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Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 01:01:57 2014 No.34143441 View View Reply Original Report

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I'm having a hell of a time running Dark Heresy, something I thought would never happen. I'm preferable to Rogue Trader, but this system definitely has its own charm. So, its time for a story time/ archival dump. In Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream, the players are soldiers for hire, working for a mercenary guild on the hive world of Nemi in the Tiji Sector. Things change, however, when they accept the job of a lifetime - to locate and verify an ancient cache of archeotech known only as "Excelsus."

The Fireteam of the Shattered Suns Mercenary Company:

Lucius Mojaro, Imperial World Guardsman
Bekowski, Mind-Cleansed Guardsman
Wolfhound, Hive World Guardsman
Ophilia, Hive World Assassin
Alistair Vathrek, Venator Crimson Guardsman

Excelsus awaits.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:04:11 No.34143501 Report

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Episode 5 - American Cowboys

*********************************
Bekowski blinks slowly, finding himself in a room of pure white. He can't move his arms and legs, and his voice is muffled.

"...This will work, right? We don't have time for the normal reconditioning."
"Don't worry, the Ministry of Truth has a 100% success rate."
"You know we'd prefer to do shit our way. Guarantees the job done right."
"We'll have him blank-slated for you within the hour. Trust me."
"I'd rather not, fukken Xeno. But we don't have many options. The only reason I'm here is because the Lion recommended you for a rush job. I need soldiers."
"And you'll get them. Just remember, the code word is L-"
***************************************

Bekowski suddenly wakes up in his room in a somewhat cold sweat. It appears to be the middle of the "night" on deck. Bekowski sits up, wiping away some of the sweat.

"What the hell... ?" he mutters to himself. He looks around. Everything seems to be in order. His bed is slightly ruffled, his grenade launcher lies to his side, an avian humanoid form stands over the sleeping Lucius, a calm wind flows from the patio...

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:05:54 No.34143545 Report

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Bekowski grabs his knife, watching the Dark Eldar Scourge hovering over Lucius. It appears to be tapping him. Eventually, the tapping awakens Lucius, who comes face to face with the creature's beak.

"Mornin'," coughs Lucius in shock.
"Delivery..." it hisses. In its hands are a pair of envelopes.
Lucius coughs again, trying to get a handle on the situation. "Uh, let me get my wallet?"
He eventually hands the scourge the delivery cost. He shakes in fear and surprise.

The scourge hands him the two envelopes, and then jabs him with a syringe. "Recipient confirmed..." it screeches, "Antidote...For the contact poison." Bekowski rushes up at the sight, but gets caught in his bed-sheets, falling flat on his face. The scourge spreads his wings, and flies off through the open door.

"Welp... That was fun," whispers Lucius, holding the envelopes.
"Gah... what the hell was that?" yells Bekowski, untangling himself.
"Scourge," Lucius explains, "The knife ears here are...talented when it comes to alterations."
"Yeah, well I'm more so wondering what caused that THING to deliver you mail in the middle of the night."
"Probably to drive up the price of new underpants," Lucius shrugs, trying to calm down, "On that note, I am headed to the bathroom."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:07:16 No.34143585 Report

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Lucius reviews the two letters. One is marked Pay on Delivery, and sealed with a red stamp of the Aquila. It appears to be from the Nemi Merchants' Guild.

"To whom it may concern, The Emperor blesses you for using the Nemi Merchant House for your transaction. Regrettably, we could find no person named Elodia Mojaro in our records, and the transaction was deemed void. The money was given to the Ecclesiarchy, to fund their good works. Thank you for your patronage."

Lucius is disgusted that the money did not reach his wife. He then opens the second, a plain sheet of paper, sealed with a blue stamp, this one...of a torch.

"Delivery complete." is all it says.

"Heh. Well. Atleast someone can do their job," Lucius laughs. He heads back to sleep, and the rest of the night passes by without incident. Eventually, it is a new day, and the light of Nova Prosperous's star lights up the Mercenary Sector. Downstairs, the Fireteam can hear the rumbling of everyone getting ready, as Res'var's Kau'run opens for the day's business.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:09:27 No.34143637 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUAtTY2Df1Y

The Fireteam head down from the rooms to the busy Kau'run, grills already going.

"Oi! Resver!" yells Lucius, still working on the Tau language.
"Mornin'," he says as he lights the oil on fire, making quite a spectacle.
Wolfhound stands, guarding the team, while Ophilia flops down comfortably into a seat.
"So, what's on the menu today, Res?" she asks.
"Today's menu is b'nim, served doran'ro or saum'ol. Special drink on the menu is the World is Mine, the mild taste pierced with sweet spikes."
"Hah... like any of us would have a drink before noon," Wolfhound laughs.
"Uh, I'll take a bim served Drano, I think?" Lucius stutters over the glottal stops, "And the special, too."
"Actually, I'll try that drink out, too," Bekowski adds.
"If I might inquire, is there an area where vehicle maintenance may be conducted?" Vathrek asks, "As I do not partake like my colleagues, it seemed an efficient use of time to sort it out while they acquire sustenance."
"You can try the Pay n' Sprays, they're not too far," Res'var explains, "They run a hundred per vehicle for paintjobs, 1000 and more for repairs."

Res'var takes out some batter-looking stuff, and begins flipping it on the grill. He also takes some small meat chunks to the side. After flipping the b'nim for a bit, he pours some sort of white liquid on it. Collecting it into a plate, he then serves everyone. He takes a moment to mix the drinks, and it's exactly as he said - the drinks are mild at points, but spike with energy in the mouth.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:10:59 No.34143665 Report

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"Oh yeah, Res'var, I've been meaning to ask you..." he pauses for a moment to figure out how to word what he says next, and then continues, "Hear any big news from the Ministry? Been out on a mission for a while, want to know if things have changed much from last time."
"Hmm," he thinks, "If I did, I probably wouldn't remember!"
He laughs a moment. "The HKSD has been working on things here and there though, so big things are happening I think."
Bekowski nods grimly, and continues eating.

Eventually, everyone finishes their food. It's filling, and subconsciously Lucius feels somewhat lucky he didn't pick saum'ol. The Fireteam make their next destination the Pay n' Sprays. Nestled in between buildings, it looks like a small motor pool. A number of reavers are working on their own Jetbikes, mixed teams working on their own vehicles as well. After a small discussion of bike armament, the repair begins. Lucius and Ophilia stand by to help, but Vathrek rolls so well it seems he doesn't need it. The conversation switches over to the strange gun on Vathrek's bike.

"So...you want to trade for that sexy vokalite weapon?" Lucius asks.
"Voka-what now?" says a very confused Ophilia, "Just what is that thing, anyway, Vathrek?"
"From what I have been able to piece together, it is a Volkite culverin," Vathrek explains, "An archeotech weapon that, like the jetbikes themselves, originates from the time of the Great Crusade itself."
"...whoa," Ophilia coughs, making the sign of the Aquila instinctively.

While Vathrek fixes his bike and has his repainted Mechanicum Red, the rest of the Fireteam begin having theirs repainted. Bekowski selects desert camo, the winglets a mustard color. Ophilia paints hers grey with deep red highlights. Lucius selects grey with green highlights. Wolfhound decides to keep his the same, breaking off from the group to find one of the many Obscura dens in the Quarter.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:13:25 No.34143722 Report

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As everyone finishes their bike maintenance after a long two days, and as Wolf begins exploring, the Fireteams' heads start beeping. In your vision flashes a red INCOMING MESSAGE, a number of the locals pausing as well. The Graviton Data Codec automatically connects. In the Fireteam's fields of vision, a Tau appears in a codec window, a well-dressed Tau in a pressed suit. Under him it shows "INCOMING ONLY."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Shas'o speaking, I hope you're all having a wonderful day," the Tau says, "We'll be reaching Monolith within the next two days."
The feed shows him pacing about.
"As some of you know by now, a Coalition from the Empire proper has invaded, and is attempting a landing," Korst'la continues, "They call themselves the 'Black Caste.' The House has been hired to assist in the pushback. All Detachments, report to stations upon arrival. All visitors and mercenaries, transport is available to the battlefield for a paltry fee. You will be dropped near the Militarum regiments already deployed."
"Hmm..." says Ophilia, wondering what a 'paltry' fee would be.
"I hope you all have a splendid little war. Korst'la out."
The feed fades. Everyone goes about their business, a sudden excitement catching everyone.
"Charging to go to war? That's a first. I like it! You all in?" yells Lucius over vox.
"Especially since one of our goals appears to be on the surface there," Vathrek points out.
"No side job," sighs Ophilia, "On the plus side, one step closer!"
"What you mean no side job?" Lucius asks, "We got a war to fight!"
"We do?" a skeptical Ophilia asks.
"Why not?!" Lucius sounds younger and more excited than he has in years.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:15:47 No.34143778 Report

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Vathrek, however, advises caution. "For all we know, this conflict could be sparked by the very presence of our prize."
"Nah, you heard Big Blue, it's an attempt at expansion," Bekowski points out, "Should we stay away from main theaters of conflict, we can likely grab our objective, unless it is in one of the conflict zones."
"True enough," shrugs Ophilia, "If someone's willing to pay us for nabbing a few more heads on a surgical strike we'll have to make anyway, so much the better.
The Fireteam all agree.
"The way the world works, it probably is." Ophilia twirls her Palantine pistol. "More fun that way, anyway."

However, the Fireteam (sans Wolfhound, who relaxes in an Obscura den) decide to do a little upgrading and information seeking. There's a wartime firesale on Studio 69, all the vendors displaying their best armaments and defenses. The Fireteam stop by a barrel fire set up by a few humans and a tau.

