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Excelsus: War of Kings

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 02:00:18 2014 No.35966272 View View Reply Original Report

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For most nobility of a Knight House, the days are spent in contemplation, meditation, and vigilant preparation for war. For some, it's a never-ending party. Excelsus: War of Kings is a combined Dark Heresy game with Rogue Trader elements, where the players are heads of the newest Knight House in the Tiji Sector, following their entrance into galactic politics and their first major battle.

The Knights of House Excelsus

Lucius Mojaro, Guardsman and Domineus of the Knight Lancer, Diarmiud
Bekowski, Guardsman and Domineus of the Knight Acheron, Ferrus Bringas
Ophilia, Assassin and Domineus of the Knight Styrix, Tasha
Alistair Vathrek, Venator Crimson Guard and Domineus of the Knight Castigator, Fax Machine

Excelsus marches!

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:02:01 No.35966307 Report

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Episode 1: Lifted to the Hotplate
******************************************
Lucius looks around. There is only the sound of the wind blowing. Behind him, his wife, battered and unconscious. Ahead, mutated monsters, their beating hearts leaking on the ground. A nearby tree sways in the wind. The mutants are approaching, speed rising from a pained gait to a sprint. For Lucius, pain and rage intermix. He yells a challenge, and rushes forward. The monsters that were once his former comrades advance forth.

Lucius reaches for a weapon, any weapon, and extends his arm out. The Shock Lance fires a series of energy blasts into the monster, but it stumbles forward still. Extending its bony arm blade, he instinctively raises his other arm, the Ion Gauntlet blocking the pitiful strike. Ahead lies the beating heart. It pulsates with unnaturality.

Lucius plunges his lance into the monstrous heart of his ally. His friend. The lance extends forward...
******************************************

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:03:07 No.35966326 Report

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...punching the air of his bedroom as he awakens in his bed with a great yell. The first rays of morning enter the private quarters. Lucius's screams turn to ragged breath. These in turn become quiet sobs. Then he feels a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" a woman's voice asks.
Lucius turns. His wife, Elodia, sits at the bedside, concerned."Nightmares?" she asks.
The fear is gone. Relief takes his face.
"I dreamt.. I dreamt of losing you," he whispers.
She embraces him. "I...have them too sometimes," she whispers, "It hurts sometimes. I feel a...stabbing. But they've become less frequent."

Things are silent for a while. Eventually, the rays of the star and the Gas Giant Audax reach through everyone's windows. The sounds of great hustle and bustle ring outside. Lucius gingerly lifts his wife as he opens the windows, before heading down to the dining halls.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:04:13 No.35966350 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLG0rV-ZUIE

Outside, people go about their daily business. Surrounding Adtonitus Sanctuary, a great shantytown and burgeoning city has arisen. A city of hopefuls who one day aspire to pilot the Knights of House Excelsus, and a parade of those who wish to show off their own Knights. This Borderland spreads out far across the swamps, the jury-rigged lights flashing. Amongst the advertisements of bars, bawdyhouses, and centers of business, great electoo patterns shine on. Some of the Fireteam even show up in the electoo patterns, whether it's advertising, or just showing up in a mass pict-cast. One advertisement even reads: "Excelsus: A Midsummer Knight's Dream...the newest series coming soon to Reapercast."

"Buy... this product... It is a good value," drones the scarred and burned Lucius in an advertisement for new lasguns and soft drinks.

Ophilia, rising from stacks of administrative paperwork, steps to the window, surveying the holdings. She is interrupted only by Megh, holding a further stack of papers. Marked high priority, they appear to be regarding the Fireteams' new 401ks and health benefits. Putting it off, she heads for breakfast, dragging Megh along.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:05:45 No.35966388 Report

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Vathrek awakens to a great scroll delivered to him. Concerned over the repairs to Arsenal, he flash-loads it as he rejoins everyone.

"Comrade! I have finished make repair on ship. Is very nice ship. Reactor is at full. Cogitator connections reconnected. All holes sealed mostly. Cortex core is fix. You vill enjoy very, Comrade. I even christen for you. Then i fix hole from vodka christening. Enjoy, Comrade."

Bekowski arrives last, tired from all the new responsibilities as head of a Knight House. He briefly muses on the fact that Boris took the time to write out his accent, and then stumbles over to enjoy the breakfast their station affords. As everyone enjoys a healthy and hearty breakfast of real, actual food, the automated cogitators ring out that there is an incoming message.

"Relay, please," Vathrek announces. The screen lights up.
"Hey hey, people!" says the Tau, "How's your new gig treatin' ya?"

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:06:48 No.35966412 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhOTNQcQq4

Bekowski glances at the wall-chrono to confirm that yes, indeed, it is too early for this. Lucius loses his smile. Megh stands there, silent, not even breathing.

"Can't complain - oh wait, I can," Ophilia waves the stack of papers, before eagerly continuing, "You got something needs purging?"
"Sort of. Your Imperium does, at least," Korst'la says, "A whole bunch of bigshots have finally started their little crusade toward Euclisine. This is a good time for some public relations, if you catch my drift."
"Right, and nothing like a couple Knights to sweeten any deals..." Bekowski catches.
"Finally," Ophilia says, cracking her knuckles, "The wildlife around here don't make such great trophies."
"Think of it like your big debut," the Tau says, "A venerable Knight House taking the field after a long absence, certainly makes you the talk of the Sector."
"I guess we've got a reputation to uphold, then," Ophilia shrugs.
"Do be on your best behavior," Korst'la advises, "You'll be rubbing elbows with Generals and Warmasters alike. I even heard there would be visiting Astartes."
Everyone perks up at the mention of Astartes.
"A-Angels of Death?" Bekowski stutters, before regaining composure, "Right, we shall be models for the House."
"Don't know much yet," Korst'la shrugs, "But they are NOT from around here. So be wary."
"Out of sector?" Lucius ponders, "Strange."
"If you can, let us know their Chapter as soon as possible," Bekowski requests, "Best we know who they are so we can respect their customs."
Lucius coughs. "Kiss ass..."
"I will be arriving there myself soon," Korst'la concludes, "The Ordos Xenos and Malleus have summoned me. I'll keep you updated."
"We appreciate the help," Bekowski nods.
"Good luck in your grand debut," Korst'la says as the pict-caster powers down.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:07:54 No.35966438 Report

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Deciding there is crusading afoot, the Fireteam hastily pack their things and rush to Arsenal. Megh collects everyone's personal effects, as well as ensures the Fireteam's Knights are loaded appropriately. Lucius kisses his wife goodbye, and rejoins everyone. Ophilia is excited to fly around in her gifted Phantomfish, and everyone hops aboard eagerly. The feeling of euphoria is replaced by a profound sense of sadness, a single tear rolling down everyones' cheeks, as they realize nobody knows how to fly it. Luckily, Ophilia had some banked XP, and gets a Pilot skill. She confidently strides to the cockpit, engages the controls...

...and flips the Phantomfish, skidding across the ground. It's very disconcerting.
"Note to self: Oph is never piloting anything again," Bekowski sighs, "First the tank, then this..."
Megh has been thrown around like a salt shaker, and is a bit bruised.
"Someday I'll get it on the first try!" Ophilia retorts.

Ophilia takes the Phantomfish up and out, eventually flying alongside the restored Kerykeion-class Battle Carrier, Arsenal. She docks in one of the waiting bays, and the grav lifts engage in back for disembark. Awaiting the Fireteam are lines of Castellax at attention. They are in complete and utter silence.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:09:17 No.35966471 Report

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"Creepy," Ophilia coughs.
"I disagree," Vathrek dissents, "It is magnificent."
"At ease..." Bekowski gently mutters, still remembering the first Castellax.
The hundred plus castellax immediately assume an "at ease" formation in perfect, silent unison. Not a second is lost in their actions.
"Okay, THAT was cool," Ophilia concedes.
A Vorax at the end approaches. "Domineus, your Vessel is ready. All systems are nominal. Arsenal awaits your command."
"We make way for Euclisine," Ophilia says, leading the way to the bridge.
"Your word is law, Domineus. Repairs to Arsenal are complete," the Vorax drones to Ophilia, "Gravity plates in some sectors are damaged, but it is inconsequential."
Bekowski, however, stops a moment.

"Hey, where'd Megh go?" he asks.
Ophilia looks up. Megh has floated up and has gotten stuck in a vent. She is flailing about.
"Let me put it this way: do you still carry rope?" Ophilia points up, "Sorry kiddo! We're getting you down!"
Bekowski sighs, motioning at the assembled machines. "Hey, can one of you get Megh?"
"He means retrieve! Unharmed!" Ophilia hastily clarifies.
"At once, Domineus," a Vorax drones. It claws its way up the wall with built in mag connectors, gently catches her in a claw, and brings the pouting Megh down.
"Huh, may just get used to this..." Bekoswki muses.

When the Fireteam reach the bridge, a synthesized voice echoes.
"Euclisine set as destination. Warp Engines await the command, Domineus," the speakers announce.
Bekowski sits in the XO seat, while Vathrek connects to Arsenal's Cortex Core.
"All systems are green, we may proceed when ready," Vathrek announces.
Bekowski leads a litany against the warp in preparation, before Arsenal begins to rumble and reorient itself. The engines flare to life, the vessel inching forward. Eventually, a great hole in space rips open ahead, and Arsenal begins the journey to Euclisine. The Fireteam hope for a quiet and calm trip, but hope is the first step on the road to disappointment.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:10:33 No.35966500 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauHwcYbo9Y

Two days into the trip, alarm klaxons trigger.
"Domineus, unknown energy-based xenoforms detected aboard the vessel. Automated defenses are en route. Do you have specific orders?" the automated speakers announce.
"Xenoforms? Could that be..." Bekowski wonders.
"Visual on screen," Ophilia orders.

