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 War Kitten wrote:
The Templars may have picked up a few strays along the way.

Yeah I from memory have Col Iron tooth and catchans
Ad mech
Serfs I gathered on a few planets
At the moment Faust knights and Shepard's men
Shepard, Petra etc
And who ever else I hoarded like death korps regiments
Inquisitor drax and retinue

Yes, I have a few.

Bring me your strays lol!

 jhe90 wrote:

 War Kitten wrote:
The Templars may have picked up a few strays along the way.

Yeah I from memory have Col Iron tooth and catchans
Ad mech
Serfs I gathered on a few planets
At the moment Faust knights and Shepard's men
Shepard, Petra etc
And who ever else I hoarded like death korps regiments
Inquisitor drax and retinue

Yes, I have a few.

Bring me your strays lol!

A High Judge

Holy gak, that raises a ton of questions... did they crash that battle-barge on purpose? Why did they go after Dezmon the Berzerker? What have they been doing all this time, right under our noses?!

 Tactical_Spam wrote:

 jhe90 wrote:

 War Kitten wrote:
The Templars may have picked up a few strays along the way.

Yeah I from memory have Col Iron tooth and catchans
Ad mech
Serfs I gathered on a few planets
At the moment Faust knights and Shepard's men
Shepard, Petra etc
And who ever else I hoarded like death korps regiments
Inquisitor drax and retinue

Yes, I have a few.

Bring me your strays lol!

A High Judge

Ooh, new shiny thing lol. Joke, yeah I need to keep better track of my lost sheep I hered into strike force hammers pen.

Someone needs to take the Center front then. I got the western front, and jhe has the east. Maybe the Death Ravens can take the center?

Strikeforce Praetoria can take centre, but we'd need support elements, we're only a demi-company plus a few auxiliaries.

I think I will be adding a new ork warband soon need to find some cool character types.

As for my Faustians I think they are going to head back to Trisburge to resupply, and then maybe to Gulchwater. Governor Pavus may phone home to see if he can get some reinforcements to help "Persuade" command that he should be warmaster.

We have not heard a word from our Tau or Eldar friends in quite a while. I would volunteer to pick up the mantle, but I don't really know anything about them beyond that "Greater Good" non-sense.

 Ezra Tyrius wrote:
Holy gak, that raises a ton of questions... did they crash that battle-barge on purpose? Why did they go after Dezmon the Berzerker? What have they been doing all this time, right under our noses?!

I dread to think what they've done, and what they could have done!

I'm actually ashamed that we never saw this coming: at least the Imperium have one ace in the hole against the New Order's data wipe.

I can bring in my Eldar if we need a "good guy" Xenos element. What do you guys think?

Can I keep Shepard/petra? If the Faust pull back.?
Plus I doubt he is as welcome after tha last refusal

I can use a human to contrast my marines (plus to be honest they where fun to write)

As for the centre, a while back i had a demi company under a Marshall Ivan or a full impirial fists under a captain ramius.

Welcome to take them over. They never got much use.

Bring on the eldar

Archarus stood over the remains of the battlefield. Heaps of soldiers lie scattered everywhere, and the odd cultist could be seen looting the dead, which had already began to freeze in the biting winds of the arctic wasteland.

Archarus had soon realized that the world he was on wasn’t Gallor Prime, but a different planet, one already claimed by the warp. Either way, he would make use of it, and create his own palisade; one made by his own design, and no one else’s.

“Not even Keb’hal would be able to claim this fortress, not while I defend it.” The Warsmith growled. Even now, great walls and ferocious guns had been put into place, but it still was not enough for Archarus. He wanted the entire planet to be his, not just this frozen island he had found himself on.

The Chaos Lord watched several daemon engines walk past, and took pleasure in seeing slaves and cultists alike cower at the daemons’ presence within the metallic abominations. Archarus knew that Keb’hal and the rest of Khorne’s daemons wouldn’t like the use of daemon engines, but they were a necessity. The Warsmith wouldn’t bow to their every whim, and actually enjoyed seeing their distaste of his usage of captured daemons.