"OI! You ready for a body count boys?" yells Lucius, in his element.
"Yea!" yells one, "Ready to show them fish what for!"
"Gonna be great!" hollers a second.
"Whatta bout your xeno pal here?" Lucius scolds jokingly, "You don't watch your language?"
"I do not particularly mind," the Tau says calmly, "When my family boarded this four generations ago, we gave up our ties to the Empire."
"Four generations... how long do Tau live?" Ophilia asks.
Vathrek checks his logs, and reviews the 40-50 year lifespan of the average Tau.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:17:10 No.34143809 Report

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"Any idea on what us irregulars will be up to?" Lucius asks.
"The main camps will be the Astra Militarum," says the third guy, "there's really only a few regiment down there, all Qadeshi Outriders."
"They got a bunch of shipments of SOMETHING, though," says the first, "Dunno what, but word says they're well stocked and provisioned."
"Still feel bad for'em," says the second, "Their gear is standardized. We bring what we want."
"Huh. So what do you folks hope to be doin'?" Lucius presses, "And who is payin ya?"
The tau speaks up once more. The House is paying me. My allies here will be receiving payment from their company, one of many who were hired for this warzone."

Lucius relaxes a bit. The Fireteam can feel his thirst for blood bubbling up. Flashes of old wars go past his eyes and he is loving it. "Been a while since I got to work large scale." he says as he heft his autocannon up high. "Been missin it"
"We will arrive in two more days," the Tau states quietly, "I am sure that more information can be found with the gue'la high commanders on station."
"Thanks." Lucius wings his weapon onto his back and offers a hand to the humans and a bow to the Tau.
"Not to my taste, to be honest..." sighs Ophilia, "Though at least with something so open, the madness is pointed in more or less the right directions, compared to hive combat."
"Hope you like horses," laughs the last guy, waving the Fireteam off, "And tanks. Gonna be plenty of both down there with the Outriders."
"what's a horse?" Ophilia asks.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:19:12 No.34143861 Report

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The Fireteam then head over to check out the sales. Vathrek picks up an old Alatus Jetpack system, the blood from its previous owner only recently polished off. Ophilia picks up some new ammo types for her needle rifle, while Bekowski gets a laspistol to conceal within his arm from a shady Tau running a basement arms trade. Lucius scouts out some places for some synthmuscle grafts, but holds off on the purchases for now.

Two days of frenetic preparation, and eventually Studio 69 breaks ZFR Hyperspace over Monolith. A bright yellow star stands sentinel over a calm world of sand and rock. In a great surge, the inhabitants of the Mercenary Quarter rush out, towards the docking bays. The Fireteam rush to their jetbikes, in varying degrees of excitement. Flying over the great waves, the Fireteam see the sights above. As one, the flood of hired guns rush towards the lifts. The kid from the phantomfish lies dead in a back alley, corpse covered in energy burns. The old couple, fishing together on a wooden ornamental dock.

In the docking bays, everyone is chartering passage on the Phantomfish on station. Price to the battle below is 350 thrones, and everyone pays up quickly.
"Where we going again?" Wolfhound asks.
"Monolith Irregular camp," the reaver pilot says, his translator spitting each word out with vitriol, "You Mon'keigh can die together down there."
"Thanks Knife ear. Enjoy running like a coward," Lucius quips before thinking.
"Please," the vocabulator hisses, "We're being paid in what survives here. Perhaps you should leave the battlefield before WE get to work..."
"I'll make sure to wing a few of em for you to get your rocks off," Lucius continues, caught in the moment, "You do have a pair still dangling, or did you convert it into a penny flute for your little boy slaves to play on?"
"Boys..." says Ophilia, trying to calm the situation.
"Perhaps one night you'll find out, Mon'keigh..." he screeches as he herds everyone onto the Phantomfish.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:20:17 No.34143885 Report

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Lucius fails his intimidate with a perfect 100. The Bow of Shame is affixed, and the Phantomfish takes off, towards Monolith, the journey quick and efficient due to stealth fields. The entire ride down, everyone snickers at Lucius. Eventually, under the cover of night, the Fireteam can see the sprawling camps of the battlefield.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:23:55 No.34143972 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UklWs_RR6Cs

The Phantomfish drops the Fireteam off in the midst of the Irregular Camp, and flies back for further passengers. Needless to say, those who disembark from the Phantomfish get a number of looks from the irregulars already on station. Morale appears low, from this stalemate with the Tau, and everyone seems tired from another day of no progress. In fact, most of the irregulars are calling it a night.

Ophilia rolls her neck with audible pops, before hefting her rifles. "Right, let's get this party started. We've got a war to win."
"Doubt we'll win it ourselves," Bekowski claims, "Let's just see about completing our goals first."
"You guys have fun, tell me when you're interested in actually doin' the big job," says Wolfhound, seeking out a bar.
"I should think our first priority would be to get ourselves informed of the current tactical situation," Vathrek declares, "then match it up with what we know of the fragment's location."
"Spoilsports," Ophilia pouts, "Alright, who briefs us?"

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:25:28 No.34144002 Report

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Searching comms traffic, and finding little other than Lightning Fighters occasionally reporting in, or declaring contact with Tau Razorsharks and Sun Sharks, Vathrek and Ophilia realize that the Graviton Data Codecs are tracking a data fragment, a few hundred meters away. While Lucius, Bekowski, and Wolfhound remain back with the Jetbikes, Ophilia takes forward recon, Vathrek a distance behind. Sneaking through the rows upon rows of tents, while Vathrek clangs his way through, Ophilia finds a tent large enough to hold six people. She pauses, however, as she hears scratching in the desert fields outside. Looking closer, she thinks she saw something dash behind a rock, something almost half the size of a person. Reporting it in, Wolfhound begins a leisurely walk to assist, while Ophilia enters the tent. Finding five people asleep in flak, bolters at hand, Ophilia sneaks forward towards what she believes is the data fragment.

What confuses her, however, is why the air is shimmering in front of her.

Ophilia whispers as quietly as she possibly can into her bead, "I am not the only sneaker in this tent."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:26:32 No.34144026 Report

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The shimmering suddenly moves. In fact, something shimmering is coming right at her. Ophilia dodges the sudden fist in her face as the Stealth Suit decloaks, triggering its jetback backwards. Ophilia attempts to make a quick stab at it, but misses. The XV-25, its armor jet-black with red highlights, takes the entire tent with it, and the air is filled with pulse fire and loud gunfire.

Ophilia pulls out her needle rifle, and pops off a lucky shot into the Stealth Suit, the sedative needle doing its thing and causing the Tau to go unconscious mid-flight. By now, the men in the tent have awoken, grabbed their bolters, and have fired in every direction, both at the Tau and at the Fireteam, prompting some return fire from Vathrek. Wolfhound, seeing the stealth suit rocket up, begins running as fast as he can. Unfortunately, almost 250m away, it will take him a while. Bekowski and Lucius see the "flare," head for or jump to their jetbikes and take off.

"Hey! We're on YOUR SIDE!" yells Ophilia, at the men whose tent she just invaded.
"You're searching for it too!" he yells, "You won't get the data fragment to Excelsus!"

Ophilia realizes she's in the middle of a very bad time. However, the ground seems to be rumbling. Looking around, she sees las-fire in the sky, and a wave of guardsmen, on horses.

The Qadeshi Outriders have joined the battle.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:28:18 No.34144051 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhDjx-o5fvE

Now flanked on each side by the Qadeshi Outriders of the Astra Militarum, the battle has narrowed significantly. Lucius has by now arrived in range, and bombards the Tau fire warriors with plasma cannon, taking two out. Vathrek and Ophilia take heavy wounds from the retaliating mercs, dropping Ophilia to zero and Vathrek to very low. Wolfhound, realizing he is going quite slow, attempts to steal a nearby Rhino to go faster. It takes him a while to hotwire the thing, and get going.

Lucius, seeing Ophilia go down, and Vathrek take punishing hits, moves in to support, screaming in rage. Unfortunately, his second plasma blast is off the mark, missing Ophilia only by a meter at best. The fire between tau and humans offs one each, leaving Ophilia to aim carefully. Barely hefting her rifle, Ophilia offs a pair of mercs with explosive needles, while Vathrek offers supression. Charging into the last Fire Warrior, Lucius executes it with a Driveby Hammer attack.

The field now quieting down as the Qadeshi Outriders finish their surprise counterattack to the surprise attack, Ophilia crawls up.

"...so much for that idea..." Ophilia gurgles, "Looting time... oof..."
Lucius lands his Jetbike. He rushes up to Ophilia, pulling her into a hug.
"I am so sorry Kiera. I am so so sorry..." he yells.
Ophilia pushes him away."My name's not -fucking- Kiera," she growls, "We've got a job to do, Lucius."
Lucius composes himself "Ophilia. I meant Ophilia." as he pulls back. The Fireteam, Ophilia in particular, are starting to get a suspicion something is amiss.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:30:18 No.34144101 Report

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As Wolfhound and Bekowski arrive at the battle site, they immediately attempt to collect everything. Ophilia removes the bolters from the mercs, while Lucius mechanically walks over to the Tau, deathly silent and eyes empty, grabbing a pair of Pulse Rifles. Collating everything, they realize something - these guys all have Graviton Data Codecs as well.

The Fireteam all load up the Rhino with the loot, Lucius preferring to keep the Pulse Rifles on hand, until they realize that there's no way to move both the Jetbikes AND the Rhino. Arguing for a bit, they decide the best course of action is to leave most of the loot in the rhino, and hope it's there when they get back, since Jetbike is preferable to Rhino. Just in case, however, Wolfhound rips off the Rhino's s storm bolter. Vathrek takes a moment to examine the data fragment - 893,000. He determines it to be a velocity, most likely the speed of the world in its galactic rotation, useful for error corrections.

The combined data set is currently 1.2* (Latitude, Degrees, Declination) MISSING, MISSING, at 893,000 (Km/hr, Velocity).

