Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Old Ghosts

Captain Sandor Braddock sat in his quarters. The day’s work was done and he still did not feel ready for slumber. The brute had nothing to occupy himself other than his memories, so he let them enter his conscious allowing himself to a moment to reflect on how he got to where he is now.

When I was nine years old my father sent me and my brother Ezekiel to Avarlarch keep to become knights. My mother died of plague the summer before and the man could not bare to have us around as a reminder. Probably the best thing he ever did for me, had I not escaped that hellish hive I’d likely be long dead, either as some lowly conscript or killed in a petty ganger scum shoot out. For years we trained, mastering both sword and horse. Until it came time for our first deployment.

We were fresh faced graduates I was twenty my Ezekiel but a year younger. As the top graduates we had the honor of serving in the first company the Peerless. Ezekiel was well liked by his fellow cadets, reflecting upon this now I think I was jealous explains why I was such a bastard to him. We were deployed to a world just outside Faustian space, a worthless mud-ball known as Vargas. The job was simple deploy eliminate all xenos. However, things are rarely so simple when Eldar are involved.

We had been clearing out the knife ears with the support of the common troops for months. We out numbered them three to one, but their guerrilla style combat made flushing them out hard. We were out on a simple escort run for some noble when they ambushed us. My horse was hit first and I fell to the ground. The rest of the men experienced the same thing. Knight Lord Tennyson shouted “Protect the cargo.” All the knights began forming a ring, I took my position but noticed my brother was not in his. I looked across the battlefield and saw him. One of the knife ears had ran him through with a spear. Something savage came over me, I left my position and charged for the bastard. Knight Lord Tennyson shouted for me to return to my position, but I paid him no mind. I reached the xeno and parried his spear sending it flying away from him. I dropped my claymore and went for the bastard with my bare hands. I grabbed him by his throat and beat him bloody with my fist. My black steel gauntlet shattering its visor. Eventually there was no face left. I looked to my brother he wheezed and spat blood. I knew I should have ended his misery, but I couldn’t, I merely grabbed my blade and and returned to my fellow knights. A single Eldar did manage to break through and kill that noble. Tennyson was furious, “if you ever do something so reckless again I will have you removed from the order and hung.”

The years passed and my attitude didn’t improve, I was in a constant blood rage the warmth of battle my only remedy. After the incident on Noran where several of my knights died needlessly for my blood thirst I was removed from the order and scheduled to be hung. But my execution was stopped, when the young Lord Hannibal Pavus pardoned me. Tennyson was furious I escaped his wrath. I asked the young lord why he spared me. The man told me my life came at a price, that I should captain the Lord Governor’s honor guard and slay his father. Needless to say I leapt at the opportunity. I ascended to the rank of guard captain and after a year of service to the man poisoned his drink. Years of loyal service to the new governor earned me the name “The Hound” the governor’s guard dog. The name suite me, I had been called far worse things.

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

ooh will we meet hos Brother? family differences, the knight returns a captain or lord?

and for my next chunk, im going to mound some patrols, launch a small fleet action and scan for some space elves. (again) they have to be somewhere, right?

and meet the slightly odd magos, because, lets meet this eldar lovong cyborg

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

ooh will we meet hos Brother? family differences, the knight returns a captain or lord?

and for my next chunk, im going to mound some patrols, launch a small fleet action and scan for some space elves. (again) they have to be somewhere, right?

and meet the slightly odd magos, because, lets meet this eldar lovong cyborg

 chazz huggins wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

ooh will we meet hos Brother? family differences, the knight returns a captain or lord?

and for my next chunk, im going to mound some patrols, launch a small fleet action and scan for some space elves. (again) they have to be somewhere, right?

and meet the slightly odd magos, because, lets meet this eldar lovong cyborg

Spoiler:

I don't think so that Eldar sorta killed him, but I must admit it would be cool to have a hound vs the mountain. Wait I mean what mountain who said anything about a mountain his name is Ezekiel not the mountain

 chazz huggins wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

ooh will we meet hos Brother? family differences, the knight returns a captain or lord?

and for my next chunk, im going to mound some patrols, launch a small fleet action and scan for some space elves. (again) they have to be somewhere, right?

and meet the slightly odd magos, because, lets meet this eldar lovong cyborg

Spoiler:

I don't think so that Eldar sorta killed him, but I must admit it would be cool to have a hound vs the mountain. Wait I mean what mountain who said anything about a mountain his name is Ezekiel not the mountain

 chazz huggins wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

ooh will we meet hos Brother? family differences, the knight returns a captain or lord?

and for my next chunk, im going to mound some patrols, launch a small fleet action and scan for some space elves. (again) they have to be somewhere, right?

and meet the slightly odd magos, because, lets meet this eldar lovong cyborg

Spoiler:

I don't think so that Eldar sorta killed him, but I must admit it would be cool to have a hound vs the mountain. Wait I mean what mountain who said anything about a mountain his name is Ezekiel not the mountain

Ooh,

Contacting all commands.....
Contacting......
Contact made.

My Lords,

The situation on Kagrenz has grown dire, there is a threat here that we cannot identify. It struck like lightning and struck down 10 of my brothers before they could even get off a single shot and then strung them up from a tree. More recently it struck at Captain Julius. He was leading the search effort for our brothers' murderers when he was surrounded by a cloying fog and cut off from the rest of us. When the fog cleared he was lying on the ground bleeding to death from many lacerations. Not odd in of itself, what was odd was that his power armor WAS COMPLETELY UNTOUCHED. It's as if his armor wasn't even there. We are falling back to our landing zone until we can determine if Captain Julius will live or not. Our situation is dire, we fight a foe that we cannot even identify. I fear that my chapter might fail here, and that is something I cannot allow.

Chaplain Severan Ultramarines 3rd Company

Contacting Battle Barge "Honour"
Contacting...
Contacting...
Contact made.

Lord General Kruger Zonand, to Captain Julius/Chaplain Severan

Your report on Kagrenz is well received, and we implore you to withdraw. My advisor has had me bid two squads of Tactical Marines from Strikeforce Praetoria to assist you and cover your withdrawal. Consider them already under your command. As for your men, Strikeforce Praetoria, and I particularly, feel for their untimely loss, and hope to avenge them when Kagrenz can be validated as a warzone once again.

It is imperative that your medical treatment be monitored closely, for signs of the affliction in question, and your medical state.
Ultramarine commanders have not had it easy, these past few weeks.

As for the situation of Kagrenz, I have been deep in council and it would seem that logic must be adhered to.
As such, as head of this Crusade, I declare that Kagrenz be quarantined and monitored, but, without express permission, no force is to make any sortie on that benighted rock.
For the current moment, your 3rd Company will hold vigil over Kagrenz, until I can appropriate another force to watch over it.

Emperor be with you at this trying time.
Lord General Kruger Zonand, signing out.

Ceased transmission.

"Choose for me. Who do I send?" Zonand sighed.

Without word, the hooded guardian raised a thick arm and pointed at one of the many Regicide pieces on the Lord General's desk.

The finger fell on the Knight, meant to be a noble piece, yet never going straight and always deviating from the true and good path forward.
Zonand understood the meaning immediately. Pavus, and his Faustian Regiments.
"And why?"

"Easy. They get sidelined, and possibly lose men to whatever is down there. You stay safe, and the Crusade lives on. I do not want more of Julius' men die to smoke and shadow."

"They did teach you well. Very well indeed. I am surprised that you are here in the first place."
The Lord General rubbed his stubbly beard between two fingers.
"Yes, it shall be so. Send word to General Hannibal Pavus; tell him that his Faustian Regiments are to form a beachhead on Kagrenz. Those are my orders."