“Warsmith, do you really think we can hold on to an entire planet? While it’s in the warp? The crusaders will not tolerate this once they find out. The entire planet will be facing the receiving end of an exterminatus the moment they can send one. You know this better then anyone.” Voorhees said, coming up from behind the Warsmith.

“Which is why we are fortifying the entire planet, and have gained as much of a dominance in orbit as one could in the warp.” Was Archarus’ only response.

“But will that be enough to stop them? To stop the Imperium with just the arms before us?” the raptor persisted.

“I was on Terra when the Corpse Emperor earned that title. I saw primarchs die. I had to kill my own brothers at the whim of Perturabo. None of those wretches can say the same. None of them have the right to challenge me. When they come, I will fight them until the last pint of my blood isn’t inside my own body, and when an entire mountain bigger than any Legion is underneath me. Do you understand the amount of effort I have taken? The time I have spent? How much of my own blood I lost for causes less righteous? Do you understand that my own life comes with a price higher than any Imperial can pay? I guarantee that none shall make planet fall. Not while there is a ship in the sky that is under my banner. Not while there is artillery with gunners and anti airguns with bullets. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” Archarus roared, getting into a frenzied state as he spoke.

Voorhees did the only reasonable action he could have, and sunk to one knee and swore his fealty to the Warsmith once more, ensuring the Warsmith wouldn’t kill him in his rage. He wouldn’t dare say it, but he realized that Khorne’s influence was changing the Warsmith in ways besides being stronger, faster, and more brutal.

The crusaders won't tolerate this indeed.

No they won't, but it does give me some ideas for how to segue in my Eldar. Mayhaps Archarus' plans will be grand enough that they would pose a threat to an Eldar craftworld? So they decided to take action?

Let it be said that even while following Khorne, one can still have a way with words, and not just a chain axe.

Also, go for it. I'll take someone fighting Archarus head on. Last time I really interacted with other characters was fighting Smudge for an artifact on Mogrok. Before the Vault even.

Speaking of picking factions, I am going to stay as the New Order, considering I've peaked all of your interests

Farseer Lilliana was just about to retire to her quarters when the vision struck her. First it showed her a vision of a world fortified from pole to pole. She then saw a picture of the world's leader, and then his name came to her mind "Archarus". After that another name came to her mind, this time of a star system "Charadon" Lilliana knew this system well, it had once been a jewel of the Eldar empire, then after the Fall it had been engulfed by the menace that was Mankinid. Then the vision shifted to that of a Craftworld under assault by a massive Chaos fleet, and with a jolt Lilliana realized that it was HER Craftworld Iybraesil under assault by the foul Mon'keigh. Each warped and twisted ship bore the same icon. "Iron Warriors" Lilliana thought bitterly as the vision continued. It then shifted to a picture of a galaxy aflame as a new crusade burned a path through the galaxy. An Iron Crusade. Then the vision ended and Lilliana realized it was a picture of what was to be unless this "Archarus" was stopped. If she failed to pass on this dire warning the galaxy would be set aflame, and worse, her Craftworld would come under attack. For the first time in her long life, Lilliana knew dread. She raced from her meditation chamber towards the chambers of The Council. Lilliana knew that she had to warn the Matriarchy of this potential danger, she only hoped that they would heed her words and respond to them. As she reached the doors to the Council chambers, she briefly stopped to compose herself, a frantic Seer would be of very little help. The guards standing by the doors did not react to her sudden and frantic arrival, doubtlessly they had seen this sort of thing many a time. After composing herself she nodded to them and entered the chamber.

