☀ SUNRISE 001 ☀ [INTRO // SEPTEMBER EVENT LOG]

[conquester]

WHO: Iskandar + YOU (OPEN TO ALL)
WHERE: Throughout various spots in Kaisou.
WHEN: Throughout the month of September.
WHAT: Introduction and September Event Log.
WARNINGS: Potential violence, death and destruction within the introduction prompt.

INTRO: LABYRINTH OF BABYLON

[Incarceration; The king of conquerors trapped in what appears to be a replication of his beloved city, Babylon. Flames roared as the lingering signs of battle loomed every which way you could possibly look, Iskandar's guard never faltering despite the disheartening sight before his eyes. The interior city limits lit to a sunder as the corpses of his comrades littered the streets at every turn. To make matters worse it would seem whatever magics were at work here stripped his heroic spirit abilities away leaving him to be nothing more than presumably a mortal man once again.

Perhaps under different circumstances the man would have been overjoyed but his reincarnation had quickly become nothing more than a waking nightmare as he watched on in horror as his beloved Babylon was laid to ruin. A brief look of grief washes over the otherwise stalwart king's face, Iskandar refusing to let any notion of doubt or dismay stand in his way. After all he was the king of conquerors feared and loved by all from Greece across the seas to the furtherest reaches of India!

Gritting his teeth with his trusted sword of Kupriotios at the ready, he looks for any signs of life amongst the sea of bodies as he tries to navigate the city only to find himself caught in a loop. Scratching his breaded chin frustrated he takes moment to collect his thoughts on which way he last ventured.]

To the left...No...Must have been to the right?!

[Clenching his sword's hilt tightly his vision narrows as his resolve hardens, senses honing in on something odd now amongst ominous silence despite the sacking. Footsteps approaching from the rear though the mysterious figure was still enshrouded by the distant smoke wavering. Turning instanteously Iskandar prepares himself for the worst after witnessing the carnage here but would fight to the bitter end for he was no coward nor shied away from any fight!]

These attempts to crush my spirits with such an outlandish ploys are foolhardy at best and have done nothing but try my patience! Come forth and reveal yourself before the great king of conquerors and I will forgive your discretions here!

ROSEMARY AND THYME: TIME TO J-J-JOUST!

[After escaping the clutches of that infernal Labyrinth in due part thanks to other denizens of Kaisou, having led him on the righteous path to redemption and fleeing the dismal place the king of conquerors now found himself busy with exploring these newfound lands. It was a perplexing world filled with technological marvels which rivalled if not surpassed the world in which he found himself during the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fuyuki city.

With that being said however as he casually sashayed through Blue Fish Park along the water's edge this fateful day a somewhat familiar spectacle seemed to be unfolding! A large festival filled with lively music, various tents filled with magics and drink aplenty along the main road. Iskandar himself has procured a rather large turkey leg and stout of ale as he waltzed through the bustling streets.

A massive smile beams wide from ear to ear as he munches heartily on the turkey leg in question though is stopped dead in his tracks at the next spectacle to befall him. Two individuals clad in metal armor seemed to be mounting a horse each, making themselves ready before taking up a lance in hand. Barreling towards each other from opposite ends of the runway they set their mark for one another as the lances crash into one each other with extreme force! Raising his mug of ale high in the sky he cheers heartily as the contest continues on.]

Now this is a spectacle worthy of both king and countrymen alike!!

[Looking over towards one of the other citizens watching over the display next to him as he takes a hearty swig from his stout followed by another burst of joyous laughter.]

THE STABLE GATES: YIGA CLAN TRAP!

[Spending most of his coming days within the confines of the city proper, Iskandar thought it finally time to explore one of the stable Spirit Realms, the kingdom of Hyrule in particular after hearing about its more nomadic and simplistic lifestyles similar to his own home world without lavish technologies of the modern age. Magic and the like were still plentiful in this lush, forested realm but with the threat of this foreign 'Calamity' dealt with the lands were far safer than memories past.

In his travels here thus far, Iskandar had befriended another along the road to Hyrule castle itself, happily conversing between the pair of them as they made their way together. Coming across an odd sight there was a broken down cart in the middle of the road just up ahead with four or five individuals. Upon approach they seemed like simple weary locals in a spot of trouble, hailing the two of them for help until they drew close enough to see their faces. Twisting into coy grins and wicked smiles the looks of distress quickly turned ones of mischief.