The Pict-casters engage, showing a maniple of Castellax engaging large red horned humanoids. They have red fiery swords. Bekowski has seen such things before, from his time as an Ordo Malleus acolyte. Daemons. However, he is forgetful as to exactly what TYPE they are. COncerned over the warp incursion, the Fireteam command every possible maniple to the affected area. The daemons expected vulnerable crewmen to massacre, not armored automata. Luckily, Cybernetica Automata are quite effective against just about everything, including being exceedingly resistant to the psychic and immaterial assaults, and the Fireteam take a deep breath of relief as the incursion is purged.

Seven days into the trip, Arsenal scrapes upon some Aether reefs. Great shards of false reality bang and scrape against the vessel's hull, but the Gellar field holds.There is not much the Fireteam can do, but hold on for the ride.

"Did I ever tell you how much I hate Warp travel?" Bekowski sighs.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:11:38 No.35966525 Report

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The Reefs eventually give way, and for a day things are actually calm. Everyone takes this time to very carefully review the effects and limitations of their employee benefits, as well as sign the forms. Vathrek alerts everyone that they are receiving contractor benefits as opposed to full detachment benefits, and as such will only affect them on House jobs. At least the 401ks are straightforward, with 5% of saved income being matched. Resolving to be careful, everyone signs their benefits, and hands the paperwork off to Megh.

"So, they only have to match 5% of what we save, and cover expenses when on their jobs," muses Ophilia, "Still, it's not like we don't have money, and who wants to live forever?"
"I'd like to," Bekowski states.
"Living forever sounds good to me," Lucius shrugs.
"Several of my former mentors in the Mechanicus have," Vathrek adds.
Megh waves in agreement with everyone else.
"Pansies," Ophilia teases.

Vathrek is the last to sign, having carefully reviewed the paperwork to determine that there is no hideous legal traps or squat-level jargon. He is content that the Fireteam are applying as equals, and are mostly not held by the balls.

"Mostly," Lucius sighs.

After one more day, the rumbling begins to ease. Arsenal prepares to leave the Warp. A great rend cuts ahead of Arsenal, and you are once more back in the realm of the Materium, directly in the middle of a massive battle. The world of Euclisine looks somewhat blasted from orbit. The Fireteam get ready to put Arsenal through its trial by fire, and prepare to break the lines of the Chaos forces.

It is time to announce the return of House Excelsus.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:13:09 No.35966555 Report

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The Reefs eventually give way, and for a day things are actually calm. Everyone takes this time to very carefully review the effects and limitations of their employee benefits, as well as sign the forms. Vathrek alerts everyone that they are receiving contractor benefits as opposed to full detachment benefits, and as such will only affect them on House jobs. At least the 401ks are straightforward, with 5% of saved income being matched. Resolving to be careful, everyone signs their benefits, and hands the paperwork off to Megh.

"So, they only have to match 5% of what we save, and cover expenses when on their jobs," muses Ophilia, "Still, it's not like we don't have money, and who wants to live forever?"
"I'd like to," Bekowski states.
"Living forever sounds good to me," Lucius shrugs.
"Several of my former mentors in the Mechanicus have," Vathrek adds.
Megh waves in agreement with everyone else.
"Pansies," Ophilia teases.

Vathrek is the last to sign, having carefully reviewed the paperwork to determine that there is no hideous legal traps or squat-level jargon. He is content that the Fireteam are applying as equals, and are mostly not held by the balls.

"Mostly," Lucius sighs.

After one more day, the rumbling begins to ease. Arsenal prepares to leave the Warp. A great rend cuts ahead of Arsenal, and they are once more back in the realm of the Materium, directly in the middle of a massive battle. The world of Euclisine looks somewhat blasted from orbit. The Fireteam get ready to put Arsenal through its trial by fire, and prepare to break the lines of the Chaos forces.

It is time to announce the return of House Excelsus.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:14:54 No.35966591 Report

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

Advancing ahead, the Chaos Hellbringer is flanked by an Infidel and Iconoclast. They come from different directions, but Arsenal holds firm. Taking Broadside position, Lucius rakes the Hellbringer with Arsenal's Volkite Bombards, while Ophilia pierces the enemy vessel with the Photon Destructor. The Chaos vessels circle around, but Arsenal's armor holds, only taking minor damage from macrocannon barrages. With the Infidel raider in sight, Lucius triggers the Volkite Bombard's Deflagrate to rip through both void shields and hull, and Ophilia finishes it off with the Photon Destructor. Finding the Iconoclast ahead, Bekowski fires a salvo of torpedoes, triggering a cataclysmic chain reaction in the Iconoclast's plasma drives, destroying it.

Bekowski takes a moment to hail the vessel, and demand surrender and a quick death in the name of the beneficient Emperor of Mankind. Though the Hellbringer's crew are somewhat leery of the vessel that appeared out of nowhere and effortlessly scythed through its escorts, the Captain, shrines to Khorne and Nurgle evident in the pict-cast, remains somewhat stubborn.

"Heretics, all of you! See how your Dark Gods have abandoned your brothers in face of the light of Him on Terra, and prepare to submit and receive His judgement!" Bekowski demands.
"SMOKE YOU!" is the chaos captain's reply.
"Comrades, prepare to burn the heretics where they stand," Bekowski commands, "Wipe them from the face of the void!"

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:15:59 No.35966623 Report

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The Hellbringer has turned around for another go, and locks on, heavily damaging Arsenal with hellus macrocannons and bombardment cannons. Arsenal pulls up, lining up a further broadside. Lucius takes down the void shields, and opens the superstructure up, enough for Vathrek to take the Torpedoes and eliminate the Chaos vessel.

As the battle in space clears up, Arsenal's augurs pick something up on the surface.

"-------ergency voxc-------is is th---regi----deshi Outride--------nned down by here--------est immediate assista--------eaching the walls----nd hel-----"

"Our boys!" Ophilia yells excitedly, "Let's get down there and give them some superheavy support...again."
Bekowski grins. "Send them a wide-span vox-transmission. Let them know we're on our way."
"Acknowledged, Domineus," the speakers drone, "Redirecting to combat zone."

At first the Fireteam wonder what Arsenal is doing. Then it becomes clear as they see the fires of atmospheric entry.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:17:49 No.35966657 Report

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http://grooveshark.com/s/A+0picturez/701Ivz?src=5

Multiple jets engage as Arsenal approaches the surface. Arsenal breaks the clouds over a beleagured Imperial Bastion Strongpoint. The last survivors are struggling to hold off an attacking chaos army, daemons and engines amongst them.

"Your Knights are ready, Domineus," the Cortex Core states, "The Landing Bay is deploying."
"Right!" Bekowski yells as everyone reaches their Knights, "House Excelsus, we strike from the clouds!"

*******
The beleaguered guardsmen of the Qadeshi Outriders, holed up and waiting for reinforcements, have been taking steady losses. The endless waves of heretics batter themselves against the Strongpoint walls, as the enemy uses their own dead as cover. Low on ammo, they prepare to consign their souls to the Emperor, and die fighting.

"Look! Up high! What is that?" asks one guardsman.
The wind begins to pick up.
"Are...are Navy ships rated for atmosphere?" another asks.
"We're about to find out, pardner," a sergeant answers.
"TAKE COVER!" a grenadier yells.
*******

The battle, both sides, pauses as the 6 kilometer Arsenal holds above the sprawling Strongpoint Fortress. The backblast blows away legions of the lesser cultists, as well as the numerous debris littering the battlefield, but the Daemons and their daemon engines hold. Only an Archeotech hull the Great Crusade can withstand the horrific forces of an atmosphere.

Out the Keel, great platforms descend, enough for the Knights to leap down, directly into the fray. Ferrus Bringas the Acheron is the first into the fray, followed by Diarmiud the Lancer and Fax Machine the Castigator. Tasha the Magaera taking the rear with a brand new Volkite Carronade. In the rear, other Knights Apparent of House Excelsus prepare to hold the flanks.

The Knights of House Excelsus are ready for battle.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:20:46 No.35966705 Report

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

Rolling forward are a pair of Plague Towers, their demolisher cannons once trained on the walls, now on the incoming Knights. A Brass Scorpion leads the charge, while a Doom Blaster prepares to bombard from a long distance away. While Ophilia hangs back, Lucius, Vathrek, and Bekowski all kenyan forward into the fight. Lucius, his Lancer being the fastest, is charged by the Brass Scorpion, but this leaves it vulnerable to his Shock Lance, and he spears the scorpion in the chest, causing a colossal explosion of daemonic unbinding.

The Doom Blaster continues to shell Ophilia, but her Ionic Flare Shield tempers the blasts to survivable levels. Lucius breaks off to deal with the Doom Blaster, while Ophilia's Volkite Carronade heavily wounds the daemon engine. Vathrek heads off the Plague Towers, his superheated Tempest Warblade cutting one Tower into rotted planks. Together, Lucius and Ophilia shoot the Doom Blaster to death, before combining on the final Plague Tower, blowing it up as a team.

