Damnit.

The legs!

Why didn't think of that before?

Stand up, get blade before someone melts it.

YAY ITS BACK!

bumpin for more questers.

Okay. Glad that's over.

Time to take stock of the casualties, and get ready to find a way down below.

Thank Rowdan.

>>14695376
>The creature spasmed as lighting arced off its body, its huge mass collapsing to the ground, stunned.

Any suggestions what to do with that thing? Other than killing it, of course.

>>14696280
>mfw people are still misspelling the farseer's name.

did all the questers forget that today the quest was coming back or something?

I AM waiting for replies you guys.

Oh bugger.

Ah, yeah. Sorry :< Easter is kind of cutting into my questing time. I'll keep it bumped, but at the moment I can't reply.

bumpin for the emprah!

and happy easter

Found it!

I hope the rest was alright for you, OP. I've been waiting for this quest to come back. Reply will be coming up in a pinch.

>>14695376

Run up to the stunned daemon's head. "In the name of the Emperor, I SMITE THEE!" Ram the Force sword straight into its skull, pulsing energy through the sword to make sure that it's dead.

When that business is done, take a moment to breathe before regrouping.

>>14696326

I don't think that there's much else we can do with something like that besides killing it. Fashioning armor or weaponry out of the scales and claws would be time-consuming and heretical, and though the thought of somehow controlling it and using it as a mount sounds enticing, I'd rather not try it.

>>14697754

Suppose so. But that bit was one of the last posts OP submitted before the last thread was archived. Or, it could be that some people waited all Saturday and didn't see it, so they assumed that it would be put off another day. So.

Easter day bump

"Die, foul creature!" With one final show of evergy, drive the Force sword into the beast's skull, twisting it in the wound and pulsing energy through it.

When we know that it's dead, step off from the corpse and begin doing damage control. Send Verity to check on Caramel's arm, ask the Sisters around how we're doing on ammo, and who we lost in the attack. "We knew that this daemon would be getting smarter, and I'm not surprised that he would try pulling an offensive like this. We must press on, though. If you can, all of you, recite the proper rites for the dead--but make it quick. We need to keep moving."

read your replies and will think of one while i'm away at the obligatory easter party thing. I'll write and post it when i return.

I just hope we can get all our questers back during the week.

>>14706681

Take your time, OP

>>14695376

"Your end comes!" Stab the Force sword into the beast's eye, twisting it for good measure. After pulling it out, allow a moment to breathe, turning toward the Farseer and giving an appreciative nod and smile. After getting a small breather, begin to dish out orders. "Gather the dead and recite the proper rites. Check your ammo and treat the wounded. There is no time to be lost; the game is upon us."

>>14695675

We're a lot more brute force-oriented--don't really think outside of the box that often, unless it's a puzzle.

>>14695675
One of them was described as a centipede, the others as snakes. We hadn't actually engaged the one with legs until now.

>>14708994

I thought they were all something like snake-like centipedes.

>>14695376
Kill the thing before it gets up again, then move as quickly as possible. I'm sure some other daemons heard that, so the quicker we clear out of here, the better.
So let's put Filigree and Chloe up front to lead the way, and let's look for an underground opening to assault the node from.

>>14710530

If you remember, we're right on top of a node for the connecting thread. All we have to do now is dig or find a some underground access point.

>>14710530

Unless there's a convenient manhole cover somewhere, we're gonna need to find out a way we can start digging.

>>14711276

Does Fortran have some sort of drilling implement we could use?

>>14697754

I wouldn't be surprised. Life's complicated like that.

>>14696326
>>14702688

The thought of a daemon mount is enticing, if heretical. Besides, even if we did get it to serve us, it woudl be horrendously slow--getting several legs chopped off with an eviscerator can do that to your mobility

>>14714930

Thanks for clarifying, OP. They're makes 'em a lot uglier than I thought they would be.

Bump.

You rush forward, Rodwen loosing another volley of electricity, keeping the beast grounded. You grab its jaw with your powerclaw, attempting to hold its head still as you ram your blade through its eye, the force properties activating almost instantly.

It screamed, head whipping back, tearing the blade from your hand as the wave of psykic energy cooked its soft tissues into an unrecognizable semi-fluid gelatinous mess of smoldering organic matter. Slowly you approached it, grabbing the hilt and pulling. The blade came free with a sound not unlike a wet cloth being dragged over gravel

Verity was already at Caramel's side, tending to her, trying to ignore the fuzzball which had made its way onto her shoulder, nibbling affectionately on her hair. A bonesinger joined her before long, intent on repairing any damaged armor.

Filigree was already digging for the node, the lash of torment making progress very quick. At least much of the permafrost had dissolved at this point, making this arduous task that much easier.

The others were off doing various tasks, though Eden was nowhere to be seen. Probably scouting around. It didn't seem that you lost any other sisters other than the ones you had noted previously, though one of the repentia had an injured leg and was leaning on her Evicerator for support.

>>14719567

Take a sigh of relief, sheathing our sword. Start ordering Anna, Alessa, Evelyn and their weapon teams to form a defensive perimeter while Filigree digs. Beckon the Twins over to us. "Have either of you seen Eden?" I ask them. "If you haven't, would you kindly find her?

bump

>>14719567

With the beasts dead, we can move on with our objectives. Get our shooty squads to form a perimeter around the dig site while the rest of us wait it out--get Evelyn and her initiates to gather the fallen and lay them to rest with the Canonesses leading in the burial rites. Ask anyone if they've seen Eden, and--since this seems like a pretty good break from the action--INITIATE CHARACTER INTERACTION WITH THE BANSHEE EXARCH. Seriously, that girl needs a name, at least.

>>14719567
bemp

>>14719567
"Form a perimiter!" I shout, guiding the initiates and our heavy weapons to form a rough circle around our position.
As we wait for Filigree to reach the node, I speak to Rodwen and Chloe, "Do you sense any threats in the immediate area? I don't want to be caught off guard."

I'll post soon once i've got my homework finished.

Bumping in anticipation of plot movement

The squads quickly followed orders, forming a perimeter. No amount of coaxing could budge Anna from Verity's side, however.

Verity quickly finished up on Caramel, checking on the Confessor Jeremiah before moving to reset and brace the repentia's leg.

The Confessor was doing much better and was sitting up now, taking water from the silver winged angels.

Caramel slowly got up and, after collecting Tribble, limped off to do her own thing.

Florencia, Galatea, and Evangela were already performing funeral rights on the fallen sisters, though you doubted there would be time to properly bury them.

Seeing that digging would take some time, you approach the Banshee Exarch. The woman turns to you, removing her helmet and bowing while making some sort of gesture, touching her soulstone. You assumed it was some form of Eldar salute.

"What eez eet I can do fohr you sestohr?"

You begin talking with her but it soon becomes clear that her limited understanding of Low Gothic makes holding a conversation near impossible. You finally settled for asking her name.

It took a few tries to get the pronunciation right but you finally learn her name is "Yáviel." You thank her and walk away to attend to other matters, still quite certain your pronunciation of her name was entirely incorrect.

>>14719567

After catching her breath and relaying the orders to form a perimeter to her sisters, Esme moves towards the wounded repentia. "Don't move." the Exalted Martyr commands as the woman notices her, trying to prevent her wounded ally from further harming herself by prostating before Esme. "Quite a wound you've got there" she says before crouching to properly inspect the injury.
Gently placing her hands near the wound, Esme begins healing the wounded repentia.

>>14729013

You approached the twins, asking if they've seen Eden. Coral spoke first.

"She ran off just after the battle."She seemed uneasy."Maybe she sensed or saw something."She might be scouting ahead..." They both glance at each other before shrugging.

You make your way over to Rodwen, calling Chloe over. The twins follow you, still speculating on Eden's whereabouts in hushed voices.

You ask the two psykers if they sensed anything. Chloe was first to respond. "Nothing from the Chaos beast... But..." Rodwen cut her off. "There is a pressure in the warp around us. I suggest we hurry else-"

She paused as Filigree let out an excited squeak. "I see something shiny!" She reached into the hole and pulled out a single throne. "It's my lucky day! Seriously, who would just leave it on top of a pulsing mass of flesh and energy and bury it underground?" She wandered off, giggling to herself.

You couldn't stop yourself from facepalming. The twins groaned and follow suit. Rodwen pinched the bridge of her nose. "... Well at least she found the node..."

>>14729073
I speak quickly with Rodwen and Chloe, "If the warp is growing thicker around us, the beast has most likely noticed our presence. We cannot afford to wait."
Activating my vox, I begin to relay orders, "Pull everyone back to cover and a defensible position. I have no idea what will happen when I destroy this thing, so prepare for the worst."
As the Sisters stream back away from the excavation site, I stride forward to get a look at the foul thing.
I observe the thing while I wait for the last Sister to clear the area, then prepare a bolt of the Emperor's light. I step back a few paces, keeping in mind the explosive nature of destroying the nodes in the warp, and fire the bolt into the center of the writhing mass of hellish flesh, propelling myself away as quickly as possible with some of my power.