After a moment, one of the guardsmen rides up, his poncho swaying in the desert wind. "Boy howdy, I ain't ever seen fightin' like that against them Tau..." the cowboy says.
"Much obliged," Ophilia replies, "You pulled our asses out of the fire there."
"Hey, I got an idea," says the guardsman, "How 'bout you mosey on with me, the Lord Commanders been lookin' fer someone with moxie like yours."
"What for?" Ophilia replies, filled with genuine curiosity.
"Fer a special job," says the Cowboy, "They think we can win this fight as early as tomorrow."
"If he's got a medic, or at least some decent amasec," Ophilia states, "then you can count me in."
"Eh, might as well," Bekowski shrugs, "Came all the way down here for some fighting and winning."
"Well jus' follow me some, then" says the cowboy guardsman, "We can have our chirurgeons give you a once over..."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:33:04 No.34144154 Report

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Ophilia and Bekowski begin to follow the guardsman, eventually followed by Lucius and Vathrek. Wolf is the last to leave, quietly returning the Rhino and grabbing his jetbike before anyone else gets funny ideas. Catching up with the cowboy-guardsman, and flying in formation, he leads the Fireteam to the main Astra Militarum camp, and the vast expanse within. All around, the guardsmen are generally making a ruckus and having fun. Small campfires dot the grounds, as do the large open corrals for horses.

"Lord Commanders're this way, pardner," the guardsman says, as the Fireteam begin to hear the sounds of music.
"We gotta do something really quick, soldier, if that's okay. We don't want to make the Lord commando wait but we..." Wolfhound grabs Ophilia before she can befriend the Lord Commanders, "Uh, let's talk first."
"Speak," Ophilia sighs sullenly.
Lucius grunts, and huddles up. Bekowski also approaches, hoping that it's important.
Wolfhound leans in, whispering, "I don't know about you guys, but I'd rather get this data in a safe place before we offer ourselves up to someone who might also want it. Know what'm sayin'?"
"It's in Vathrek's head and both our dataslates," Ophilia counters, "Is there somewhere more secure than on our persons to keep those?"
"Yeah, I'm with Oph here," Bekowski agrees, "We've got copies in case it's taken, and there's nowhere on world that's really secure."
"Worrying about it like this will only convince someone that we have something worth worrying over..." Ophilia concludes, "And we don't want that kind of attention."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:34:14 No.34144171 Report

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"It's not like they'd not shoot all of us for the data," Wolfhound shrugs, "Anyway, we should head back to the ship and tell 'em that we need to return to base on orders."
"We're already here. You want to snub a Lord Commander AND convince him we have something worth doing something we'd run from to us for?" says Ophilia aghast.
"Think about this data as 250,000,000 for each of us," Wolfhound implores, "I don't think takin' any unnesianary risks are like, smart at all."
"Only way they get it is if we are all dead," Lucius states, "No one is collecting then anyway."
"I can respect that, but too much caution can be as dangerous as too little. This'll make us look suspicious," Ophilia points out, "Besides, I'm in the mood to shoot something, and there aren't too many targets aboard the Studio."
"Whatever. Fine. Shit goes hayfire and I'm booking it because I have no reason to stay and die on this dust ball," Wolfhound concedes.
Ophilia pauses, then stomps back after the Guardsman.
"Thanks for the insight" Lucius says without any real conviction.
Bekowski shrugs, and says, "Alright, just make sure you're not near any Commissars if you...bolt."

>YEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH

"Thanks for the insight," Wolfhound says mockingly.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:35:30 No.34144205 Report

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Near one campfire, a pair of men are sitting, hats down, drying some jerky. The guardsman points to the campfire. "They're ready for you, little lady." He then rides off, his status as NPC Plot Pointer Outer complete. The two men appear to have just finished drying the jerky over the campfire. They look up, and nod.

"Howdy," says one, "Have a seat."
Ophilia nods, taking a seat before glancing at the Fireteam, "We heard you might have work for us?"
"Name's Mr. Colt," the second man says, "And this is Mr. Browning. And indeed we do."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:36:46 No.34144231 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI6zLayBeJQ

Wolfhound hefts his ancient-pattern gun at the name, "And here's Browning Jr."
Bekowski looks over to Wolfhound in confusion, wondering why he'd name a gun after a Lord Commander.

"Some of the boys saw you fight them heathen xenos," says Lord Commander Browning, "Mighty fine stuff there."
"Ya got guts, fightin'em when everyone else was still lazin' about," says Lord Commander Colt, "We can appreciate that sort of gusto here."
Ophilia nods her appreciation, while Lucius shifts uncomfortably in the presence of authority. They wonder when the Lord Commanders will get to the point.
"You got just the moxie we're lookin' for," continues Browning, "How'd you like to help us out a bit?"
"Hey, if we can get a fistful of thrones and help win a war, that's a win in my book," laughs Bekowski.
"It's real simple," says Colt, "We're all for fightin' the Xenos, but we're a mobile regiment. These Tau, It'll take a while to grind'em down."
"Or it would," continues Browning, "Ya see, ol' Magos Winchester received a delivery, some sorta tank. None of our boys want to give it a drive, so we're lookin' for someone who can."
"...What kind of tank are we talking about?" Bekowski asks.
"He says it's Archeotech somethin' or other, " concludes Browning, "Anyway, we're lookin' for someone to charge forward and lead the day."
"So, up for leading the charge, and winning the planet?" asks Colt.
Lucius perks up. "Hell yes," is his only reply.
He is not the only one excited. "Archeotech, you say?" says a suddenly attentive Vathrek.
"Indeed," says Browning, "Said it was delivered straight from Mars itself, a gift to the sector, somethin' bout honorin' the valour of some legendary Deathwatch Kill Team in service of Holy Terra..."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:38:01 No.34144261 Report

Quoted By:

"Well, if we'd be in a frakking tank, then I'm in," says Ophilia, "But I have to ask, don't you have troopers who could handle this? Why do you need us?"
"We feel more comfortable in the saddle," says Colt, "We can do tanks, but nothin' like the one we were given. Never seen a thing like it before. Just don't trust it."
"Well, you want a ramshackle team of mercs as the crewmen for this ancient thing, sure," Wolfhound shrugs, "I thought you had to be like, a cog-boy just to even touch one of those things..."
"I beleive that is where I come in," Vathrek says.
"Same here," says Browning, "But I guess whatever them Marines did, it was important enough to gift the sector such a thing. Rumor is it was gifted from the Fabricator himself, but I don't put much faith in such a claim..."
"By the way... the trooper who led us here mentioned you had a chirurgeon?" Ophilia asks sheepishly, "Don't suppose they could take a look at me before we head off?"
"Course, 'course, li'l lady," says Browning, "We've got some docs in the medicae tent who can help a bit."

"The plan is to assault on first light tomorrow mornin'," says Colt, "A good ol' cavalry charge led by an armored fist, ya know?"
Lucius feels all of the stress sliding off at the thought of getting to ride in a big boy toy.
"Sounds like a fine plan," Ophilia says, "Not that I know much about this kind of warfare, but I can certainly shoot xenos while one of my pals drives."
"Well, perhaps we should familiarize ourselves with this vehicle if we are to crew it?" posits Vathrek.
"Sounds like a good idea," says Colt, "The lass can get herself to the chirurgeons, and you all can give this thing a once-over."
"Big white tent, pardner, can't miss it," Browning adds.
"Where can we find this thing?" Wolfhound asks.
"We'll take you to it when you're ready," says Colt, "It ain't goin' anywhere."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:41:01 No.34144326 Report

Quoted By:

Ophilia and Vathrek head to the medicae tent. Unfortunately, civil-war era medicine is not on their side, and Ophilia has a close call with a chirurgeon's bonesaw. Vathrek does not fare much better, the healing salves they apply having little effect on his fleshy bitz. For them, their night is spent in a medical cot.

Bekowski, Lucius, and Wolfhound, however, follow the Lord Commanders. They grab their hats and some dried jerky, and lead the Fireteam on. Passing the cavorting crowds of cowboys and florists, the two Lord Commanders finally reach a great metal building, an armored blast door sealed ahead.

"Through here," says Browning, indicating a small side hatch. The Fireteam enter the building, where all lights are on an utterly gargantuan tank. In its sponsons are banks of long barreled weapons similar to lascannons, but subtly different. In its rounded turret is a long square-barreled gun, covered in vents.

"Hey, what'd they call that thing?" says Colt, "A Halberd? Voulge?"
"A Glaive," corrects Browning."
Wolfhound looks at the tank and is taken in awe. Even Bekowski mutters a small thank you to the Omnissiah.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:43:35 No.34144378 Report

Quoted By:

"Anyway, ain't ever seen the likes of the thing before," says Colt, "We got some people coming in from Qadesh to pilot it, but for now, you guys can give it a run in tomorrow's battle."
"I call turret," Bekowski blurts out.
"There's no way all of us can crew that thing," says Wolfhound.
Lucius begins to drool. "I...I am in love."
"Actually, it needs a crew of four," says Browning, "A fifth can fire from the hatch."
"Okay, so where's our fourth?" Wolfhound asks.
"Your friends'll be ready by tomorrow," says Browning, "You should have a full complement."
"Almost forgot, one more thing," says Colt, handing the Fireteam some smoke grenades.
One is red, one is blue, one is white, and the last is all three colors.
"You'll have some air support," Colt continues, "Each color corresponds to a different barrage."
"That last one?" says Browning, "Save it for their operating base."
"Anyway, that's it," says Colt, "You're welcome to pitch a tent here, just be ready for the mornin'."

The two Lord Commanders escort the Fireteam out, and point out some places where they can stay. Eventually, they head to their own tent, leaving the Fireteam be.
"So..." Bekowski starts, asking the awkward question, "Do any of us actually have a tent?"
"....nope," sighs Lucius.

