Name | Alias: Arjuna
Journal: arcane

Age: Strictly by appearance, he seems to be between 19-2X (the lower spectrum). Though, in terms of actual chronological age... laughs. But, no really, he's deceptively old. Granted, he's the result of a union between a human mother and a God, so there's that.

Canon: Fate/Grand Order
Canon point: America Arc; final portion prior to his official battle with Karna.

History: A semi-comprehensive background can be found ( here ). Including the official tidbits provided in his profile. Nevertheless, considering Arjuna is not nearly as fleshed out as others characters in Fate/ have been (especially those within multiple medias), this is basically all people truly have to run by. ... aside from the actions summarised and vaguely touched upon within the confines of the game itself, that is (including in room conversations, as well as the interlude). Which is why I've also written a bit more supplemental information ( here ) and ( here ). The first one illustrates the events that have specifically taken in F/GO, while the second provides some details about the "original source" in the context of the mobile game.

Personality:

"What is your verdict, master?"

Seemingly benevolent and altruistic in nature, Arjuna is an individual marked by the characteristics of great heroism. While stern, he is well disciplined and abundant in moral principles. He is graced with a respectable upbringing and is well equipped with the manners (and a demeanor) befitting of that. He is someone who is all about living up to the expectations of the people, and due to this, he conscientiously performs all his (perceived) responsibilities perfectly and without fault.

This is actually so much the case that he is noted within both the Fate/ franchise, and within the original text of the Mahabharata to be near flawless. Though, considering he’s the son of Indra, the ruler of the Heavens, perhaps... it isn’t all so startling in hindsight. Regardless, whether this concept is present in his interior or exterior, he does well in projecting himself in a way fitting of being called “perfect” And, in extension to that, behaving in a fashion that’s appropriate for— “The Awarded Hero.”

Simmering it down to simple attributes, Arjuna is methodical, analytical, and perpetually composed. He is rational in his considerations and he never falters or hesitates to make a decision. Actually, sometimes his imperturbable front can be perceived as almost ill fitting— maybe even peculiar at times. For example, in his interlude, despite being faced with a trial that could have easily been considered daunting or arduous, he doesn’t show any signs of doubt or reconsideration. If anything, his priorities seemed skewed, or horrifically different; far more interested in estimating his current "Master" than he is about worrying about his own wellbeing or safety. While, this also shows how accustomed he is to battle and how fearless he is (predominately due in part to his full and undivided faith in his abilities), it also shows how he’s capable of keeping his cool even when others around him can't or don’t.

Additionally, this notion of remaining unruffled in the face of peril can also be seen as evidence to his personal brand of “pride.” Of him being aware of his own position (especially in regards to his pedigree, as well as his achievements), and demonstrating this “awareness” by behaving in a way that aligns with his position as a “hero.” Heroes don’t show fear, nor do they allow people to collapse into a state of panic due to their action or inaction. This, also, reiterates the point of Arjuna purposely adhering to the standards that others have placed before him. This can even be said to be the case in.... almost every aspect of his outward character.

This concept is even embedded in his rigid, formal manner of speech. Arjuna, on the regular, tends to speak very politely, and appears to pay careful attention to picking and choosing his words. At the same time, he's concise and doesn't babble or prattle, at least, outside of his unique breed of dramaticism. While he’s not necessarily verbose or silver-tongued, he gets to the matter at hand— frankly and plainly. Though, contrariwise, while his words seem to follow most social niceties, there is often a bit of a bite attached to them (a bite that is comprised of either condescension and/or passive aggression). But, it's usually done tastefully, or subtly enough, where he gets away with it.

"Between you and me, I am the one being recognized for their greatness.
However, that is not important. You are my master. I will hold that in high regard."

Despite the fact that some of his words can come off as arrogant, he’s at least 10% more modest than he seems on the surface. After all, despite his status as a demi-God and prince, he mentions on multiple occasions that... none of that matters; that his background and everything else are inconsequential in the face of duty. He even states that no matter how celebrated or praised he is, he’ll always fulfill his obligations as a “Servant” to his “Master.” This solidifies the fact that Arjuna also has a resilient sense of what “duty” and “obligations” are. He endeavors to complete them to his fullest capabilities, and perhaps this is the part of his personality that others perceive to be “heroic;” the part that’s attuned to their definitions (and by extention— expectations) of what someone of his background and pedigree should be like. This is also where also his sense of charity and magnanimity can be seen. Arjuna tends to do what's "correct" and "righteous." Efficiently and effectively, even. To add to this, he has a robust idea of “justice” and seems to factor that into his decision-making. (though, as for... how that can manifest at times). This is probably why he’s referred to as an “unblemished” or “picture-perfect” being.