>>14729443
I thought we didn't really want to destroy these nodes? Did we ever manage to reach consensus on that?

>>14729073

Well, at least the Banshee Exarch has a name now. Yaviel...sounds interesting. Next time we have some downtime, we should try talking to her, with Rodwen acting as a sort of translator.

And on the subject of Eden: It could be entirely possible that Eden slipped away during the battle, possibly to regroup with a Slaaneshi force not far from here--remember, Inquisitor Kravos first met with Eden when she was an emissary for Miriael Sabathiel.

I won't jump to any conclusions, but it's entirely possible that Eden's a double agent. Although why she would play both sides of the coin is beyond me--perhaps Slaanesh could be vying for a bigger share of power than his/her/its brothers once this god is destroyed?

Keep everyone on guard as we move to the node to sever the thread. We might have some unexpected company soon enough.

Class now bbl

>>14729013

>Dat Banshee dialogue

I am reminded of a certain cultist from the olden days of /tg/. Does Yaviel smell of bacon, I wonder?

>>14731293
>>14729489

Suddenly TRAITORS, TRAITORS EVERYWHERE.

And then Esme was an Alpha Legionnaire.

>>14732052

If we start hearing people say "Hydra dominatus," we should probably start torching everything. EVERYONE IS A HERETIC. EVERYONE.

bampan

Insomniatic bump

>>14732052

As shocking as that might be, it's unlikely. Eden's disappearance is troubling, though, but we probably can't spare forces to find her.

Forgive my vanishing act last night. The internet stopped working. Just woke up. Will post when fully coherent.

>>14731293

Her accent will probably bounce around between several things until i settle on something that sounds correct.

You take a moment to approach the Repentia, gently shooing Verity away. The Repentia began to object but you silenced her with a quick word. "I need all my sisters in top shape right now." She hesitated before nodding, letting you heal her leg, not meeting your gaze. Your headache worsened a bit, but you ignored it.

The sisters quickly moved to defensive positions. It took a little longer than anticipated due to various other injuries. Especially due to one sister in particular. One of the novices. She was shivering and coughing violently, her hair plastered to her head. The moment she could stand, Caramel had immediately gone to cut the bellies of the snakes open. It was a miracle she survived.

You slowly approached the node, your hands crackling with holy fire. You loosed a single bolt into it, leaping back. You could no longer ignore your headache. The node didn't explode. It shuddered as it burned, slowly deflating. Almost instantly the warp pressure around you lifted, but no visible change seemed to be made. You looked around puzzled. You took a few moments to ponder what had just happened. What exactly had the node-

"Hey!"

>>14736937

You turned your head to the sound of the voice. It was Eden. She came down slowly next to you, her body resuming its original shape.

"The others said you were looking for me." She fidgeted a bit. "I'm not good in fights. I figured I would move on ahead to see what sort of effect destroying the stream would have..." She let out a breath. "Nothing... I could sense no change from the hive. The energy around us has loosened a bit and I noticed what looked like falling meteors but other than that-"

A grating screech filled the air, a long flat creature rocketed past you overhead. It was far smaller than the behemoth you had killed earlier, but its teeth were still easily as long as your forearm. It was followed by another... and another... perhaps 20 or 30 in total.

Riding atop each one was a grotesque beast, its body a chitinous mass pocketed with holes. They stood on four legs and had two spindly clawed arms. The hive daemons...

>>14736942

The ground below you buckled, forcing you to dive for cover. Just in time too. Another massive centipede creature, followed by another...

Almost instantly the sisters around you opened fire, the hail of bullets, some of the hive daemons and their mounts dropping out of the sky.

Evangela leapt into the air without a second thought, followed by Florencia, her angels, and the twins.

Anna noticed the snakes first, turning and firing the lascannon, the lucky shot hitting one of the beasts in the jaw, snapping its head back and breaking some of its teeth.

>>14736950
FFFFFUUUUUU-
Well, at least we had them pull back into a defensible position.

"Elizabeth! Coat those damned centipedes in promethium" I shout into the vox as I rise to join the fight in the air.
I begin to issue a series of rapid commands, "Repentia, protect the firing line. Anna and the initiates, focus your fire on the flying daemons. Heavy weapons fire on the centipedes!"

Oh, and if anyone wants to write up a prayer, now would be a wonderful time. I think we will need all the faith we can get at this point.

>>14736950

At least we're fighting from a defensible position. Keep everyone firing and hitting the damned things until they let off. "Give them all you have! None get past us this day!" Scream out the words over the din of battle. Another song reaches your lips; sing it to the air that the battle might come sonorous praise:

"War has come to us this day, and we shall answer.
Though the foe assails us with sword and gun, we will not falter;
Though the xenos shrieks and wails for blood, we will not falter;
Though the daemon seeks to destroy our very being, we will not falter;
We shall hold against this scum, and give not an inch!
We shall hold, and they shall break upon us like waves against rock.
We shall hold, and die standing!"

bump

>>14736950

"Sawyer, Evelyn--protect our big guns! Caramel, Tessa--into the fray!" Draw our sword and jump among the crowd of beasts, hacking and slashing while belting out another litany to bolster our forces:

"God-Emperor, we beseech you this day,
Grant unto your holy servants Divine Fury.
Guide our shots into the enemy's heart, and our blades through the enemy's head.
May our bodies shine with holiest light, that the flames become a beacon of salvation.
Steel our resolve with unshakable faith, that we may hold against any foe.
May our cries echo across this bloodied field,
And have our foes hearts cower in terror at our holy praise!

>>14736942

>what looked like falling meteors
>Falling meteors

Well, that doesn't sound good. For me, that means four possibilities:

1. Tyranid Mycetic Spores (unlikely)
2. Space Marine drop-pods (probable)
3. Chaos Dreadclaws (O NOES)
4. Actual meteors (also unlikely)

>>14740041

>Mycetic Spores
>Dreadclaws

As if Esme and her gang didn't need more problems. Well, I guess we'll find out if one of those meteors comes close enough that we can see if it lands with the assistance of orbital air brakes.

bump

Fuck.
This was the opposite of what we what wanted!

is it still possible to ride this thing into the heart of the hive?

Oh god. I thought we Weren't going to destroy the node?

>>14742470

Nope. You're about to experience some of the "Interesting Rolls" I made earlier.

I *did* warn you the node might do nothing. Or at least give you some advantage you don't notice and therefore don't utilize. I didn't know what was going to happen until I rolled for it.

That's not what happened however and your advantage will be obvious because you guys get stupid good rolls on stuff like this. Seriously. What the hell?

Also would anyone else like to make a reply?

>>14742940
I think we are ready to see what we've gotten ourselves into this time.

>>14742940
>>14742585
>>14742470
I'd written something twice in the last 2 days, but 4chan at both replies. So I'm taking a break for now.

No idea where all the "ESME SMASH!" folks suddenly came from.

>>14743467

4chan has eaten some of my replies too.

I also have another dentist trip today so my mood will be kinda meh.

I'll finish my post as long as I don't RAGE endlessly due to my mouth being filled with needles and drills for an hour.

>>14743037
>>14742585
>>14743467
>>14742470

We knew what we were getting ourselves into, guys. Have faith; I know we're gonna make it. Besides, Imperial force holding the line against stupefyingly large odds? This is the sort of thing that the Guard go up against all the time; who's to say we can't do the same?

>>14736942

If the Warp around us has gotten somewhat slack from the destruction of the node, could it be possible that using our Warp powers would put less strain on us now?

>>14743599
I wonder if the loosening of the warp pressure may be linked to those meteors? Maybe a psychic shield was lifted that hid our position or something.
Now, here's to hoping those drop pods are friendly.

>>14745131
We should probably send them a scout/messenger, so that if they're actually friendly to our cause, they don't start killing our "allied" daemons who're currently busy distracting the enemies' forces at the hive.

>>14743544
You referred to our fluffball as a "remnant" a few threads ago. Could you be so kind and explain what that means?

>>14745946

Sending out a scout while in the middle of combat? Not likely, mate. We'll just have to stick it out against these beasties and, if the meteors do turn out to be allied drop pods, just try to explain to the Marines (I hope that it's someone like Space Wolves, Blood Angels, or Salamanders) the situation and our alliance with both xenos and daemons. They'll probably be peeved, but understand due to the circumstances. Or they'll kill us for being double heretics, take up our cross, and proceed to liberate Ophelia VII by themselves; frankly, both choices look likely--just depends on which chapter we meet.

If it's Tyranid Mycetic spores or traitor legionnaires, though, we can only hope they'll draw the god's attention enough for us to slip past unnoticed.

>>14747457
>Sending out a scout while in the middle of combat?

When I write my next reply I'll try to include that Esme continues breathing as well. By your line of thought she might suffocate if I don't mention it explicitly. Right?

>>14747635

Dividing our forces would be a tactical error. We need to keep pouring metal into the things until they're all dead or we get relieved.

bump

>>14745131

They could be drop pods, emphasis on "could"; they could be something else entirely for all we know--heck, they could even be actual meteors. Or worse, Ork Roks.

