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Hey there, Dakka! I've been thinking about getting into writing someday, and I thought what better way to start off than by testing my material with ya'll? The story revolves around a task-force of Imperial Fists, under the lead of captain Ixiom Casteus, and their encounter with the Eldar forces on the surface of Ghavnor. I'll be updating it when I can, probably once a week if all goes according to plan. Anyway, thanks for reading, and enjoy!

The thick, rough underbrush rustled as the men of tactical squad Dacius waded through the seemingly impenetrable choking brush of Ghavnor’s jungle. Despite the multitude of tangled, barbed vines and massive web-like plantlife, the bright yellow of squad Dacius’ armor gleaned brightly, denoting them as brothers of the Imperial Fists. Dacius, part of a task force under the command of Captain Ixiom Casteus, had been sent ahead of the task force for reconnaissance. Intelligence from the battle barge Glorious Ascension had located an old Manufactorum upon the surface of Ghavnor that pre-dated the Horus Heresy. The strategic location of the Manufactorum and the possibility of rediscovering ancient technology and STCs marked the Manufactorum as a high-priority objective, and within a few days Imperial forces had been mobilized to secure the objective. Seargent Dacius trudged through the jungle with caution. Ghavnor was known to harbor pockets of Eldar guerillas, which had never been truly scoured from Ghavnor’s surface. Local legends told of ghosts-like apparitions who struck when least expected. Reports from units of Imperial Guardsmen often described swift ambushes, striking multiple points of the force before any could react, and when a suitable counter-attack was prepared the attackers had disappeared into the shadows, like eldritch ghosts. Dacius made it a priority to ensure that the perfidious Eldar would not catch the sons of Dorn off-guard, and he frequently stayed in contact with other members of his squad. As he pushed through a group of reeds, he found himself in a clearing which lead to the Manufactorum. The building was dilapidated at best; its once strong ceramite walls were clearly ruined and aged. The walls were riddled with holes, sections of the walls had been broken down, and much of the adamantium pipes were covered in rust. There were clear signs that the building was no stranger to the conflicts of the 41st Milennium, and Dacius hoped that the secrets that lay within had remained intact. Dacius, ever cautious, raised the vox. “Dacius here. We’ve reached the ruins brothers, requesting assistance before moving in.” Before Dacius had even finished, Captain Casteus’ voice rang through the vox. “Dacius, as ever, your wisdom manifests itself. Squad Gaius will regroup to provide support.” As the vox chatter ceased, however, Dacius swore that something was moving through the brush. Immediately, he ordered his squad on alert. However, even as his battle brothers moved into position, shots rang out from the trees. Instantly, Brother Alexia was down, a shuriken round flying cleanly through his head. “Take defensive positions inside!” Dacius cried, heading into the ruins surrounding the Manufactorum. As he scanned the terrain, he saw the silhouettes of the Eldar forces moving about. Enemy fire teams were positioning themselves to pin the marines in the ruins, whilst other units advanced into plain sight. “Requesting support,” Dacius said on the vox, “Xenos sighted and currently engaging.” Before he could get a response, Dacius began giving orders to pour bolter fire into the oncoming ranks of the Eldar.

Very nice! Look forward to more!

Good beginning, very good sense of setting

Sorry guys, been kinda busy, but anyway, continuation!

"Ixiom Casteus knew he had little time. Squad Dacius was under assault, and the rest of the task force was still a good distance away; The second he had heard Dacius’ over the vox, he ordered the crew of the Ironclad to zero in on Dacius’ position. The Ironclad, a razorback with a good century of reliable service, trundled through the brush, knocking much of the brush and mud aside with its dozer blade. However, the Ironclad was making relatively slow progress, and Casteus urged the Ironclad’s crew onwards. Soon, the distinct sounds and smells of bolter fire filled the air, and from the clamor of battle Casteus knew he was close. As the Ironclad reached the Manufactorum, Casteus realized just how heavy the opposition Dacius had been facing. Already, four battle brothers had fallen in the fight and the rest were holed up in a small ruin near the Manufactorum. Immediately, Ixiom disembarked from the Ironclad with combat squad Gaius. He ordered the Ironclad to provide support for squad Dacius, whilst he and Gaius moved onwards. Ixiom immediately discerned the positions of the attacking Eldar and began to set up a perimeter around the Manufactorum, determined to capture it at all costs. Meanwhile, the Ironclad roared as its assault cannon tore through xeno and underbrush alike, riddling both with bullets.

Once inside, Ixiom approached sergeant Dacius. Dacius was crouched low, returning fire with his bolt pistol whilst brother Thycleus provided what medical support he could for the wounded marines. Thycleus was doing the best he could, for there were many wounds upon his battle brothers. Brother Alexia had already died, and next to him brother Julianus was a bruised, bloody mess; his armor dented in several places and a hole clean through his chest. Ixiom caught the scent of congealed gore, and forced himself to focus on the mission. Already, the Eldar had outwitted them, and Ixiom feared that the cunning xenos had yet more ploys. ‘Throne, they fight as if possessed’ he thought, ‘and why are they here?’. “Dacius!” Ixiom shouted, his voice barely audible over the sound of bolter fire and shuriken rounds, “Hold them off as best you can brother! Reinforcements are en route.” Dacius gave Ixiom a quick nod, and hurled a frag grenade towards the oncoming Eldar warriors."