The five Rangers snuck into position overlooking the canyon and observed as the humans below made ready to receive the advancing horde of orks. Orders were being bellowed, swords sharpened, and the Centurions were readying their various primitive las weapons. Lilliana had ordered the Rangers to help the mon'keigh defend this canyon and they would do so. As one the Rangers raised their long rifles and fired into the horde, targeting the bigger greenskins and those who carried heavy weapons. The Greenskins snarled in fury as their number began to be scythed down by the deadly fire from the Rangers. The biggest remaining Ork gestured to the Weirdboy at his side and the Weirdboy nodded back and then his eyes began to glow green with power. The Rangers noticed this and immediately fired on the Weirdboy, blowing his head off, but by then it was far too late for them, the Weirdboys' bolt of psychic energy struck the side of the canyon by the Ranger's position, causing a deadly shockwave effect. The side of the mountain began to slide down towards the Rangers, and they knew that there was no way for them to escape, so each Ranger fired one last time and put down another Ork before they were buried. On a nearby hill Lilliana observed all of this through the scope of a long rifle she had borrowed from the senior Ranger. More precious Eldar lives had been lost, all to save this planet, was it worth it? Lilliana did not know, all she knew was that Fate demanded that the Eldar fight to save Gaius and this world, no matter the cost.

im planning a chunk tmoz, il roll it off, and 2 out of 3 will be random.

one im setting as a fixed event to set the scense so to speak.

Location: Warpath Crucible
Time: 4 Terran days after the Eldar raid.


According to Lord Ryus and to the dismay of Lord Sylus, the New Order was to build a new hive for the refugees of Gallor Prime. It just so happened that it would be built in the current system Sylus had his fleet crippled in. Sylus knew this was a cover for a different purpose... For Phase 2.

Humans are such a waste of time... They live lives so futile.. so.. pointless

Sylus walked through the newly built hab units for the refugees, casting the gaze of his deathmask over the milling civilians. The New Order had assigned most of any abled body above the Terran age of 16 to hab construction or agricultural development.

Menial work is good for them. Keeps the New Order free to do their mi-

"Excuse me, Lord Astartes..."

Sylus turned around. He looked down. Another reason why humans are bothersome, they always need to be looked down upon.

"I think you dropped this" the small woman... the normal sized woman said, holding out Sylus' Rosarius. The Judge brought his armoured gauntlet to his neck and felt where his Rosarius should have been. The woman did not seem to want to make eye contact with him as he took the holy necklace.

"Why don't you make eye contact with me, woman?" the Judge asked, in his signature flat tone.

"I... I am afraid, Lord Astartes" the woman stammered out.

"My name is Sylus. Judge Sylus. Third Judge of the First Company of the New Order."

"I am Annala... of Gallor Prime... or was of Gallor Prime..."

She slowly turned her head to look the Skull-Helm of the Judge in the retinal lenses. Sylus unconsciously glared back behind the helmet. The pair awkwardly locked eyes in the middle of the busy street for several seconds before Sylus carried on the conversation.

"Do you know why I wear this mask, Annala?" the Judge inquired, flatly as usual. He didn't talk like that on purpose, it was just something slowly developed when he became Judge again.

"The teachings from the Emperor say that even in a humans most depleted form, he is still beautiful..."

"I am impressed..." Sylus uttered as he put his Rosarius back on. "What is your duty, Annala? The New Order does not take kindly to loafers."

She swallowed hard and pulled the auburn hair out of her face, "I am a Munitorum Priestess... Thats how I knew what you Rosarius was and why you'd need it..."

A slight smile grew on Sylus' face. He unclasped his helmet and took it off. Annala blushed slightly as he mag locked it to his belt and adjusted his long, jet black hair behind his tanned face. He looked over his shoulder briefly before turning back to face Annala.