>>14751808

>mfw possibility of Ork Warboss going on killy, looty rampage while all of Ophelia VII burns around him is closer to realization that I thought

>>14751808

If it's Orks, we could actually use this to our advantage. They'll be so busy lootin' all the shiny bits and blasting whatever's in their way of getting said shiny bits that we'll be able to slip past all the clashing parties without harm. Birthing god and Big Four will most likely have to divert large numbers of forces to combat cunningly brutal (or is it brutally cunning?) Ork force. While Orks are getting stuck in, stay far away and move as quickly as possible. to the Citadel.

>>14751973

You would have the Orks desecrate shrines to the Imperial Saints? You would have them steal various relics precious to the Sisterhood, the Ecclesiarchy--possibly even the Imperium at large? Such barbarism would strike a heavy blow to our morale; cleansing these shrines, however, would have an opposite effect.

>>14751997

We aren't exactly in a position to launch multiple offensives. We have--compared to most of the forces attacking and defending this planet--what could be considered a small, elite strike force. We need to deal with this Birthing God first; the Orks, I hate to say it, can wait.

Of course, we could always leave the Orks to Inquisitor Kravos--you know she's gonna have to run damage control on this entire situation when the battle's done.

breakfast bump

>>14752027
I really don't want to think about all of the paperwork that this little 'incident' is going to entail.
Poor Delessa is going to be doing paperwork centuries from now.

>>14736937
wait... did the snake eat her?

Alright. Time for action- planning comes later. Need to smash through the deamons lines- if we're encircled we're dead

>>14754286

Yeah you must noticed that?

The sisters moved in tighter, the swarm daemons dropping like flies around you.

Elizabeth was about to turn and drench the snakes, but she hesitated, her flamer easily dispatching the hive daemons and their swarms that the bolters were not able to kill.

The first centepede began to crack and bubble from Alessa's melta. The daemons continued to stream out of the hole, raising the count of centepedes to six, and they were still coming.

You lunged at the nearest centepede, your power claw grating off of the enormous beast's armor, finally catching on one of the armored plates. You shove your force blade into the crack, the force properties activating, the daemon screaming and arching.

Another well placed shot by Sonja blinded the centipede with the cracked teeth, making it thrash uncontrollably.

Galatea rushed the creatures, Tessa, the Repentia, and Yáviel following. Galatea struck the daemon hard, knocking it off balance, the chainswords cleaving through their legs. The Exarch landed on the beast's head with a few quick hops, driving her blade up into its chin.

The rocket launcher snapped off huge chunks of another daemon's armor, sending it reeling back as Caramel lunged at it, the sollex blade cutting out huge chunks of unprotected flesh.

The beasts thrashed and struck wildly, Yáviel and two of the repentia being batted away like flies.

>>14751997

Oh, now you've done it. Now you're bringing back memories of the Dawn of War 2: Chaos Rising campaign. Cleansing shrines and protecting tombs--I had Jonah as the traitor and ended up getting the penitence crusade ending. Also, Ulkair took stupidly long to kill.

>>14756112
"Anna! Move your fire to cover the Banshee and the Repentia!" I order, hoping to give them enough time to escape from the centipede.
"Heavy weapons! Focus your fire on the unwounded daemons! We can dispatch the wounded ones."
I rush towards the daemon that Caramel had wounded, leaping forward and planting my sword into the exposed flesh.
Fighting through my headache, I screech, "Weakness is a failure I cannot allow!"
I pulse my powers once more, and look around for the next centipede that had cracks in its armor.

>>14756112
If possible, Esme contacs the twins via vox. "Could you manage to fly over the hole and drop one of the bombs into it? I haven't got the slightest idea how many enemies are down there, but we'll get overwhelmed if they keep coming."

>>14756112
do these things have knee joints?

if so- GO FOR THE CENTIPEDAL KNEE JOINTS

Also, if I'm remembering correctly- don't the hive deamons go up like dry tinder?

>>14755077

They're coming at us--not the other way around. What we need to do is perform our best Guard regiment impersonation and HOLD THE BLOODY LINE until (1) something draws off these beasties; (2) we manage to kill all of them; (3) we die in a glorious last stand; or (4) we are relieved by the timely arrival of an allied force.

>>14756112

"Hold them back!" Shout over the shrieks and screams of battle. "Keep our guns protected! Not one step back, Sisters!" Make a slash for the legs of one of the closest centipedes. "The Emperor shall see us through this day!"

>>14756112


Gritting her teeth, Esme lets out a growl as she feels her head throb. "Pain purifies the body," she whispers, slashing her sword against the scales of one centipede. "Pain cleanses the soul." She makes a swipe at the legs of another. "Pain is the instrument of His will, to weed out the unfaithful and the weak!"

bumpin

Hail, holy Emperor, Father of our faith,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, as your children,
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
let it fill us with the hate and vitrol of your blessings
and let us sear the flesh from the bones of your enemies

You hear rather than see the others around you shift, following your orders. You flinched as you felt a huge blast of heat next to you, the creature Alessa had been firing at exploding into a mess of molten flesh and organs.

You rip your blade free and dive forward, rolling as you hit the ground. You hear the whine of the twin's jumppacks as they rocketed overhead, one of them, Coral, pitching a sphere larger than your fist into the hole. The ground below you shuddered violently, rock and debris flying this way and that as the explosion tore the hole apart.

The centepedes were still coming, their armored bodies riddled with cracks from the shockwave.

You shook your head, jumping at your next target, your blade sinking deeply into its flesh. The daemon screamed, lashing down at you as you summoned your power. It was too late though, your power frying it from the inside out, even as it retaliated.

Your victory was short lived however as another centipede skittered up next to you with astounding speed, lashing forward for the kill, its jaws dripping with foaming poison.

You rip your blade free to defend yourself when something huge, something black, barreled into the side of the daemon, tackling it and rolling some distance away.

A loud crunch drew your attention as another black mass hurtled into another daemon, more of them appearing every second.

The Legion of the Damned.

As much as you would like to relax, there will be time for such pleasantries later. More hive daemons and centipedes were swarming in, easily outnumbering your forces. To make matters worse, chitinous appendages had begun erupting from the ground nearby, demolishing structures as they rapidly spread.

>>14766587

>add "Legion of the Damned" to "destroy the node" results table
>2% chance
>mfw

BORING SHIT THAT HAS GONE ON FOR FAR TOO LONG

>>14766681
Jezum crow really?

Heh. I'm surprised we recognized them.

>>14766587
Shit shit shit. Weird space marines and chitinious shit.
Fuck, well at least it's not the grey knights. Now we need to push towards the Space marines and make a push towards the inner heart of the city

>>14766587

>Legion of the Damned
>LEGION OF THE BLOODY DAMNED HAVE COME TO SAVE US LIKE BIG GODDAMN HEROES
>mfw

Not only do we get SPESS MEHREENS, we get one of the more badass groups of SPESS MEHREENS.

>>14766587

Start to smile. Then, slowsly, turn that smile into a maniacal grin. The sort of grin that would be normal for Elizabeth to make while she's burning things. "Sisters!" Shout over the din of battle. "The Legion of the Damned have come to aid us! Let us push forward, and end this battle with a combined assault!" Look to the closest Marine, nod to him, and charge into the fray anew with a warcry.

>>14767655
>The Legion of the Damned have come to aide us

Damn that's weird to say

>>14766587

Give a determined grin. "The Emperor truly does provide for his faithful," Esme mutters under her breath. "Sisters, Brother-Marines have come to aid us! Push forward now!" Charge into the fray as the Legion of the Damned start to cut into the daemons with their relentless assault. Sing out another litany, so that the Brother-Marines may follow:

"The Emperor is our guide and our protector, all praise be to him.
His Light guides us, that we travel safely, and not suffer the perils of the galaxy;
His Power strengthens us, that we may stand against the damnable tide, and not falter;
His Wrath is channeled through us, that we may crush His foes under our boot;
Our Faith in Him shields us, allowing us to see past the deceptions of both heretic and xeno;
All this does the Emperor give to His faithful, so that we may cleanse the galaxy in a sea of holy blood and righteous flame!
Glory be to the almighty Emperor!
May we not be found wanting!"

>>14766587

What kind of heat are these guys packing? Anything bigger than a flamer, plasma, or melta gun?

>>14767852

Aren't Damned Legionnaires completely silent? At least, that's what Lexicanum says.

Hafta say: did not expect Damned Legionnaires. Hopefully they'll stick around after the battle and lend us some fire support as we go along and *not* pull off that "mysteriously vanish" business as soon as the battle is over.

>>14768179

Contrary to popular belief, Damned Legionnaires are not silent. In fact, they all sound like they straight outta Compton.

bump

>>1476750

They aren't exactly bad. The best way to describe these guys is zombie-ghost Space Marines who appear to Imperial forces in dire situations. They appear and disappear silently and suddenly. They do not speak, and their assaults are relentless.

Basically, they're what happens to a Space Marine when you dump an entire chapter's worth of Space Marines into a Warp Storm and then pull them out after a few centuries. They number approximately two hundred, but they're pretty much invulnerable.

