Waver Velvet

Lore & Background

Unlike many magi who focus on combat or singular research, Waver specializes in analyzing and reconstructing thaumaturgy from others. He navigates the treacherous politics of the Clock Tower by solving mysteries and managing faction affairs rather than engaging in direct duels. His rise to Lordship is a testament to his ability to adapt and survive within a system designed for those with greater magical circuits.

In Their Own Story

Waver was a student of the Mineralogy Department. After he gets humiliated in front of the entire class by his teacher when he submitted an essay explaining that anyone can become a great mage as long they work hard and practice, Waver decides to participate in the Holy Grail War after stealing his artifact and plans to use the Grail to force the Mages' Association to recognize his genius. With the artifact, he manages to summon Iskandar (better known as Alexander the Great) of the Rider class. Despite his difficulties with Rider's overbearing nature, Waver and his Servant form a strong relationship. When the War nearly comes to an end, the two are about to be killed by the servant Archer, Iskandar convinces his master to instead become his servant, which Waver agrees happily. Archer kills Iskandar but spares Waver in compassion for Iskandar's values of his own master and Waver's newfound will to live for Iskandar. He decides to take a trip to see the world before returning to the Clock Tower to resume his studies. After the events of Fate/Zero, he returns to the Clock Tower to resume his study of magecraft. The previous Lord El-Melloi, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, who was Waver's former professor, had been killed during the events of Fate/Zero which resulted in a sharp decline of the El-Melloi clan. After discovering what happened to his former teacher and feeling responsible for his death, Waver borrowed a loan from an old friend named Melvin Weins to purchase the El-Melloi Classroom and began to teach Modern Magecraft. Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, the next heir of the clan and Kayneth's niece by blood, discovered the purchase of the classroom and requested Waver to take the title of El-Melloi while temporarily become the head until she becomes of age to do so. Waver accepts as long as he is known as Lord El-Melloi II, as he feels unworthy to be compared to his predecessor and teacher. For 10 years, Waver has been a popular professor of the Clock Tower.

Reader's Guide

Waver Velvet, later known as Lord El-Melloi II, is a magus defined by his intellect rather than raw magical output. Originally a student of the Mineralogy Department, he inherited leadership after his teacher Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald died during the Fourth Holy Grail War. His journey focuses on overcoming insecurity about his limited circuits through rigorous study and analysis. He specializes in reconstructing thaumaturgy and dissecting enemy magic, making him a formidable strategist within the Clock Tower politics. Unlike combat-focused magi, he excels at negotiation and investigation, solving mysteries that threaten the Association's stability. Key moments include his survival of the Fourth War tragedy and his eventual rise to Lordship. He serves as a mentor figure in later years, guiding younger talent while navigating complex magical conspiracies. His arc represents the triumph of knowledge over brute force in a world dominated by power.

Did You Know?

• Waver was conceptualized as a weak character similar to Nobita Nobi from Doraemon in the making of Fate/Zero.
• Artist Takashi Takeuchi said Waver's original design motif was 'sarcastic, smart-alecky boy'.
• In Delightworks' mobile role-playing game Fate/Grand Order, Waver appears as a five star Caster Pseudo-Servant under the name of Zhuge Liang, also known as Zhuge Kongming.
• Waver's character in The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II was influenced by Sherlock Holmes, with Gray serving as his sidekick Dr. Watson.
• In English, Waver was voiced by Lucien Dodge in Fate/Zero, Unlimited Blade Works, Fate/Apocrypha and Case Files, and by Leraldo Anzaldua in the first two seasons of Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya.