RPGWW

by **Christian** » Tue May 26, 2009 10:49 am

Mithras hadn't noticed the glare from the mute sniper, his focus being on the cathedral. But when the man sprinted towards it while Mikolas was still revvying up the motor of the machine spirit he cursed under his breath, he'd overestimated the distance to the cathedral.

As soon as they arrived he jumped off, lasgun in hand as he surveyed the area. The wounded abbot had drifted into unconsciousness, but the blood on his chasuble was a bad sign.

"Is there something inside the cathedral?" he growled as he looked to the bewildered guards. "Are there any other exits? We need to make sure whatever did this cannot leave!" he stemmed his own panic by relying on military procedures, beaten into him through months of bootcamp and years of service.

by **Jak Snide** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:20 pm

One of the milita shook his head rapidly. "No exits 'cept this one. We, ah, haven't taken a look inside yet."

Aristarchus was with them a moment later, wheezing from exertion. "What has transpired here?!" he asked once he'd caught his breath.

by **Christian** » Tue May 26, 2009 3:00 pm

Mithras gave the seer a look but left the explanation for those who'd been there earlier. All he knew was that the abbot was wounded, and whatever had done so must have been inside the cathedral, as no one was chasing after whoever had done this deed...

He looked at one of the guards and ordered "Find whoever has anything like an apothecarian training and bring them here. Do not spread the words that the abbot is wounded, the least we need now is panic." he looked over to his comrades and nodded his head towards the large doors of the cathedral, "Does anyone have any grenades on them? We need to make sure whatever's in there is heading for cover before we barge in; unidentifiable amounts of hostiles in a constrained environment with only one restrictive entrance is a poor tactical situation..." he made the sign of the aquila, "I'd recommend flame-thrower, but I doubt we'd find one here, and the frag will do significantly less damage to His temple..."

by **Capntastic** » Wed May 27, 2009 5:05 pm

"Yeah, I got one." Mik said casually, fishing through his pockets for his two remaining frag grenades and handing one over to Mithras. "Always be prepared, yeah?"

by **Kelne** » Thu May 28, 2009 6:17 am

"Hold a moment," Cryvus said, determined to speak up in the face of people lobbing firebombs into the cathedral. He began muttering something, staring at the doors as if trying to see through them.

by **Christian** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:07 am

Mithras took the grenade and nodded grimly to the savage. Of course, he wasn't about to just chuck it in this second, but it was a good thing that Cryvus stepped up.

The guardsman was wary of witchcraft, and although he respected Cryvus (who had proven level-headed in most situations), he gave him a troubled look as the old man stared at the doors.

by **Jak Snide** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:24 am

"Throne damn your hides, report!" the seer barked, suddenly angry as he hobbled towards the Abbot, leaning on his staff.

"W-we're not sure, sir." one of the milita stammered. "The Abbot was inside preparing for the consecration, then he came through the doors wounded and passed out."

by **NamagomiMk0** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:41 am

Crisis, in the meantime, had his writing tools out, hastily writing a message so that the others were properly warned of the potential nature of the threat. It was more of a formality and a matter of potential overall battle efficiency than anything. Anything to prevent the others from charging into melee. Again. And anything to keep the others from doing something stupid. Speed was of the essence, especially given that the Abbot is now nearly dead.

'Judging from his last conscious words, there is a good chance the enemy is singular, and may not be of natural origin. Prepare accordingly.'

And with that, he pulled out his rifle, made sure the current magazine was fully loaded, and the weapon was cocked, and then motioned for the Guardsmen to lead the way.

...like hell he was going to be caught on point.

by **Kelne** » Thu May 28, 2009 9:15 pm

Cryvus simply stepped forward, swinging the doors wide and peering inside, intent on finding the cause of this horrible event. That the cause might shoot him did not seem to be a consideration.

