 * -|Special =

War Axes were popular in the middle ages with this particular type being 3 foot long and weighing in at 7 lbs. As well as the notable axe head it also has a spike at the back which can be used for piercing armour.

Lancer: Honda Tadakatsu


"The Shogun's bureaucrats are like wineskins – they should both have ropes around their necks."

- Honda Tadakatsu

Honda Tadakatsu was a Japanese General/Daimyo during the 16th century. Widely considered one of the greatest Samurai of all time even the great Oda Nobunaga described him as a "Samurai among Samurai". He served under Tokugawa Leyasu and fought in over one hundred battles, allegedly never picking up a serious injury nor losing to another Samurai.

Tonbokiri
 * -|Main Weapon =

Honda's most famous and legendary weapon it is claimed that Tonbokiri is so sharp that a dragonfly once landed on it's blade and was instantly cut in half. Said to be up to 19 foot long (with a 3 foot long spear head) and weighing around about 4 lbs Tonbokiri is based on the Yari Spear. It has many uses both as a slashing and a piercing weapon and although certainly not as sharp as the legends suggest was probably much sharper and therefore deadlier than other spears of the period.

Katana
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

Honda's personal Katana was called Nakatsukasa Masamune after the famous swordsmith. Weighing about 3 pounds and with a length of 2 foot and was used to make short, quick strikes at weak points in armour. While poor at stabbing as a slashing weapon it's lightning fast swing speed and sharp blade made it a formidable sword.

 Chigiriki
 * -|Special =

A more aggressive version of the Kusarigama the Chigiriki had a two foot long pole and a 1 foot long chain with a metal ball head. It could be used to strike an opponent, disarm them of their weapon or entangle them in it's chain.

Archer: Yue Fei


"Let us ride our chariots through the Helan Pass. There we shall feast on barbarian flesh and drink the blood of the Xiongnu. Let us begin anew to recover our old empire, before paying tribute to the Emperor."

- Lines from Man Jiang Hong, a poem allegedly written by Yue Fei

Yue Fei was born to a poor family in China. He joined the military at a young age and quickly rose the rank of general after several successful battles against the Jin. As his military reputation grew so did his army and he defeated the Jin armies time and time again until he was outside the gates of Kaifeng, a former captial of the Song. However he was recalled, arrested and executed by a minister named Qin Hui, who feared the influence and respect Yue Fei had gained for himself

Manchu Bow
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Yue Fei was an exceptional Archer and it has been claimed he was able to fire a bow with both hands and shoot a bulls-eye on a target nine out of ten times. While the exact bow he used is unknown I've based it off the famous Manchu Bow for the sake of analysis. With a length of 2.3 feet the Manchu Bow could fire up to ranges of up to 500 foot with a draw strength of 100lbs, enough to puncture through most armour.

Jian
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

The Jian was known as the Gentlemen of Weapons in ancient China. A multi-purpose doubled edged sword able to be used as a slashing or thrusting it weighed about 2lbs and was about 2.2 foot long.

 Qiang Spear
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Known as the King of Weapons the Qiang Spear weighs roughly 5.5 lbs and is 9 foot long. Used as both a thrusting and slashing weapon it also came with a red tassle to blur the vision of an opponent and make it harder to block the spear's attack.

Rider: Genghis Khan


"O people, know that you have committed great sins, and that the great ones among you have committed these sins. If you ask me what proof I have for these words, I say it is because I am the punishment of God. If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you."

- Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan was the first great Khan of the Mongol Empire. Cast out of his tribe at an early age after his father's death, Genghis would go from simple raider to uniting all the tribes under one banner and leading them into war against their Chinese neighbours. Specialising in cavalry and quick strikes against unsuspecting enemies Genghis was the father of an empire that would at it's height controlled 16% of the world's total land area.

Composite Bow
 * -|Main Weapon =

Genghis built his empire on the back of horseback archery and every mongol would've learnt to shoot a bow at a young age. 3 foot in length it could fire at ranges up to 500 foot and with a draw strength of 100lbs it was able to pierce even plate armour if at a close enough range.