Hidden under their red cloaks they were quick to produce daggers, swords and even a bowmen stood at the ready, arrow notched towards them as their would be leader stepped forward. "Oi, mates! This one's as big as Ganondorf himself...No matter...The bigger they are the harder they fall now don't make no trouble for us and just give us all your belongings foreigners!"

Iskandar turned his attention towards his newfound comrade as a quizzical brow is cocked, stroking his bearded chin idly in thought before a flash of a devious grin forms over his own features as he produced his lone possession left on his person in Kaisou, the famed sword of Kupriotes, pointing it square at the larger one who spoke up for these vagabond thieves.]

If it is a fight you seek then look no further for I, Iskandar, King of Conquerors will defend my honor and life till my dying breath! Ready yourself my newfound companion or stand behind me and I shall let no harm befall you this I swear to you!

GREAT LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA: HOME SWEET HOME

[Iskandar has quickly found himself enthralled by this strange new world filled with magic and wonder alike, curiously wishing to explore more of its countryside as he awakens at the crack of dawn with the rising of the morning sun. Taking a moment to relax as he stands upon the cities edge on the boardwalk starring out towards the crystal clear waters of the ocean as the waves crashed against the shoreline. The king of conquerors always held an affinity for the water and how it unified the world under one glorious banner.

Minding his own business as he takes in the breathtaking sight of the sun breaching over the ocean skyline, Iskandar feels a buzz from the newfound handheld device bestowed upon his arrival here in Kaisou, much like the device Waver used to communicate with his peers and family back in Fuyuki. Taking a moment to look over the received message his eyes lit up almost instanteously at the mention of the Great Library of Alexandria. It would appear one of these 'spirit gates' similar to the Labyrinth which first entrapped him in this world had materialized at the local university!

With a large grin plastered over his features he makes short work of traversing back through the city streets as the rest of Kaisou begins to awaken from their slumber. Standing upon the familiar ground of white cobblestone steps with matching pillars he stood upon the steps of the Great Library of Alexandria.]

Simply astonishing! Never in my wildest dreams did I think to see such a marvel as this from my esteemed home of Alexandria!

[Letting out a triumphant roar of laughter, Iskandar flings his cloak out raising his left arm high in the sky curled tightly into a fist. Turning on the heel of his foot the tall redhead looks back towards the small crowd to which has formed at the shining entryway before extending a hand.]

Come now one and all for this is a monumental occasion, one that should be properly celebrated to the fullest extent! For I, Iskandar, the esteemed king to which this great library was aptly named would be honored and privileged to walk amongst you in these grand halls! What say you!?!?

Comments

labyrinth

[hoshikiri]

[With how busy Takame tended to get, he rarely found time to venture into Labyrinths to save other newcomers. This time was an exception to both. Even if he was particularly busy, there was a presence beyond that he sensed that was unique here. A notable aetherial signature different from one who simply used magic.

A Servant.

It was Takame's presence after moving through the darkness and carnage for some time that Iskandar noted. A strange looking man covered in scales with horns and a tail to boot. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but the way his brow furrowed and his general presence indicated one of a soldier. One who could stand his own. Despite that his tone was calm, steady. Soft spoken.]

Calm yourself. I mean you no harm, nor was it I who caused you to be here.

[conquester]

[Walking about in circles for what seemed like hours without any inclination of escaping this hellish place has the king of conquerors a little on edge, Iskandar's vision narrowing in on the curious individual as they closed the gap between them. Given the others seemingly peaceful intentions his trusted sword begins to lower albeit hesitantly to his side for the moment. Despite his uneasiness the man had not lost his nerve and gone crazed at the sight of his dead subordinates. For he was a veteran of countless wars and seen many a gruesome death but this was no ordinary battlefield.]

Forgive my doubts to your good will...If you truly wish to prove your loyalty then you might first entertain me with some answers. What say you?

[For the king of kings had more than a few questions that had been racking his mind as he tried to escape this infernal hellhole. Just why and more importantly perhaps who brought him to such a vile world specifically designed to torture him? Did his young master Waver Velvet get brought to this place along with him in the aftermath of his death at the hands of Gilgamesh?]