"The fall of civilisation will be the rise of the Underminers," he muttered absently.

by **Ben Smash** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:46 am

"Right!" Xerxes had enough of all this and finally disembark in as dramatic a nature as possible, singing his weapons and arms low as he struck ground with his Arbites boots. "I think it's pretty clear what we're looking at, boys! Let's have some fun! Mik, watch my hind and Cryvus? Make sure the boy in the mask doesn't shoot me." He spat violently, again issuing forth a rainbow of fluids unto the ground. Drawing down his shotgun and cocking it in a manner more for show, "Emperor be Praised, for he has given me purpose again..."

Blindly, like a man possessed, Xerxes began to step back as if trying to get a little distance between him and the door only to release his crazed energy by running shoulder-out into the doors. Just before making the threshold he leaped a little, weapon first as to cause himself to dive and roll.

In the back of Xerxes head, he knew he would either come up Prone, in a cat like squat and facing combat, or dead. He didn't care anymore, he missed the stretch of the Hive and the action therein. He wanted this to be over. So he mustered up all his strength mid-leap screaming something absurdly obscene-sounding in his Hive-Dialect: "Wanoo Effeen hitch 's oo Ruttin hooer bassard?!"

by **Jak Snide** » Fri May 29, 2009 9:19 am

The doors were flung open and Xerxes charged in. He lay on the ground, weapon ready, scanning the interior for a threat, as did those with weapons readied outside.

They saw nothing immediately. The interior was dimly lit by a multitude of candles, poor lighting but enough to reveal any threats lurking in the shadows. As far as they could tell there was nothing out of the ordinary within, though the condition of the Abbot discouraged them from lowering their guard. The entrance chamber was most certainly clear, though the domed hall still held many places where a foe might be concealed.

by **Ben Smash** » Sat May 30, 2009 1:50 am

"IN THE NAME OF THE THRONE, ANY PARTIES HEREIN SEEN AS A THREAT ARE NOW ENEMIES OF THE INQUISITION AND THE ADEPTUS ARBITES. SHOW YOURSELF AND I WILL SHOW YOU QUICK MERCY." Xerxes dared not stop scanning from his position, lest he trigger some prone threat.

by **Capntastic** » Sat May 30, 2009 2:02 am

Mik slipped in after his arbites pal, his grisly bat in one hand, and his chemlamp in the other.

by **Christian** » Sat May 30, 2009 3:54 pm

Mithras shook his head in disbelief, fun? What had possessed the arbiter? FUN!?

He shouldered his lasgun and fastened the grenade Mik had given him to his belt, drawing his laspistol. At close quarters, large unwieldly weapons would be a bother... He nodded as the barely inaudible ping of the charged battery told him that the machine-spirit inside the weapon was ready...

"Xerxes, Emperor damn your soul..." he muttered as he went in behind Mik, keeping regulation-distance between himself and the large man.

by **Kelne** » Sat May 30, 2009 7:52 pm

Cryvus shook his head at the antics of Xerxes. Certainly, it was all standard procedure, and he himself had done crazier things, but...

"The perpetrator is gone," he said, stepping past to peruse the building for any signs that might help them track the scum down.

by **Ben Smash** » Sun May 31, 2009 1:29 pm

"Gone enough to warrant a trip deeper, have a clean sweep a' things!" Xerxes seemed like he'd been waiting for something indoors, something close-quarters. It was clear that he was relishing all of this, with every fibre of his being he was becoming a fresh Hiver Arbites. His muscles were taught like cables as he got to his feet and began forward down towards the hall; every step he took was deliberate, now.

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:03 am

The acolytes moved further inside, Mikolas' chem-lamp providing additional illumination. Aristarchus had remained outside, kneeling over the Abbot and attempting to heal his wounds. The interior of the Cathedral was as they had been when they were last here, save for a few scattered prayer books and the absence of the few hundred townspeople. It was only when they neared the alter that they found signs of struggle. The alter and the dias it rested upon were spattered with blood.

Mithras:

Spoiler:

by **Christian** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:56 am

Mithras held his pistol in his right hand as he leaned in and knelt beside the blood-spatter. His brow was creased as he looked around and then, as if struck by a disheartening idea, he glanced upwards.