Ophilia and Vathrek are fine in the med tent, but the rest begin searching out a place. Bekowski and Lucius decide to rough it under the stars, Bekowski holding his rotgut and Lucius clutching a picture of his family, while Wolfhound tries to barge into a full tent. The occupants are not enthused, and Wolfhound decides to just sleep behind the tent.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:44:54 No.34144409 Report

Quoted By:

Eventually, morning does come, and with it, the yelling of an excited regiment. Bekowski and Lucius get up, suddenly aware of new sore muscle groups. They meet up with Wolfhound, and collect Ophilia and Vathrek from the medicae tent. Lord Commander Colt is rallying the troops nearby, while Lord Commander Browning is supervising the wheeling out of the Glaive. Seeing it for the first time, Ophilia walks up, gazing reverently at the Glaive and signing an Aquila.
"You ready?" says Lord Commander Browning.
"Yes sir, I think we are," Bekowski looks over to the rest of the team for confirmation.
Vathrek gives the Glaive a once-over. He enlightens the Fireteam about the Volkite Carronade, while also explaining the side-sponson Laser Destroyers.

The Fireteam pick their positions - Ophilia, having the best agility, will drive. Wolfhound and Bekowski each take a sponson, Lucius deploys the autocannon out the top hatch, while Vathrek will connect to the machine spirit itself, and take the turret Carronade. The positions decided, the Fireteam floor the pedal out of the building...

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:48:13 No.34144483 Report

Quoted By:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xhng_dead-or-alive-you-spin-me-round-200_music
...ramming the tank backwards into the wall. The entire tank shudders.

"Gah! Watch the velocity, almost hit my head on the bulkhead!" yells Bekowski.
Lucius ducks into the tank, and closes the hatch. "Yeah, I'm staying inside..."
"Uh... sorry, wrong pedal," Ophilia mutters, "-Focus-, Oph; enthusiasm like that'll get you killed..." She tries one more time to get the venerable tank going.

And she ends up spinning it in donuts.

"Maybe we should have Vathrek drive..." sighs Bekowski.
"Yeah, Vath, ya wanna step in here?" Lucius implores.
"I cannot respirate," Vathrek states. Amusement is evident in what is left in his flesh.
"What in the living fuck!?" yells Wolfhound.

Ophilia is beginning to panic, and Vathrek and Lucius both begin attempting to remind her how to drive. She attempts to control the tank once more.

Finally, the Glaive responds to her commands, stops its horrific spinning, and finally surges towards the fight.

"Now, let's go purge the alien!" yells Bekowski.

Cresting the large hill, the Qadeshi Outriders fire their guns, hootin' and hollerin' as the battle for the Tau central command center begins in earnest. The Glaive advances, the armored fist of the Imperium leading the fight.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:49:34 No.34144517 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3f6WqoWylU

While the Qadeshi Outriders hold off the majority of the Fire Warriors and lesser suits, the Fireteam are left to the heaviest of enemies. The Glaive rolls forward, and the first ones to take to the field are the XV-8 Crisis Battlesuits, flanked by Tetra support. The Battlesuits fire their Fusion Blasters, scraping against the tank's side armor. A few Seeker Missiles impact the Glaive, but the armor holds. Ophilia keeps the Glaive moving, taking out a suit with the Heavy Bolter. Wolfhound turns his Laser Destroyer on a Tetra, effortlessly destroying it, while Bekowski turns his onto an errant battlesuit in his sights. Vathrek, however, simply turns the Volkite Carronade onto a squad of Battlesuits, and lets fly. He rakes across the squad, utterly incinerating two of them and heavily damaging the last, which is then finished off by Lucius's Autocannon. The surviving battlesuits and Tetra dash to the tank's vulnerable rear armor, doing heavy damage with their fusion blasts, but are taken out by laser destroyer shots from Wolfhound and Bekowski.

Ophilia keeps the pressure up, advancing the tank forward. A wing of Sun Sharks attempt to drop a Paradox Bomb down, but miss, to the Fireteam's relief. Soon, the Tau Advance Command Center is in view, but it is guarded by the heaviest possible armaments - Broadsides and Hammerheads stand ready, and begin relentlessly pounding the Fireteam's Glaive. Weathering a terrifying barrage of rail fire, Ophilia opens with her Heavy Bolter, but does relatively little. Wolfhound's and Bekowski's luck runs low, and they miss their shots at the Hammerheads. Only Vathrek scrapes across the Broadsides with the Volkite Carronade, heavily damaging them in time for Lucius to finish them off with his Autocannon.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:51:50 No.34144568 Report

Quoted By:

The Hammerheads continue to fire their Railguns' solid shots, putting the Glaive into dangerous territory. Vathrek takes full advantage of the Carronade's Haywire effect to stun the hammerheads, opening up things for a counter-attack. Wolfhound and Bekowski finally land their Laser Destroyers in the dead zone, hile Lucius grabs Bekowski's grenade launcher and fires the red grenade. A Lightning streaks in, leaking red smoke, and unloads a great number of red missiles, destroying one Hammerhead and severely damaging the second. The last heavily damaged hammerhead fires at the Fireteam's Glaive, but Ophilia miraculously dodges it, causing the super-heavy tank to hop at the perfect moment, barely dodging the shot. Together, Wolfhound and Bekowski fire the Laser Destroyers, causing the last Hammerhead to erupt in a great blue fireball.

160m from the Tau Forward Command Center, Lucius loads the tri-colored smoke grenade into Bekowski's grenade launcher, and fires it directly on target, despite the distance.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:53:01 No.34144594 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyNkKxR7xeM

Three pillars of smoke rise - one red, one white, one blue. The screeching in the sky is deafening as three Lightning Primaris surge forward, each trailing an identical smoke trail, the burning sheen of their Ramjet Diffraction grids scarring the sky. Taking formation, they fly up, angling their attack. In a synchronized attack dive, missiles and bombs are away.

Ophilia watches like a kid awaiting candy.

A red missile strike floods the base, the Kraken Penetrators boring into the base's superstructure. The air burns with electricity as the Electrostatic Bombs burn away all cybernetics and Tau machines. Finally, the sky itself burns as the Sunfury bombardment incinerates everything, dead or alive. As fast as they appear, the Primarises fly away in triple formation, leaving trails of red, white, and blue.

Ophilia makes the sign of the Aquila. "Praise the Emperor," she breathes.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:54:34 No.34144623 Report

Quoted By:

With the explosion of the base, the Tau have lost all cohesion, and the battle swings in the Imperium's favor, to eventual victory. The trip back to the base is filled with raucous celebration, as Lord Commanders Colt and Browning personally salute the Fireteam, as the Glaive is transferred back.

"Sorry about the dings..." says an embarrassed Ophilia, "Nobody told me it had windows."
"Ya did good, pardners," says Colt, "We were proud to fight alongside ya."
"It does need more cupholders, though," Lucius quickly adds.
Wolfhound hops out of the tank, basking in the accolades.
"May the Emperor keep His gaze on all your endeavors," says Browning, saluting you guys.
"Lookin' forward to fightin' alongside you again," says Colt, "The work of the Militarum is never done."
"Heh. That'll be a good day." Ophilia smiles warmly.

"Right, that's all good... uh, can we recieve what's due?" Wolfhound asks.
"Payment's covered by your company," says Browning, "You'll need to speak with them about it."
Wolfhound gives the commander a skeptical look. "Do you even know the name of our company?"
"Nope," says Colt, "All I know is you came from the irregulars, so your payment is outside Administratum jurisdiction."
Wolfhound shrugs.

After a few hours of carousing with the Qadeshi Outriders, the Fireteam heads back. Everyone is preparing to bug out of the system, and the the Phantomfish are loading up. While dismayed to find the Rhino gone, the Fireteam are exhausted, and decide that it was enough explosions for one day.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:56:25 No.34144659 Report

Quoted By:

"Are we even going to be able to get our fucking pay?" Wolfhound asks.
"We fought and killed. I'm sure we'll get paid," Ophilia shrugs, "That's what the bureaucrats are FOR."
Wolfhound walks up to the Phantomfish operator.
"Hey, where's our fucking pay?" yells Wolfhound, "He said we'd be able to get it here!"
The phantomfish operator shrugs. "Not my problem, mon'keigh, now are you boarding or not?"
"We just blasted our way through half the tau forces in a ten millenia old tank," says Lucius, "We need a rest."

Everyone boards the Phantomfish. Some are bitter. Some are riding off an adrenaline high. Some are quiet and solemn. But all are glad to be done with Monolith. The Phantomfish takes off, the great fleet of them breaking atmosphere, and ultimately landing on Studio 69. Eventually it does make it back to the docking area, everyone disembarking either richer or wounded. Wolfhound, Ophilia, and Bekowski, upon disembarking, see a growing crowd in the docks. Bekowski moves to the back, while Ophilia and Wolfhound make their way in front. From their various vantages, two things are apparent.

On one side, a Storm Eagle Gunship of the Black Panthers Spess Mehreens, having disgorged a power armored combat squad. On the other, a well-dressed Tau, a kitted out Dark Eldar Archon, and a Techmarine in identical heraldry.

"The God-Emperor's Angels of Death..." whispers Bekowski. Wolfhound, locked in momentary fear, is...somewhat louder in his appraisal of the situation, though his shock is identical to Bekowski's. Ophilia sneaks a little closer to hear what they're saying.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:57:46 No.34144699 Report

Quoted By:

"...elax, relax, you won your war, didn't you? I got paid, and you got dead Tau. My commodity pens are quite full now, you know."
"Watch yo' words, Xenos. A number of Guardsmen died because your punk ass was in the rear lines."
"Hey," the Tau points, "That's why there weren't any reinforcements. I finished my end of the bargain. You want more of this 'Black Caste' dead, be ready to send another check."
The Tau and the Sergeant stare at each other.
"You've earned your stay today, Xenos. Remember that you live only because the Lord Inquisitor allows it. When yo' blueberry ass stops being useful..."
The Sergeant aims his bolt pistol at the Tau.
"Please. You don't need to remind me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another charter. The dead need to be moved. Tell the Lion that this one's on me, because I'm such a nice guy..."
The crowd begins to disperse as the Mehreens leave.

