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 Sgt_Smudge wrote:

Spoiler:

Liking how things are turning up right now!

2BlackJack1:
Grey's death was actually far better than I'd anticipated, killing a deamon? Any Cadian would be proud to go out like that.
Good work, and good luck on Archarus' efforts in the campaign to come!

Ezra Tyrius:
My thanks for the added info, I think I know how I'm going to write this. **cue evil laughter** If, of course, I roll well, that is.
I like the interaction between Titus and Tullius, interested as to how it'll culminate.

If you, or anyone else, wants tips on Titus' character, just think that he's an honourable guy, forced into the Ordo Xenos due to one of his previous comrades obeying the Codex Astartes too closely, trying not to be a huge dick. Of course, he works for the Inquisition, and being a donkey-cave just kind of comes with the job. He's not happy about it, but it needs to be done.

There, Watch-Captain Titus in a nutshell. Relax, you'll do fine!

chazz huggins:
Interesting, I'm enjoying the Space Marine's reactions to a traitor brother, perhaps imprisonment may change their opinions in time.
Also, Oberyn's true lineage? Nice job on picking that up.

True, think my chunk made his donkey cave status legendary though. Even for the job. I liked the subtle and not so subtle game played. Karak and ultramarines, not a great match lol

In the hopes of buying the loyalty of the common men the generals have organized a distraction. A diversion that should hopefully end some of the dissent in the ranks. Hundreds of regiments are in attendance, some ecstatic at the opportunity for some well deserved rest, others are less amused with being pulled away from their duty. Only time will tell if the Bureau of Imperial entertainment can win over the men.

Several commissars including Dorian Gavor and Jack Sheppard have been dispatched to keep order and ensure the overall moral is improved.

The festival was an impressive feat. Dozens of bands preformed on various stages that were set up on the open fields. The music ranged from lower hive punk bands to classical singers. Perhaps the most impressive element of festival was their capacity to feed the troops. Each man was given three meal tickets, the tickets could be traded for plates of food, like Grox steaks or burgers. In addition, there were various activities and competitions put on throughout the festival grounds. They had all manner of sport, like spear throwing, sport shooting, Knight Captain Petra had even put on a small joust and welcomed all competitors.

Commissar Gavor complained as he and Sheppard strolled down the fair-way passing through throngs of merry guardsmen “Why are we dressed like this.” Sheppard laughed “What’s wrong Dorian, don’t like rubbing elbows with the common folk.” Dorian recoiled “I don’t know about you, but I am fond of my uniform, I feel foolish in these standard issue fatigues.” Sheppard spoke sarcastically “I had no idea you that you are such the fashion connoisseur.” Gavor spoke half distracted by his surroundings “My uniform made my importance immediately recognizable by all. Now people have to speak to me to know I am their better.” Sheppard laughed “We are trying to make sure the men have a good time; our normal uniforms have a tendency to kill the mood. Besides this our chance to unwind, it is rare we get to see the true nature of men.” Gavor sighed “If I were unwinding I’d be in an officer’s club somewhere playing regicide and drinking expensive booze, not out baby sitting the rabble.” The two were still a distant way from the nearest stage, but they could quite clearly hear the band playing, it was some hiver scum band that called themselves The Scions of Murphy. Gavor was not fond of their musical styling, but Sheppard actually liked them. Gavor looked over to Sheppard and said with a laugh “I’m surprised you haven’t abandoned me yet to be with the knight captain, you two have been separated since we made planet strike.” Sheppard spoke casually “Soon let us complete our duty first. We will get these reports and then I’ll leave you to your padded chair and opponent-less Regicide board.” With an arrogant smile Gavor said “I can’t think of a worthier opponent.”

The two progressed throughout the camps assessing the mood of the various regiments. The two stood making idle conversation about the various regiments when Cadet Commissar Alenko approached them. He saluted and Sheppard asked “Status report.” The Cadet began his report “My primary concern is the Death Korps sir. The men simply stand in formation refusing to break ranks or participate in any festivities. I’m unsure why they attended, Their commanding officer has requested to be redeployed “Somewhere that isn’t a complete waste of time and resources.” Gavor smiled “Good men the death korp are, wish I commanded a company so loyal.” Sheppard sighed “So their legendary discipline is completely true. Very well I will advice for their redeployment.” The Cadet spoke again “The Cadians have been drinking heavily, they depleted their booze ration but have negotiated for half of the Gorrellian regiment’s ration. I believe they are mourning their recent losses at Alsgrad. They toast to the memory of a Captain Grey.” Sheppard spoke “The Cadians will have unrestricted alcohol access, they’ve earned it.” The cadet spoke once more “Lastly the Brown Coats have been getting into scuffles with some of the other companies.” Sheppard shook his head “They’ve had too much to drink, cut them off.” Sheppard clapped his hands together “I believe that just about does it for us, come Jethro Commissar Gavor is dying to play a game of Regicide with you.” The Cadet smiled as Gavor sighed “He should serve as a fair warm up for my true opponent.”

The trio walked towards the officer’s club but were followed. Sheppard and his comrades turned into a secluded area that was an ally formed by two parallel rows of tents. When the three Catachan soldiers followed down the ally way. To their surprise their targets were no where in sight. The three jungle fighters drew their massive knives and proceeded forward. Tham quickly from hidden places the three Commissars sprung forward rapidly engaging the Catachans. One of the men raised his knife to stab at Sheppard with a downward, but the Commissar simply grabbed the hand that wielded the knife and delivered a powerful head-butt to the jungle fighter. Commissar Gavor was met with a similar attack but he grabbed the soldiers arms with his dual bionic arms, he used all his strength to crush the bones in the soldier’s forearms. Cadet Jethro Alenko dodged a swipe of the knife, he returned the attack with a kick to the trooper’s thigh and paired it with jab to the man’s jaw. The three were soon on the ground before the party. Commissar Gavor drew his auto pistol his face was largely concealed by his visor, but it was obvious however he was enraged. Sheppard spoke “Dorian wait!” The commissar didn’t lower his pistol he only looked to Shepard and said “These swine attempted to murder three members of the officio prefectus, the appropriate punishment is clear death.” Sheppard spoke “Bodies are bad for moral” Gavor paused for a moment before he holstered his pistol, he kicked one of the downed men in the stomach and spoke “Be thankful my friend is so merciful, had it been my call you’d be deader than your boot throwing friend, now get before I change my mind.” The three soldiers quickly scurried to feet but before they left Commissar grabbed one of the men’s large knives. The knife’s owner lingered for a moment but soon fled with the rest of his comrades. Gavor admired the finely crafted blade his rage seemed to calm a bit “Come I’ve had my fill of the rabble for today, a nice game of Regicide will calm me.”