[hoshikiri]

[Two veterans stood before each other, hence did Takame know what to avoid in his body language. Habit kept him guarded, but he made clear in his stance that he was not hear to continue the bloodshed that surrounded them. He was not armed, though he could pull his Gunblade from wherever he wanted thanks to Yusuke and his body was its own weapon. And he was clearly not dressed for combat either.

He was dressed casually, like an average man wandering about Fuyuki, in a neutral colored light sweater and plain shirt and trousers. He gave a nod.]

I understand. I shall answer whatever questions that you have. [A pause.] I've a few of my own, as well as a request that you come with me. There is a way out of here and I am able to lead you to safety. If I give you answers, might I request that you follow me?

library

[fionnuisce]

[...He definitely knew that voice from somewhere. Heard it before--just briefly, in a memory not his own. And if there was any question as to who that boisterous shout belonged to, it was swiftly dispelled by the very loud and detailed introduction.]

[Nope. Absolutely not. He was going to have to call Ritsuka and hope this Rider was one of hers and not-...well. Actually, first he'd have to call Vittore, then Ritsuka.]

[Maybe if he just backed away very slowly, no one would take any notice of the professor leaning on a cane and suddenly very much missing the sunglasses he was no longer hiding behind.]

[conquester]

[Unfortunately for the professor the tall redhead noticed the other sulking in the background after properly addressing the masses who've gathered at the footsteps of the great library. Waltzing up behind the other Iskandar gave the other a firm slap on the back almost knocking the poor sob clean off his feet in the process. A hearty burst of laughter follows immediately as his left hand grasps the man's shoulder with a firm grip.]

You look to be the learnt type my good sir! Surely you wish to be regaled about one of the most celebrated archives of knowledge in human history by the very man who founded the city it was appointed!

[fionnuisce]

Fuck-

[He staggered on uneven steps at the impact, quickly regaining his balance and leaning a little more on the cane at his left side. ...Really, this was what Tokiomi Tohsaka had to deal with? No wonder he'd seemed so pissed off.]

Would you kindly let go, first of all?! [He quickly moved his right hand to his pocket, hiding the two remaining Command Seals on it.]

Joust!

[poisontippedcure]

[Renaissance Fairs mean mead, and mead means that Rose is there. She has a rather large mug in her hand and finds herself at the joust. She's not actively watching, but she happens to be here enjoying her drink with Iskander sits next to her.]

It is certainly something, alright. I'm only glad no one seems to be getting hurt.

[And she takes another swig.]

[conquester]

[The king on the other hand was enjoying the festivities immensely, so much so he wished to partake in the sporting event himself if given the chance! Biting into the meaty turkey leg and quickly following it up with yet another hearty swig from his own large mug of ale, Iskandar laughed out joyously as the combatants made themselves ready for another charge before turning his full attention back towards Rose.]

Surely their armor is thick enough to withstand a few grazing blows such as these, besides their aim is not to kill one another but is a means of entertainment after all!

[As the contenders rush towards one another down the line the knight on the left falls from his horse unceremoniously causing the crowd to uproar, Iskandar amongst them as he stood up from his seat raising a fist high in the sky.]

I find myself wishing to partake in this intriguing display of both athletics and revelry!

[poisontippedcure]

Well yes, but there are those societies where such festivities involve fighting monsters. Often, the contestants did not emerge unscathed.

[Rose is going to take a drink from her own mug in turn. She may not have Iskander's fortitude, but she does share his love for drink. Nope, she's not trying to forget anything.]

I'd encourage you, but I doubt that your opponent would survive the encounter.

library

[twofoldfury]

[There was a certain someone who came into Iskandar's speech a little late. Waver had an obvious interest in this Library, thus did Diarmuid want to make his own rounds within it. It wasn't entirely for unselfish reasons. He wondered what more he could learn of the Fifth War without forcing his Master to recall the painful details.

He was aware the Holy Grail War did not exist in this world. But that didn't stop him immediately tensing and entering a defensive stance upon locking eyes with the dangerously unsubtle Iskandar.]

Rider. [There was a chance he'd listen to reason. Maybe. It wasn't as though he was dealing with Berserker or an unwilling Saber.]

