Warhammer 40,000 NES IC Thread
- Thread starter Fulton
- Start date
a_propagandist
The Light Brigadier
The Stink
An Excerpt of Imperial News Concerning the War on Home:
The War on Home has been won today, with Imperial-Homite forces spearheading a massive assault. Numerous Homites greeted Imperial forces with glee and relief as the last of the radicals were rooted out.
*******
"Sir, she's gonna blow!"
Capt. Belshim clambered out of the burning Chimera and traded it for a wet foxhole. The night sky lit up with glowing, red-hot shrapnel and still-burning petrol. A wash of fumes spread over him.
"Sergeant, what is our status?"
"Sir, they hit us from the right flank, if we lose this line, the main spearhead will colla-"
The man who had been a man a second ago became a lifeless shell. The cauterized stump of an arm and the noncom's forehead still smoked. A second later, a barb-round found its way to his lifeless torso and spread his remains on the captain.
Peering over the lip of the hole, Belshim poured round after round and laser after laser into the mass of fanatics. Line after line charged and line after line fell. Belshim could not understand his success. Only after glancing around did he see Trooper Nellis manning a damaged autocannon stripped from the Chimera. And, in that glance, a grenade smashed into Nellis' hole.
With the fury of a Primarch, Belshim prayed a 1000 prayers of death to the enemies of the Emperor, sprayed 100 rounds of lead into the fanatics, and paid 1 glare of death to the head of the radicals' line.
The figure crumpled, and his followers began to run back.
Immediately, heavy rounds and cannon fire landed amongst the fanatics. The command armor had arrived.
*******
Colonel Belshim took his hands and washed them. He stayed in the bath and wasted 2 weeks' worth of water rations. He had, with difficulty, washed away the stink of the sergeant's guts.
"*crackle* Colonel Belshim to report to the forward briefing room*crackle*"
The General swept formalities off the table.
"You hear of the militias forming, Belshim?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I want you to take your Irregulars and lead them in the frontier crusades."
Belshim nodded.
He would never really get the stink out.
TerrisH
Mischief?
To CLM-6c:
greetings! it is always pleasant to find new inhabited world out here among the stars. we have Two offers for you to look over.
We offer you status as a protectorate of the Coalition of Worlds. In exchange for permission to construct a small trade and re-fueling outpost in your system, we will defend your system from outside invaders, and offer reduced tariffs on goods passing between your worlds and ours.
Our second Offer is an extension of the first. Full membership in to coalition of worlds. we offer a great amount of local atonamy to our member worlds, and a low general tax rate. you would have access to our considerably technological background, and we would strive to bring your worlds to a level of development compatible to our own, while maintaing your worlds cultural Identity.
To The Bahmali Empire:
we are willing to join such a defensive alliance. We are also willing to help with the retaking and restoration of the orkish home worlds, but the aid we could lend to this effort is less then we lent you this year. this is mainly due to the need to analyze our recent combat results.
PS: we wish to return the body of Mog to our homeworld labs for study, do you have any objections to this?
To Tau:
we are pleased by the progress of our join colony. we are also saddened by the mutual loss of our escort fleets.
greetings! it is always pleasant to find new inhabited world out here among the stars. we have Two offers for you to look over.
We offer you status as a protectorate of the Coalition of Worlds. In exchange for permission to construct a small trade and re-fueling outpost in your system, we will defend your system from outside invaders, and offer reduced tariffs on goods passing between your worlds and ours.
Our second Offer is an extension of the first. Full membership in to coalition of worlds. we offer a great amount of local atonamy to our member worlds, and a low general tax rate. you would have access to our considerably technological background, and we would strive to bring your worlds to a level of development compatible to our own, while maintaing your worlds cultural Identity.
To The Bahmali Empire:
we are willing to join such a defensive alliance. We are also willing to help with the retaking and restoration of the orkish home worlds, but the aid we could lend to this effort is less then we lent you this year. this is mainly due to the need to analyze our recent combat results.
PS: we wish to return the body of Mog to our homeworld labs for study, do you have any objections to this?
To Tau:
we are pleased by the progress of our join colony. we are also saddened by the mutual loss of our escort fleets.
*General Alert Message*
To all military and civilian ships of the Imperium. A disturbance in space has been detected between the worlds held by the Heirs of Guilliman and the Trade Consortium. Astropathicus warns it is likely a warp tear in real space. All ships are to stear clear of the disturbance. Repeat, no ship is to approach the anomaly under any circumstance.
This message will be repeated...
To all military and civilian ships of the Imperium. A disturbance in space has been detected between the worlds held by the Heirs of Guilliman and the Trade Consortium. Astropathicus warns it is likely a warp tear in real space. All ships are to stear clear of the disturbance. Repeat, no ship is to approach the anomaly under any circumstance.
This message will be repeated...
Planet Tol I
Capital of the Heirs of Guilliman
Far to the south of the sprawling planetary capital hive lay one of the many defence bases that dotted the planet. It's heavy siege guns watch over the mountains in case any enemy should dare to attack the heart of the Heirs of Guilliman's realm. At the moment the fort was serving a different purpose then defence. Thousands of refugees were kept in camps in and around the fort under the watchful eye of the PDF and agents of the Inquisition. Slowly they were being interrogated by Inquisitor Hellman and his retinue for signs of corruption. Those that passed were inducted into the Imperium of Man under the rule of the Heirs of Guilliman and were sent to were ever they were needed. Those that were found wanting were quickly cleansed for the good of all.
Chapter Master Ickaris strod through the halls of the fort. The way his armoured feet crashed against the ground with each step gave away the mood he was in. PDF infantrymen jumped to get out of his way as he took the steps leading downwards three at a time. This was a waste of his time and he had felt his annouyance building since being summoned by Inquisitor Hellman to come to the fort. Ickaris had spent much of the flight from the capital grumbling over the arrogance of the Inquisition.