Sheppard and Knight Captain Petra had found a secluded area where they could be alone. They shared an expensive bottle of wine that Sheppard had requisitioned from governor Pavus without his knowledge. The two sat and discussed what they had been up to since they last saw each other. Petra had been busy her light brigade knight cavalry had been deployed against orks and had found massive amounts of success. Petra took a sip from the bottle and passed it to Sheppard “How is Gavor, I was relieved to hear he still lived.” Sheppard sighed “He is well I think, but the damn inquisition did just as much damage as the Eldar.” Petra asked “What were they after?” Sheppard took another swig of the bottle than replied “We don’t know Gavor was only left with fragments of memory, he has a name though Sibyl.” The knight Captain’s face was puzzled “What would the Inqustion want with Sibyl Vail?” Sheppard’s eyes widened “You know her?” Petra nodded “Yeah, she was Gavor’s physical therapist. Last I checked she was volunteering at one of the hospitals at Hive Hasselgrave. I think she was in a relationship with Gavor but if they were they kept it on the down low.” Sheppard got to his feet and spoke “We need to make our way back to the Hive.” Petra stood and asked “Why, of what value is she.” Sheppard shook his head “Something isn’t right about this world, the Inquisition are up to something and I think it has something to do with your vision. I want to know what the Inquisition plots, everything about this just feels wrong.” Petra nodded “I know what you mean. I’m with you.” Sheppard nodded “Let’s go find some answers.”

OK I have a plan for this rescue mission

We have a stealth raid.
Finally putting drax,the mad scientist inquisitor to use
A few destroyers
And maybe a use for the Deathguard. And save the assian/librarian?
And of course a chance to get back at Titus :-)

Marshall Karak looked down up on the map projections and chart plots of the plotting room, Vectors, recon data, estimates and asteroid field densities all plotted on the revolving holo map of the operation. Scanners on board the shadow craft had detected the main ork fleet, and the ship and section the prisoners where being held. several other transponders had been picked up, one Captain Titus had informed him belonged to a frequency normally reserved for Assain operatives. Most peculiar to be detected on a Ork warship.

"Lord Marshall, the Grenades are ready. they have to be used in 3 days or they will be useless, and the batch takes a week to make and safely to craft into the weapons. you have 69 hours to deploy them."
"thankyou Drax, what is the effectiveness of the new form"
"in a confined space very, However in order to allow for the mission aims i had to reduce that to a 60% mix of the chemical agent. still effective and at lower levels will still knock a Ork out for a few hours. The key was the addition of a new chemical agent, more normaly used in a Fungacide for cleaning metal of all things. only 1000 times more potent. " The inquisitor added with a sadistic flourish.
"good, good, Drax you have lived up you your aims, i admit i did not believe this would work but you have proved me wrong"
"And yes, Titus was correct on the frequency. an Agent of the Temples, i could not tell you which one but only that they will be extremely dangerous, advise your men to use extreme caution, and if needed kill them if there mind is compromised. when they go wrong, even a space Marine would have a dangerous time killing one"

**********

"This is Destroyer squadron Black Hammer, all ships ready to go, Torps loaded and hot, Engines primed and lances charged Lord Marshall"
"Terminator Task force Black one ready to go, Ulf Commanding"
"Task force Dorns Hammer ready to go, Veteran Sgt Pullo"
"New order confirms signal is live and holding. we have a lock, Techmarine Drillicus"
"This is Black Sword, ready to depart as reserve, all guns charged and Battle stations ready, Chaplain Vargos"

"Go Warriors and complete your Duty. No Pitty,No remorse, No surrender"

The Marshall watched as the Plasma engines shined like stars as the Destroyers and Strike cruiser headed to the Asteroid fields, Interference would hide them well but also limit support from being contacted, it was a gamble but one they had to take, Terminators of the Fists and Templers where side by side this day, also the New order Tech marine and bodyguard would track the captives. Drillicus was the best they had, but still he was not one of them, despite Spanerous vouching for his skills he still was unsure.

Drillicus. What a name for a techmarine haha. I'm enjoying reading this while on vacation.

Yeah, I have spannerous, nutler and boltus in another chunk. (Sub tech marines to spannerous)

There's a few odd names when you look closely ;-)

"Destroyers proceeding to ambush site, Strike force you are cleared to go, i repeat Strike Force is go"

"copy, strike force is go, Ulf Out"

Drifting in the asteroids was dangerous, Lights out, engines at stall and thrusters set to 5% as the trio of Thunder hawks modified to reduce profiles and detection drifted slowly towards the ork fleet, interfence from the crude warp drives, local conditions and jamming pods making sure the small craft slipped close to massive ork Cruuzers sat a anchor.
"I have the lock, the jail is located near the starboard hanger" Came Drillicus's mechanical tones.
"2.5km from the target spot ulf"
"Aye, right fire the jammiers, get us in close, real close and fire the grapples"

"grapples locked, Hammer time" The eltie of 2 Chapters waited as they slowly guided onto the hull where a asteroid had damaged it, a weak point of a damaged air lock was their way in. if lucky the compartment would be open to the void and no life would be found.

"Go"
Moving swiftly and quietly the hatch gave way ealy vs the augers built into drillicus's power armour, as 15 Marines moves through the the twisting and empty ork hulk, for 10 minutes they saw nothing move until.
"Contact, lotta noise, large concentration 100m port. Arena" One of the Imperial fists on point detected.
"copy, evade starboard, jail 300m ahead, Gas now"
"copy Ulf, deploying gas"

In the arena several hundred orks had gathered to watch a captured world eater fight a ork nob, scrap metal spikes and choppas kept the fighters in the ring and if it got boring several beasts had been chained behind a large gate built into the wall.
"oi, 12 teeth on the beaky with the axe"
"ma choppa on the nob"
"ya all mad, da beaky will win this one, da nob could not kill a squig, 25 teeth da beaky"
"what da"
"ya cheat"
a dozen small metal grenades detonated in the arena, Gas, Frag and flash bangs killed all of them instantly, orks dying on droves and firing off volleys as hands spasamed and grenades detonated.

