tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37762871625038991212024-02-20T11:08:01.035-08:00Shadow ProphetsWarhammer explorations in the grim dark future.Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-66605355524901982002017-12-03T14:01:00.003-08:002017-12-03T14:03:44.145-08:00Iron Sleet Invitational - Thorn Moons pt 2As I was creating my 200 word write up for the Iron Sleet website, I got carried away and advanced the story a little further. I ended up finishing my thoughts (below) before writing something entirely different for the Iron Sleet website. My part one is <a href="http://shadowprophets.blogspot.ca/2017/10/iron-sleet-invitational-thorne-moons.html">here</a>. I hope you find it interesting.<br />
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<br />
Tarralax heard the hiss of the airlock behind him. He strode into his study, staring out the viewport into the inky darkness of space. He sighed. The tension was high.<br />
<br />
The spread had been powerful, and powerful spreads had a tendency to be tricky. But it had seemed fairly clear to Geiger and Tarralax had managed to follow along fairly well.<br />
<br />
It was a classic skull and sword spread. On the skull, there was the 7 of swords on the brow of the skull and Emperor card himself in the right eye. His target was running, but the emperor's own eye was on him. The 7 of swords usually represented the astra militarum. If that might was being mobilized, the Thorn Moons was about to turn into a warzone. He would need to get in and get out.<br />
<br />
The sword had the Divine Cog (reversed) at the tip, the Heretic on the hilt and Terra (reversed) on the blade. There were deadly forces here and they appeared to be directed by a servant of the arch enemy.<br />
<br />
The number of major arcana alone would have given him pause. But there were too many important cards reversed - limiting their natural nature or showing wild flux in states. Something sinister was at work.<br />
<br />
As a mentor and friend, there was no one that Tarralax trusted more than Geiger. And yet Tarralax had kept one secret from his friend. Over the years of peering over Geiger's shoulder, he had come to realize that the lowly four of acquilas represented himself. It wasn't an obvious comparison - he was an Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus and the card showed hive scum dragging a barrel of water across the wastes. Yet he was sure in his heart that card was him. It reminded him that he was but one servant of his Emperor, toiling thankslessly. Knowledge was power and this type of knowledge would be deadly in the wrong hands.<br />
<br />
But not knowing the personal connection, Geiger had not picked up on the significance of the card in the spread. The four of acquilas had been placed in the jaws of the skull.<br />
<br />
The Emperor's Tarot had shown him that the most likely future was that he wouldn't make it out of the Thorn Moons alive.<br />
<br />
He sighed. If things were going to be that dire, poor Geiger would likely have to wake up his cybear Bart from stasis. Bart was dying and there were only so many more times he could be let loose before he would perish. Tarralax sighed. He was worried for Geiger when Bart finally died. It was his last tie to Marcus - it could unhinge the man.<br />
<br />
There was nothing to be done. He was barrelling down into a trap that might end him and his friends.<br />
<br />
It didn't shake his resolve. Death is a certainty.<br />
<br />
Death in the service of the Emperor? A privilege.Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-24672014117158313772017-10-31T21:27:00.000-07:002017-12-03T14:03:18.991-08:00Iron Sleet Invitational - Thorne MoonsI've written the below piece to guide my submission for the Iron Sleet Invitational. I hope you enjoy it. Comments and criticism are always welcome.<br />
<br />
EDIT: If you're finding this through the Iron Sleet website, know that I'm also on instagram @kihriban, and I've written a little more about this story <a href="http://shadowprophets.blogspot.ca/2017/12/iron-sleet-invitational-thorn-moons-pt-2.html">here</a>.<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
"Geiger, are you sure?"<br />
<br />
"As sure as I can be, my Lord," Geiger said, wiping sweat off his brow.<br />
<br />
"How sure is that?"<br />
<br />
"I believe I am correct, but unfortunately my Lord, I cannot answer yes or no."<br />
<br />
Inquisitor Tarralax frowned.<br />
<br />
Navigator Delarius had wandered over. "The Thorne Moons?" he said. "Routes are still being mapped out. I'm sure I could get you there, but I cannot vouch whether it would take a few weeks or a decade."<br />
<br />
Tarralax could see Marris narrowing her eyes at the navigator. <i>Likely already anticipating what he is about to say</i>.<br />
<br />
"As I'm sure you remember my Lord," Delarius continued, "my uncle's promise was for two score standard years. We may find that my service to you is over upon our arrival. You would need to find your own way back."<br />
<br />
Marris snarled. "We need to be sure Geiger. Do another spread."<br />
<br />
Geiger turned towards Tarralax, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "My Lord, I am not yet recovered from the previous spread."<br />
<br />
Tarralax frowned inwardly. Marris' anger was warranted, but the subject was not. "No Marris. Our intel is that they have their own bastardized version of the Emperor's deck. We cannot take the risk that our quarry would feel the ripples of another reading." Geiger's reading had been powerful indeed and Tarralax was fighting back the nausea he always felt in the presence of psychic divinations. <i>And that was through the dampener. </i><br />
<br />
"So read without ripples," Marris protested.<br />
<br />
Geiger jumped in before Tarralax could answer. "Marris, I'm afraid only potent readings will uncover the information we seek. Too potent to avoid ripples."<br />
<br />
"That's the problem - you're always afraid, coming up with reasons why we can't instead of reasons why we can."<br />
<br />
+Being my interrogator does not entitle you to be petulant or rude.+ Tarralax thought at her, taking no effort to hide his feeling of disappointment. He continued out loud. "There is a time for action and a time for prudence, Marris. If I teach you nothing else, I will teach you to distinguish between them."<br />
<br />
Marris' cheeks flushed and her mouth snapped shut; her pride wounded. Her master did not normally chastise her in front of others.<br />
<br />
Truthfully, Marris was very good at action and she had potential. <i>I just underestimated the amount of growing up she needed.</i><br />
<br />
Geiger had the decency (or the exhaustion) to ignore the exchange, but Delarius looked on with glee, an oily smile spread across his face.<br />
<br />
Delarius spread his hands. "I am at your service, my Lord. Please let me know what I can do for you."<br />
<br />
"Set a course for the Thorne Moons, we leave as soon as you're ready."<br />
<br />
Delarius' smile spread wider and he started to head towards the Navigatorium.<br />
<br />
"Oh, and Delarius?"<br />
<br />
Delarius turned, that smile still stretched across his face.<br />
<br />
"I recommend that you exercise extreme caution before deciding that I will be finding my own way back." Tarralax said. "My fondness for your uncle would not outweigh the betrayal I would feel at being abandoned in the Thorne Moons."<br />
<br />
Delarius' smile disappeared as he sensed the weight behind Tarralax's words.<br />
<br />
Taralax continued. "And you know how the Inquisition deals with betrayals."<br />
<br />
Delarius turned and stalked off.<br />
<br />
"Now Geiger, let's discuss what else you read in that spread."<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
The plan is to create Inquisitor Tarralax, his Interrogator Marris, his heirophant Geiger and the navigator Delarius. For the fifth model, I'm considering doing a cybear familiar that Geiger will control with a flute per this:<br />
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<br />Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-60640157081414613802017-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:33:06.186-07:00Mission Report (A6): Interrogators and Interrogations<br />
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This is the narrative of Althea's 6th mission in a Dark Heresy campaign put on by one of the boys from Hogtown 40k (Toronto). Part one is <a href="http://shadowprophets.blogspot.ca/2017/04/mission-review-lost-soul-is-pulled-back.html">here.</a> I think it's pretty exciting. I hope you do too. Please let me know if you have any feedback, constructive or otherwise.<br />
<br />
As a player, I think I have a sense where the story is heading, but my character obviously doesn't know what I know (as a 40k nerd with 20+ years in the hobby compared to an ignorant pilot in the 41st millenium). I tried to ask leading questions to confirm whether my suspicions are true in a way that would give my character my knowledge while still being "realistic", but it didn't quite work.</div>
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Althea was still riding high when they landed. Her excitement from piloting their escape was overwhelming and (mostly) drowning out any guilt around Hippolyta, Ceres and Armand being in chains. Not that she owed them much, but she had given her word…<br />
<br />
Her mood was barely dampened when their weapons were confiscated and they were sent to separate rooms. She only took pause when she realized that her room (which had a plasteel table, two chairs and a one way mirror covering an entire wall) was probably more appropriately labelled a cell. Still, Althea wasn't too worried - her confidence in her ability to talk herself out of almost anything buoying her.<br />
<br />
Her mood only started to change as this new gentleman, Interrogator Corchoran, berated her.<br />
<br />
“Why did it take you so long to come to the Master with your information? You had your vox, didn’t you?” <br />
<br />
This Interrogator did not look… interesting – not the type of person she would ever socialize with. His tall form was clad all in black and his bald head was balanced with thick side burns, a goatee and small circular spectacles. A silver Inquisitorial emblem on his chest was his only attempt at colour, but even a small Inquisition ‘I’ spoke louder than words. He seemed humourless, a soul stripped of all trappings of humour or delight. <br />
<br />
“Interrogator, I don’t believe that’s fair.” Althea protested. “We can’t come running to the Vox, I mean, our Lord, with every little rumour we hear. We had to check it out.”<br />
<br />
“By your own account, you’ve had this information for days!” <br />
<br />
“We submitted the request for a meeting days ago. We judged that the information would be incomplete without the others’ testimony and we knew they wouldn’t speak over the vox.”<br />
<br />
“What if you were killed, or lost in the Face? We would have been blind without that information!”<br />
<br />
“Well we weren’t killed.”<br />
<br />
“You’d be dead if your xenos-loving allies hadn’t rescued you.”<br />
<br />
“We survived.”<br />
<br />
“Something of that importance should have been communicated first!”<br />
<br />
“If you want us to understand the immediate importance of every scrap of information,” Althea was almost yelling now. “Then you and the master need to do a better job of communicating with us instead of keeping us in the dark.”<br />
<br />
He blinked at her. “True.”<br />
<br />
She knew she had pushed her luck. Her cutting temper sometimes got the best of her. He may not have humour, but at least he doesn’t seem to have much of an ego either.<br />
<br />
<i>Might as well cut to the chase</i>. “So, are we in trouble? Where are the others?”<br />
<br />
“In similar rooms. They’re fine.” He hadn’t answered her first question. Either the answer was no and he didn’t want to admit it, or he didn’t know. <i>Better not rub it in. </i>She switched tacks.<br />
<br />
“You came here first?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, reports indicated that you are the closest thing your group has to as a leader.” He stated matter-of-factly.<br />
<br />
Althea had known that the others had a tendency to defer to her, but it was different to hear her new boss (<i>which this guy must be...</i>) admit it. She felt an even stronger sense of duty to her team. Someone had to look out for them - these cutting bastards certainly weren’t.<br />
<br />
“Can you tell me what’s going on?” <br />
<br />
“The Face has gone quiet. It’s been very disconcerting. But not too quite – it’s as if someone has been trying to hide something. The tithe quota has still been met.”<br />
<br />
“What now then?”<br />
<br />
“This planet will soon be again in the control of loyal Imperial servants. Not xenos sympathizers. This entire sector needs the tech and the resources that are harvested here. We need to take back the Spire. Take back the Sunguard outposts. One by one, the Emperor’s will shall be done.”<br />
<br />
Althea nodded. It made sense if your viewpoint was that all xenos were only a hair’s breadth better than a heretic. She had hoped that they could work together. Her father's voice echoed in her ears: "A fool and an optimist are different sides of the same cred-chip<i>.</i>"<br />
<br />
“What about the prisoners? Have you spoken with them yet?”<br />
<br />
“I have not begun any interrogations yet, no. But my men advise me that Hippolyta is a psyker. And she has tattoos only found on eldar thralls. This is not good company to keep.”<br />
<br />
“A psyker? Are you sure?”<br />
<br />
“Very. I’m not surprised you wouldn’t have picked it up. She appears to have a subtle command. Likely as a result of eldar influence.”<br />
<br />
“I would like to come with you when you interrogate her. She knows me better and I may be able to get more information out of her.” <i>And I'd like to apologize to her. And, if we’re going to find a solution where nobody dies, I think I’m going to have to be involved. </i><br />
<br />
Corchoran nodded. He turned and started to go.<br />
<br />
At that moment, Althea remembered why she was here to begin with. Not because she had saved her friends from the Sunguard, or because she had cleaned out a xenos cult, but why she hadn’t just run when she received the vox message in the first place.<br />
<br />
“Interrogator, one more thing. The Inquisitor mentioned the vid-tape of my father. It was one transgression. Surely I’ve done enough to earn the right to destroy it now. You can’t condemn a man for one minor misstep.”<br />
<br />
“Your father? One minor misstep?!? He was a flesh trader and a heretic of the worst sort. You’ll have to take this up with the Inquisitor.”<br />
<br />
Rage washed over Althea and her blood started to boil. <i>I’ve certainly done enough. These cutting bastards feed me lies. They’re going to string me out until I waste. </i>Corchoran turned and left the room. Althea looked down and noticed that she was clenched her fists so tightly that her circulation was starting to cut off. She took a few deep breathes and then followed him.<br />
<br />
<i>They will either give me what I want or I will take it from them.</i><br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Althea followed the Interrogator down the hall. “How about the others? Lazo? Doc? Gus?”<br />
<br />
“They’re fine. They’re still in their rooms, but I just want to have a quick talk with them before we send them to their new quarters.”<br />
<br />
“Will we go do that now?”<br />
<br />
He shot her a don’t-try-me look. “No. We will talk to Hippolyta, and then you will go to your new quarters and I will speak with them.”<br />
<br />
As they walked down the hallway, she saw her friends in rooms that were identical to the one she had been in. I must be looking through the one-way mirror. <br />
<br />
They approached the room with Hippolyta in it. Althea turned to Corchoran, “You have safeguards against her psychic powers?”<br />
<br />
He nodded and reached for the door.<br />
<br />
“Corchoran, wait.” He stopped. “Before we go in - how is the other one? With the stomach sword wound?”<br />
<br />
“She’ll live.” He pushed open the door and entered the room. Althea followed him in.<br />
<br />
Hippolyta looked up and tracked their movement with her eyes.<br />
<br />
“Hippolyta, I’m glad you survived the ride here.” Althea said, with genuine warmth. “I wanted to let you know that Ceres seems to be doing fine.”<br />
<br />
Hippolyta nodded in acknowledgement. <br />
<br />
Althea realized that it was guilt that she had been feeling as a pit in her stomach. She felt responsible that Hippolyta was here and that Ceres had been stabbed. She didn’t owe them anything, but she had promised that the Inquisitor would listen and he didn’t seem to be doing that yet.<br />
<br />
“I wanted to let you know that I’m still optimistic that our people may work together to fight the coming storm.”<br />
<br />
Hippolyta paused a moment before responding. “I’m sure our acquaintance will be brief.”<br />
<br />
<i>Okay, I'll try the direct approach. </i>“Hippolyta, I want to apologize," Althea said. "I never meant for things to end up like this.”<br />
<br />
Hippolyta looked at her, as if looking into her soul. “I accept.” She said after a pause. <br />
<br />
As Althea pulled out a chair, Hippolyta added, “Others may seek a different type of apology.”<br />
<br />
Althea nodded her head in acknowledgement, “I know you speak only for yourself in this.”<br />
<br />
Corchoran cleared his throat. “We have questions.”<br />
<br />
“You may ask.”<br />
<br />
“What are you doing here on Pickman?”<br />
<br />
“I am enthralled to the Watcher and his clan. Duty compelled me to come. I have only been here a few weeks.”<br />
<br />
“What is happening here? What are you preparing for?”<br />
<br />
Hippolyta laughed without humour. “This is but one bit of chaff before a whirlwind. Soon the gates will be opened.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
“Gate, path, river. All of these things are apt comparisons. A river to the stars.”<br />
<br />
<i>This is going nowhere.</i> She looked at Corchoran. He nodded to her.<br />
<br />
“Where were you before this?<br />
<br />
“On a world you know as Coelia.”<br />
<br />
Althea looked at Corchoran. “A notorious crimeworld,” he said.<br />
<br />
“And before that?”<br />
<br />
Hippolyta looked afresh at Althea, as if to measure whether she deserved the answer. “On many worlds across these so-called Ghoul stars. Your people are being turned. Not necessarily against you, but away. Away from Rhidhol.”<br />
<br />
Corchoran interjected, “Rhidol is an Exodite world.” Althea nodded. She had heard something about the Eldar a long time ago – that they had worlds; worlds that they protected.<br />
<br />
Althea tried a different tact. “Have you always been enthralled?”<br />
<br />
“I was born on an island in the darkness of the Riasiaesch. I became the Speaker for my people, bearing the third eye. Being so chosen, I was taught the lesser wraith calls and learned to hide from dragons.”<br />
<br />
Althea could see Hippolyta beaming with pride and understood what she was. <i>A xenos vassal. She has left her humanity behind.</i><br />
<br />
“Are you not worried about leaving your people? Dying?”<br />
<br />
“My life is nothing if not done in service. These are the shattered ruins of the war in heaven. It is all about us, this ruin, even now. Can your dim mind fathom this? I mean that not as an insult but a statement – you barely shine. Compared to the Watcher … the watcher is a blazing lamp. The lamp that lights the way for us.”<br />
<br />
“Lamp by which what is seen?”<br />
<br />
“He is a being of pure radiance.” Hippolyta appeared to drift away on a memory. After a moment, she comes crashing back to reality. She fixes Althea with a piercing stare and a grin. “When the Devourer comes, it will be a rude awakening… I have told you, it is here now, but soon it will be everywhere. First, all of your reluctance will be swallowed. Then, this world.”<br />
<br />
“How is the watcher planning to resist the devourer?”<br />
<br />
“I dare you to go search in the vastness of this world. It is not for me to tell you what you may find.”<br />
<br />
<i>These answers are getting less and less useful.</i> “Will Pickman survive?” <br />
<br />
“Not as you know it.” And here Hippolyta’s face split wide with a crafty smile.<br />
<br />
Althea looked at Corchoran and shrugged.<br />
<br />
He started moving towards the door. “I think we have what we need for now. Let’s leave her to her thoughts.”Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-27279436605689113202017-09-12T11:03:00.000-07:002017-11-03T21:08:16.844-07:00AOS Mathhammer - Judicators v. Vanguard RaptorsI'm creating a Stormcast army and I'm trying to decide between Judicators and Vanguard Raptors with longstrikes.<br />
<br />
EDIT - My original calculations did not take into account the shockbolt bow nor the +1 to hit for the judicator prime, both of which will lower the Judicator's scores. I've updated below.<br />
<br />
EDIT 2 - I've fixed two errors in the text below pointed out to me by C4st3r. There happens to be a lot of text removed (but luckily, very little of the math). How embarrassing for me.<br />
<h4>
<u>Judicators v. Vanguard Raptors</u></h4>
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<br /></div>
So the initial calculations against no armour is as follows:<br />
Judicators (5) - 2/3 to hit, 2/3 to wound, 1 damage, 4 shots + 5/6 to hit, 2/3 to wound, 1 damage, 3.5 shots = 16/9 + 17.5/9 wounds = 33.5/9 = 67/18<br />
Vanguard Raptors (3) - 4/6 to hit, 2/3 to wound, 2 damage, 3 shots = 8/3 wounds PLUS 1/6 to hit * 2 mortal wounds, 3 shots = 1 MW<br />
<br />
Against armour: Judicators have -1 rend, and the VR have -2 rend.<br />
<br />
Against 3+ armour, Judicators will do 33.5/18 (=1.86) wounds and VR will do 16/9 + 1 (=2.78)<br />
Against 4+ armour, Judicators will do 134/54 (=2.48) wounds and VR will do 40/18 + 1 (=3.2)<br />
Against 5+ armour, Judicators will do 335/108 (=3.10) wounds and VR will do 8/3 + 1 (=3.67)<br />
Against 6+ armour, Judicators will do 67/18 (=3.72) wounds and VR will do 8/3 + 1 (=3.67)<br />
<br />
Unsurprisingly (given their higher rend), VR will consistently do more damage against armoured targets. Against:<br />
3+ armour, they do 1.49 times more damage,<br />
4+ armour, they do 1.29 times more damage,<br />
5+ armour, they do 1.18 times more damage, and<br />
6+/- armour, they do 0.99 times more damage.<br />
<br />
They are also 1.25 times more expensive (180 v 160 pts) which means that, in terms of damage output, Vanguard Raptors are a more efficient use of points when facing 3+ and 4+ armour and Judicators are a more efficient use of points when facing 5+ and 6+ armour.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<u>Additional Considerations</u></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Three KEY considerations that aren't included in the above analysis:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>RESILIENCE - Judicators have 10 wounds instead of VR's 6. So if your squad takes 5 wounds, the Judicators are still going to be pumping out over 75% of their full strength damage and the VR squad will be pumping out only 33% of their full strength damage. If the squad takes 6 wounds, the Judicators are still dishing out approx 65% of their full strength damage and your VRs are wiped out.</li>
<li>BATTLELINE - Judicators happen to be battleline in any Stormcast army, whereas <strike>you need a Lord Acquilar to make your Vanguard Raptors battleline. </strike><u>Vanguard Raptors are <i>never </i>battleline. This can be a big deal depending on the rest of your army (i.e. you need to fill out battleline slots).</u></li>
</ol>
<u>EDIT - The below is not true. The easily accessible +1 to hit bubble in the SE book is the Lord Celestant on foot, but his bubble only applies in the combat phase (and these guys obviously shoot in the shooting phase. Keeping the text below in case you have access to a +1 to hit from some other source. </u><strike><br /></strike><ol>
<li><strike>SYNERGY - By combining with a +1 to hit bubble, the VRs will do an average of one extra MW per turn (which is pretty awesome). However, they'll do a little less damage through regular wounds (since the Rule of One states that a natural roll of one before modifiers fails). So although the VRs will do an average of 2 MW per shooting phase, they'll do 25% less damage otherwise (because 4/6 to hit becomes 3/6). Note that under these new percentages (set out below), the VR's do 1.29 times more damage to 5+ armour and 1.08 times more damage to 6+ armour. It's still increasing their damage output as follows:</strike></li>
</ol>
<strike><br /></strike>
<strike>Against 3+ armour, VR will do 12/9 + 2 (=3.33) (increase of about 20%)</strike><br />
<div>
<strike>Against 4+ armour, VR will do 30/18 + 2 (=3.67) (increase of about 15%)</strike><br />
<strike>Against 5+/6+ or no armour, VR will do 6/3 + 2 (=4) (increase of about 9%)</strike><br />
<strike><br /></strike>
<h4>
<strike>Lord Celestant (on foot) synergy</strike></h4>
<div>
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<strike>So the synergy is pretty great, but is it worth it? I'm going to do a little thought exercise. Against 3+ armour, the Lord Celestant is worth about 36 pts per phase of shooting at full strength. Against 4+ armour, this becomes 30 pts and against 5+/6+ this becomes 16 pts. A Lord Celestant costs 100 pts. So, approximately, the Lord Celestant justifies his cost (on this alone) if you can boost a full strength squad of VRs through 3 shooting phases against 3+ or 4+ armour (or three full strength squads of VRs through one phase).</strike><br />
<strike><br /></strike>
<strike>We shouldn't ignore the LC's synergy with the Judicators. He won't effect the prime (who already hits on 2+), but the others will do 25% more damage (because a 4/6 to hit becomes a 5/6 to hit) resulting in a total of 37.5/9 instead of 33.5/9, which represents a 12% boost. As Judicators cost 160 pts, that's a benefit of 19 points, which means you'd need to boost a squad through 5 phases to justify the cost.</strike><br />
<br />
<h4>
<u>Conclusion - so are Judicators or Vanguard Raptors better?</u></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ultimately, <b><i>it depends</i></b>. It depends on whether your opponent has a horde of lightly armoured guys or few heavily armoured warriors. It depends on how you plan to use them - are they meant to take out the enemy's force multipliers? Are those force multipliers going to only be visible for one turn (in which you want to have the highest output possible for that turn)? Does your enemy have more shooting than you in which case their resilience will matter?<br />
<br />