"The hell was that about?" Lucius asks over the microbead.
"Lucius, there were Space Marines! I swear!" yells Wolfhound.
"And it sounds like the Marines were reminding the xenos that nobody likes them," says Ophilia, "Anyway, the purple dudes were debating the finer points of laws and agreements, and something about a Black Caste - is that a Tau thing?"
Lucius, however, has not heard of the term.
"I still can't believe the Angels of Death would grace this vessel with their presence..." whispers Bekowski.
"Let's just head back to Res'var's," Ophilia suggests, "I'm hungry and my kit's heavy."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 01:59:24 No.34144737 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam make their way back to Res'var's. He regards them as they enter, the grills burning bright.
"Another package," he says, "You must be popular."
"Did you get a look at who delivered the package?" Bekowski asks.
"It was delivered by Scourge, just like the last one," Res'var says, "Always a different agent."
Res'var passes the Fireteam the case.
"Thanks," is all Ophilia can manage. She looks on Res'var with a new combination of understanding and respect, having witnessed Tau firepower.
Vathrek opens the case, finding 20,000 thrones, just like last time.
"So this musta been one of the best days of your life," Lucius nudges Vathrek, "Ride in a living legend, blow up some xenos, get paid big bucks."
"Our mystery benefactor is pleased at least," says Vathrek, inwardly glowing.

"Pass the nightly rate," says Res'var, "and your rooms are ready."
This time, everyone pays their own way through.
"Would you know where to make arrangments for actions performed in the last warzone?" Vathrek asks, "This place is still unfamiliar in its ways."
"You want work, you need to talk that over with your organization," Res'var shrugs, "It's not my call to make."
"Those fuckers..." says Wolfhound, beginning to catch on to the fact that there may not be a second paycheck coming after all, "Those Colt & Browning cocksuckers must have ripped us off!"
"Any astropath choirs on vessel?" Bekowski asks.
"Nope," says Res'var, "Don't have Psykers, remember? And Khodexus refuses to allow most Human psykers on board for very long."
"So are there any other ways of getting messages off vessel?" Bekowski presses.
"Drop a letter in the postbox with the appropriate postage," Res'var says, "The House will take care of the rest."
He laughs a deep, unsettling laugh.
"We have agents everywhere, after all..."
"Alright, I'll go compose a letter later," Bekowski declares.

The Fireteam reach their rooms, and turn in. The day is replaced by rest, as Studio 69 plans a new, sudden itinerary change...

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:01:40 No.34144779 Report

Quoted By:

--------------------------

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymU_6p7_gUY

"I am disappointed. You said you would have the world by the end of the tau'cyr."
"We did not expect them to have such weapons."
"What is a tank to the light of the Greater Good?"
"When said tank's heat ray burns brighter."
"Are you being smart with me?"
"Perhaps."

"Your forces have failed before, it is why you have darkened your armor from Vior'la's glorious white to the black of failure."
"The H'esav'Geka will not fail again. We will lead the fight personally. We will all take to the field, and redeem our honor."
"See to it, Commander Redsun. That sector will belong to the Empire sooner rather than later."
"Aun'o O'res'nan, didn't anyone tell you?" I'm fucking invincible..."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:03:37 No.34144819 Report

Quoted By:

A good episode, but it took a while due to things slowing down. It actually extended over two days, with everyone coming back the following day to finish it.

Anyway, it's another double feature today, so I will resume the archival dump!

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:05:46 No.34144879 Report

Quoted By:

Episode 6 - Time's Arrow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws0aeYYCXZU

Three days into its current itinerary, Studio 69 transitions to ZFR Hyperspace. It seems the flight-plan was radically altered at the last moment, and the newest destination fast approaches. The floating world of Studio 69 will very soon reach the Cemetery World of Surat Thani.

"Finally, we can get this wretched old couple off our ship..." Wolfhound quips.

All across the ship, workers are gathering the dead from the back alleys and gladiator pits, and keeping them ready for disposal. Special care is shown to a number of prepared bodies, the dead from the battle on Monolith, set for delivery to the surface. Given that most of the humans aboard are heading down to bury the guardsmen, few shops are open. It seems only ammunition shops, food shops, and slave auctions are open.

"Hmm, now what would they want with those?" Ophilia wonders, as she sees the bodies being piled up.
"Hey, isn't this one of the worlds on list?" Bekowski interrupts.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:06:54 No.34144911 Report

Quoted By:

Wolfhound continues the quest for payment from the armored assault in the previous episode. After determining that anywhere potentially exciting is currently closed, he watches the pict-caster. It appears to be a special on Reapercast, the House's network. The report on the feed, authorized by the Ministry of Truth, is showcasing an armored spearhead on Monolith, led by a very familiar special weapons tank. The newscasters, a Tau and a Human, cannot believe that the team of irregulars who drove the tank were reported as working pro-bono. The report shifts to the casualty list for delivery to the cemetery world. Wolfhound laughs haphazardly, a crack made in his sanity for risking his ass without confirming payment beforehand.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:08:32 No.34144956 Report

Quoted By:

However, Ophilia slips away from the rest of the Fireteam, on her own business. Her weapon loaded, she heads through the dark alleys, following the paper lamps to light her way. Lucius decides to follow her, in case things get troublesome. Eventually, she comes to an old door, with a slot about 5 feet up, which in retrospect is the perfect height for a Tau. Ophilia knocks politely, and after a few moments, the slot in the door slides out. A pair of eyes stare out, and see Ophilia and Lucius. After another 30 seconds or so, the door opens.

"You, this way," the Tau says to Ophilia, but then turns to Lucius, "You, gue'la, stay here."
"Oi, what gives?" sputters an indignant Lucius.
Ophilia glances quizzically at Lucius, before following the Tau.
"Not for you," the tau says as he closes the door.

Lucius bangs the door, shuddering the hinges.
"You don't want my money?" Lucius yells angrily, "Fine. I'll punch my way through and talk to your boss!"
"Not a good idea," says the Tau, somewhat concerned, "You are not welcome here. Friends of the House only."
"Your culture doesnt happen to have feats of strength or martial prowess to maintain your honor?" Lucius utters in challenge.
"Money and action speak louder than honor on this ship, gue'la," the Tau says, "You want in? 2000."
"Balls to that," says Lucius, taking a seat outside, "I hope your face gets a yeast infection."
"Cha'bap," the Tau says.

"You do something to tick these guys off, old man?" Ophilia asks through her microbead.
"I don't even know this slit head," Lucius replies.
"I'll catch up to you later, Lucius," Ophilia whispers, "I'll yell if trouble comes up."
"I'll stay near," Lucius confirms.

Ophilia, meanwhile, is brought deeper into the building, descending down a set of dim stairs, flanked by a pair of tall kabalites. The Dark Eldar wordlessly gesture to a small plain seat, which she quietly sits in. Eventually, out of the back room, a well-armored Dark Eldar marches out, having a seat across from her.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:10:50 No.34145009 Report

Quoted By:

"Welcome, Mon'keigh..." the Sybarite says, his hooked nose dangerously close to Ophilia's face, "What can I interest you in today?"
"I need a porter," she replies quickly, "A good one."
"Hmm..." says the Sybarite, taking out a xenos dataslate, "Yes, I may have one in stock..."
Ophilia holds her breath as the Sybarite reads his dataslate. The two Kabalite guards do not move, but simply stare ahead through polished armor.
After a few moments, he looks up. "Yes, you are in luck, Mon'keigh. I happen to have one. 100 of your thrones..."
Ophilia wordlessly passes over the coinage. The Sybarite takes the money, rubbing his hands in glee, and heads behind some curtains into the "stock rooms." One of the Dark Eldar brings out a tray with a purplish drink, offering it to Ophilia, but she politely declines. After a few minutes, the Sybarite returns. In tow is a small child, wearing simple coveralls of a slave. She maintains a stare forward.
"One left! You are very lucky..." says the Sybarite, "Now all you need to do is sign these forms, and our transaction is complete..."

Ophilia trembles slightly, balling her fists before recovering to read the forms. They appear to be standard legal fare. If anything happens to said carry-all slave, it is not the fault of the seller. Owner is responsible for maintaining slave, and seller has no more business in the transaction. There is no warranty to a broken slave.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:12:25 No.34145053 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cDThq1fIJc

"Welcome, Mon'keigh..." the Sybarite says, his hooked nose dangerously close to Ophilia's face, "What can I interest you in today?"
"I need a porter," she replies quickly, "A good one."
"Hmm..." says the Sybarite, taking out a xenos dataslate, "Yes, I may have one in stock..."
Ophilia holds her breath as the Sybarite reads his dataslate. The two Kabalite guards do not move, but simply stare ahead through polished armor.
After a few moments, he looks up. "Yes, you are in luck, Mon'keigh. I happen to have one. 100 of your thrones..."
Ophilia wordlessly passes over the thrones. The Sybarite takes the money, rubbing his hands in glee, and heads behind some curtains into the "stock rooms." One of the Dark Eldar brings out a tray with a purplish drink, offering it to Ophilia, but she politely declines. After a few minutes, the Sybarite returns. In tow is a small child, wearing simple coveralls of a slave. She maintains a stare forward.
"One left! You are very lucky..." says the Sybarite, "Now all you need to do is sign these forms, and our transaction is complete..."

Ophilia trembles slightly, balling her fists before recovering to read the forms. They appear to be standard legal fare. If anything happens to said carry-all slave, it is not the fault of the seller. Owner is responsible for maintaining slave, and seller has no more business in the transaction. There is no warranty to a broken slave.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:13:56 No.34145089 Report

Quoted By:

Ophilia delicately signs the papers, trying & failing to not think about any other slaves. Even if she decided to be a hero, she considers that the slaves may not even be aboard, but be...elsewhere in the Webway gates prevalent across the battleship. Somewhere very few would wish to go willingly.