The hordes of chaos are beginning to retreat. They fight Knights, under the shadow of their ancient carrier. They pull back to conserve their forces and regroup. Great cheering comes from the armored bastion, as well as shots in the air. The guardsmens' prayers for deliverance were answered.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:22:00 No.35966727 Report

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"Guardsmen, how are you holding up?" Ophilia asks.
"We reckon we weren't gonna last much longer without you," a guardsman voxes, "Sure are glad to see Knights here!"
"Glad to help," Ophilia replies, "Nice feeling, providing the Qadeshi Outriders with superheavy support again."
"Emperor protect you," Lucius intones, ""You have sacrificed much today, and served well. Regroup, we shall press the charge soon enough and cleanse this world!"
Lucius switches to private voxnet. "Was that inspiring? I was going for inspiring."
"We'll see you in the fights ahead, I hope!" the guardsman voxes.

For now, a landing zone is secured. Further Imperial Landing vessels are already making planetfall, the hordes of faithful and fanatics disembarking, prayers on their tongues. The Forges of Arsenal are beginning their startup sequences. This battle has brought Victory to the Imperium, and Honor to House Excelsus.

"Would you happen to be serving under Lord-Generals Colt and Browning?" Ophilia asks out of nowhere.
"Huh? How do you know the Lord-Generals?" the guardsman voxes.
"We test-drove one of your more exotic vehicles over a year ago, on another battlefield," Vathrek explains.
"Huh," says the Guardsman, "Well then you might want to see them then, there's a big meeting of everyone. Gonna plan out the entire crusade. If you really do know'em, they'll vouch for ya."

As the other Knights of House Excelsus make a defensive cordon around the Bastion, the Crusade is ready to kick into high gear.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:24:23 No.35966780 Report

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Episode 2: Moon River

It's been two weeks since clearing the landing zone, and Arsenal has returned to high orbit. Nobody has left their rooms in two weeks, and the Fireteam have almost devolved into trogloditic mutants who shrivel in the sun. However, not all is doom and gloom. An invitation has been received, for a great council that will determine the path of the Euclisine Crusade. The invitation is embossed in fine leaf, and platinum trim lines the sides of the thick vellum scroll.

"Anyone want to raid Molten Core?" Lucius gurgles in the darkness.
"I'm game," Ophilia mutters back, "Fucking Baron Geddon...wait..."

Ophilia reads through the note in the dim light. It's even got a big seal of the Ecclesiarchy, so it's legit. The Fireteam wonder if the bigwigs really want their opinions or if they're being set up. Once a hiver...

Deciding that the best course of action is to head on down, everyone suits up in their best finery for the occasion, which means the ONLY finery they own. After being stunned by Megh turning on the lights, everyone bounces back and suits up. Ophilia dons her kalarisis, while Vathrek, Lucius, and Bekowski unfold their shendyts.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:26:05 No.35966813 Report

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The Crusade meeting is being held on the surface, in the Strongpoint the Fireteam defended. Hopping in the Phantomfish, Ophilia surprisingly does not crash the vessel, instead gracefully gliding out of the hangar towards the surface. Excited and interested in what a meeting of the nobility looks like, everyone loads up their weaponry, and eagerly bounce around the cabin. Ophilia, however, notices a small glowing sigil on her kalarisis's collar, over a small metal shard embedded within.

Rubbing the sigil, the metal phases out, as if it was no longer there. Instead, she hears a clicking. Panicking, she raises her gun as the shards of living metal assemble themselves into configuration. The suit's Sun Disc phases in, settling between the assembled silver sections, floating between the horn-like and wing-like iconography.

"Ooohhhhh. Please tell me that wont murder us," Lucius says, "Because it looks nice."
"It does look nice," Megh whispers.

Lucius feels around his own neck, and finds a similar shard. However, instead of a solar disc, his pauldrons begin shimmering in a marble-like pattern, waves of light washing across.
"Heh. Well, ain't that neat?" Lucius laughs, before noticing Ophilia raising her bolter, "Please don't shoot me Oph. I am having a good day."
"I think my estimation of the Phaeron's skills as a tailor have actually risen. I rather doubted that..." Oph begins, leaking spaghetti from her pockets, "I'm not gonna shoot you, silly! If I did that it would've been before... Nevermind."

Vathrek flips his own, and his entire shendyt begins pulsing, like a great circuit board, all along his body and through his cybernetics.

"Fuck it, I give up," Ophilia sighs as she lowers her guns, "Emperor's Mercy, that's pretty."

Lucius puts his hand on Bekowski's shoulder, triggering his shendyt, and Bekowski's blues begin to morph and blend, flowing around the solid plates that comprise much of his midsection.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:27:26 No.35966846 Report

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Breaking atmosphere and engaging stealth field, the Fireteam land the Phantomfish on a skyshield off to the side, where they can disembark in peace. Out of the Phantomfish, a Castellax and Vorax Battle Automata disembark from the grav lift, and stand at attention as Honor Guards.

"Alright then," Bekowski declares, "Time for some diplomancing!"
"House Excelsus... we march!" Ophilia yells excitedly.
"Acknowledged," the Automata blast in unison, and begin flanking the Fireteam.

"Megh, would you like to ride in style?" Lucius asks. When Megh lifts her arms up, he lifts her above and places her on the Vorax.
"Passenger detected, resetting protocols," the Vorax states.

In the Stronghold, there is a large mustering area ahead. There is also a large central keep, proudly flying the Aquila.

The Fireteam certainly get a fair share of looks as they march forward. Approaching the main keep, one guardsman initially holds them up, until he comes face to face with Castellax, and words fail him.

"No worries Guardsman, we're meant to be here," Bekowski explains.
"Uh...o-only those invited may attend the c-c-Council...huge..." he says, staring face to chest-skull with the Castellax.
"At ease, Guardsman," Ophilia waves the invite, "House Excelsus is here."
"W-w-welcome..." the Guardsman stutters, as he waves you in, his eyes never leaving the Automata.
"Good man." Lucius says as he pats the soldier on the shoulder, "Stand straight and strong man. Plenty worse than this on the battlefield."
"Don't worry, we all feel inadequate when we first see one of these," Bekowski whispers.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:28:31 No.35966868 Report

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Inside the great gothic archways illuminated by candle-light, scrolls of prayers to the God Emperor line the walls. It is very dark, covered in ancient soot and dust. Ancient sets of stairs lead up. More guardsmen lie that way, and their reaction to the Automata is the same. Making their way past the guardsmen and up the great stairs, which creak under the automata's weight, the Fireteam finally come to a great gilded door. Within, voices can be heard. Ophilia bows off to the side, allowing for Lucius to push the doors open with flair and grandeur. He then walks into the great hall with purpose as if commanded by the Emperor himself.

The arguments lower as the Fireteam enter. Arrayed around a great table, there are so many people there - some they recognize, some they do not. Ophilia sees the Lord Commanders Colt and Browning sitting at one side, boots up and chewing on jerky. Vathrek notes a pair of Magi of the Mechanicum, beeping in code and staring at the Automata. Across from them, Lucius notes a pair of Ecclesiarchy cardinals argue over minutae. Bekowski stops, however, when he sees two Inquisitors centering the meeting.

One in hololithic display is sitting back, a vacant grin on his face, smoke leaking from his nostrils as his puffy hat sags back. The last...

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:30:03 No.35966902 Report

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"Aw shit son, you have GOT to be kidding me..." coughs Inquisitor-Chirurgeoun Dre, getting up.
"I-Inquisitor?" Bekowski stutters, as he salutes his former Inquisitor in a backstory thing he might or might not have expected to come up.
"Mang, when I last saw you, you were just one of my guardsman," the somewhat surprised Inquisitor says, "I was told to expect a Knight house. How did THAT happen?"
"Long story. Lots of explosions, surprisingly few death cults. I'll have to tell you it some time," Bekowski replies, "How have you been holding up, sir?"
"Dumbshit and I been busy, yo," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon replies, "His Republican Commando 'secret project' keeps taking our attention."
"Yeah..." Lord-Inquisitor "The Lion" Doggfather sighs, smoke trailing out of his grinning mouth that the Hololithic Display has trouble showing.
"Well, I suppose we can save further catching up for later," Bekowski shrugs, "Drinks aboard the Arsenal sometime?"
"Aw yeah boy, now you speakin' my language," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon replies, "Can't wait to get this time-waster out the way so we can talk 'bout REAL business, yanno?"
"Of course, Inquisitor. I look forward to it," Bekowski nods.

Lucius has moved over to the Magi, and gifted them a Volkite Culverin. Their mecha-boners grow 12 sizes, and they regard him warmer than they normally would. Lucius doesn't mind, he doesn't tell them they got spares.
"Archeotech too?" Dre whispers to Bekowski, "Mang, your story better be the shit."
Bekowski whispers back, "Oh, you have no idea, Inquisitor."

"Representatives of House Excelsus have arrived," a meeting crier yells, "The final representatives are arriving now as well."

A great thud comes from the stairs. And then the doors open.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:31:21 No.35966931 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUhT1_0bnmk

Great black and white Space Marines march in. Their shoulders are emblazoned with the iron cross. The Castellan of the Black Templars is flanked by members of his battle company, and they march to the table. Bekowski shudders in excitement at the sight of the Angels Of Death, restraining himself for image purposes. Lucius wanders over to the

"The Black Templars have arrived," the crier yells as he leaves the room, "All are here."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:33:12 No.35966968 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyLtniT3MCA

"Let this meeting commence, in the name of the most beneficent God Emperor of Mankind," an ecclesiarch yells, "We bask in his radiance, and thank his wisdom and foresight for the many shipments of weapons and armor that has miraculously appeared for us."
"First things first," Lord-Commander Colt begins, "I think we owe House Excelsus here a fair bit of thanks for securing the landing zone and keeping the Crusade going."

"We're proud to do the Emperor's will," Ophilia replies.
"It was our sacred duty, and we were not found wanting in its execution." Bekowski agrees.
"The thanks lies with you and your men, for placing the boots on the ground, and lives in the Emperor's hands," Lucius concludes.

"This Crusade benefits from your presence," one of the Magi beeps, "And you gained much glory in the eyes of the Omnissiah."
"Although," the second continues, "Why have we not heard much of your legacies before?"

"Our knightly order has undergone much turbulence as of late. We now are prepared to serve to our fullest capabilities," Lucius quickly replies.
"Our Knights have only recently re-entered active service to the Emperor," Ophilia adds, "We have some catching up to do."
"Hmmm," muses Inquisitor-Chirurgeoun Dre.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:34:18 No.35966995 Report

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"Service and Faith are as one," an old Cardinal declares, "Surely, with your avatars of His wrath upon the field, we shall know no setbacks!"
"The issue at hand," booms the Castellan, "Is the sheer number of Heretics and Filth upon this world. I have a full fighting Company, and these Knights are here as well. Given that, we should aim for a series of zealous strikes against their hives and cities. Let not even the villages remain standing."

"You call for a total cleansing of the indigenous population Lord...?" Lucius leads.
"Dietrich," the Castellan states flatly, "The population's lives are void when they have thrown away the Imperium."
"This entire world has lost the light of the Emperor," one Cardinal states sadly, "There is very little to save but the world itself."
"While i do agree in principal, Lord Dietrich, I would not wish to be the one to waste the emperor's resources" Lucius asks, "Humanity itself if His greatest asset. Is it not?"
Bekowski looks to Lucius. "Man is our most populous resource. We have untold trillions of humans, but only a million worlds. We can repopulate the planet, but if we do not purge, we may lose it."
"From the blasphemous... things that besieged the Qadeshi Outriders at the landing zone, it's clear that a purge is called for," Ophilia points out, "It's a pity that the loyal citizens have met their end, but if they were martyred, the least we can do is take vengeance for them against the vile traitors."
The Cardinals point to Bek and Oph. "It is good to see wisdom in these times. We shall not dim the light of those who have fallen in His name."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:36:28 No.35967035 Report

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"When you have maintained the Eternal Crusade, and seen what we have seen, you begin to see that even the slightest hint of impurity can lead to full-blown heresy," the Castellan declares, "This world must be cleansed, inch by blasted inch."
"I swear to follow the decision of this council and it's recommendations. That said, may I send some amount of our automata to search for pockets of resistance?" Lucius begs, "Give our automata a few hours to find any survivors. These men would clearly be of great strength and faith. They will serve well in His most glorious warmachine"
The Magi interject, remembering Lucius's generous gift. "This is acceptable to us. Cybernetica Maniples are notoriously resistant to the touch of Chaos, they will bring glory to the Omnissiah."
"Let it go, Lucius," Oph whispers quietly, "Even if any loyalists are left, there's little we can do for them without dishonoring their struggle in lasting this long. This world must be cleansed of Chaos taint."
Lucius slumps slightly, discouraged.

It is clear the meeting is coming to an end - the Black Templars are leaving, their piece said. Many others are leaving as well. Howver, all agree to allow a single day for Cybernetica Maniples to screen selected areas for loyalist holdouts.

"And how we gonna screen them for heretics?!?" Ophilia spits through Codec.
"A dark spot in the light may hide, but the light in the darkness shines through," Lucius quotes his scriptures.
"Kind of my point. The light will show us the true children of the Emperor, but darkness may conceal itself among them," counter-quoting.

"Inquisitor, you have any drink preferences?" Bekowski asks.
"Some Remy Martin, yo," the Inquisitor replies, "But don't go anywhere yet, we got one last thing to do."
"And what would that last thing be, Inquisitor?" Bekowski asks pensively.
"How you feel 'bout doing one more job for us?" Dre asks.
"For old time's sake, I'll listen," Bekowski says.

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:37:37 No.35967047 Report

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"We were supposed to to receive something important. It never arrived to us," the Inquisitor continues, "Perhaps...that thing can tell you more."
A second hololith flares up.
"Still can't believe you lost it," the Tau laughs, "Ah...new faces who I have obviously never met before in any way whatsoever. A pleasure. Name's Korst'la VII."

"Dangerous to bring a xeno here, even if only in holo," Lucius points out, cringing at the Tau's poor charade.
The Lord Inquisitor Doggfather exhales a great cloud. "Nah, dawg, is cool, I'll kill him last."
Bekowski's brow furrows in consternation at the sight of the Tau, but then relaxs at his chance to no longer be respectful to the xeno. "Indeed. Though I suppose there's a good reason for the xeno's purpose here?"
"The fukken xenos prepared something for us, a locator matrix with some targeting data on it," the Inquisitor explains, "Only problem is, it never arrived. It was stolen by heretics on the way here."
"If you had let MY men deliver it instead of the Frateris Militas, it would have never happened," Korst'la shrugs.

"What was the target?" Lucius asks.
"We think most of the heretics are focused in what was once the world's capital hive. It's mad defended doe," Dre starts.
"So that little matrix, it'll lock on enough things to destroy that hive fo' shizzle, no leftovers, ya know?" Doggfather concludes.
"...they can't turn it on the Crusade, can they?" Ophilia asks worriedly.
"Why you think we want it back so much?" Dre asks.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:39:05 No.35967073 Report

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:40:08 No.35967098 Report

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"So do you know where they're holding it?" Bekowski asks.
"We do," Korst'la says, "There's a small river village on the outskirts of this world's blasted plains. We need you to sneak in and grab it from whoever is holding it."
"Sneak?" Ophilia sighs, "So, no Knights. We have a timeframe?"
"Blaze whatever you find out there," Doggfather coughs, "Just get that Matrix back, and we can continue things here."
"Timeframe?" Ophilia asks again.
"Tonight," the Tau says, "Once you have that Matrix, the rest of this op can be done at leisure."
"So, we cool?" The inquisitor asks.

"Do we have any idea of the forces present in the village?" Bekowski asks.
"Nope..." Doggfather coughs, "No idea..."
"Typical," Ophilia sighs. "Just like the old days, I guess."
"Only a single thing," Dre adds, "A servo-skull caught a shot of some madman holding the Matrix. Guy clawed out one of his own eyes."
The inquisitor shrugs,
"We ain't know much more than that," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon concludes, "Though, there's prob'ly more guys. There's ALWAYS more guys."
"Always," Ophilia agrees. "That's fine though, More guys are solved by more gun, and we brought a lot of gun."

The Fireteam leave the meeting hall under the midday sun, with promises of sanctified ammunition from the Inquisitors. Their Honor Guard, taking flanks to guard their honor, march at pace. Leaving the keep, the Fireteam see the guardsmen training, and the priests spreading their fiery rhetoric. Techpriests maintain the systems, and there's an odd blue glow between two granaries.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:41:12 No.35967118 Report

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"Hey hey, would you look at that..." Bekowski motions at the glow.
"Welcome..." says the Merchant, "Got a selection of good things on sale, stranger..."

Bekowski manages to acquire a lifetime supply of hallucinogen grenades. Lucius tries for a Rosarius, but fails. Vathrek, however, succeeds in getting a Mechanicum Protectiva, while Ophilia gets herself a Widower Dart Caster.

"Heh heh heh, thank you," the Merchant laughs, as he walks behind a granary, "Come back any time..."

It's a quick trip back to Arsenal, where everyone gears up before the operation. Megh is busy rushing about, bringing everyone their hearts' desires. Raiding the Armory, everyone packs the heaviest Volkite weaponry they can, loading all their spare weaponry on Megh, who struggles to grab a backpack. Jetbikes are loaded onto the Phantomfish as well, and when everyone hops on, Ophilia takes it out, back to the shattered world of Euclisine.

This time, the Fireteam find themselves in Euclisine's night shadow. Engaging the stealth and breaking atmosphere, the Phantomfish soars over the blasted plains, above the remnants of battle and the scarred plains that were once green, now deep brown and red. Scanning with the Phantomfish auspexes, the Fireteam keep a vigilant eye for anything dangerous as they head to their objective, the small river village.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:42:34 No.35967145 Report

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And dangerous does come, in the form of drop pods that almost hit the Phantomfish. In the light of retrothrusters, you can see the same black and white iconography of the Black Templars.

"Should I be saying 'Oh dear.' or 'Oh sweet'?" Bekowski asks.

On the plus side, the auspex picks up multiple suitable landing zones where the Fireteam won't be bothered. Selecting a space on the outskirts of the village, everyone unloads their gear, hop on their jetbikes, and surge forward into the inky darkness.

The Fireteam keep eyes ahead as they make their way through the village. It's clear that this was pretty much a rural farming village, that once supported the local hives with food. A lot of things look burned out and ruined now, though. Mostly single-family homes, once cozy, now cinders. Through the darkness, Vathrek and Ophilia pick up flashes of light, muzzle flashes and small explosions in a nearby building. Oph can see in the darkness the Black Templars amongst those muzzle flashes.

"Templars engaged in that building," she reports, "We need to get the objective before their enthusiasm risks it."
"Right then. Let's get a move on," Bekowski suggests.

Surging over the building. The Templars are gunning down a number of people. It looks a man, a woman, and a few children, or at least you think those are the body bitz that can be seen. It chills the Fireteam how efficient the Mehreens are, but a prodding on microbead is a welcome distraction.

"Yes?" Vathrek answers.
"Unidentified Astartes signatures, please transmit battle codes," says the voice of Castellan Dietrich.
"Should we ID ourselves, or keep quiet?" Bekowski asks.
"Truth it. I am not risking getting shot down over this," Lucius states.
"Fine," Ophilia says, "Castellan Dietrich, this is House Excelsus. The Inquisition sent us to this village."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:43:47 No.35967168 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzKFWz-tDD4

"Excelsus? The knights?" the Castellan asks, "Why are you broadcasting Astartes identifications?"
"Uhhh. long story," Lucius starts, "Buy us a drink after and we'll tell it?"
"House Excelsus has inherited a few recovered war machines. However, we have been unable to change the identifiers without offending the machine spirits," Vathrek hastily adds, "I think once you understand their origins, it will alarm you less, especially since these machines were recovered from xenos hands."
"To drink is to distract from the Eternal Crusade," the Castellan says angrily, "And the fact that you use Astartes gear is alarming."
"Ignore the tech-priest, his vocalizer is malfunctioning," Bekowski blurts, realizing that they're only making things worse. Castellan Dietrich is only getting angrier by the moment, and it will take very careful words to salvage the situation.
"Can we talk post heretic murder?" Lucius insists.
Castellan Dietrich is about to explode in hellrage.

"Right, uh, Castellan. Right now we got targeter to recover from the heretics, and you and your guys got some heretics to purge," Bekowski explains out, "Just trust us that our gear is working for the good of the God-Emperor, and we can sort out this whole misunderstanding after, alright?"

Charm: Failure by 3 degrees.
Fate.
Charm: Success by 0 degrees.

"So be it," the Castellan says, "We can discuss these matters later. If you are truly here in the name of the Inquisition, then complete your business. Leave my Company to the purge."
"Acknowledged. Ave Imperator," Ophilia says, as everyone collectively unclenches their anuses. The Black Templars continue their purge, and leave the Fireteam be as they head deeper into the village.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:45:14 No.35967198 Report

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HbzUXzpgk

The village stretches ahead. Amongst the rushing of the river, the Fireteam also hear and see the occasional flashes of bolter fire, and the dull thrumming of their Scimitar jetbikes. A thick cloudy haze covers the sky - it is more or less impossible to see the stars. Analyzing the situation, the Fireteam locate what was once a town center in the distance, as well as a number of other identifiable buildings, like a muster hall, inn, and a temple of the Imperial Creed. Deciding the investigate the temple first, like good Imperial citizens, they change course toward the ruin.

The local church, an impressive building in its own right, stands tall. However, it looks like it's suffered through a fire of some sort. Part of the roof is exposed, and charred native wood and ash lays all around. Bekowski mutters a small prayer to the Emperor at the decimation of the Temple, and continues his watch of the rooftops and alleys. Angling themselves into the ruined building, the interior is a burned out husk. Seeking out immediate signs of heresy, it is immediately apparent that there are problems.

Painted on a stained glass window at the head of the Temple is a giant symbol. It looks like a great circle. A circle with an eye in it. Those with auspexes note it was drawn in blood, probably with the eyebealls hanging by string around it.

Each blackened corpse nearby, though, is missing an eye.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:46:26 No.35967230 Report

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"That looks Chaos-ey. Is it Chaosy? It's Chaosy, isn't it..." Ophilia sighs. She averts her eyes and starts rubbing her temples, munching a corpse-starch bar. Old habits.
Bekowski gives it some thought. He thinks back to his time with the Ordo Malleus. It's not a mark he's familiar with at first - no daemon bears that symbol. But he remembers seeing a document once, the originator not his past employer, but his "current" one. The after action report by Detachment officers spoke of a cult in the Scar, a cult that was then seen in the Sector itself. He only remembers a word.

Hellstar.

"I say we bathe the whole thing in promethium and get the fuck out. Anyone else up for that?" Lucius asks.
"it seems prudent," Vathrek confirms, "However we should inform the Templars of this development?"
"Yeah. These folks are beyond a meat sump now," Ophilia nods,"Best clear it with those psychopaths and purge the place."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:47:51 No.35967258 Report

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While everyone else begins applying holy prometheum and prayer to the former Temple, Vathrek redials the Templars on the same frequency that they used to contact him.

"can someone on this channel please connect me to the Captain?" Vathrek asks to whoever is listening, "I have vital information on nature of hostile contacts."
"That is CASTELLAN to you," Castellan Dietrich replies somewhat angrily, "and I do not recall granting you the right to use our channel."
Angry. Again. Joy.
"My apologies castellan, I meant no disrespect," Vathrek continues, unwittingly sending the Castellan's blood pressure sky-high, "We have found some information on the nature of the enemy, and I thought it prudent to inform you at once so that you may use it as you see fit."

Vathrek begins a mass infodump over high-level Astartes communication channels with all the pict-recordings and data he has taken. Of course, he had no way of knowing this. He just redialed, after all. Between this, the mis-address of the Castellan, and the miscommunication between the zealous Templar and the unrealizing Vathrek, the straw has broken the Castellan's pride.

"For those unproven in our Rites to deem themselves worthy of telling us how to do our holy work, would normally warrant a swift execution," the Castellan forcefully replies, "I will forgive you for now on the honor of the Inquisition. Do not make the same mistake again. We will not be as forgiving."

The feed cuts as the furious Castellan prepares to eat a baby or something, he's that mad.

"Right then, let's pull out of here and purge. May the Emperor protects these people's souls, as we rid their bodies of taint," Bekowski explains as the Temple burns, the Fireteam on their way. Vathrek is somewhat upset.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:49:59 No.35967300 Report

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The stained glass shatters in the heat, the shards dancing in the fog. As everyone leaves, the spreading fire engulfs the building once more. The Fireteam consider why the Templars were acting like such tight-asses, but only Bekowski considers the fact that, lacking all other information, he may have interpreted the help as an insult to his zeal and skill. The fact that Vathrek addressed him as "Captain" did not help. He muses on the fact, but keeps it to himself.

Deciding to investigate the Muster Hall next, the Fireteam float above great collections of warehouses, where the village's harvests and weapons were once stored. Examining the weapons, they determine that if if this village were attacked, it would not hold out very long. All dusty, musty lasguns and whatnot. However, something does catch their ears - A thrumming noise overhead, but they don't see anything.

A little ahead of the Fireteam, a pair of Phantomfish decloak, dropping off a number of Detachment operatives before zooming off. Engaging their codecs, the Fireteam make contact with the detachments on field. After confirming information and positions, the Fireteam inquire about the strange symbols they saw. Surprisingly, they get a straight answer.

"So I suppose they're no run of the mill Chaos cult then?" Bekowski asks.
"The High Commander is unsure what they are," the Shas'nel on station explains, "A Detachment team discovered their cult in the Scar. The have made their way here. You can tell its adherents by how they tear out one of their eyes, and that symbol they leave."
"Do they tear out their victims' eyes as well?" Ophilia asks.
"The adherents are too crazed to be of any threat," the Shas'nel says, "You should be more worried of the Hounds and the Crystals."
Can you give us some intel on them?" Bekowski prompts.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:51:08 No.35967335 Report

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"We only have what our Detachments reported - the Hounds usually appear first, appearing out of corners and walls. They are followed by the Crystals. Their physical strength is not to par," the Shas'nel replies, "However, we are told they attack one's state of mind directly."
"Great, psychic attacks," Bekowski starts.
"They are not psychic," he clarifies, "It is unknown how they operate. We do know, however, that no psychic phenomena was reported."

Concerned over the intelligence, the Fireteam continue on after bidding the detachments farewell, deciding the town hall is a great place to look next. They consider a stealthy approach, beginning with Lucius firing a plasma cannon blast directly at the front door and charging in. Everyone else soon follows into the giant arched gothic building.

"So, I suppose now is the time for investigating?" Bekowski asks.
"Maybe they've all killed themselves like the crazy cult they are and we can just waltz in?" Ophilia starts, "Yeah, right. Lock and load, gents."

Inside the Town Hall, it seems the plasma burned through the door, through the floor, and impacted deep within the lower floors somewhere. There are stairs up to the offices, though the terrain is a bit tricky from debris. Advancing up the ornate stairs, it appears to lead in two directions - left and right. A big portrait of the Emperor lies at the head of the stairs. There are torch lights lit along the hallways though.

Traversing the left side of the hallway, the building rumbles a bit, dust falling from the arched gothic ceilings. The Fireteam move past ruined doors, until one begins to shudder and open. Lucius walks ahead nonchalantly as the other three members of the Fireteam open fire on a crazed one-eyed survivor with a sword, exploding him and soaking Lucius in blood and cultist mcnugget.

"Umm..." Lucius spits some blood out and wipes his face, "Thanks."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:52:50 No.35967357 Report

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Investigating the room, they find the symbol again, but little else. The constant rumbling of the building, however, hangs on their minds. Oph takes up Overwatch, but as she raises her gun, she sees a translucent blur rush down the hall. By the time her gun is set up, it's disappeared into another room further to the right. The barest flashes she saw reminded her of a cross between a dog and a bat. For some reason, it gives her a migraine.