As he approached the interrogation rooms, one of the doors opened and a man who looked to be in his mid to late 30's was pushed out of the room crying for mercy and sobbing shamelessly. Several guards pushed him down the hall, enthuasitically striking him with power-goads to get him moving faster. As the pitiful cries faded into the distance a tall man in an imposing black uniform stepped out of the doorway. His uniform was imaculately clean, the symbol of the Inquisition clearly displayed on his chest. His right hand was gloved in what looked like grox leather dyed black.
Inquisitor Hellman turned to face Ickaris and bowed his head briefly in respect. "Thank you for coming Chapter Master. I had hoped to speak with you in private." He smiled pleasently but Ickaris did not return the smile. He was in no mood for pleasentries.
"What is it you want Inquisitor? As you can imagine I am very busy with the current fighting in the region." The smile fell from Hellman's lips and he stared up at Ickaris coldly. The Chapter Master's honour guard shifted as the two powerful men glared at eachother. There could be no doubt that Ickaris could kill Hellman easily in a fight, but the Inquisitor could denounce the chapter and order it purged. For the Inquisition to take on such a purge would certainly cause much political turmoil, but they could do it none the less.
Hellman suddenly backed off before the tension could reach it's peak, dropping his eyes and bowing his head slightly. His voice held no sarcasm as he spoke, "My apologies Chapter Master. I did not mean to waste your time but I felt it was important that we discussed certain things about your recent campaign on the Chaos held world of Hermes."
"What things are there to discuss? We evacutated the planet and caused considerable loss of military power and resources. It was a straight forward victory." Ickaris changed his stance, clasping his hands behind his back and lightening the tone of his voice. If the Inquisitor was willing to be respectful of Ickaris then he could shut away his annouyance and be civil to the man.
"I refer to your use of mercenaries during the ground invasion. Xeno mercenaries. While you have attained a victory, your methods are raising questions. Xenos are to be destroyed for the good of man kind. Thus are the orders of his Holiness The Emperor." Inquisitor Hellman kept his tone light, but his manner was suspicious.
Ickaris kept his face neutral as he replied. "Of course the Xenos must be destroyed. I did not hire those mercenaries out of some feeling of kinship, Emperor forbid. But I will use them to further the goals of the Imperium. Chaos is our ultimate foe and must take precedent over all other enemies. Those xenos were there to soak up the damage while my companies did the work of destroying the enemy. I see no problem in having xenos scum die on the wire so that we can spread the light of the Emperor."
Inquisitor Hellman did not speak for a minute. Despite centuries of experince, Ickaris could not begin to tell what the inquisitor was thinking. Finally Hellman smiled and nodded. "Very well Chapter Master. The Inquisition will let the matter be. But take care how much you use the xenos, the more time this chapter spends consorting with them, the more likely their taint will spread. Now if I may be allowed to continue with my interrogations, I will leave you to your important work." The Inquisitor turned away at Ickaris' nod. The Chapter Master also turned away. Being questioned on his strategic choices did not please him at all, but he knew not to antagonize the Inquisition. Chapter Master Ickaris left the fort immediately, heading back to his fortress monastery to plan for the future campaign.
Capital of the Heirs of Guilliman
Far to the south of the sprawling planetary capital hive lay one of the many defence bases that dotted the planet. It's heavy siege guns watch over the mountains in case any enemy should dare to attack the heart of the Heirs of Guilliman's realm. At the moment the fort was serving a different purpose then defence. Thousands of refugees were kept in camps in and around the fort under the watchful eye of the PDF and agents of the Inquisition. Slowly they were being interrogated by Inquisitor Hellman and his retinue for signs of corruption. Those that passed were inducted into the Imperium of Man under the rule of the Heirs of Guilliman and were sent to were ever they were needed. Those that were found wanting were quickly cleansed for the good of all.
Chapter Master Ickaris strod through the halls of the fort. The way his armoured feet crashed against the ground with each step gave away the mood he was in. PDF infantrymen jumped to get out of his way as he took the steps leading downwards three at a time. This was a waste of his time and he had felt his annouyance building since being summoned by Inquisitor Hellman to come to the fort. Ickaris had spent much of the flight from the capital grumbling over the arrogance of the Inquisition.
As he approached the interrogation rooms, one of the doors opened and a man who looked to be in his mid to late 30's was pushed out of the room crying for mercy and sobbing shamelessly. Several guards pushed him down the hall, enthuasitically striking him with power-goads to get him moving faster. As the pitiful cries faded into the distance a tall man in an imposing black uniform stepped out of the doorway. His uniform was imaculately clean, the symbol of the Inquisition clearly displayed on his chest. His right hand was gloved in what looked like grox leather dyed black.
Inquisitor Hellman turned to face Ickaris and bowed his head briefly in respect. "Thank you for coming Chapter Master. I had hoped to speak with you in private." He smiled pleasently but Ickaris did not return the smile. He was in no mood for pleasentries.
"What is it you want Inquisitor? As you can imagine I am very busy with the current fighting in the region." The smile fell from Hellman's lips and he stared up at Ickaris coldly. The Chapter Master's honour guard shifted as the two powerful men glared at eachother. There could be no doubt that Ickaris could kill Hellman easily in a fight, but the Inquisitor could denounce the chapter and order it purged. For the Inquisition to take on such a purge would certainly cause much political turmoil, but they could do it none the less.
Hellman suddenly backed off before the tension could reach it's peak, dropping his eyes and bowing his head slightly. His voice held no sarcasm as he spoke, "My apologies Chapter Master. I did not mean to waste your time but I felt it was important that we discussed certain things about your recent campaign on the Chaos held world of Hermes."
"What things are there to discuss? We evacutated the planet and caused considerable loss of military power and resources. It was a straight forward victory." Ickaris changed his stance, clasping his hands behind his back and lightening the tone of his voice. If the Inquisitor was willing to be respectful of Ickaris then he could shut away his annouyance and be civil to the man.