*Later*
Lilliana exited the chamber filled with a sort of grim excitement. The Council had indeed heeded her words, and had entrusted her with command of a Warhost and had ordered her to eliminate the threat to the Craftworld. She was also ordered to secure a foothold in the system for later reclamation of the Maiden Worlds that existed there. The mission was to attempt to avoid being spotted by the Imperial forces that were currently engaged in the reclamation of the system, they were a threat that would be dealt with only after Archarus was defeated and his plans spoiled. As Lilliana walked through her home she noticed the signs of war preparation, Guardians were undergoing weapon drills to ensure that their skills had not faded, and Aspect Warriors were checking and re-checking their equipment in preparation for the upcoming conflict. Lilliana then passed by the Craftworlds Banshee shrine, they would be especially vital for the upcoming war effort, as the Warhost would need to strike hard and fast and shatter their foe before they could retaliate. Lilliana allowed herself a small grin, few were more equal to the task than the Howling Banshees. Lilliana knew, she had once been counted amongst their number before the Path of the Seer had called to her and demanded an answer. "Yes" she thought to herself "our calls herald the coming of great pain for our enemies". With that in mind she walked back to her quarters to say goodbye to her loved ones and finish her own war preparations. There was much to do before the war began.

There we go, Archarus' plans will eventually grow to attacking Craftworlds and starting an Iron Crusade, and the Eldar just can't have that now can they?

I like the DoW reference. I'm still shaky on Eldar fluff, so this should help me out, too.

Taihkromn Ryus recorded the departures of the Strike Cruisers "Traitor's Bane," "Godhammer," "Emperor's Light," "Raging Doom," and "Anguish of the Fallen" from the system. A tiny indicator appeared on his Tactical display and he looked out across the main bridge. All of the Serfs who are normally working tirelessly at their consoles had been removed from the room. The autonomous servitors had been shut down as well. No one could record what happened at this point and time, only the Chapter Master himself.

Conrax looked up at the chapter master. The amber glow in his eyes slowly faded as he "returned to the bridge."

"Grejer has expunged the records, my Lord... And Sylus is briefing him now. I have probed Sylus already sir. He remains pure and he has destroyed the artifacts he stole. Everything has gone to plan..."

The Chapter Master scratched his stubble and let his psychic conscience probe the ship in search for Sylus, "Did Grejer also retrieve... ahem.. the 'Others' from the surface? I don't sense them on the ship."

"They were on the Warpath Crucible, Lord Ryus. They were preparing for 'Phase 2' like you ordered," the Master Librarian responded, psychic fire burning again in his eyes. "The Astropathic choir just informed me 'Phase 2' is ready and the 'Others' are awaiting your command."

"Good, proceed with 'Phase 2'."

Conrax rose and walked over to the door before the Chapter Master added something very important to his order.

"Knight takes Rook. Check," he said before Conrax sensed that his Psyche had moved elsewhere.

"Excellent move, Lord Ryus."

 2BlackJack1 wrote:
I like the DoW reference. I'm still shaky on Eldar fluff, so this should help me out, too.

I'm not exactly great on the Eldar fluff either, but I did the best that I could. Most of the time when they go to war it's to stop a danger that will eventually come to fall on the Eldar, sometimes to the detriment of any others caught in the crossfire. It was the best way I could think of to segue them in. They'll be somewhat neutral in the Crusade. They have no desire to engage the Imperials (yet), as they desire above all else to stop the threat that Archarus poses to their Craftworld. We'll just have to see what role they'll play in the coming fight. Maybe Khorne can give Archarus some hints that the Warhost is coming for him?

 jhe90 wrote:
Can I keep Shepard/petra? If the Faust pull back.?
Plus I doubt he is as welcome after tha last refusal

I can use a human to contrast my marines (plus to be honest they where fun to write)

As for the centre, a while back i had a demi company under a Marshall Ivan or a full impirial fists under a captain ramius.

Welcome to take them over. They never got much use.