"We've got company, it's in the walls, and it makes my head hurt. Stay on your toes," Ophilia commands. The call to combat is great, and everyone begins rushing towards the things they can fight. Passing by a number of open doors, they finally reach a closed one. Executing a flawless breaching maneuver involving photon flash grenades, heavy flamers, and dynamic entries, the Fireteam tactically enter the room. to find a somewhat singed metal box on what was once a desk. It seems to have fallen into a corner of the room. Ophilia shoots at the floor nearby, causing the box to slide into the corner of a room. Content that the room is clear, Vathrek moves over to pick up the little box.

***Scanning....scanning...logbook updated. Targeting Matrix is full of data, including locator beacons and high gain transmitters.***

"This is the matrix," Vathrek announces, "Time to make our exit."

He, however, looks up. The creature that wasn't there when he bent over is....staring at him? It has no eyes.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:54:53 No.35967393 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6zsdENy2Bw

"Uhhh. Vath.... I think it likes you!" Lucius says, raising his weapon.
"PURGE IT!" yells Bekowski.

It cocks its head, though, and opens its mouth. The eyeball within circles around at each of the Fireteam as the room is filled with a horrific screech. Coupled with a near constant buzzing in the room, the Fireteam feel their very minds begin to melt. Vathrek and Bekowski faint straight away, while Ophilia and Lucius take defensive positions, scared out of their minds. Ophilia is quickest, and pulls out a pair of Volkite Serpentae, unloading into the hound-like creature, and vaporizing it. Her joy at saving the day is short-lived, however, as the plasma damage that was destabilizing the building finally reaches critical, collapsing the walls and forcing the Fireteam out.

The jostling forces the Fireteam out of their stupor, and they get up, somewhat battered. Luckily the Targeting Matrix is a meter or so away, and easily recoverable.

"Right, we kill it?" Bekowski coughs.
"It's right behind you!" yells Lucius jokingly. Bekowski twirls around, but what awaits him is no joke. What may be of some concern, however, is the golden floating sphere ahead of him. Shards of crystal float around it before reforming into a crystalline shell.
"Shoot it! Shoot that thing too!" Ophilia yells.
"I have got to stop talking..." Lucius sighs.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:56:02 No.35967416 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXhhdNL05sY

The crystal's outer shell begins to shift forms. Along the flowing river, the Massive dark crystalline entity roots itself down, focusing shards of itself at the Fireteam. Everyone draws their weapons, Vathrek already having his active, and Ophilia using Megh the slave as a bipod. She's wearing earmuffs though, and accepts her lot in life. Before they fire, however, everyone briefly looks up.

A hole in the clouds has parted. High in the sky, everyone can see a dull red object, like a moon. It's just floating there. In its center is a white pool with some black spot in the center. As everyone refocuses on the task at hand, Ophilia continues to stare at whatever it is.

The pool shifts. The black spot focuses directly on her. Like it's...staring at her. It greatly unnerves Ophilia, who then returns to the fight at hand.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace golden sphere.png, 2MiB, 1600x900

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:57:42 No.35967440 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam brave a hail of crystals and shards thrown at them, before retailiating. Bekowski and Vathrek open up with storm bolter and Photon Thruster respectively, and note that they are piercing the crystalline shell slowly but surely. Ophilia's mounted Volkite Culverin inflicts the key blows, shattering the crystal shards, revealing a golden spherical core. Lucius, getting the hint, switches to his autocannon and unloads into the core, before it begins to reconstitute itself. This time, the shards combine into a giant version of the hound-beast they fought. It approaches, firing waves of energy, which the Fireteam weather before firing back, shattering the crystals once more and exposing the core for Lucius to attack, charging forward with his HF Blade. The core reconstitutes itself one last time, this time the flying form of a four-winged bat.

Now having to deal with attacks from the sky, the Fireteam hunker down and continue firing. This time it takes everyone's combined fire to strip down the armored shells, while the crystalline bat attacks with sonic shrieks and a drill-like tail. Vathrek's Photon Thruster triggers a number of crystalline imperfections, and the core is revealed once more. Ophilia takes aim, and unleashes a barrage of death ray strikes at the core

Everyone hears a piercing shrill buzzing, then the core of the crystal explodes outward. The fog is beginning to overtake the small hole in it, and Ophilia, you are left with that great red sphere staring at your soul.

"Please tell me you're recording this, Vathrek," Ophilia sighs.
Lucius cheers loudly at the sight of the explosion. "Where are those marines now, huh?!"
Ophilia quickly lets Megh out from under the Culverin.
"Sorry, kiddo... I was gonna brace that thing normally, but then the... Moon?... screamed at me, and I lost my temper," she mutters, "I'll make it up to you."
"Okay..." Megh whispers as she takes Ophilia's things.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 02:59:01 No.35967470 Report

Quoted By:

Deciding now is a good time to go, the Fireteam hop on their Jetbikes a ways away, and begin rushing out. Surging over the town, their mission complete and stealth blown out the window, the Fireteam look forward to getting back.

However, they hear a mass of bolter fire in the distance.

Flying closer to investigate, the Fireteam can see a squad of Sword Brethren. They appear to be swarmed by dozens of those hound-like beasts. Utterly surrounded. Only Vathrek can see the fact that they might actually be losing. They are 360* surrounded by Hounds, and at least one looks to be PANICKING, to the Fireteam's worry / concern / noncaring appraisal.

"Roll in to assist?" Bekowski asks.
"Do we have to?" Oph asks.
"Well, imagine if the Adeptus Astartes owe US a favor," Bekowski points out.
"That'd be great. It's THESE Astarte's I'm impartial to," Ophilia explains, "Your call, guys, but I won't bother aiming."
"Lets just give some air support," Lucius suggests, "No point in getting down in the mess of it."

The first pass, nobody hits much of anything. Everyone misses by one or two. Not one or two Degrees of Success, just one or two. The hounds approach in a ring, and the Templars prepare for their final stand. They probably won't make it. Their honor in question now, the Fireteam turn around for another go. This attack run goes much better, clearing a path for the Black Templars to regroup. The Templars prepare to take the offensive, but then the Fireteam all hear engines. Imperial engines.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:01:07 No.35967508 Report

Quoted By:

For the Templars, a Thunderhawk takes advantage of the opening the Fireteam made, to evacuate the Sword Brethren. Flying beside the Fireteam, however, is an Aquila lander. The back hatch opens. Inquisitor Dre hangs out of the door. "Let's go!" he yells, waving you guys in, "This shit about to get wack!"
"But... The fight's not over yet!" Ophilia cries.
"Ain't nothin' left out here! We gonna bombard this place!" the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon yells back, "Let's go, yo!"

The Fireteam rush their jetbikes into the Aquila Lander, which rapidly becomes cramped. The Inquisitor-Chirurgeon and the Lord Inquisitor sit back on a seat as the pilot swings open.

"You're welcome," Korst'la VII yells from the cockpit, "Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you'll look out the back..."

Blue beams strike the ground before rapidly spinning. Numerous concentrated Ion Cannon strikes begin pummeling the village, a gift from the House on demand of the Inquisition.

"Inquisitor, I believe this is yours," Vathrek holds out the singed Targeting Matrix.
"Aite dawg, we good now," Inquisitor-Chirurgeon Dre says.

The Fireteam, however, get one last message on their microbeads.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:02:18 No.35967531 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9yel9_kGkk

"I am surprised," states Castellan Dietrich flatly, "But not unthankful."
"A misunderstanding between allies is an inconcievable reason not to assist the Emperor's finest," Vathrek explains.
"This enemy today has been unlike anything we have ever fought. I have seen my men caught in the throes of inaction, of laxity...of fear," states the Castellan, "Perhaps I was incorrect in my assessment of you."
"I believe, castellan, that if it were not for you and your brothers we would be very dead and our mission would have been a total failure, to the detriment of this world and the crusade," Vathrek continues, learning from his previous mistakes, "You have our thanks."
The castellan is silent a moment.
"When the final march of this crusade is undertaken, my Sword Brethren will be at your side," he states calmly before the feed cuts out.

"We had leverage and you gave it up? And now we have to put up with more of those maniacal bastards?" Ophilia exclaims before giving up, "Well, I doubt anyone could've done better. I certainly couldn't."

After a bit, the Lord Inquisitor passes the Fireteam all a small burning piece of paper, "Aite, so, I hope it wasn't too hard? Whatever was out there had the little blue fucker all worked up."
The Fireteam politely decline, and simply take their seats.
"I don't know what's up with these clouds, but they finally disappearing..." the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon says as the star light filters down.
"Ugh... Clouds, moons, eyes... Glad I picked a room without windows," sighs Ophilia.
"Moon?" asks Korst'la VII.
"Crystals, your detachment called them. We killed one," Ophilia changes the subject, "It wasn't pleasant. I much preferred the Hounds."
She mimics the Serpenta's sound as she makes a finger gun.
"Ah, I was getting concerned there," Korst'la VII says.
"Oh?" Ophilia asks.
"Yeah," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeoun says, "Cause this planet don't have a moon."

The rest of the ride back is somewhat quiet.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:03:34 No.35967558 Report

Quoted By:

Episode 3 - War of Kings

It's been a week since the recovery of the Targeting Matrix. In that time aboard Arsenal, high in orbit over Euclisine, the Fireteam's "guests" have been a strange lot. In the times they haven't spent freeloading Arsenal's fridge, The Inquisitors and their pet Tau have been outfitting the Targeting Array to a rather large missile, mounted upon a sturdy array. They are about to grab the last bit of jerky in the fridge before Ophilia calls a general meeting. Thick smoke billows over the floor as the meeting commences.