"I refer to your use of mercenaries during the ground invasion. Xeno mercenaries. While you have attained a victory, your methods are raising questions. Xenos are to be destroyed for the good of man kind. Thus are the orders of his Holiness The Emperor." Inquisitor Hellman kept his tone light, but his manner was suspicious.
Ickaris kept his face neutral as he replied. "Of course the Xenos must be destroyed. I did not hire those mercenaries out of some feeling of kinship, Emperor forbid. But I will use them to further the goals of the Imperium. Chaos is our ultimate foe and must take precedent over all other enemies. Those xenos were there to soak up the damage while my companies did the work of destroying the enemy. I see no problem in having xenos scum die on the wire so that we can spread the light of the Emperor."
Inquisitor Hellman did not speak for a minute. Despite centuries of experince, Ickaris could not begin to tell what the inquisitor was thinking. Finally Hellman smiled and nodded. "Very well Chapter Master. The Inquisition will let the matter be. But take care how much you use the xenos, the more time this chapter spends consorting with them, the more likely their taint will spread. Now if I may be allowed to continue with my interrogations, I will leave you to your important work." The Inquisitor turned away at Ickaris' nod. The Chapter Master also turned away. Being questioned on his strategic choices did not please him at all, but he knew not to antagonize the Inquisition. Chapter Master Ickaris left the fort immediately, heading back to his fortress monastery to plan for the future campaign.
To: The Coalition of Words
From: CLM-6c "Agricola"
We send our greetings to our brothers in the stars. Though we were once an Imperial world, we have long since lost of ties to the old Imperium. We are willing to accept your first offer of protectorate status for now. After a trial period, we may decide on whether to continue the protectorate, or whether to join the Coalition as a full member. We await the arrival of your ambassadors and merchants.
To: The Coalition of Words
From: Bahmali Empire
We are pleased to enter this alliance with you, our friends in the Coalition. The body of Mog is the least we can give you in thanks for your aid. It shall be turned over to your forces immediately.
To: The Coalition of Words
From: Sept Kadra
We as well are pleased that Editha thrives, and saddened at the lose of our explorers. Together we will prosper and make them names ring out through history as heroes who were lost serving the Greater Good.
To: Any human trading nation in the sub-sector
From: The Imperial Lens Network
We are in need of 3 units of food and 5 of resources on a tri-yearly basis. We would prefer Imperial sources, but will accept any untainted human source.
From: CLM-6c "Agricola"
We send our greetings to our brothers in the stars. Though we were once an Imperial world, we have long since lost of ties to the old Imperium. We are willing to accept your first offer of protectorate status for now. After a trial period, we may decide on whether to continue the protectorate, or whether to join the Coalition as a full member. We await the arrival of your ambassadors and merchants.
To: The Coalition of Words
From: Bahmali Empire
We are pleased to enter this alliance with you, our friends in the Coalition. The body of Mog is the least we can give you in thanks for your aid. It shall be turned over to your forces immediately.
To: The Coalition of Words
From: Sept Kadra
We as well are pleased that Editha thrives, and saddened at the lose of our explorers. Together we will prosper and make them names ring out through history as heroes who were lost serving the Greater Good.
To: Any human trading nation in the sub-sector
From: The Imperial Lens Network
We are in need of 3 units of food and 5 of resources on a tri-yearly basis. We would prefer Imperial sources, but will accept any untainted human source.
foolish icarus
Shipwreck
Official sealed courier communique from the Hymbaline reach to the Imperial Lens Network
Human brothers and sisters, we can presently and for the foreseeable future provide any amount up to the full stated needs of foodstuffs and resources you have put forth. For valorous offspring of the God-Ancestor such as yourselves we can offer very reasonable exchange rates, essentially at cost.
Human brothers and sisters, we can presently and for the foreseeable future provide any amount up to the full stated needs of foodstuffs and resources you have put forth. For valorous offspring of the God-Ancestor such as yourselves we can offer very reasonable exchange rates, essentially at cost.
a_propagandist
The Light Brigadier
To: The Imperial Lens Network
From: the Veryn government
We offer Imperial grain to the Lens Network. At a price.
From: the Veryn government
We offer Imperial grain to the Lens Network. At a price.
To: The Imperial Lense Network
From: The Triax Trade Consortium
The T.T.C. will be able to supply you with some resources beginning at the next three year trade cycle at a rate of one resource for 75 finance. We would be able to supply you sooner but for recent technical difficulties.
From: The Triax Trade Consortium
The T.T.C. will be able to supply you with some resources beginning at the next three year trade cycle at a rate of one resource for 75 finance. We would be able to supply you sooner but for recent technical difficulties.
Capital Planet of the Lens Network
For a brief moment in time, real space and the warp were joined as one in a volatile mix. From the swirling tear in space a massive ship appeared. To say that it's appearance caused trepidation on the planet below was an understatement. The military was quickly mobilized and the orbiting cruiser powered up it's weapon arrays. Eventually the intruder's identity was revealed. The fact that it was the battle barge "Sword of Guilliman", the arguably most powerful ship in the sub-sector, did not ease tensions.
The Sword of Guilliman coasted by the cruiser at a leisurely pace without acknowledging the demands to stop and explain it's the reason for it's arrival. The cruiser's captain could only watch as the battle barge slipped into high orbit over his homeworld, unwilling to actually challenge something that could destroy his vessel in one volley.
Millions of people on the planet waited anxiously as the battle barge slowly orbited their world. Finally, the silence was broken as a VOX message came down to the government.
"We are the Heirs of Guilliman and we come as representitives of the Imperium of Man. We have come to help to maintain order and to ensure that the Emperor's Peace is maintained. Our commanders will shuttle down to the planet shortly to discuss matters of importance with you. Prepare to meet us. The Emperor Protects."
Though the message was benevolent in nature, it did not set the planetary rulers at ease.
For a brief moment in time, real space and the warp were joined as one in a volatile mix. From the swirling tear in space a massive ship appeared. To say that it's appearance caused trepidation on the planet below was an understatement. The military was quickly mobilized and the orbiting cruiser powered up it's weapon arrays. Eventually the intruder's identity was revealed. The fact that it was the battle barge "Sword of Guilliman", the arguably most powerful ship in the sub-sector, did not ease tensions.