Alternatively, look up the Lexicanum article for a more thorough explanation.

late bamp.

>>14766681

We always do tend to come up with the most unorthodox of rolls, don't we? Esme's ascension to Sainthood, Damned Legionnaires--I can only wonder what's next.

>>14774214
Survival of the final boss fight?

>>14774214

Don't forget--we've managed to bring back two people from the dead. Without the help of Tessa and Alessa, we probably wouldn't have gotten as far as we have.

I have some errands to run. I'll post later tonight and i'll stick around for awhile if you guys are there. hopefully we'll get some stuff done.

All I can say about the most recent turn of events is this: thank you to the guy who mentioned the Legion of the Damned in the last thread; you've probably given us our ace in the hole.

The sisters let out a cheer, singing litanies and praises to the emperor as they moved into position accommodating and supporting the Legion. Slowly you began moving toward the hive, struggling for every inch of ground. While your progress was steady, you could not continue like this forever. Already ammunition bags were starting to look dangerously light.

The Space Marines were silent, focusing their attacks on the centipede creatures. Their massive bulk and inhuman strength were a more even match for the daemons, but even they would not be able to destroy such a horde without the support of the other sisters. It did, however, allow quite a few sisters refocus their fire on the hive daemons.

You charged in to help, ramming your blade into the damaged plates of another daemon, obliterating it. Out of the corner of your vision you could see Galatea, Yáviel, and one of the legion bring down another.

Alright, the chaos node was a bust.
What is our objective?
We need to get to the heart of the city, right?

>>14782088

I think the node was holding back the arrival of the Legion or something.

>>14782588
Alright, but we still need to deal with the heart of this problem, namely the chaos god fetus thing that's awakening in the center of this city.
We need to get to it, and destroy it. I think.

We can't remain here, we'll get cut down by weight of numbers. So what is our next move?

>>14782614
I think we have to escape this attack somehow...

Oh, and asap point out that Filigree, Eden, Rodwen, and Yaviel are on our side so they don't get killed by the Legion.

Still watin guys.

>>14781595

"With me, Sisters--advance!!" Move forward with the Damned Legionnaires, concentrating fire as we go along. With the node gone, all we have to do now is push forward to the Citadel.

>>14782614
>>14782088

We advance. With the Legion of the Damned with us, we combine our assaults and move toward the Citadel.

>>14782802

We could do that, but then again, Damned Legionnaires are silent. We would have no way of knowing whether they would acknowledge the order save for a nod or a shake of the head.

>>14783681

Sorry for the lack of participation, OP. Seems like everyone's still flipping two shits about Bin Laden's death.

>>14785028

its understandable given the circumstances.

>>14781595
"Sisters! We cannot remain here! Drive to the citadel of the unborn god!" I shout into the vox, as hope burned in my chest.
With the aid of the Legion, we might just be able to pull this off.
I organize the Sisters into a wedge, with melee fighters forming the outer portion and the ranged forming the center.
Shouting a hymn of praise that my Sisters soon join, I take the lead and begin to press towards the foul beast's lair.
This ends today!

>>14787746
>>14785472
Just so I understand our current situation correctly; the destruction of the node means a frontal assault is our only remaining option?

>>14788050

yeah thats what it meant. Though knowing OP if we find some other means of attack that will work too.

>>14789538

Stealth is not an option, and I don't think that we'll be able to find a backdoor into the place any time soon. We'll just have to go in there with guns blazing and breach the walls. Or scale them, if we happen to find siege ladders or grappling hooks.

srry guys been working all day. post coming up pretty soon.

>>14792837
Take your time OP. The last few days have been surprisingly slow anyway.

I have this sinking feeling things are going to get a lot worse...

>>14795154

Because I have no idea if the next few words will horrendously shape the coming situation, I say some very famous last few words: "What could possibly go wrong?"

>>14795154
I still think we screwed up big time when we destroyed the node.

>>14797908

It probably depends on OP and the rolls.

Workin on a post.

You press the sisters forward, the Legion of the damned falling into formation around you. They press back against the daemons, keeping them out of melee range, allowing the sisters to focus their fire.

Alessa's melta takes down another daemon but instead of changing targets again she switches to the lascannon. She must be low on ammunition.

Nearby, Florencia, the twins, and the other silver winged angels landed, their jump packs glowing with heat. They would need to cool before they could be used again. Caramel landed a few moments later, her jump pack also radiating with heat, the fuzzball nestled in one arm.

The flamers were keeping the hive daemons at bay for now, but when those ran out of promethium it was going- you paused, frowning. The daemons were withdrawing. You ordered a halt and paused, a cold chill creeping up your spine.

Why were they withdrawing?

"I don't like this!" You glanced over your shoulder. How did Filigree keep sneaking up on you? "I have this funny feeling... something is wrong." You heard Rodwen's voice not too far off. "The creature is right. There is a flux in the warp."

Sonja slid up next to you, reloading her rifle. "You've gotten us this far exalted one. What should we do?"

You looked around. Luckily there were plenty of easily defendable positions around but you were also very close to the hive. Setting up a defense would waste precious time but over-haste could waste precious lives...

>>14801213

"Filigree, Rodwen, do either of you have any idea as to why they might be falling back? Is a greater daemon about to make itself known to us--perhaps a daemon prince of immense power?" Meanwhile, get the Sisters into cover with the Damned Legionnaires standing at the front, weapons ready. They're pretty much invulnerable, so if anything pops up at us they'll take it and hit back.

>>14801213
"A full frontal assault would be of little use. We are too few and our supplies are almost depleted." Esme replies to the sniper at her side. "Even with the support our glorious Emperor has granted to us this day" Esme nods to the towering colossi between her sisters. "There is something strange happening, and I doubt it is something good - so we'll have to hurry. Nevertheless, establishing a temporary base is probably unavoidable. We need to concentrate whatever resources we have, and I'd prefer to be able to pull wounded sisters out of combat instead of sacrificing them."

Mentioning Sonja to follow her, Esme begins surveying their current situation. Seeking out whoever needs help, and including the canonesses and Rodwen in the discussion how to proceed.

"I'd suggest sending out several teams to scout for supplies, weaknesses in the hive's defences... anything that might help us." The Exalted Martyr pauses for a moment, catching her breath before continuing.
"I'm sure there must be someone around who should know the region we're in, any knowledge of supply depots in the area would be an immense help. Evangela might have an idea who to ask. Would one of you be so kind and find her?"

While waiting for her messenger to return, and if the sister Caramel managed to rescue from the snake's belly is still alive and freezing, Esme approaches her after the rest of her work is done, tears an unimportant piece of cloth off her own armour and begins toweling off her comrade. "I'm glad Caramel acted quick enough to save you, every sister here is precious to our Emperor." Esme says before her victim even has the chance to complain. "And me." She adds as she gives the soldier a wink and an honest smile . "If even one of us manages to survive this, it might make a nice relic. From what I understand, it could be considered a fragment of blessed armour. Those are always better if there's a nice story to 'em."

>>14801213

"Set up a temporary base. Get Carol, Coral, and Eden to scout out the wall, try to find the weakest point that we can exploit. Like last time, Alessa, Anna, and their Heavy Weapon teams form a defensive perimeter, but have our Legionnaire friends on alert as well. Evelyn and her initiates can rest for now; perhaps we should let Evangela calm them down somehow. As for you, Sonja," Esme gives a slight smile. "Try to find a high vantage point; you'll be acting as overwatch. Take a spotter if you need to--perhaps one of Evelyn's initiates?"

bump

>>14801213

"A flux? Could you be more specific, Rodwen?" Turn to face the Sisters. "We're stopping here for awhile. Establish a defensive perimeter. Carol, Coral--I need you to scout out the wall with Evangela. Find a weak point where our entry would be made easiest."

>>14801213

Esme lets out a sigh. "We wait is what we do. Get everyone to cover, and establish a defensive perimeter. Get the Twins, Eden, and Evangela airborne--tell them to scout out the wall and find a weakness we can exploit. Have the Canonesses, Filigree, and Rodwen assembled as well; I'll need to talk with them over our current plans. And Sonja, try to find a high vantage point--take a spotter with you if you need to; I need you to scope out what you can and report your findings. I'm gonna try having a talk with our Emperor-sent friends."

After dismissing the sniper, walk over to the group of Damned Legionnaires, singling out the one who looks to be a sergeant (I imagine he would have a skull-masked helmet like Lemartes and a banner on his back), make the sign of the aquila, and bow. "I cannot thank you enough for you and your brothers' help, sergeant. I am Esme, the Exalted Martyr, sister of the Order of (what order are we?), and I have led this group of Sisters and unlikely allies for the past several hours. We would have surely been overrun if it weren't for your help; on behalf of all of us, I give you my thanks." Bow again. "Brother-sergeant, if you would please come with me; I've assembled our leaders to discuss our plans--any input you could give would be most appreciated."

bump

>>14808610
Sorry bro, no sergeants in the LotD.
http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Legion_of_the_Damned

>>14809346

I find it odd, then, that GW released a LoTD pack with a Sergeant model. And wasn't there a sergeant character for the LoTD that was release a while back? Centurius was his name, I think. Had this weird skull relic that could kill people and resurrect fallen Legionnaires.

