Colchis - 831.M30
As you stand on the crest of a dune, the desert wind whipping around you, you take a deep breath and center yourself. The sandstorm you are about to summon will be a formidable force, one that will hide your army's approach and sow confusion among the enemy ranks. You close your eyes and begin to chant, your voice low and steady, weaving the arcane threads of the spell. The power of the Warp flows through you, and you feel the familiar tingle of sorcery at your fingertips.
Lorgar stands beside you, his eyes closed in concentration as he reaches out with his mind. His abilities in precognition and telepathy are invaluable, and you know he will sense any threats long before they become a danger to you. His calm presence is a steadying influence, and you draw strength from his confidence.
"Ready?" you ask, your voice barely audible over the rising wind.
Lorgar nods, his eyes snapping open. "Let's do this."
With a final, powerful incantation, you release the spell. The air around you begins to churn, the sand lifting in swirling eddies that grow larger and more intense by the second. The storm builds rapidly, a wall of blinding sand that stretches out across the desert. The enemy will be caught in its fury, their vision obscured, their movements hindered.
"Let's move," you say, and the two of you set off, advancing ahead of your army to get within sight of the enemy.
Lorgar's mind reaches out, probing the desert for any sign of the Chaos horde. "There's a patrol about a mile to the east," he reports. "We'll need to avoid them."
You relay the information to Dharok via the miniaturized vox caster integrated into your helmet. "Patrol to the east. Adjust course to avoid detection."
"Understood," Dharok's voice crackles back. "We'll steer clear."
As you and Lorgar advance, you keep your senses sharp, ready to counter any attempts by the enemy sorcerers to dispel your storm. The storm itself is a living entity, its tendrils of magic connected to your will. You can feel the enemy's efforts to disrupt it, their rituals and incantations probing at the edges of your spell.
"There," Lorgar whispers, pointing to a distant group of figures, their shapes barely discernible through the swirling sand. "They're trying to counter the storm."
You nod and begin to chant again, Cursing them. The power builds within you, dark and potent, and you release it with a sharp exhale. The curse strikes the enemy sorcerers, their attempts to dispel the storm faltering as your magic takes hold.
"Good," Lorgar says, his voice calm. "But we need to stay alert. They won't give up easily."
As you continue your advance, Lorgar uses his telepathy to sense the minds of the enemy army and their patrols. He guides you on a path that keeps you hidden, avoiding detection and ensuring you stay one step ahead of the Chaos forces. The storm rages on, a powerful barrier between you and the enemy, and you know it will be crucial in the coming battle.
"Any sign of daemons?" you ask, your eyes scanning the shifting sands.
Lorgar closes his eyes again, focusing his mind. "Not yet. But they could be hiding, waiting for the right moment."
You nod, your grip tightening on your weapons. "We'll deal with them if they appear. Let's keep moving."
You and Lorgar press forward, the storm your constant companion. The enemy's efforts to dispel it grow more frantic, their sorcerers pouring their energy into countering your magic. But you are ready for them, your spells quick and precise, countering their efforts at every turn.
Dharok's voice comes through the vox caster again. "We've reached the dunes overlooking the enemy camp. We have a clear line of sight."
"Hold your position," you reply. "We'll be there soon."
As you crest the final dune, you see the Chaos horde spread out below, their forces disorganized and struggling against the storm. Your heart swells with a fierce pride. Your tribe is strong, and with your magic and the strength of your warriors, you will take the fight to the enemy.
"Get ready," you say to Lorgar, your voice steady. "The real battle is about to begin."
Lorgar nods, his eyes shining with determination. "Let's show them what we're made of."
The air was thick with tension as your forces advanced, the storm you had summoned swirling around you, a cloak of sand and fury that concealed your movements. You stood alongside Lorgar and Dharok, each of you prepared for the battle ahead. The storm raged, a powerful barrier between you and the Chaos horde, but now it was time to strike.
You raised your hand, signaling the long-range units to take their positions. The Grox cavalry moved with practiced ease, their mounts restless but disciplined. The sandbikes hummed softly, their engines ready to roar into action. The Ambuls, massive and intimidating, stood poised for the command to attack. Your infantry, equipped with Hotshot Marksman Rifles, stood ready, their weapons trained on the enemy below.