The Sword of Guilliman coasted by the cruiser at a leisurely pace without acknowledging the demands to stop and explain it's the reason for it's arrival. The cruiser's captain could only watch as the battle barge slipped into high orbit over his homeworld, unwilling to actually challenge something that could destroy his vessel in one volley.
Millions of people on the planet waited anxiously as the battle barge slowly orbited their world. Finally, the silence was broken as a VOX message came down to the government.
"We are the Heirs of Guilliman and we come as representitives of the Imperium of Man. We have come to help to maintain order and to ensure that the Emperor's Peace is maintained. Our commanders will shuttle down to the planet shortly to discuss matters of importance with you. Prepare to meet us. The Emperor Protects."
Though the message was benevolent in nature, it did not set the planetary rulers at ease.
*Lens Network comms personnel listen to dead static for an extended period*
We accept the offer of 1 resource for 75 economy from the Trade Consortium in the next economic cycle, but still require, from some source, the 2 food and 1 resource to survive this cycle.
We accept the offer of 1 resource for 75 economy from the Trade Consortium in the next economic cycle, but still require, from some source, the 2 food and 1 resource to survive this cycle.
To: The Government of Vernith
From: the Heirs of Guilliman
Greetings
We wish to offer congratulations on your recent successful campaign on the world known as Home. But we are also concerned of your lack of participation in the recent hostilities against the forces of Chaos in our own Sub-Sector.
It behoves all Men under the light of the Emperor to stand against Chaos where ever it shows it's ugly face. Yet you haven't shown any will to help your fellow Imperials against such a great threat. Not in any campaigns nor in the defence of Triax have any Veryn ships or troops bleed and died for the Emperor of all Mankind. Not even a single communique asking if your help would be needed.
We would like to see your help in future campaigns. Is not Mankind suppose to band together under the light of the Imperium? Please do not remain silent, but rise up and join us so that we may purge this sub-sector of corruption.
May the Emperor's light shine upon you.
The Heirs of Guilliman
From: the Heirs of Guilliman
Greetings
We wish to offer congratulations on your recent successful campaign on the world known as Home. But we are also concerned of your lack of participation in the recent hostilities against the forces of Chaos in our own Sub-Sector.
It behoves all Men under the light of the Emperor to stand against Chaos where ever it shows it's ugly face. Yet you haven't shown any will to help your fellow Imperials against such a great threat. Not in any campaigns nor in the defence of Triax have any Veryn ships or troops bleed and died for the Emperor of all Mankind. Not even a single communique asking if your help would be needed.
We would like to see your help in future campaigns. Is not Mankind suppose to band together under the light of the Imperium? Please do not remain silent, but rise up and join us so that we may purge this sub-sector of corruption.
May the Emperor's light shine upon you.
The Heirs of Guilliman
a_propagandist
The Light Brigadier
To: The Heirs of Guilliman and other assorted Imperial governorships
From: The Veryn governorship
Historically, the Veryn military forces have been a bit laxly funded. Undoubtedly, this is a time of great danger in the face of Chaos. Although we have not participated yet, we do indeed offer support against Chaos now.
From: The Veryn governorship
Historically, the Veryn military forces have been a bit laxly funded. Undoubtedly, this is a time of great danger in the face of Chaos. Although we have not participated yet, we do indeed offer support against Chaos now.
The square was still covered in blood. It's been a tradition in the Triax system that it remained so. One battlefield for each war, left stained with the blood of the fallen. There would be a monument later, when the last stain was washed away during the rain season. It would be a focus for the people, something to remember why they needed to fight.
The chairman looked out over the rusty brown flagstones. He chose this place because it would seem to the enemy the ideal theater for a heroic last stand. He still doesn't know if they had bought it. Perhaps they came because he was there, or perhaps what was left of the ground leadership had thought to evoke some kind of bloody sacrifice to gain favor with their twisted gods. Or maybe they charged into the firetrap because it was a Tuesday. What mattered in the end was that they had come.
The masses of the enemyhad been driven mad by a three week fighting with drawl through the hab zones east of the square. Every time his forces withdrew, the enemy found itself walking into an ambush. Snipers with high caliber rifles blasted out tank treads or tore the heads off of officers. Tanks would open fire from concealed positions, sometimes buried under the rubble, dropping high explosive rounds into the centers of formations, only to withdraw further into the city as the hordes drew close. At one point they had rigged the magazine of one of the baneblades when it was clear that it could not be repaired before the position was overrun. The sound of its passing could be heard over thirty miles away, from the very square the chairman now stood.
Despite the bravery of the planet's defenders, He and the invaders both knew that it was only a matter of time until there was nowhere left to run. It was here, in this square, where he drew the line. It was here that the invaders charged into his ranks of guardsmen, his justicars, his tanks, his citizens. It was here that the blood flowed like water, where his sword met with the largest mutated heretic the enemy could bring, and where their blasphemous existence was ended. But even as bullets scythed through the ranks of crazed cultist, his men and women began to fall to the lead pipe and the frenzied claw. He called for them to withdraw, as he ordered his bodyguard to form a rear guard. A sacrifice the likes of which had already claimed many during the course of the war.
Just as the enemy drew in for the kill, to remove the figurehead of the resistance, to instill the fear they so craved, the heavens lit up. Straight flashes and brilliant coronas slashed across the sky, hinting at the battle now raging in orbit. And then, the stars themselves seemed to fall and reality itself seemed to tear itself apart as the Heirs of Guilliman elite, clad in their holy armor, strode onto the bloody square. The invaders, their lines pulled this way and that for the past several weeks, began to die.
Now, as he stood on that same square, it was filled not with the heretics, but those who had fought them. These were not the guardsmen or the justicar, but the ordinary citizen who had taken up arms for the cause. Those who had picked up the weapons of the fallen and used them to drive the hated enemy from their homes. Today he was there to both honor their courage and their sacrifice. And today he was there to ask for volunteers.
The chairman looked out over the rusty brown flagstones. He chose this place because it would seem to the enemy the ideal theater for a heroic last stand. He still doesn't know if they had bought it. Perhaps they came because he was there, or perhaps what was left of the ground leadership had thought to evoke some kind of bloody sacrifice to gain favor with their twisted gods. Or maybe they charged into the firetrap because it was a Tuesday. What mattered in the end was that they had come.
The masses of the enemyhad been driven mad by a three week fighting with drawl through the hab zones east of the square. Every time his forces withdrew, the enemy found itself walking into an ambush. Snipers with high caliber rifles blasted out tank treads or tore the heads off of officers. Tanks would open fire from concealed positions, sometimes buried under the rubble, dropping high explosive rounds into the centers of formations, only to withdraw further into the city as the hordes drew close. At one point they had rigged the magazine of one of the baneblades when it was clear that it could not be repaired before the position was overrun. The sound of its passing could be heard over thirty miles away, from the very square the chairman now stood.
Despite the bravery of the planet's defenders, He and the invaders both knew that it was only a matter of time until there was nowhere left to run. It was here, in this square, where he drew the line. It was here that the invaders charged into his ranks of guardsmen, his justicars, his tanks, his citizens. It was here that the blood flowed like water, where his sword met with the largest mutated heretic the enemy could bring, and where their blasphemous existence was ended. But even as bullets scythed through the ranks of crazed cultist, his men and women began to fall to the lead pipe and the frenzied claw. He called for them to withdraw, as he ordered his bodyguard to form a rear guard. A sacrifice the likes of which had already claimed many during the course of the war.
Just as the enemy drew in for the kill, to remove the figurehead of the resistance, to instill the fear they so craved, the heavens lit up. Straight flashes and brilliant coronas slashed across the sky, hinting at the battle now raging in orbit. And then, the stars themselves seemed to fall and reality itself seemed to tear itself apart as the Heirs of Guilliman elite, clad in their holy armor, strode onto the bloody square. The invaders, their lines pulled this way and that for the past several weeks, began to die.
Now, as he stood on that same square, it was filled not with the heretics, but those who had fought them. These were not the guardsmen or the justicar, but the ordinary citizen who had taken up arms for the cause. Those who had picked up the weapons of the fallen and used them to drive the hated enemy from their homes. Today he was there to both honor their courage and their sacrifice. And today he was there to ask for volunteers.
Update 5: M42.013-M42.015
Life is the Emperor's currency, spend it well
The wars of the Jugurtha sector grind on. The news is mixed. In Diodachi, great victories are won. In Trajanus, Imperial forces hang by a thread. In Nabataea, old enemies rendered toothless have been replaced with new dark forces.
The battle for the Diaphanenus system rages on, moving on to the last stronghold of Diaphanenus IV. Adeptus Astartes, Elysian Drop Troops, and Imperial Guard Stormtroopers from a variety of regiments have led the assault after a six-month orbital bombardment. Over two and a half years of brutal battle and heavy casualties, two-thirds of the planet has been retaken. Lady General Sullas force has had success in securing most of the surrounding systems as well, tightening the blockade on the sub-sector capital.
Meanwhile, Habaeian forces under High Marshall Klafki have solidified control over the supply lines to Diodachi from the Habaeian sub-sector to the galactic east and the Nabataea sub-sector to the galactic south. Though Klafki and Sulla have had their power struggles, they have worked well together in co-ordinating the re-conquest.
As the situation in Diodachi stabilizes for the Imperium, disaster has struck in Trajanus. The disastrous battle of Jhocko saw the orks of WAAAGH Grashnak encircle and destroy three entire companies of Legion space marines and three Imperial Guard regiments. With Imperial forces stretched to the breaking point, this disaster has resulted in the abandonment of half a dozen strategically unimportant planets and the consolidation of a line of planets along the southern and western borders and the Adeptus Mechanicus Forgeworld of Charon.
Only the Garentian Crusade stood between the forces of Chaos and undefended planets left behind by the Imperial withdrawal. Millions of fanatics launched themselves against the forces of Chaos, supported by a small but powerful contingent of Guard Regiments and PDF Divisions from Nabataea, led by the Veryn Colonel Belshim, mostly from Vernith, but also from the Lens Network and the TTC. Though the losses have been horrendous, the Garentians have managed to stop the forces of Chaos dead in their tracks. The Garentians have petitioned for the intervention of the Adeptus Sororitas, though they have not heard the result of their petition.
(Tithes are returned to their normal level, all Imperial factions in Nabataea have proven their loyalty)
The Void Stares Back
The warpstorms have increased over the last three years. The frequency and intensity building and building until a massive force of energies was unleashed from the Tyrex Clouds. In a seriesof blinding red-purple flashes, the Clouds belched forth a wave of evil energies, and with it, an unholy force.
Hurtling through space towards the Iydith colony of GJI-5, between the spheres of influence of Oblivion Bliss and Uarthe Craftworld, came a relic, thought lost for eight thousand years. Novaloc Craftworld, which fell to the depredations of Chaos when impenetrable warp storms wracked the Damocles Gulf and disappeared, has emerged from the void. Twisted and battered, but unmistakable Eldar, the craftworld is in as sorry a state as Iyanden after the Tyranid invasion and is pursued by a Chaos battlefleet.
Novaloc Craftworld Forces:
1 Craftworld of approx. 1200-2000 economy with at least 800-1000 fortifications
1 Cruiser, badly damaged
1 Escorts, moderately damaged
The Red Fleet:
1 Corrupted Battleship
2 Corrupted Cruisers
2 Corrupted Escorts
4 Corrupted Transports with unknown passengers
Meanwhile, three ships thought lost to the warp have returned. The Tau escort thought lost to the warp five years ago has appeared from the anomaly near TTC space. The Coalition escorts have appeared neared the Veryn colony of Repaix and directly between Uarthe Craftworld and the Iydith world of Dyannash. They have sent for orders from their home governments, but whether they have fallen to dark gods or not is unknown.