"Drax was right, there pretty good"
"aye, now to the jail. double time"

**

" Oberyn, i hear something"
"Rescue, cannot be Raphael , The Deathwatch would not take such risks"
"Ha, could be my Legion, welcome to the Nurgle family"
"Shut your Traitor mouth Ramsay, or whatever left of it il die fighting first"
"but what if you, Oberyn, your gene seed smells odd, no your not quite a loyalist i think"
"Shut it Traitor, when rescue comes il kill you myself"

**

"door, armored. Ulf do your worst"
"aye brother, this won't take long"
Soon as the hammer met the door the crude metal buckled and tore, the second blow sheering the locks and a third sending the metal mass crashing to the floor lying several meters from its frame.
"Clear."
"i see, you where right Drillicus"
"Rescue, Templers, Fists, Thank the emperor"
"aye, Titus told us where to find you lot, il have you out that cell in a minute"
"FInaly, Never thought id be glad to see a Templer but This is indeed the day"
"you must be Oberyn, Ulf, the one saving your sorry life"

"But what to do with you?"
"Ha, Loyalist scum, still lap dogs eh. the Orks are on there way" Jeered the Deathguard"
"leave the scum for the Orks, bet they will love to eat you"
"I have a better idea, That chains pretty thick, here take this, you need 2 minutes to cut the chain with the moleculer saw blade, take some Orks with you"
"ha, Il get you one day" The death guard leared in reply
"Not with half the ship coming, Oberyn, we need a distraction and the scum will serve a purpose"
"Irregular for a Templer but this is not a Regular Misson. Fine" spat the Black Shield.
"aye, i hate this much as you but we have no one to spare as a rear guard, Move out, We have the Deathwatch, the Liberian and the Temple Agent. Proceed to escape point bravo"
"aye Ulf, on route"

Fighting a running battle down the ship, Axes, Kives, Bolt shells and Hammers smashing ork and Space marine alike as the Terminators Forced the retreat out of the ork ship.

"Anyone lost"
"none Ulf, Liberian not good, Oberyn has a injury but made it, Agent unharmed along side the Blood Angel. 2 Fists wounded, 1 Templer and Slight damage to Drillicus"
"good then lets get the feth out of there. Drone Hawks, activate them"
"aye boss, lets see them track us through this"

Two thunder hawks rigged to serviors programmed to follow a set mission plan eyes lit green and began there attack, unleashing a wave of Magma Missiles from cover into the orks hull and blasting out several gun decks.
"Hawk ones gone"
"right, vector 245, fire the Torpedo boost"
The engine of a torpedo had been secured to the crafts rear, shaking badly as it activated soon the Thunder hawk was propelled away down the gap towards the ambush as one of the massive cruzers gave chase, Ork Fighters gleefuly destroying the second Drone hawk behind them and then turning to give chase but too late as it launched away.

"130 tracks aft, one ship, we got one hell of a chase" As the Thunder hawk weaved through the asteroids, The massive prow of the Ork warship smashing them aside and destroying its own fighters in the process as massive guns sent huge shells chasin but never hitting the agile Thunder hawk,

"Destroyers, now"
the trap, 10 Templar destroyers had waited and now pounced as they fired dozens of torpedo's streaking through the void slamming into the ork ships flanks as it left a small gap into open space, Huge explosions tearing it to a derelict hulk breaking up into chunks and plasma fires erupting across space where the ork engines overloaded.

"damn it, Gauz, that painboy got his ship shot up to hell by da beakies, any good kaptain knew that was a ambush, just a pain boy, dey not ment to be kaptaining kruzzers"
"a boss aint going happy, ship lost, his best figting pit slaves. someones gonna get chopped for this"
"I know that ya runty idiot, i aint gonna be the one to tell da boss, get dat mek boy up here, to send da message"

the plan was a success, one Ork ship destroyed, Hostages rescued, one destroyer was damaged but able to get back and other had minor damage to the outer Armour plating.

"told you we'd get back, you Fists are too grim"
"aye Ulf, but it was a crazy plan, your Chapter master may not like that report"
"it was a success, again grim. cheer up we are still alive, and Oberyn, Raphael, that how you rescue someone!"

****
meanwhile aboard a burning wreck of Ork hull segment, The Deathguard Durability was proven.
"Next time Imperials, ha, they may just be crazier than Chaos at this rate" Laughed the Mutated marine as he crushed the life out a Ork trying to chop off a tentacle round its throat.

Lord Marshall Kruger was back aboard his battleship, his week of touring (some called it a vacation) was over. He had kept up on some of the reports but was to busy pursuing the local drinks and locals. The reports were coming in fast and furious from his scribes and generals. Gallor Prime had seen success but was stalling as everyone was looking for this "vault" but that was not his concern. The crusade had not taken any new worlds and the edge world taken we starting to come under attack and lost to the Orks. The massive battles of Gallor Prime were drawing more Orks towards the center of the crusade. Gallor Prime was acting as a beacon and this concerned Kruger, he could sense the building Waaagh! coming his way and now was the time to either burn Gallor to the ground or the forces needed to find what they were looking for.

"Scribe! Send this to all the Generals and forces. Those commanders on Gallor Prime you have one month to complete any objects and have the world under control. If on the 31st day you are unable to complete the objects you have 24 hours to evacuate and the planet will be torn apart by the forces of vortex missiles. All other crusade forces prepare to continue the crusade and push forward when possible, we must take more planets for the emperor."

Kruger turned to the Watch Captain sitting across from him, the Captain merely nodded, got up, and left.

Letting out a sigh the Lord Marshall sat back into his chair, the Deathwatch always made his skin tingle and was glad to be rid of his presence. Kruger lit one of his favorite cigars and poured back over the maps.

"Scribe!" he yelled, even though the scribe had never moved from his side, who was Kruger to watch his every move "Send out another message back into the Imperium. We are going to need more forces for expanding this crusade, we let the Orks reorganize and they are gathering strength. Mass message, any help would be welcome at this point in the game. Make it fancy, promise worlds and resources, you know the drill."