"Enjoy your product," says the Sybarite, "I picked out only the best for you. That one, I believe we picked up a the raid on the sector capital a while ago. But I digress..."
The two Kabalite guards flank Ophilia and her slave once more, ready to escort them out.
The Tau opens the door out for Ophilia. "He probably not say, but his product very good. Slave won't rebel. If slave try, chemical overdose trigger. Very effective at discipline."
Ophilia squints at the Tau & leaves. The Tau closes the door behind her, and seals the slot, business concluded. Lucius rejoins Ophilia, smiling sweetly at the young girl, and then weakly at Ophilia.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:16:02 No.34145140 Report

Quoted By:

Rushing back, Ophilia and Lucius arrive at Res'var's just as Studio 69 leaves ZFR Hyperspace, above a dead desert world. Ophilia has a word with the slave, to try and figure out what she just got herself into. She takes a seat on one of the woven mats, across from the slave.
"So, kid, you got a name?" Ophilia asks.
The slave stares blankly at her.
"Kid? You with me, here?" Ophilia asks again, slightly concerned.
The slave nods her head. She definitely understands you. She just doesn't seem the talkative type.
"Look, I need to know what to call you," Ophilia presses, "Do you have a name?"
She thinks a moment, then shakes her head. She's a slave. She doesn't need a name, only a price and an inventory SKU.
"Right, then. It's time to fix that." Ophilia stands to grab her Book of Imperial Saints & opens it to a random page. After passing up names such as Gorkus and Morkus, patron paints of Mining Site 0298, and Charles Barkley, patron saint of the dunk, she decides on one.
"Does Meghera sound alright to you?"
Meghara stares blankly at Ophilia.
"Relax a little, kid. I'm not planning on hurting you, I just need someone to help carry my gear."
Meg wordlessly holds out her arms, ready to carry stuff.
"I don't know what you've been through, but you're safe now, and will be until I'm on a job - and then, I'll tell you what to do to stay safe."
Ophilia's stomach rumbles.
"Now we're going downstairs. It's breakfast time."

Ophilia briefly considers freeing her, but having been a slave since birth, she may not understand the concept, in the same way a farm-raised salmon can never understand the ocean.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace cereal.jpg, 90KiB, 1200x801

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:19:44 No.34145222 Report

Quoted By:

Res'var is making only simple dishes today, since business is slow.
"Morning, Res'var. Breakfast for two?" Ophilia asks, setting the thrones on the table.
"Two kles'nai, coming up," says Resvar, chopping up some sort of fruit into flakes, and sending the bowls their way.
"Hey Oph!" Bekowski calls out, "Who's the kid?"
"Porter slave. She's... quiet," Ophilia explains, "I'm calling her Meghera."
"Seriously, you bought a kid?" coughs Bekowski in shock, "What the hell Oph, you know what kind of danger we get in?"
"She can run & hide when that comes up, and I'm getting her a camo cloak to be extra sure," Ophilia retorts, "You want to carry my guns for me, you're welcome to."
Bekowski facepalms in exasperation, figuring that this would be better argued somewhere less public.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Hengsha Alley.jpg, 144KiB, 1288x720

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:23:21 No.34145290 Report

Quoted By:

"Look how fucking boring this place is, what even happened?" Wolfhound interjects, having fruitlessly searched for something fun to do for hours.
"A good question... anyone?" Ophilia adds.
"With no Gue'la, there is little money passed around," explains Res'var, "So most of our cadres are waiting at the Fortress."
Res'var polishes some drinks, preparing for any customers that might straggle in.
"Most of the gue'la are heading down to bury their dead and leave votive offerings to the saints and their family lines," Res'var explains, "Others intend to try their luck breaking into the tombs."
"That's sick," says Wolfhound, "What's in these tombs anyway?"
"Mostly tombs of fallen guardsmen," Res'var continues, "And the occasional planetary governor or high commander."
"Hmmm... Thank you, Res'var," says Ophilia, while trying to provoke any response out of Meg.
"I have noticed that you Gue'la like to take things with you when you die," he laughs, "Instead of granting it to your family line."
"Some of us are sentimental," Lucius points out, "Even after death."
Lucius looks out the window. "Well, looks like we are about to do some grave robbin'"
"Hey, hey, you see the news? We're heroes! We'd be in one of those FUCKING tombs if we hadn't survived somehow," Wolfhound yells, "They expect 'em to believe that we did that work for free? We just got swindled is all!"
"The Ministry of Truth is never wrong..." shrugs Res'var, "But if you are intent on grave-robbing, you might want to hurry and pay for a shuttle down. Moving corpses only takes so long."
"Yeah, we'd best finish eating & get to work," Ophilia agrees, "I'll go wake Vathrek."

Heading up to the docks, the Fireteam can see how truly empty everything is. They can see the corpses they collected from the streets, the second merc from the phantomfish in one of the piles of dead.

"You know, maybe there's something prophetic about all those people on our transport dying..." muses Bekowski.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:24:40 No.34145311 Report

Quoted By:

Everyone boards the Phantomfish, with Ophilia getting Elite-Access Boarding due to Peer: Underworld. Eventually, the Fireteam see the approaching world and heat of atmospheric entry of Surat Thani. Wolfhound finally notices Meg, to everyone's shock and humor. Somehow, despite his drinking, violent antics, and other actions, he seriously disapproves of Ophilia keeping a slave.

"You're an alcoholic druggie killing people for money, and we're probably going to rob some graves, and you're objecting to a slave?" lists an incredulous Bekowski, "I'm more concerned for the fact that we're bringing a kid with us."
Wolfhound's jaw tightens and shifts to one side of his head, "Bekowski, I'm thinking it's pretty 'prophetic' how you're being a fuckin' asshole, acting like me having something wrong with this kid being like this is fucked up, that's fucked up."
Bekowski grimaces, his wit failing any attempt at thinking of a witty retort. "Whatever," he says, "Just saying we probably shouldn't be judging considering our moral status."
"And I'm just saying that you've never been a slave before, have you?" Wolfhound gets real quiet-like.
"Making a pretty big assumption there, Wolf," Ophilia says, "Better to have us as masters than some other customer - now let's get moving."

Breaking thick dust cloud cover, the Phantomfish lands near a series of tombs and shrines. The grav lift opens, and the Fireteam are dropped off nearby. All around the landing zone are tombs, and a few shrines set up as well. One shrine has a number of mercs praying, another merc wearing poorly fitting robes over his carapace saying bits and pieces of prayers that come to his mind.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace marked for deletion old.jpg, 20KiB, 300x450

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:26:17 No.34145346 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-8I-SET1ec

Amongst the supplicants at one of the shrines, Lucius catches the elderly couple lighting a candle, praying to an eikon of the Emprah, and holding each others' hand.

"Emperor be with you both. How are you?" Lucius asks, kneeling at a nearby pew.
"Oh how nice to see you again!" says the Old Woman.
"It's good to pay our respects to He on Terra, and to those who died for us," says the Old Man.
"Aye. Have you been enjoying your retirement?" Lucius continues.
"Very," says the Old Man, "Catch up on all the rest we missed these past 60 years."
"It's been a lovely experience," says the Old Woman, "It's been quiet the past few days though."
"What about you?" the Old Man asks, "Have you come to pay respects?"
"Of sorts. Well I hope you continue to enjoy your retirment." Lucius hands the couple his current lodging's address, "If you need anything, send me a courier. I would be happy to help."
"Good luck," says the Old Woman, "And don't stay out too late, the others were talking about bad thermal storms soon."

Ophilia checks the dataslate, finding the last reported position to the north a few kilometers. Surveying the landscape, it appears to be rocky plateaus and dust.

"So, jetbikes it is?" asks Bekowski.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Petra-Jordan-Historical-Place.jpg, 326KiB, 1024x682

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:27:22 No.34145360 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam mount their jetbikes, Meg holding on tightly to Ophilia, while Wolfhound remains silent. Zooming forth over the dry and dusty landscape, the Fireteam see in the horizon the clouds forming together in a nascent thermal storm. It won't be ready for a while though. Ever watchful on the dot, the fireteam soon see a canyon in the plateau,. Flying within, there are Mausoleums on the ground, and great rock-cut tombs for nobles and generals in the canyon walls. Interestingly, the dot lies within one of the Lord Generals' tombs, marked by a stonkin' huge carved aquila.

"Let's get this over with, guys," says Wolfhound flatly.
"Well, and here I thought it would just be grave-robbery, and not heresy too..." says Bekowski under the shadow of great wings.
"Where is life without a little heresy now and again?" asks Lucius.
"One that doesn't get you killed by a servant of the Emperor," replies Bekowski guardedly, not appreciating the joke.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace dust.jpg, 33KiB, 411x377

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:28:43 No.34145389 Report

Quoted By:

Dismounting near the tomb in question, it's an unexpected sight. There should be a door, but it looks like it was melted through. Nearby are a pair of dust piles, a lasgun near each. Vathrek moves up to scan the dust piles.

***Scanning...scanning...logbook updated. Dust pile is majority carbon-based, with minor concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, and other trace elements. All correspond to percentages found in the human body. Level of damage suggests massive spike of instantaneous damage, resulting in current status of remains.***

"Good news, We arent going to be surprised by the presumably nice guys inside," Lucius quips.

Ophilia has Meg neatly pile up the lasguns for later, while Wolfhound kicks up the dust, searching for trinkets.
"Looks like some zappy weapon to me, like they got struck by lightning," he says absentmindedly.
Ophilia's heart stops for a moment at the thought, before she joins the rest of the Fireteam in entering the tomb.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace chapel.jpg, 64KiB, 357x550

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:30:30 No.34145420 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAnNFFibfpA

The Fireteam enters what appears to be an entry chapellum, for the tomb. Remnants of candles are lit, and stubs of incense are burning. There's another dust pile near an altar emblazoned with the Aquila. No weapon near it, though. Only small religious paraphernalia and trinkets. Behind the altar lies a central passage that branches off left and right.