Mongol Sabre
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

When too close to use their bows, Genghis and his mongol horde would switch to their sabre's. It was a single edged, 4 foot long blade which weighed in at 2.5 lbs making it perfect for quick strikes. Designed to be used on horseback it was primarily used as a slashing weapon, using the momentum gained by the horse to inflict deep wounds.

 Iron Flanged Mace
 * -|Special =

A powerful close range option, the Mace was especially effective against heavily armoured opponents due to it's blunt force trauma damage. It weighed 4.5 lbs and was 2 foot in length.

Assassin: Rashid ad-Din Sinan


"We have read the gist and details of your letter, and taken note of its threats against us with words and deeds, and by God it is astonishing to find a fly buzzing in an elephant's ear and a gnat biting statues. Others before you had said these things and we destroyed them and none could help them. Will you then annul the truth and give aid to the false?"

- An excerpt from Sinan's letter to Saladin.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan was the head of the Syrian sect of the Hashashin during the 12th century. Best known for his rivalry with Saladin, it is alleged that when Saladin lay siege to Masyaf (where the Hashashin resided) he snuck into his tent and left a poisoned dagger with a note warning him he would be killed if he did not withdraw his assault. This scared Saladin into ending his siege and reaffirmed the great fear Sinan and his sect had cultivated in the region.

Poisoned Khanjar
 * -|Main Weapon =

The preferred assassination weapon of the Hashashin and what Sinan himself used to intimidate Saladin. About a foot in length and weighing only 1lb it would have been used as a stealth weapon, stabbing someone from behind while they are unsuspecting. It is also dipped in poison so even if the initial stab fails to kill it could still lead to the victim's death.

Saif
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

Also known as a Scimitar, the Saif was a popular weapon throughout the middle east at the time. Weighing 2lbs and 3 foot in length the curved shape of the sword made it perfect for slashing and cutting attacks but which also made it unsuitable for stabbing.

 Composite Bow
 * -|Special =

Used during the Seige of Masyaf by the Hashashin's, Sinan would have likely had access to a composite bow. It would have been 3 foot in length it could fire at ranges up to 500 metres with a draw strength of 100lbs.

Berserker: Harald Hardrada


"Treason must be stopped by fair means or foul."

- Harald Hardrada

Harald Hardrada was probably the most famous Viking king. A fearsome giant of a man, Harald was one of three main claimants for the English crown in 1066 alongside William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson. Invading the north of England he expected little resistance but was met by Godwinson and his army and was defeated and killed. His death did help decide the succession however as the fatigued army of Godwinson was defeated by William a few weeks later.

Danish Axe
 * -|Main Weapon =

The Vikings were famous for their use of War Axes and Harald would have often turned to one in battle. This particular axe would have been 5 foot long and weighed in at 7 lbs and while slow to swing would be devastating if hit, causing both cutting damage as well as blunt force damage from the sheer momentum of such a heavy object.

Viking Sword
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

Despite being called "Viking Sword" this particular sword actually originated in the Frankish Empire. A short sword weighing in at 2.5 lbs and being 3 foot in length it was designed to be used one handed as a quick slashing and stabbing weapon.

 Viking Spear 
 * -|Special =

A common weapon in Harald Hardrada's time a spear could be used for both ranged and melee combat. Weighing in at 5 lbs and 7 foot in length it had some serious penetration power when thrown or thrust.

Caster: Gilles de Rais


"When the said children were dead, I kissed them and those who had the most handsome limbs and heads I held up to admire them, and had their bodies cruelly cut open and took delight at the sight of their inner organs; and very often when the children were dying I sat on their stomachs and took pleasure in seeing them die and laughed."

- Extract from Gilles de Rais' own confession during his trial.

Gilles de Rais was a was a French knight and lord during the hundred years war. Serving a commander of the Royal Army he fought alongside Joan of Arc before retiring in 1934. However Rais is far better known for being one of history's first recorded serial killers and is said to have tortured and murdered hundreds of children and was also said to be involved in the occult. This has been disputed in recent years though and it is believed by some the crimes were made up by rival lords who wanted his land and wealth.