Aboard the Mork’s Revenge Kaptin Brutus stared out the window of his meeting room. The two orks Brunk Da Butcha and Dok Gauze entered the room. There were no chairs or tables in the room, only the orks and the window that looked onto the void of space. The orks were nervous they were well aware of why they had been summoned. Brutus didn’t say a word as his first mate and chief pain-boy entered and the silence burned in the ears of the two orks. Gauze spoke in his cowardly worm like voice “Boss dis isn’t my fault I… I… I… it wuz Brunk’s he put dat space marheen in da pits when I told him not to.” The butcha snarled to the amateur surgeon “Shut yer gob ya git yer da warden so dat makes dis all yer fault!” The dok rebutted “Yer furst mate dat made you in charge when all dis happened.” The nob growled “Snitches get stiches fer being punk ass gitzes.” The Kaptin broke his silence “I’m not da one who is gonna be deciding yer fates.” The orks were confused. The dok asked “Den who.” Brutus turned to face the orks revealing the massive amount of damage to his face. His left eye was swollen over and black, the rest of his cuts and bruises were still fresh. The war-boss spoke “Dem gitz were da boss’s prisoners, so he will be da one to decide what appens to ya.” The orks’ eyes widened, they new they were in trouble, but for Kaptin Grinbad himself to come to personally deal with them they didn’t know the half of what they had done.

The Massive Freebooter warboss entered the room. Brutus bowed and exited the way Grinbad came in. The pirate looked over the two and spoke “So yer da gitz dat gone and lost some me cargo.” The two orks were afraid to speak Grinbad detested being interrupted. The pirate continued in his frightening voice “I happen to need space mahreens to open da vault. So you can Imagine how upset I was to learn to hear THAT SOMEONE WUZ UESING DEM TO FIGHT IN A STUPID ARENA DEATHMATCH!” Brunk felt fear twist an invisible knife in his gut. Grinbad paced “As first mate it’s yer job to make sure dat yer kaptin’s orders are followed to da letter. Did Brutus evah tell you to hold fights wif dem space marines!?” The nob spoke “No boss.” Grinbad shouted “And as First mate it is your job to keep da ship safe while da kaptin is away. So tell me again is letting space marines come on yer ship and nab my prisioners safe!?” again the ork replied “No boss.” Grinbad refocused his attention to the pain boy “And you, you were da Warden its yer job to make sure nobody got out of der where were you when da space mahreens came you shoulda died fighting.” The Dok began “Sorry boss I wuz-” Grinbad cut him off “Did I ask fer an excuse, cuz I don’t fink I did.” The dok felt like a worm underneath a boot “Sorry Boss.”

Grinbad put his rage to his side “Luckily fer you two we didn’t lose everything, we still got enough of dem boyz to complete da ritual fer da vault. I’m gonna need lotz of ladz if I’m gonna open dat vault, but dat don’t mean I need both of ya.” The orks had a good idea of where this was headed. Grinbad smiled “We iz gonna have one more death-match Da Dok vs Da Butcha winner getz to keep living.” The orks looked at each other than at Grinbad they nodded their heads in acceptance knowing refusing to fight would mean the death of both of them.

The Deathmatch was held aboard another the ship “Da BlitzaBonker” as the arena in the Mork’s revenge had been critically damaged. The first ork to exit the ready room was Brunk, he carried his signature two handed cleaver and rested it on his shoulder as he approached the center of the coliseum. Than the Dok came forward he held in his left hand a syringe full of black liquid, in his right was his surgical circular saw. The orks laughed “Dat welp is gonna take on Da Butcha” a ork bellowed “20 teef on da Butcha!” another “30 teef on da Butcha.” A Bad Moon nob shouted “A hundred teef on da butcha!” Gauze ignored the discouraging bets, he had a few tricks of his own. Gauze approached his nob opponent in the center stopping five feet away from where the brute stood. The crowd hushed as the two squared off, than the silence was broken by Grinbad’s booming voice “Fight!”

Brunk immediately went for a decapitating blow but Gauze ducked the cleaver’s strike. Gauze swung with his saw hitting Brunk’s arm leaving a deep flesh wound but the nob ignored the wound and delivered a powerful front kick sending the dok backwards like a flimsy door. The dok tumbled backwards dropping his syringe, but he landed on his feet sliding backwards. Brunk charged at the dok gaining momentum with each step. The dok grabbed a handful of scalpels from his boot and threw them at the charging bull. Brunk was unfazed by the blades now stuck in his body and threw himself at the dok. The dok scrambled out of the way. He fell backwards as the ork stood over him. The Nob laughed “Any last words Dok.” The dok reached into his medical bag he felt what he was looking for and smiled “just one, NURSE!” The dok threw the grot orderly at the nob and the Gretchen clung to the Butcha’s face. Brunk stumbled back dropping his weapon to remove the Dok’s assistant. Gauze grabbed the syringe and charged at the nob. Just as Brunk cast the grot off Gauze leapt plunging the needle into the Ork’s neck emptying it into its host. The ork reached around his neck as it swelled, the ork would have yelled but the swelling blocked all the sound. Soon blood began to seep from his eyes, ears, and nose. The ork than fell over and died. Immediately the crowd booed, with the exception of those few who bet on him. The Dok basked in their hatred.

Grinbad spoke “Dok Gauze, you have earned to live today, but fail me again and der wont be another chance.” Kaptin Brutus added “Also I hear by promote you to first mate.” The Dok smiled and bowed. Soon all the orks left the arena.

Aboard the Dakkanator deep within its prison. Grinbad examined the remaining space marine captives. The World Eater punched at his impenetrable cage bloodying his hands he spoke exclusively in growls and gibberish. Ramsay of the Deathguard, he had escaped his cell back on the mork’s revenge and was rather difficult to recapture. Next was a neophyte scout from a chapter known as the Imperial Squires, and lastly a marine from another successor chapter Known as the Grecian Pikes, both had been prisoners long before the crusade began. Grinbad knew it was now or never, the time had come he had everything he needed and knew just where to take it. The Vault will be open so very soon he could feel it.

On the Templer Battle Barge the Marshall waited in the relic vaults, Stood by him Chaplain Vargos waited admiring a relic blade sat in the open hands of a white granite statue, The sword of Marshall Agmar, slain over 700 years ago during a black crusade. Many such relics lined the vaults deep in the ships heart, tomes, weapons, armour and standards locked deep in the stasis vaults and attended to carefully by both tech marines and chaplains. other such relics included the ones regained earlier, still being maintained and checked after there time with the human thief who stole them. now floating somewhere in the void. it did not matter where.