"This splatter..." he kept looking up as he spoke, doing a quick wave with his free hand towards the blood, "...its caused by several small wounds. A knife could've caused it... or claws." he looked at the others, "I think we all know what did this..."

by **Capntastic** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:46 pm

In response to Mithras's assertion, Mik stood up totally straight, a rare occurence for the mighty lout.

"Ribcleaners? Here?"

He held the chemlamp aloft, trying even harder to peer into the shadows.

by **Jak Snide** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:41 am

Mikolas hoisted his lamp, illuminating the are around the alter fully. He noted the trail of blood leading towards the Cathedral doors for the first time, no more than a few drops every meter or so. The Abbot's vestments had soaked up most of the bleeding, it seemed. The sharp clack of staff on stone alerted him and the others to the presence of Aristarchus, the seer making his way down the aisle with a grim look on his face.

"Report." he commanded.

by **Kelne** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:14 am

Cryvus was simply standing, taking the scene in. There would be no catching the perpetrators, he was certain. They were well away, leaving fear in their wake. Once again, his eyes turned upward towards the mural on the ceiling, as if seeking answers or inspiration.

by **Christian** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 6:23 pm

Mithras stood as the seer entered the cathedral. He didn't know what Mik meant by ribcleaners, but he supposed it was just some planetary slang for scavengers...

"I believe I know what attacked the abbott," he began, looking warily back to the blood again, "the pattern of blood splatter here..." he motioned once more with his hand, "were either caused by a multitude of cuts with a small knife... or claws, talons perhaps..." he looked at Cryvus and shook his head, "the enemy is using birds to watch us, and now he's attacking us with them."

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:39 am

Saint Drusus stood triumphant above Cryvus, his blade held high as it had been before, as was the symbol of the Aquila. A moment of victory over the forces of darkness depicted on a massive scale, a shadowy figure lying crushed at the feet of the great man.

The inspected the patterns of spilled blood as Mithras talked, casting his gaze up and towards the dark recesses of the Cathedral's heights. After several seconds of observation he appeared satisfied that they were not in danger of being torn apart themselves and turned his attention back to the ex-guardsman, intensity burning in his strangely coloured eyes.

"If what you say is true then walls will provide no sanctuary from the forces that have set themselves against us. You spoke before of your belief that we should consult Esha Raine. You possess a functional vehicle and I am in agreement. She has a steading along the western mountain pass. Go and convince her to return here. I do not trust her, but she knows more of these events than we do. Go alone," he said, turning to address all of the acolytes now, "I shall remain here with the clergy and ensure the Abbot's safety."

by **Kelne** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:26 am

"With respect sir," Cryvus said, "I don't believe any of us should be alone. Have we another volunteer to remain behind?" As the person most able to understand and put to use the information they were being sent to acquire, he felt himself indispensable to the expedition.

by **Ben Smash** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:59 pm

"I'd love patrol duty." With that brief sunbeam of sanity Xerxes turned on his to and began to secure the perimeter, searching for any information he could find along the way. It was almost like he was going through a crime-scene...

by **Jak Snide** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:09 am

Aristarchus nodded to Xerxes as the man moved off to investigate the Cathedral. "Then it is settled." he declared, speaking to Cryvus now. "Take Avelock, Zuriel and Folus with you and return before the sunset. Whatever information possesses will do us little good if you do not reach us before the consecration."

Xerxes:

Spoiler:

by **Capntastic** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:40 am

"On it, chief."

And out he went to awaken the machine spirit once more!

by **Christian** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:55 am

Mithras gave the seer a nod and clicked his heels together from sheer bootcamp reflexes, resisting the urge to salute. Aristarchus was, he reminded himself, not a person of official military rank...

"Understood, we need to gather at least basic provisions in such case as if we need to set camp, or suffer the displeasure of the machine-spirit."

by **Kelne** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:12 am

Now there was a comforting thought. If the machine spirit were to seize up, well, they would be rather stuck. Walking back was simply not going to see them return in time. Still, they could but trust in the Emperor. They were engaged in doing His will, and if the machinations of the enemy would not stop them, surely neither would a recalcitrant machine spirit. Cryvus wordlessly took a seat on the truck.

by **NamagomiMk0** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:17 am

Crisis glared--half in despair, half in annoyance. It would figure that he once again had to somehow put his trust in the driving skills of one who had gotten their original, faster, transport broken. And now this new vehicle was apparently both slow and unreliable beyond belief, nevermind tasteless.