"You saw it... My face. How regretful. How... truly regretful.
Please... be sure to keep it a secret."

However, as with most things in life... it’s not quite that straightforward, either. While Arjuna certainly is a Servant and Hero worthy of being revered, he also has another aspect to his personality. A darker side, if you will.

A side that is indubitably more callous or calculating than he tries to appear on the surface. A side that is more obscured and hidden. He has two faces. While on the surface he cultivates himself as an upstanding individual— beneath that festers something far more spiteful. For example, he’s prone to holding petty grudges and falling victim to malicious thoughts. He’s also the type that, if desired, he'd stop at nothing to achieve his objectives. He's notorious enough for having this “dark” side that it’s... referenced everywhere— whether in gameplay, or in his official profile. However, it’s precisely because he’s aware of this divide in who he is and who he wants to project himself as, that he often attempts to act around it— to conceal it. This can be seen illustrated everywhere, even in the quotes provided on the Fate/Grand Order site.

Evidently enough, this part of his personality hardly sees the light of day. Considering how controlled and reserved Arjuna is in general, it isn’t exactly surprising he can suppress it to such a degree (though, it can be argued that his whole spiel of desiring "eternal solitude" hinges on the constant turmoil of being under the gaze and scrutiny of others; of being so contrary to his image and upbringing). However, as watertight as his guard is over it, there are exceptions... and, unfortunately, Karna just happens to be one of them. From their diffident beginnings, Arjuna has been (obsessively) dead set on purging this world of Karna. While later this initial premonition is shown to have context and concrete justification, both canons (Fate/, as well as the original text of Mahabharata) note that wasn’t how it originally sparked with him. It’s as if all his inner darkness was focused on Karna himself. One could say even state that he seems to intrinsically despise him.

"Karna, I did not think I would be fighting on the same side with someone like you.
Was this also an act of the gods?
I'll leave you alone this time, but if I see your face again—
even I don't know what will happen."

But, personal feuds aside, Fate/Grand Order also illustrates this unhinged portion of his personality through the exploration of the Master-Servant relationship of Gudao/Gudako (the main character) and Arjuna. As Masters and Servants are linked spiritually, they occasionally share memories as well as feelings. Hence, many of Arjuna’s room conversations seem to pertain to being “seen” for who he genuinely is (and naturally, being greatly disturbed by it). Equally, due to his true nature being “exposed,” he is sometimes, though very rarely, displayed losing control over his façade. Two good examples of this can be seen in his final ascension, as well as his third sample clip in the game. Both in which he cackles maniacally over gaining "power befitting of his real/true self." It's implied he plans to utilize this towards his goals of besting and vanquishing his eternal rival— something he displays actual hunger and want for.

Overall— this shows that not everyone can judge a book by its cover. Even the greatest heroes are susceptible to a certain level of depravity, and even the most textbook perfect individuals are littered with flaws... whether they’re perceivable on the surface or not. Arjuna is certainly not omitted from this universal law, and if anything, seems to even propagate this point more than anyone. Regardless, even though he’s filled with darkness, he’s also still someone who is willfully bound by duties and ethics. He is a man who is utterly aware of his purpose, and does what is necessary to achieve his objectives. He's rigid and formal, but he's also... a profound individual with depth and layers. Maybe even a bit too many layers, says Bijou as if she didn't just write a filthy ass app.

Abilities and Nerfs:

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

As a hero without faults, he was graced with and subsequently trained into possessing quite a wide skill set. It's known that he was proficient in all forms of martial arts and warfare, and in particular was highly regarded for his hold over the bow. Enough where a great tutor came in his possession, and where he became aptly became famed for it. He utilises the bow "Gandiva," a divine weapon bestowed onto him by the Fire God, Agni.