Bring on the eldar

Feel free, their companies will remain attached to the Templars. The rest of the Faustians are falling back to resupply, and wait for reinforcements. I will say that Pavus wants Sheppard and Petra far away from him at least until his power grab is done.
Edit oh and Cadet Alenko goes where ever Sheppard goes

"Shepard, stop, stop, lets think about this" Petra shouted, The Coup was not live, they had time to think. "come on, you saw the meeting, there plotting a coup, and i know the man, he means it" Shepard was scared, not for him but for the damage that could be done, he knew how power hungry he was, wanting to pull strings vs the Inquisition, the threats, deals and plots that got him to his rank he held. " Pavus is dangerous Petra, with a sword the mans a idiot, with a plot there he is at his most powerful. i saw the plots that made him leader of the planet, i to my dishonor was involved in them." "who do we go to? What about Marshall Karak, at the least he would want to know what they plot on his ship" Petra hoped, if he was in on the plot that would not go well for them, but Space Marines, they where above such petty disputes, or so she prayed. "Maybe, if he's in on it? No, keep your dagger close, Pauvus has killed before to hide his intentions" Shepard was worried, his Cadet was safe at the time and in the infirmary where security was safe, Pavus had no agents in the Marshall's household and he doubted any attack could take place in such a closely guarded area of the ship.

Navigating the ship was not easy, though they finally found the section they wanted, The guards by the door stopping them before they practically turned the corner. "Halt, this is area is restricted. why do you need to enter" Composing himself, Shepard Shepard forward, "I have news that could bode badly for the Crusade here, Plots are being sown on this very ship" The guards pausing, and seconds passing before the reply came, "enter, we do not take lies lightly, be truthful and honest" "Thankyou, i wish i did not have to come, but all men must do there duty" Shepard and Petra stepped forward as the blast doors slid open, Petra gripping his hand. "lets face the doom together"

The bridge was a hive of activity, dozens of marines and serfs where working on many consoles, data slates, reports and servitors whirring rolling out reams of statistics, records and chart plots, soon as they entered, the entire bridge went silent bar the whirring of the servitors and machinery the only sounds. "The Marshall will see you now, SGT Tangir please join me" The voice was not as stern as others, as Ulf stepped forward, "agh Shepard, Petra, yes follow me, we will discuss this in private" Stepping into the Marshalls chambers as a dread feeling, be for good or ill they had chosen a side and now they had to follow through. "agh Shepard yes, you said of vital news, Plots hatched and bad news, i hope you understand honesty is most impotent here" The Marshall leaning back but carefully watching them though the implied threat was obvious to anyone, Shepard signaled to Petra with a small increase in pressure on her hand, as Ulf and SGt Tangir joined them in the room. "Marshall, we where just in the company of the war council of governor Pavus, something came up i could not hide, it goes against the knights code, He plots treason against the Lord General, political plots and deception foul, i do not know of what actions they planned but i have to amuse that some kind of trouble will be coming. Such plots hatched aboard your own ship. and as Shepard has told me, the man is not shy of using murder. "

"yes you where right to bring this to me, can you confirm that last bit Shepard? " The Marshall looking carefully at Shepard to gauge his honesty. "The Governor ascended to power based on plots Lord Karak, to my shame i was part of one of those, but i heard things, snap shots, and glimpses of other. However i was not involved in the deepest. several unsolved murders of high ranking members of the standing Governors advisers and allies, none linked to him, but from what gathered, he was more than willing to condone murder, sabotage, deception and all manner of dark methods to gain power. Such bodes ill for this Crusade, we cannot have the Unity of purpose broken by infighting." Closing his eyes for a second the Marshall thought, yes this was valid, and dangerous, such information was highly useful. "yes Shepard i believe you, Petra too, you have done me a good favor by telling me this, SGT Tangir, have security stepped up on the deck they are living, and in training sessions. Deploy the Boarding troops, Hot shots, full Armour. SGT Ulf, go have a word with our honorable Governor Pavus and inform him that i know of his plot and i will not tolerate assassinations or sabotage aboard my ship. You have shown loyalty to me by telling me this, and such you have my protection. your Cadet too, Alenko i believe. He will be joining the training program in a supporting role where we can keep a better eye on you " Finally relaxing, they both tripped over each others sentences as they both tried to thank the Marshall, Laughter ensued and even in serious times light could sneak in.