...Nevermind having to go back outside and risk yet another animal attack, on the way to or back from what amounts to a diplomacy mission. He could figure he had only three reasons that he was being sent on this: in case negotiations went south, in case of an attack in transit, and that hiver deciding to speak up first on staying behind. The only consolation is that he wouldn't be around Xerxes as he seemed to take a deeper and deeper spiral into absolute madness.

...however, Aristarchus' orders were Skane's orders. To question them without plausible reason was stupidity.

And with that, he kneeled, pinned his rifle between his elbow and his knee, and cocked his autocarbine, before silently heading to the...whatever the hell it was. God-Emperor help any fool who tried to do anything to him.

by **Jak Snide** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 3:20 pm

Mithras' search for provisions did not take long. The people of Stern Hope, where he could find those who weren't still panicked by the news of the Abbot's condition, were eager to help, providing both food and deployable shelter. The acolytes departed with these a short while later, Brother Lamark having provided more exact instructions concerning how to locate Raine's stead.

A vicious dust storm battered them as they headed north, striking them head on. Those in the cab were sheltered from the effects, but those who had decided to take positions on the large flatbed of the cargo hauler found themselves seeking shelter behind the compartment their fellow acolytes sat in. Communication was difficult, those sitting next to each other finding that they had to yell to even be heard. After hours of steady travel the storm died and, in a side gorge down from the main pass, they see a large dwelling formed from rough-cut stone blocks and the hides of various animals. A small watering hole lay nearby, as did a corral where three dustdogs were tethered. Mikolas guided them down into the gorge and, as they reached the floor of it, they saw Esha Raine emerge from her home. Kos'ke and the two men who'd survived the attack on Stern Hope followed after, weapons held ready. The warlord crossed his arms and waited for the acolytes to make their move, whatever that may be.

(The acolytes are about 50m away and still inside their vehicle. On another note, Xerxes' experiences in Stern Hope will be handled via PM.)

by **NamagomiMk0** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 5:00 pm

Crisis was thankful that the flak cloak provided adequate protection from the elements; not just for him, but for his weapons; unlike lasguns, projectile weapons have an unfortunate habit of jamming up if too much particulate matter--including that from dust storms--managed to get inside the complex machinery. In addition, the gas mask provided some shelter, at least shielding his eyes, nose, and mouth from the wind and dust whirling around. He had seated himself in the flatbed of the vehicle for a number of reasons, including better arcs of fire in case of attackers, and quick escape should that feral decide he wanted to drive right into another battle.

At the camp, Crisis laid low, rifle in one hand, autocarbine in the other, staying behind the cab. He had no intent--no reason to attend the meeting proper, but if things were to go to hell, he preferred to be ready to get the first strike. After all, the others' strength was needed for fighting...whatever the hell that thing was. But at the same time, he kept an ear out for danger from the back and above. He had no interest in another damnable animal attack, just like their previous excursion.

Damnable planet. Were it not for the Ghostfire, they'd be on a different mission, likely away from animals. Away from diplomacy missions.

Away from Mikolas' driving.

by **Capntastic** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:24 pm

Mik felt that simply emerging from the carrier suddenly may be a bad move. As a gesture of good will, he stuck his arm out of the window, gave a thumbs up, and jammed on the horn a bit.

by **Jak Snide** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:12 pm

Several weapons to bear on the vehicle as a result of the horn going off. As the shock faded and Mikolas' gesture was spotted the weapons were eased down again, though Kos'ke's men still appeared to be on edge.

"What do you want?" the warlord bellowed, his voice carrying through the air as he stepped in front of Raine.

by **Christian** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:30 am

Mithras had remained quiet during most of the trip, answering if anyone spoke to him, but otherwise sliding into quiet thought. The sandstorm had luckily made it an ardous task to speak, so he had plenty of time to think about the recent events.