"finaly, you found us"

"aye, not often down in the vaults, such places im not often required to access. "

"true Ulf, but you are here, and the reason why will soon be very clear. your Mission was a great success, as was your conduct during this crusade so far, so we have seen fit to reward you. " The Marshall smiled, such was a rare chance to grant honors, too many he had given the last honors and seen them interred in the honored halls forever silent, dark and lifeless.

"My lord, i am ...."

"not normally lost for words, come rise, you are my guard, this was long earned. Vargas bring it"

"yes Marhall, Here it is, a fine weapon" Vargos clad in the fearsome armour of Office, Helmet Locked to his thigh, sword across his back came bearing a great thunder hammer.

"The Hammer of Terra, a very old weapon and has seen much valor, you are fit to carry on its roll of great deeds. "

"My lord, this a mighty gift, Such i did not expect" As Ulf picked up the bulky weapon, it had weight, and a good balance, the weight felt solid and he could feel its spirit was strong, such a weapon he could do great deeds with and victories of legend.

"Go Ulf, take it and practice, a warrior needs time to master his weapon"

"aye Lord Marsall, this day our enemies will tremble and dread the day i earned this weapon"

"

Accessing Wide Band Crusade communications...
Contacting...
Contacting...
Contact made.

Watch Captain Titus, Ordo Xenos

We offer our thanks to Lord Marshall Karak of the Black Templars for his successful recovery of two Deathwatch Marines and other captives from ork forces over Gallor Prime. As such, we have seen fit to reward him with the Axes of Ver-Friam.
These relics have been kept by the Deathwatch since our inception. These paired axes were once wielded by Watch Commander Varsus Hadrax, a member of the Black Templars Chapter assigned to the Deathwatch, until his death in 250.M38. Each is a powerful power axe wielded alone, but when paired, they seem to strike with a speed unlike other power axes of it's ilk.
Wield these blades well, Karak.
To other commanders, this is the reward of service and obedience.

The Deathwatch support the decision of Lord General Zonand. Gallor Prime must be pacified in thirty days, or the Imperium will destroy the world.

The Deathwatch are hot on the heels of the mythical vault of Gallor Prime: when we find it, we shall demand that all Imperial forces rally around the site of the vault to defend it against assailants until we can neutralise or harness the anomaly.

Titus out. Good luck to all commanders.

--------------------Thought for the Day: Seek no reward but the satisfaction of your Master!-----------------------------

Transmission ceased.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, have had no ideas for what do for my guys (not to mention I lost track of where my guys are since I'm an idiot). Anyone know where my Cadians wandered off to?

 War Kitten wrote:
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, have had no ideas for what do for my guys (not to mention I lost track of where my guys are since I'm an idiot). Anyone know where my Cadians wandered off to?

Your Cadians are wherever you want them to be, possibly assaulting the Gallor Spire?

In that case, I would like to request that my Cadians can be put in as moving to assault the Gallor Spire. I'll try to come up with some fluff at some point in the new few days, but my schedule is a bit hectic atm

Is it bad I read that as heretic?

No it's not bad, my guardsmen are all secretly closet heretics, thus why I've been gone so long. Dark rituals and all that jazz

OK, the templer jungle hunt, chooses 75. Iron tooth and the rangers can join the hunt for the vault.

Ancient Fury

Commander Caleb Axton repeated his prayers in the land raider that slowly approached the battle zone. He knelt before a shrine to the all might god emperor flanked by 10 of his battle brothers to his left and right. All the men had removed their helms so that they may hear the commander’s words with the flesh of their ears. With eyes closed and sword clasped Axton spoke “Blessed are the champions of the Emperor, blessed are those who offer their life in his name, blessed are the angels who know no fear. All though we walk through the valley of death, we shall know no fear.” The Land Raider began taking heavy fire as it continued to whirl forward, Axton continued “And though we march through the shadow of madness, we shall know no fear.” The marines clasped their helmets on knowing battle was only moments away. Axton was unfazed by the loudness of the battle outside the tank’s compartment he continued his oath “And though we charge the gates of doom, we shall know no fear. For it is us the champions of the faithful, agents of the emperor, protectors of the Imperium of Man who are guided by your hand.” The door of the land Raider opened and commander Axton dawned his helmet and continued to speak “Nova Marines charge!” the men roared.

The eleven power armored behemoths charged from the tank into the thick of battle. They were surrounded by swarms of miserable cultist, living meat shields for the the warp tainted dreadnoughts. In his right hand Axton carried a power sword, a possession of their late captain, he carried a storm shield in his left hand. His honor guard was similarly equipped though Brother Sargent Zethos had taken to wielding a power mace. A weapon that was crafted for him by Tech Marine Ajax, it was a thank you for saving some relic piece of machinery. The party cleaved through hundreds of cultist without so much as a flesh wound. Axton than saw the real threat that occupied the field.

The first hell brute Axton saw was a repulsive mangle of unidentifiable flesh and machinery. The creature merely roared and the cultist cleared a path between the commander and the fiend. The beast charged at Axton allowing his massive warp tainted power-fist to trail behind him. Axton counter charged shouting as he approached the beast. The hell brute struck down at the nova-marine, but Axton blocked the blow with his shield. Axton stumbled the creature back wards with a mighty shield bash. The brute was dazed and Axton pressed his advantage. Leaping aboard the foul creature. From his new position Axton saw an opening, a porthole which held the beating twisted heart of the creature. Axton raised his blade and plunged downward into the half flesh, half machine creature’s vital organ. The monster fell over and died. The cultist around Axton began to flee, but another hell brute merely fired at the cowards forcing them back into the fight. Axton looked at the beast and heard brother Zethos speak “I believe its time we introduce theses heretics to brother Ivarhoe.” Axton smiled underneath his helm and spoke into his vox “Bring him in.” A few moments later a blue and white drop pod fell from the heavens. The massive pod landed and crushed several cultists under it.