>>14809573
I'd guess that his rank of sergeant is in name only - a remnant of his former status. Or possibly a designation given to him by imperial forces?
It's not like contradictions of fluff vs. tabletop are that rare in GW products.

I'd love to be able to discuss strategy with our allies, though.

>>14809346

IIRC, they abolished all ranks above that of Sergeant. The Sarges stayed, As far as I know.

>>14809830
Well, we could always look for the guy with the largest pauldrons or most bling. I'm sure he would be important.

>>14810787
I think in that case we'll be looking for:
Παυλδρωνιος!
KING OF PAULDRONPOLIS!
GOVERNOR OF PAULDRON ISLAND!

Does the Legion not talk at all or do they just not talk in battle?

>>14811481

The Lexicanum article only states that they are silent in battle; no word on whether they are like that outside of combat. Must say though--if they do speak, they've probably got some pretty messed up voices. I can only assume that several decades in the Warp, piled on top of suffering from a slow-acting Warp contagion, can do that to a person's voice.

bump

I'm taking draw requests if you guys have any.

>>14817701
Just some ideas, OP.
-Filigree getting zapped by Esme for being a nuisance.
-Florencia getting a dead daemon dropped in front of her feet by the fluffball as a peace offering.
-Yáviel being uncomfortable with all those mon-keigh around her.

>>14817701

--The fluffball sitting contentedly on top of a Damned Legionnaire's helmet while Caramel frets about the creature's safety
--Yaviel and Rodwen muttering about the the current mon'keigh company they've been working with
--Elizabeth using the pilot light of her flamer to help Delessa light a cigar.

>>14817701

--The fluffball chasing Tybalt. Or other way around.
--Esme as a novice being chastised by Galatea
--Florencia kicking Draigo in the balls. Just because I think it would be interesting.

>>14817701
Galatea pulling a still being heart from the chest of a deamon

Pre martydom Esme

Anna, being comforted

>>14819532

>Florencia kicking Draigo in the balls

I lol'd. And I have to admit; it does seem like something she'd do.

Hehehe cant wait to see the stuff that comes from these requests.

>>14817701

I might be late but I'm gonna toss these in anyway.

--Alessa and Elizabeth roasting marshmallows. With a heavy flamer and a melta.
--The Twins, together, making explosives, with Alessa overseeing them

Alright guys i have an appointment soon. I'll post when that is over and start on those doodles. (fucking real life getting in the way...)

Getting ready for class bump

>>14822618

Take your time, OP. We all know how pesky dental appointments can be. Besides, we'll be here when ya get back.

(You and most everyone else here is Martyred Lady. Florencia, the twins, and the Silver Winged Angels are Ebon Chalice. Caramel is Ardent Shroud. The Eldar are all Biel-Tan, and Filigree is a daemonette in case you forgot :P)

The sisters scrambled to establish a defensive perimeter, choosing a nearby building. The injured and shaken were quickly led or carried inside. Rodwen, the bonesinger, Fortran, and Verity all followed quickly. Hopefully they could get the injured back on their feet quickly.

Eden and the twins quickly left to scout, Evangela lingering. "Perhaps its best if I stay behind Exalted One. I am not exactly the most inconspicuous."

"You carry the Emperor's torch." The sergeant returned your bow. "It is our honor to serve the Emperor along side one so blessed, for a cause as pure as this." It took you a moment before you fully understood what he said. His voice was husky, his tone burbling wetly as he spoke. "We will do all we can to escort you and your Sisters safely across this battlefield so your light may put an end to this festering malignancy of the warp."

You heard a soft coo, glancing down. Tribble was waddling around near your feet, eyes glued to the ground, probably searching for something to eat. It stopped as it bumped into your boot, looking up at you, blinking.

You quickly scoop up the fuzzball, not wanting it to get stepped on, accidental or not. You glanced around. Caramel was not too far away, and was speaking with Sawyer, shoulders slouched in defeat.

"Esme, if I may. While remnants tend to be more of a nuisance than an actual danger, do not for one minute believe they are tame. They are still daemons."

>>14824940
>"Esme, if I may. While remnants tend to be more of a nuisance than an actual danger, do not for one minute believe they are tame. They are still daemons."

Who's speaking to us?

>>14825050

the seargant.

>>14825066
Ah, okay. Thanks.

>>14824940
"I know, I've seen what this little daemon can do if it sinks its teeth into something."
Esme looks around to see if there's anything for the fluffball in her arms to eat.
"Nonetheless, it has saved at least two of my sisters. I doubt sister Caramel would have made it this far without this little beast, and cutting our initiate out of the centipede's belly wouldn't have occured to us without this remnant either."
After briefly stopping a moment to rip a chunck of flesh from the nearest daemonic carcass, the Exalted Martyr continues the conversation.
"I'd lose a valued ally if I were to get rid of it, and it has been surprisingly smart in what to bite and what not."
"Anyway, we're you able to collect any information on the current situation on this planet before, or while you arrived? We've been blindly advancing towards the hive and our resources are low, so I'd be glad for any insights you might offer."

>>14824940

"Daemon or not, brother-sergeant, this creature has saved the lives of my men. Many a time over it has proven its loyalty to us, and it has had many chances to kill us in the past." Stroke Tribble's head. "These are trying times, brother-sergeant. We need every hand that is willing to raise arms against this beast on our side, whether it be Sister, Space Marine, alien, or daemon."

bumpin.

We should also see how everyone else is doing. Wasn't one novice eaten and had to be rescued?

>>14830966

Yes. Thankfully, Caramel got to her in time. And I think it would be better of us to get more acquainted with our Space Marine allies--you know, tell them about our special circumstances with daemons and xenos.

>>14824940

"Nuisance it may be, brother-sergeant, but this little fluffball here has proven its loyalty time and time again." Scratch the top of Tribble's head. "No doubt you have seen the strange company we've been keeping as of late. If I could explain: the Eldar of Biel-Tan chose to assist us when their Craftworld came under attack by this same daemonic force but, due to the help provided by an allied Inquisitor, they pledged their assistance until the threat is eradicated. The daemonette was bound by the same Inquisitor, and has been on loan to us until this threat is destroyed. The shapeshifting daemon--the warp strider--chose to fight for us; her invulnerability and morphing abilities have proven very useful. Do you have any other questions regarding any of the Sisters under my command, brother-sergeant?"

>>14831730

bedtime bump

bumpin

Greetings all, writefag here.
Sorry for not taking requests for a while, school was thoroughly kicking my ass.
I just finished, though, so I have plenty of time to write some more fic.
Request away.

>>14834593

Ideas, eh? Hmm...

--Something involving the two Eldar from our party, perhaps Rodwen in meditation and Yaviel part of the gathered warhost?
--Something about Evelyn with her initiates

>>14834593
You're piece on Tybalt was brilliant, so maybe some fluffball adventures?

>>14834593

It would be interesting to get some perspective on just how grandiose of a scale the defense of this planet was. Perhaps we could see the defense of the planet from another city, another Sister--a Guardsman, even. A pilgrim, perhaps.

bump

Sorry i've been away today. Went down to the local GW and fought chaos daemons. Won by 1 kill point.

1k points. I ran 3 squads, an exorcist, penitent engine, and a canoness with a retinue. My
opponent reads the quest so I'm sure he'll give his input.

>>14834593

Nice to see you back sir writefag. maybe we could throw some messages back and forth and write another cannon fic.

>>14837172
I'm thinking about doing this one. Hopefully I won't be too rusty.
>>14840577
Sure, OP. I'll get on tomorrow at some point.

>>14840577

Daemons? Sounds like it got pretty messy, OP. Praise be to the Emperor on your victory, though.

bump for plot development

Tribble chittered excitedly as you handed it the chunk of steaming meat, grasping the bloody morsel firmly before beginning to nibble on it.

The sergeant nodded once. "It is still best to keep on guard. Daemons are never to be trusted, least of all those unbound." He glanced in the direction of the sisters. "Nevertheless, watch your back Sister. Several of your... associates... are not company I would suggest keeping unless absolutely necessary, the Xeno being least of your worries."

He turned and walked away before you could say anything else.

The fuzzball began squirming in your arms, hopping down before beginning to munch on the remainder of the corpse. Caramel came over after a short time, collecting the little creature who seemed very reluctant to leave its newfound prize.

You sigh inwardly and began moving toward the encampment. You look up, the twins and Eden already returning from their scouting... You stiffen suddenly and freeze, a chill running down your spine. You turn quickly, glancing around. The snake and hive daemons!

You reach for your weapon, hesitating. They weren't getting any closer. Just sitting there, watching you.

You suppressed a shudder. It would be best to get as much done as possible before hell broke loose again. The Canonesses could probably use some help formulating a strategy, then again, the makeshift medical facilities would reap huge benefits from the application of your powers. On top of all that you don't think anyone has fully debriefed the Legion on the current situation yet.