Barquemard Short Sword
 * -|Main Weapon =

This sword was allegedly de Rais' preferred murdering tool. 2 foot long and weighing in at 3 lbs it had a stout, double edged blade used mainly for hacking and chopping although it could also be used for stabbing.

Longsword
 * -|Secondary Weapon =

When not murdering children, de Rais would have used the Longsword popular with other knights at the time. Weighing 2.6 lbs and with a length of 3.5 foot it was a straight, doubled edged sword which was very versatile in it's use, being able to thrust, slash and hacking.

 Hand Cannon 
 * -|Special =

Often credited as one of the first firearms used in western warfare. It was a one shot weapon which was fired by lighting a match to a touch hole with the ammo consisting of a round metal ball. It had great stopping and penetration power, easily able to smash through plate armour. However it was also notable unreliable and prone to misfires as well as having a very short range. It also came with a spiked grip on the bottom so it could be used as a club in melee combat.

X Factors

 * -|Experience =

Richard the Lionheart: Richard's only actually spent about a year fighting in the Crusades against Saladin as well as the conquest of Cyprus the year before. He also spent about five years fighting King Phillip of France but unlike the Crusades it was on an intermittent basis.

Honda Tadakatsu: Honda was said to have taken part in well over 100 battles spanning over 30 years during his lifetime and participated in nearly all of the Ieyasu dynasties battles as a general including famous battles such as Nagashino and Kuisegawa.

Yue Fei: Yue Fei joined the army at the age of 19 and spent his early military career helping surpassing rebellions around Kaifeng until it fell in 1129. He then spent the next 12 years leading counterattacks against the Jin and Jurchens, managing to fight his way to within view of Kaifeng before being recalled by Emperor Gaozong in 1141.

Genghis Khan: Genghis spent his early years in combat with rival mongol tribes in his quest to unite them under one banner. After this he the next 16 years almost constantly at war, first against the Jin empire and then against Khwarazmian empire until his death in 1227.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan: Little is known about Rashid's early life but according to his autobiography he was the son of a merchant and so likely had little combat experience before joining the Hashashin's. Again reports are sketchy over his role but he likely took part in many assassinations before rising to become head of the sect.

Harald Hardrada: Harald fought his first battle at the age of fifteen and spent his younger years as a member of the Varangian Guard where he natural fighting ability saw him quickly rise to commander. He spent his time as King constantly fighting in Denmark until his defeat by Harold Godwinson in York

Gilles de Rais: Gilles first taste of combat was during the Hundred Years War from 1427 to 1435 when he retired. He served in Joan of Arc's special guard fighting alongside her in many battles including the famous siege of Orleans. Richard the Lionheart: Richard would've been covered from head to toe in chainmail which consisted of a long mail shirt, gauntlets, leggings and a coif. Richard would have also worn an iron helmet to cover his entire head with two small slits to see out of as well as carrying a 70x40cm knight's shield.
 * -|Armour =

Honda Tadakatsu: As with other Samurai of the period Honda would've worn a steel breast plate, with steel and leather lamellar protecting the arms and legs. Underneath this there would be Kusari chainmail and padding for further protection. Honda was also famed for his helmet which had adorned with deer antlers so everyone knew who he was.

Yue Fei: As a high ranking member of the military Yue Fei would've likely worn mirror armour which consisted of a round metal disc across the front of the torso and mountain pattern armour (riveted iron scales) covering the shoulders and thighs for added protection.

Genghis Khan: Focused on quick cavalry strikes Genghis would've worn lamellar made from rawhide leather and iron plates with a silk vest underneath which reduces the damage caused by arrows as well as a iron helmet.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan: Since assassins rarely if ever had to actually fight their targets it is unlikely Sinan wore any armour at all.

Harald Hardrada: Harald would've worn a riveted mail shirt in combat as well as a rounded cap iron helmet with a "spectacle guard" around the eyes. He'd have also carried a 90x91cm Shield made of oak with an iron boss in the middle.