The pod open and out came the Ironclad dreadnought. His face plate was pure silver and depicted his heroic feats when he was still flesh. Underneath it all was the ornate engraving that read Ivarhoe. The biped tank was equipped with a pair of twin power fists with heavy flamer palms and wrist mounted storm bolters. Immediately Brother Ivarhoe stormed out of his pod, he incinerated, stomped, shot, and smashed cultist that were in his path. Than the dreadnought came face to face with his warp-tainted equal. To the beast’s surprise Ivarhoe was capable of hoisting the inferior hell-brute over his head, then slamming the beast into the ground where the titanic Nova Marine could finish off his foe.

Between brother Ivarhoe and Commander Axton’s elite strike team the chaos forces were beginning to lose ground.

Sisyphus looked out to the field with disgust. Here some of his best men were being made fools of by only a few dozen marines. He saw the loyalist dreadnought rip the arms off of one of his hell brutes. Sisyphus boomed “If you want something done right. You there I’m going down to win the battle for us tell command we need more fodder.” A cultist operating a vox caster spoke “My lord I am getting a transmission from him.” The dreadnought boomed “Who?” the cultist said with emphasis “Him” The dreadnought spoke “Oh him. Patch it through.” Soon enough the holographic image of the sorcerer came, he spoke “Sisyphus I order you and whatever men you still have to move to point echo immediately something has come up.” The titan boomed with anger “What, if we leave the orks will make it to the vault unopposed.” The Sorcerer spoke calmly “There’s nothing you can do to stop them, only at point echo is there a chance to…” the Dreadnought interrupted “These Imperials have made of fool of me let me kill them… ahh!” The Dreadnought screeched in pain as the sorcerer spoke “You will do what I say understand.” The Dreadnought spoke through his pain “yes” The Sorcerer spoke “Good” and the dreadnaught’s pain vanished. The hulking machine looked over the battlefield and saw the rival dreadnaught he spoke “Next time.”

I'm looking in the jungles for them, but pm me your plan and we can make sure our ideas match up enough to no end up finding 2 different vaults.

 jhe90 wrote:
I'm looking in the jungles for them, but pm me your plan and we can make sure our ideas match up enough to no end up finding 2 different vaults.

No its alright, I have alternative means of finding the vault. I only ask as it was a really interesting story arc that would be a shame to not have played out. I look forward to whatever surprise you have cooking.

 chazz huggins wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:
I'm looking in the jungles for them, but pm me your plan and we can make sure our ideas match up enough to no end up finding 2 different vaults.

No its alright, I have alternative means of finding the vault. I only ask as it was a really interesting story arc that would be a shame to not have played out. I look forward to whatever surprise you have cooking.[/quote

Go for it, I can always find a decoy location in the jungles, a large temple but hollow. . Your ideas probably better than mine :-)

 jhe90 wrote:

 chazz huggins wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:
I'm looking in the jungles for them, but pm me your plan and we can make sure our ideas match up enough to no end up finding 2 different vaults.

No its alright, I have alternative means of finding the vault. I only ask as it was a really interesting story arc that would be a shame to not have played out. I look forward to whatever surprise you have cooking.[/quote

Go for it, I can always find a decoy location in the jungles, a large temple but hollow. . Your ideas probably better than mine :-)

Honestly, I have quite a bit to write up before we finish the vault story, i'd prefer if you took it

Finding Sibyl

Commissars Jack Sheppard and Dorian Gavor raced down the halls of the hospital. Accompanying them were seven of their most loyal men, among the was the Knight Captain Petra Zorah and Captain Tom Reiner. The party was approaching the physical rehabilitation section of the ward. As they reached the hallway door they saw the carapace armored soldiers, their chest’s bearing the mark of the Inquisition. they drew their las-rifles and spoke “Holt by order of the Inquisition this sector is off limits to those…” Gavor interrupted “Quit your griping we have permission from the Watch Captain.” The man looked confused and lowered his weapon “Prove it.” Gavor spoke “Certainly.” he reached for his side as if he were going to pull the papers but instead drew his holstered bolt pistol. Gavor fired twice one for each henchman. The party of Faustians were in shock as Gavor pressed ahead. Sheppard commanded “Feth, move, move, move.” The guardsmen began charging into the section of the hospital the flow of battle temporarily clearing them of any doubt or fear of the consequences that may follow. Gavor was ahead of the party slaying the inquisition’s agent clearing a path for Sheppard and the guardsmen. Eventually they came to a corridor where the elite agents formed a formidable defense. Lieutenant Forjin took a hit before he could find cover, his wound was non-life threatening but put him out of the fight. Dorian threw a grenade at the entrenched defenders forcing them to scurry out of cover. Those that fled were fired upon and killed, those that didn’t notice the grenade were caught in its blast. After killing a few more inquisitorial acolytes the party reached the room where Sibyl was being held.

The Interrogator held the battered and bruised woman as a shield between him and the party, he pointed a las-pistols at the woman’s head. The young man’s voice contained fear as he spoke “Stay back, me and the lady are going to be leaving and the lot of you will burn as heretics.” Gavor held his bolt pistol pointed at the man’s head. Sheppard spoke diplomatically “Settle down son, let the woman go and you’ll get to walk out of here.” The man pointed his weapon at the party and ranted “You, think I’m stupid. You have crossed the inquisition, no matter what you do or where you go, you’ll be purged as heretics.” Gavor paid very little attention to the man rather his gazed was locked onto Sibyl. To him something was undeniably familiar, yet he felt that he didn’t know her. Sheppard’s com bead broke out “We are in position” “Now” The commissar replied. The wall behind the agent crumbled as three power armored astartes broke through. The man fired his pistol but it had no effect against their armor. The man was quickly disarmed and his hostage freed.