>>14842856

That...that is never a good sign. At all. Have our guns pointed towards them and order the camp to start mobilizing. Ask our scouts what they've found, and prepare for anything.

>>14842856

Flex the powerclaw while placing our free hand on the hilt of our sword. "Brother-sergeant," you say to the Legionnaire next to you, "perhaps it would be best if we left now." Slowly back away from the line of daemons while our Sisters and the Damned Legionnaires are mobilizing, making our way to our scouting party. "Well, what have you learned? Is there a point where we can easily breach the wall, and what kind of defenses should we expect when we get there?"

Shelter me Celestine,
Hide me in the shadow of your wings
You alone are my savior,
When my foes surround me, lift me high above their reach
hear me when I call your name
Shelter me Celestine,
Hide me in the shadow of your wings
You alone are my savior,
As a mother gathers her young beneath her care,
gather me into your arms
Shelter me Celestine,
Hide me in the shadow of your wings
You alone are my savior,
though I walk in darkness, through the needles eye of death
you will never leave my side

>>14842856
Don't leave now. Get the medical facilities on line

>>14844942
>>14843358
>>14842984
Yeah. Be ready to leave at a moments notice, but aslong as they're not attacking us I say we use every moment of peace we can.
...Maybe this area is protected? Mystically?

Also, how busted are the medical facilities? Can we get people to strategize there while we are helping heal?

>>14842856
>Choosing between stuff
>Nope.jpg
The twins update the sergeant on our current situation.
Esme starts helping the wounded, joining the staff meeting via vox.
Presto.

>>14844988

GENIOUS!

Working on a post but it probably wont be finished until tonight due to mothers day stuff.

>>14846838
Family comes first, OP

>>14842856

The army stopping can mean several options. Either this is (1) a safe zone, sanctified by some holy relic that could be of use to us; (2) a champion of this birthing god is about to meet us and challenge us to a duel; (3) they are simply massing themselves for an offensive to smush us between the Citadel walls and their forces; or (4) it's psychological warfare--they're trying to demoralize us.

In any case, it would be best if we stay on our guard. Prep the men for mobilization, and gather all the named characters and the Damned Legionnaire sergeant for a staff meeting to discuss our battle plans.

>>14847005
Should we have someone do a quick search to see if there's an artifact or something?

>>14847357

I'm pretty sure that our psyker friends would have been able to sense out the holy energies around us if there was a relic near our position That being said, we should probably ask our Warp-attuned friends if there's something amiss.

>>14847005

>Birthing god Champion

How would this God already have a champion if it is still in its birthing moments? I thought champions were hand-selected from hundreds of soldiers who have waged thousands of battles and survived each one.

>>14849147
It's not a god to play by the rules. Maybe it just picks a corpse from among the dead and animates it?
Maybe it creates one, out of the degraded brick and mouldering cement of the city?

>>14849982

But remember--the gods have certain motifs: Khorne has brass, blood and skulls; Nurgle has decay, corruption, boils and infection; Slaanesh has pleasures and excess, golds and silks and drugs.

From previous chapters, we know that this Birthing God features motifs of ice, water, and coldness. A frost giant, for all we know, could be this beast's greater daemon; I have no idea what its idea of a champion would be like.

>>14850458
Entropy. Decay. It's a god of things being broken down.

>>14850458

Do not forget that this god also favors deception, things that aren't as they seem. Remember the faux-Tessa we met in the museum or those sequences where we needed the tablets to see or hear things we normally couldn't? Or the fake sister that Alessa met in the sewers before she was bound to that gate? We must stay on our guard.

>>14850764

Its daemons seem to be reptilian or insectoid maybe with a bit of fish thrown in if we look at the bioluminescence of the creatures.

Despite the cold and ice above ground, it was really hot below ground. Maybe its not necessarily cold, but water? Maybe extremes of temperature.

>>14851646

Extremes, decay, deception, cold, ice, water--I still can't see some sort of definitive pattern in the motifs this god uses. Dammit, this could be something important to defeating the damned thing!

bump

>>14842856
I would say that the Cannonnesses should be able to plan the attack themselves, with input from the Sergeant and our scouts.
I like the idea of us listening over the vox and giving what input we can.
I'm thinking this is going to be our last oppurtunity to patch everybody up for a long time, so let's go heal some of our girls.

You point to the building, giving the sergeant directions to where the Canonesses were likely constructing their plan of attack. He thanks you with a nod, quickly moving toward the building, leaving the others to their litanies and other battle preparations.

you turn and head back toward the base yourself, reaching up to switch on your vox. You hesitate as you spot Caramel out of the corner of your eye. She stood, completely rigid, staring off into the distance. You could sense the argument in her mind. The daemon was begging her to run.

You followed her gaze. A dense fog had rolled in some distance away and was slowly approaching. You felt a dull icy ache fill you looking directly at it. You forced your gaze away, quickly moving to Caramel's side and placing a hand on her shoulder. She didn't respond as you slowly turned her, guiding her inside your makeshift base, the argument in her mind much louder now, drowning her senses.

Slowly the fight began to die down once she was within the confines of the building. You led her into the makeshift infirmary, setting her down in a chair. She blinked, glancing around confused for a moment before she slowly relaxed, letting out a held breath.

>>14856784

Your attention was drawn away by a gentle tap on your pauldron. It was Verity.

"I hate to ask this of you Esme but... I could really use another set of hands..."

You nodded once, moving to assist the Hospitaller, reaching up to switch on your vox and listening intently as you began to heal the first sister.

"-perimeter cannot be breached in such a way." It was Florencia. "The chaos god's lair rises out of some sort of fluid. Trying to wade though it would be suicide! Even if its not corrosive or filled with creatures, we have no way of knowing how deep it is, and you cant swim in power armor."

"Trying to carry everyone across with jump packs would be suicide." Galatea spat back. "I doubt we could even lift the space marines!"

""We could!""

"Your jump packs would overheat before you got all of them across. We need a better plan."

Eden's soft voice filled the room. "We could always kill as many daemons as we could and use their corpses as a bridge... Just saying."

Florencia huffed. "While your zeal is admirable, abomination, the scales are too slippery. Half our forces would slide off into the fluid.

"What if we went back down into the sewers?"There might be a way through that way."The hive is mostly underground after all."Why not try to use the existing tunnels?"

Rodwen sniffed in distain. "We don't know what's down there. And with such a large group I don't know its possible."

>>14856791
"Before we decide on a course of action, we should tally our forces. It would be foolish to attack the walls directly without sufficient ammunition for our long range weapons. The same can be said about descending into the sewers without a healty supply of promethium." Esme whispers into the vox, careful not to disturb the wounded sisters. "There's also some creepy fog showing up, any ideas what it might be? Oh, by the way, does anybody of you know what happens if you use a vortex grenade inside the warp?"

>>14856791
I chime in quietly and ask, "Is there any geographic point around us that could be useful? Any large buildings or constructs we could use? Now would be the time to just throw out ideas in the hopes of hitting on something plausible."
I move on to the next Sister, gently stroking her brow to quiet her before applying a small bit of my power to her wound.
As the debate rages, I input my idea again, "The underground may be our best bet. Our force isn't that big, and we could destroy anything that stood against us with our elite fighters."

>>14856791

Chime in on the vox after healing one Sister. "Carol, Coral, Eden: I'm assuming that...moat...you're speaking about was discovered during your flyover, yes? And you didn't see anything like a natural landbridge?"

Esme thinks to herself before speaking again. "Is there a building large enough that we could fall to use as a landbridge? We could try stacking debris to reach the wall, but, as Florencia said, we have no idea just how deep the moat goes. and that would take precious time--time we don't have."

"The sewer seems to be our best bet, in all seriousness. We're a large force, though, so if anything big pops up down there we'll be at a disadvantage. Brother-sergeant, you're on this vox channel, yes? Would you mind having your men be at the front and rear of our forces to act as a buffer against any threats we could encounter?"

>>14858705
A tall enough building, and we could use rope or chain to make a zipline into the fortress

>>14858705

We've got those silver azide charges still; my thinking was we could blast apart the foundation of a building so that it could fall across the moat. Then, we can use the big silver azide charge to blow a hole in the wall.

>>14860327
Or we could collapse a part of the hive if we decide to attack that way. We also need to hug Caramel in between healing. Maybe the daemon inside her as an idea what's exactly going on?

>>14861392

Like an infiltration team to jump over the wall and blow up said wall and part of the hive? Seems pretty risky, but the priiiize...

>>14863505
>but the priiiize

>>14863625

Go away Jacob. I'd rather be romanced by a Drell. Or a Turian.

>>14840577

Yeah the main problem was that i didn't shut down the penitent engine fast enough and it ran through the horrors. Normally 20 horrors and a herald of tzeentch can lay down enough fire to wipe a great portion of an army at 1k points. But being horrors they suck worse than tau in melee combat.
Target Priority list and way to deal
1. Armor- Heralds a Jugger herald or a bolt herald can easily crack armor
2. Command Squad- Bloodletters Those things RAN through the squads they assaulted. If not for the item that grants them stubborn they would have fled faster than a chicken-shit white-shield.
3. Pukes- Horrors. Plain and simple 3 shots each at S4 is nasty.

