Kishua Zelretch Schweinorg

Kishua Zelretch Schweinorg, more commonly known as Zelretch the Wizard Marshall, is a fictional character created by TYPE-MOON.

He is one of five living sorcerers capable of "true" magic (魔法 "Mahō"), or miracles that can accomplish impossibilities beyond modern science or sorcery. Zelretch's particular miracle is known as the "Kaleidoscope", and he has dominion over alternate possibilities. Originally introduced in "Tsukihime", he makes a cameo appearance in the "Heaven's Feel" scenario of "Fate/stay night", and thus is one of characters that bridges the stories in the TYPE-MOON world (another is Tōko Aozaki from "Kara no Kyoukai" and whose sister Aoko Aozaki is in "Tsukihime").

History

Zelretch is responsible for killing Crimson Moon Brunestud, the King of Vampires, several centuries ago. However, the Crimson Moon was able to suck Zelretch's blood, turning the Wizard Marshall into a vampire now classified as one of the Twenty Seven Ancestors of Dead Apostles. Zelretch has grown older since that cataclysmic battle, and he can no longer use Kaleidoscope magic extensively.

Although a vampire, Zelretch remains an ally of humanity and the nearly extinct race of True Ancestors. He acts as a surrogate grandfather to Arcueid Brunestud, and is both admired and disliked by the Mage's Association; his tutelage, while comprehensive, frequently traumatizes the most promising of students, leaving them unwilling or incapable of continuing their careers.

Two hundred years ago, he helped found the Fuyuki Holy Grail Wars with Zōken Makiri, Nagato Tōsaka, and a homunculus known as Justica von Einzbern. Nagato allows his property, Fuyuki City, to be used as the battleground, while Zōken proposed the system of "Masters" and "Servants". The Einzberns offer to provide the vessels for the Holy Grail, which store the Mana from slain Servants necessary for wishes. During the scenario of "Heaven's Feel", Shirō Emiya, with help from Rin Tōsaka, manages to recreate "The Jeweled Sword of Zelretch" for use against Dark Sakura. Zelretch himself emerges from a parallel world and compliments Rin's accomplishment, reflecting on the progression of the Tōsaka family in just two centuries.

Inventions

Jeweled Sword of Zelretch

A powerful artifact reconstructed by Shirō Emiya under the instruction of Rin Tōsaka, the Jeweled Sword of Zelretch only makes an appearance in the third scenario of "Fate/stay night", "Heaven's Feel". This jeweled blade applies a limited form of Kaleidoscope magic, allowing small tears to an infinite number of parallel worlds. Mana is siphoned from these planar possibilities, then channeled into the sword's crystal blade; when released, the immense energy takes the form of a blinding stream of light. As a jewel, the sword may also be detonated as a single-use explosive.

Kaleidostick

A sentient wand, and another invention of Zelretch. When activated, the Kaleidostick transfers knowledge from an alternate version of its user into its current wielder, in addition to providing an ample source of Mana. However, the Kaleidostick dislikes its creator, and frequently manipulates its user into humiliating situations. In Fate/hollow ataraxia, the Kaleidostick is responsible for transforming Rin into the magical girl "Kaleido-Ruby".