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Emperors Faithful wrote:Cuu only appears in Honour Guard I think.(

Honor Guard, Guns of Tanith, Straight Silver, and Sabbat Martyr.

I meant to say that was his first appearance, which means he wasn't around in Necropolis. (or at least, Dan Abnett was writing about him stabbing babies there at the moment)

necropolis for sure for all the city fighting.

I just finished the last Omnibus a few weeks ago and I loved it, I just can't remember the names of any of the stories off the top of my head.

The one where they have a huge aerial assault on those promethium refinery cities was one of my favourites.

That and the one where Caffran's son is inducted into that punishment company. That was the most like what I imagined being in the Imperial guard would he like. I love the books, but they make them out to be such heroes all the time. My own IG just seem to die in the mud, so it was nice to see what it would be like if they were written the way they are played.

Not that I mind reading the heroic version!

Emperors Faithful wrote:Cuu only appears in Honour Guard I think. Still, he's a right bastard, killing that chick and all. And Bragg. And Corbec. You know what? him. He's pretty much the only person that kills off cool characters.

That's why he's cool, he makes the fan boys cry..

Shaman wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:Cuu only appears in Honour Guard I think. Still, he's a right bastard, killing that chick and all. And Bragg. And Corbec. You know what? him. He's pretty much the only person that kills off cool characters.

That's why he's cool, he makes the fan boys cry..

I agree, never have I been SOOOOOO mad at a fictional character until I read the part where Cuu killed bragg. Oh my goodness after finishing that I didn't read the next book until two weeks later

Cuu is one of those characters where you have to love him for what he is but you HATE HIM for what he does.

Jihadnik wrote:I just finished the last Omnibus a few weeks ago and I loved it, I just can't remember the names of any of the stories off the top of my head.

The one where they have a huge aerial assault on those promethium refinery cities was one of my favourites.

That and the one where Caffran's son is inducted into that punishment company. That was the most like what I imagined being in the Imperial guard would he like. I love the books, but they make them out to be such heroes all the time. My own IG just seem to die in the mud, so it was nice to see what it would be like if they were written the way they are played.

Not that I mind reading the heroic version!

True, looks like Dan Abnett felt particularily grimdark that day. No complaints of course.

ishanmaster wrote:

Shaman wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:Cuu only appears in Honour Guard I think. Still, he's a right bastard, killing that chick and all. And Bragg. And Corbec. You know what? him. He's pretty much the only person that kills off cool characters.

That's why he's cool, he makes the fan boys cry..

I agree, never have I been SOOOOOO mad at a fictional character until I read the part where Cuu killed bragg. Oh my goodness after finishing that I didn't read the next book until two weeks later

Cuu is one of those characters where you have to love him for what he is but you HATE HIM for what he does.

When Bragg died I shed...



I was more ticked at Straight Silver, when I thought he was finnally going to get cuaght, but then the witness' either die from him or sheer dumb luck.

Emperors Faithful wrote:I meant to say that was his first appearance, which means he wasn't around in Necropolis. (or at least, Dan Abnett was writing about him stabbing babies there at the moment)

His first appearance was in the end of Necropolis and even then it's a tad snister for Mr. "stab happy"Cuu


Automatically Appended Next Post:

ishanmaster wrote:Necropolis all the way! Necropolis did sooooo much that its the best gaunts ghost book out there. The first two books sets up the character but you really didn't get to know the characters on a personal level until Necropolis plus its probably the best book to depic what a war is like in 40k. Wasn't it like hundreds of billions of people that dead plus less then 5000 ghosts that survived at the end of the two month siege on 1 hivecity? Now thats a war!

It seems that big but if you look at the numbers it isn't as big as it seems apart from the amount of people attcking them and the Ghosts are down to about 1,000 at the end of the sirge they then recieve loads of new recruits so they're up too strength again

purplefood wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:I meant to say that was his first appearance, which means he wasn't around in Necropolis. (or at least, Dan Abnett was writing about him stabbing babies there at the moment)

His first appearance was in the end of Necropolis and even then it's a tad snister for Mr. "stab happy"Cuu

Really? I never noticed...

Emperors Faithful wrote:

purplefood wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:I meant to say that was his first appearance, which means he wasn't around in Necropolis. (or at least, Dan Abnett was writing about him stabbing babies there at the moment)

His first appearance was in the end of Necropolis and even then it's a tad snister for Mr. "stab happy"Cuu

Really? I never noticed...