"Focus fire on the enemy sorcerers," you ordered, your voice amplified by the vox caster. "We need to disrupt their magic first."
Your warriors nodded, and you saw the glint of determination in their eyes. They knew the stakes. As one, they took aim, their rifles and volley guns targeting the enemy sorcerers who struggled to counter your storm. The first volley of shots rang out, a coordinated barrage of deadly precision.
For a moment, it seemed as though victory was within reach. The enemy sorcerers were caught off guard, their rituals interrupted by the sudden onslaught. But then, as the shots neared their targets, a shimmering barrier of magic flared to life. The bullets and energy beams struck the ward and dissipated harmlessly, leaving the enemy sorcerers unharmed.
"They've got wards!" one of your soldiers shouted, frustration evident in his voice.
You gritted your teeth. "Switch targets to the war machines," you commanded. "We need to disable their heavy firepower."
Your forces adjusted their aim, focusing now on the enemy war machines. These massive constructs loomed ominously in the distance, their twisted forms a testament to the dark powers that had forged them. Another volley of shots rang out, aimed at the war machines' vulnerable points.
But once again, the shimmering wards blocked your attacks. The bullets and energy beams were deflected, scattering harmlessly into the storm. The war machines remained operational, their cannons ready to unleash devastation upon your forces.
"What's our next move?" Dharok asked, his voice tight with tension.
"We'll target their cavalry mounts," you replied, refusing to let frustration take hold. "If we can disrupt their mobility, we'll have an advantage."
Your forces adjusted their aim once more, this time focusing on the enemy cavalry's mounts. These fearsome beasts, twisted by Chaos, were crucial to the enemy's maneuverability. If you could bring them down, the enemy's mobility would be severely hampered.
The shots rang out, a third volley aimed at the charging mounts. But just as before, the magical wards shimmered into place, blocking your attacks. The mounts continued their advance, their riders poised for battle.
"These wards are stronger than we anticipated," Lorgar said, his voice calm but urgent. "We'll need a new strategy."
You nodded, your mind racing. "We need to find a way to disrupt those wards. Lorgar, can you sense any weaknesses in their magic?"
Lorgar closed his eyes, his mind reaching out to probe the enemy's defenses. "There are weak points," he said after a moment. "But they'll be hard to exploit from a distance."
"Then we'll have to get closer," you decided. "We'll use the storm to our advantage. I'll lead a team to breach their defenses and take out the sorcerers up close."
Dharok nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "We'll hold the line here and keep them distracted."
With a plan in place, you gathered a select group of your best fighters. The storm would cover your approach, allowing you to get close enough to disrupt the enemy's wards. It was a risky move, but it was the best chance you had.
"Stay sharp," you told your team as you moved out. "We need to hit them fast and hard."
The storm raged around you, a living entity under your control. As you advanced, you could feel the power of the Chaos sorcerers struggling against your magic. It was a battle of wills, a clash of sorcery and determination.
As you neared the enemy lines, you saw the sorcerers chanting, their hands raised to maintain the protective wards. You signaled your team to hold position, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Now!" you shouted, unleashing a burst of magic to disrupt their spells.
The wards flickered, their power wavering under your assault. Your team charged forward, weapons ready, determined to take down the enemy sorcerers and turn the tide of battle in your favor.
But the lead sorcerer was prepared. Drawing deeply from the Warp, he stabilized the flow of energy, reinforcing the wards and keeping them intact. The effort was immense, and you could see the strain on his face as he channeled the raw power of the Warp.
"He's pulling too much power," Lorgar warned, his voice tense.
The lead sorcerer continued to chant, his voice rising in intensity. The air around him crackled with energy, the very fabric of reality bending under the strain. Suddenly, a violent burst of energy from the Warp erupted, smashing into his mind.
The sorcerer staggered, his eyes wide with shock. The energy had stunned him, sending him reeling. For a moment, you thought he might collapse, but his luck held true. Despite the immense power he had drawn, he was unharmed. The wards flickered again but held fast.