Personally, I already have a unit of Judicators so I'm likely to grab a squad of VRs so I can see which work better with my style. <strike>Ultimately, it will probably depend on whether I also end up running a Lord Celestant on foot and the rest of my army's target saturation. </strike>There's no point in running VRs if they're the easiest models to kill per point and they always die first. Anyway, we'll see how it works!</div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-39288879485810497572017-09-08T06:26:00.001-07:002017-09-08T13:21:51.988-07:00(Exciting) New Kickstarter: Chronicles the Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiAoDx9kuPgRuGT3IU8PXYijKn9Zek4wC-eb8UTorW0pSL80umskgR2p0Wz78Ca-7dZsDTXGQFSuVzWUoSdAc6XpE_mdJ22tjzHmPNpkxvi0yh1PcxSPg13CpxLqTlxvail5hBHqkI2rU/s1600/werebear+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiAoDx9kuPgRuGT3IU8PXYijKn9Zek4wC-eb8UTorW0pSL80umskgR2p0Wz78Ca-7dZsDTXGQFSuVzWUoSdAc6XpE_mdJ22tjzHmPNpkxvi0yh1PcxSPg13CpxLqTlxvail5hBHqkI2rU/s320/werebear+front.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So, I've just come across this <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/532561252/chronicles-the-game/description">pretty neat kickstarter</a> for a miniature wargame where the players are characters within the storyline and drive the narrative.<br />
<br />
The gameplay seems decent (i.e. easy to learn while still with some depth and complexity), and the models look great, but most exciting is that your battles, painted models, conversions and written fiction will drive the narrative forward.<br />
<br />
I won one of their instagram contests and received a werebear. It was a high quality model and was super easy to prime and paint.<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge fan of monopose models, but the poses are at least quite good and I think it'll be pretty easy to take a hobby saw to them and repose a few things so that every model is unique (and if you're already a gamer with lots of extra bits, the sky is your limit).<br />
<br />
I'd like to play it, it just needs to get funded first!<br />
<br />
So thought I would leave this here in case a few others were interested: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/532561252/chronicles-the-game/description">CHRONICLES THE GAME KICKSTARTER</a>.<br />
<br />
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Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-73353069778683169022017-09-02T19:38:00.001-07:002017-10-11T12:21:59.077-07:00Mission Report (A5): A Diplomatic Speed-bump and a Tactical Withdrawal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the narrative of Althea's 5th mission in a Dark Heresy campaign put on by one of the boys from Hogtown 40k (Toronto). Part one is <a href="http://shadowprophets.blogspot.ca/2017/04/mission-review-lost-soul-is-pulled-back.html">here.</a> I think it's pretty exciting. I hope you do too. Please let me know if you have any feedback, constructive or otherwise.</div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<br />
The lights went out. A few people in the room reached their hands to their weapons, but Althea didn’t. Her low-light eye could see Olivia in the dark. Olivia was relaxed, so Althea was relaxed.<br />
<br />
“What in the Emperor’s name is going on?" Gustavius said.<br />
<br />
“They’ll be here shortly.” Olivia responded.<br />
<br />
Althea was grateful. Olivia’s hab flat was cramped and the last hour of waiting had been very unpleasant. Hippolyta and Ceres had stuck to themselves, clearly not ready to mingle with the broader group. Armand and Olivia had been in the corner discussing in hushed tones. Althea couldn’t overhear them and, not for the first time, cursed the fact that she had an augmetic eye instead of an augmetic ear.<br />
<br />
Gus and the Doc were debating some point of Imperial faith. It sounded to her like they were arguing the same side, but there must have been some small distinction there that only they could see.<br />
<br />
She sat beside Lazarus. They had originally been debating the intricacies of laspistols, but they had fallen silent ages ago and had just been sitting there silently.<br />
<br />
Althea had been watching the new man that Ceres and Hippolyta had brought with them. He was a large man with rippling muscle. Dressed in camo fatigues. Clearly ex-guard. Clearly Catachan. He had introduced himself as “Rigs” and had slowly been checking out every woman in the room. His gaze had lingered a big longer on Olivia and Althea herself. <br />
<br />
In other circumstances she might have been flattered. It was nice to know her scar wouldn’t repel men. But she had lived with Catachans for a month during a Navy deployment. They were almost caricatures of men, not real men. Something missing. She would have preferred to be invisible to him.<br />
<br />
The lights came back on. She could be mistaken, but she thought she could see relief in the Catachans’ face. Big, bad Catachan, afraid of the dark? The thought nearly made her giggle. <br />
<br />
Moments after the lights returned, the door chimed.<br />
<br />
“Enter,” Olivia said from across the room.<br />
<br />
The door slid open to reveal three figures. Two adeptus mechanicus guards flanked an imposing man. He was tall with a shaggy head of hair and significant augmetics. He projected an aura of power. The skitarri accompanying him wore flowing robes and carried arcane rifles. <br />
<br />
They stepped forward into the room.<br />
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“Master, thank you for attending,” Olivia began.<br />
<br />
“You have been fraternizing with xenos?” The voice sounded larger than life. And she hadn’t seen the man speak. Olivia looked at Althea. <i>Why do I always have to do the talking?</i><br />
<br />
“Master, I don’t think that’s a fair characterization,” Althea began. <br />
<br />
“You brought me here to fraternize with xenos.” It responded. Althea realized that the voice was coming from the vox units of all three men, simultaneously.<br />
<br />
The grizzled augmetic man wasn’t the Vox, just another play piece. <br />
<br />
Althea thought of all of the different ways she could respond. And she picked none of the ways she had rehearsed. She sensed that time was short and that she might not get to make her point if she didn’t make it immediately. “Master, they say that the Great Devourer is coming to Pickman. We knew that no one but you could be trusted to assess this information.”<br />
<br />
There was silence then. A silence that stretched uncomfortably long. Gus was starting to rock on his feet and even Lazarus started to look awkward.<br />
<br />
“That is interesting,” the Vox finally responded. <br />
<br />
“The Great Devourer. Of my regiment of 500,000, only 500 of us survived the Great Devourer on Priam.” Doc said. “Neither the tanks of the guard, the bolters of the astartes nor the guns of the navy could hold them back.” The Doc's knuckles were white as he strangled his pistol in a death-grip.<br />
<br />
“Yes, the Great Devourer changes everything.” The Vox responded. “Two heresies. I should not be surprised.”<br />
<br />
<i>Two heresies?</i><br />
<br />
“Master,” Olivia began, “How can we save Pickman?”<br />
<br />
“I will need more time, and less… complication. Attend to me at the forge.”<br />
<br />
<i>But he hasn’t spoken yet to Ceres</i>. “Master, they have information. Please assess the veracity of their claims.”<br />
<br />
“Then bring them to me if I must speak to them. You must come now.”<br />
<br />
Althea opened her mouth to protest, “Master, there is much to discuss, we should talk with…”<br />
<br />
She was cut off. “There will be time for discussions later, attend to me now at the forge.”<br />
<br />
Olivia turned to her. “We should go.”<br />
<br />
Althea turned to Ceres and Hippolyta. “Will you come with us?” They looked at each other, then at Armand. Althea felt a little guilty. She was asking them to walk into an Inquisitor’s lair. Such an exercise usually ended only one way for subjects of interest.<br />
<br />
“I think we should go with them.” That was Rigs. <i>Disgusting grox</i>. He’s probably just wanting to follow Olivia and I.<br />
<br />
The three of them seemed to reach some understanding as Althea saw Armand reach for his guns. Althea registered this and, in the split-second she had, realized that her best chance of keeping them alive was if they came with her. <i>They will definitely not live if we have to kill them here</i>. <br />
<br />
“No!” Althea yelled and jumped at Ceres.<br />
<br />
Althea had been faster than anyone else, but unfortunately that’s where her advantage ended. Her attempts to subdue Ceres were met with a solid fist and she staggered back.<br />
<br />
Luckily, Lazarus took her cue and leapt towards Armand. He was significantly more successful than Althea as he caught Armand in a bear-hug, trapping Armand’s arms before Armand could grab his pistols. As Armand started to struggle, Lazarus lifted him up and slammed him onto the ground.<br />
<br />
That was when all hell broke loose. Ceres drew her pistol and shot one of the skitarri guards in the face before the grizzled skitarri veteran ran Ceres through the stomach with his sword. Doc had been holding his own against Hippolyta until Ceres was stabbed. Hippolyta seemed to foam at the mouth as she drew her sword and attacked Doc. She lacerated Doc’s arm with her sword and it would have been far worse if Rigs had not stepped in and crushed her against the wall, knocking the fight, and most of her consciousness, right out of her.<br />
<br />
Armand was struggling like a caged animal and it was all Lazo could do to hold onto him. <br />
<br />
Althea saw Gus raise his holy hammer. “Wait,” she cried, as Gus connected solidly with Armand’s head. The helmet crumpled and Armand ceased to struggle. Althea hoped he was still alive.<br />
<br />
Everything was over as quickly as it started. They used Armand’s and Olivia’s manacles to restrain Armand and Hippolyta. Ceres, who had been pierced clean through with a sword, they tied with a piece of rope.<br />
<br />
The three skitarri spoke as one. “Come, there is transport inbound.”<br />
<br />
Just then, a blinding flash of light momentarily blinded them. As the light dissipated, they found themselves surrounded by tall, lithe forms clad in iridescent turquoise interlocking armour. Their tall, plumed helms loomed over Althea and company.<br />
<br />
“Xenos.” Gus hissed.<br />
<br />
Althea wondered, briefly, if maybe discussions might be more successful with these new individuals. <i>What are they doing here? Are these xenos watching after Ceres and Hippolyta? Or are these different ones?</i> Althea’s mind was swirling with questions. <br />
<br />
The closest one leaned forward, and with a gleaming spear of sickening light, stabbed one of the skitarri. The air filled with a metallic shriek. The other two raised bows, likewise flaming with terrible brightness. The questions disappeared from Althea's mind and she scrambled for her shotgun.<br />
<br />
Althea had been training her reaction time and she felt a surge of pride as she managed to shoot before either of the bow-armed xenos could fire. Her shotgun barked twice and the closest xenos went stumbling back into the neighbouring room of Olivia’s hab. <br />
<br />
The other xenos let loose with an arrow of energy that slammed into the Catachan’s stomach. He grunted and doubled over. Doc fired his laspistol but the shot caroomed off the xenos’ armour. Althea was impressed with him. For a man that didn’t seem to like fighting, he could usually be found where the fighting was thickest.<br />
<br />
The xenos which Althea had targeted came back into the room. He appeared to have a moment’s hesitation before deciding on Althea as his target. Three quick shots came Althea’s way. She dove to the side and two of the shots whistled harmlessly by. The third scorched her leg, lancing pain through her body.<br />
<br />
She brought her shotgun to bear and fired back. The xenos managed to leap out of the room and dodge her shot. She looked around – the door to the hab was open and Olivia and two of the Skitarri were gone, as were their three prisoners. Althea recalled the Vox saying that transport was incoming. <br />
<br />
Lazarus had his autogun out and filled the air around the spear wielding xenos with bullets. It went down. Althea saw the Catachan punch the final xenos in the stomach so hard that the armour dented. The xenos coughed up blood between teeth that had been filed to points. Althea’s stomach turned. These xenos were trouble. But they were also in trouble. They were all hurt or down and Althea’s team all seemed in mostly good shape. <br />
<br />
Then there was a flash of light in the neighbouring room. It was identical to the flash that had preceded these initial three. <br />
<br />
<i>Reinforcements!</i> “Let’s get out of here!”<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Althea stepped out of the hab and into the gantry between the two habs. She could see a lander hovering about 30 metres off to her right. Looks like the Drophawk 43Bs I used to fly in the Navy. Olivia and the skitarri were halfway there, carrying the prisoners. The deck of the lander was crawling with skitarri and they were firing their rifles into the distance. Althea looked around and saw their targets – there were more of the turquoise armoured xenos gathered on the gantries between the two hab buildings. They were swarming towards the lander.<br />
<br />
Althea yelled into the doorway, “We need to go! Lazo! Gus! Doc! Now!”<br />
<br />
Althea started to move towards the transport. She curbed her desire to sprint all out. If she got there too fast, she’d just end up waiting for the others. It will have to be a fighting retreat. She started to move and pulled out her laspistol to shoot at the closest xenos. Both shots went wide. Ugh. Cutting hell.<br />
<br />
Cracks rang out from the Skitarri’s long rifles and energy arrows flew overhead. She had stumbled out of the hab and into an active warzone.<br />
<br />
The grizzled skitarri, who had been carrying Ceres, crumpled to the ground - his back erupting in flames. Ceres flew forward and landed on the gantry with a thud. A beam of light punched a hole in the lander. The lander started to smoke and, although it rocked, it stayed hovering.<br />
<br />
In what was probably only a few moments, but seemed to her an eternity, her team slowly came out of the hab. Lazo, Doc and Gus. They were followed by Rigs who had a look of pure rage on his face.<br />
<br />
Althea saw a turquoise form flash behind them. There was a crack of light and Rigs cried out. The shot seemed not to really hurt him – he seemed, however, to simply boil over. <br />
<br />
Lazarus reacted to the shot before Rigs could – he spun with his autogun and sprayed behind them. A few of the slugs hit the xenos and it tumbled to the ground. It had been winged but it wasn’t out. It started to get up, slowly.<br />
<br />
“Filthy xenos!” Rigs bellowed. “You can’t harm me and get away with it! I’m going to deliver the pain!”<br />
<br />
He turned away from the lander and ran back to the downed xenos who was starting to get up. Rigs pulled out his bolter as he ran. How the cut does a thug like that have a bolter? <br />
<br />
“No!” Althea yelled, “we have to leave!”<br />
<br />
Rigs ignored her. He reached the xenos, aimed briefly and pulled the trigger. There was a loud boom. The bullet entered the xenos’ chest and exploded. Chunks of xenos flew in all directions.<br />
<br />
Althea saw a brief smile start on Rigs face. It didn’t get a chance to finish. His head snapped back as two energy bolts slammed into him. There was an explosion of blood and he crumpled to the ground.<br />
<br />
<i>Cut!</i> Allies (<i>even filthy grox allies</i>) seemed hard to come by.<br />
<br />
Althea turned. “Doc, Lazo, Gus! Get to the chopper!”</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone rushes the lander. The prone forms are either prisoners or corpses.</td></tr>
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<br />
She sprinted to the lander and leapt aboard. She grabbed the nearest skitarri. “Where is your pilot? We’ll be on in a moment, and we need to be ready to move!”<br />
<br />
She could see the skitarri’s eye lenses focus as it stared at her. “Pilot X1-042 is right there.” He indicated a corpse on the deck. “Back-up pilot C4-754 is over there.” He indicated a flaming corpse on the gantry. “Our only hope is to beat back the invaders and wait for backup.”<br />
<br />
It was at that moment that Althea’s trained ear caught the unmistakable wup wup wup of inbound ornithopters. <i>Sunguard. Cut it, not now.</i><br />
<br />
The lander looks the same as the old Drophawks – <i>maybe it pilots the same too.</i><br />
<br />
She ran and jumped into the cockpit. The overall design was similar, but it had been customized to Skitarii specs. There was a jack for a wrist interface in front of her. She noticed that the leather on the wheel was barely touched and the dash wasn’t worn down at all. The skitarri either didn’t have skin to touch the dash or they used the wrist jack for everything.<br />
<br />
The lander was already hovering, she just needed to take control and apply some juice. She searched for the manual override.<i> They keep the cutting design but move the cutting manual override! </i>She was sure she had dreamed this nightmare before.<br />
<br />
She looked up and saw an ornithopter touch down in front of the lander. A quick glance at the radar showed another ornithopter abeam on the starboard side. Sunguard started to stream out of the bow-side lander.<br />
<br />
She reached for the foregun controls and realized they were gone. She had seen the guns on the ship, but it must be wrist-jack controlled. <i>Cutting robots! Why can’t they leave good enough alone!</i><br />
<br />
The lander was suddenly rocked under a savage blow. She heard screams from above and at least two little shapes showed on the pict-radar. Crew pitched overboard. <i>Cut. I hope that wasn’t Lazo, Doc or Gus. Or Olivia I guess…</i><br />
<br />
She reached around desperately. <i>Where is the EMPEROR DAMNED OVERRIDE?!?!</i><br />
<br />
She was hitting every button she didn’t recognize. There was a savage dip as she finally found the right control and wrestled the lander into place. The building exploded in front of them. That dip had inadvertently saved them from a powerful blast. <i>We have the Emperor’s own luck today.</i><br />
<br />
She trained the pict screens on the starboard ornithopter and saw a sunguard grab the pintle-mounted cannon. <br />
<br />
She was a little rusty and she wasn’t quite familiar with the ship, so her evasive maneuvers were nowhere near what she was capable of. But if you had asked any of the occupants who were hanging on for their lives, they wouldn’t have known. The shots all missed.<br />
<br />
She keyed the cockpit door open. “Hey metalhead, which way to the forge?” She yelled.<br />
<br />
She saw a cowled head peer into the cockpit. “Coordinates 342a by 86b, 4th stratum.”<br />
<br />
She blinked at him. “Direction!”<br />
<br />
“East.”<br />
<br />
“Warn the others. Acceleration in 5.” The head disappeared.<br />
<br />
Her hand was moving towards the burners as her count hit one. She throttled the accel, and the lander lurched up and banked hard left before tearing off down the gantry.<br />
<br />
She looked down the pict screen and saw the bow-side sunguard sprinting towards their ornithopter as it started to rise. The other thopter was already airborne and was gaining on them.<br />
<br />
Althea jammed the throttle against the dash. It couldn’t go any faster. The ornithopter was still gaining on them. She heard the warning signal – weapon lock. She sent the craft into evasive maneuvers. It looked a bit like a drophawk and the controls were similar, but it did not handle like a drophawk. She jerked to the left but pulled up just short of a barrel roll. Cutting people sitting on the roof. What sort of lander doesn’t have proper restraints?! <br />
<br />
She felt a few shuddering impacts and risked a glance down at the hull and engine integrity schematics. A bit of damage, but it could have been much worse.<br />
<br />
She heard high caliber rounds being fired. She looked down at the rear pict screen and saw the closest ornithopter shudder. The aft-gun. Likely Lazo. She was grateful for that man’s affinity for ranged carnage.<br />
<br />
The ornithopter fell back as the pilot fought to keep it under control.<br />
<br />
The second ornithopter burst forth from the shadow of the first. She heard the weapon lock chime and was luckier this time – she evaded the entire burst.<br />
<br />
Within moments the ornithopter was close enough to ram her, and the proximity chime was starting to drown out all other noises. She tried an evasive manoeuver, but the thopter stuck on her tail the whole time. <br />
<br />
She glanced at the pict screen and saw that it was straight red. <i>Cutting guard shot my eyes. </i>But they hadn’t. The screen started to clear up and she saw the tail end of a burst of flame cover the ornithopter’s viewport. Apparently the flames covering her eyes had also been covering theirs. They had slowed dramatically so as not to crash while blind.<br />
<br />
She would kiss Gus when she saw him next. <i>What a fabulous flamer! </i><br />
<br />
She heard more shots from the aft-gun but this time her crew missed both of the ornithopters. The lander had gained some distance on both of them, but the thopters were gaining on her now. Fast and getting faster. Looks like hyper-thrusters are engaged. Althea saw a break in the spires up ahead. They must not have seen it, otherwise they wouldn’t have both burned hot to catch her. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5WPkP3M7P-tVEAZnUBroGfm_H3ee2miYvGpehEWwA4gt-jZwIZsJnOe82w8KiOaITrvSCOWTpIJqVi1BRLh6aCQQpL03GFSuI09mb8Dj31GTBJN2sVj2i3k12n1d5DfmDRe0egoI-Aob/s1600/wh+rooftops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5WPkP3M7P-tVEAZnUBroGfm_H3ee2miYvGpehEWwA4gt-jZwIZsJnOe82w8KiOaITrvSCOWTpIJqVi1BRLh6aCQQpL03GFSuI09mb8Dj31GTBJN2sVj2i3k12n1d5DfmDRe0egoI-Aob/s400/wh+rooftops.jpg" width="400" /></a>It’s now or never. She cut the rear thrusters, pumped the fore-thrusters and port-thrusters to full and pulled hard on her steering control. She felt the navi-vanes struggle against the wind, but the lander obeyed her and pulled a hard right through the break in the spires and into a narrow pass.<br />
<br />
She saw the ornithopers blaze by the alley entrance, their speed too fast to risk the same maneuver. She had probably gained almost thirty seconds on them. Thirty seconds might as well be an eternity in a bird flight. <br />
<br />
<i>That’s how it’s done in the Navy you cutting grox sows.</i><br />
<br />
The cockpit door opened and Metal-head 1 poked his head in to guide her. Moments later, they were joined by 3 identical landers which took up protective positions around them. Althea felt a surge of pride for having made that escape. She had saved them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They settled into an easy route through the skyline as, behind them, hordes of landers and clouds of ornithopters swarmed in a delicate dance of death. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Something big was starting tonight. </div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
As Althea’s lander approached the forge, the body carts had arrived at Olivia’s (former) habblock.<br />
<br />
The sunguard were long gone, and other than the blast marks on the hab’s walls, there was no trace that the xenos had ever been there. The witnesses not killed in the crossfire had disappeared shortly thereafter.<br />
<br />
The orderly in a brown Sanitarium uniform was directing servitors to gather the bodies and place them on the body carts, to be transported to the autopsium, the donatorium and then the crematorium, in that order.<br />
<br />
The orderly looked down at his wristcron. It was getting late. Overtime’d start soon and then he’d be raking it in. He changed his directions so that the servitors would fetch the bodies in the least efficient way possible. The job’d get done, the servitors’ records’d be clean, and he’d get a nice pay bump next cycle.<br />
<br />
Noises snapped the orderly out of his reverie. He looked around but didn't see where they came from. <br />
<br />
They came again. Grunts. The servitors were still far away, but he wasn’t afraid. No one messed with the corpse carts. There wasn’t anything worth the trouble.<br />
<br />
It finally turned into a yell, and a stack of five bodies toppled off the cart and onto the ground.<br />
<br />
A large man – a very large man – stepped off the cart. He was wearing camo fatigues stained in blood. He put a hand gingerly to his head and it came back red. The orderly could see the glint of steel from where the man’s hand had disturbed the blood across his skull.<br />
<br />
“Hey! Yousa can’t get off the cart! Yur dead!”<br />
<br />
“Don’t feel dead.”<br />
<br />
“Yousa gotta be dead. You was put in the cart! Only deads go in the cart.”<br />
<br />
“And if something not dead goes in the cart?”<br />
<br />
“Againsa rules!”<br />
<br />
“You got me in the cart and I aint dead, so you broke the rules.”<br />
<br />
“No! You …” The orderly trailed off. “But” was all he could manage before the large man continued.<br />
<br />
“If I ain’t here, then only way anyone’s finding out you broke the rules is if you tell them. You talk a lot?”<br />
<br />
The orderly’s eyes slowly widened as he realized what he was being asked.<br />
<br />
“No suh…”<br />
<br />
“Good. I won’t either. I just need 20 cred for the tram to get out of here. Do you have that?”<br />
<br />
The orderly frowned. He looked slowly from the distant servitors to the big man. He looked at the bodies on the ground. More work, a little more overtime. And he wouldn’t have to fill out any of the cart infringement forms. He reached into a pocket of his brown overalls and pulled out two 10 cred chips and handed them to the man.<br />
<br />
He turned to see if anyone had seen. When he turned back, the man was gone.</div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-74776422756704110932017-07-27T20:17:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:21:48.468-07:00Mission Report (A4): Culling the Nest and Brokering Introductions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I've been writing a narrative of a Dark Heresy campaign I've been taking part in. Part one is <a href="http://shadowprophets.blogspot.ca/2017/04/mission-review-lost-soul-is-pulled-back.html">here.</a> This is part 4. I think it's pretty exciting. I hope you do too. Please let me know if you have any feedback, constructive or otherwise.</div>
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<br /></div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Clear here.” Althea yelled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Clear.” She heard Lazarus yell. She was glad that he had been running
rearguard. She had heard shooting from behind as she and Gus had charged
forward. If they had been surprised from behind… she preferred not to think
about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Oh cut, Gus!</i> She turned
around and saw Doc Geryk hovering over Gus’ prone form. “How is he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Administering adrenolada. Will then follow up with sterasiphon to
stabilize.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i>Doc</i>!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Oh,” he stammered. “Give me a few minutes. He will be mobile.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She was pretty sure that Gus had taken most of a clip of an autogun in
his chest. She had seen bigger men than Gus fall and never get up after that.