When they reached the camp, he gave Cryvus an encouraging look, but before either could react Mikolas let the horn of the truck roar.

...

Without wasting much time when the sound had faded, Mithras cursed and opened the door, leaving behind his shotgun in the seat and kept his lasgun slinged to his shoulder, pistol holstered. He wasn't much of a talker, so he folded his hands behind his back and stood at attention while waiting for Cryvus to come out. Being a soldier, he could appreciate their wariness, but matters needed to be dealt with quickly.

by **Kelne** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:20 am

Cryvus stepped down from the truck, weapons holstered save for the staff in one hand, which didn't really count in any case.

"We were hoping to speak with the lady Raine," he said simply, "I fear that what we have seen thus far is but an overture, and our knowledge yet remains painfully thin." He paused, awaiting an answer. If they were to be turned away... So be it. He would not be happy with the situation, but fighting amongst themselves would only leave the enemy laughing.

by **Jak Snide** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:00 pm

Kos'ke raised his laspistol and pointed it squarely at Cryvus, taking a step forward as he did. His face twisted with anger and his mouth opened to yell something when the hand of an old woman seized his arm. The man continued to glare at the acolyte, but he lowered his weapon and stepped back as Eshe Raine moved to the front of their group.

"Has your master come to his senses? It matters not. Come, if you value the souls of those who languish in Stern Hope. I have things I must show you."

As she began to turn the tethered dustdogs began to howl and chuff. She stopped and the eyes of her, Kos'ke and his men turned upwards. The dust storm from before returned with a sudden vengeance, and with it came echoing, mocking laughter and baleful, sickly lights. The sky grey dark, and those who turned their gaze upwards saw why. A murder of crows filled the sky, threatening to block out the sun. Then they descended upon the two groups, cawing with snapping beaks and tearing at exposed flesh with talons.

(Crisis, Cryvus and Mithras are all struck by the avian threat. Mikolas uses his position inside the driver's cab to avoid the worse of it, though the birds are flooding in. None of them take any damage, but the suddenness of the attack along with its unnatural nature provokes a Fear test. Check your PMs to see how you fared. Lastly, to clarify, you are in combat now. The crows just rolled very, very will on initiative.)

by **Christian** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:25 pm

Crows.

Talons and beaks biting and tearing, cawing and fluttering wings.

The enemies of the Emperor would soon learn that what stuff His servants were made of.

Without even blinking the soldier unholstered his laspistol, aimed it forward and fired straight at one of the countless crows surrounding them. His shotgun was still in the car, and for a moment he considered getting it, but the enemy had already lost its advantage, the surprise.

"Begone to your foul master, scavengers!" he bellowed as he fired again, and again into the murder, eyes ablaze with the righteous fury of the Emperor of Man, "tell him that his days are numbered!" His hand lashed out to grab one of the birds fluttering around him, his grip tightening until a sickenly pop made him drop the creature into a heap in the dust.

OOC:

Spoiler:

by **NamagomiMk0** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:16 pm

Crisis froze for an instant as the wretched avian tried to rob him of his gas mask. A swarm of such magnitude was...unfathomable. Terror-inspiring.

...then his instinct kicked in. There was no survival in acting out of fear. Irrationally. Only properly thought-out action would be feasible in this case.

Proximity was close. The grouping was thick. An air-burst would handle it, but the prospects of that were risky at best...

Bracing himself against the bed of the truck, he pulled down the trigger on his oft-used autocarbine. And held.

[Full-auto to the swarm]

by **Kelne** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 4:18 am

Yet again, hapless pawns were being sent to destroy them. If nothing else, it was an indication they were doing the right thing, though that was of scant comfort at the moment. Cryvus laid about himself wildly with his staff, focusing on striking down any birds he could reach yes, but also keeping them well clear of his face. He was quite attached to his eyes.

Yet while faith alone might carry him through, it would not inspire the others. For that, something more was needed. A battle hymn to lift the spirits and keep them fighting come what may.

"Where have all the good men gone
And whither fell their swords?
Where are the servants of the Throne
To fight the rising dark?

Have you seen the space marines, within fiery drop pods?
Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of glories gone."

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