"He's stunned but still alive," you called out to your team. "We need to take him down now!"
With the lead sorcerer temporarily incapacitated, your team surged forward. You could see the other Chaos sorcerers glancing nervously at their leader, their concentration wavering. This was your chance.
"Lorgar, use your Telepathy to disorient the other sorcerers," you ordered.
Lorgar's eyes glowed with power as he reached out with his mind, sending waves of confusion and fear into the ranks of the enemy sorcerers. They staggered, their spells faltering as they struggled to maintain their focus.
You reached the lead sorcerer just as he began to recover from the Warp's violent backlash. His eyes met yours, filled with fury and desperation. You could see the realization in his gaze: he knew he was outmatched.
With a swift, decisive strike, you brought your weapon down on the lead sorcerer. The wards around him shattered, the protective barriers falling away. The enemy sorcerers, disoriented and leaderless, were vulnerable.
"Take them down!" you shouted, and your team moved in, cutting through the remaining sorcerers with precision and skill.
The storm began to wane, its fury spent, but you had succeeded in your mission. The enemy's magical defenses were broken, and the path was clear for your forces to press the attack. The battle was far from over, but you had gained a crucial advantage.
As you regrouped with your team, you took a moment to catch your breath. The fight ahead would be brutal, but you were ready.
"Remember, keep moving and redeploying!" you shout over the howling wind to your infantry. "Use the storm and your cloaks to stay hidden. Hit them hard and then vanish!"
The infantry nod, their faces hidden behind helmets equipped with Omnispex and Cameleoline cloaks that blend into the swirling sands. They begin to move, spreading out and disappearing into the storm, their Hotshot Marksman Rifles ready to pick off targets from a distance.
"Heavy cavalry, focus your fire on any concentrations of enemy forces or groups advancing too close!" you command. The Grox riders, their mounts snorting and stamping the ground, raise their Hot Shot Volley Guns in salute before spurring their beasts into motion. The thunder of the charge is muffled by the storm as they sally forward, ready to unleash a deluge of fire on the enemy.
You turn your attention to the light cavalry. "Stay in reserve until we need you. Be ready to dart in and out, use your Inferno Pistols to take down any Chaos warriors that get too close!"
They nod, holding their positions just beyond the ridge line, their mounts restless but controlled. These riders are your quick strike force, ready to exploit any weakness or gap in the enemy's lines.
You give the command for the Ambulls next. "Tunnel through the dune and position yourselves beneath the surface in front of our infantry. Wait for Lorgar's signal to ambush."
The massive creatures burrow into the sand with ease, disappearing from sight. They are your hidden ace, ready to erupt from below and wreak havoc among the enemy if they threaten your infantry or if your cavalry baits them into position.
You focus your thoughts, channeling the dark energy, readying your Curses. The surviving Chaos sorcerers are your primary targets. "I'll deal with their sorcerers and leaders," you tell Dharok and Lorgar. "If I see any rituals or commands being issued, I'll take them out. I'll also counter any defensive magic or blessings."
Dharok nods, his sniper rifle at the ready. "I'll take out high-value targets. If they get too close, I'll challenge their champions and hold the line."
"Lorgar, guide our troops! Dharok, take your shots!" you shout, your voice cutting through the chaos. You see your infantry repositioning, firing from new angles, and your heavy cavalry tearing through enemy ranks with their volley guns. The light cavalry waits, poised to strike.
Lorgar's telepathic network pulses with activity. "Enemy charge to the east, avoid them," his voice echoes in your mind. "Prepare to engage the main force, they're shifting westward."
Dharok's sniper rifle cracks, the sound sharp and deadly. You see an enemy leader fall, and a cheer rises from your troops.
Suddenly, the ground erupts in front of their infantry. The Ambulls burst forth, their massive forms throwing Chaos warriors into disarray. Lorgar's telepathic command has timed perfectly, and the enemy is caught off guard. Your infantry takes advantage, pouring fire into the chaos, cutting down their ranks.
Despite the initial success, the Chaos forces are relentless. Their sorcerers rally, and the wards flicker back. You grit your teeth, determined to break their defenses. The battle is fierce, and the outcome is uncertain, but you and your forces are ready to fight to the end.
The enemy's morale begins to waver, and you see Lorgar's influence spreading through their ranks. Doubt creeps into their minds, and you seize the opportunity. "Push forward! We have them on the run!" you shout, your voice carrying through the storm.
Dharok engages in melee, his power armor gleaming as he punches through enemy champions. The Ambulls continue their rampage, and your infantry, cavalry, and sorcerers work in unison to press the attack.
You stand amidst the swirling sands of the battlefield, your heart pounding in your chest as the chaos around you intensifies. Your forces have fought bravely, utilizing every advantage the sandstorm and Mechanicus technology have afforded. You watch as Lorgar, your son and beacon of hope, steps forward, his eyes glowing with the power of his words and psychic abilities.
"Chaos Warriors!" Lorgar's voice booms across the battlefield, cutting through the roar of combat. "You are fighting for false gods who deceive and use you! Abandon your faith in them and join us! Together, we can build a future of true freedom and unity!"
For a moment, it seems as if the tide is about to turn. The Chaos Warriors, brutal and fearsome, hesitate. Their weapons waver, and you see doubt flicker in their eyes. Lorgar's words, imbued with his telepathic influence, reach deep into their minds, utilizing the seeds of uncertainty he had planted earlier.
But then, the air changes. A dark, malevolent energy pulses through the ranks of the Chaos horde. The warriors who had hesitated begin to convulse, their bodies writhing as if something within them is fighting to break free. You watch in horror as their flesh tears apart, blood and viscera spilling onto the sand as daemons burst forth from their bodies with terrifying shrieks.
The battlefield is suddenly awash with a new threat. The daemons, monstrous and filled with the fury of the Warp, charge towards your lines. Panic spreads like wildfire through your ranks. The disciplined formations of your tribesmen dissolve as they see the nightmarish creatures advancing. Cries of fear and confusion fill the air as many begin to flee, their courage shattered by the horrifying sight.
"No! Hold your ground!" Lorgar's voice rings out again, desperately trying to stem the tide of panic. "Do not let fear defeat us! We are stronger than this! Remember why we fight, for our families, our future, our freedom! Do not let these daemons steal that from us!"
He moves through the chaos, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the terror. "Stand with me! Fight with me! Together, we are unstoppable! We can turn this tide and claim victory!"
Slowly, his words begin to take effect. The fleeing tribesmen stop, turning back to face the enemy. The panic subsides, replaced by a renewed determination. They regroup, rallying around Lorgar, their resolve steeled by his powerful speech.
But the damage is done. The initiative has shifted back to Chaos. Their melee units, bolstered by the daemons acting as shock troopers, clash with your tribesmen. The battle becomes a desperate struggle to hold the line.
You see Dharok engaging enemy champions in brutal melee combat, his power armor glinting under the harsh sun. The Ambulls, once a hidden ace, are now fighting desperately against the daemons, their massive forms straining under the onslaught.
You unleash your own powers, the Curse aimed at the enemy sorcerers who continue to weave their dark magic. You can feel the strain, the pull of the Warp, but you push through, knowing that your people need you now more than ever.
The battlefield is a maelstrom of chaos and conflict. Your heavy cavalry rides through the fray, their Guns blazing, trying to stem the tide. The light cavalry darts in and out, using their Inferno Pistols to take down as many enemies as possible.
Lorgar uses his telepathy and precognition to network the army together, feeding your troops inspiration, orders, and warnings of danger. He tries to break the enemy's faith in the Chaos Gods, but the daemons and their mortal followers are relentless.
Despite your best efforts, the Chaos forces are regaining the upper hand. Their melee units are now reaching your lines, their daemons acting as brutal shock troopers. The struggle is intense, and you realize that this battle will be a test of not just your strength, but your resolve and unity as a tribe.
The realization hits you hard: the battle has turned against you. The Chaos horde, bolstered by daemons and relentless melee units, is pressing your forces too hard. Despite Lorgar's rousing speech, the enemy's momentum is overwhelming. You make the difficult decision to withdraw, knowing that preserving your forces for a future fight is the wisest course of action.