"There's probably some sort of curse or trap here to keep graverobbers away," says Wolfhound, picking up the trinkets, "Too bad these must not have saved him it, huh?"
"Yeah, real potent curse," says Ophilia sarcastically, "Fifty thrones say this 'curse' came out the barrel of some weird gun."
Vathrek moves to scan the corpse once more.

***Scanning...scanning...logbook updated. Composition matches previous bodies. Based on condition of trinkets and dust weathering, this bioform died by surprise many rotations ago.***

"If it is a weapon, it's energy, and local," says Ophilia.
"We should split up!" says Lucius excitedly.
"You're kidding, right?" says Ophilia in shock.
While Ophilia debates the merits of going left, Lucius simply begins walking right. The Fireteam following, he passes through a set of catacombs. Lucius sees the embalmed remnants of what must have been the family of the Lord General, placed in alcoves in the walls, candle nubs barely producing light.

"Hopefully they waited until the family died before interning them as well," says a creeped out Bekowski.

The path through the catacombs circles around, and the Fireteam come to another melta'd door, a dustpile with a lasgun nearby. This door seems to lead to a central chamber, another identical melta'd door on the opposite side. The Fireteam come to a halt at the entrance to the central sanctum. Twenty meters away is the signal...

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:33:48 No.34145472 Report

Quoted By:

...and a glowing blue and white thing about the size and shape of a scrumball. Most likely the spoils of some far away conquest.

Wolfhound stays back, terrified of rocks falling and killing him. The rest of the Fireteam inspect it closer, verifying that it is, in fact, a glowing blue and white thing.

"One second, I'm going to try something stupid," says Bekowski. He grabs a laspistol charge pack, takes a moment to line up the shot, and tosses the pack at the object. The lasgun pack bounces off the relic, but it suddenly shunts open, sending out a flare of light.

When the light dims, Wolfhound, staying far from everyone else, realizes he is completely alone. The orb falls to the ground, clanging. He sheepishly strolls up to the orb, and picks it up. He shakes the orb up to his ear, looking at it with raised eyebrows, "Guys? You in there?"

Silence. However, the light from the orb grew brighter for a moment. Realizing that a sudden impact was what set it off in the first place, Wolfhound slams the orb against a wall. He is overtaken by another blue flash...

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace door.jpg, 136KiB, 1436x1152

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:34:54 No.34145492 Report

Quoted By:

...landing a little ways away from everyone else.

The Fireteam look around - they are in a metal room, the walls pulsing with lights of blue. An indentation with glowing runes lays ahead. Vathrek moves up to scan the runes.

***Scanning...scanning...logbook updated. Runes bear some similarity to Eldar runes, with traces of glyph seen in Orkish script. No equivalent found in Mechanicum dataslates.***

"I think I may have screwed something up," says Bekowski.
"Oh man! You fuckers are lucky I brought that orb with me!" Wolfhound looks in his hands for it.

But it's not there. Wolfhound raises his arms in frustration. Vathrek moves closer to the rune, but before he can study it further, it glows green, and the wall collapses, similar to a door. Beyond the door lays an inordinately spacious hallway with more metallic blue structures floating about.

"Interesting," Vathrek says.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace bridge.jpg, 30KiB, 335x251

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:37:16 No.34145545 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_T4sZzSazw

"Did that thing transport us somewhere or something?" asks a very concerned Ophilia, "All this looks completely different from the tomb. can't find the dot on here at all. Map's blank too." Her face falls into a dejected frown.
"Yeah, you all disappeared, and I picked up the orb thinking you guys were trapped inside... wait, are we?" says Wolfhound.
"Wait, inside? That... EUGH that's weird, but it makes some kind of fucked up sense..." says Ophilia.

The Fireteam appear to be standing on a platform, a terminal nearby. It seems to be holographic, having only a handprint on it. Without hesitation, Lucius places his hand on the terminal. The screen glows green, and the floating pillars glow. They float around as a blue bridge of light extends to a platform ahead, from which two further bridges extend out. The pillars reorient, and rotate around the bridge of light. One bridge continues further, and another extends to the right. Splitting up briefly, Bekowski and Wolfhound head forward. Coming to another glowing rune, their path is blocked as the rune glows red. Between Bekowski's mutation, and Wolfhound's chemical addiction, the door recognizes neither as pure, though neither realize that is what is happening.

Vathrek, Ophilia, and Lucius, however, head to the right. Vathrek is entranced by the spikes of power his auspex picks up, and a series of small orange cubes that he theorizes to be some sort of grenade. Lucius and Ophilia, however, are more interested in the dull blue torch they see.

"Welcome..." says the Merchant, "Got a selection of good things on sale, stranger..."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Merchant photo.jpg, 43KiB, 548x500

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:38:21 No.34145568 Report

Quoted By:

Lucius sells a number of his weapons to collect enough for Stormtrooper Carapace and Synthmuscle grafts. Wolfhound sells the storm bolter and with his saved up money, buys full power armor, and a permanent power source. Vathrek buys a number of bits of gear, such as a locator matrix and narthecium. Ophilia picks up an Angelus bolter and an extra camoline cloak and bodyglove for Meg the slave. Bekowski buys a tent, not willing to sleep in the rough ever again, and completely pimps out his grenade launcher.

"Heh heh heh, thank you..." The Merchant walks behind a large geometric outropping of metal, "Come back any time..."

Wolfhound shows off his nifty suit of armor, "Just like those space marines we saw, eh?"
"Yeah, but it's the transhuman inside that counts," Bekowski points out.
"It's also not purple," Ophilia adds.
>Tough crowd, it seems.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:39:39 No.34145598 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam briefly look over the orange cubes that Vathrek found. Bekowski remembers seeing some similar weapons in the Inquisitorial armories, taken from the Squats after their forays into xenos ruins of the "Old Ones," whatever those may be. Meg is sitting at the edge of the light-bridge, silently watching the silver structures float by. Ophilia picks up Meg from the edge, while Lucius walks over to the other door. Now green, the door opens once more. There is a window out to spess, and the Fireteam pause at the majesty of the sight.

Looking out the window...they're pretty sure that's one of the Magellanic Clouds in the distance.

"We-we're this far out?" coughs Bekowski.
"Welp... This is getting better," says Lucius.
"Better, yes, that. Where the hell did this send us?" yells Ophilia.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Forerunners, Old Ones, same thing.png, 408KiB, 988x434

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:41:15 No.34145632 Report

Quoted By:

Following a bend, the Fireteam find another door, which Ophilia, Lucius, and Vathrek open. Here, the Fireteam cannot even see the floor. There is only a floating platform, with another hand-printed terminal. Across the way is another door. The floating platform seems oriented towards it. The Fireteam leap across a small jump, maybe a half a meter, onto the platform, where Lucius once more places his hand on the terminal. It glows green, and bright blue rails lead the platform slowly towards the opposite side of the chasm-room.

"I like these machine spirits. Not so fickle," laughs Lucius.
"Yeah, but apparently very picky on their user," pouts Bekowski.
Wolfhound raises his heavy stubber. "Lock and load!"

It's quiet the first few minutes. And then, partway through, the Fireteam see flashes of light above.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Necron Faces.jpg, 94KiB, 600x600

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:43:50 No.34145668 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkXBv0vCIDw

Lightning flies from each side above as two other platforms are moving. On one side, lines of Necron Immortals fire their Gauss Blasters, while a cadre of Lychguard raise their shields to an imposing, Necron Phaeron.

"خبري! فإنك لن استرداد قشرة! أنه ينتمي إلى لي!" the Phaeron yells, angrily.
<<<Khepri! You will not recover the shard! It belongs to me! >>>

"Necrons!" yells Bekowski.
"Oh fuck me..." Lucius laments.
"I can't stand them!" says Wolfhound.

What responds to the Phaeron is a horrific amalgamation of scarabs, the bust of another Phaeron evident within. Surrounding him are canoptek constructs of all kinds, from Scarabs and Wraiths to Sentinels and Acanthrites.

"كنت على خطأ، أحمق من العمر! لا يمكنك معارضة لي، خبري، وتحويل القوة!" the Scarab-Lord yells back.
<<<You are wrong, old fool! You cannot oppose me, Khepri, the Transforming Strength!>>>

"What are they saying?" Ophilia yells, rushing for cover, "I only speak two languages - Gothic, and bad Gothic!"

"وسوف مزق لك الجعل من الجعل، وأترك لكم لتتعفن! سوف تصل أبدا شارد!"The Phaeron angrily screams back.
<<<I will rip you scarab from scarab, and leave you to rot! You will never reach the Shard!>>>

"well, if they're shooting each other, they aren't shooting at us," Vathrek calmly observes.
"What's the plan, guys?" asks Wolfhound.
"I dunno, Primer's got nothing on these guys!" cries Bekowski, "I don't think we can take these guys on..."
"Time to go, then," says Vathrek with finality.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:45:25 No.34145699 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam begins to bolt as the platform reaches the other side. Ophilia grabs Meg, and Bekowski covers the rear as he watches the two Phaerons duke it out. Entering another door at the end of the platform, everyone proceeds down a brightly lit hallway, coming across a great open chamber. Oddly enough, in the center are more dust piles, including a dataslate. In the center of the room is a glowing, sparking, green orb.

