Issue 1: Asakusa posted:

Try the Ise Special, Honeyed Rice Cakes!
With the delicious aroma of rice, a hardy crunch, and a sweetness that fills the mouth, the Honeyed Rice Cake is Available in Asakusa for the first time ever!
Said to have been first sold in the town outside of Ise Shrine by an official of Kinoshita, this snack has a light flavor that will appeal to people of all ages and really sticks to the ribs.
Could something that good truly exist, you ask? If you don't believe it, come line up at a food stall in Asakusa and see for yourself. But beware, you may find yourself drawn to Senso-ji every day for another bite!

Issue 2: Asakusa posted:

Who Dwells in the Haunted House?
Set on a back street in the residential area of Asakusa, this "haunted house" doesn't have a single ghost inside. But it's so shabby that the house itself might turn into a ghost!
Rumours say that a young man started living in this ramshackle, old house not too long ago, so I asked around to see what kind of weirdo this guys is. Inside there's apparently a book that can fly, the laughing voice of a girl that shouldn't be there, and the sounds of swinging swords night after night...
Maybe I shouldn't have asked in the first place! Well, I certainly won't be going near that spooky place again.

Issue 3: Yoshiwara posted:

Takao Dayu the 2nd, a Femme Fatale?
Though not spoken of outside the gates, rumors stirring in Yoshiwara say a lord drew his sword on Takao Dayu for not bending to his will.
True or not, there is no shortage of jealous fools who would spread lies about the number on courtesan of Yoshiwara. On the other hand, some lords are so obsessed with Dayu that they'd happily empty their coffers for her.
With news of another family scandal involving the pleasure quarter recently making the rounds in Edo, it might be best to take drinking and women in moderation - fly too close to the sun and you might get burned.

Issue 4: Okachimachi posted:

Soldiers on the Road to Success
Do you ever wonder when the area south of Kan'ei-ji, situated on the north-east of Edo Castle, earned the name Okachimachi, 'Soldier Town'? The origin of the name is clear enough - it refers to the many residences in the area for low-ranking samurai foot soldiers. But did you know other people live there as well?
There's the Osakite-gumi, in charge of Edo Castle's security and keeping the peace around town (and who are hated for the rough attitudes and eagerness to draw their swords), and the mounted Goshoinban-gumi, who act as guards for the Shogun and are galloping full speed towards promotion.
It might not be obvious based on their dress, but you'll surely be able to tell which group they belong to by the look on their faces. I'd avoid going near the Osakite-gumi if I were you.

Issue 6: Suidobashi posted:

Clean Water Thanks to the Waterworks
Our thirsts are quenched by virtue of the Kanda Waterworks, which draws water from Inokashira Pond and brings it straight to Edo.
It evidently used to be called Koishikawa Waterworks long ago when they drew water from the Koishikawa River. In any case, water shortages continue to grow as the number of people living in Edo increases. Every resident in Edo must have wondered at least once what would happen if a big fire broke out...
Fortunately, the authorities have plans for a new waterworks. It seems they intend to draw water from the Tamagawa in the west and send it all the way to Okido in Yotsuya. Construction could get started as early as next year, and that would certainly take a load off many minds.

Issue 7: Torikoe posted:

A Prince Enshrined
South of Asakusa stands the Torikoe Shrine. The principal deity is the ancient hero Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, after whom the shrine's old name, Shiratori, 'White Birds,' was apparently taken.
Just between you and me, but before the illustrious Ieyasu began his rule in Edo, the entirety of Asakusa running along Sumidagawa belongs to the shrine. Afterwards, Mount Torikoe was leveled, and all the ponds were filled in to build the Asakusa rice granaries. And of the three shrines that used to be here, this last remaining one is said to have only been spared due to the desperate pleas of the head priest. The government might have needed the land, but there's still something sad about it all.
It'd be nice if they held a big festival like Kanda Shrine does. We'd need a flashy portable shrine to match that Edo spirit!

Issue 9: Yanagiware posted:

Yanagawara Protects Edo from Ogres
Did you know there's a place full of willows along the Kanda River called Yanagiwara Embankment? Apparently those willows were planted around two hundred years ago. That's all the way back when Ota Douken had the old Edo Castle built!
Looking from the castle, that embankment would be to the northeast - an unlucky direction of evil spirits. Yanagimori Shrine was supposedly built there to welcome the Fushimi Inari deity all the way from Kyoto, and the willow trees were planted to ward off evil.
Willows don't break under the wind, so we humans should also learn to bend like the willow tree.