But if Doc said he was getting up, <i>well, we’ve
each got our strengths</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PY8b4uc2J1PrqeqPV6VCwSgkXtN9D3UWwQtvmYD8JZ8DfmrrWLUrzV4bDSn2aAipPvpYGToiCaeKiflpnQOlMrq6n3m_2j1ppABn0l6qAmA83nWRhWu4BJ9GdUNeYe3zzWl5J6IH5EAH/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PY8b4uc2J1PrqeqPV6VCwSgkXtN9D3UWwQtvmYD8JZ8DfmrrWLUrzV4bDSn2aAipPvpYGToiCaeKiflpnQOlMrq6n3m_2j1ppABn0l6qAmA83nWRhWu4BJ9GdUNeYe3zzWl5J6IH5EAH/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our heroes run into brutes. This is right before this report starts (and right before Gus takes a full clip to the chest).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Although she had fought many different xenos and pirates in the navy,
she had never seen the like of these cruel things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Some of them looked like regular men; others had large bulbous heads.
They generally looked… scrappy. Just men. Scrappy, dirty men. Hard men.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She looked down at the corpse below her. It was inhuman, huge. The
monster had stood two and a half metres when it was still walking. Thick corded
muscle stretched across its broad form. It had three arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Lazarus walked up to it and kicked it. “There are some pretty big
claws here. Think this is it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Naw.” Althea shook her head. “The fop said four arms. And somehow I think
he’ll know these aren’t the claws he wants.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Lazarus shrugged. “Just seems like we might be risking bullets
unnecessarily here, is all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We’re doing the work of the Emperor!” Althea heard Gus’ voice float
from further down the hall. “I would risk many more bullets to spread His
cleansing flame!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Doc is a miracle worker. </i>“Gus,
how you doing?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I can walk. Thank the light of the Emperor for the Doc.” Gus tossed
aside his ruin of a flak vest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Good. Let’s get this four-armed dog and get out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Perchance you may regret wishing to meet it,” muttered Doc Geryk.
“These xenos make Halerian pit hounds look like plain noodles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Doc, if we didn’t want to find one, we shouldn’t have bothered to
come.” Althea said, resignedly. “Let’s go hunt ourselves a claw.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
But inside, her sinking feeling was getting worse. She had seen a
Halerian pit hound once. It had been as big as a groundcar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbPMnydYCrte2qujG3Judq56e_OuuSVZCRQPVt9Yfz3yCkvuv9K_acZ6vNbpM9Dbdcey8BpUGSwYCQlARSYcr-__SMrxwNBQ_QuWVz_VowsSfgts1yxTurOE6IDImjWdmgL9Je7vQEojj/s1600/sewers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbPMnydYCrte2qujG3Judq56e_OuuSVZCRQPVt9Yfz3yCkvuv9K_acZ6vNbpM9Dbdcey8BpUGSwYCQlARSYcr-__SMrxwNBQ_QuWVz_VowsSfgts1yxTurOE6IDImjWdmgL9Je7vQEojj/s400/sewers.jpg" width="385" /></a>A few corridors later, they found themselves on a ledge in a large
cavern. They couldn’t see the floor past their ledge – or the ceiling. The
ledge extended to both the left and right. There was a thick, acrid flavour to
the air. It didn’t feel like air from the outside. She flashed back to the
slack hoses of their recent enemies’ rebreathers, and clutched her own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Gus had promised that he could smell corruption from their right.
Althea chuckled inwardly, but lacking a better direction, Althea led them to
the right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They moved slowly to avoid detection. After a time, Lazarus halted
them. “Movement behind us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
They took positions behind cover and Lazarus took out his sniper
rifle. He took a look down the scope. “At least five of them. Autoguns.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He continued in a few more heartbeats. “Thoughts?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea considered it a moment. “Gus and I have shotguns. Doc has a
pistol. You’re the only one with range. Let them get a bit closer before
surprising them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Lazarus nodded. They sat there for what seemed like forever before
Lazarus’ rifle cracked. “Target down. There are more now. Maybe eight/ten.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Althea frowned. She didn’t like these odds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Boom! Boom! Boom!</i> Gunshots
tore chunks out of the masonry near Lazarus’ head. He ducked under the hail of
bullets but she heard him grunt. He’d been hit with something. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She hid and listened in between the gunshots until she could hear their
feet pounding just around the corner. She unhooked a frag grenade, pulled the
pin and swung it around the corner. She heard the explosion accompanied by
screams of pain. They clearly hadn’t been expecting someone that close.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She hefted her shotgun and jumped around the corner. She saw a few
bodies but didn’t have time to count them. She squeezed off a few shots and saw
one of the leading figures stumble. One of the others raised his weapon and she
leapt back as a swarm of bullets filled the air where she used to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She heard the boom of Gus’ combat shotgun and the cracks of Doc’s and
Lazarus’ las weapons. She heard screams from the cultists in front of her. She
threw another grenade around the corner and followed through with her shotgun,
taking out a few more cultists. She thought there were maybe only five left. It
looked like they were going to pull through.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She ducked back again and heard Lazarus yelling. “More of them. Behind
us!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“How many?” She yelled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw6HaSsqdOV5juvEGMMk5UVvkzdXT2mVVQef6Xl6FPwU1SV3MYMrqv3As9t5iT0ckoAXRRgV8PiN8y6i5UzBJw0vUIUhoNdFy74A0pA0yiydvYy8nR3tdK1UOtU9boAI-zrzNEY1Z9d1F/s1600/althea+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw6HaSsqdOV5juvEGMMk5UVvkzdXT2mVVQef6Xl6FPwU1SV3MYMrqv3As9t5iT0ckoAXRRgV8PiN8y6i5UzBJw0vUIUhoNdFy74A0pA0yiydvYy8nR3tdK1UOtU9boAI-zrzNEY1Z9d1F/s640/althea+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Althea sends Gus to help the others.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Don’t know. I see three arms. I think they’re the fast ones, not the
big ones.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Cut this!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Gus,” she yelled, “Go help them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“There are too many here!” He yelled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“It’s worse behind us. Go!” She responded. He looked at her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’ll be fine!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Gus scampered to the other end of their beleaguered last stand. Truthfully,
she didn’t know that she could hold off all of these guys by herself, but
things were looking grim and she thought they were going to need to take risks.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She picked her last grenade off her vest (<i>cutting Olivia couldn’t even get me enough grenades</i>) and tossed it
around the corner. She waited for the explosion<i> </i>and then barrelled around the corner with her shotgun held high.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Five men stood there staring at her. Nonchalant, their heads turned in
unison to <i>address</i> her. A few of them
even had grins on their misshapen faces. <i>They
must have kicked the cutting grenade down the hall. Too cutting predictable!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She leapt backwards just as their bullets tore through the space where
she had been moments earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>This is bad. </i>She lifted her shotgun,
ready to blow off whichever head peeked around the corner first. <i>Should’ve kept Gus here with me…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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She heard a stamp next to her and turned to see a huge four limbed
monster land nimbly on the deck. It was hunched, but it would have been half
again as tall as Althea if stretched to its full length. Two of its arms ended
in large hands, with vicious claws. The other two arms were tipped with more claws,
each as long as her forearm. As Althea watched it, its large bulbous head
swivelled towards her, a long tongue snaking out between sharp teeth. She could
see a gaping intelligence glittering in its eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Althea had assumed that the ledge was impassable, but it must not be
impassible for creatures like this. <i>Smart.
</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She started to raise her gun but was immediately slammed from her
feet. Her brain slowly registered the boom of a shotgun followed quickly by
pain – flowing, serpentine pain. Those goons had taken advantage of her brief distraction
and had come around the corner with guns blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She flew through the air and landed in a heap on the ground. She
looked up at the goons who had shot her and saw one of them smile with filth
encrusted teeth. He raised his shotgun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then his head promptly disappeared. The others turned down the
corridor they had come from, their attention immediately drawn away. Their guns
started blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Althea slowly turned her head and saw the genestealer start to stalk
towards the others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Lazarus! Gus! Doc! It’s here!” She yelled. Or at least, she had
intended to yell. Instead only a quiet croak had emerged and none of them had
heard over the sounds of guns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Her vision was starting to fade. She would only have one more chance. She
gathered all of her energy and tried one last time, picking the man closest to
the beast – “Lazo!” She hadn’t been much louder, but she was luckier and her
voice had fallen in between gunshots. Lazarus turned his head and saw the beast
as it leapt towards him. He didn’t have enough time to bring up his gun, but
the warning had given him enough time to fall awkwardly on his ass allowing him
to narrowly avoid the grasping claws.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Her vision faded to black.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“This should help you feel better.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea heard Doc’s voice coming from somewhere in the distance. She
felt a brief pain in her arm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Please note though - you’re not actually better, you’re only feeling
better. So try not to push it too much, or you’ll have hell to pay later.
Again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Doc’s face came into focus above her own. His warm concern for a
fallen comrade was familiar now. He was right. She was starting to feel better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“How is everyone?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“None of us are untouched, but you undoubtedly took the worse of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“We killed the monster?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Yes, my trusty bolt pistol slew it. Although we never would have survived
without Ceres and Hippolyta.” Doc gestured over his shoulder to a pair of
newcomers talking with Lazarus and Gus. “Say hello to our new friends.” A pair
of women greeted her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Who are they?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“They claim they’re here on behalf of the xenos.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Ahhh. Help me up.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea limped over to them, favouring her left leg. Ceres looked …
dorky. She was tall and thin with a large nose. But her most notable feature
was her giant mop of hair. It had been cut to neatly frame her face, but the
effect reminded Althea more of a lander’s cockpit was framed by the rest of the
craft. She must be an off-worlder. Althea had been on Pickman for months and
not seen anyone affecting that style. She walked with a dancer’s grace and
exuded confidence that was thrown in disarray by her strange drab garments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Hippolyta, much shorter, looked dangerous. Dressed in matte black, she
was compact and confident, with a sword slung over her back and a large bulpup
autogun hanging from her belt. Her apparent strength seemed odd also, compared
with her grey hair and the clear weathering of her skin. Althea would have to
watch out for this one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I hear we have you to thank for being alive,” Althea said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Not so,” Ceres responded, smiling. “Your team fought well. We very
nearly did not need to intervene at all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Need to intervene? You mean, you were watching us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Yes. The Watcher sent us to ensure that you acquitted yourself as
promised.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea felt her blood starting to boil. “Why didn’t you help earlier?
We barely survived as long as we did.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Our mission was to assess your worth. If you seemed useful, but were
threatened, we had license to step in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“If you had intervened a little earlier, I might still be in one
piece.” Althea gestured down at her body – her flak armour was covered in
blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We are not your caretakers. Should you not have proved your worth, we
would have let you perish.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Hippolyta spoke up. “We should make haste. More will come soon.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Good to know.” Althea said to Ceres. She looked over at Gus, who had
just finished tying the purestrain’s two clawed hands to his belt. It looked as
if he had taken them off at the wrist with a chainsword. The front of his tunic
was covered in blue ichor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
He smiled. “This is an auspicious day. The Emperor smiles upon us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Hippolyta is correct. We should leave.” Doc said, sucking hard on his
rebreather.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
They fell in behind Hippolyta and walked out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Gus fell into step beside her. “You sent me back to go help Doc and
Lazarus.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Yes. Those three-arms are more powerful than the thugs I was facing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You nearly died.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We had to take risks.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Althea, <i>you</i> nearly died and
our flank collapsed.” Althea started to protest but he continued. “It would
have, if those two newcomers hadn’t come. Then we would have been <i>cut </i>up.” He said, using her slang against
her. That shut her up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We generally let you call the shots, but you’re not invincible and
you need to do better. Not everything moves like a man, these things always know
how to get behind us. I’m glad you survived. Glad we all survived.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
They walked back to the cutter in silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVH-iX4BwviLcMRL9QITCuyijU3RwIwYvCFyMc4TXgd8xsLTpONk1KxOcGU8YOE-Y1jv-hsqDuBCSJ-RYVzJDEzdstBG1EAgMQw70KOXaEGtjP-0aEe7z5PPtObknMwrNTwIaZPr3BsFQ/s1600/lander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVH-iX4BwviLcMRL9QITCuyijU3RwIwYvCFyMc4TXgd8xsLTpONk1KxOcGU8YOE-Y1jv-hsqDuBCSJ-RYVzJDEzdstBG1EAgMQw70KOXaEGtjP-0aEe7z5PPtObknMwrNTwIaZPr3BsFQ/s400/lander.jpg" /></a>They made it to the lander without further incident and packed into
the cargo hold. Ceres and Hippolyta climbed into the front next to a Sunguard
pilot. Althea wasn’t quite used to the Sunguard tabs yet, but he looked like a
lieutenant at least. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Hippolyta walked into the hold and placed a box on the floor. She
removed the lid and they saw a touchstone. An image of the eldar xenos
shimmered into being above the stone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’m told that you did an excellent job.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Couldn’t do it without your henchmen,” Lazarus muttered. Apparently not
quiet enough for the xenos to miss it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We manage the lairs, and occasionally they get big enough that we
need to cull them. You should not feel ashamed – this lair was long overdue for
a culling.” He responded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You ‘manage’ them?” Doc asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Yes, we will use them in our fight against the Great Devourer.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“How?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“It is beyond your ken. Just know that they must not be too weak, nor
too strong. So we cull periodically. You did an excellent job on this culling.
Your first culling.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“And what do the bloodwraiths have to do with them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Our pets are a separate matter. They must be protected, as they
protect us. You will see in time.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“What now?” Lazarus asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You have proven your worth. Now we move forward.” The xenos’ image
shimmered and then disappeared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Lazarus leaned forward and yelled into the cockpit. “How long until we
get back to the safehouse?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We will not be going to your safehouse.” Ceres responded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We must go back, my research is there.” Doc protested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“The safehouse was burnt down. There is nothing left to go to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“By the light of the Emperor.” Doc leaned back into his seat and
closed his eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We are taking you to the eldar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea’s stomach tied itself into knots. <i>I cannot let them put us on the wrong side of the Vox.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea leaned forward, “Your xenos made us a deal. We would torch a
nest and bring him back a claw, and he wouldn’t turn our hideout into a warzone.
He’s breaking his end of the bargain.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“The deal was that he would not kill you. Your lodgings were not
included.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea conceded the point. This Ceres sounded like a magistrate and
that wasn’t a line of reasoning that she was going to win. <i>It was worth a shot. </i>“Regardless, the deal did not include our eternal
fealty. Take us to Olivia.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The others looked up at her. Lazarus, the only one on her side of the
hold, leaned in and whispered “What do they know about her?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She waved him quiet. It was a good question though. She knew they knew
of Olivia, since the xenos had mentioned her by name. But she was gambling that
they knew much more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Why would we do that?” <i>Jackpot.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Why does your master want us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’m the one asking the questions here.” Althea couldn’t see Ceres,
but she could hear the annoyance creep into her voice. She was used to being obeyed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Fine, I’ll spell it out,” she said, unafraid that she might be making
an enemy. “Your master wants us because he wants allies in his war. We’re just
four soldiers. If he wants allies, he wants our boss on his side.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“And?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Let us talk to Olivia and we’ll get her, and our boss, onside.” She
was met with silence from the cockpit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You think you can do that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The others looked at her searchingly. “Yes,” she said. Truthfully, she
had no idea. But she knew that it was their only chance to keep the vox on
their side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Sure enough that you’ll kill Olivia if she won’t agree?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She looked around the cargo hold and the others were staring at her.
Gus’ mouth was hanging open (although he had really taken a beating, so he
might just be out of it). She pointed at herself, as if to say “I’ve got this.”
She hoped Gus trusted her to make the right decision they would have to follow
her lead if this was going to work out.<i> The
last thing I need is one of them to play hero.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Then she leaned back and closed her eyes. She felt their eyes on her,
but she did her best to ignore it. She started to count her breathing the way
she used to before a big race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL-hVZ6jwknjk5MZf1KrQKpiSsYYHC5enIOCP2YpxJEAV63fnIh4EDlu6XAKm5wyztE9aH0tlDB8ubOqGDEPA6AOlQXK6hSuEODzxfur14hGVR6CqHwYIVB1lnw2dPt-LAZMc8SyHSvXy/s1600/wh+rooftops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL-hVZ6jwknjk5MZf1KrQKpiSsYYHC5enIOCP2YpxJEAV63fnIh4EDlu6XAKm5wyztE9aH0tlDB8ubOqGDEPA6AOlQXK6hSuEODzxfur14hGVR6CqHwYIVB1lnw2dPt-LAZMc8SyHSvXy/s320/wh+rooftops.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Sunguard Lieutenant led them to a hab in what seemed to be a good block.
It seemed Olivia did well enough for herself. He knocked on the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The door slid open. Olivia’s eyebrows rose as she scanned their motley
crew and the Lieutenant, who she clearly recognized. Althea thought she
recognized the look on Olivia’s face. It reminded her of prey who was trying to
figure out if it should bolt or if maybe, if it stayed still enough, the
predator wouldn’t see it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Please come in. Armand, good to see you. Doc, Lazarus, Gus,” she said.
“Althea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Althea had to hand it to her, she was handling it well. She led them
into her hab and offered them some caffeine, as if this house visit was the
most normal thing in the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“So, I went by the … flat.” Olivia ventured. “What happened?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The men turned and looked at Althea. <i>Typical.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I think Armand should explain that.” Althea said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Arson.” Armand said around a cookie he had stolen from one of the
cupboards. <i>Huh. He looks quite at home.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We left it whole and thought we would be going back to it,” Althea
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Olivia’s eyes narrowed at her. “Did you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“What do you want?” Olivia looked angry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We need to speak to the Voice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Now Olivia looked angry <i>and </i>scared.
But she didn’t respond.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Lazarus responded to the unspoken challenge. “They already knew where
to find you, Olivia. We didn’t lead them here, they led us here.” <i>Thank you Lazarus.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We need to speak to him. Their boss,” Althea indicated Ceres,
Hippolyta and Armand, “has some information the Vox needs to know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You can tell me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Look Olivia, I know you don’t like me.” Althea said. “But their boss
has information on <i>this Great Devourer</i>.
Apparently it’s coming. Now I know my place, and I get the sense that this is
big information. Much bigger than me, and much bigger than you. The type of
information that the Voice needs to hear. This can only be the Voice’s
decision. Not mine and not yours.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Olivia stared at her and the dislike in her eyes was unmistakable. It
was clear her life had just been flipped upside down and it appeared that she
blamed Althea for it. Althea would have felt bad for her if she wasn’t such a
cutting tool.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’d bet my reputation on it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Reputation?” Olivia spat. “You’d be betting both of our lives on it.”
She was silent a moment longer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’ll arrange a meeting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-23325644403387971292017-07-10T07:23:00.000-07:002017-09-11T12:34:41.986-07:00Mathhammer - CHAINAXE vs. CHAINSWORDI've had the opportunity to get in a few games of 8th edition now (love it so far) and I've found myself wondering if chainswords were better than the chainaxes I paid for. So I thought I would do a bit of mathhammering and figure out what was what.<br />
<br />
I've set out my math below (the probabilities are for "to hit", "to wound", then failed armour save) and then drawn conclusions below that. If you don't like math, you can jump ahead to the conclusions heading.<br />
<br />
Berzerker w/ chainsword (WS3+, S5, 0 Rend):<br />
<br />
vs T4, 2+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/6 = 2/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 2+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 1/6 = 1/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 2+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/6 = 1/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 2+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/6 = 1/27 wounds per attack<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
vs T4, 3+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 3+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 1/3 = 2/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 3+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/3 = 2/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 3+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/3 = 2/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 4+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/2 = 2/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 4+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/6 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 4+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/2 = 1/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 4+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/2 = 1/9 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 5+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 2/3 = 8/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 5+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 2/3 = 2/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 5+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 2/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 5+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 2/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 6+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 5/6 = 10/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 6+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 5/6 = 5/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 6+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 5/6 = 5/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 6+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 5/6 = 5/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
Berzerker w/ chainaxe (WS3+, S6, -1 Rend):<br />
<br />
vs T4, 2+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 2+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 2+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 1/3 = 2/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 2+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/3 = 2/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 3+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/2 = 4/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 3+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 1/2 = 4/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 3+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/6 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 3+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 1/2 = 1/9 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 4+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 2/3 = 8/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 4+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 2/3 = 8/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 4+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 2/3 = 2/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 4+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 2/3 = 4/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 5+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 5/6 = 10/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 5+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 * 5/6 = 10/27 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 5+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 * 5/6 = 5/18 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 5+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 * 5/6 = 5/27 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
vs T4, 6+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 = 4/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T5, 6+ save = 2/3 * 2/3 = 4/9 wounds per attack<br />
vs T6, 6+ save = 2/3 * 1/2 = 1/3 wounds per attack<br />
vs T7, 6+ save = 2/3 * 1/3 = 2/9 wounds per attack<br />
<br />
Now for the comparison in each fight activation, a berzerker will have 3 attacks with a chainsword and 2 with a chainaxe, so each model will do the following number of wounds:<br />
<br />
vs T4, 2+ save = 6/27 (0.22) w/ CS and 8/27 (0.30) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T5, 2+ save = 3/18 (0.17) w/ CS and 8/27 (0.30) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T6, 2+ save = 3/27 (0.11) w/ CS and 4/18 (0.22) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T7, 2+ save = 3/27 (0.11) w/ CS and 4/27 (0.15) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
<br />
vs T4, 3+ save = 12/27 (0.44) w/ CS and 8/18 (0.44) w/ CA - EVEN<br />
vs T5, 3+ save = 6/18 (0.33) w/ CS and 8/18 (0.44) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T6, 3+ save = 6/27 (0.22) w/ CS and 2/6 (0.33) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T7, 3+ save = 6/27 (0.22) w/ CS and 2/9 (0.22) w/ CA - EVEN<br />
<br />
vs T4, 4+ save = 6/9 (0.67) w/ CS and 16/27 (0.59) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
vs T5, 4+ save = 3/6 (0.5) w/ CS and 16/27 (0.59) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T6, 4+ save = 3/9 (0.33) w/ CS and 4/9 (0.44) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T7, 4+ save = 3/9 (0.33) w/ CS and 8/27 (0.30) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
<br />
vs T4, 5+ save = 24/27 (0.89) w/ CS and 20/27 (0.74) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
vs T5, 5+ save = 6/9 (0.67) w/ CS and 20/27 (0.74) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T6, 5+ save = 12/27 (0.44) w/ CS and 10/18 (0.56) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T7, 5+ save = 12/27 (0.44) w/ CS and 10/27 (0.37) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
<br />
vs T4, 6+ save = 30/27 (1.11) w/ CS and 8/9 (0.89) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
vs T5, 6+ save = 15/18 (0.83) w/ CS and 8/9 (0.89) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T6, 6+ save = 15/27 (0.56) w/ CS and 2/3 (0.67) w/ CA - CHAINAXE WINS<br />
vs T7, 6+ save = 15/27 (0.56) w/ CS and 4/9 (0.44) w/ CA - CHAINSWORD WINS<br />
<br />
CONCLUSIONS<br />
<br />
Some interesting results to analyze. The first (and the most obvious IMO) is that the chainaxe is better against against 2+ armour. That is because each attack is now TWICE as likely to make it through the armour. The margin of betterness becomes even higher against T5/T6 because of the chainaxes other benefit (the +1S).<br />
<br />
When looking at all of the other results, the chainsword tends to do better in the extremes where the chainsword's extra attack outweigh's the aggregate benefits from the chainaxe (being the extra point of strength (which is useless against T4 and T7) and the -1 rend (which is less useful when the enemy's armour is shitter)). After reviewing the math, it made sense to me that the chainaxe upgrade only costs 1 point - of the 16 scenarios where the opponent has 3+ armour or worse, the chainaxe won 8, the chainsword won 6, and they tied on two.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, once you ignore 2+ armour saves, the decision appears to be more connected to toughness than armour. Look at T4 guys - the chainsword wins twice and they're tied the final time - the axe never wins. Same with T7. Compare that with T5/T6, where the chainaxe always wins.<br />
<br />
Basically, if you think you're going to be facing mostly T5 and T6 (or 2+ armour), it's worth it to use your chainaxe, otherwise keep the chainsword.<br />
<br />
Or you could do what I plan on doing for my tournament armies - which is to have a couple of chainaxes (maybe 33% of the unit) and then remove casualties depending on what's on the field opposite me. That way the list can be more balanced and I can adapt to the circumstances.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-62592166475919093202017-06-14T09:42:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:20:47.888-07:00Mission Transition (A3): Dancing with the Xenos Devil<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Father,</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In a few days it will be the
6th anniversary of your crash. </span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s been almost a year since
I’ve written to you. It feels like an eternity. These last two weeks in
particular have been more jarring than any since I left the Navy.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ve been stuck in bed for a
week now. My medtech says I’ll make a full recovery if I rest and give my body
time to heal. That’s time I don’t
have. I need to be better. I need to be
training. I need to be moving.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I can picture your reaction.