He has like 1 paragraph and it's a bit sinister and he has a knife(no suprise) and it's very foreshadowing if you catch it i missed it the first time i read it but it's there i'm sure.

Emperors Faithful wrote:

KamikazeCanuck wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:Bit late now isn't it? I mean, you've just found out that your adopted father bit the dust, and now Kolea steps out and says:

"S'okay, bru. I is your father."

He's not the fathering kind, now is he?

yes, but the point remains.

What point? He made a good decision. How fethed up would your kids be growing up with two fathers? (long after they've accepted the fact that one has died)

Better than growing up incorrectly believing their father is dead.

I too voted Necropolis. It has been a year since I read most of the Ghost books, and that one sticks with me the most.

Keep in mind, I haven't read Blood Pact yet.

KamikazeCanuck wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:

KamikazeCanuck wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:Bit late now isn't it? I mean, you've just found out that your adopted father bit the dust, and now Kolea steps out and says:

"S'okay, bru. I is your father."

He's not the fathering kind, now is he?

yes, but the point remains.

What point? He made a good decision. How fethed up would your kids be growing up with two fathers? (long after they've accepted the fact that one has died)

Better than growing up incorrectly believing their father is dead.

(Can't believe I'm arguing of a fictional father figure)

Not really, I think that for some (after experiencing the horrors of war) it's best to just sometimes put the past to the past. They had a new parent(s), and Kolea coming back would have seriously fethed everything up. I think he understood this, and he had his own battle scars making him probably the least perfect father that the kids needed.

Armour of comtempt for me I love the RIP battles and I think the scene with the Daemon is really atmospheric and I loved the unexpected Twist with Caff
However I think Gaunt is an Idiot and want him to Die so Rawne can take over

I think the reason I really hate Cuu is that he pooed all over Corbec, whom I by far empathise with the most. I mean, killing Muril, especially after Corbec nearly getting killed on Ouranberg rescuing her, and then of course Sabbat Martyr.

Cuu was the ultimate asshat for what he did to the big, nice, cuddly guys.

Oh, and Necropolis without a doubt, it's just a perfect standalone novel that gets you involved. I also love the 'vanilla IG' nature of Dalin's battles in the Armour of Contempt (content? what?), although I'd have loved to have known how he took down those Sons of Sek.

And yes, Dan's a heartbreaker, it's the sign of a good writer. If you appreciate that, read Riders of the Dead, total weepfest.

Emperors Faithful wrote:

KamikazeCanuck wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:

KamikazeCanuck wrote:

Emperors Faithful wrote:Bit late now isn't it? I mean, you've just found out that your adopted father bit the dust, and now Kolea steps out and says:

"S'okay, bru. I is your father."

He's not the fathering kind, now is he?

yes, but the point remains.

What point? He made a good decision. How fethed up would your kids be growing up with two fathers? (long after they've accepted the fact that one has died)

Better than growing up incorrectly believing their father is dead.

(Can't believe I'm arguing of a fictional father figure)

Not really, I think that for some (after experiencing the horrors of war) it's best to just sometimes put the past to the past. They had a new parent(s), and Kolea coming back would have seriously fethed everything up. I think he understood this, and he had his own battle scars making him probably the least perfect father that the kids needed.

I think it's good for a son to know his father. We'll just agree to disagree.

BenManicom wrote:Armour of comtempt for me I love the RIP battles and I think the scene with the Daemon is really atmospheric and I loved the unexpected Twist with Caff
However I think Gaunt is an Idiot and want him to Die so Rawne can take over

Why is he an idiot? Also what's with the random capital letters?

I had to vote for only in death, maybe it was because it was the final book in the second arc, but it was amazing how each different character had a major experiance and how they reacted to things that

=I= White-Wolf wrote:I had to vote for only in death, maybe it was because it was the final book in the second arc, but it was amazing how each different character had a major experiance and how they reacted to things that

Spoiler:

did not exist

Don't you mean third arc?

I haven't read any of them...I really need to. Should I just buy the first omnibus?