[conquester]

[Well now this was truly a sight to behold as Iskandar stood upon the grand entryway to the great library offering his personal expertise to the masses! Much to lancer's delight the king of conquerors had no quarrel with the other, having known Diarmuid to be an honorable man who fought nobly for a just cause during their battle. Unfortunate they both would meet their demise before either of their wishes could be fulfilled by the Holy Grail but the other would be met with a sincere smile as he approached now with open arms.]

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see a familiar face such as yours amongst the populace but here you stand before my eyes! Well met, Lancer!

[Sensing the others uneasiness the king of all waved his hands in front of himself defenselessly, a modest burst of laughter erupting deep within his chest as he extends an arm out to embrace the other peacefully.]

I assure you I mean no ill intentions...for we are not partaking in any Grail War in this strange new lands as far as I can tell?

[twofoldfury]

Yes, that's right. Good, then you are already aware. [There was... a conflicted and confused look on his face. On the one hand, he relaxed some knowing that Rider knew there was no war to be fought here. That saved him some explaining and to the peaceful gesture he gave a nod. However, being spoken to as if they were colleagues coming together again after a while made him raise an eyebrow.]

... I know of you and am familiar with your existence and nature, surely. Unless I missed something however, this is the first time I am meeting you face to face.

library

[kowase]

[ he'll be forever mad that he missed out on iskandar's original, boisterous invitation within the walls of the library of Alexandria. It's only due to a certain series of texts that he even KNOWS that Alexander the Great is here--and why he sort of made fast tracks to show up and see for himself.

the man is... huge. Far bigger than he'd ever remembered reading about, and it makes him pause. Is this... really Iskandar, King of Conquerors? He was way too big. Extra large.

...

He quietly reminds himself that Waver once told him King Arthur was a woman.
He shakes his head. Suspend disbelief, and... ]

I can see you are entrenched in study.
And if I am making that difficult, in a word, I will turn heel and return at a better time.

But if I can take up some of your time, I would ask.

...Are you Truly Iskandar, King of Conquerors?

[conquester]

[Having now entered the great library, Iskandar would be found in the museum wing of the grand establishment. His attention fixated on a rather peculiar looking tapestry that depicted one of if not his most noble victories against King Darius II; A once revered ruler of Babylon only to be betrayed by his notable cousin and beheaded, a gesture of good faith which brought an end to the war against Persia and with it a great noble victory for the king of conquerors.

His back had been turned from the other as they approached cautiously, arms crossed deep in thought as the man reminisced about his glory days when the stranger finally spoke up. When provoked about his name and if he truly was Iskandar he cannot help but blink wide in disbelief before a thunderous burst of laughter erupts deep from within his chest, echoing off the quiet halls of the museum proper as he stands towering over his newfound adorer.]

Why look around you good sir who else could I very well be?! For I am truly the one and only king of conquerors, Lord of Asia and Shahanshah of Persia standing before you here and now!!!

[Puffing his chest out as he strikes a valiant pose on cue followed by that signature roar of laughter.]

[kowase]

[ it's really weird. the man's voice is just as loud as he should have expected, and yet, it's louder than even that. His eyes widen a little as the man doesn't only confirm his question, but rather, he introduces himself in such a wild and enigmatic way that, Vergil is, honestly a little taken aback.

He stands there in a sort of frozen way for a moment. He doesn't know if it's awe or nervousness--it's not often he meets someone TALLER than himself. Vergil standing at 6'3", this man is towering over him while he laughs loud enough to rattle the very walls of the library.

He needs to speak. He'll clear his throat. ]

... You certainly have a presence about you. I should not be surprised, given your title and your known exploits in history.

[ ...he should probably say something of substance. ]

My apologies. As much as I would like to stand here and praise your accolades, we may well not get anywhere, doing that.
My name is Vergil Vittore. I am an Italian scholar and antiquarian, as well as a warrior of my own merit. [ his hand is settled over the handle of a blade at his side, after all. ] Speaking to a living legend, well.

I cannot say many get such an opportunity.

Joust~

[prunedworlds]

Ritsuka's never actually been to a 'renaissance festival' before. She's been to places like medieval France and such, sure, but that's different from... this.

Honestly, it's kind of fun, and she's enjoying watching some of the show when she hears a particularly booming voice that most definitely sounds familiar. So familiar, in fact, that she's already looking around to find the source which, unsurprisingly, is not at all difficult.