Wolfhound scans around, while Vathrek walks over to the Dataslate. However, out of a vent, a giant silver wasp rushes over, grabbing it. It looks at it a moment, and then surges towards the green orb, grabbing it, too. The wasp begins quivering, strangely, and swarms of Canoptek Scarabs begin to leak out of the vents.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace acanthrite.jpg, 53KiB, 800x680

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:47:55 No.34145736 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFV6xjyJ1DI

Ophilia commands Meg to hide somewhere, which she does. The Fireteam first lock onto the Acanthrite, but every time they try to hit it, the green orb glows, displacing the Acanthrite in a random direction. Lucius is particularly annoyed by it, as autocannon rounds are expensive. Meanwhile, the Scarab swarms are approaching Bekowski, who thins the swarm with an exterminator cartridge. He deploys his shield, and begins to hold off the waves of Scarabs. Lucius turns to help him, since the scarabs don't teleport.

The Acanthrite, however, is single-handedly cutting the Fireteam up. Its cutter beam seriously wounds wolfhound, while Vathrek gets sliced by the void blade in its tail. Every shot against it seems to be shielded against, to the Fireteam's dismay. Wolfhound attempts to force it off with suppressive fire, but the canoptek machine is not programmed to feel fear.

Combined fire from everyone eventually forces the scarabs off Bekowski, and Lucius FINALLY lands a hit on the Acanthrite. Sheer volume of fire ultimately forces the Acanthrite back, and it is an autocannon blast from Lucius that finishes it off. The canoptek acatnthrite crashes to the ground. The dataslate slides near Vathrek, and the orb a ways away. The wreckage begins to phase away.

"So. I am not saying that was all me, but that was all me," Lucius says, breathing heavily.
"So, question is now is how we get back. Not keen on fighting more of these," says Bekowski.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:49:02 No.34145761 Report

Quoted By:

Wolfhound's wounds finally get to him, collapsing him. Vathrek and Ophilia rush over to help, while reviewing the logs on the dataslate. Only fragments can be recovered, but a cohesive narrative can more or less be assembled - another team, on the same mission to find Excelsus, stumbled on the orb and were brought to this complex. They found the central sanctum, were attacked by something definitely not Necron, and killed to a man. The only legible fragments were 'like wraithbone' and 'orange shards'. What is important, however, is the data fragment on it - 65923 (Light Years, Distance).

Bekowski walks over to retrieve the green orb, as everyone tends to Wolfhound.

"I would not touch that if I were you, enfleshed...." says a very calm voice behind the Fireteam.

Bekowski's hand stops inches from the orb, as everyone slowly turns.

"It would be very dangerous for your health, you see..." says the Necron Phaeron, his gilded armor reflecting the lights.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Necron Phaeron Full Color.jpg, 230KiB, 845x1080

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:51:44 No.34145828 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKX3mjTgtPY

Bekowski hastily backs away from the orb and the Phaeron, keeping a hand on his grenade launcher.
Ophilia grips her rifles, but doesn't raise them. "How so?" she asks of the Xeno, while holding Meg tightly.
"Your living bodies would not be able to hold the raw energies of a C'tan Shard," says the Phaeron, "Nonetheless, you have proven yourselves worthy via the ancient codes."
The Phaeron bows deeply.
"I am Phaeron Armanihotep, It is a pleasure, Enfleshed."
"Uh, greetings milord Phaeron," Bekowski says, trying to bow deeper than the Phaeron, believing his life is at stake if he does not bow.

"Our apologies about your automata, however it was intent on keeping an item we had been tasked with retrieving," says Vathrek, realizing things could go very badly at any time.
"You have assisted me greatly, actually," says Armanihotep, "That...Automata belonged to one calling himself Khepri, the Transforming Strength. He is not pleasant to deal with."
Vathrek cross-references the Phaeron, confirming he was the one from earlier fighting the Scarab-Lord, who he assumes to be this "Khepri."
"As you have proven yourself worthy, I will grant you the boon of teleportation from this station of the Ancient Enemy," the Phaeron continues, "But if you like, I can offer a more personal boon for assisting me against that fool Khepri."

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Necron Top Hat.png, 279KiB, 900x740

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:52:51 No.34145848 Report

Quoted By:

Ophilia passes her Angelus to Megh & sighs happily at the shed weight. Megh takes the gun without complaint.
"Always happy to kill one's enemies for boons!" says Ophilia.
"What kind of personal boon are we talking about here?" asks Bekowski.
"You certainly have my curiosity, as I'm sure you are aware, your kind is of considerable interest to the Mechanicum for your seeming transcendance of flesh," says Vathrek.
Wolfhound rolls around in pain, neglected as everyone clusters around the Phaeron.
"You see, I consider myself quite the artist," Armanihotep says, "And examples of my work can be found from Mandragora and Solemnace, all the way to the Squats of this sector. Yes, their leaders each have an elegant covering fit for a Phaeron, designed by yours truly."
The Phaeron extends his hand.
"I can make you such garmentry that you will be the talk of your fashion world," the Phaeron explains, "I offer it freely."

"Uh, it's a--...a nice offer, and we'd accept if it not--that we need to complete our mission fi-" Wolfhound begins.
"We accept!" is the unanimous cry from everyone else.

"Very well. One moment. I will use the power of this C'tan Shard to teleport us away," says the Phaeron. Armanihotep spreads his arms, intoning the shard of the C'tan who was once Lord of Time and Space, Za'warudo. There's an impossibly bright flash of light-

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:54:55 No.34145893 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam find themselves aboard the bridge of a Necron Shroud-class cruiser. Armanihotep's flagship, the Vento Aureo, was holding position above Surat Thani this entire time, cloaked perfectly amongst the stars. A number of mindless warriors ritualistically lay out Armanihotep's tools and materials. He hefts a great warscythe, and goes to work.

"Tell me, Enfleshed," asks the Phaeron, "do you have any preference in colors?"
Everyone lists off their preferences.
"Good..." he replies, "Now, let old Armanihotep take care of you..."

The Phaeron goes to work quickly and efficiently, taking sizes and cutting fabrics. For Vathrek, a deep red pleated shendyt, and a blood red tunic, its pauldrons inlaid with fine red rubies. For Bekowski, a blue sapphire plated mail, with inlaid gold and marble stripes along the pauldrons. For Lucius, a deep black shendyt, with shining midnight blue tunic and pauldrons of a deep emerald green. For Wolfhound, a purple cape of royalty, inlaid with the skins of xenos beasts. For Ophilia, a fine grey kalasiris, accented with deep red. Mounted upon the back, behind the head, is a golden icon of the rising sun. A smaller kalasiris is made for Meg, black and teal, with shining green inlays in the sleeves.

"I bid thee farewell, Enfleshed," the Phaeron bows. The Fireteam find themselves covered once more in green light, ending up outside the tomb of the Lord-General, jetbikes waiting.

"That was the weirdest thing..." coughs Wolfhound.
"Farewell. Emperor watch over you - wait... Huh," says Ophilia, wondering what should be said in such a situation.
"well, we have our fragment, and the storm has not arrived here yet," says Vathrek. "But it's about to, so time to go chaps, we are leaving!"
"I am ready for the relative normalcy of the knife ears trying to cart children off in the night to do emperor knows what and the other horrors of home," sighs Lucius, "Such as it is."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:56:11 No.34145919 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam mount their jetbikes, and race the storm to the landing zone. Meg holds onto Ophilia, asleep on the way back. Everyone boards the Phantomfish, and it's a quick ride back to Studio 69. Some, like Wolfhound, cannot help but parade their new gear. Othersl, like Ophilia, keep hers hidden away to avoid attention. The ship has returned to its normal bustle, and on the trip back to Res'var's everyone seems excited about the upcoming itinerary change - Studio 69's next destination is the Scar.

Arriving back at Res'var's, the Fireteam find a package as usual - 20,000 thrones.
"Another 4 thousand each it seems from our mystery benefactor," says Vathrek.
"Your rooms are ready," Res'var says, "Just pass the rate."
"I could get used to this," Ophilia says with a grin.
Ophilia pays her rate, and pockets the rest.
"Yep, I'm used to it," she chuckles.
"Maybe this child could sell her clothes for her freedom, huh?" Wolfhound prods.
"What good would freedom do her? Have you forgotten the dead guys in alleyways?" Ophilia reminds him.

Retreating to their rooms to rest from a harrowing experience, sleep comes quickly. With three of the four components, the search is almost over.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 02:58:13 No.34145961 Report

Quoted By:

--------------------------

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d13DV0gMDXE

"UNDER SU~N AND SKY, I GREET YOU!"
"Under Moon and Star, I embrace you, old friend."
"IT HAS BE~EN SO LONG! TELL ME OF YOU~R TRAVELS!"
"I have recovered it."
"YOU HA~VE YOUR C'TAN SHARD BACK?"
"Indeed. It has been very long since I was separated from it."
"ALMOST 65 MI~LLION YEARS NOW!"
"Ah, yes. The end of the war. We truly did come out the better of it."
"I AGR~EE WHOLEHEARTEDLY! THE ENFLESHED OF TH~IS CYCLE ARE FAR MORE INTERESTING!"
"They truly are."
"SO, HA~VE YOU DECIDED?"
"I will require far more time to decide. Such an offer of assistance is not to be

undertaken lightly. And to call upon my Ushabti..."
"TA~KE AS MUCH AS YOU NEED! AFTER ALL, WE HAVE A~LL THE TIME IN THE UNIVERSE..."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Fri 15 Aug 2014 03:01:17 No.34146029 Report

Quoted By: >>34146234

As always, things are getting more difficult for the Fireteam. Fights are stepping up, and things are only getting harder the closer they come to completing their mission. Nonetheless, their performance has been spectacular to this point, and I feel confident in really challenging them in the future.

Good times...

ShasOP Fri 15 Aug 2014 03:10:47 No.34146234 Report

Quoted By: >>34146303

>>34146029
R'myr you crazy oldfag.
Never change.

Anonymous Fri 15 Aug 2014 03:14:44 No.34146303 Report

Quoted By:

>>34146234

>Harder than Necrons
>For Dark Heresy

Well, at least he follows his own advice of "Make them fight necrons"

Anonymous Fri 15 Aug 2014 04:20:53 No.34147700 Report

Quoted By:

Evening bump

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