Samus_aran115 wrote:I haven't read any of them...I really need to. Should I just buy the first omnibus?

yup, and also try and forget everything everyone's said on this thread...

purplefood wrote:

BenManicom wrote:Armour of comtempt for me I love the RIP battles and I think the scene with the Daemon is really atmospheric and I loved the unexpected Twist with Caff
However I think Gaunt is an Idiot and want him to Die so Rawne can take over

Why is he an idiot? Also what's with the random capital letters?

RIP = Retraining, Indoctrination and Punishment hence initials, the others were just silly grammar mistakes made in a rush, my apologies

Gaunt is an idiot for presuming his regiment is above and beyond every other regiment availible in only in death he complains at the 47% casualties suffered while holding back the blood pact, but it doesn't change the fact that someone had to do it and his regiment was chosen. He would happily of let another regiment have performed the role and had they been wiped out wouldn't have throw a hissy fit with Van Voytz. He also turned down a promotion to Leiutenant General in charge of several regiments with more political punching power to maintain his stupid dual rank.

BenManicom wrote:RIP = Retraining, Indoctrination and Punishment hence initials, the others were just silly grammar mistakes made in a rush, my apologies

Gaunt is an idiot for presuming his regiment is above and beyond every other regiment availible in only in death he complains at the 47% casualties suffered while holding back the blood pact, but it doesn't change the fact that someone had to do it and his regiment was chosen. He would happily of let another regiment have performed the role and had they been wiped out wouldn't have throw a hissy fit with Van Voytz. He also turned down a promotion to Leiutenant General in charge of several regiments with more political punching power to maintain his stupid dual rank.

He is the leader of a light infantry scout regiment. The last remnant of a planet that has been destroyed. He is devoted to his men, and doesn't want to see their lives wasted. Why would he not think they are the best at what they do? Shouldn't they be best used on scouting/recon missions rather than meat-grinder missions?

His regiment was chosen to do a job that is for medium/heavy equipped infantry. Of course he is upset about it.
And for most leaders, being taken from your men is not something you choose. Watch Band of Brothers, you will understand more.

I am sorry, your argument that Gaunt is an idiot fails.

The promotion offered was Leiutenant General Tanith First implying that the regiment would remain under his command and he would be able to command further light infantry regiments. If he thought of the big picture that is a bonus for him and his men and his ideas of how the guard should be fighting could be spread further.

You never raised the question of was there any medium/heavy infantry availible? The Cadogus 52nd sent to reinforce them were only availible because they had arrived on Jago late and therefore were the only other troops in position to go to Hinzerhaus long after the 1st had arrived there and discovered the blood pact forces there.

Their lives weren't wasted they protected the entire eastern flank of the Imperial army present allowing them time to redeploy and provided the war effort with information sufficient to shorten the war by 2-3 years saving considerably more than the 1000+ men lost during the siege.

Also as the first troops to advance on the position of which little was known about and the enemy forces present likewise it can be argued that they were on a recon mission and when the situation became apparent command made the choice to use the only unit in the area to hold the line in time for reinforcements to secure the situation.

I can understand the frustrations at the loss of so many men but Gaunts rank as a Colonel means he has to see the bigger picture of the war they are undertaking. To quote Godfather from Generation Kill he cant say "1st Recon don't do Windows"

BenManicom wrote:

purplefood wrote:

BenManicom wrote:Armour of comtempt for me I love the RIP battles and I think the scene with the Daemon is really atmospheric and I loved the unexpected Twist with Caff
However I think Gaunt is an Idiot and want him to Die so Rawne can take over

Why is he an idiot? Also what's with the random capital letters?

RIP = Retraining, Indoctrination and Punishment hence initials, the others were just silly grammar mistakes made in a rush, my apologies

Gaunt is an idiot for presuming his regiment is above and beyond every other regiment availible in only in death he complains at the 47% casualties suffered while holding back the blood pact, but it doesn't change the fact that someone had to do it and his regiment was chosen. He would happily of let another regiment have performed the role and had they been wiped out wouldn't have throw a hissy fit with Van Voytz. He also turned down a promotion to Leiutenant General in charge of several regiments with more political punching power to maintain his stupid dual rank.

Yeah he is the leader of a light infantry regiment so they should be scouts/outriders/infiltrators for the rest not the people on the front holding heavy infantry back.
I sort of agree with your point about rank but he was trained as a commissar so it would be a bit odd for him i think.

purplefood wrote:
Yeah he is the leader of a light infantry regiment so they should be scouts/outriders/infiltrators for the rest not the people on the front holding heavy infantry back.
I sort of agree with your point about rank but he was trained as a commissar so it would be a bit odd for him i think.