</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea, one thing at a time. As
your father</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
daughter, you will never face a challenge your will cannot overcome.” </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I try, my father. But my spirit is exhausted.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I find myself caught up in
schemes. Risking my life to achieve unknowable ends. I think it will get worse.
I</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ve killed
so much. I’ve killed so much of myself. In the Navy my uniform was a shield
against doubt. Now I lack that shield, and I’m full of doubt.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I know you would tell me to
leave. I cannot. I do this for you. I was sent a vidtape shortly after I joined
the Navy. A very disturbing scene, involving you. I don</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t know how they got it. I
don’t know how it exists. All you built - your reputation, your business. It
would be ruined. As my last gift to you, I hope to prevent that tape from ever
making it to the Nobles’ Ledger on Neroter. </span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I miss you father.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ve tried to make you proud.
I’ve tried to push and achieve, but I haven’t found a direction. Now someone
has given me a task, but how can I know if it’s worth fighting for? Is this
task just a chance at redemption for you? If I redeem you, will I myself be
damned? I’m tortured by not knowing.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In a few more days I should
be able to walk around, and a few days after that I should be able to begin
practicing again. I still have your gun. Thank you for using a soldier</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s gun instead of a showman’s
gun - it’s saved my life more than once. </span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I know you weren</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t perfect. I’ve had six
years to think about it, grow older and hopefully wiser. I know you put your
business first, but you protected me when you could. From mother and my brothers.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now all I have of you is
your gun, your scribebox and your legacy.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’m afraid this year’s
anniversary prayer will have to be private instead of at a chapel’s altar. I’m
a wanted woman in this world. I hope your spirit forgives me.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Love, your faithful
daughter, Althea.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea signed her name and put quill down. She sighed and rested her
head down on the desk.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She got up suddenly, knocking her chair over. Her mind seethed.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cut you father! I can</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t do this anymore. You neglected us. You neglected me. </span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She paused, trying to slow her rapid breathing.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You always cared more about
your business. We needed you. Why couldn</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t you see that? Or did you see that and not care?</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I still love you. You abandoned me.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5LR8gSuHvDT7vVH31GNRdfMJx-A8EctKpdI2XAItl3t4sj3RUzoeMxCkyxvY4dqNdi8S2enPO_-plvDq52tuAd8NZdkvVXxV8OyE6Lo22S1ScLMKSwZB8JzF1PFyC7mDXRXv0JH_X4mN/s1600/Vox-Legi_Arbites_Combat_Shotgun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="413" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5LR8gSuHvDT7vVH31GNRdfMJx-A8EctKpdI2XAItl3t4sj3RUzoeMxCkyxvY4dqNdi8S2enPO_-plvDq52tuAd8NZdkvVXxV8OyE6Lo22S1ScLMKSwZB8JzF1PFyC7mDXRXv0JH_X4mN/s320/Vox-Legi_Arbites_Combat_Shotgun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Althea's father's combat shotgun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Althea sprinted down the hallway. She
strained her ears but couldn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t hear anything other than
the pounding of her feet on the tile and the pant of her breath. He had a 5
minute head start. He could be anywhere. But she knew the twists and turns
ahead of her as well as anyone. He wouldn’t be just anywhere - he would have
picked a spot where she wouldn’t be able to sneak up on him.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
copper light filtered down, showing the rust on the walls. This hab block hadn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
been properly maintained in centuries.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Five cutting minutes! Frag
it. There</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ll
be surprises.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
One of the two best ambush spots was straight ahead as the corridor branched
out. This was the only entrance into this side of the Nest and they both knew
she wouldn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t take the long way around. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
caught a glint of light on a wire at knee height. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hah</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. She started to pick up
speed. <i>He knows I</i></span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’m coming. I gotta take this fast - be a hard target to
hit.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
launched through the air and over the wire.
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
planted her hands on the ground and pivoted into a backflip. CRACK. <i>Lasgun</i>.
She heard tiling shatter as she spun through the air and made it past the
passageway. She kept racing down the
corridor. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
would be moving his position now. She just needed to keep him moving, not let
him settle in again. She knew the odds
were with him if he managed to dig in again.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
crept along slowly. She had him. <i>Around
this corner…</i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
heard the slightest scraping sound behind her and whipped her head around.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was there with a piece of piping, swinging it at her head. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
launched herself backwards. She managed to dodge the pipe, but she wasn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
graceful about it, spiraling out against the wall. It was all she could do to keep her feet.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
came at her again. Too fast.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
dodged. Barely.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was getting a full head of steam. It was going to be impossible to stop him
soon.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
reached for her laspistol. She had been practicing in her room for a month. It
came out in one fluid motion and was in her hand almost before he realized she
was grabbing for it. His eyes widened in surprise. Frankly, she had surprised
herself. <i>I hope the power level is still set correctly.</i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
leveled the gun at him. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s over.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
squeezed the trigger, but he shifted quickly to the left and the bolt of energy
went crackling by him. <i>NO!</i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
brought the pipe up and connected it solidly with the laspistol, ripping it out
of her hand and sending it flying up in the air. Althea</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
eyes followed the gun’s trajectory straight up, but he was quicker. He leapt at
her with the pipe.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was all she could do to avoid the blow, leaping out of the way and landing on a
heap on the ground.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
caught the gun on its way down and leveled it at her. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re
right. It’s over.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Frag it,” she yelled. “You cutty
bastard!”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lazarus
threw back his head and laughed.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Got you again. Face it, I’m better
than you.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
took his offered hand and let him haul her to her feet. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re
better,” she said. “For now.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
shrugged. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You might be right. I was impressed
with that quick draw. If you had just shot me instead of pausing to gloat, you
probably would have had me.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
smiled ruefully at that. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How can you blame me? That’s
the first time it’s ever worked in front of another person.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lazarus
laughed again. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m not blaming you, just pointing
out that you’re your own worst enemy.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But I dodged that pipe what, three,
four times?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t forget the lasblast at the
beginning. Like I said the last time, you’re getting better.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
preened under his compliments. They had
been out here for two weeks while he trained her. She knew she had so much to
learn about everything, but they had been working on her speed and her ability
to dodge – she had to stay alive long enough to learn everything else.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who knows,” he continued. “Maybe
one of these days you’ll get good enough that I’ll be out here training </span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">my </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">skills
to keep up.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
punched him, but grinned despite herself.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
walked back to the safehouse in silence. The abandoned hab-block they called
the Nest lay past some warrens of dubious safety.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
made it back to the safehouse as twilight was descending. She wondered, not for the first time, whose
safehouse it was and whether the owner knew they were staying there. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is heresy!” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Look Gus,” Doc Geryk continued,
“you need to calm down.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
looked over at Lazarus. <i>Poor guy.</i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Calm down!?!” Gus sputtered, “Only
the fool is calm in the face of heresy</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">!</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
cooking skills barely stretched to fixing dehyd soup, so when Lazarus had shown
any inclination to fix food she had willingly abdicated all responsibility. Hoping to buoy flagging spirits, Lazarus had
spent the afternoon slaving in their sorry excuse for a kitchen (his words). It
had looked good and tasted even better than it looked. She was rather impressed.
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, that was overshadowed by the scene in front of her.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Doc
Geryk was doing his best to keep their voices down and their conversation
private, but there was no controlling Gus.
They could hear him loud and clear from the other side of the room.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Milk curds with fish! Imperial
Creed forbids dairy during the Feast of Vernon!” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Poor Lazarus</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. It looked as if every
comment was a stab wound to the chest. She leaned forward. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Laz,
it really is quite good.” He wasn’t listening to her.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Gus, you don’t have to eat it.” Doc
continued.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You would have me sit by while
heresy takes root?! Next you would have me hand the heretic my hammer for his
next dark sacrifice!”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was breaking her heart. Nobody had
cooked for her since ten years ago, when one of the cooks had made custard eggs
for Candlemass because they were her favourite. Finally someone had made a
delicious meal and it was being ruined.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Gus, this is hardly a dark
sacrifice. He made us dinner.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Knowing that to eat it would be a
sin in the Emperor’s eyes! He is trying to damn us!”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s it. </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You
cutting bastard, what the frik is wrong with you!?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gus
turned his piercing gaze on her. His
eyes were tainted with madness.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You too! You’re in on it!” He took
a step forward.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Doc
Geryk stood in between them. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Althea,… “ he started.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What the frik is wrong with you?”
She said. “You haven’t been acting normally.” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How </span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">could </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I act normally with heresy
right under my very nose?!</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
reached down and grabbed her plate. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Imagine
the heresy if you had fish and dairy running down your tunic and soaking in
your hair.” He took a step backwards and a look of horror spread over his face.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You wouldn’t.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Emperor guide my aim. Don’t test
me.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gus
abruptly turned and fled towards the bunkroom. <i>His mind is just cut right now. What is wrong with him?</i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
looked around. Lazarus had left too.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Althea, why do you antagonize him?”
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Lazo was just trying to help.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You know the Emperor’s light blazes
brightly enough in him to dim some of his other thoughts.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No, Doc.” She shook her head. “I
think the Emperor’s light is dimming. He hasn’t been the same since that night
at the Red Eyes’ depot.” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Doc
Geryk sighed and waved his hand, conceding the point. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I
just think there are better ways to defuse Gus’… piety.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That’s not piety. That’s one of our
crazy teammates undermining one of our dependable ones. You need to figure out
what’s wrong with him.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The touchstones are beyond all my
knowledge and reasoning. I cannot discern their function.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Keep trying!” She said, with a
little more force than was necessary. </span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It wasn</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t Doc’s fault.</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
sat down and looked at her plate, no longer interested in the food.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
heard Doc Geryk shuffle off towards his study.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Althea had made it halfway through her plate when a bloodcurdling shriek cut through her thoughts.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It had come from Doc</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">’s study.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She grabbed her laspistol, sprinted through the safehouse and burst through the door to Doc</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">’s study. In front of Doc Geryk was a shimmering apparition. It was floating a foot above the floor. It was tall with long, lithe limbs. It had long flowing robes and delicate interlocking armour and it turned to face her, long hair shimmering about its form but not quite hiding long pointed ears. Its grace was unmistakable. This was an Eldar. She thought it was male, but she wasn’t quite sure. She hadn’t seen one since her Navy days when they had fought off Eldarii pirates. She raised her laspistol at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH_y7VstJBIEWGRuGAXCqIJTO5gCrymbghff5Qf0dRU5hMCYMlipFUipMTvX7M2NEyG5svFvbNZfQ77LZVukBPsYmkbjEetES8wPG5geYtYEhWi8_-Pxe8fz9V96XXwUjWmCuu7h1GvQ-/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH_y7VstJBIEWGRuGAXCqIJTO5gCrymbghff5Qf0dRU5hMCYMlipFUipMTvX7M2NEyG5svFvbNZfQ77LZVukBPsYmkbjEetES8wPG5geYtYEhWi8_-Pxe8fz9V96XXwUjWmCuu7h1GvQ-/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The xenos ghost of christmas future pays our heroes a visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your weapon is useless.” His
musical voice sounded like gentle rain.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
ignored him. Her skin crawled with psychic power being harnessed and keeping
her gun pointed gave her a measure of comfort.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
heard Lazarus and Gustavius barrel in after her, nearly knocking her over.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who are you?” She demanded.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That is not important.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I will decide what’s important.
What the cut are you doing here?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Trying to decide what type of
nuisance you are. You have stolen my property. But you may yet make amends.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What property?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why, my poor stones.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He is referring to the touchstones
we procured.” Doc said.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Those are yours?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes. And I will have them back.” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“They are ours now. What are those
touchstones doing to the people of Pickman?” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Heresy…” Gus muttered. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why are you doing it?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We do this to save you, and
everyone.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your stones are poisoning people’s
heads and your monsters are killing people.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We are doing only what we must. An
unspeakable horror is upon us. The Great Devourer approaches, and we act where
your people do not. We act to save life, and freedom and thought and beauty.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are you talking about?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your leaders ignore this peril and
doom us all.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You seek to save the planet by
burning it?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
considered this for a second. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why do you do nothing while
the planet burns around you?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
was taken aback. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We are working to save this
planet.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
simplicity of the question struck a chord in her. She didn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t truly
know. They had done what the vox (and Olivia) had asked of them. She had no
idea what their true aims were.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Serve me and help me save you.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are you talking about?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Olivia and your patron know not
what they do. Only we can save the sector.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
continued, louder now, in a voice that reverberated through her head. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Serve
us and help us save the world.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Eldar turned and looked at Geryk, talking quickly now, and staring. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Geryk, we share a great enemy. Rest
assured that our ultimate goal is to confound the Great Devourer. You are wise
to fear it. You are unwise to avoid it. We can help you become the hunters that
will be needed not now, but next year, and the year after that. Your masters up
to now have not rewarded your commitment and your tenacity. I have at least the
honesty to admit to you: you are disposable, but you can be useful now for all
of your kind, and mine.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Geryk</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
face was a mask of emotion. It was clear he was deeply affected by what the
xenos was saying.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Gustavius, I know I am asking you
to break oaths that have served you well, and served your people well. I also
know that your understanding of humanity is more nuanced than some high-minded
and rigid forms demand. Is it your belief that He on Terra demands the
obliteration of this sector? Can only humans have solutions to a crisis born
outside the very galaxy? A new age is coming, and the Eldar will stand with
Humanity here, to protect a bounty that lies hidden. Here among the Ghoul Stars
you drift upon a battlefield that has raged since your Dark Age. The Emperor’s
light will never fall here if we cannot learn how the Swarm behaves. Here, we
have the antibodies that might begin to turn the tide. All that is required is
your patience, diligence and grit.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Next,
the xenos turned to her and fixed its eyes upon her very soul. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Althea,
the retribution you seek is nothing at all. It is meaningless. Your own father
trafficked with my most blasted Cousins. His malfeasance </span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">should</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
be exposed, or his name be never more than a sham. Your patron has certainly
damned you, and only we can save you, make you really human in a way that a
name could never achieve. Indeed, you can find a new name should want it, if
you have the boldness to take it for yourself. You are lucky: you need not
tread so lightly on the skeins as I must, and thus may live a full life,
without the terrible burden we suffer.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
was stunned. It was talking about her <i>father</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Lazarus, You understand this all
already, I believe. There is nothing to be gained from sentimentality if it
bars one from effective action. This is a job worth doing.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“WHAT THE CUT ARE YOU SAYING ABOUT
MY FATHER?!?” Althea raised the laspistol and shot a bolt right into its eye.
The bolt passed harmlessly through the apparition and scorched the rear wall of
the study.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You heard me. You already surpass
your legacy and you are held back by ties to the past.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re LYING.” Althea fired again.
Twice. Lazarus reached over and took the pistol out of her hand.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Look instead to your true heart.
You believe.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
was perhaps the scariest part - that a part was only too ready to believe that
it told the truth of her father. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How can we fight the Great
Devourer?” Geryk asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We can show you how. There is no place
you can run, you must take a stand.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Whaddaya want us to do?” Lazarus
asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I need a token of good faith. I
need you to prove that you will help us, serve us. There is a cell near the
Face where a genestealer cult is operating. We need you to go and return with
the claw of a genestealer.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why would we believe you?” Althea
asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your friend is sick.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
blinked as the pieces fell into place. <i>Gustavius.</i>
She looked at him. Gus was staring blankly, pleadingly at the xenos.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When was the last time you ate?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Cannot remember.” </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How have you slept?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Barely.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Do you dream of fire and blood? Of
creatures from your worst nightmare.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes.” He whispered. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This explains Gus.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Althea thought. <i>But nothing else</i></span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…</span></i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why is he sick?” Althea asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“His blood has been mixed with the
blood of our Pack. Those you know as bloodwraiths.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What is this sickness?” Doc asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He will eventually turn into one of
them. More properly, they will turn into him.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
silence fell as the group digested this.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Trying
to regain control of the situation, Althea asked, </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why
don’t you kill this genestealer yourself?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We need a gesture of good faith
from you.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We need a gesture of good faith
too. Heal our friend.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
xenos considered this, and then nodded.
A blue light came out of his outstretched hand and a cloud seem to float
out of Gus</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ mouth in one long exhale. Gus slumped momentarily before looking back
up.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How do you feel?” Althea asked.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hungry.” Gus got up and turned to
leave. “I need food.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Wait!” Doc Geryk hurried and grabbed
Gus before he could leave. “I must inspect you first.” Doc peered into Gus’
eyes and down his throat and brought out his scanner and passed it over him.
“He’s healthy.” Gus practically knocked down the Doc on his way out of the
room.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now you will do as I request?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How exactly did you see this
working?”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“There are Sun Guard waiting for you
outside. They will take you there in a cutter and you will retrieve the
creature for me.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Althea
looked around. Lazarus was nodding and Doc was still looking at his scanner.
She sensed that Lazarus had been won over. She had heard Doc</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
views on genestealers before and knew what his decision would be.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
wasn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t as deadly as Lazarus, as righteous as Gustavius or as
useful with a needle and a stimpack as Geryk, but she felt useful to the group
nonetheless. She felt that the others looked to her for guidance when the
bullets started flying. She supposed she might be their</span><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">leader.