"I just realized there is no cathedral establishment on the ship for the common masses. Why don't you come with me and we can work out the details," Sylus asked, his flatness gradually fading into a tad emotion in his voice.

"That would be wonderful, Lord Astartes" Annala replied with a bright smile on her face.

* * *

Sylus wasn't sure how long he and Annala had been praying, but it seemed long enough to put the poor priestess to sleep. He had taken her back to his quarters to plan for a small cathedral to be built and they had stopped to pray for guidence on the matter. Annala was apparently more tired then she let on. Sylus sighed and laid her on his bed. He lightly tucked her in before a sublte knock on his door interrupted him. He walked slowly towards the door and opened it quietly. The massive form of Judge Fyragh filled his view. He took a step out and closed the door.

"What, Brother? What beckons you to seek my presence at this hour?" Sylus inquired, pulling back the hood of his robe and rubbing his eyes.

"You know damn well, Sylus. Who is the girl?" Fyragh snarled back, baring his teeth.

"She is a priestess of the God-Emperor. I was planning-" Syulus started before he was cut off.

"She should not be here, around the Astartes. She is a liability. Get rid of her," Fyragh demanded, drawing his bolt pistol. "Do it, or I will."

"You cannot kill the servants of the Emperor, Fyragh. Do you not remember the oath's we took? We protect the innocent, not end them."

"She is getting in the way. You were supposed to be briefed on 'Plan Beta,' but you were here, planning to construct a fething cathedral!" Fyragh spat and slammed Sylus into a wall. Fyragh followed it with a left hook to the gut and a right cross to the head. Sylus crumpled to the ground and rolled away from a stomp meant for his head. He swung his leg and swept Fyragh off his feet before straddling the Judge and punching his repeatedly in the head until he was sure he knocked the old man unconscious. He stood slowly, holding his side and faintly heard the heavy foot falls of the nearby patrols coming to investigate. The High Council will not be pleased with this.

Indrael allowed himself a small smile, the report had just come in from the Rangers, they had found a route to Archarus. He was finally within reach! His optimism faded a little as he read the rest of the report. The only stable route was on the planet of Gondor's Passage, and the planet was currently being invaded by a group of Chaos Space Marines who were offering praise to She Who Thirsts. Even just thinking of her made Indrael's skin crawl. The rest of the report went on to describe how the Magos on this planet hadn't made an appearance, it appeared the only way to get him to come out of hiding was to bait him out. Indrael smiled again, he knew just the right kind of bait to lure him out....

[spoiler]

Ooh yes, we are trying to get a shot on him too

Contacting all commands....
Contacting....
Contact made.

My Lords,

We have pulled back to our landing zone and are holding it till our replacements are able to land and secure it for themselves. Until then we will hold and repel any assault. I am also pleased to report that Apothecary Veho believes that Captain Julius will recover from his wounds given a little more time to heal. He will require extensive bionics to repair the damage to his internal organs, but we believe that he will pull through at this point. After we pull out back out and are in orbit we will request new orders and a new target, we cannot rest for long.

Chaplain Severan

 2BlackJack1 wrote:

Spoiler:

A man claims a forsaken planet and suddenly public enemy number 1? Have at thee, cowards! There shall be no talks of peace!

Contacting all commands....
Contacting....
Contact made.

To all Officers and Lords of the crusade

Strike force Hammer has secured the Fungus world and is proceeding to investigate and repel a incoming ork fleet imbound on our sector.

Planets production is 95% intact at this time. Operations commencing to purge of Chaos taint and investigate the prescience of the Elder. Shipping back 45 million units of planets production to depots within the day.


Lord Marshall Karak out
Strike Force Hammer.

 Sgt_Smudge wrote:

Spoiler:

I'm currently working on a list of plot points I can kick into gear, some climax events that should be interesting. Of course, I need to wait to see how events go to determine which to use. Just a heads-up.

War Kitten, Julius can recover when you want, no need to roll.