But, beyond these reiterated points, Arjuna in his current form is... indubitably a Servant. A Heroic Spirit who was ultimately bound to this world by a single desire; a calling that was inevitably placed forth by a magus in possession of a catalyst (and triggered into being summoned via the Holy Grail). But, putting rhyme, reason, and rationale aside... this also designates him as someone who has reached feats beyond "normal" beings. Hence, he's far more equipped in terms of physical capability (inclusive of: agility, durability, and everything else in between) and magical-related aptitude... than, let's say... the common man, or magus might be.Though, with being a demi-God and the child of the Ruler of the Heavens, looks up—

Regardless, it isn't as if being a Servant is all its cut out to be. Though, they're granted with great power that materialises in a variety of forms, they're also given binding "conditions." For one, they subsist off mana or magical energy. They cannot simply exist on their own. That is, with the exception of Independent Action, and even that just prolongs their period on Earth (not to mention, this limits their abilities to whatever mana reserves they personally contain, and inhibits them from accessing their Noble Phantasm). In no way or form is it an actual replacement for having a Master, at least in most cases. Not to mention that Servants are normally at the mercy of their Master's whims via the Command Spells (granted, like a genie in a lamp, it's set usability is three times— no more, no less).

Though, despite this, it's quite simple to see that in terms of raising ones own combat abilities, it's crucial... to have a Master. In Arjuna's case, as he's in the Archer class and able to naturally invoke Independant Action at a Rank of A, he'd be able to get by and use most of his abilities, but in terms of being able to act with a bit more abandon, and not be held back by incurring extraneous concerns to mana replenishment— he'd probably eventually opt to deciding on having some sort of makeshift Master, even within the universe of Lagunbiru.

Nevertheless, as briefly mentioned prior to this, all Servants are also granted with a gamut of colorful abilities. Some innate and automatically dispensed, while others cognitively evoked/called upon. These are referred to as Passive Skills and Active Skills, and they will be expounded upon below (or there will be a desperate attempt to, anyway):

PASSIVE SKILLS:

◆ INDEPENDANT ACTION: Within general fate-verse, this inherent ability permits the Servant a bit more free reign depending on circumstances. It allows the Servant to be able to reject magical energy from their Master (whether to conserve their Master's mana reserves, or... exact some measure of betrayal), and to subsist on their own independently. This is highly dependant on the Servant's skill rank, granted. For Arjuna, as it's Rank "A," that allows him to remain grounded to this realm on his own, and permits him to use all his normal abilities. The only thing he would require a Master's assistance in... is being able to unleash his Noble Phantasm.

◆ MAGIC RESISTANCE: As the name suggests, it's a form of defense that's geared towards spells and other magic-related forms of attacks. It's not to be mistaken with physical resistance as those are made entirely separate categories in the Fate/ canon. It means he can withstand a certain degree of magic— including but not limited to spells, curses, etc. I would cap it at being able to evade less extreme magic attacks (like a burst the size of someone’s open palm), but still being able to be affected by moderate to higher level spells.

◆ DIVINITY: Literally meaning the state of one being "divine," it measures the heroic spirits latent potential (and legacy) to be a "divine spirit." The further one gets from being the latter, however, is where their "demonic beast" essence rises. It can be considered a trade-off, almost. Considering Arjuna is a half-God, he should be higher, but perhaps in light of his character (or personal chagrin against a fellow half-God, which is effectual for this section), he's only ranked "B." In terms of "actual skill," it’s meant to give immunity against other entities and particularly of other Servants.

Though, obviously, this is highly dependant on the skill and abilities of the other party in question. If they exceed him in terms of raw power, then it’s null and void. Though, when it comes down to it, it probably doesn't hold any power to regular or non-magical beings.

ACTIVE SKILLS:

◆ CLAIRVOYANCE: While originally intended to be a physical ability pertaining to optical prowess, it's noted within the canon to have more severe/extreme cases, as well. Ones where the user has the ability to see into the past or future (precognition), amongst many other equally infeasible feats. Whether fortunate or unfortunate, Arjuna's in merely ranked a C+, and so while this gives him the ability to scope out an entire city with his eyes alone (could be further, but its noted to be "unspecified" or dependent on the character itself), as well as aim projectiles from distances apart (once again, it could even exceed that of a small-average sized city) from his target.