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
she felt a certain amount of loyalty to these three cutting bastards, and
wanted to make the right choice by them. She knew Olivia and the vox had been
holding out information on them. Probably lying to them too. Just as she knew
that this xenos wasn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t telling them the whole
truth. Probably lying to them too.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I assume it went without saying,
but let me be clear. The Sun Guard will
either take you out of here in a cutter to the cult, or they will take you out
of here in boxes.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
threat rang true, but she wasn</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t that worried. She knew
this xenos underestimated them. Everyone had so far.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ultimately,
it came down to trusting her instinct and the decision became a lot easier once
she put aside concerns about Olivia and the vox and what they would think. Her
decision boiled down to one simple question - fight the Sun Guard, who might be
her enemy, or fight the genestealer cult, who were definitely her enemy. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Tell them to prep the cutter, we’re
going in.”</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> They could deal with Olivia and the
vox later.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-27136278826234945612017-06-02T14:30:00.001-07:002017-06-02T14:30:54.197-07:00Quick thoughts on transition to 8thI am very impressed with how GW has handled this transition. This edition had been rumoured for a while, but they kept the details very secret until they were able to spill them on their own terms.<br />
<br />
And what a job they have done spilling those details. Little niblets of information here and there. Beautiful pictures, beautiful models and talking up how deadly everything will be. I've heard lots of positive feedback from my gaming group and even the usual salty corners of the internet seemed closer to freshwater than the dead sea.<br />
<br />
I doubt they can balance everything perfectly on the first go, and obviously some armies are going to end up more powerful than other armies, but everyone seems pretty excited about the new edition. Additionally, they've been excited and optimistic for some weeks now and I think that that has bought GW a lot of goodwill.<br />
<br />
Given the goodwill, new gamers will likely now approach the new changes with a more open mind. I'm sure there will be things that they'll miss, but when they start playing games in 1.5 hours instead of the 3+ they used to take, I'm sure a lot of them will be won over.<br />
<br />
SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES<br />
<br />
Unlike most of my hobby group, I haven't really been looking up all of the rules that have been leaked over the last week. So while they're already making army lists, I'm sitting here in partial ignorance content to wait for everything to officially drop so I can learn it all at once.<br />
<br />
Things that most excite me:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>As mentioned above, we should be able to get through a game in less than 2 hours. I found that the length of games was a real deterrent in throwing down.</li>
<li>The trimming of the rules bloat. I generally have a mind for rules, but I couldn't keep up with the bloat that happened in 7th. While I still don't expect to keep up with all of the dataslates that get released all of the time, at least they'll be in smaller more manageable chunks.</li>
<li>Armour save modifiers. Not only is it more realistic, it should allow for more subtle differences between guns/units. Plus I started with 2nd and then moved to WHFB, so I've been using armour save modifiers for most of my gaming career.</li>
<li>These primaris marines might get me to dig out my old marine chapter - the Dawn Heralds...</li>
</ol>
<br />
Two things that most disappoint me:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The rules for the individual armies are not going up free. The last two times that GW did this was with Fantasy (back at the start of 6th edition I think and then again for AOS). In both of those cases, the rules for every army were released for free (I still remember poring over "ravening hordes" around the turn of the millenium). I think they should be doing something similar rather than trying to amortize out the cost of the gamedevs over the initial release - that cost should get amortized out over the life of the product and they should charge less for these initial books - trying only to cover printing/shipping.</li>
<li>The owning player can remove models from wherever he/she wants in the unit. I charged into a unit of 60 zombies in a game of AOS the other day and only 12/15 zombies were engaged in the combat because the unit was so huge. I managed to kill ~10 zombies, but instead of reducing the guys engaged in combat, they were removed from the back of the unit. Then I got hurt real bad. Anyway, I'll get used to it (much like I did with all or nothing armour saves), but I think I'll always prefer it the other way.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Anyway, those are just my initial thoughts. I'm really excited for these beautiful new models and what I think will be a nice streamlined (hopefully more balanced) game.Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-41885446522977693582017-05-12T08:11:00.001-07:002017-05-12T08:11:35.981-07:00Thoughts on my first game of AoSSo I recently bought the Blades of Khorne battletome and two night's ago I showed up at B. Grimm's house with my battletome, a few dice, and 2,120 points of bloody khornate daemons.<br />
<br />
It was a lot of fun. B Grimm edged me. His mournghouls were stars of the show - they held up units for long periods of time and slowly ripped everything to shreds. With their excellent saves and regeneration, there wasn't much I could do to them. Of course, I also made the mistake of sending my little guys after it instead of my big monsters. When my big monsters finally squared up against them, his rolling was a bit better and they won. I need to give my guys some buffs to hit...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKU0fBK4l4nIZvF7iYYSL38p1qxO6bsNEmIwKsClwkfwI-u4c0x6MQtAWtcggB1FTiQJEXSBmTguQ-Bw_HOYJQ736-wwoWvDtxuxF5yS3zoKoMJDqM7BohYQeQFBpcE_TUcfaaidfUIKI/s1600/insensate+rage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKU0fBK4l4nIZvF7iYYSL38p1qxO6bsNEmIwKsClwkfwI-u4c0x6MQtAWtcggB1FTiQJEXSBmTguQ-Bw_HOYJQ736-wwoWvDtxuxF5yS3zoKoMJDqM7BohYQeQFBpcE_TUcfaaidfUIKI/s640/insensate+rage.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy is going to have to do better next time if he expects khorne to continue to smile on him...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can tell that when we both better understand the rules and our army, that the game is going to flow very fast. Much faster than 40k used to (which was frankly one of the biggest road blocks in playing more 40k). I've been poring over my battletome since the game, studying it and getting ready for the rematch.<br />
<br />
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT AOS<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The alternating choice of attacking order (meaning that you still have strategic decisions to make even in the opponent's turn).</li>
<li>The nature of the scenario we played where objectives were worth a number of points equal to the value of the turn. Even though B Grimm won with 2 points (the objectives were either not captured or contested every other turn), it meant that the game was still wide open until the very last second.</li>
<li>When two of my bloodthirsters crashed into a unit of 60 zombies and between them killed about 33 zombies which meant another 18 or so were pulled off the table due to battleshock (although I should note that they had wiffed two turns in a row on those same zombies, so it was about time! - Khorne was about to get very upset with them...)</li>
</ul>
<br />
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT AOS<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Models can be removed from anywhere in the unit, even out of line of sight. It means that you can kill 20 models, but as long as the unit is big enough, everyone near you is still going to be able to attack back.</li>
</ul>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-18517794160223494882017-04-23T19:35:00.002-07:002017-10-11T12:20:34.119-07:00Mission Report (A2): Smash and Grab<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea sat in the back of the van, staring at the others through hooded eyelids. She was pretending to be disinterested, but the pair in front of her were commanding her full attention. She had seen them around the safe house in the two days since she had shown up, but she still didn't really know either of them.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gustavus had the air of a preacher, quite the opposite of Doc Geryk’s skittish, muffled presence. Gustavus had an ample belly on a thick frame. His voice always seemed to be addressing a throng, even in ‘quiet conversation’. His constant companion, a laudhailer servo-skull, was clearly a redundancy for a man used to pontification in general, and frothing piety at its likely peak. Even his (rarely) quiet attention was potent enough that Althea felt its weight even when she was looking elsewhere. He was larger than life, truly, and seemed almost to speak a different language of humanity than Althea knew; an alloy of simple belief, directness and bombast.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea found herself anxious should there be any need to be discreet – she couldn’t imagine this man ever being able to ‘sneak’, and his flamer indicated perhaps a propensity for destruction.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In her experience, men like this led either from the front, or from the back. There was rarely a middle ground. She could tolerate the rushing immediacy of a combat leader. Vacillating ‘strategists’ never seemed to last long in the boarding parties in the Navy. You couldn’t trust a soldier, or a leader, that wouldn’t be where you needed him to be. All Navy crews were trained to repel boarders at the drop of a hat (or hatch), and there was rarely time to ‘wait for reinforcements’ or ‘outflank’ in the confines of a voidship under fire. Less still in a landing sortie or dusting off med-evac from a hot DZ. Althea may have spent more time with toggles under her feet than a lasgun in her hand, but she appreciated decisive, trusting leaders. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lazarus, the last of them, was harder to read than Doc or Gus. His sniper rifle alone suggested a trained eye. His weapon’s condition, impeccable, stood in contrast to a tendency to general scruffiness. He was otherwise happily non-descript; average height, average build, with the new chameleoline cloak Doc had found draped over his shoulders. He was a bit gruff and didn’t say much. He’d simply accepted the chamo with a grunt, the other three more or less deciding that he could need it to be the ‘eye in the sky’. Indeed, despite his reticence she found she trusted him immediately – a good thing for the gun at your back.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea was starting to get over her fear of having betrayed the Syndicate. Sure, her face had surely gone out on the two-face board, and they might even have put a bounty on her, but she seemed to have more resources here. Even though she still knew very little, the demeanour of her compatriots tended far less to the… piratical… than her more recent acquaintances. They clearly had resources, even if they were black bag. Althea knew she was in harm’s way now more than ever, but she was also closer to… something, anything more than the sleepwalking she had called “life” since her accident. Maybe these Or at least get someone to fix her damn eye!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lazarus and Gustavius were arguing about the approach. Althea was keenly aware that she was the newcomer to the group, and so she was treading lightly until she could read the situation better. The Doc was up front, driving the groundvan. She knew she was a better driver, but she wanted to keep her face out of view in case there were syndicate plotters around. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And besides, he hasn't broken an axle - yet.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea sighed. She didn't know why she was in this groundvan, heading off to Emperor knows where to put herself in danger. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I left that behind when I left the Navy... Saints and martyrs, why didn’t I just drop that vox out of an airlock...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Except that she did know </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">why </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">she was in the van. She was going to recover Touchstones from a Syndicate stash.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Olivia. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bitch</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Something about her grated on Althea. She sent them out but stayed behind at the safehouse. She didn't think that Olivia was the voice behind the vox, but she was closer than anyone else there. Though from what she said, maybe not even… something about finding a dying man near the Face. Olivia played things close to the chest. Althea would cooperate until she could get the voice to destroy the tape. And if it wouldn’t, she would destroy the voice. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or die trying.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Touchstones were apparently addictive as all cut. She had never Touched. Apparently it made lho sticks seem like smelling amasec instead of actually drinking it. ‘One touch, out of touch’, so the Red Eye’d have it. The skinners lined up for tickets with coordinates and times for the ‘Showings’ like a Ministorum vidlog sermon or something, just for… quietly touching some stone? This was clearly heresy at best, and damned heresy at worst. This was bad news.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea felt her patience run out. She leaned forward and slapped the seat with the map on it. She addressed Lazarus and Gustavius with the certainty that only the young and the mad could muster. “You really want to plan all the details based on the map written by a captive that you’ve been torturing? We’ll get there and Lazarus can climb one of these buildings to get a good vantage. Then we’ll improvise.” That shut them up. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They arrived and it looked as if the map had been accurate. There was a roofless bunker surrounded by fences and a field before ruined buildings started to rise in the distance. Lazarus scaled one of the ruined buildings while they waited for his report. Their target lay under the bunker.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her microbead buzzed to life. “I got two. Engage? Over.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea mulls over the question before responding. While she’s thinking, she hears the preacher’s gruff voice “I’ll introduce them to the light of the emperor – I think I can talk our way in, I’m very persuasive.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This guy was even worse than the Doc. She had been planning on letting the others lead the way. After all, they surely had more experience in these types of situations, but she couldn't. Her voice just came out.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Absolutely not. This is Syndicate. Nobody knows about it except for Syndicate. Or the Suns they paid off. And we’re almost at the Face – Elevators are the Face, or close enough. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nobody </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">wanders out here. Lazo, you watch and update. If one of them sees us, take them out.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My name is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lazarus.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’ll take that as affirmative.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She led Doc and the preacher through the shattered habs. They got through four rooms and across an alley before one of Gus’ hammers hit a piece of masonry and made a large clang. They froze immediately.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYXpqLoqv72Zyl3mH0becKdGow0Vt0U7t8xCBEcAgT_To1F9XtNmOOIIgaYp8yJkrgWY_RMP39zqISK5QSEhNG0FKAXsZ3nLp_A6Vdt10sQrfFMVr4fc5moTFm6EQc3EbxGd7p3Yanc4Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYXpqLoqv72Zyl3mH0becKdGow0Vt0U7t8xCBEcAgT_To1F9XtNmOOIIgaYp8yJkrgWY_RMP39zqISK5QSEhNG0FKAXsZ3nLp_A6Vdt10sQrfFMVr4fc5moTFm6EQc3EbxGd7p3Yanc4Y/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Gus hiding behind the ruins waiting for the Red Eye to approach.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“One approaching. Suspicious.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut that.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gustavius turned to them. “I’ll wait here for the heretic,” he grumbled, knotting his brow. Gus pulled his shotgun and huddled in wait.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She led the doc through the hab now to close on the bunker from the far side from Lazarus. As she braced on a window frame to climb through, the cladding she grabbed sprang out as she put her weight on it. It shifted a mass of detritus off the shattered floor above them, and rubble went clattering forward.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“They heard you. I’m engaging.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She heard a bang. In the distance she thought she saw a spray of red mist through the bunker’s open top. “Fulfilled. Acquiring target.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As Althea burst from the building and started to race towards the bunker, she saw Gustavius step out from behind his cover and shoot the first syndicate ganger with his combat shotgun, pulping her body where she lay in cover from the Sniper.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She heard the Doc running behind her. She was hoping that the gangers would move out on Lazo’s position and she could circle up behind them and shoot them in the back. With her long legs, she was much quicker than Doc Geryk and soon began to outpace him, so that as she closed in on the bunker she was very much alone. A Red Eye jumped through the window and shot her at close range as she closed in on the bunker. She dodged the worst of it, but was seared through the leg, which went numb. She heard the Doc’s laspistol returning fire. He even managed to hit the ganger, but didn’t look like he caused much damage. If only the doc was still using his bolt rounds.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her regret didn’t last long as she pulled out her shotgun and downed the grunt. That close, nothing would survive three hits from her father’s shotgun.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The grounds were silent. “Lazo, see anything?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Negative.”</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDRKPDLD9QkYOKjVs7UzixS6dNBSNqc0xbADeYJEUMv2lpZnTRGdUqggwhDctBmt-IRE0L45CUojGl-8Gg6CgQLYAl7ADhMf77zj2aKmAa9vQGwlWmNdkKFaVmvEw46rapU8UP_xztx-O/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDRKPDLD9QkYOKjVs7UzixS6dNBSNqc0xbADeYJEUMv2lpZnTRGdUqggwhDctBmt-IRE0L45CUojGl-8Gg6CgQLYAl7ADhMf77zj2aKmAa9vQGwlWmNdkKFaVmvEw46rapU8UP_xztx-O/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The bunker with the casualties littered around it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Wait,” she heard Gustavius say, “one second, I’m going to try something.” She heard a grunt and a rock went flying into the bunker. They heard a clank and then nothing. She peered around the doorway and the bunker was empty, just a rock sitting on the floor. She gave Gustavius a quizzical look as he walked up.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What?” he shrugged. “I thought throwing a grenade might flush them out.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“That wasn’t a grenade. It was a rock.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Heretics aren’t that smart.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They found a hatch and gathered around it. Gus prepped his flamer and Althea leaned over and pulled the hatch back. She heard the explosion of a boltround and the hatch blew apart in her hand. She felt pain lance through her left arm as she was thrown backwards onto her ass. A piece of shrapnel had ripped through her armour and torn up her arm.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Cut this!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing else came out of the hatch. Doc came around to her and put a med-adhesive on her hands. It burned, but they started to feel better pretty quickly and the blood stopped. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gus reached down to his belt and unhooked a grenade and dropped it through the hole. There was a bang and a flash of light as the acrid smoke of a stun grenade floated up through the hole. Althea looked into the hole and saw a ladder going down a wall. She really hated running point, but she knew it had to be her. Anyone else would have to climb down the ladder, exposing their back to the rest of the room. She had always been light on her feet. She gripped her shotgun tightly and leapt into the room below, landing lightly on the floor, her shotgun sweeping ahead of her.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She saw two bodies crumpled on the ground, their chests rising and falling. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No one else.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Clear.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The others climb down the ladder after her. She motioned for Lazarus to cover one door, the doc to cover the other and the preacher to attend to one of the bodies. She went to the second body, pulling out her climbing line.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No boltgun</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still rats crawling around here… </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The man’s stink assaulted her nose. These Syndicate are repulsive - worse than any she had met in the last few months. As she reached out to the man, she heard a grunt and the man grabbed her wrist and pulled. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut it! He was playing dead!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Althea!” She hears Doc Geryk yell. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She may not have been ready for the initial pull, but Althea was nothing if not fast and she did manage to bring her knee up. She fell down, cracking the man in the nose. She squirmed and grabbed the man’s wrist, twisting it up behind him. He yelled in pain. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Doc! Get over here!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geryk walked over, pulling out his laspistol. His eyes were wide open. Wild.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He pointed the pistol at the man, who stopped struggling. Althea let go and stood up behind him.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Get up. Slowly.” she said.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He started to rise, slowly, and then shifted his weight and launched himself towards the medic. There was a quick flash and the smell of cooked meat flooded the room. The man fell, holed through.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Doc’s twitchy as all cut! No prisoners for the medic I guess!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea looked over at Gustavius, who had been watching this entire exchange. He looked down at the guy crumpled on the ground below him and then back at the man Doc had just shot. He unhitched his hammer from his belt and raised it in the air.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Death to the heretic,” he screamed before bringing his hammer down. There was a sickening crunch as the man’s skull went concave.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The casualness of it shocked Althea, but she didn’t entirely disagree with the sentiment. They couldn’t afford another of these thugs waking up as they pressed forward. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tie him up? Cut it – make them pay.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> She had made a mistake that the preacher would clearly not repeat. The Doc looked like he was going to be sick, and even Lazarus looked uncomfortable.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No time to dwell on it.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Doc, Gus, with me. We’re going through that door. Lazo, cover the other.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The men followed her lead. Gus unhitched his flamer and as Althea pulled back the door, Gus fired a huge gout of promethium into the adjoining room. Once the flame had dissipated, they threw back the door and stepped inside.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Miraculously, and unfortunately, neither of the room’s two occupants seemed hurt. There was a man with a lasgun, and then her eyes fell on a cutting plasma rifle, the coil glowing even in the brightly lit room. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Light of the Emperor! Where the cut did they get one of those!?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She raised her shotgun but one of the Syndicate beat her to it. She stumbled as a lasround punched through her armour and scorched her thigh. A streak of plasma went wide, melting their entry hatch.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggANG2HNumhqxOPzWe81jQcQv-0qxZOgog03DnwfTGxMakIcPRIucRiDyaJlC__-R-_psaE8fOCAXbCHmZhvGst4jAzldv02VUqrYndn6VBvjUKbshp-BxQv-1UilQZtI7weCm76USY7EQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggANG2HNumhqxOPzWe81jQcQv-0qxZOgog03DnwfTGxMakIcPRIucRiDyaJlC__-R-_psaE8fOCAXbCHmZhvGst4jAzldv02VUqrYndn6VBvjUKbshp-BxQv-1UilQZtI7weCm76USY7EQ/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The plasma gun overheating and exploding. Althea was nearly critically injured.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gus pulled his shotgun and snapped off three quick shots. The first shot spun him left, sending flak armour flying. The second missed, but the third round struck the right leg, blowing off foot below the flak. The plasma gunner pitched forward from his ruined limb. He spasmed as he fell, the plasma gun going off as the ground rose up, the barrel melting itself and a moment later the plasma coil overheated and exploded, grounding everyone in the room.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Afterwards, and after discussing with Doc, they figured that a tiny piece of shrapnel had pierced her chest under the flak and come out the other side. In the moment, all she knew was that she felt a piercing pain before it became very hard for her to breathe. Doc informed her later that she’d had a pocket of air rapidly growing inside her body cavity.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea was still a survivor. Through the pain she did what she always did – focus on the most immediate threat to her survival. Her vision was turning black and she was swaying on her feet, but Althea lifted her shotgun and shot the second Red Eye. The recoil threw her backwards right into the Doc, who grabbed her before she could fall. Just before her vision went completely dark, she felt another sharp pain in her chest and looked down. Doc’s hand was there holding a huge needle which was sticking out of her chest.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her lungs flooded with blessed air. Air that she used in the most natural way.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“WHAT THE CUT DOC!?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“NEEDLE DECOMPRESSION! SECOND INTERCOSTAL SPACE!” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You’re trying to cutting kill me!!!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You couldn’t breathe! I released the air so that your lungs could inflate again.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Get the cut away from me!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“It’s not uncommon. You’ll be better now. But I need to patch up the wounds.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Cut you,” Althea protested, limply. She damn sure let him approach and apply bandages, sang-seal and detox.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through the haze of pain, Althea watched Gustavius with the wounded gunner. He slapped him to wake up him up and then started asking him questions. The gangster answered, though Althea could hear neither the questions nor the answers, so didn’t know if Gus was satisfied. In answer to one of the questions, the man pointed towards the room they had left Lazarus covering, but the effort to move his arm caused him to faint. Gus pulled his </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imperial Creed </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">out and started to read the man his last rites, his voice booming in the confined space. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He finished and put the book away before grabbing and raising his hammer.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“No!” Doc Geryk yelled. “Gus, what are you doing?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gustavius brought the hammer down in a wide arc.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Those were his last rites.” He replied. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"What the hell are you saying?" </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I couldn’t risk him waking up - then they wouldn’t have been last rites.” Gus shrugged as if that explained everything.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Doc was stunned into silence.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea levered herself up, wincing. She spoke before the Doc could respond. “It’s done now. Let’s move on. We need to get those Touchstones and get out of here. Neither of these guys had a boltgun, so we need to be alert.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They agreed to split up. Althea and Lazarus took the doorway in the first room while Gus and Doc took the doorway in the second room. As they stood outside their door, planning their approach, they heard the boom of a boltgun. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preacher and Doc found the rats!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "We gotta go now!" Althea said, "we can catch them in a crossfire."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lazarus hurled open the door and was immediately rewarded with a boltgun round exploding beside him, sending him sprawling. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Althea's nerves were too raw to feel fear. She looked through the door and saw a long hallway intersected by another. At the end of her hallway, a short man with a grey hat and cloak stood with a smoking bolt pistol. A red dab around one eye, and a flash of red sash at his throat, he snarled. Althea was on auto-pilot - she fired three quick blasts at the man. He slumped and his weapons skittered across the floor.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHlbWJAEIJazBsnUTH8Ykmew3if8p5OyTRiyj9WjxM1VCZVYWz5YCGzKunaDj8EfRP0twOZeSq0jyEvMSHpsDDnF8jtjzsGRDYad00iQXzNX5tKs_7xAA0up4kVBXZr3upkY1v5N9GQj2/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHlbWJAEIJazBsnUTH8Ykmew3if8p5OyTRiyj9WjxM1VCZVYWz5YCGzKunaDj8EfRP0twOZeSq0jyEvMSHpsDDnF8jtjzsGRDYad00iQXzNX5tKs_7xAA0up4kVBXZr3upkY1v5N9GQj2/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Althea downs the Red Eye as Gus prepares to crack open the other's skull.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She looked back at Lazo and saw him stir. By the grace of the Emperor he lived, although there were just smoking scraps where his chestplate used to be.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I better go take care of this slug. We'll be worse off if he grabs his gun while I'm looking after Lazo.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> She moved for the grey clad man.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the quiet after the gunshots, the sounds of yelling and the crash of bodies floated down from the perpendicular hallway. She heard Gustavius and Doc Geryk yelling and the voice of a third man. There was a loud crash and a holler from that third voice. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She heard the sound of footsteps and, just before she reached the perpendicular hallway… a bloody mass flying across her field of vision accompanied by a spray of blood. What could only be a large piece of skull, hair dripping with brain, whacked off the rear wall and landed in an acrid puddle. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What the cut have I gotten into?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Focus. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She crossed the hallway and kicked the man she had shot. He winced. His arms and legs were pretty mangled, but he otherwise didn't seem that injured.