I really need a greater daemon or flamers.... actually P'tarix and Xirat'p would work well. I make your Penitent engine shake its rear at a bolt of tzzentch

I say we take the sewer route. We should be able to get all the main characters through.

>>14856791
>>14865497

I wouldn't mind taking the sewers, but my main beef is if there's an access point nearby. Backtracking would have us lose precious time.

>>14865880
If there isn't one, Filigree could probably dig one for us, or we could simply blast our way in.
Although I'd prefer to avoid the sewers if possible.
I'd also like to know if Caramel's demon knows something about our situation the rest of us doesn't.

>>14865933

The mere fact that it's managed to paralyze its host while ordering it to run should tell us enough: something big, bad, and likely out for revenge is coming for our head.

Bumping.

Page 15 bump.

Where you at, OP?

>>14870419

Buried to my ass in various forms of work. I'll fit a reply in soon.

(going with this since you guys didn't seem to agree on one course of action. Information is always good.)

You continue with your healing, glancing over your shoulder at the recovering Caramel. She had the fluffball in her lap now, and was petting it absently as cleaned its paws and fur.

You hesitantly asked her if the daemon inside her had any ideas, trying to ignore the headache throbbing in your temples.

Caramel hesitated, flinching several times as the chatter in her mind started up again. "No, I will not... Just slow down and I'll... I don't care if..." She twitched several times, a touch of venom seeping into her voice. "I'm glad we have this understanding..."

She was silent for a long minute, eyes shut. "It says there is a pulse coming. A mass of energy. It resonates with the warp around us making it near invisible. It is causing... There isn't a low gothic word for that... ripples in the energy around us? No? Sounds?" She flinched several times, gritting her teeth. "I don't know! Something huge is coming, maybe not in stature, but in energy. It could be an army, it could be one creature. It could be friend, foe, neutral, I don't know." She suppressed a gag, taking a few deep breaths to calm down. "Ask Eden about it. If you point it out to her I'm sure she'll notice."

She ran her hands through Tribble's fur again. "All I know is that we have to make a decision. We can't be here when it arrives."

>>14871241
Well that's not unsettling in the least.

>>14871241

(I thought there was some sort of majority in favor of going into the sewers. I...am confused.)

"Whatever it is, it cannot be good. Get ready, we'll need to mobilize--we're heading into the sewers to find a way into the Citadel."

>>14874472

two people want to go and everyone else is sort of either not really kinda sorta voting or saying we should do something with the bombs in various ways.

>>14875283
I'm up for asking the scouts if there are any buildings that we could potentially blow and drop into the moat. More info isn't bad, after all.
If there aren't, the sewers are our best bet. I really don't want to be here for something that is nearly causing Caramel to break on us.

>>14871241

It probably would be a good idea to ask our Warp-attuned friends about this recent development. Ask Chloe, Rodwen, Filigree, and Eden about the disturbance while readying everyone to move out at a moment's notice.

>>14875643

its not a moat. The hive was described as pillars rising out of liquid. I dont think any building short of a skyscraper would make a decent "bridge"

>>14876760

I imagined the hive as some sort of twisted parody of Mont St-Michel, protected by a thick wall and rising out of from the middle of a lake of goopy bad stuff.

Ask Eden about what the deamon said!

Bumping

>>14876954
I still think that if there is a short enough distance between the fotress and surrounding buildings, we could easily repel across, or make a zipline

>>14879239

I don't think so. And I don't think ziplines would hold up to the stress of Sisters in power armor, much less Space Marines.

I have a bit of a plan. The Legion of the Damned are pretty much invincible, aren't they? What if we sent them out to attack the fortress in a full frontal assault, and give them some of the charges so they'll be able to breach the wall? In all likelihood, their supernatural durability will allow them to walk through the "moat" unharmed, plant the charges, and still keep moving. Meanwhile, with the birthing god's forces distracted, we infiltrate through the sewer system.

>>14871241
Okay, I think we should:

1. Take a break from using our psychic powers for a minute. I'm sure Esme started healing the sisters who were in mortal danger first, so a few minutes of rest shouldn't result in any immediate casualties.

2. Use the time to pray with Caramel. I'd normally suggest the /tg/ classic of "hug Caramel (Tom)" but she's more or less the victim of Ultra-Rape™, so I don't know if physical contact will do any good. Praying might also help us regain our concentration.

3. Relay the news about the approaching problem to the commanders.

4. Ask if anybody knows anything about our current location. If I remember correctly, we really need ammunition. Maybe there's something convenient nearby?

Sorry for short reply OP but I'm busy as hell ATM.

>>14880986

i understand completely. I'm bogged down with homework as well as my job's deadline.

In the meatime why dont you guys go vote on the quest?

You speak into your vox, informing the Canonesses of your plan to go through the sewer.

Rodwen's voice is the first you hear. "It is a risky move Exalted Martyr, but I suppose all great victories were accompanied by some risk."

Florencia 'hmmed' in agreement. "Though I don't think we'll be able to take everyone. From what I've been told its very cramped. We'll have to find somewhere safe to bunker down."

Galatea sighed. "It may be for the best. We can't keep carrying the injured around..."

You quickly brought up the method of getting into the sewer before the conversation turned into an argument.

"Leave that to me!" Filigree quipped, poking her head over your shoulder.

You nearly jumped out of your power armor. How the hell did she move so quietly? In power armor no less?

You quickly regained your composure, Fortran's mechanical voice crackling over the vox. "I will be able to locate a pipeline for the daemonette to dig to. It will not take long."

Filigree yipped in excitement, darting off, saying something about buried treasure.

You sighed deeply, glad to be rid of that pesky daemonette.

You moved in front of Caramel, slowly kneeling down and taking her hands. She seems a little puzzled until you begin to pray. You lead her in several litanies of strength, purity, and valor. When you had finished, the tainted sister looked almost as reinvigorated as you felt.

"Thank you Esme..."

>>14882375

You nodded once, wasting no time in voxing Eden. She arrived with surprising speed, listening quietly as you explained to her what Caramel's daemon had said.

"... I'm not surprised that it was first to notice such a force. Sensing energy is its only direct connection with the outside world." She frowned. "Its a pulse. A great mass of energy, certainly very powerful. I have no doubt that this is why the creatures refrain from attacking. Certainly with our current ammunition situation, which the novices are already out solving by the way, the lesser beasts could easily overwhelm us." She smirked. "Of course THEY don't know that. This god has yet to truly learn of the materium and its weapons of war."

Her smile vanished as she crossed her arms. "This is troubling though. We best leave quickly else risk annihilation at the hands of whatever abomination this fledgling god decides to send." She smiled weakly. "The young gods tend to be... Unpleasantly creative..."

A low bellow shook the foundations of the building.

"...I suggest you pick out a few sisters and either lead it away or attempt to slow it down. We are vulnerable standing idle like this."

>>14882381
I whisper a short litany of strength as I haul myself to my feet once more. It seems that my duty is never done.
I speak rapidly into the vox, "Twins and Evangela, I need you for a...special mission. Please report to me."
Each of the women has the ability to fly, which should make distracting and leading on whatever is coming our way much easier, not to mention Evangela's bright aura would be a perfect lure.
While I wait, I continue to issue orders, "I want mostly close combat specialists for the sewer mission. Allessa, I think I want your heavy weapon as well. Everbody else needs to hold here and draw as much of the god's ire as possible. Florencia and the Angels, I want you to hold here as well. If we can breach the inner courtyard, we might be able to have you jump and join us."
Finally, I look to Eden. "Do you want to come with us on the distraction party? I'm sure you could be a great help."

>>14882381

How big of a party can we take, OP?

Good night bump

>>14885114

You could technically take everyone and their squads. It would just drop your chances of getting anywhere to near zero.

>>14888227

Hurm. Noted. Thank you.

>>14882381

"Thank you Eden. You've been more of a help for these past few hours." Give a smile to the warp strider and a nod. "You'd best help the troops ready themselves for a fight." Get on the vox afterwards. "Galatea, Tessa, Yaviel, and Rodwen--if you could please meet up with me now; I need a small combat team to come with me into the sewers, and you're it." Switch channels to the Space Marines. "Brother-sergeant, this is Esme. You are undoubtedly the one here with the most combat experience, let alone the most experience fighting in the Warp and against all of its perils. I'm leaving command of the situation with you while I'm away. Keep the Sisters alive, Brother-sergeant, and I'll see to it the infiltration team tears open a hole in the wall for you to come through."

On a probably related but mostly unrelated note, I'm getting Mass Effect 2 flashbacks again from all this. We're taking a small team with us to deal with bigger threat while everyone else is gonna put up their best impersonation of an Imperial Guard battleforce and HOLD THE BLOODY LINE. Let's hope we all get out of this unscathed. And did all the loyalty missions.