Sheppard spoke to the “Thank you Commander Axton.” The Novamarine spoke “A Novamarine all ways pays their debts. I pray you know what you do Sheppard the inquisition is not a wise enemy to make.” Sheppard spoke solemnly “I know, however I fear the Inquisition can not be trusted, they hide too much.” Axton nodded “Agreed friend, come orks, traitors, or inquisition you have my sword arm.” Sheppard smiled “You honor me commander.” Commissar Gavor approached the man the marines had sent to the floor. The man crawled on his back to the nearest wall. Gavor aimed his bolt pistol at him. The Commissar spoke “No witnesses.” Gavor than fired at the man rendering him a mangled corpse in shattered carapace. Gavor turned his attention to Sibyl. She spoke “Dorian is that you, what happened to you.” Gavor knew she meant the visor, he chose not to answer the question right away “Are you alright, those inquisitorial dogs didn’t hurt you did they.” Sibyl appeared shaken “No, I’m alright Dorian, they wanted to know where the vault is” Axton spoke “You actually know where it is.” The woman revealed a necklace and placed it on the table. She hit a hidden button and a holographic globe of the map appeared over it. The map spun for a second and then highlighted a point on the planet’s northern pole. Sibyl spoke “Here is the entrance to the vault. The first barrier that is found in the frozen ruins of an ancient city that pre dates when man first left holy Terra.” Captain Reiner asked brutishly “How is it you know all this.” Sibyl replied “Mother knew much.” Axton spoke “Sheppard look.” The marine pointed to a security camera that watched them. Sheppard spoke “Feth, I think I know where the hospital’s security center is, Petra come with me. The rest of you search for any survivors, the Inquisition must not know it was us.”

The small surveillance room was a dusty unmanned office. Their cameras and playback were severely dated no connection beyond the local room. Sheppard purged the system of all security footage for the past twenty-four hours. Sheppard spoke “and done, hopefully the inquisition will be none the wiser.” Petra spoke in a concerned tone “Have we made a mistake.” Sheppard sighed “Throne, I hope not. I’ve never trusted the inquisitors; no one man should have absolute power, it corrupts.” Petra seemed disturbed “Gavor killed those men without a second thought, they were servants of the Emperor, agents of the most powerful organization known to man.” Sheppard retorted “Gavor has had plenty experience killing good men who serve the emperor, its his job” Petra said with a frown “Your job.” Sheppard sighed “I’ve only ever had to kill one of my men for cowardliness. I have few regrets in my life, that is one of them.” Sheppard recalled the shameful memory in perfect clarity. He shook himself out of it and spoke with a forced laugh to lighten the mood “Besides Gavor has some real motivation guiding him now.” Petra raised an eye brow “Oh what’s that.” Sheppard laughed “Love or lust, I have trouble distinguishing the two sometimes.” Petra laughed “I don’t believe Dorian Gavor “The Grim Craven of Farnor” is capable of such a feat.” Sheppard laughed “Believe he’s mad about her you can see it in his eyes.” Petra shook her head “No you can’t, not through that visor.” Sheppard smiled “Would the normal Dorian Gavor take part in an assault on an inquisition soldiers. No of course not the man is driven mad by the corruption of love.” Petra asked “Would you have done all this for me.” Sheppard simply “Yup.” Petra laughed “Liar.” Sheppard smiled “For you my dear I would take on every ordo of the Inquisition had.” Petra was convinced she felt the same, but she chose to tease with another simple “Liar” The two laughed than Sheppard spoke “Come we need to leave before the Inquisition comes to investigate what happened to their men.” The grim reality slowly began to creep into their mind. If the inquisition did find out they had done, Sheppard feared a fate worse than death for all those involved.

OK, il send some scouts north to the city and see what they find.

I was going to take folks deep out into a jungle valley, with lots of fog, living walls and such but polar city sounds good too. Ruin poking out the ice sheets, maybe like a frozen up Atlantis.

Locating the Vault, Into the Cold dead city.

"welcome the Ice plains Brothers, 500 miles of nothing but flat ice, not a single hill or rise over 35m,"

"How far off the City? Brother SGT?"

"250 miles, plenty of time to prepare, its in the centre of this odd formation of ice. Jungle expedition reported odd fog, living barriers and strange animals near the decoy. expect anything. "

"Odd reading SGT, Interference, strange radio signals, rads are up. Very odd sir"

Racing low, the Thunderhawks and Interceptor fighters above sped towards the ruined city, a spire of a ruined pre Heresy city set deep in the ice caps, built from strange materals it had endured for thousands of years and was one of the oldest non natural things on the planet, Imperial expeditions did not like going to the place. Legends of hauntings, people vanishing at the site and all manner of stories circulated about the city that the guard had named in its own creative way the dead center. Had it not been for the fog and mist that always filled this land it would be visable many miles out, standing over 3 miles above the ice caps, no one knew how deep it went below. the city was as large as a small hive and that was just the levels they had been able to explore.

The spire came into view, a dark grey structure standing out from the pure white that surrounded it, winds had got stronger the closer they came, the temperature was down to -55, Nothing to a Marine clad in power armour but would prove problems for the frail human guard, Closer it was not one grey. ,Patches of damage could be seen, windows gaped like dead eyes into the cold, passing in within 10 miles, the eye of the storm it was calm as any day, -35, "This place is odd sir, readings clear?"

"Aye, it is odd, we know no fear, Find us a drop zone"

"Yes SGT, North east, ruined building 2.7 miles out, flat roof, Drop in 45 seconds.

"Copy, All Teams, Ready to Drop in 40. Only fire if you have too, quiet will serve us well this day"

Landing on the roof, a mixed team of 20 marines and 30 members of the Admech force rushed down the ramps, Thousands of rounds, supplies, food and fuel also unloaded and stored in a basic base camp. The spire towering above, but that was not of interest. data said this vault if there was one would be deeper into its heart, far further than anyone had gone, or at least returned alive. They hoped the report from the Nova marine was wrong, something about a commissar, no names just a report and marked this as the location.

"right Gentlemen, Lock and load, stay alert, you know what your looking for. The image you where shown is suspected rune that marks the first seal. there may be auto defenses, traps or worse. Full spectrum sweeps, if you see anything call it out. teams of two strictly and above. Combat squads if you must. Close formation. any questions?"

"none sir, but if you look at this fresco. old map, decayed but thats the rune we are looking for. bad news, we found the vault alright"

"Damn, its where they said, right move out, no fear Brothers"

Eldar Runes, Chaos, imperial, all aged and writers long dead where viable near, a aged and ruined crate from last Mission lay in the square, Imperial, 200 years and still semi preserved. Las cells, they never changed. This place was a land of ghosts, the stone stature in the middle worn into a rounded blob by the wind, no telling what it was, or who carved it, though the storms stopped? the weather here was one they would have to watch carefully. such a weapon is one no man can kill with a sword.