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You - where are the touchstones?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I dunno cha. We go over there by the hatch," he gestured in the direction of the flying head, "and then they leave them for us." </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He’s calm. He must not have seen the head. Or maybe he's high on a touch stone.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Who's they?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I dunno cha."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She pulled out her laspistol. "You don't know?" </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"No cha. No idea."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"What do they look like?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Never seen em. Can't go into the room between thirteen chimes and fourteen chimes. When we go at fourteen, the stones are there."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Then what?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Then we run them to the Showing. Then the cells run ‘em back when they're done."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fourteen chimes? That's six hours from now, we can't wait.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "How do you call for more?"</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You dun' cha. They leave em, we get em. Just like that."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You must have a way to call for them."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Nahuh. You can wait, but they're going to get you first." He sneered through the blood.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Who's they?"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"They're gonna get you!" He laughed, a clear edge of insanity to his voice.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She pointed her laspistol at his face. He was still on the ground, blood pooling on the floor underneath him. "Who are they? If you don't tell me, I'm going to shoot."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She heard a grunt behind her. She turned and saw it was just Gustavius and Doc Geryk.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"They're gonna get you! Gonna get you! Gonna get you! He sees you NOW! The Watcher!"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She pulled the trigger. His face melted away.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Althea! What is wrong with you!?" Doc Geryk yelled from behind her. "I had many more questions prepared! We could have used him as bait! He was more useful to us alive!"</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I don't believe in bluffing," she said. Truth be told, she had never executed a man like that before. It didn't feel great. "How could we believe anything he said after he called our bluff?" </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And besides, it seems more humane than Gus' hammer.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her feet crunched down on the plating of the level below. "All clear!" She yelled. The others slowly followed her down the ladder.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They were in a room with a narrow passageway into another room. Even with the glowball Gus had tied around his neck and her special left eye, she still couldn't make out any details in the other room.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A sense of dread was creeping over her. She recognized the feeling - it reminded her of her encounter in the lander a few days ago.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A scratching sound was her only warning as a little lizard-like beast scurried out of the darkness and leapt at her. It was only about waist height and it moved like quicksilver and stabbed her before she could react. She felt pain on her arm through her armour.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She blocked its next swing with her shotgun, and then swung it around and shot the creature through the face. Its face pulped and its body slumped to the floor.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A scream tore through the darkness and she saw a large creature </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">flow</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> out of the corner of the room behind the door. It whirled, giggled, and screamed, clearly bigger than the one she had seen on the lander. Three more of the little things chittered out of the darkness at her, more resolved in form. Hideous finned lizard faces and tiny legs with whickering bladed arms. One had tentacles, another spines. The third had an arm much more humanoid in character, but bulky like an Ork’s. All of them bled. They reeked of blood. Althea smelled them, and she knew that they smelled her own wounds, and her pain, and her fear.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br />The next few moments blurred together in terrible fury. She felt Gustavius' presence next to her, their shotguns barking into the creatures. She went deaf to her own screams as the Doc fired boltround after boltround (filched from those dead gangers), his arm extended up to fire over their heads into the mass of sucking horror. A few of the creatures reached her and Gus and managed to strike out at them. Her armour largely held up and their shotguns made short work of the creatures. One of Gus’ arms went limp and bloody, his hammer faltered, and she was thankful once again that her father had insisted that his shotgun have a large clip - reloading would have been fatal.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkSzuKZdlAqudjRQx7iFKwohRGZWtffTVUejSiNtIuh0wdxGgIUZl4mT1wrHTtR-qO7uPfZOY8aPN3PCtL9E_W2S7rdyQqGMuefSEqpDMAxzVMCqY2YUAokFd6nrmDchxGzykQ4wPhtcG/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkSzuKZdlAqudjRQx7iFKwohRGZWtffTVUejSiNtIuh0wdxGgIUZl4mT1wrHTtR-qO7uPfZOY8aPN3PCtL9E_W2S7rdyQqGMuefSEqpDMAxzVMCqY2YUAokFd6nrmDchxGzykQ4wPhtcG/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group faces down the xenos.</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back, it seemed maybe that one of the little creatures had been created by the large one, but it must have been hiding behind it and biding its time before striking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the immediate aftermath of the bulletstorm, she saw a hatch pop open at the back of the room and some shape rush out of it. None of the others had seen it, only her low light sensitivity had allowed her to pick up the movement. She rushed to the portal to see if she could spot whatever had just fled their presence, but on the other side of the portal there was only an abyss, stretching for kilometres down to the mines in the face.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">"Search the room! We need to get these touchstones and get out of here before reinforcements arrive!"</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-dfb055d9-9dc3-e281-d010-2e1a649c3a14"></span>Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-68515486554398469922017-04-19T06:35:00.000-07:002017-04-19T06:35:42.064-07:00Foray into Age of Sigmar and Fenrisian WolvesI know this blog is primarily about the grimdark, but I was recently convinced to give Age of Sigmar a try. Made me think a lot about the state of 40K, so I figured I would share my thoughts.<br />
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I had been resisting getting into AoS for a long time, thinking that time and money was not conducive to a new system. But someone kept telling me it was really, really good. So I did some research and here is what I found:<br />
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First, the general's handbook is awesome in its simplicity. Second, so are the rules. I literally learned the rules by reading them a few times. I have my first game coming up this weekend and will report on how well I retained them. Third, the models are gorgeous and very different than 40K - since I was a bit tired of painting space marines, etc., the prospect of painting something completely different appealed to me. Fourth, I had been watching a lot of battle reports and was amazed by how tactical the game was, even with such simple rules. Finally, while the system is not perfectly balanced and there seems to be OP units, it seems to me at least to be a lot less point and click than some 40K armies.<br />
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Ok, so the game system is appealing and the models are gorgeous, but what about the costs? Well, turns out you can build a fun, good AoS army relatively cheaply. The get started boxes are an absolutely steal and you can double up or triple up on them, buy a few other models and boom, you got yourself a 2000 pts matched play army that will do well on the tabletop. Sylvaneth, Seraphon and Ironjawz in particular can cost you ~$400-$500 dollars for a good looking, competitive army. What does that dollar amount get you in 40K? Yes there are start collecting and bundle armies, but they tend to either not have a big discount on them or have units in them that are absolute garbage in game terms in the current meta (looking at you landraider). Finally, I am not even talking about the deals one can get on eBay from former fantasy players who rage quit the game after GW nixed it.<br />
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Anyway, I got sold and shelled out for a Beastclaw raiders army. My choice was based on 2 things only: 1) the models are super cool and I had an urge to paint them and 2) the cost was cheap since they are such a low model count army. The only thing I did is get Fenrisian wolves instead of the sabretusks because I hate resin and because the thought of having 10-15 models with only two basic poses was abhorrent to me.<br />
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Below are my first painted units. One Icebrow Hunter and two squads of Sabretusks (i.e., Fenrisian Wolves). Hope you like them!<br />
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Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-23930024240625056562017-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:002017-04-19T06:19:30.422-07:00Belisarius Cawl - the Unkillable HQAs mentioned in my last post, I had a couple of games last weekend against a mechanicum army featuring Cawl. My opponents' list included two rangers units, two Kataphron units (3 models each) with grav, two big robots tooled up for shooting and their accompanying priest, 2 onager dunecrawlers (one neutron laser and one icarius array) and of course Cawl himself.<br />
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Overall, while I lost both games, I have to say that my list did better than I thought it would. We tied on the primary in the first game, but I lost on the secondaries. I would have won the second game, but I made a big mistake that proved to be my undoing. Would have won on objectives had the game ended on turn 5 or 6, but sadly the dice abandoned me and it went to turn 7 and I got tabled.<br />
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The first mission was kill points based, which favoured the mechanicum. The second mission was objectives based, which favoured me and my heavy obj sec list. I am pretty happy with my list and I am looking forward to playing 6 full games with it at Astro.<br />
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One thing that I wanted to share, however, is that Cawl is absolutely unkillable. In the future, I will just ignore him and kill stuff around him. Massed grav armies, Tau and Eldar may be able to put him down, but I seriously question whether it is worth it. For those of you that don't know what he does, here is a good article from frontline gaming (https://www.frontlinegaming.org/2017/03/08/fall-of-cadia-review-belisarius-cawl/).<br />
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Anyhow, the games were super fun and I think the list I faced is a very tough match-up for my list, but I still had fun and was within striking distance the whole time. All you can ask for really.Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-38133809246291899742017-04-13T06:25:00.000-07:002017-04-13T06:25:57.548-07:00Castellans of the ImperiumHey folks,<br />
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I finally finished painting all my minis for Astro. I am bringing a Castellan of the Imperium detachment with mostly Black Templars on foot. In order not to get wiped out first turn, I took Coteaz and I gave one of the new relics from Gathering Storm to my Marshal (Captain) - Desvalle’s Holy Circle (35pts) – Bearer has a 4+ Invulnerable. Enemy units cannot Deep-Strike within 12″ of the bearer. If they scatter within 12″ of the Bearer, they suffer an automatic Deep Strike Mishap. This means I have a 48 inch bubble (12" radius for the Holy circle and 12" circle for Coteaz with the Grav cents) where it is very dangerous for people to try to alpha strike me. From then on, Celestine tanks wounds for an honest to god assault marines squad with jump packs and a captain with a jump pack. Hammernators round up the list for additional cc threat. Played a couple of games last weekend and did well. I still think top armies will mop the floor with me, but it was very fun to play and suprisingly effective. Also helps that Coteaz makes every unti obj sec (other than the pod). I am practicing this weekend against a very strong list (mechanicum with Belasius Cawl) and will report on how it went. Even if I get trounced, I am just happy that I found a way to make my BTs and assault marines with jump packs work! I am currently working on my nice army list, but below are the photos I took of the minis. Hope you enjoy them<br />
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Cheers<br />
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<br />Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-33935677308907966022017-04-09T18:23:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:20:16.467-07:00Mission Report (A1): A Lost Soul Is Pulled Back Into The Struggle<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfsZHGryqBPJ4wP8oo77VS81ouy3k1ZCio0aqPAzfwnozcCkTOkv5IALJarX1hvhy5-anERDSZIdFqugyxYPANngDbJ6-dcM6kCOrZS4KYkJFXffkwsz1x2dBREjlqtAuj2c6jkYpfVVQ/s1600/Althea+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfsZHGryqBPJ4wP8oo77VS81ouy3k1ZCio0aqPAzfwnozcCkTOkv5IALJarX1hvhy5-anERDSZIdFqugyxYPANngDbJ6-dcM6kCOrZS4KYkJFXffkwsz1x2dBREjlqtAuj2c6jkYpfVVQ/s400/Althea+complete.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Althea, an ex-Navy soldier and pilot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was my first mission in a new Dark Heresy campaign being run by one of the members of Hogtown 40k. I enjoyed it so much that I got home and wrote up the entire mission from the point of view of my character. Please let me know if you like it, as this could be the first of many. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Althea looked up at the pict screen and sighed. Life had
been so simple before yesterday. Miserable,
yes, but at least it had been simple.
She had been flying shipments for the Red Eye Syndicate for the last two
months, ever since she had arrived on Pickman, this slime ball of a planet. She hadn't asked questions, and they hadn't
asked her any. They'd barely even bothered her except for Jarak, that cutty
bastard. But he bothered the entire cell, so at least she wasn't getting
special treatment. Maybe she'd even started to gain their trust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, though, her vox had beeped. Four years, and it had never beeped. She had
never made a call and no one had ever called it. Until yesterday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She put aside her lho stick and hit play. The vox spat out
explicit instructions. "Tomorrow, a
colleague<i> </i>will approach your cell to buy medical supplies. He must<i> </i>be
successful in his mission. Learn what you can." She tried to replay the
message, but the vox was empty and had no record of ever receiving a dispatch.
She knew what it meant by a 'colleague' - someone else like her; someone else
who owed that voice behind the vox.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she sat on her bunk, her mind swimming under the lho's
influence, she was sure she had hallucinated. Thoughts of her special vox lead
to thoughts of the Navy. Her mind, quite detached by now, was content to trod
the well-worn paths of self-pity until her body finally fell asleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning chime came too soon. As they were taking
breakfast in the mess, the cell started talking about the drop they were going
to get on "some junk doc from the skins." It hadn't been a hallucination. The knot cinched
back again in her belly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Why not just avoid trouble and let the guy buy his
stuff?" She had asked, feigning disinterest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jarak sneered.
"Causo, I say so," he said, waving his right hand with that
damn ring on it. Palm in, waving it sort of, like he always did. She knew cut
all about it, but it always seemed to stop any argument with the cell when he flaunted
it. She imagined she would learn when, if, she became Red Eye herself. They had
started to hint that they might make her an offer. She was worried they
would. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worried she would never get out if she said yes. Worried
they would space her if she said no. Or worse, sent to the Pits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh, will this be like that exchange in Boretonne last
month?" she asked. She didn't mind antagonizing him. And it was normal enough
that her protests shouldn't raise any suspicions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Causo this way, we gots the creds <i>and </i>the meds.
This Doc hasn’t got the <i>eye, </i>you see
there? No need to go wasting our cargo on this." He laughed at his cleverness
and wandered off. <i>He must really be
happy, to not have risen to the bait</i>, she thought. <i>Cut this! He's gone - now what?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more she thought about it, the more she realized that changing
the odds for the cell was the only way to get out of this without ruining
everything. She used the special vox and
dialed the only number that had ever been stored in it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It rang and rang, and then beeped. <i>Figures this cutting voice won't even pick
up</i>. "They're going to try to
kill my colleague as soon as he gets here. Please bring backup so that they
think twice." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she grabbed her kit before she left, she made sure to
grab the extra credits she had stashed as well as her laspistol and her
father's shotgun. It had polished wood panelling and smooth action, it had
saved her life more than once during her time in the Navy, and since. She had a
weird feeling that she might never be coming back here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She spent the rest of the day agonizing, and she now found
herself staring at the pict screen in the lander while the cell waited
downstairs in the hold for the Doc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was Jarak, Wimpy, Busto and Ken down there. Jarak had
a chainsword, and there wasn't a lot of space down there for someone to dodge.
She had to hope that her message had been received and that her colleague would
show up with a small army.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She froze when she saw a small man amble towards the lander.
He had a respirator over his face and he was wearing faded fatigues with the
regiment and rank badges pulled off. He
looked like he had seen a few battlefields, but his demeanour was far from
threatening. Pitiful maybe, but not threatening. He glanced around furtively as
he walked up. This must be him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She started to panic as soon as she realized that he was
truly alone. There was no way a simple medic was going to survive those four in
the hold. The consequences of failing the vox had been explained to her.
Failing wasn't an option. Not by a long shot. And if she betrayed the Syndicate
and they found out, she’d just be dead. If she was lucky it would be quick.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She hit the lander's vox just as the medic reached the ramp
to the lander.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Jarak, there's a problem up here."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Whassit? Can you deal?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I don't think so. You gotta get up here!" <i>Shit. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She couldn't think of anything else. She reached behind the pict screen and pulled
out the power cord. The screen went
dark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What's wrong?" She spun from the screen and saw
Jarak at the top of the stairs. He was not
happy. She tried to keep the anxiety from showing in her face. Jarak had his
chainsword strapped to his waist and his laspistol tucked into his pants. Wimpy was beside him, his lasgun languishing
against his shoulder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Pict screen went dark. I can't tell if the medic is
coming."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gave her a hard stare. "So?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"So I can't warn you if he's coming." <i>Come on Doc,
just buy the stuff from Busto and Ken.
They won't attack you without Jarak there.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His gaze hardened. As if he was trying to read her thoughts.
<i>Suspicious bastard. Of course he’s suspicious! Cutty – THINK! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He walked up to the pict screen and walloped it, like he was
a trader checking the fat layer on a snagglefish back home. Nothing. He hit the
power button. Nothing. He started to peer around the side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Althea stood on a blade's edge. She didn't want to die. And
she couldn't fail the vox. Some things
were more important than life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She had a split second to decide. This was a rickety old
lander, and it wasn't that farfetched for a cable to come undone. But it was a little rarer for it to
spontaneously happen when the ship was landed. And rarer still for a competent
pilot not to check. That said, she <i>was </i>smarter than Jarek, and she still
thought she could talk her way out of it. It wouldn't be easy, but she could
play up to his ego and smooth it over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But some part of her knew that her time in this Bitrunner
was over. She wanted to slink away, Syndicate or no, but Jarek was a cutty
bastard - real scum. She’d seen him on leave. She’d seen the haunted eyes of
the girl he’d cut. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And she knew it had never really been a choice for her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She swung up her father's shotgun and fired it straight at
Jarek's head as he stood. He was caught
completely by surprise and although she saw blood splatter, he was still
standing. <i>Cut these new eyes!</i> <i>I still can’t shoot straight!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She felt a searing pain in her side as Wimpy’s lasgun
scorched through her own ex-navy flak armour. Just below her ribs. It was only
after she felt the pain that she also heard him yelling at the top of his lungs
for Busto and Ken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Althea was far more afraid of Jarek. She knew she could
handle Wimpy if Jarek was gone and her window of opportunity before Jarek started
to retaliate was shrinking fast. She
squeezed off two quick shots straight into Jarek's chest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His chest disintegrated and the wall behind him was suddenly
painted red. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as Jarek's body started to crumple, she heard two
earth-shattering booms. <i>Bolt fire</i>.
She hadn't heard that since her Navy days, not since the <i>Implacable Servitude</i> had gone down with all hands. <i>All hands but me!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as she was turning to deal with Wimpy, she felt a
sudden dread seize her. The cockpit
seemed to bulge around her, and turn… somewhere. She could feel the taint of
the warp. She looked back at Jarek's corpse and saw red. A spill of black and
red came up from Jarek’s fist - clenched in hatred, even in death. It
soundlessly burbled and rippled, pulling itself inward, but growing quickly. Shrieking
began as limbs, scales, and what she could only describe as a lizard head
turned its hateful dim eyes upon her. Dread
fill her and she shrieked as it darted towards her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She jumped back and barely evaded its claws. She swung her
shotgun up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before she could pull the trigger, she felt and then heard a
huge boom and the creature recoiled back.
Whoever had the boltgun had fired at it, and hurt it. A piece of the…
thing… blew off and sort of, splashed onto the ruin of Jarek.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From this range, it was nearly impossible to miss. Her
shotgun barked twice and the creature vapourized. There was no corpse as such, just
a smear of ichor, now indistinguishable for the most part from Jarek himself.
An awful lot of mess, to be sure. <i>Not so
bad, eh?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She turned and saw the medicae beside her as he lowered his
bolt pistol. He mumbled something indecipherable from behind his respirator.
She raised an eyebrow. He reached up and took off his gas mask. "Hi," he said. "You must be
the ‘friend’ I was sent to meet. My name
is Geryk Soll." His eyes darted everywhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Althea," she said. "Thanks for
helping." She glanced around and saw that Wimpy was nowhere to be
seen. "We have to get out of here
before he brings backup."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He nodded and holstered his bolt pistol before reaching into
his jacket. He drew out a vial and
gathered some of the creature's essence (<i>probably some Jarek too!</i>) into
the vial before stoppering it and putting it back into his jacket. He was
muttering to himself as he did it, but Althea couldn't make out the words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Althea wanted nothing more than to get off of the lander,
but she had been fending for herself for too long not to take advantage. She walked over to Jarek's corpse and grabbed
his chainsword before securing it to her waist. <i>No need to waste good gear.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They trotted down the stairs into the cargo hold. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Althea saw blood everywhere and the corpses of Busto and Ken
laying on the ground. Ken was missing
his entire chest and Busto was headless. Althea felt a twinge of sadness. Busto had been a good guy down deep, and she
was sad to see him go. A few choices made differently and he never would have
wasted his life like this. <i>The same could be said of me. </i>She shook her
head.<i> Later</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You have the medgear you needed?" she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well no," he said. "I had my hands full
misleading and obfuscating those scoundrels. I do think I was quite successful."
Soll grinned. His eyes did not.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Right, well, why don't you grab it quickly and let's
get out of here." Althea glanced down the open ramp… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well I don't know where it is," Geryk said. "As I mentioned, I was too busy."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Cut that." Althea spat on the ground. "Let's
find it! Fast! You search in that crate and I'll check here."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a moment of rummaging she heard him say
"Excellent! Yes!". She didn't
find any med supplies in her crate, but she did find the packet of creds they
were going to use to pay her for the piloting. She said nothing and pocketed
the creds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was itching to get out of there, but there was still a
lot of cargo in the hold and opportunities like this were rare. She couldn't quite figure out whether to flee
or keep scrounging, so she decided to split the difference. <i>Maybe I can ransom myself to the Syndicate…
when this is done.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Geryk, keep looking for valuable gear. I'm going to go
see if Wimpy got backup." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She padded over to the lander's ramp. Before she could peer
outside, she heard hurried footsteps and low urgent whimpering. They didn’t
call him Wimpy for nothing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She padded softly back in the room just as Geryk was withdrawing
an archaic looking pistol and a shimmering handful of what could only be
cameoline. "We've got
company," she whispered. "Take
cover."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She peered around one side of the doorway to the lander's
entrybay and saw Geryk take up position on the other side as he refastened his
gas mask.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The footsteps stopped at the base of the ramp and she heard
someone yell "Sun Guard! Surrender
now!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cut that! Sun Guard here?
</i>She didn't know if the Sun Guard were raiding the Red Eyes or coming
to reinforce them, but she knew one thing - Sun Guard didn't take prisoners.
Not for long, anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small object was lobbed up the ramp and rolled into the
entryway. The room was flooded with smoke and Althea started to choke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every day she cursed the accident that had taken her left
eye from her and the crude implant which had interfered with her optical nerve.
Since that day, scar tissue had turned her eyesight into a crude shadow of its
former self, like her hands were spiting her by pulling just ever so slightly
up and right whenever she needed <i>straight!</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That day though, her implant surely saved both of their
lives. Her right eye was blinded, but the bionic left eye could see through the
smoke and saw one of the Sun Guard rush their position. She fired twice at him and hit him once
solidly in the side. He was far enough that his armour was able to absorb most
of the impact, and he barrelled right into Geryk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She still couldn't see out of her right eye, and she was
coughing as she choked on the smoke, but through her left eye she saw two other
Sun Guard walk up the ramp toward the entry bay. They weren't taking cover, obviously relying
on the fact that their quarry would be blinded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She squeezed a shot at them from around the door and missed.
<i>Damn your eyes Althea. </i>They
raised their weapons and unloaded at her position. Debris flew as the doorway absorbed most of
the impact, but a sharp pain in her side told her that not everything had been
stopped. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her right eye still couldn't see anything, but they were
clear as day through her left. She
thumbed her shotgun into rapidfire and started to fire at them as quickly as
she could. Her first shot went just wide
of the guard's head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not for the first time in her life, and hopefully not for
the last, she felt as if the God Emperor himself took a direct interest in her
fate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her next shot must have hit one of the guard's spare
ammunition clips or grenades. That guard's body was torn apart in a vicious
explosion. His companion might as well have been wearing a paper bag for all
the good his armour did him and he dropped to the ground. Or, half of him did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The explosion knocked the first Sun Guard and Geryk sprawling.
Althea stood up, and swung her shotgun up. The two men were still struggling on
the ground and it was going to be hard to shoot one without hitting the other. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She heard Geryk yell "don't shoot!" through his gas
mask. In retrospect she should have just used her shotgun, but Geryk's
imperative was ringing in her mind so she dropped the shotgun and pulled out
her laspistol. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She had never been a good hand to hand fighter nor was she
particularly tough. She had long ago realized that guns were the great
equalizer. Many opponents would easily overpower her, but a shotgun is a
shotgun, and any finger will do.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She pressed the pistol to the back of his head and he stopped
struggling with Geryk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Get up." He did so, slowly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked over at Geryk and gestured him to stand up too.
