Fate/Zero

"Let us tell the story of a certain man. The tale of a man who, more than anyone else, believed in his ideals, and by them was driven into despair."

There exists a plane outside of human concepts, and within there is the Throne of Heroes. Here, the records of famous (and infamous) individuals throughout history are kept, to be used as eternal guardians of mankind. The definition of "hero" is broad — even the most ruthless and heartless are the heroes of their own tales.

Centuries ago, three families — Einzbern, Makiri, Tohsaka — conducted a dark and bloody ritual; Heaven's Feel, the Holy Grail War of Fuyuki. A battle between seven magi, competing for a chance to wish upon a "Holy Grail", the 726th branded by The Church. Heroic Spirits from the Throne are summoned and bound to the material world, becoming "Servants" to their summoner "Masters". To keep their true names hidden, the seven Servants are sorted into one of seven Classes: Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Berserker, and Assassin. In addition, each Servant is armed with the mysteries that symbolize their legend — Noble Phantasms, legendary armaments and abilities, the very concepts that embody their fame.
As each Servant falls, the Holy Grail receives their power, until only one remains and the Grail is able to manifest in the physical world to grant the winners' wishes.