Issue 11 posted:

Look Who's Strutting Around Akasaka
In Akasaka, the famed Kii Tokugawa family owns a spare residence in one of the best housing areas in Edo. Those of you in the know might have heard this already, but a group of Chinese are staying there. Even more, there seems to be some bigwig named Koxinga among them. He's apparently called that because he was permitted to use the same family name as the Ming Emperor. Of course, Koxinga isn't actually the emperor's name; that word means something like 'Lord of the Imperial Surname.'
I don't know if this has anything to do with this particular gentleman, but there are rumors in Akasaka that a flute can be heard playing in the Chinese residence on nights when the moon is beautiful. They say the flutist must be a strikingly beautiful woman or man. If it's true, I'd like to take a look for myself.

Issue 12: Nihonbashi posted:

Whitebait or Kudzutai?
Have you ever visited Uogashi in Nihonbashi? Fish, fish, and more fish line the stores from front to back. Just one look will have you smacking your lips.
What draws the most eyes, though, is either the beautifully translucent whitebait or the sea bream with its shiny scales. Both used to be luxury items that us commoners could never eat.
When the great Ieyasu was still around, catching whitebait for any purpose other than offering them to the Shogun was forbidden. Sea bream caught using special fishing nets made in Futtsu were called Kudzutai and became offerings to the Shogun as well.
Now that such delicacies have become available to folks like us, I'd say things have changed for the better.

Issue 13: Akasaka posted:

Three Thousand Monks Gather at Zojo-ji
Though famous for Lord Hidetada's grave, Zojo-ji is reportedly more important amongst trainee monks for its status as the first entry on a list of eighteen temples, called Kanto Danrin, where they can train. That would make Zojo-ji the most important temple in eastern Japan.
You should go see for yourself sometime, but Zojo-ji is surrounded by small wood-shingled dwellings that the monks use for their dormitories. There's said to be over a hundred cabins and around the same number of temples. I hired a bored fellow to count the number of monks there, but he gave up after going past three thousand.

Issue 14: Shinagawa posted:

Shinagawa, Lovely in Every Season
If Nihonbashi is the beginning of the Tokaido Highway, then Shinagawa is the first post station. Many travelers visit the sprawling town that stretches in both directions down the road, and daimyo on their way to and from Edo customarily stay at the Shinagawa Inns. Moreover, the scenery can be enjoyed across all four seasons, so Edo's citizens also have fond memories of their own.
Spring brings us the cherry blossoms of Gotenyama. In the summer, people gather on the night of July 26th to watch the moon for Tenno Festival. Kaian-ji becomes a vibrant sea of red leaves in the fall. And in winter, you can enjoy the bounties of the sea. I think you, dear reader, must have been to Shinagawa several times already, yes?
That reminds me, execution grounds have been built nearby at Suzugamori. It still hasn't been used yet, but I wonder who will be the first to lose their life there...

Rigged Death Trap posted:

A severe understatement

Whammiewazzle posted:

I had only played the two Musou like Fate gates from Marvelous before playing this one, so I'm happy to watch someone with more Fate knowledge play through it. Also, for anyone thinking of playing this themselves, don't start on hard difficulty like I did, the amount of increased damage enemies do is insane.

Jossar posted:

As somebody who used to be a really big Fate fan but has been out of the loop for a few years, this seems like a fun way to get back into it. Will be watching with interest.

Hunt11 posted:

Should be fun watching series newcomers and old hands react to this game.

McTimmy posted:

It's wild coming back every so often to check out what's shaking.

Cloacamazing! posted:

It's kind of weird to have him fight on the same level as a servant in the beginning, I guess Saber was conserving strength for the actual fight?

The Lone Badger posted:

Should I describe the difference between Magecraft and Magic, or would that be spoilers?

Nissin Cup Nudist posted:

Unless I'm missing something, the original F/SN isn't on Steam. Is there anywhere else to pick it up?

Tarezax posted:

On the Kaminarimon - the area is definitely still called Asakusa. Asakusa Station is literally a block away from that gate

Issue 1: Asakusa posted:

Try the Ise Special, Honeyed Rice Cakes!
With the delicious aroma of rice, a hardy crunch, and a sweetness that fills the mouth, the Honeyed Rice Cake is Available in Asakusa for the first time ever!
Said to have been first sold in the town outside of Ise Shrine by an official of Kinoshita, this snack has a light flavor that will appeal to people of all ages and really sticks to the ribs.
Could something that good truly exist, you ask? If you don't believe it, come line up at a food stall in Asakusa and see for yourself. But beware, you may find yourself drawn to Senso-ji every day for another bite!

Issue 2: Asakusa posted:

Who Dwells in the Haunted House?
Set on a back street in the residential area of Asakusa, this "haunted house" doesn't have a single ghost inside. But it's so shabby that the house itself might turn into a ghost!
Rumours say that a young man started living in this ramshackle, old house not too long ago, so I asked around to see what kind of weirdo this guys is. Inside there's apparently a book that can fly, the laughing voice of a girl that shouldn't be there, and the sounds of swinging swords night after night...
Maybe I shouldn't have asked in the first place! Well, I certainly won't be going near that spooky place again.

Issue 3: Yoshiwara posted:

Takao Dayu the 2nd, a Femme Fatale?
Though not spoken of outside the gates, rumors stirring in Yoshiwara say a lord drew his sword on Takao Dayu for not bending to his will.
True or not, there is no shortage of jealous fools who would spread lies about the number on courtesan of Yoshiwara. On the other hand, some lords are so obsessed with Dayu that they'd happily empty their coffers for her.
With news of another family scandal involving the pleasure quarter recently making the rounds in Edo, it might be best to take drinking and women in moderation - fly too close to the sun and you might get burned.

Draga posted:

I noticed you mentioned "the late writer of Type Moon" when talking about Musashi, but Nasu ain't dead last time I checked,

Valgaav posted:

I'm pretty sure they don't actually mention Rogue Berserker's True Name during the mainline quest of the game at all...

Tarezax posted:

They definitely do but it might be contingent on finishing all his sidestories

Tarezax posted:

One small detail of note is that at the end of the previous episode, Takao Dayu spoke rather formally in a courtesan dialect. For this conversation, she's entirely dropped it and speaks casually.

Whammiewazzle posted:

It took me an embarrassingly long time to find the fifth shrine considering where it is.

Something to note about the Mad Enhancement communication issues, even if all they do is yell and grunt they may still be trying to say something articulate. Fate/Extella's Berserker side story was mostly there to show what he was trying to say behind the grunts during the main story.

Kawaraban Issue 4: Okachimachi posted:

Soldiers on the Road to Success
Do you ever wonder when the area south of Kan'ei-ji, situated on the north-east of Edo Castle, earned the name Okachimachi, 'Soldier Town'? The origin of the name is clear enough - it refers to the many residences in the area for low-ranking samurai foot soldiers. But did you know other people live there as well?
There's the Osakite-gumi, in charge of Edo Castle's security and keeping the peace around town (and who are hated for the rough attitudes and eagerness to draw their swords), and the mounted Goshoinban-gumi, who act as guards for the Shogun and are galloping full speed towards promotion.
It might not be obvious based on their dress, but you'll surely be able to tell which group they belong to by the look on their faces. I'd avoid going near the Osakite-gumi if I were you.

NGDBSS posted:

One thing I've been wondering about Saber is why her sword has that wavy/flame-bladed motif. Isn't that primarily a thing with archipelagic SE Asia, eg the kalis or the keris? (Or is it just "everybody gets anime weapons, deal with it"?)

Jossar posted:

Funny that you guys talked about Makai Tensho, as the Fate universe has a pretty complete homage to it (in Fate/Grand Order), right down to the main villain wielding DARK JESUIT SORCERY. Pretty sure none of it's going to apply to this story directly though.

Whammiewazzle posted:

If the killing blow was dealt with one of Saber's solo Affinity Techniques it will count towards Sabers kills for unlocking stuff.

Kawaraban Issue 6: Suidobashi posted:

Clean Water Thanks to the Waterworks
Our thirsts are quenched by virtue of the Kanda Waterworks, which draws water from Inokashira Pond and brings it straight to Edo.
It evidently used to be called Koishikawa Waterworks long ago when they drew water from the Koishikawa River. In any case, water shortages continue to grow as the number of people living in Edo increases. Every resident in Edo must have wondered at least once what would happen if a big fire broke out...
Fortunately, the authorities have plans for a new waterworks. It seems they intend to draw water from the Tamagawa in the west and send it all the way to Okido in Yotsuya. Construction could get started as early as next year, and that would certainly take a load off many minds.

Cooked Auto posted:

Also I think YT recommended the trailer for the first DLC earlier thanks to this. Didn't watch but I'm pretty sure I recognised the face on the thumbnail.

The Lone Badger posted:

...that is actually a very valid application of the Rider class.

glocknar posted:

Aria is such a goddamn treat. She is derp, helpful, and cute. The main reason she is mostly buffs instead of using that sword of hers? As shown in the anime adaptation, she wears it so its to far for her to reach the hilt! She even chases after it like a dog while making cute noises!