I refer you to my above post about the situation on holding back Heavy Infantry but thank you for your support on the rank issue

BenManicom wrote:The promotion offered was Leiutenant General Tanith First implying that the regiment would remain under his command and he would be able to command further light infantry regiments. If he thought of the big picture that is a bonus for him and his men and his ideas of how the guard should be fighting could be spread further.

He is very attached to the men, and does not see a promotion as helping them

You never raised the question of was there any medium/heavy infantry availible? The Cadogus 52nd sent to reinforce them were only availible because they had arrived on Jago late and therefore were the only other troops in position to go to Hinzerhaus long after the 1st had arrived there and discovered the blood pact forces there.

They were being sent to garrison an empty fortress. They found heavy enemy presence and were not reinforced. That is not the first time that the Ghosts have been in that position. This is what triggered Gaunt's temper.

Their lives weren't wasted they protected the entire eastern flank of the Imperial army present allowing them time to redeploy and provided the war effort with information sufficient to shorten the war by 2-3 years saving considerably more than the 1000+ men lost during the siege.

That is very comforting for the Ghosts. If they were Vulcan. Real people have emotion, hence Gaunt's reactions

Also as the first troops to advance on the position of which little was known about and the enemy forces present likewise it can be argued that they were on a recon mission and when the situation became apparent command made the choice to use the only unit in the area to hold the line in time for reinforcements to secure the situation.

It was supposed to be a garrison duty, with no enemy presence. Not a recon mission. Also, reinforcements were pitifully slow to respond.

I can understand the frustrations at the loss of so many men but Gaunts rank as a Colonel means he has to see the bigger picture of the war they are undertaking. To quote Godfather from Generation Kill he cant say "1st Recon don't do Windows"

Again, emotions come into play regardless of the tactical situation. His men come first to him. Their survival, and the survival of the Tanith way is what he is concerned about.

I see evidence that he is too emotional at times, especially for a Commissar. But I do not think that makes him an idiot as you have stated.

BenManicom wrote:

purplefood wrote:
Yeah he is the leader of a light infantry regiment so they should be scouts/outriders/infiltrators for the rest not the people on the front holding heavy infantry back.
I sort of agree with your point about rank but he was trained as a commissar so it would be a bit odd for him i think.

I refer you to my above post about the situation on holding back Heavy Infantry but thank you for your support on the rank issue

I don't completly agree with you on the rank issue i think if he took the promotion he could make sure the 1st gets used as they should actually considering the pretty good job he made in Necropolis it would be a better way to serve the Imperium.
But he is a leader of men and he tries to keep them alive which is why his men/women love him because he fights for them and the Emperor which is what makes him such a good leader... actually i agree with you on the promotion thing now i've managed to argue myself the other way.

But command should have had reinforcments ready if they even suspected enemy action in that area especially since on the 2nd front (where they are) there are reletively few veteran regiments and losing one of the most decorated ones would really be a blow for morale.

Perhaps I was a little too heavy handed with the term idiot, but I find Gaunt to be very tedious at times and rather too close to other charactors e.g. Richard Sharpe - Commands a light infantry regiment, gets into disagreements with the upper ranks, has an unusual sword, often sent into suicidal situations and has a knack of surviving, often thought to be dead - Wow well done DA.

The reinforcements were delayed by a dust storm once they were dispatched which as regular imperial soldiers they found hard to progress through, this would also have prevented a regular force from attacking, however the blood pact is full of near suicidal religious nutcases and therefore not a "regular force".

I did not intend to say the ghosts should be emotionless it was merely stating that Gaunt often fails to see the bigger picture (an undesirable trait in a regimental commander)

purplefood wrote:
Yeah he is the leader of a light infantry regiment so they should be scouts/outriders/infiltrators for the rest not the people on the front holding heavy infantry back.
I sort of agree with your point about rank but he was trained as a commissar so it would be a bit odd for him i think.

If you had read Necropolis you'd realize how much of a "Look at the big picture and command the whole, not just the wanted" Kind of commander he is. He knows how to motivate his men, and also knows what it's like to lead from the front, unlike most Officers.