******

Governor Pavus was sitting in the Chambers with Sandor Braddock, both slightly drunk after a few glass's of fine wine. " what to with Shepard, what if he tells Kruger or worse someone like Karak, Those Templers are dangerous" "you worry too much sandor, no even if he does what can they do, the letters and envoys are sent, but Shepard and Knight Captain, we cannot touch, if they went to him, there security will be far higher, and killing Templer serfs will hardly do us well." "yet that is, one day we might be able to clean up this mess" He was looser, Pavus was not the best drunk, it gave away things sober he preferred to hide. all of a sudden a knock at the door shattered there peace. "enter, let them in ruck"

Ulf stepped through, clad in power armour to better send the message, he did not wait for the pleasantries to begin, "Governor Pavus, we know of what you plan and have no part in it. any attempt to enact plots on this ship will not be tolerated, and as a special note, we will treat and accidents or mysteries surrounding a certain two people aboard this ship with interest. you know who and also stands for the Cadet, attack via proxy, and it will not end well for you. you have been informed, " Leaving quickly as he entered, the door slammed shut and finally Pavus spoke. "Call off any plans you had, Sandor, and i mean that. Not like last time. the stakes are too high for your games. "

The plot thickens, The Templars have found out about the plots. And I hate to ask this, but is everyone else ok with me bringing in my Eldar to oppose Archarus, and just be tricksy little buggers for the crusade?

 War Kitten wrote:
The plot thickens, The Templars have found out about the plots. And I hate to ask this, but is everyone else ok with me bringing in my Eldar to oppose Archarus, and just be tricksy little buggers for the crusade?

Of course. More the merryer.

In the cavern's dim light all was still. Nothing stirred. Then suddenly in the back of a room a long unused webway gate flickered to life. Through the gate stepped Farseer Lilliana accompanied by a squad of Howling Banshees. As they fanned out around the cavern to ensure that they were alone the Exarch of the squad, Caelyn walked up to Lilliana and quietly asked "So, what happens now?" Lilliana quietly replied "Our target as not yet returned to realspace, so we need to secure footholds throughout the worlds of this system in preparation for his return. We do not know yet where he will return so we must watch and wait for him to present himself." Caelyn seemed to contemplate this for a few seconds before nodding and moving to join the rest of her squad, who had formed back up before the webway gate, which had no powered up fully, ready for the rest of the Strikeforce to come through. Lilliana knew that similar scenes were occurring all over the Charadon system, the Warhost was making landfall on every planet in the system and setting up a surveillance net. They were determined that they would know where Archarus hid the moment that he returned to realspace.

Lilliana had also ordered the Strikeforce to avoid conflict with the Imperium's forces in the system. They couldn't afford to engage them yet, as they would need much of their strength to deal with the threat that Archarus posed. Only after he was dead could they turn their attention to the Imperium, and the Maiden worlds that they had defiled in their expansion. Lilliana shook her head softly, there was time to contemplate that later, right now she had a war effort to orchestrate. She put her Ghost Helm on and began to walk towards the waiting Banshees. There was much to be done yet.


The Eldar are beginning to take footholds throughout the system. If any of your forces are still on the ground you may encounter the Craftworld forces....

Dezmon slid into the planetary Governor's room with out so much as a "whoosh." It been unfortunate he had to dispatch two guards outside to gain entrance, but the New Order's mission must be done. He removed his combat knife from its scabbard and pinned a very detailed note with the seal of the Black Templars to the bed frame above the sleeping governor's head. Looking to make sure the governor was still asleep, he exited the room as stealthily as he entered it.

 Ezra Tyrius wrote:

Spoiler:

Damn you, Tactical_Spam, when will you stop mind-fething all of us!

I went through your earlier posts in the thread and my mind has pretty much been blown. I should have known something was wrong from the comments Sylus made while he was killing Father Estevan's henchmen...

Can't wait to see how this chess game ends!

These are huge spoilers

Dang it TS, as the Eldar player here I'M the one who's supposed to be trying to mind-feth everyone. Stop stealing my job

I've done so much in 3 short snippits, its ridiculous

You've collectively mind-fethed most of the Imperial forces and irritated the Eldar. Congratulations, you're worse than Tzeentch