"We have a timeframe on the whole, y'know, purging thing?" she asks hurriedly, securing the jerky.
"Depends...on when you want to roll out, ya know?" The Lord Inquisitor coughs, "We got our part done."

Megh is doing her best to keep them supplied what they need, but the two Inquisitors keep sending her on different jobs, and you're pretty sure the Tau plans to get her in mild mischief. The Fireteam look up to see Megh climbing a Thanatar and balancing on the Hellex Mortar for Inquisitorial entertainment.

"Megh, come down," Ophilia demands, "Don't you guys have trained apes or something for this kind of stuff?"
"We left Jamal on Studio 69," shrugs Korst'la VII.
"Right, so you buy some apes, or... Something," Ophilia sighs, "Look, I'll admit it's funny, but the poor kid's been through enough. Surely there's someone you can pick on that isn't my...squire?"
The only response is some smoke blown her way.
"Anyway, Missile's ready, yo," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon says, "You ready to cut some bustas?"
"Hell yes," Ophilia replies, overjoyed at finally getting to the point, "Let's see how big a boom that puppy makes."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:04:38 No.35967572 Report

Quoted By:

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

"Aite," the Lord Inquisitor begins, "How familiar're you with Skyspear Missiles?"
"Only since our arrival," Vathrek states, "I believe they are an astartes weapon?"
"So normally there'd be somebody's brain in the missile," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon expands, "But we stuck the targeting matrix in there instead."
"Ah, cognate guidance packages, most interesting," Vathrek observes, "Aren't they normally an anti-aircraft weapon though?"
"Fo'shizzle, but we happened to have one layin' around," the Lord Inquisitor coughs.
"What's the advantage of the matrix over an Imperial servant?" Ophilia asks, looking over the giant weapon.
"Faster. More reliable. Doesn't scream when you launch it," Korst'la VII shrugs.
"So what's the expected yield on the missile?" Bekowski asks.
"The missile's yield ain't shit," Lord Inquisitor Doggfather adds, "Its what it brings down is the thing."

"Scream? I said 'loyal...'" Ophilia sighs, "So where does our House come in?"
"So the final push is gonna be real simple," Korst'la continues, "We'll affix this to one of your Knights on the surface, then you'll head to where they think the Heretics are, fire the missile at their primary hive, and then set your Ion Shields to Forward."
"Might want to pay close attention to that last bit," Inquisitor-Chirurgeon Dre concludes.
"We swoop in to break the backs of this world's Chaos forces so everyone can mop up without too much trouble? Sounds like my idea of a good time," Ophilia says excitedly, "Let's get to it!"

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:06:02 No.35967587 Report

Quoted By:

"Probably best to use the Knight with the longest range as a platform," Vathrek suggest, "I think thats you and your Carronade, Ophilia."
"Your boys, the Templars, they'll be there too," The Lion adds, "I'm sure y'all can't wait to reunite."
The Fireteam's expressions all simultaneously sour.
Inquisitor Dre is laughing. "Yeah, I don't like'em either. But they be rolling wit'chu to keep the lesser crap off you, so you just gotta be careful where ya step."
"Yeah, last thing we need is for some lucky cultist with a melta bomb to take out a leg," Bekowski agrees, not quite catching the joke.
"Coo'," the Lord Inquisitor says, "Sooner we get this crusade rolling, sooner we can get yo' inspections underway."

"Hmm??" Ophilia asks, "What're we inspecting?"
"We. Inspectin' You," the Inquisitor Chirurgeon says, "A Knight House doesn't just appear out of nowhere, ya know? Gotta make sure everythin' legit."
"Oh. Uh, yeah. Okay," Ophilia shudders.
Bekowski nods somberly. "Alright, just letting you know ahead of time, we do have quite a bit of... secondhand equipment."
"Imperial equipment?" Lord Inquisitor Doggfather asks.
"Yeah. Bikes, guns, more guns..." Ophilia lists off.
"Though a goodly chunk of it classses as archeotech," Vathrek adds.
"Aite, shouldn't be a problem," the Lord Inquisitor laughs, "Ain't like you usin' xenotech on yo' shit or anythin'..."

The Fireteam stare silently. Korst'la VII suppresses a giggle.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:07:04 No.35967602 Report

Quoted By:

The Fireteam, the Inquisitors, and the freeloading Tau go over the plan. Initially, the idea is to just land Arsenal nearby and disgorge cybernetica and knights all over everything. However, the targeted hive is the world's former capital, covered in void shields and macrocannon defenses. The ultimate plan decided on is to land a bit further out, penetrate the void shields from the ground, and fire the missile within the void shield. Deciding this is an acceptable plan, the Fireteam rescue Megh from the heights of the Thanatar, and head to their Knights, waiting in the Ground Assault Deployment Bay.

"To the bay, then?" Ophilia asks.
"Aye. Let's get ready to burn some heretics," Bekowski declares.

The Automata Maniples begin marching to their designated positions. Arsenal begins to thrum with power as it begins heading for the Stronghold. The blackness of spess gives way to fiery atmosphere as Arsenal breaks the outer layers. Under the bluish purple sky, Arsenal finally reaches the sprawling Stronghold, almost as wide as a hive itself.

The Fireteam board their Knights in the Ground Assault Deployment bay. Ferrus Bringas has been fueled up, and Fax Machine has been reloaded. Tasha has been re-outfitted in Styrix configuration, all weapons ready. In other bays that are beginning to deploy, the Fireteam can see the rest of their army also begin to deploy. Rows of Castellax and Vorax stand in silent unison, while another deployment bay contains armor and transports.

All await the Fireteam's orders to march.

"You guys ready?" Ophilia asks, as the Volkite Carronade charges.
Bekowski looks to the others, "Ready when you are."
"Ready as can be under the circumstances," Vathrek anounces.
"House Excelsus... Deploy!" Ophilia yells.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:08:15 No.35967618 Report

Quoted By:

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/Deep+Sub/4uFCf4?src=5

A great hissing is heard as the ground bays deploy. The platform holding their Knights are lowered down, as are the ones with the rest of the Cybernetica troops. One bay deploys only halfway, somewhat worryingly, before the jets of the automata Lightning Primarises burn bright. Out of the gates, the auxiliary forces of the Crusade also form up. Amongst them, the mobile horsemen of the Qadeshi Outriders, the wailing throngs of the Frateris Militias, and others ready to do their part. They all form up behind the Knights, ready to advance on the Fireteam's call.

Bekowski grins savagely. "Come fellows, let us do our duty to the Emperor, and tear down these followers of false gods!" he bellows.
Ophilia raises her carronade to punctuate the declaration, and begins quick-marching. The missile is mounted securely on her carapace, the Questoris Frame making it somewhat easier.

"For the Emperor! For He on Terra! I forgot to feed my dog! The Emperor Protects!" the crowd yells at various times. However, they eagerly match the Fireteam's pace as they begin the march forward. Morale is high as the Fireteam begin the trek towards the once prosperous capital hive, now a dark shrine to foul things from beyond the Materium.

The cracked, parched land surrounding the Crusade was once green grasslands. Now there are only purple fissures where the ground itself is corrupted, and needs a good purgin'. However, all can detect two things beyond the immediate ground. One - a wave of heretics, including their armored support rushing forward, causing the crusade forces to rush forward as well. Two - a wave of Drop Pods raining down, painted black with the Iron Cross emblazoned upon them. Kilometers in the distance, the hive's shields stand strong. But the heretic army approaches as the Black Templars disembark, taking their positions at the Knights' legs to defend from ground troops.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Knights.jpg, 474KiB, 1600x1200

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:10:30 No.35967646 Report

Quoted By:

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/Debt+Free/4uFF3u?src=5

Ophilia laughs and levels her guns, advancing. Bekowski and Vathrek engage Flank Speed, rushing headlong into the battle and leaving their allies in the dust. A number of heretical armored columns are advancing, led mainly by old rusted Malcadors.

Advancing is such a loose word. A better word would be "Sit on their arses and do fuckall after being hit by the Volkite Carronade's Haywire effect." Ophilia's masterful application of covering fire disables the tanks long enough for Bekowski and Vathrek to advance within charge range. Even from a distance, Ophilia provides cover with her Styrix's Graviton Imploder, further making the enemy tanks' day awful. She does take some hits, however, though her Knight's Blessed Autosimulacra soon kicks in. Bekowski's Reaper Chainfist is a true Machine Destroyer, and can cut through any armor he faces even as he lights everything on fire with his Acheron's Flame Cannon. Vathrek too charges in, the volkite core of his Tempest Warblade cleaving through tanks and supporting assets alike.

Mopping up the charging heretics, the Fireteam's eyes are briefly overtaken by a bright light as some Lightning Primarises bombard a nearby position, but the crusade behind them is ready to move on. The hive is visible in the distance.

"Right, Oph, are you ready with the missile?" Bekowski asks.
"Ready and eager," Ophilia replies, prepared to launch the missile when the situation opens.
"Then let's move! Excelsus, forward!" Bekowski yells as the Crusade resumes its holy trek.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:11:57 No.35967661 Report

Quoted By:

The cybernetica maniples accompanying them return to formation in perfect organization. The rest of the crusade advances behind - Black Templar, Qadeshi Outrider, Frateris Militia, and all the others. The ground gets worse and worse as they approach the hive. However, auspexes soon detect the distinctive shimmer of a void shield battery. As the army walks through the void shield, the hive in sight, Ophilia's and Bekowski's auspexes pick up something else. Something loud and big.