Perhaps it was pure luck, but somehow he sensed her distraction. He turned and knocked the gun from her
hand. It went skidding across the floor.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He unhooked his shock maul and bludgeoned her as she dove
for the pistol. Her vision nearly went dark as pain shot through her. She
slammed into one of the crates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked up at him as he advanced. He raised his maul for another swing but all
she could do was watch him as she tried to will her limbs to respond. Luckily
for her, although the guard had forgotten about Geryk, Geryk hadn't forgotten
about the guard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just before the guard could swing, she heard the boom of a
boltgun and his head suddenly ceased to exist.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She closed her eyes in the sudden silence that followed,
barely staying conscious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We've got to get out of here," she muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'm a medic! Calm down! Let me look at you…" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'll survive," she rasped, slowly pulling herself
to her feet. "Let's get out of here
before more of them come."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"How? I saw too many people on our way in for us to
leave without a single person seeing us. "</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I saw you find a chameoline cloak, right?" She had known Ken owned one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes, but only one. Not sized large enough to hide both
of us." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Maybe there will be something in that last
crate." She limped over to the final crate and started rummaging. She didn't find any clothes, but just as she
was about to give up she felt a latch and a false bottom gave way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The Sun Guard armour!" Geryk practically
yelled. He was pointing down at the body
of the man they had just killed. His
head was missing, but his armour otherwise looked in pretty good shape.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Great idea," Althea said. "Can you take it
off him for me? I might have found something here." She dug inside and
found a large power pack connected to one of the most ornate laspistols she had
seen. <i>Cutting yeah! Jarek and those rhinoxes had a hotshot laspistol?! </i>She
hadn't seen these in action since her navy days, but she had once seen one of
these burn right through three men in one shot. She put it in her kit bag and
slowly rose, favouring her right side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Okay, I've got it," Geryk said. "Maybe I should wear it and you be my
prisoner."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Wimpy is still out there, which means we need to
assume that the Red Eyes will be closing in…
I need the armour." She saw a surprisingly intact helmet at the
bottom of the ramp. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And besides," she added, "that only happens
in the vids. In real life, single guard escorts do not march prisoners out of active
crime scenes. They run and get help. Now help me into this suit and let's get
out of here. I need to get as far away from the Syndicate as I can. Who even
ARE you people?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-65744864357205001342017-04-02T18:17:00.000-07:002017-04-02T18:17:02.780-07:00Marshal Alameida of the Black TemplarsHello again,<br />
<br />
Two posts back-to-back! I am currently furiously working on getting ready for Astronomi-con in Toronto at the end of April. I was truly inspired by the fluff in Gathering Storm: Fall of Cadia and decided to bust out my Black Templars. Now, I think Eldar and other top lists are still going to steamroll me, but I concocted a few nasty surprises while designing a very fluffy BT list. I'll post more about it after the tournament and will try to do a mini tournament battle report after the fact. For those of you who are in the GTA and have never been to Astro, you should really give it a try. It's my favourite tournament - so many nice and fluffy armies as well as truly unique scenarios for every mission. Not really for the uber-competitive folks, but more of a good competitive narrative play. Anyway, I digress. The purpose of this post was to introduce you to Marshal Alameida, which I just finished painting (with a little help from Khiriban on face details).<br />
<br />
Hope you guys like it. Here he is. He is the Lord Executioner model from GW, but I swapped the Axe head for a thunderhammer, because why wouldn't you do that unless you were short for points or you were really into Khorne?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-88964899569277301522017-04-02T18:06:00.001-07:002017-04-02T18:06:12.071-07:00Review of Professional Painters who are members of Hogtown 40KHello everyone,<br />
<br />
Sorry it has been a while since I have posted. Life...<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I thought I would write a quick post about some good options for professional painting in the GTA. While I quite enjoy painting myself and I am constantly getting better, I will never be one of those painters that can produce "professional" quality work. When there is a piece (or a whole army) that I want to truly be beautiful, I sometimes use professional painting services. There are two guys who are members of Hogtown 40K who do this professionally. Adam Truax of Battle Brothers Studios (https://www.facebook.com/BattleBrothersStudios/) and Chas Wilson from Armies of Chas (https://www.facebook.com/ArmiesofChas/). Adam has been doing this for a while and Chas recently got started on the business side of things, although his own stuff is truly stunning in its own right. If you want to see some samples of their work go to their respective Facebook pages (links above). Adam painted an entire Dark Angels army for me, Cor'bax Utterblight and Lorgar. Chas is in the process of painting my 30K Word Bearers. Go see the pictures as words do not do justice to these minis.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I would highly recommend both of these gentlemen, so if you are in need of professional painting services, you should definitely get in touch with either one of these guys.Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-62550968661874201202017-03-28T06:48:00.001-07:002017-03-28T06:48:47.779-07:00INQ28: Edwim the Pilgrim<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AS4iq_p1w2c6p5Wg-fgB6C4naqZHhNUGJVx5qQeA428Ch6UHCgubFVQ5Ru8oJRiyYptM5HhNaYJtsvvgJA_mxyHxJLiZfGSNXC-qaB79wE6GynaxzRfe41S4Ig-qk82JawSFQ3EUWSqr/s1600/edwim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AS4iq_p1w2c6p5Wg-fgB6C4naqZHhNUGJVx5qQeA428Ch6UHCgubFVQ5Ru8oJRiyYptM5HhNaYJtsvvgJA_mxyHxJLiZfGSNXC-qaB79wE6GynaxzRfe41S4Ig-qk82JawSFQ3EUWSqr/s400/edwim.jpg" width="387" /></a>I wanted to show everyone one of my latest INQ28 projects. Meet Edwim, the pilgrim.<br />
<br />
Edwim is from Spire Gamma on the world of Neroter. Neroter is a world covered with one giant ocean. It is teeming with life - the ocean is full of fish and other creatures. Humanity has also made its home both on the water and in giant spires which rise from the ocean floor and tower up into the clouds. These spires were standing empty when humanity discovered the planet millennia ago. As it is wont to do, humanity went and made the spires its home.<br />
<br />
Edwim is a good man, as could be expected from a pilgrim. But Edwin is not that pious. His wife, whom he loves more than his life, is wasting away from a rare neuro-degenerative disease. As poor fishers, they couldn't afford expensive aug-neural treatments. So Edwim has left his poor wife in the hands of the local Sisters of Salvation, rented his fishing raft to his neighbour and taken off in search of the legendary Delatrix Chapel. All he carries with him are his shark pole, used to protect his raft from the ever hungry local wildlife and his late uncle's autopistol.<br />
<br />
Legend has it that any pilgrim which manages to make it to Chapel Delatrix will be granted youth and health. Edwim's wife wasn't well enough to make the trip, so she prepared a token to make the trip in her stead. He wears the token around his neck, a constant reminder of the burden he bears for his love.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the Chapel has not been seen in the last year, so Edwim is travelling to Spire Alpha, which is near its last known location.<br />
<br />
POST BUILD THOUGHTS<br />
<br />
This was one of those models that just seemed to come together as I built him. I originally had another goal in mind, but each addition I made suggested the next addition. It was a pleasure. <br />
<br />
I (re?)learned that I need to be more patient with my green stuff. It was a bit messier than it could have been. I'm fairly sure it'll turn out well after painting, but I'll guess we'll know in time. The body and gun is from one of the chaos cultists, the head is from the bretonnian archer sprue and the pole-ax from the men-at-arms sprue. The heart I think was from one of the bretonnian boxes, but I honestly cannot remember which.Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-69439093862562058512017-03-25T16:17:00.001-07:002017-03-25T16:17:26.852-07:00New Bloodthirster On The HorizonI've just found out that our local club (Hogtown 40k) is having a 1850pt tournament in June and that there will be a painting rubric that rewards conversions as well as straight up painting.<br />
<br />
My Khorne Daemonkin army is reasonably well painted and is fairly cool looking, so I'm hoping to give it a centrepiece that can really push it over the edge and (hopefully) grab me best painted. I have never won best painted, but we all have to have a goal to strive for.<br />
<br />
After the last such tournament, I was so jazzed at having a rubric that I went home and painted a chaos knight (I'll put up some pictures of him in a bit), and I took some time to do some good freehand on him. As good as he looks, I'm hoping that this bloodthirster pushes him down into second place.<br />
<br />
The plan is to start from the Forgeworld Khorne Daemon Prince, which is one of the coolest models existing. Ever. I happen to have an extra damaged one (it's damaged in the back where the I will put the wings, so no loss here).<br />
<br />
I want to have it perched on a building, crouching staring at the battlefield, with its wings high overhead. I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'll post up some of my INQ28 progress tomorrow.Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-63549147238239679982017-03-15T07:21:00.003-07:002017-03-15T07:21:49.555-07:00Slaanesh Daemon Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzAkL5Q8N48scEDyktzexeYONPwGPdcuklbxlrMHLSq-7RZEE8o3XtdalUvDkx96PVPuuEIXyNS39h8OJGR2LhDzkhi3NA6TPxhxbn-yxVPSPX1f8sZPFp6ZHapG_G7_SC6586QEqMxlP/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzAkL5Q8N48scEDyktzexeYONPwGPdcuklbxlrMHLSq-7RZEE8o3XtdalUvDkx96PVPuuEIXyNS39h8OJGR2LhDzkhi3NA6TPxhxbn-yxVPSPX1f8sZPFp6ZHapG_G7_SC6586QEqMxlP/s640/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
I love this model. AFAIK, it's based on an illustration from the Chaos Space Marine codex from a few editions ago.<br />
<br />
I loved the illustration then and love it still. It was one of the things that drew me to Chaos and inspired me. So when I had the chance to buy a used version of this daemon prince for cheap, I leapt at it. This model inspired me to learn about simple green and I've since started salvaging older models.<br />
<br />
I added on the wings myself, but I'm only showing the front of the model because it wasn't a beautiful green stuff job. I've done some good work with green stuff, but this is not one of them (it's fine, just not great). Still, I'm very happy with the model overall. He's also pure metal (including the wings), so he's the heaviest model in my collection along with my completely metal Hive Tyrant.<br />
<br />
He's painted in the colours of my Slaanesh warband, the Eternal. <br />
<br />Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-55072728246050837592017-03-06T06:39:00.002-08:002017-03-06T06:39:14.194-08:00Grey Knight WIPHi all. I'm testing out a new colour scheme for a few Grey Knights. These are meant to attach to my Inquisitor's force, so I probably will only need to paint it over 10-20 models.<br />
<br />
Some background:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJqtO2VfkemzbtZow3ELh-GrYSkKZ_YqEtIulkoV2CB5aJBy5f-tKCFijvx-iAHn9bd43FNv8tjF3LQOBLwGubwJzsfps58071BFuqgMGEWsOnPBxQrfXOpcyd-v6T3MCIfAZOS5uIzLr/s1600/grey+knight+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJqtO2VfkemzbtZow3ELh-GrYSkKZ_YqEtIulkoV2CB5aJBy5f-tKCFijvx-iAHn9bd43FNv8tjF3LQOBLwGubwJzsfps58071BFuqgMGEWsOnPBxQrfXOpcyd-v6T3MCIfAZOS5uIzLr/s320/grey+knight+WIP.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>I generally prefer to use non-metal metals (NMM). I often catch flack for this (especially from B Grimm), so let me explain by way of analogy - I often find that people will just freeze their fashion at some point in their lives (usually 20s/30s). After that point, their style doesn't tend to evolve that much, they just wear the same thing because it's them and it's what they've always worn. It's why you'll occasionally see people who look like they've stepped straight out of the 80s or 90s. What does this have to do with painting? NMM was all the rage when I started to come into my own as a painter, and although I still paint metallics here and there, I find that I keep going back to NMM.</li>
<li>I always like to personalize a colour scheme. Occasionally I still paint close to codex-colours, but I will always do at least one thing that's my own. This test model is still pretty close to codex approved, but I've gone with pink instead of gold. I've also used blue to offset the pink because: a) I think it looks great, and b) those are the colours of my inquisitor's army and I want these guys to fit in.</li>
<li>I like to have colour schemes that are easy to paint. These guys are <i>very </i>easy. Lay down a light grey as a base and then paint the blue, pink and beige basecoats. Then wash the entire model in a generous black wash. Then highlight back up. I can't really drybrush it, because the colours are in too close together, but also because I think these guys need to look clean and crisp, and that's the opposite of dry-brushing.</li>
</ol>
<div>
What do you guys think? Any suggestions? I'm thinking I might try to shade up parts of the armour closer to white in a few spots, but all in all, I'm really pleased with how this guy turned out and I can't wait to send him against some daemons.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-80262555537540678802017-02-22T19:48:00.000-08:002017-02-22T19:48:05.640-08:00Host of Eternal TormentHello again folks!<br />
<br />
I started going to the Astronomi-con tournament in Toronto in 2015 and I immediately fell in love with it. I would say more than 90% of attendees have lovingly painted armies, care about the fluff and love the narrative aspect of the scenarios. For those of you who don't know their system, a very significant portion of the overall scoring is based on something other than battle scores (paint, army list, army sportsmanship, etc.). I just find that it pushes me to outdo myself hobby-wise and I quite like the end result. I also always have a blast at the event itself. Two years ago, I brought slaneesh chaos space marines with a smattering of slaneesh daemons. Essentially trying to create the feel of a Slaneesh demonkin book. Had a lot of fun with the army and wrote extensive background on the army as well. I was re-reading it to get inspiration for the upcoming Astro (April 2016), so I thought I would share it here too.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b><u>List</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>CSM CAD</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Chaos Lord (80pts) - Mark of Slaanesh (15pts)<br />
<br />
Daemon Prince (305pts) - 3x Mastery Level (become Psyker) (75pts), Power Armour (20pts), Slaanesh (10pts), Spell familiar
(15pts), Wings (40pts)<br />
<br />
2 Units Noise Marines (Troops) (201pts each ) - Noise Marine w/ Blastmaster (47pts), 3x Noise Marine w/ Sonic Blaster (60pts), Doom Siren (15pts)<br />
<br />
2 Chaos Rhinos (52pts each) - Dozer Blade (5pts), Havoc Launcher (12pts)<br />
<br />
2 Hell Blades (115pts each) - Two Helstorm Autocannons (15pts)<br />
<br />
Chaos Relic Sicarian (180pts) - Armoured Ceramite (20pts), Dozer Blades (5pts), Heavy Bolters (20pts)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Chaos Daemons Allied Detachment </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Keeper of Secrets (210pts) - 2 Daemonic Reward (40pts)<br />
<br />
Daemonettes of Slaanesh (10 strong) (90pts)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-transform: uppercase;">the beginning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Excruciators were a
chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. The origin of the Excruciators is shrouded in
mystery. What little is known about the founding of the Excruciators is that it
must have occurred approximately seven to eight thousand years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Excruciators’ base of
operations was the world of Trimilar, near the Eastern Fringe. From the
Fortress of Absolution, in the Leighland peaks, the Excruciators enjoyed almost
six thousand years of successful campaigning for the Imperium. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unlike most Adeptus
Astartes’ home worlds, with the exception of Macragge, Trimilar was densely
populated and extremely wealthy, due to vast adamantium deposits throughout its
core. So rich were its resources, that the priesthood of Mars had, on more than
one occasion, petitioned the High Lords of Terra to have Trimilar re-classified
as a forgeworld. However, the Excruciators were well regarded by the High Lords
and all such requests were promptly denied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Excruciators’ main
credo was to achieve a warrior’s perfection through a mixture of extreme
ascetic lifestyle and punishing training regimens. Among a breed of ascetic
warriors, the Excruciators were considered to be paragons of that one virtue.
Perhaps as a result of their ascetic qualities, the Excruciators were able to
rule the Trimilarians with a surprising amount of efficiency. In particular,
the nobility of Trimilar was more than happy to pay hefty tributes to the
Excruciators knowing that all of those tributes went directly to the military
might of the Excruciators, which, in turn, ensured the protection of Trimilar
and the trade routes used by the merchant class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The wealth was put to
good use by the Excruciators and they had developed a good relationship with
Magos Torpentis, ruler of the forgeworld Kritamix 315. In exchange for refined
adamantium, Magos Torpentis was more than happy to ensure the Excruciators were
one of the better armoured forces in the Imperium and had one of the better
trained contingents of techmarines as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The combination of the
proficiency of the Excruciators’ Astartes with the glorious war machines
produced by Magos Torpentis ensured the supremacy of the Excruciators for
thousands of light years in every direction around Trimilar. The Excruciators
had also successfully participated in responding to several of Abaddon’s black
crusades and had earned accolades from many distinguished chapters, including
the Ultramarines and the Imperial Fists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">EXCRUCIATORS
LEADERSHIP AS OF 39M.351<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the year 39M.351, the
Excruciators were led by Chapter Master Dynax. Lord Dynax eschewed a permanent
honour guard, which he regarded as pompous. Rather, Lord Dynax had a few
warriors that he had selected to advise him. These warriors were not selected
based on rank, but rather based on their various abilities that Dynax believed
would make him a better Chapter Master. The rank and file of the Excruciators
referred to this advising body as the shadow council, in good-hearted mockery
of its unofficial nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 39M.351, the shadow
council was comprised of Captain Zhotal from 2<sup>nd</sup> company, Chief
Librarian Vardon, Master of the Forge Halanok and Sargeants Inguron and Antalek
from 3<sup>rd</sup> company. Though Captain Zhotal was not the first captain of
the Excruciators, he was regarded by everyone in the chapter as the best
strategist and a master of void warfare. His primary duties on the shadow
council were to advise Dynax on overall campaign strategies and void
engagements. Chief Librarian Vardon was a psyker of untold powers. Rumours had
it that he could rival Chief Librarian Tigurius of the Ultramarines in power, though
Vardon’s humility would not allow anyone to make such claims in his presence.
Master of the Forge Halanok was primarily responsible for advising Dynax in all
aspects of armoured warfare and he was considered by Magos Torpentis to be the
most gifted techmarine ever trained on Kritamix 315. Sargeants Inguron and
Antalek were the more classic bodyguards expected in a chapter master’s
retinue, but they were also selected by Dynax for their effect on the morale of
rest of the chapter. Indeed, Inguron and Antalek were not only fraternal
brothers, but they were identical twins. In the recorded history of the Adeptus
Astartes, no other example had previously been known of identical twins being
selected to undergo the trials to become 10<sup>th</sup> company members, being
successfully implanted with a gene-seed and graduating to full battle brothers.
The chemistry was so strong between Inguron and Antalek that they complemented
each other on the battlefield to an almost supernatural level. And such was their
battle prowess that they saved the lives, over their centuries of service, of a
not insignificant proportion of the chapter’s forces. The battle brothers of
the Excruciators therefore considered the twins a bit of a good luck charm on
the battlefield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
IMPRISONMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the second half of 39M.351,
merchant vessels began disappearing from the trade routes under the protection
of the Excruciators. Dynax sent several investigation teams, but no one was
able to explain the disappearances. Matters got worse and the rate of
disappearances was increasing at a frightening pace. Under pressure from Magos
Torpentis and the ruling class of Trimilar, Dynax set out with nine companies
of Excruciators, leaving only the 6<sup>th</sup> company to hold Trimilar and
the Fortress of Absolution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Excruciators battle
fleet lay in wait in the Trigoras asteroid cluster, which bordered on the most
travelled trade route leading to Trimilar. For several months, the fleet lay in
wait, dormant, watching traders go by without issues. Just when Dynax was about
to give up, a convoy bound for Kritamix 315 was attacked. Out of nowhere, a
massive portal opened and a fleet of Dark Eldar corsairs poured out to attack
the trade convoy. Dynax ordered the battle fleet to move out to intercept the
corsairs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Upon realizing they were
ambushed and outgunned, the corsairs turned and fled, with the Excruciators in
hot pursuit. The corsair fleet tried to use portal technology to lose the
Excruciators, but the fleet was too hot on their heels and were able to follow
through the portals. Only the superior agility of the corsair vessels kept them
in one piece, as the Excruciators maintained a punishing barrage on the Dark
Eldars. The evasive maneuvers, however, meant that the Dark Eldars were unable
to outrun the Excruciators. Eventually, the corsairs gave up trying to outrun
the Excruciators and made for their home base. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After going through one
more portal, the Excruciators fleet came face to face with an immense battle
station the size of a small moon. The battle station opened fire on the
Excruciators just as the corsair fleet made its way into its hangars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fleet was taking a
heavy punishment and would not likely be able to make a warp jump before being
annihilated. Captain Zhotal advised Dynax that the only way forward would be to
assault the battle station. Zhotal made a bold assumption that the shields
around the hangar would not have time to close before the fleet alighted.
Dynax, believing that the Excruciators at near chapter strength would be able
to deal with whatever occupied the battle station, agreed with Zhotal and
ordered the fleet forward. More than half the vessels made it to the vast
hangar of the battle station and only one company of Excruciators was lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Excruciators quickly
established dominance in the hangar by killing every single one of the members
of the corsair fleet and destroying all of the Eldar vessels. Only once its
righteous fury abated did Dynax organize his chapter for a broader sweep of the
battle station. At least one hundred corridors led away from the hangar, with
auspex scans revealing a labyrinthine interior. Forces were divided and the
sweep commenced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unbeknownst to the
Excruciators, the battle station was incredibly old, pre-dating the Emperor and
representing the glorious peak of the Age of Technology. The corsairs had not
been able to unlock the full potential of the battle station, but they had been
able to unlock one of its most insidious defensive mechanism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Archon Sytrix, leader of
the Kabal of the Sibilant Sun, chuckled as he activated the defensive
mechanism. Doorways throughout the battle station became invisible, teleporting
portals. Each warrior of the Excruciators that went through a doorway was
immediately teleported to an extradimensional holding cell. The Excruciators quickly
realized something was wrong, but they were too deep into the battle station to
avoid going through the thousands of individual portals. Slowly but surely,
every Astarte became entombed in one of those cells. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Archon Sytrix did not
give a second thought to the Excruciators after this day. He was not entirely
sure what happened to the warriors as a result of the defense system - only
that a certain crystal in a vast chamber in the battle station was connected to
the mechanism of imprisonment. Sytrix had used the mechanism only once before,
to imprison an ork tribe that had attacked the battle station. Confident in the
knowledge that the Excruciators would not bother him anymore, he sealed the
hangar containing the Excruciators’ vessels and went about his business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What Sytrix did not know,
was that the crystal itself was the prison. Each extradimensional cell was held
within the crystal. Each of those cells was essentially a small cube, with no
light or sound whatsoever existing inside the cell. The cells had been designed
as a most insidious means of sensory deprivation torture. Time within the cells
flowed differently, such that prisoners experienced one year inside the cells
for every day of normal time in material space all the while preserving their
bodies. The purpose of the cells were quite literally to preserve the bodies of
their victims while driving them mad by the absence of any external stimulus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To the Excruciators,
approximately five hundred years went by in the crystal prison. Their release
was entirely unplanned by Archon Sytrix and was the result of what would have
been an aborted coup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Haemonculus coven
serving Sytrix had grown discontent with his leadership. The flow of slaves for
their experiments had diminished to an unacceptable level. They therefore
unleashed their personal army in the battle station to try to slay Sytrix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Through a strange twist
of fate, the final battle occurred in the crystal chamber. While Archon Sytrix
was successful in slaying his enemies, the dying throes of a Talos engine
knocked the crystal to the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once the crystal shattered,
all of its prisoners were disgorged into the vast crystal chamber, including
the Excruciators. What ensued was a melee that cannot even begin to be
described as ork war bands, tyranid monsters, demons and all manner of warp
creatures poured forth from the crystal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A quick battle cry issued
from Dynax’ lips upon his release and roughly eight hundred Excruciators
organized themselves quickly to slay each and every creature in the chamber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The sights, sounds and
smells of the battle were terrible in the extreme, but after what had felt like
five hundred years of sensory deprivation, such sensations were a balm to the
Excruciators. And so they slayed and laughed and cried as they soaked in the
terrible madness that was the battle of the crystal chamber. Such was the
extent of the slaughter that the psychic screams of the dying resulted in a
small warp storm engulfing the battle station. Once the slaughter was complete,
a quick count revealed that only about one hundred Excruciators were lost,
leaving a full seven companies of Excruciators the sole survivors of that
battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Immediately after the
battle was over, each and every one of the Excruciators began to fear and
loathe the diminution in sensations. Their minds had been deprived of
sensations for so long that they needed to keep being fed. Dynax felt it too, through
to his bones. He could not, and would not, allow the quiet to remain. He gave a
rousing speech to his brothers, while surrounded by the shadow council, and
made a plea for the continued sweep of the battle station, still completely
unaware that the battle station was now existing fully within the warp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
FALL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It took the Excruciators
the better part of a month to cleanse the external portions of the battle
station. As the resistance started to thin, it became clear to Dynax that his
chapter would never be the same. Warriors started to mutter to themselves in
the quiet periods or would start self-inflicting wounds to try to recreate the
rush of emotions they all felt at the battle of the crystal chamber. More
worrisome to Dynax, he started to dream about a strange purple demon every time
he tried to rest. The demon called itself Angareth and kept promising that it
could help feed the sensation void. Dynax originally rejected such thoughts,
but the lack of sensations soon became unbearable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax confided in his shadow
council and each member confirmed to Dynax that the also deeply felt the need
to fill the void. They also confirmed that they were dreaming of Angareth too.