The wind howled through the landscape as the Imperial expedition unpacked from their transports and plunged into the snow-filled alleys of the dead city. The cities’ high spires glistened in the sunlight, even as the sun moved across the sky and made its way to the horizon. The silence that had surrounded the city for so long was now occasionally broken by voices calling out to eachother, and by the sound of structures being erected by freezing hands. Somewhere, amidst the decaying ruins, a figure, thin strips of snow covering his armour, observed the new arrivals from afar.

The Night Lord’s breath formed small clouds as he watched his prey set up camp near the entrance to the Vault. His lightning claws crackled softly, the ice around their sharpened ends melting from the heat. Their energies sizzled silently, unburdened by the bitter cold that hung over the landscape.

He sat on the spire of what had once been a great market hall, bristling with life and sound. It had been a warm and safe haven for all those who lived here, a welcoming home for a great many souls. Now the market hall was an empty shell, its innards gutted, its inhabitants long gone in the mists of time.

The Imperials had finally arrived in the city. Took them look enough. They were here for the same reason he was.

The Vault.

Curse the damn thing. Curse it all.

He was a Nostraman, once. Before his Father had brought his homeworld to heel. It had meant nothing to him. To see the place he once called home demolished, the all too familiar spires and alleys crushed underneath the weight of a vengeful ruler, it had meant as much to him as this blasted cold did. A minor annoyance. Nothing more, nothing less. And yet he felt a strange sense of unease amongst these ruins.

Each time he looked around, it was like something in the corner of his eye was incredibly familiar; a building he had once seen on Nostramo, an alley he had chased some gangers through, a bridge he had slept under for weeks. They tugged at the corners of his eyes, probing him to look; yet when he did, the resemblance disappeared, as if it had never been there in the first place.

This ghost town was playing tricks on him, and he would bet his life on it that that cursed Vault had something to do with it. It aggravated him immensely, and if he didn’t have a mission to fulfil, he’d probably be tearing this entire place down to the ground.

But a mission he had, and so he remained in place for the moment. His prey was already spreading out, forming a perimeter, probing the ruins for defenses and traps.

It was time for the hunt to begin.

The forces of WAAAGH! Grinbad descended into the depths of the ancient frozen city. The walls were blanketed over in sheets of ice. Where the ice wasn’t strange Iconography could be found all throughout the halls, marks of Chaos, The Aquila, and many that belonged to those unknown. The stone floors were blanketed in layers of snow that became black as the orks tread across it. The undergrounds of the city were simply massive, so large in fact that the ork’s Stompa was able to join the expedition down into the frozen deep. The stone city was forgotten in the cold as walls of ice blocked much of the horde’s path. Teams of Burna boyz worked zealously to melt away the thick glacier like walls so that they could descend deeper into the dark abys of the underground.

The orks had the fortune of arriving a few days before the imperials. This was their fourth day underground, they stopped never more than an hour or two, but Kommando’s like Gadnuk used these rare opportunities to set traps for the following imperials. The cold was uncomfortable many of the wealthier nobs and flash gitz wore extravagant coats, while the typical Slugga boy relied mostly on their tough biology. At the front of the green parade was Kaptin Grinbad and his WAAAGH council with their space marine sacrifice in tow. The massive pirate yelled “Company hold! We’ll stay here and rest for an hour den were moving again.”

Grinbad’s first mate Krem BootBlazer was impressed by the size of the mega tomb like city “What iz dis place.” The blind shaman Zed spoke “Dis place haz lotz of names. To da omies dey used to call it da Umbra Mortarium. To da Chaos boyz dis place iz Da Amandala Okubus, but I like what dat omie called it best, Da Red Place.” Brutus Zogspitta laughed “Das a stupid name, aint no red no where round ere. Should be called da boring dark cold icy place you ask me.” Gadnuk spat “Nobody asked you Zogspitta.” The Kaptin growled “Da name iz Brutus now and just cuz you and Grinbad be all chumy again don’t mean yer safe from me.” Gadnuk grunted “We ain’t mates, soon as I get me cut of da loot none of you lot will ever see me or my kommandos again.” The Warboss Kaptin Grinbad spoke “Shut yer gobs, I’ve spent too long trying to get here and I’m not about to have you ruin it it with all yer stupid bickering.” Grinbad looked over to Zed “How much further?” Zed had opened a can of beans and spoke with his mouth full making a mess on his already filthy shirt “If dere ain’t no more obstacles between us and da vault only another five or six hours.” Grinbad smiled “Good, eat quickly we’re moving out in ten minutes.”

The path ahead was in far better condition than the earlier parts of the cave. The walls less frozen over snow less thick. As the Orks continued along they began to come across statues of stone warrior, who were equal to nobs in shape and stature. In fact, some even looked as if they were carved in a nob’s image. Grinbad had made a wrong step as one of the tiles he placed his massive boot on sank somewhat into the ground. The tile activated the stone Gollums bringing the rocks to life.

Grinbad smiled as the stone men ambushed it had over two days since he last killed something. Grinbad drew his power charged cutlass and shouted with a hardy pirate’s laugh “Ere we go ladz.” Grinbad charged the large creature and sliced at it with his sword, the energy field shattering the shale like creation. Another came from behind but the Kaptin drew his mega, blunderbuss sluga and blasted a massive hole in the creature’s chest. Yet another came and Grinbad decided to test the creature’s strength. Grinbad holstered and sheathed his weapon and with bare fist wrestled the next creature. The beast was mighty with bull like strength, but time made its body somewhat brittle as Grinbad was able to yank the creature’s arms clear from its joints. Soon enough the sentinels laid dead at the hands of the orks. Stone shattered and taken for trophies. Gadnuk laughed “Dat was fun.” Grinbad yelled “Keep moving we’re almost dere.”

Several more times the marching green army was attacked by the gollum’s but they did little to slow the advancing green horde. Than finaly the army reached a bridge to narrow for the bulk of the force to cross.

Zed spoke as the WAAAGH council came to their destination “Dis iz it.” Grinbad looked around the open space area“I don’t see any fing where’s me vault, if your pulling my leg Zed I’ll…” Zed cut the war boss off and spoke “Its here, we gotta preform da ritual first to activate da vault.” Grinbad looked and noticed four equally spaced black pedestals in the center of the room. Grinbad smiled he was excited to see how his treasure would unlock the vault. The massive ork smiled his toothy grin and spoke bruteishly “Begin Da Ritual.”