FemShep sketch related. If Esme turns out to sound like Jennifer Hale, this solidifies it for me--we've basically created the 40K version of Shepard.

Wait, we're in the warp right? So we could make weapons with our minds, just like we did when we were entering the god's realm right? So we should be able to do the same with ammo! We won't be the only ones to be able to do it as well, no need to strain ourselves before facing the god

Wait a tic, do the Legion have the ability to teleport or something? They showed up out of nowhere to help us, after all.
If so, they could teleport inside to meet us once we got there.
Otherwise, I agree with the plan to have them help hold the line.

>>14891986

no. the legion always randomly appears to help someone

>>14891986

The Legion of the Damned are known for popping up out of nowhere to help endangered Imperial forces, and then leaving as mysteriously as they came. How they do this is anyone's guess.

>>14888368

I havn't played Mass Effect 2 yet, but I wouldn't put it past Esme to sound like Jennifer Hale.

Working on a post fyi

We should take Tessa, Galatea, Yaviel, Rodwen, Filigree, and Caramel into the sewers.

By the way in case it wasn't clear, your small party is securing a route inside that everyone else can use.

>>14892782

Gotta amend that. Big work thing came up.

Also i scribbled some of the daemons in a nice, non cartoony actually semi-shaded realistic way. Those will be posted at some point when i finish them

>>14892911
Alright, I think Galatea, Yaviel, Tessa, Eden, and Anna should do nicely for the sewer mission. Close combat heavy, with a strong ranged capability if we need it.

>>14895496

Eden is poor in combat.

>>14896472
But she will be very useful for scouting out a path in the sewers as well as detecting any traps.

>>14896885
this is indeed true. Alright. I'm for taking Eden with us.

On top of that we don't need to worry about her taking up much room.

>>14895496

I'm not exactly sure Eden will be of much use to us in the sewer system. We'll be needing an assault-oriented force so we can push through quickly and relentlessly. I vote Rodwen, Tessa, Galatea, and Yaviel. A small, powerful team made up of heavy hitters--that's the sort of build we need right now.

>>14895496

We really won't be able to move Anna without taking Verity along as well. Besides, I'm pretty sure the Sisters will need Verity's medical expertise and Anna's firepower more than we will down in sewers.

Bumps for the bump god.

late lunch bump

The twins and Evangela show up quickly, listening in silence as you explained to them what they were to do. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) Florencia followed them.

"A distraction?" Florencia tilted her head. "My angels and I can do that for you."

Evangela rolled her eyes, half turning to look at the Canoness. "The twins are the most maneuverable of the angels, and I glow in the dark. Its probably better if we just-"

"Just because you've achieved sainthood doesn't mean you can hog all the fun." She pointed at the twins who snapped to attention. "You two. Get the other angels ready. We're going to give this beast a fight it'll never forget."

You sighed deeply. It would be no use arguing with Florencia...

You walked inside, gathering up Tessa, Rodwen, Galatea, and Yáviel. You begin explaining the mission, though it takes a little longer than you expected, Rodwen translating, making sure the Exarch completely understood.

"Zo dzis meeshion ez underrground, yes? Et may be necessarry to... Eeeuuuhh..." She mumbled something to Rodwen.

"What Yáviel wants to know is how we will order our line if needed."

A low crash and a guttural roar shook the building before you could answer.

Galatea tensed, flexing her powerfist. "Looks like we have company..."

Tessa frowned. "I'll go help Filigree dig. We're going to need to hurry."

Galatea nodded. "We'll all go help." She looked at you. "Esme. It might be better if you lead the distraction team and make sure Florencia doesn't do anything... Overly zealous." I'll vox you when we're done."

>>14906049

"I'm leaving the command line under orders from the Space Marine brother-sergeant. Once we secure a route in, I'm assuming for communication to be clear between our group and theirs."

Nod to the party with us right now. "Stay in vox contact, all of you. And may the Emperor's Light shine upon us this day." Leave the current party, making as quickly as we can for the assembled distraction party.

>>14906049
I sigh in irritation as the Cannoness butts in. Of course Florencia would ruin careful planning. What was even more irritating was how used I was to it at this point.
My reply to her is terse and straightforward, "Just keep in mind that we might not be able to kill whatever this beast is. Our first priority is to guide it away from our Sisters, then return immediately and launch the assault on the citadel. No pointless heroics, please. We already had to save you once from that snake, and we cannot afford any of our Sister's deaths at this point."
I nod at Galatea's suggestion. "See if the Space Marines can help. I'm sure their enhanced physique should be beneficial digging. Just be sure to keep Anna and the heavy weapons ready to deal with any of the daemons outside."
I pause, and then give a wan smile. "Good luck with controlling Filigree. It seems we both will have our hands full dealing with impulsive companions."

no opinions on ordering the line? Galatea will do it if you dont.

>>14910524
I'm up for Galatea. She's competent, and not likely to sacrifice Sisters needlessly.

>>14910524

I vote for the Space Marine sergeant. A normal Space Marine has several centuries of combat experience. These Damned Legionnaires have that, on top of over twenty years of non-stop combat in the Warp against and its perils. He will keep out line under control.

>>14906049

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. "There's no convincing Florencia to back off, is there?" I mumble under my breath before turning to the current party. "Get ready for the mission and vox me as soon as we can leave. You're dismissed." Get on the vox afterward. "Brother-sergeant, this is Esme. I'm leaving command of the situation to you while I secure the main battleforce a route into the Citadel. I'm trusting that with your unit's combat experience you'll help keep our Sisters alive." After cutting the connection, sequester ourselves and take a knee, bowing our head in reverence as we pray:

"Almighty Emperor, I ask of you this day,
Give me the strength to prevail against my enemies.
May my blade taste unholy blood,
May my shots find their marks in the enemies' hearts,
May my faith carry me through the day, and be found victorious.
All this I ask in your name.
May I not be found wanting.
Ave Imperator."

>>14910804
Galatea understands the...peculiarities of our group, though. Not to mention that she also has a century or two of experience as well.

>>14911378

If Galatea is given command over the fireteam, we're gonna need to replace her spot in the infiltration team. Caramel, perhaps, would be a good addition--she's a bit of a glass cannon, but Yaviel, Tessa, and Rodwen can make up for that.

>>14912407

I think OP meant to order our line for the sewer tunnels. For narrow corridors. Galatea would be deciding that.

God Emperor of mercy,
God of glory, hid in light
Let your face shine on your people
where we wait in the dark of night
part the clouds that keep us from you
rend the heavens and come down
show your fury at work among us
let us sing of your great renown
God of daylight, piercer of darkness
god of void and the earths
You are lord of all humanity
yours our tears and our mirth

Sorry guys. I havn't forgotten about you. work and upcomimg finals week are eating my time. I'll have a post up soon-ish

It's okay, OP. Everything should cool down in around two or three weeks from now.

we probably shouldn't have the banshee behind us. Because well, you know, banshee howl

Okay guys, before we continue, I just wanna make sure where we stand on a few things.

Infiltration Team (they'll be securing us a route inside the Citadel):
Tessa/Celestians (?)
Rodwen
Yaviel
Caramel/Galatea (?)--Infiltration Team Leader

2nd Fireteam (will be HOLDING THE LINE while Distraction Team and Infiltration Team attend to their priorities):
Legion of the Damned Marines
Alessa/Heavy Weapons Team
Anna/Heavy Bolter Team
Verity
Sawyer/Repentia squad
Chloe
Fortran
Filigree
Eden
Evelyn/Initiate squads
Galatea/Damned Legionnaire Sergeant (?)--Fireteam leader

Distraction Team (will be holding back the energy pulse/daemons from the fireteam):

The Twins
Florencia/her Retinue
Evangela
Esme--Distraction Team leader

Team priorities are broken down as follows:

>>Infiltration Team secures a route inside the Citadel
>>Distraction Team diverts the "energy pulse"'s attention away from the 2nd Fireteam
>>2nd Fireteam holds position until route secured. When route is secured, will provide cover for Distraction Team to go into Citadel, and initiate tactical withdrawal toward inner parts of the Citadel.

Now, we need to decide who's gonna lead what. I vote Rodwen for the Infiltration team, the Legionnaire Sergeant for the 2nd Fireteam, and ourselves for the Distraction team.

Did I miss anything?

>>14918663

You'll only be with the distraction team while the hole is finished digging. Then you'll be leading the infiltration team.

I mean, really? You'd send them in on their own? The other sisters have space marines to help them HOLD THE LINE.

>>14918912

Thanks for the clarification, OP. I just wanted to make sure we had all our ducks in a line before we made a move. But everything else is good then, yes? I wonder, then, if we'll be needing Tessa's Celestians. Sure, the extra guns would be nice in a fight, but the extra bodies could compromise the stealthiness of our mission. Best if we left them with the 2nd Fireteam. I just hope Florencia doesn't do anything *too* rash while we're away.

bump

>>14918663

You forgot Sonja and Elizabeth, mate. In any case, it's probably best if we kept them with the 2nd Fireteam.

>>14918663
This set-up seems pretty solid to me. I vote in favor of it.