And also utterly unmistakable.

"Iskandar??"

You would think after meeting Gil that she'd stop to consider whether this is, in fact the actual Servant, or just his soul reincarnated as a human here. But no, she's still a little too new and old habits die hard.

[conquester]

[At the sound of his name yelled above the sea of people surrounding the jousting arena the king of kings immediately turned to look down upon the unfamiliar face of the girl with his mouth stuffed full of turkey. A brow cocked curious as the man kneeled down before the other with a tilt of his head, swallowing the delicious morsels with a loud gulp.]

Indeed I am...but...Unfortunately your face is foreign to me young lady.

[Scratching the chin of his beard he looks the other over more thoroughly but nothing comes to mind. Perhaps this girl knew him from a different Grail War? Such would be a reasonable explanation.]

My deepest apologies miss but I cannot place your visage from memories past.

[prunedworlds]

Given that the thought of attempting to hide the command spells on her right hand hasn't even crossed Ritsuka's mind, that's probably the easiest assumption to make. Even if it's not quite accurate, exactly. That said, the lack of recognition, while not exactly surprising, does manage to get her to make a certain connection and--

Oh.

This could make things very interesting very quickly, if it hasn't already.

"That's fine." Doubtless some of her earlier thoughts had been visible in her expression, but her smile now is nonetheless genuine. "Did you just get here? I can try to explain some things if you haven't heard yet..."

yiga clan trap

[jackdawvision]

[Edward takes advantage of Iskandar's boisterous declaration to disappear from view, circling around and clambering up the broken-down cart, out of sight of the thoroughly distracted Yiga. When he next appears in Iskandar's view, it's as he balances on top of the cart.

Then he jumps, body crashing into the archer from above. The glint of his hidden blade flashes in the light, before he buries it into the archer's neck. Then he stands up and pulls free one of his two scimitars, pointing it at the nearest Yiga foot soldier.]

This is not a fight you lot can win. [He says it matter-of-factly.] Either you run now, or my companion and I make mincemeat out of you. And quite frankly, [and here he smiles, baring his teeth like a shark smelling blood, putting on a show with a bloodstained blade,] I'd sleep like a babe in arms either way. What'll it be, lads?

[conquester]

[Whilst Iskandar seemingly caused a distraction without even realizing it to give Edward enough time to sashay behind their assailants the king of conquerors was surprised in turn when his counterpart knocked the distant archer onto the ground before burying his scimitar deep into their neck. A wicked grin forms over his features as he readies himself for combat with an offensive stance, sword of Kupriotes ready to strike true if these common thieves did not yield here and now.]

Well struck my friend you are quite the stealthy warrior for even I did not notice you had sulked past our enemies to create the element of surprise now!

[Perhaps 'sulking' was not the proper word for it but Iskandar preferred to face his agitators head on without fear in an honorable fight to the death.]

You have but this one chance to lay down your arms and we shall allow you to leave without further bloodshed so I ask you again...WHAT SAY YOU!?!?

[Yelling the question so loudly with a battle hardened look splayed over his features. Two of the four Yiga Clansmen seemed to be on the cusp of retreating but the larger, presumably the leader of this ragtag clan of miscreants spoke forth. "You think us cowards who would simply run with our tails tucked between our legs!?! We outnumber them two to one men do not falter now...Kill'em!"

Given their unfortunately response Iskandar's head sags a bit with a solemn nod in understanding, vision narrowing on the leader of the bunch as he lets out a crazed battle roar and quickly rushes them head on without a shred of fear.]

THEN I SHALL MAKE YOUR DEATH SWIFT AND MERCIFUL!!! PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR THE KING OF CONQUERORS WILL SHOW YOU NO QUARTER!!!

[jackdawvision]

[An honorable fight to the death is something Edward generally would like to avoid, thanks.]

I think you're bloody idiots. And dead men. [So be it, then. Edward doesn't bother with a loud declaration, just rushes the nearest clansman with swords flashing in the light. Both scimitars bite into the fellow's torso, and he flips acrobatically away, only for Edward to sprint forward and bury his scimitar into the man's neck the very second he can, ripping it free to block another blow from one of the remaining clansmen.]