Gilles de Rais: Gilles, as with all Knights of his period, would have worn full plate armour which covered his entire body as well as a gambeson for further protection. He'd also have worn a bacinet helmet with a removable visor. Richard the Lionheart: Despite many great victories against Saladin in the Middle-East, Richard was never able to complete his goal of reconquering the Holy Land. His wish therefore would be that Jerusalem be returned to Christian Rule.
 * -|Wish =

Honda Tadakatsu: Honda lived a long and fulfilling life as Samurai and later a Daimyo and there is nothing in his life he would change even if he could. What Honda instead desires is true incarnation in his younger body, so that he could continue his legendary battle exploits once more.

Yue Fei: Yue Fei was betrayed by his emperor during his battle to retake Kaifeng from the Jin dynasty and died in prison, cowardly executed by a man who feared his influence. Yue Fei wishes nothing more than to reunite the two kingdoms of the Song and the Jin and return Emperor Qinzong to his rightful place.

Genghis Khan: Genghis Khan achieved many great things in his life, paving the way for the largest continuous land empire in history. The one thing Genghis was never able to do in his lifetime was subjugate and destroy the Jin/Song Empire and so his wish would be the extermination of what is now modern day China.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan: Sinan was the respected and feared leader of the Syrian branch of the Hashashin's and achieved great status in his lifetime. Learning of the destruction of the Sect at the hands of Hulagu in 1256 however saddens and angers him, so his wish would be for the sect to restored to it's former glory.

Harald Hardrada: Harald was unable to claim the English throne, being defeated by Harold Godwinson at Stamford Bridge. Harald's wish is to take what is rightfully his and be crowned King of England.

Gilles de Rais: His execution for murder, heresy and witchcraft put and end to Gilles' reign of terror. If he was to win the Grail War, Gilles would wish for a limitless supply of children to torture and kill, free from prosecution from the law.

Battle Location


Einzbern Castle & Forest 

Located on the outskirts of Fuyuki City sits a castle, in a forest, on a mountain range; the perfect location for a battle royale. The forest is enormous and is a literal sea of trees because of the Einzbern's refusal to develop it into a more accessible area. So unkempt is the forest that the trees block out most of the sunlight making it impossible to see more than 10 metres ahead. There is however a large clearing of about 40 metres diameter with ruins of old buildings scattered within, a rare area of high visibility, as well as a small abandoned house.

The castle itself is a four hour walk on foot from the entrance of the forest. Built to look like a "コ" from above it is a majestic and awe inspiring building and the only signs of civilisation within the vast forest. The interior is lavishly designed with gold adorning the walls, ceilings and floors and luxurious furniture everywhere. Sporting an attic, basement, dining room, numerous bedrooms all interconnected by dozens of winding corridors. The pièce de résistance is the courtyard with beautiful blue flowers surrounding a circular area with red markings drawn around it.

Scenario and Voting
As per usual Holy Grail Wars this is a fight to the death and only the last "servant" standing will be able to claim the Grail and have their wish granted. However this doesn't mean this is just a simple arena battle; the combatants are free to approach the war as they wish. They may choose to try and hunt down the other "servants", they might try and stay out of the fighting an observe, go in all Leroy Jenkins against everyone at once, pick of their opponents stealthily one by one or whatever other strategy they care to think up. All of the combatants have been informed that there are six other "servants" they have to defeat but will not be told of their identities, they'll have to figure that out for themselves if they can. Each combatant will be dropped at a random point in the forest or castle within about a mile radius so it isn't completely impossible to find each other.

When voting please rank the "servants" in order of who will survive the longest (aka seventh for the first to die, sixth for the second to die etc), giving at least two sentences explaining your choice. Ties are allowed if you think two or more warriors are equally likely to die at any given point. Votes will be counted by assigning a score based on the placement as follows;

First: 7

Second: 6

Third: 5

Fourth: 4

Fifth: 3

Sixth: 2

Seventh:1

If there is a tie then both warriors will be assigned the highest number of points they tied on (for example if there was a tie for first, both warriors would get 7 points etc). The warrior with the highest total will win.