Zhotal was the first to suggest heeding the call of Angareth. His argument was that
Angareth was only proposing to continue with the purge of the battle station
for now, which the Excruciators were doing anyway. Plus, Zhotal argued, this
could be an opportunity to trick the demon and slay it. After much debate, the
shadow council decided to push onwards. Immediately after making that decision,
each member of the shadow council became more at ease, as though part of the
emotional void had been temporarily filled. Dynax also noticed that his troops
looked more calm and serene. At every rest period, Dynax dreamed of Angareth
and after every dream, Dynax felt refreshed. It turns out Angareth was visiting
every member of the Excruciators in their dreams, promising to fill the void. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And so the Excruciators
pushed on until they reached the center of the battle station, which was the
seat of power of the Haemonculus coven. It was designed as a mass torture chamber,
where all kinds of torments were inflicted upon victims to feed the now mostly
defunct Kabal of the Sibilant Sun. Upon reached the chamber, every Excruciator
felt a wave of elation at the sensation assaulting their senses. The smell of
blood, the cries of pain, the sights of mutilated bodies and the permeating
sense of fear and hopelessness filled the hearts and minds of the Excruciators
to the point where they could almost forget about their fears of sensory
deprivation. The experience clearly affected every single Excruciator, so Dynax
ordered a halt to hold a meeting of the chapter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax admitted his
newfound need for sensation and his dreams of Angareth to the rest of the
chapter. The members of the shadow council came forth and also confirmed the
same to the troops. Dynax then invited others to share their views and every
single battle brother confirmed the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax asked his brothers
what they wanted to do – continue as normal until driven mad by their need for
sensations, or accept Angareth’s help, knowing full well that doing so would
make them traitors to the Imperium. So scared were the Excruciators of the
emotional void they all felt while imprisoned, that every single one of them
voted to accept Angareth’s help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax then proposed that
they rest to see what Angareth would suggest next. That night, Angareth showed
the Excruciators a way to summon it and its minions. Angareth promised that
they would slay the remaining Dark Eldars and that the Excruciators would feel
emotionally fulfilled for months afterwards from the terror the Dark Eldars
would release upon being slain by the servants of the Dark Prince. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The next morning, the
Excruciators performed the ritual and Angareth and a legion of daemonettes
appeared in the chamber. They immediately charged toward the Haemonculus
positions, followed by the Excruciators. Angareth had not lied; the
Excruciators felt such an elation at seeing the daemons tear the Dark Eldars
apart that they immediately pledged themselves to the Dark Prince following the
battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
HOST OF ETERNAL TORMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Following their fall, the
Excruciators spent several months learning from Angareth the proper ways to
worship Slaneesh and to feed their emotional needs. They became consummate
torturers, using the Haemonculus torture chamber as their news means of
sustenance. The started raiding systems neighbouring the battle station, which
had been renamed the Flensing Blade, for slaves to bring to the torment pits. A
few years went by and the Excruciators started receiving gifts from Slaneesh. A
number of them mutated and fused with their weapons, which started emitting
high frequency sonic bursts instead of bolter shells. Others received mutations
that were more decorative than practical. Many grew bone horns and others grew
the ability to be implanted with doom sirens. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">About three years after
the fall, the Excruciators received a visit from a delegation of Dark
Mechanicum adepts let by Warpsmith Gorteal. Gorteal met with the shadow
council, which now numbered Angareth as one of its members, and explained what
his business arrangement was with the Kabal of the Sibilant Sun: slaves for
technology. The shadow council retired to debate the proposition in detail.
Zhotal, seconded by Angareth, suggested making the relationship with Gorteal
much grander in scope. Zhotal suggested that they raid Trimilar, enslave its
population, slay the remaining Excruciators at the Fortress of Absolution and
recover the gene seed stock and all of the Fortress’ remaining armour. The
slaves would go to Gorteal and the Excruciators would gift him the emptied
Fortress of Absolution as well as a world rich in adamantium. In exchange, Gorteal
would leave a contingent of Warpsmiths at the Flensing Blade to help Halanok
unlock the secrets of the battle station. Gorteal would also commit to furnish
to the Excruciators war machines the way Magos Torpentis used to. Everyone
agreed with Zhotal’s proposal, which was promptly communicated to Gorteal.
Gorteal accepted on the spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax and a vast host of
Excruciators and daemonettes then set sail for Trimilar in the Excruciators’
vessels that survived the original barrage from the battle station. On approach
to Trimilar, the fleet was hailed by the Fortress of Absolution and cries of
joy went up from those Excruciators on the surface. It turns out the 6<sup>th</sup>
company had not thrived very much in the few years since the disappearance of
the fleet and they were overjoyed at the return of the rest of the chapter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax ordered the 6<sup>th</sup>
to assemble in the courtyard of the fortress and to await their arrival. The
entirety of the remaining forces at the Fortress of Absolution did as ordered,
so great was their wish to believe that the chapter would be finally re-united.
Even more damning for them, they assembled unarmoured and unarmed. Dynax’
forces charged into them right out of their shuttles and massacred them to a
man in a matter of minutes. At the climax of the massacre, Dynax ascended to daemonhood
and became a daemon prince. It spoke to the extent of the fall of the
Excruciators that they all cheered such a result. Dynax stood over the bodies
of his former brothers, surrounded by the shadow council and Angareth and
ordered his forces to bring Trimilar to heel and start filling Gorteal’s slave
ships. Dynax, the shadow council and the remnants of 1<sup>st</sup> company
then set themselves to plunder the fortress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Holds filled to the brim
with war machines, gene-seed and relics, Dynax’ forces returned to the Flensing
Blade, to find it much changed. Indeed, since the Flensing Blade existed within
the warp, a much longer period of time had elapsed for those in the battle
station than for the Trimilar execution force. Halanok and the warpsmiths had
succeeded in unlocking most of the battle station mechanisms such that the
Flensing Blade was now capable of warp travel and was also capable of
withstanding almost any kind of void warfare. More interestingly though, Halanok
had continued to develop the worship of Slaneesh in Dynax absence. The Flensing
Blade was now equipped with torment pits, pleasure dens, drug dens and chambers
capable of fulfilling whatever form of sensation one could possibly want to
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax was very pleased
with the work done and promoted Halanok to be the spiritual leader of the war
band in addition to being its chief Warpsmith. Dynax also proclaimed that the
Excruciators were dead and that the mixtures of Astartes and daemons comprising
his forces would now be known as the Host of Eternal Torment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the thousand years
since the fall of Trimilar, the Host of Eternal Torment has grown into a force
that rivals the red corsairs and that is eclipsed only by the Black Legion. Due
to its association with Gorteal, the Host is one of the better equipped forces
of Chaos, often fielding ancient relics such as a Sicaran battle tank as well
as newer models such as the hell blade fighters. The Host attracts a vast array
of supplicants and followers of Slaneesh, with the Flensing Blade being known
as one of the better places in the galaxy to be to worship Slaneesh and partake
in every sensation imaginable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This influx of recruits
and top of the line war machines in turn allows the Host to be extremely efficient
slavers. The Host’s favourite tactic is to come out of the warp in high orbit
around an imperial world, destroy the orbital defenses with the destructive
power of the Flensing Blade’s armaments, and invade the world. Such is their
reputation that most worlds only put up a token resistance to the arrival of
the Flensing Blade since the Host has a habit of keeping recalcitrant subjects
for their own torment pits while cooperating populations are merely sold into
slavery. Many prefer the sale blocks of the Flensing Blade to its torment and
pleasure pits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Host has thus become
a premier slave provider and everyone from the Dark Mechanicum to the Black
Legion itself tries to remain in Dynax’ favour to have access to the most
desirable slaves. The Host also specializes in custom orders. Abaddon itself
once commissioned the Host to sell him an ork war band. Dynax could not fathom
why Abaddon wanted the orks for, but the Host set sail to an ork infested world
and filled its slave holds to the brim with green skins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Host has settled into
a rhythm in which they fill their ever expanding emotional needs in the pits of
the Flensing Blade and attack whichever world or forces they need to in order to
fulfill their latest slave orders. They are clearly in the highest favour with
Slaneesh as the daemon contingent of the Host, led by Angareth, continues to
grow while the Dark Prince continues to bless the Host’s war machines and
warriors with blessed mutations. Indeed, the Host’s warriors mutate more
frequently into Noise Marines than would normally be expected. Additionally,
the members of the Host are constantly surrounded by a thin, purple mist,
making the Host sometimes appear a bit hazy. Rumours abound that the mist is
what allows the Host to capture slaves so efficiently, plunging the populace
into a despair-induced torpor. Dynax does not know whether it is true or
whether it is the Host’s reputation that achieves the results. He, however,
does not care one way or the other and enjoys the mist as another sign of his
Lord’s favour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are in need of
slaves or just want to worship Slaneesh whole-heartedly, feel free to seek the
Flensing Blade and be confident in the knowledge that the Host will accord you
all the protection and benefits of a valued customer. If you wish ill on the
Host or if you are a follower of the Blood God, then stay clear of the Flensing
Blade lest you become fodder for the torment pits. If you are potential
merchandise for the Host, quiet surrender is your only viable option – otherwise,
you will be subjected to abject, eternal torment…<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DYNAX
– HIGH LORD OF THE HOST OF ETERNAL TORMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dynax is now a
powerful daemon prince of Slaneesh and the uncontested ruler of the Host. He
continues to be blessed by Slaneesh and has recently been granted vast psychic
powers by the Dark Prince. Slaneesh also sent an imp to Dynax to serve as a
spell familiar and Dynax does not go anywhere without it. Dynax relishes
personal combat and often opts for psychic powers that directly increase his
might. However, he is not above killing foes from the air if it makes good
strategic sense. When Dynax’ actions truly please the Dark Prince, Dynax’s
sword becomes imbued, on the eve of battle, with a portion of Slaneesh’s will.
This allows Dynax to shoot forth a torrent of billowing, corrosive purple vapor
that is strong enough to melt ceramite armour. Dynax continues to be advised by
the shadow council and counts its members as friends.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ZHOTAL
– LORD OF THE STRATEGIUM<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Lord Zhotal, as he is
now known, is truly the second in command in the Host. Equipped with the blade
of torments, a fickle blade that can sometime become a power sword if Slaneesh
is particularly pleased with Zhotal, Lord Zhotal likes to lead from the rear.
His most important trait is his strategic acumen and Dynax prefers to deploy
Zhotal with the rear-guard, usually with a squad of Noise Marines. From there,
Zhotal directs the mighty firepower of the Host’s long range weaponry, calls in
air strikes and reinforcements and ensures that the Host does not become
flanked or cut off from its extraction point. This is a role that Zhotal is
more than happy with and he particularly relishes the opportunity to watch
Dynax, Angareth and the various daemons of Slaneesh rush the enemy and tear
them apart while he puts his mind to surgical long range extermination.
Typically, Zhotal will deploy with the Onyx Blades. Zhotal’s most recent
honourable kill is that of Capitan Orfec of the 3<sup>rd</sup> company of the
Sons of Orus. Captain Orfec fought in a challenge with Zhotal and was
decapitated by the blade of torments. Captain Orfec’s head was added to the
spikes of the Rhino “Flayed Bones”. Perceived as a sign of favour from
Slaneesh, Captain Orfec’s head is not decomposing and continues to bleed to
this day.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01oVAI2vWnrCcsWY8L2TuqkDVT4E7z9ckQENMixUU-UfdcHTFdu3FAihPi-JFs1MHTWBnYisMIsZlkf37gHVMufiPWXcAeA05WI7yxR9QTA3SeF41QVqci47dTuY1upgE4nKaAu7mAqg/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01oVAI2vWnrCcsWY8L2TuqkDVT4E7z9ckQENMixUU-UfdcHTFdu3FAihPi-JFs1MHTWBnYisMIsZlkf37gHVMufiPWXcAeA05WI7yxR9QTA3SeF41QVqci47dTuY1upgE4nKaAu7mAqg/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ANGARETH
– KEEPER OF SECRETS AND MEMBER OF THE SHADOW COUNCIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Angareth was a keeper
of secrets of modest power in Slaneesh’s court. It had been watching the Kabal
of the Sibilant Sun closely for a way to deliver their souls to Slaneesh as a
means of garnering more favour from the Dark Prince. Angareth jumped on the
opportunity to deliver to Slaneesh an entire chapter of Adeptus Astartes when
the Excruciators invaded the Flensing Blade. Angareth manipulated the dreams of
the Haemonculus coven to incite the rebellion and drove the Talos engine that
broke the crystal before dying. Successfully converting the Excruciators to the
worship of Slaneesh so completely and so quickly has showered Angareth with the
Dark Prince’s favour. On most days, Slaneesh grants enhanced psychic powers to
Angareth as well as several rewards that allow Angareth to do what it likes
most – flay mortals alive in close combat. Only Angareth knows its true agenda
for the Host, but, for the moment, it is happy participating in the Host’s
activities and being a member of the shadow council. As the Dark Prince allows
more and more of its daemons to join the Host, Angareth’s power and prestige
within the Host grow commensurately as it is seen by the Astartes as the
commander of the daemonic legions.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
ONYX BLADES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Onyx Blades are a
squad of Noise Marines led by Inguron. The Onyx Blades are so named because of
the blade Inguron carries in battle. While trying to enslave the Khorne demon
world of Trialix, Inguron and Antalek fought a demon prince of Khorne armed with
twin blades, one made of Onyx and the other made of bone. Inguron and Antalek
teamed up to bring down the prince and claimed a blade each as a trophy. The
blades have been fitted with a power source by Hanalok and should on most days
function as power swords. However, the blades are fickle and sometimes the
power field refuses to activate. Inguron and Antalek just view such occurrences
as tests sent by Slaneesh and they relish the opportunity to slay in the Dark
Prince’s name the old fashioned way. Both Inguron and Antalek have also been
fitted with doom sirens and they relish the ability to melt armoured foes with
it. The Onyx Blades’ most recent accomplishment was the slaying of the honour
guard of Captain Orfec, of the third company of the Sons of Orus. Inguron
personally defeated Albius, the 3<sup>rd</sup> company champion and is
currently wearing Albius’ flayed face and torso on his armour. The Onyx Blades
take great pride on the fact that Lord Zhotal usually deploys with them and
that Captain Orfec’s head is impaled on a spike on their Rhino, the “Flayed
Bones”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
BONE SWORDS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bone Swords are a
squad of Noise Marines led by Antalek. The Bone Swords are so named because of
the blade Antalek carries in battle. While trying to enslave the Khorne demon
world of Trialix, Inguron and Antalek fought a demon prince of Khorne armed with
twin blades, one made of Onyx and the other made of bone. Inguron and Antalek
teamed up to bring down the prince and claimed a blade each as a trophy. The
blades have been fitted with a power source by Hanalok and should on most days
function as power swords. However, the blades are fickle and sometimes the
power field refuses to activate. Inguron and Antalek just view such occurrences
as tests sent by Slaneesh and they relish the opportunity to slay in the Dark
Prince’s name the old fashioned way. Both Inguron and Antalek have also been
fitted with doom sirens and they relish the ability to melt armoured foes with
it. The Bone Swords most recent accomplishment was the slaying of the entourage
of the ork boss Gratuk. Antalek personally defeated Gratuk and is currently
wearing Gratuk’s flayed face and torso on his armour. The Bone Swords usually
deploy into battle on board their Rhino, the “Seed of Damnation”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HELL
BLADES – THE TWIN REAPERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The two hell blades
called the twin reapers were originally normal hell blades provided by Gorteal to
the Host in exchange for slaves. Their pilots were talented and the Twin Reapers
provided aerial superiority to the Host on more than one engagement. Following
a period of inactivity, Halanok noticed that no one had seen the Twin Reapers’
pilots in months. Upon inspection, the Twin Reapers were found to have suffered
mutations and the pilots appeared to have become entombed and/or morphed with
the aircrafts. Originally, Halanok had concerns that the Twin Reapers would no
longer be able to perform, but they always follow order and respond to calls
for airstrikes. If anything, the Twin Reapers are more murderous and more agile
than they ever were. In the face of such performance, Halanok has stopped
asking questions and just accepts the fate of the Twin Reapers as a sign of
favour from Slaneesh.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">WARPSMITH
HALANOK AND THE TITAN HUNTER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Warpsmith Halanok is
a revered member of the shadow council and the spiritual leader of the Host.
Following the raid on Trimilar, Halanok recovered his most precious war
machine, the Sicaran battle tank previously known as the Emperor’s Fury. This
relic had been with the Excruciators since its founding and it was beloved as a
means to destroy heavy armour and infantry alike. During the raid on forgeworld
Aritax 212, the Emperor’s Fury was disabled and its conductor slain. Halanok
performed some field repairs and took it upon himself to drive the tank into
battle. During the final battle, Halanok slayed three Imperial Knights with the
tank and decided to rename it the Titan Hunter. Halanok has been adamant ever
since that no one but him should drive the Titan Hunter into battle and the
Halanok/Titan Hunter combo has been instrumental to many raids launched by the
Host. Recently, the Titan Hunter has been blessed with more and more mutations
and Halanok spends less and less time outside of the tank. Dynax and Zhotal are
a little worried that Halanok and the Titan Hunter are becoming one entity, but
have so far refrained from raising their concerns with Halanok.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DAEMONETTES
OF SLANEESH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Host is blessed
with a large contingent of daemonettes, which is accepted by all as a sign of
Slaneesh’s favour. The daemonette hordes are commanded by Angareth and are
typically deployed as deep striking skirmishers tasked with disturbing the
enemies’ back fields and long range fire power. The daemonettes are utterly
loyal to Angareth and will do anything, including being banished back to the
warp, rather than face Angareth’s wrath.</span></div>
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Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-45764192197234013852017-02-18T18:55:00.000-08:002017-02-18T18:55:16.108-08:00Drop pod to dreadclaw conversionHello folks,<br />
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As an avid chaos player, I love dreadclaws. Even in 40K when they eat your models, it is an absolutely necessary tool to being competitive with chaos list. When I got into 30K, I wanted to do word bearers as I just love their fluff and the novels. I quickly focused on the rite of war called "Last of the Serrated Suns", which is basically a drop list. I figured I needed three dreadclaws, particularly since they have inertial guidance and don't eat your models in 30K, but did not want to shell out for the forgeworld model. Don't get me wrong, I love the model and own one for my 40K death guard, but I just couldn't justify the cost. I therefore spent a bunch of time on the internet and found a great conversion tutorial by greenstuff industries (http://greenstuffindustries.blogspot.ca/2015/04/dreadclaw-from-drop-pod-conversion.html). Actually pretty easy to follow, even for a very amateur converter like me. The one modification I made is that, instead of using plasticard for the bottom, I used the round part of the cap for the pill bottle the superglue "hot stuff" comes in. I include a pic below of the bottle and the cap. You basically remove the clear plastic from the inside of the cap and cut out the border to make a flat piece.<br />
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Bottom line is that I liked the concentric circles as I thought it looked a little bit more like the original model. Anyway, below are a few pics of the finished product before painting and what the painted model looks like once finished. I recommend this easy conversion for anyone who wants to include multiple dreadclaws in a list, but either can't shell our the forgeworld price tag or can't handle re-casters. As a bonus, since we are talking dreadclaws, I include below a few pics of my death guard "proper forgeworld" dreadclaw.<br />
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As I am always trying to work with plastic rather than resin, I had an idea to convert a nephilim jet fighter into a primaris lightning. Should be super easy to do, but if it works it means a plastic model at half the price for my word bearers!!! I'll write a separate post about that experience once I have done the conversion.<br />
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Happy converting everyone.<br />
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<br />Brother Grimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127999067011850694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776287162503899121.post-90735345170912851022017-02-18T11:40:00.001-08:002017-02-18T11:40:51.206-08:00Mathhammer - Plasma v. Wyverns<a href="https://www.games-workshop.com/resources/catalog/product/600x620/99120105052_AstraMilitarumWyvern01.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.games-workshop.com/resources/catalog/product/600x620/99120105052_AstraMilitarumWyvern01.jpg" width="309" /></b></a><br />
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<b>B. Grim and I were debating between plasma guns or an extra wyvern for my Inquisitor's army, and I decided I would try to run the numbers (note - I found out after I wrote this article that it turns out he was debating between melta and plasma and I thought he was debating between wyverns and plasma). Just a warning that I've assumed that you have a bit of stats knowledge for the article. <br /><br />At S7 AP2, plasmas are very effective. But Wyvens are notorious for putting down a ton of wounds. Let's see how they do against marine equivalents (MEQ) and terminator equivalents (TEQ).<br /><br /><u>PLASMA</u><br /><br />S7 wounds on a 2+. MEQ has no save and TEQ has a 5++. So a shot has a 5/6 chance of killing a MEQ and a 5/9 (= 5/6 x 2/3) chance of killing a TEQ.<br /><br />Assuming a squad of veterans with two plasma guns (I know you can carry 3, but chimeras only have two firing points), they hit on a 3+ and get 2 shots within 12" and 1 shot between 12" and 24". Four shots means 20/6 = 3.3 MEQ dead, and 20/9 = 2.2 TEQ dead. Assuming of course, no cover save. If they're outside of doubletap range, there will be half as many wounds, so 1.65 against MEQ and 1.1 against TEQ.<br /><br /><u>WYVERN</u><br /><br />A wyvern has four twin-linked small blast shots with S4 and shred. Since you get a chance to reroll to wound and both MEQ and TEQ have T4, every hit has a 3/4 chance to wound. MEQ will then fail their armour save 1/3 of the time, which means that it will take you 4 hits before causing 1 wound on MEQ. As TEQ fails their armour save only half as much as MEQ, you'd need 8 hits before causing 1 wound on TEQ.<br /><br />Now the difficult part - trying to figure out how many models are hit using theory. TEQ are usually run in groups of 5. Due to squad coherency, you should always be able to get 2 bases covered, but unless they've just deep striked in, you're probably not going to get more than 3 bases covered. I'm going to assume on average that you can place your blast so that it will cover 2.5 TEQs. Now, how to deal with scatter? First of all, since it is twin linked, it will only scatter 4 out of every 9 times (=1 - 1/3 x 1/3). It will scatter an average of 4" (the 7 on the dice minus the 3 BS). Assuming that the TEQ are deployed in a line and that you've placed the blast in the middle of the line, half of the time it will scatter along the line (hitting the one TEQ on the edge) and half of the time it will scatter perpendicular, hitting 0. So, a hit (5/9 odds) will cause 2.5 hits, and a scatter (4/9 odds) will hit 0.5 on average. That means each shot will cause 1.6 hits (=12.5/9+2/9) on average. As you have 4 shots with each wyvern, you're looking at an average of 6.4 hits per turn, which means 0.8 TEQ dead per turn.<br /><br />For MEQ, based on my empirical experience and assuming a squad of 10 models (and assuming someone is spacing out their models to avoid wyverns), I'm going to say that a hit gets 4 models. I'm going to assume that the 4" average scatter will, on average, catch another 2 models - this is because squads of 10 MEQ are often a little more blobular than TEQ which means there are still 6 other models clustered around your blast template and you've got a decent chance of catching something (or a lot of things) in any direction as long as the scatter distance stays down. So a hit (5/9 odds) on the scatter die will hit 4 models, and a scatter (4/9 odds) will hit 2 models. So each shot hits 3.1 models on average (20/9+8/9). You have four shots, so you're looking at 12.4 hits and (per the above 4 hits for 1 wound), you're looking at 3.1 wounds.<br /><br /><u>CONCLUSION</u></b><div>
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<b>So, against MEQ, wyverns are about equivalent to two plasma guns at double tapping range and they're twice as good against MEQ outside of double tapping range.<br /><br />Against TEQ, you're looking at 0.8 dead vs 2.2 in double tapping range, or 1.1 outside of double tapping range.<br /><br />Of course, 10 vets with a chimera and 2 plasma comes to 155 pts and a wyvern comes to 65. So, if you're only examing killyness, the wyvern comes on top on a per point basis against both MEQ and TEQ. <br /><br />Some other things to note:</b><ol>
<li><b>If you're running a CAD, your vets and your chimera will be ObSec, which is quite useful.</b></li>
<li><b>The calculations above assume a marine enemy. If you're facing something with worse saves (orks, tau, eldar, IG), your wyvern is going to be even better.</b></li>
<li><b>The vets and chimera have to put themselves in danger to get into double tap range. The plasmas have the biggest relative advantage (to the wyvern) against TEQ, but any TEQ you don't kill are going to hit back pretty hard.</b></li>
<li><b>Wyverns have much better range.</b></li>
<li><b>Meltas are cheaper than the plasma but give you more flexibility against armour.</b></li>
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<b>Thoughts? Think any of my assumptions (or worse, my calculations) are off?</b></div>
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Kihribanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12740304422809582274noreply@blogger.com0