Then everyone hears a thundering. A familiar thundering. 200m ahead, seemingly covered in black paint, each one an ocular sensor disabled on their "heads."

Knights.

"W-what is this heresy!?" Bekowski cries in shock.
"What," Ophilia blurts, "NO! PURGE THEM!"

They are slowly approaching, staggeredly. Their weapons are drawn and aimed. They are covered in black. No markings visible. However, the Fireteam take heart that they are not of House Excelsus - the remnants of torn heraldry banners can be seen, equipment House Excelsus lacks due to its dearth of battle experience. Identifying the Knights as Paladin and Errant patterns, the Fireteam prepare. They may have an army, but this is a War of Kings.

View Same Google iqdb SauceNAO Trace Knight Lancer and Errant.jpg, 167KiB, 1262x811

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:13:07 No.35967678 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgnVEU2ZzTI

Ophilia once again provides cover with Graviton and Volkite Carronade, but the enemy Knights' Ion Shields withstand the punishment. Bekowski and Vathrek continue the grand tradition of Kenyaning into the fight, tanking the shots with their own Ion Shields. Stopping short, the Fireteam prepare for a countercharge, which are met with defensive stances. The Fireteam press the attack, but the enemy Knights parry their attacks. Vathrek does the same, parrying the Paladin's attack, but Bekowski is slow on the draw, taking a pair of devastating Reaper Chainsword hits.

You see, the thing about Knights is, since both have the D, it boils down to who lands their hits first. The Fireteam know they will not survive another round of D-Trading, so they pray to the saints. Bekowski channels Saint Dio, releasing a flurry of Reaper Chainfist attacks, piercing the enemy Errant's armor and tearing out its reactor. Vathrek, blessed by Saint Raiden, cuts and takes with his Tempest Warblade, cutting the enemy Paladin into pieces, which then explode.

The Fireteam have won the War of Kings, and stand over their fallen opponents. The Crusade rallies at the sight, and the Fireteam advance in missile range. The Crusaders continue fighting, selling their lives to clear a way.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:14:11 No.35967694 Report

Quoted By:

"And now! We take the hive!" Bekowski yells, "Right, Oph, get ready to fire!"
"The righteous stand before the darkness..." Ophilia intones, "And the Emperor SHALL GUIDE THEIR HAND!!"

The missile flies forth. Bekowski dramatically points towards the hive, as everyone sets their Ion Shields to full as expected. Receiving a high-priority vox-cast, the Fireteam connect it to their Knights' systems.

Yo, we got the target locked!" yells Inquisitor-Chirurgeon Dre, "Aw man, y'all gonna LOVE this!"
"It's on it's way," Korst'la VII states, "Let justice be done, though the heavens fall."

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:15:44 No.35967713 Report

Quoted By:

http://grooveshark.com/s/MKAlieZ/700Yl7?src=5

The void shields flicker as a number of crusade vessels in orbit begin firing. The shields flash and burn, before fading out. Further shots impact the hive, which begins to burn down.

"Suffer not the unclean...to live!" Ophilia yells excitedly.
"And may the Emperor find your souls wanting," Bekowski adds.

And then they see something huge fireballing down. That's a Star Fortress. The Star Fortress is on a direct path embedding itself into the hive, before its drive goes critical. With their Ion Shields absorbing the brunt of the hit, the energy washes over the Fireteam. The energy flows out in a wave, before it returns. Backblast. Readjusting their Ion Shields, the Fireteam's Knights stagger under the waves as the burning sun that is the former hive finally fizzles out.

"A flash of lightning can eclipse the SUN!" Bekowski cries with finality.
"Goodbye planetary ecosystem," Vathrek sighs, "We didn't like you anyway."

The Automata Maniples have overcharged their shields, attempting to protect as many of the crusaders as they could. Regrettably, not all made it.

"Good automata. Good men," Ophilia salutes, "Emperor catch you as you fall."
Bekowski chuckles lightly, "Ah, we'll have to do this again sometime."
"Told you you'd like it," Inquisitor Dre laughs.
"Spectacular, certainly, but it fried a lot of loyal Imperial troops," Ophilia points out.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:16:47 No.35967732 Report

Quoted By:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoW7o-EyoNE

Answering a microbead call, this time it's Black Templars Castellan Dietrich who is calling.

"You have performed admirably," Castellan Dietrich states, "My Sword Brethren were proud to fight and die beside those who keep the Crusade alive."
"It has been an honor, Castellan," Ophilia concedes.
"It's been an honor to fight alongside ye Angels of Death as well," Bekowski adds, "May the Emperor guide you on your further crusades."
"You shall have an honored name amongst our chapter," the Castellan concludes, "We shall meet again, together, on the next battlefield."

The Fireteam breathe a collective sigh of relief, glad to be rid of the Templars.

"Aite, let the Templars handle things down there," the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon says, "We got things to take care of."
"Where do you need us?" Ophilia asks.
"On Audax," the Lord Inquisitor says, "Time for some...inspections!"
Bekowski internally grimaces.

THE INQUISITION IS INSPECTING YOUR CHAPT...KNIGHT HOUSE.

The Crusade has gone fantastically with the arrival of House Excelsus, who have carried the day and the Crusade itself. For now, everything is going well. From literally whos to the heads of a prestigious Knight House, only good things lay in the future. More fights, more victories, in the Emperor's name.

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:18:34 No.35967765 Report

Quoted By:

-----------------------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9zI278O5XQ

The Lord Inquisitor, the Inquisitor-Chirurgeon, and the Genetor walk down darkened halls. They are flanked by a number of Space Marines of the Black Panthers chapter. The Genetor intones his access codes, as a series of secure doors open.

"So what the hell did you find?"
"I vill show you, comrade. Is very old. I take from Arsenal when I make of fix. Is my cut, alongside shared control codes. I rather like name 'Taghmata Boris.'"

Standing in a secure vault is a hulking Automata, its pattern difficult to identify due to all the augments attached to it.

"This better be good to call us so fast after an inspe-...wow. It's fucking nothing."
"Fo'shizzle. We've seen Automata before. They had plenty of them. You better have a damn good rea-"
I ASSURE YOU HE DOES, AUXILIA ERRANT. A VERY GOOD REASON.
"...it talked back."
"Aw shit son, this is Abominable inte-"
INCORRECT, AUXILIA ERRANT. I AM NOT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. I AM A PARAGON OF METAL. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. SIMPLY ASK THE ARCHIMANDRITE AND THE LEGIONARIES.
"The what?"
"Is me, comrade. Very old Mechanicus title. As for claim....is seem legit. I believe it vill help you and your Republican Commando project, comrade."
"You got a name, Automata?"
THETA-10-SIGMA.
"A...shorter name?"

A long, uncomfortable pause.

...THEXUS.
------------------------------------------

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:19:36 No.35967784 Report

Quoted By:

We have come to terms.

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:23:06 No.35967857 Report

Quoted By: >>35968176 >>35969361

Overall, I had a blast running Excelsus for everyone. Thanks to the players on /tg/ who provided a great experience, and critical data for testing out the playable Knights. You're all great people, and I hope to see you all again in future games. And thanks to the people who enjoyed reading the archives.

You can download the full archive and bonus material at
http://www.mediafire.com/download/60g3ql1tc8dbeo7/Excelsus_A_Midsummer_Knight's_Dream_(War_of_Kings_Edition).rar

I look forward to running another game in the future for anyone willing to join. It'll definitely be a Deathwatch game. I'm going to call it "Spess Mareen: Republican Commando." Thanks again.

Anonymous Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:41:16 No.35968176 Report

Quoted By: >>35968291

>>35967857

Thats it?

I was hoping there'd be more knight stompin' action

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Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:50:26 No.35968291 Report

Quoted By: >>35968308

>>35968176

As much as I wanted to run more for them (and they did ask), I could only run a few episodes for them. Things are stepping up at my job, and I need all the time I can get for that. I felt really bad, but my job takes precedence, so there's not much I could do.

On the plus side, I included the knight rules in the Collected Visions, so others can run their own Knight adventures.

Anonymous Wed 05 Nov 2014 03:51:40 No.35968308 Report

Quoted By: >>35968624

>>35968291

Ah. Well then it can't be helped.

How to hear more of your stories. These things are fun.

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 04:06:53 No.35968624 Report

Quoted By:

>>35968308

Well, I can post the links to all the other Collected Visions. For now though, I need to focus on work, my second book, and my next game in the future, so there won't be "new" stories for a while yet.

Anonymous Wed 05 Nov 2014 04:44:21 No.35969361 Report

Quoted By: >>35969625

>>35967857
Are these the rules you've used, or a collection of your storytimes?

Shas'o R'myr !!J5+vjygjQuK Wed 05 Nov 2014 05:00:38 No.35969625 Report

Quoted By: >>35969714

>>35969361

Both. You'll find a collection of archives, the unoriginal soundtrack, and the document that has the knight rules in it.

Anonymous Wed 05 Nov 2014 05:05:51 No.35969714 Report

Quoted By:

>>35969625
That is very, very awesome.
Thank you.

Anonymous Wed 05 Nov 2014 05:28:47 No.35970128 Report

Quoted By:

evening bump

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