Matters Military:
The Green Tide Recedes
Mogz Meanest and Greenest are currently undergoing a vicious power struggle. The Orks are weak and scattered as the civil war threatens to rip the realm apart, unless another strong warlord can take Mogs place.
Masrius (Morkton) and Krorkton (Thraxia V)
As the Orks tear each other apart, their slaves have taken up arms against them. The human populations of Mogs old capital of Morkton have been secretly manufacturing crude weapons of war that they have now unleashed upon the three-sided civil war. Though they are desperately outgunned, they know that if they lose, there is nothing left for them.
Shunning the Masrian mode of warfare, the Thraxians, never completely beaten by the Orks, have taken the opportunity to engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Orks.
Nutlob
With the Orks occupied with their own petty struggles, the Bahmali have taken the opportunity for revenge. Combined with elements of the Coalition army, the Bahmali have entered the Nutlob system and bombed the hell out of it. Any settlement they could find has been obliterated after a year of co-ordinated bombardment. Elite With such a small population and primitive infrastructure, it was an easy task. Some Orks will certainly have survived, but they have no way of contacting their former masters.
There are rumours of supply drops onto Thraxia V and Masrius to aid the rebels, but it is considered unlikely that the Bahmali have the capacity to operate as far as Masrius.
Bahmali Empire
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Escorts: 1.5-0-1.5
Coalition of Worlds:
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
1 Military Transport: 1-0-1
1 Elite Division: 1-0-1
(The remainder of your forces will not required by the Bahmali, though they thank you for your support and may require the assistance of a larger force in the near future)
Results:
Nutlob is lost to the feuding Orkish warlods. Negligible losses for the humans.
Dark Millenium
Humiliation: Calormai System
The Imperium has decided to make a decisive blow against the ruinous powers. The Heirs of Guilliman have led a fleet to the Calormai system. Upon arrival, the two Astartes capital ships managed to flank the Obliviate Cruiser while the escorts ambushed the transport fleet in system.
The key blow in the struggle was the infiltration of a company of marines via boarding torpedo. A risky manoeuvre, but a risk the Heirs were willing to take and planned appropriately for. Braving the cruisers fire, the Sword of Guilliman approached to point blank range before firing.
The marines, minus one squad destroyed in a very lucky flak battery salvo, began a relentless, methodical march to the engine room and bridge. Clearing the way and bombing both. Leaving a brave sacrificial fire team to prevent to keep the enemy from defusing the bombs, the marines evacuated via Thunderhawk and returned safely in time to see the enemy escorts battered by the New Dawn and friendly escorts.
Upon achieving heir victory, the allies bombarded the planet with mocking propaganda, reduced the shipyards to ruins, and returned home.
TTC forces cheered on the battle from their transports, and were confused when ordered out of the system with the Heirs fleet, though happy that they would not have to brave a chaos world.
Forces Involved:
The Imperium of Man
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Battle Barge Sword of Guilliman [HoG] 1-0-1 (add 20 more damage to repair bill)
Cruiser New Dawn: 1-0-1 (light damage, 20 eco to fix)
Escorts [HoG]: 1-0-1 (add 20 eco to repair bill)
Thunderhawk Gunships [HoG]: 1-0-1
Battle Brother Companies [HoG]: 1-.2-.8
Military Transports + passengers [TTC]: 1-0-1
Oblivion Bliss
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Corrupted Transports: 1-0-1
Corrupted Cruiser: 1-1-0 (Partly repaired before battle, not that it matters now)
Corrupted Escorts: 1-.5-.5 (heavily damaged)
Results:
The shipyards and navy of Oblivion Bliss have been destroyed. The loss of prestige, neglect of the military, misuse of elites, failure to assist their allies and even charges of pacifism have resulted in a short civil war that may so either a quick regime change, or a long, protracted war.
Rebellion: GJI-7c
The Obliviate colony of GJI-7c has been turned into a hellpit of toiling and dying slaves, guarded by the most elite forces of chaos, the Chaos Space Marines. A company of Emperors Children has spent six years on this hellish, empty rock and they are sick of it. They have slaughtered the Obliviates in charge and have declared their own harsh regime. Rumours say that they have started a horrific ceremony, sacrificing to surviving slaves and colonists to lord of pleasure and pain.
The Enemy of My Enemy
The Cyclops and their allies have completely cleansed the planet of Tyrins, with minimal losses due mainly to the poor logistics of the planet and the corrupted environment.
With one of their homeworld cleansed, the Cyclops have turned to face Mycenae, Tyrins sister world. Using the guns of their allies escorts, they have demolished the main cities of Mycenae, but only a ground campaign will ever free the planet. The Cyclops have asked for settlers, both human and, heretically, Eldar of Exodite culture, to resettle the homeworlds. They have also asked for aid in building a fleet or rebuilding their shipyards, so that they can contribute in the fight abroad.
Forces Involved:
The Imperium of Man
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Escorts "Supply" [Lens Network]: 1-0-1
Military Transport [Lens Network]: 1-0-1
PDF Infantry [Cyclops]: 2.5-0-2.5
Imperial Guard Regiments [Lens Network]: 1.2-.2-1
Imperial Guard Regiments [TTC]: .6-.1-.5
Imperial Guard Armour Regiment [Lens Network]: 1-0-1
Imperial Guard Armour Regiment [TTC]: 1-0-1
Aeronautical Imperialis Wing [TTC]: 1-0-1
Scout Company [Cyclops]: .6-0-.6
Battle Brother Company [Cyclops]: 2-0-2
Terminator Honours Company [Cyclops]: .5-0-.5
The Forces of Chaos, Tyrins
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Mutants:1-1-0
PDF Infantry: .5-.5-0
The Forces of Chaos, Mycenae
Type Number involved number lost number remaining
Mutants: 5-1-4
Cultists: 6-1-5
PDF Infantry: 1.5-.5-1
Results:
Tiryns is freed of Chaos influence.