However, and this is for everyone in the thread, if your character is wounded, I'd advise you leave them wounded for at least a few days, going on to a week. Adds more impact to the loss. Of course, they might also suffer drawbacks to personal combat in the case of rolling for results, but it's always a negligible modifier (-1 or -2)

I do feel sorry for you 2BlackJack1, but at least you're fairly safe for now in the Warp. Of course, you could always attempt fortifying even further and blockading Gondorf's Passage to make yourself safer?

Tactical_Spam, I like the writing there for Sylus, and it seems like a genuine conflict between the two Astartes there. My main question regarding the New Order: what the feth are they trying to accomplish?
Are they Loyalist? Humanitarian? Renegade? Chaos?
I actually have no clue.

Fortifying Gondorf's Passage won't save him for long (hopefully) from the wrath of the Eldar. Plus Archarus is a good chunk of the reason why I was able to segue in my Eldar. It was either that or bring in my DE, who would just want to kill people, take slaves, and burn stuff all for the lols

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

So whilst the crusade earns glory on planets, I ship nutritious fungus, hmm did I do somthing wrong..... Enjoy your bland, long life durable new fungus rations.

 War Kitten wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:

Spoiler:

So whilst the crusade earns glory on planets, I ship nutritious fungus, hmm did I do somthing wrong..... Enjoy your bland, long life durable new fungus rations.

Spoiler:

It's your punishment for wrecking so much stuff during the first part of the Crusade. Now you get to do the boring stuff for a little whil. Oh, and 2bj1, why do you think Lilliana would actually engage Archarus herself? You've probably seen the stats of a Farseer at some point, they aren't exactly combat characters, no, Lilliana will be just fine with having you shot repeatedly*

On the planet of Echison VII, Vorhees waited for his ork clients to arrive. He had brought with him two tons of various supplies, and waited for the orks to bring their end of the deal: slaves. Archarus had sent him to make the deal, as he was too busy running an empire and he couldn’t properly trust anyone. Not even Pugarr, the lumbering giant who had been with the Warsmith since the very start, was trusted to make this deal. Archarus needed as many slaves as he could get, and the orks had plenty. In return, the greenskins were to have as much scrap as they needed, and hopefully they could agree to focusing their efforts on the Imperium.

“Maybe have them kill a few Eldar, too. If they have the nerve to show up.” The raptor spat, and saw that his clients were finally arriving.

“Oi, weze brought da humiez, so you better have dat scrap da boss wants.” One nob, evidently in charge of the group, said, while eyeing the crates that Vorhees stood by.

Rather than say anything to the brutes, Vorhees just stepped to the side and gestured to the crates. The orks didn’t hesitate to rip open the crates and the nob laughed as he saw all of the various bits of metal and weapons spill out.

“Your slaves are over dere, do whatever wif dem, Ize don’t care.” The nob said, before moving in to grab some of the spoils himself.

“I hope we can make this an ongoing deal, we have more where this came from.” Vorhees wasn’t sure if the orks were listening to him, but he felt the need to say something before going to check in on his own profits. The slaves looked somewhat healthy, but there was no doubt they were terrified at seeing the Chaos marine. They backed as far away from him as their chains could reach, and their fear made Vorhees smile. If they were afraid, they were less likely to think they could stand up to him, and the last thing he wanted was for slaves to try and rebel en route back to the Warsmith.

Vorhees continued inspecting the slaves until a thunderhawk landed, and the raptor ushered the new fodder into the vehicle, leaving the orks to their looting.

“Now, I hope Pugarr can handle that titan, the Warsmith won’t be happy to hear that the beast is still on the loose” Vorhees said, but silently hoped his peer would perish in the attempt, as he could only gain from Archarus having to put more trust into himself to counter the loss of Pugarr.

Kagrenz is being put on lockdown and the Faustians sent in. I don't know what my Ultramarines are going to do. I want Julius to be recovered before I do too much else with them.