Runa posted:

We do live in a golden age of tea

Kawaraban Issue 7: Torikoe posted:

A Prince Enshrined
South of Asakusa stands the Torikoe Shrine. The principal deity is the ancient hero Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, after whom the shrine's old name, Shiratori, 'White Birds,' was apparently taken.
Just between you and me, but before the illustrious Ieyasu began his rule in Edo, the entirety of Asakusa running along Sumidagawa belongs to the shrine. Afterwards, Mount Torikoe was leveled, and all the ponds were filled in to build the Asakusa rice granaries. And of the three shrines that used to be here, this last remaining one is said to have only been spared due to the desperate pleas of the head priest. The government might have needed the land, but there's still something sad about it all.
It'd be nice if they held a big festival like Kanda Shrine does. We'd need a flashy portable shrine to match that Edo spirit!

FractalSandwich posted:

The inscriptions on the dousojin just say "dousojin". Sounds goofy, but not unusual in real life, from what I can see online. In fact, the model in-game looks like it might be based specifically on one of the photos on Wikipedia.

Jossar posted:

Glad that Boss is showing off his nicer side in this game, given that he can vary... wildly across the franchise.

The Lone Badger posted:

The phrase "when Grail Wars get out of hand" implies that they are at any point in-hand. This seems to be very rarely the case.

Whammiewazzle posted:

Being the stubborn idiot that I am, I did that Berserker fight as soon as it became available. On hard mode just him grabbing you for the slam dunk will take off 90% of your health, giving you an agonizingly small window to heal to full before he dunks you.

sirtommygunn posted:

I want to see the story about The One Holy Grail War That Was Normal.

The Lone Badger posted:

I’m surprised Boss is willing to let you actually buy things from him. Wouldn’t selling an item imply that it now belongs to you and not to him?

biosterous posted:

"flame country stranger"???

Asterite34 posted:

I appreciate that Heroic Spirits are these mighty, worldly, unflappable beings, but I feel like underneath the hypercompetent living legend facade a lot of them in situations like this are thinking "oh poo poo oh gently caress oh poo poo, who the gently caress is this new rear end in a top hat, wait there are people that can DO that!? I am so screwed oh my god"

Jossar posted:

Yeah, definitely a real cluster at the end there.

Shei-kun posted:

Holy poo poo that episode went places at the end and just kept accelerating.

FractalSandwich posted:

Is translating the word 結界 kekkai as "bounded field" rather than the more natural "barrier" an established thing in Fate? The only other place I've ever seen that is in dodgy Touhou fan-translations from like 10 years ago.

Coolguye posted:

But does their S-Blade have a hack blood charge

biosterous posted:

if it had a preposition it would work much better, adding one lil word would change it to "flame of/from a foreign country" and that would at least mean something

NullBlack posted:

bman in 2288 posted:

Congrats Coolguy on figuring out Boss. I spent the entire episode listening to you two geek out on romance of the three kingdom and it was super neat. I know nothing about it. Never even played dynasty warriors.

biosterous posted:

so what i'm gathering is that the Oliver Queen from the Arrow tv show would be an Archer, but specifically because in most of the fights he's hitting people with his bow or stabbing mooks with his arrows

Coolguye posted:

also this yes. the historical side of the Three Kingdoms period is amazing, and the dramatization is equally as amazing, for completely separate reasons. the moors of chinese storytelling at the time make it very natural for Liu Bei to be the "good guy", and for Cao Cao to be the "bad guy", when really from a modern western perspective, closer to the opposite is true.

not that Cao Cao is a "good guy" in the modern western trope, either. he's a very complex man both historically and dramatically, and ultimately there's a reason his dynasty didn't last beyond his son. we touched on very similar dynamics both in this LP and the Nioh one with regard to Oda Nobunaga. there's a LOT of thematic parallels between the two men the more you read about them.

Rody One Half posted:

Hey it wasn't mentioned that I saw but I think it's worth mentioning here: the original FSN is getting an official English release/a remaster for Steam and Switch! Coming this year, supposedly.


That's a pretty good video game if you haven't played it!!!!

Kawaraban Issue 11 posted:

Look Who's Strutting Around Akasaka
In Akasaka, the famed Kii Tokugawa family owns a spare residence in one of the best housing areas in Edo. Those of you in the know might have heard this already, but a group of Chinese are staying there. Even more, there seems to be some bigwig named Koxinga among them. He's apparently called that because he was permitted to use the same family name as the Ming Emperor. Of course, Koxinga isn't actually the emperor's name; that word means something like 'Lord of the Imperial Surname.'
I don't know if this has anything to do with this particular gentleman, but there are rumors in Akasaka that a flute can be heard playing in the Chinese residence on nights when the moon is beautiful. They say the flutist must be a strikingly beautiful woman or man. If it's true, I'd like to take a look for myself.