Affairs Internal:
Spirits are high in the territory of the Heirs of Guilliman. An improving economic outlook, combined with the victory in Calormai and continued glory won Diphanenus ensure a happy, dedicated, and prosperous populous. The refugees rescued at Hermes have been properly processed, with roughly a third of them purged for corruption and the remainder accepted willingly into the chapters servants.
Little information has filtered out of the Army of the Grand Design. What rumours do circulate tell of greatly enhanced fortifications and rebuilding after the defeats in the war against the false Emperor. One event of note has leaked, the docks in the Tuaneia sector were destroyed in a series of explosions, presumably planted by the Heirs of Guilliman during their raid last cycle.
The Veryn economy has suffered a crash this cycle. The over expansion of the economy and some bad speculations by important controllers of capital led to the crash, but things are not as bad as they seem. A low tax rate a very lucrative deal with the Imperial Lens Network has softened the blow to the economy, and the people remember the good times the government has given them. Home meanwhile, has been completely rebuilt and its infrastructure improved to as high, if not a higher, level than before the war.
The Bahmali Emperor has decided to gear down the economy from war production and give his nation a chance to heal. The war had indeed managed to jump-start the Bahmali economy, but the scars of civil unrest and war will take a long time to heal. However, Bahmali is well on its way to recovering.
Things in Orkish space are quickly changing. The four way war is ripping the domains of the deceased Mog to pieces. In addition to human rebels, three Orks have beaten down their weaker opponents and have united the survivors under their banners. The pretenders include the Goff Nob, Arag, who Mog trusted enough to leave in control of his territory, his chief Evil Sunz Mek, Memak, and the terrifyingly power weirdboy, Throgoff.
The economy of Uarthes colonial holdings are good. The rebuilding of TYX-2d (locally called Mio amongst a plurality of the population) is slow going, without the aid of the craftworld, though the humans there are used to hardship. The low tax rate is helping the humans to recover however. Varnee and the rest of Uarthes sphere of influence continue to flourish.
The Trade Consortium economy is recovering quickly from the damage done to it by the Army of the Grand Design. Production is now back up to full on Triax IV Beta and Theta. Taxes are high, but thanks to propaganda and his own natural charisma (not to mention the common sense of his citizens) the Chairman has had little trouble convincing his people of the need and they now clamour for revenge. Massive aid from the Heirs of Guilliman has been invested into shipbuilding, sparking new growth in the damaged economy.
Oblivion Bliss has seen an end to economic growth after the destruction of two-thirds of the Obliviate merchant marine, the rebellion in the colony, and the civil war.
The Coalition of Worlds has managed to pull out of the long recession it has suffered since the beginning of the millennium. Stability and good links with the Bahmali and Tau economies has helped in the recovery, as have the tight trade links established between the Coalition and their new protectorate of Agricola. Already large amounts of trade have taken place between the town and the Coalition is now by far Agricolas largest trade partner. A trading centre/spaceport established near the Agricolan capital stands as testament to this new relationship.
The strikes have died down in The Imperial Lens Network thanks to the massive relief effort from the Heirs of Guilliman, Vernith, and even xenos. The HoG have contributed large amounts of resources and some food for free and have stationed marines to keep the populace under control. The rest of the food was bargained for from Veryn merchants, with Tau and Demiurg merchants making up the remaining resource shortfall. Confidence in the government is still shaky, and many see the HoG as the real saviours, not the Lens Network.
Sept Kadra continues happily on its way, surrounded by friendly factions and with an expanding economy. Few remember their old Imperial masters with fondness.
The Atlan Ascendancy is also continuing on in isolationist policies. With the larger problems of Chaos and the Orks, the other factions are ignoring the Atlan, and the Atlan seem happy with that. The people continue on, as always, working to better the community and repair the economy.
.
Without direction, Hymbaline economy is struggling. The lack of good policy and direction contrasts to the years of good policy and solid leadership exhibited by the Reach in the past. This is likely the result of a political shake up in the higher echelons of government. It is likely that another shake up is imminent if things do not improve.
In the occupation zone of of Da Despot of Dakka Passauni slaves work day and night to build machines of war for the rising Ork warlord. While he is not nearly as powerful as Mog was, he is beginning to turn into a major threat in his own right. And with both Oblivion Bliss and the Imperial Lens Network in turmoil, there may be some good targets .
With its political survival assured, the new dynasty in control of the Iydith League has turned its attention to the problems of the economy. Quickly rebuilding the limited damage caused by the low-level dynastic war and reconnecting internal trade links, the Iydith League has seen economic growth for the first time in nearly a decade.
On the Frontiers:
Oblivion Bliss has lost its only colony to rebellion. It now produces nothing.
Uarthe craftworld has found an inventive way around the lack of Eldar colonists. While the craftworld itself has been estimated by outsiders to have more than a billion members, they are almost all needed on the craftworld and replace their numbers slowly. The Hrud of Varnee however, may only number 200 million, but they reproduce quickly and have a certain wanderlust most Eldar lack. After lobbying the Eldar, they have been allowed to settle on not only Junee as they requested, but also on Aetis. This program has been quite successful. Though few Hrud have taken up the offer of Aetis, the few that have done so have found pre-built homes with many luxuries not available on Varnee (but still paling compared to Uarthe). The Eldar see them as curiosities for now, and welcome labourers to do the work that they dont want to on their farms and mills. Junee has seen many more Hrud settle there, though the large numbers have unsettled some of the Eldar, who find them to be disgusting, but also indispensable in the less developed colony. The flood of money spent on the colonies is helping both species quickly adapt and grow.
In summary: expect good things from the Uarthe colonies in the next cycle. Junee now produces 5 economy.
The Veryn colonies are thriving, despite the economic troubles of the core worlds. Significant resources have been sent to the growing colony, mostly in the form of foodstuffs, allowing the people there to focus on primary industries rather than farming and making life significantly easier on the colonists. Home has been rebuilt and is no longer considered a colony, considering its substantial economic power.