How're you doing there, mate? [he calls to Iskandar.] Do you want the leader or shall I take him? No loss to me either way!

joust

[bebest]

[Zulius isn't super into renfaire stuff, his prefered theatrics tend to stay on the stage. This always feels a little too close to LARPING for his comfort. Still, he's come here for the food and hung around when one of the horses made some sort of bitch-ass comment about him when he passed the paddock they were being kept in.

Admittedly the horse-speaking thing is new, but he's more focused on being a catty asshole to the horse back now, his pride demands it. So he'll just be yelling at the horse in question as the jousting is going on.]

You're a sloppy runner, DEBORAH. YEAH! Yeah, you heard me!! You run like a DONKEY.

[And then he realises he's being spoken to and looks up...and up...and up. ]

...Sweet zombie jesus, look at your arms.

[conquester]

[Rider has seen a lot of astonishing things in his lifetime but never in his tenor come across a real life centaur! So when Zulius casually strolls up beside him whilst he was cheering on the combatants he could not help the wayward glance as he gave the centaur a once over. What's even more perplexing is when the other begins to take jabs at the horses who were involved in the jousting itself, chuckling modestly as the king of conquerors tips back the rest of his ale with a satisfied hum.]

It would seem you and this 'Deborah' have some sort of quarrel. Now what could this horse possibly have done to wrong you so?

[At the compliment to his impressive physique Iskandar immediately grinned wide from ear to ear, a howl of laughter following close at hand as he strikes a pose and flexes for added flare and dramatic effect. If you looked close enough you could almost swear the man was sparkling.]

They are not merely for showmanship alone I assure you! For I am Iskandar, King of Kings, Basileus of Macedon and the great Pharaoh of Egypt! Surely my noble exploits are not known to you?

library

[lapislazily]

[Could this gargantuan man truly be Alexander the Great...? Zhongli has read everything there is to read, historically—not that he ever met the man, he was born about five hundred years too late for that, but... While everyone else is clamoring to get in, he simply looks thoughtful, his hand curled beneath his chin. He can't detect any deception in Iskandar's manner.

... No, he's quite pleasant, actually. Boisterous, perhaps, but not unlikable. Perhaps in some world or another this really is Alexander the Great. He's dealt with some strange things. What's one more? This could be an interesting opportunity.

It isn't until after they've all been admitted that Zhongli decides to approach Iskandar properly, though his amber eyes have probably been felt for some time.]

Forgive me, but I could not help overhearing you earlier, and I was wondering if you had a moment to indulge an old man's curiosity.

[Zhongli does not look like an old man but he has the quiet bearing of a ruler. There are men who must declare themselves kings, and then there are people like Iskandar and Zhongli who command the respect and attention of a room simply by entering.]

My name is Zhongli. I am a professor of history at the university here in Kaisou. As one would expect of a man who loomed as large as a god, many myths and legends persist, and many more mysteries besides. One of the enduring mysteries of the modern era is why Alexander the Great perished in Babylon. Even ancient accounts of his untimely passing did not agree on the matter, and I fear this has not improved in the millennia since.

Might you be able to shed some light on the matter?

[conquester]

[The king of kings noted the interesting looking man as he made his grand introduction to the masses. With quite the lavish attire he would be very hard to miss, a man of very fashionable means by his worlds standards surely! When most of the crowd had dispersed to enter the Great Library itself to leave Iskandar to his lonesome the stranger approached with a sultry, calm tone as they introduced themselves cordially. A man of knowledge who was a professor here to these native lands, this was someone Rider could learn a lot from, happily ready to share stories of their past and familiarities.

The question was a surprising one but certainly curious, forever shrouded in mystery and perhaps for good reason. Closing his eyes as he strokes his thick red beard, Iskandar sighs solemnly with a shrug of his shoulders gesturing his hands out dumbfound with a blank look.]

Unfortunately my death has been shrouded with mystery for unknown reasons. The truth could very well have once lied within these ancient halls before us, Zhongli!

[Closing the gap between them an optimistic grin forms over his features as he stands beside the other, reaching out to clasp the unbeknownst legend in turn on his shoulder with a hearty burst of laughter.]

Perhaps we could find the answer to your question and much more within this great library filled with lost knowledge not seen to human eyes in over a millennium!