◆ FORTUNATE HERO: As this seems to be solely hinged on Arjuna of the Grand Order franchise, a proper/definitive explanation hasn't been provided as to what it is in context to nasu-verse. However, by the title alone it's clear that it's something specifically tethered to Arjuna/acts as his personal skill. This is sort of difficult to define outside the realm of actual gameplay, and so to break it down: this will allow Arjuna to heal himself in small increments throughout an allotted period of time (probably no longer than a few minutes; just enough some blows), to gather up his mana, and finally— to deal more damage/act as a sufficient power up. Though, once again, I'm flexible to limiting this within game-related boundaries since I know it’s kind of a lot... in one skill. It's also believed this is an extension of the "luck" he received in his time alive. It's likely connected to his battle with Karna, and how the curses went against his enemy and towards his general favor.

◆ MANA BURST: One can envision this as a mana allocation process. It allows the caster to be able to streamline their mana and succinctly compact it in order to be used in their attacks (via their weapons or their body). As the name suggests it's more like a "surge" of magical energy than it is a long-standing power up. In terms of how it will be used in game— it will be able to level up the power of Arjuna’s arrows and allow him to deal one single critical blow. Or something. I don't know. I'm tired.

** It’s important to also note that he can’t continually cast the same skill over and over. He can cast it once... per battle or few battles I would say on average. Moreover, in general Arjuna's arrows can be augmented or combined depending on his will. So attaching, for example, four or five blows into one shot isn't impossible for him. Additionally, as his powers are granted by the ruler of the Heavens and his bow a gift from Agni, his arrows take on the form of blue streaks of light (as opposed to normal arrows).

NOBLE PHANTASM:

◆ PASHUPATA / RAISED HAND OF THE DESTRUCTION GOD: As suggested by its name— "Pashupata" was, inarguably, a weapon made for destruction. Being Shiva's greatest, most coveted weapon, it was noted to be the ultimate means to mass obliteration. With enough dormant firepower to be able to vanquish all foes and rid the world completely of all creation (as referenced to in Arjuna's pre-emptive incantation), it was a weapon or line or attack not intended for mortals to use. In Lagunbiru this probably won’t be utilized as it’s sort of game breaking, but I'll explain it just to complete up all the abilities! This will be able to target multiple enemies in a single blow. It has a chance to kill his enemy in a single attack on rare occasions— but most of the time, it’ll just be released and deal a heavy damage on all of them. This attack doesn’t really hit them all with the same amount of damage, either, and it can differ from enemy to enemy.

Note: To give insight to his actual statistics, I'll be dropping a link right ( here. )

In terms of NERFS, I'll be nerfing all his abilities. The abilities that can do heavy damage, will be limited to doing what a normal bow would be able to achieve. He'll have strength and agility that exceeds that of a normal man, but nothing as intense as anything proffered to him in canon. Moreover, if he wants to be able to regain a bit more power, he'll be required to find a method of being able to replenish his mana.

Inventory:

◆ His beloved bow, "Gandiva."
◆ Double quivers against his hips; attached by three belts.
◆ The clothes on his back primarily comprised of: a tunic, embellished accessories, an overly intricate overcoat that manages to reach near his ankles and framed by two large anchored chains tha— okay, I'm just going to ( relink ) his outfit.

Note: His bow is made up of his own spiritual energy, however if it can't be allowed due to size restrictions, I would like for him to bring in the knife he holds in his accession image instead, if that's all right!

Appearance: In tune with his character, and of his distinction as a half-God with the blessings of Indra himself— Arjuna has been noted to have a fairly discrete aura. One that is easily distinguishable; marking him as being both prim and proper, as well as indomitable and immovable. Equally, his garments seem to exude a "clean"/"immaculate" image, being composed primarily of whites, with the occasional contrasts of a royal blue. For a more accurate depiction (and to save me from the hell of describing his nasu-approved wardrobe), an image has been added ( here. ) and ( here. )

Five Desires: Eternal solitude, eternal solitude, eternal solitud— To do battle with Karna, honor, being able to flawlessly fulfill his duties, and eternal solitude. In terms of what he could desire that's tangible— a method of being able to get mana (maybe jewelry or weapons infused with it), perhaps a night out that's designed to be reminiscent of his home world (whether in terms of food, drink, or entertainment), being praised or gaining public recognition, being gifted a personal place of meditation, and weapons blessed by Gods. Or whatever is a close enough substitute.

Samples: ➊ & ➋!