Repaix now produces 5 economy.
The colony of Editha continues to grow at a steady rate. The Coalition of Worlds, controlling the lions share of the planet, has contributed the lions share of the resources over the last two cycles. Early tensions between the two sides are cooling down, as the colonists get used to living close to each other. The outlook is good for the colony. It is expected that both zones of control will begin to contribute to their respective economies within the next cycle.
Sept Kadras colonization of KLS-11d, now named Gueshi, continues unimpeded. The rumours of Vespid colonization in the Yonshi system have turned out to be true. The gas giant has seen a few isolated pockets of settlement on suitable floating stalagmite-like rock formations on the planet now known as Malshi
Gueshi produces no income this turn, but should by the end of the next cycle.
The TTC colony of Tsuchi continues on as always. No aid has come from the homeworld, though many settlers with nothing left for them on Triax have arrived. The fatalistic settlers have not minded, figuring it was inevitable that they be left to their own devices.
One small setback to expansion has been the discovery of an odd plague. The plague wracks the victim with unbearable pain and huge, disgusting boils. The victim suffers in agony for up to six months before dying. Though TTC scientists have found a cure, there may be cause not to vaccinate. It has been discovered (you dont want to know how ) that the fluid from the boils can be made into a delicious beverage. There is a high demand for the stuff on Norwalk in the TTC and Rome in the Lens Network already, as smugglers have managed to escape with a few hundred litres of medical waste.
Tsuchi does not produce anything yet. But if the boils are harvested, will significantly improve the economy.
The Atlan colony of Karak continues to grow. Steady funding and the hard work and determination of the Atlan colonists has ensured constant growth of the colony.
Karak now produces 5 economy.
The Bahmali Empire has entered the colonial game as well, with the Emperor looking for something for his subjects to take pride in as well as increase his prestige. The fledgeling colony chose CLM-2 as the site after a group of private investors pitched the site and was backed by a number of Bahmali officials. Many of those officials have requested transfers to the colony and the tiny colony was founded in late M41.015.
Diplomatic Actions:
To: Anyone who will listen
From: Novaloc Craftworld
To anyone who can hear this, the forces of chaos besiege us. We have been fighting a running battle for the last decade, lost in the warp and unable to shake the forces of chaos. Now that we return to real-space, we find that we cannot hold on any longer. We plead to some force to help us in our time of need!
To: The Coalition of Worlds
From: Agricola
We are pleased with the arrangement thus far.
To: Imperial Lens Network
From: Vernith
Sold! We agree to your deal and hope to renew it for the next cycle.
To: The Coalition of Worlds, Sept Kadra, The Hymbaline Reach
From: Bahmali Empire
We are considering the need of binding all four of our states together into a defensive alliance, expanding the relationship that we have forged against the Orks and in single agreements between our Empire and some of your states.
Other Happenings:
The Heirs of Guilliman, late to the colonial rush that begin almost fifteen years ago, have discovered an Imperial enclave in system XVB-27, known to locals as Myandar. What makes Myandar different is that it was a penal colony with a two-thousand year history dating back to the high period of Tyrex control.
A dumping ground for prisoners from the Tyrex core systems, and other notable worlds such as Atla and Turaneia, the collapse of the Tyrex cut the flow of prisoner from a steady stream to an infrequent trickle. The next two hundred and fifty years of chaos saw it cut off from its sources of supply and prisoners.
Eventually, prisoners stopped coming entirely, the last batch being a group of agitators from Atla almost a hundred years ago. Myandar had no transport vessels and had adapted to survive on convict grown food. Having both female and male prisoners, the small guard population decided to let them mingle and grant limited freedoms to well-behaved prisoners. The guards families lived on planet as well, and a small civilian population was present as well.
The children of the prisoners were born into slavery while the children of guards were lords over the slaves. Today, roughly ten percent of the population consists of guards and other civilians, with a small, skilled, two-percent paroled prisoners and the rest a massive underclass of slaves.
The guards are happy to region the Imperium, as are the prisoners, though they demand that their servitude come to an end, as neither they or their parents and grandparents committed any crimes.
Word has gotten out to all the major powers of this development.
**********************************
An odd report has filtered out from the Hymbaline Reach to all major powers.. It seems that several Jokaero ships were seen moored to each other beyond the edge of one of their systems. Not particularly unusual, but for the fact that only a few dozen Jokaero were found. With several of the tiny ships attached to each other, there should have been at least two hundred or more.
Making it more unusual, the Jokaero who were found had been ripped to pieces. Jokaero are not known for their aggression towards each other. However, it is apparent that something else, be it pirates, a hulk, other Jokaero vessels, or something else, had also been docked.
**********************************
The Tau mercenaries remain available and have now been reinforced up to full unit strength. They point to their service under the Heirs of Guilliman as proof of their skills.
The two units of Tarellian Dog Soldiers remain available for hire. They will not enter the employ of an Imperial faction. It now appears the Tarellians have a base somewhere in the sub-sector, away from sector borders and from the Tyrex Clouds.
The Kroot warsphere and the four Kroot Mercenary groups that call it home are still available for hire.
Map:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/uploads/111856/40k_Map_-_Update_5.PNG
Notes:
(TerrisH: I have added your investment into Editha that I missed last turn and combined it with this turns spending)
I have changed the rule regarding Orks and economic growth. They now only lose economy if they have a tax rate over 30%, and it is a now a graduated loss of economy. Their economy does not grow, however, unless they put money into making it grow.
I am also considering a rules change to curtail the huge spending ability of the Craftworld Eldar. I dont want to penalize our great Eldar player however. Suggestions are welcome.
As always, please let me know is there are any mistakes or questions. There are probably a fair few of both.
To: Novaloc
From: Uarthe
Head in our direction. We will intercept.
From: Uarthe
Head in our direction. We will intercept.
We agree to these terms and look forward to doing more business together in the future.