"Fall back! We need to fall back!" you shout, your voice cutting through the chaos. Your warriors hesitate, torn between the instinct to fight and the need to retreat.
"Listen to our Chieftain!" Lorgar commands, his voice carrying authority. "We'll regroup and fight another day. We need to fall back, now!"
The heavy cavalry, positioned on the flanks, begins to move into position to lay down covering fire. Their Guns light up the battlefield, creating a wall of lethal fire aimed at the advancing Chaos forces. Each volley buys precious seconds for your infantry to begin their retreat.
Dharok steps forward. His energy-based sniper rifle picks off key targets, enemy leaders and sorcerers, thinning the ranks and creating chaos among the Chaos forces. His precision shots slow the enemy's advance, giving your people the time they need.
"Go! Move!" Dharok yells, his voice filled with urgency. "We'll cover you!"
Your infantry, blending with the sandstorm, begin to pull back. They move in disciplined groups, firing their Rifles in controlled bursts to keep the enemy at bay. The cloaks and the storm offer some protection, but the enemy is relentless.
Lorgar stands with you, using his telepathic abilities to coordinate the withdrawal. His mind reaches out to each unit, guiding them, calming them, ensuring that the retreat is organized and effective. "Hold your ground, then fall back in stages," he commands telepathically. "We will make it out of this."
The Ambulls burrow through the dunes, emerging to ambush any Chaos warriors that get too close. Their massive claws and armored hides turn them into living shields, protecting your retreating forces.
You glance at Lorgar, his face set in determination. "We need to ensure everyone gets out. No one gets left behind."
Lorgar nods, his eyes glowing with psychic energy. "We will. I promise."
As your forces retreat, the heavy cavalry begins to pull back in turn. They maintain a steady stream of fire, their powerful weapons cutting down any Chaos warriors who dare to advance. The light cavalry darts in and out, using their Inferno Pistols to create fiery barriers that slow the enemy's pursuit.
"Fall back to the ridge!" you command. "We regroup there!"
The retreat is methodical, each unit covering the others as they pull back. The ridge line offers a temporary haven, a position from which you can regroup and reassess. You can feel the tension in the air, the fear and desperation, but also the resolve to survive and fight another day.
As you reach the ridge, you see your forces rallying. The heavy cavalry forms a defensive line, their weapons ready to repel any further assaults. The infantry takes up positions, their rifles trained on the enemy. The Ambulls, bruised but unbroken, stand guard, their eyes scanning the battlefield for threats.
Lorgar stands beside you, his telepathic link maintaining the cohesion of your forces. "We're almost there," he says, his voice filled with determination. "We'll make it."
Dharok joins you, his sniper rifle still smoking from the countless shots fired. "We've given them a bloody nose, but they'll regroup soon. We need to move."
You nod, your mind racing with the need to plan the next steps. "We head back to the settlement, regroup, and prepare for their next move. We'll find a way to turn the tide."
But then you felt it.
The air, once thick with the sounds of battle, now hums with an eerie, otherworldly vibration. You slow your pace, raising a hand to signal your forces to halt. Lorgar, sensing your unease, turns to you with a questioning look.
"Father, what's wrong?"
You don't respond immediately, your senses reaching out, trying to grasp the source of this strange disturbance. You close your eyes, feeling the Warp around you. It's turbulent, more so than usual. You can sense multiple entities clashing, but not in a coordinated attack. No, this is different.
"There's something happening back there," you finally say, opening your eyes. "It's like... the Chaos forces are fighting among themselves."
Lorgar's brow furrows. "That doesn't make sense. Chaos is chaotic, but they wouldn't turn on each other so suddenly, especially not when they were winning."
Dharok rides up, concern etched on his face. "What's going on? Why have we stopped?"
You relay your suspicions, and Dharok's eyes widen. "Are you sure?"
"As sure as I can be," you reply. "There are multiple powerful beings fighting back there, and it's not just our enemies."
Lorgar closes his eyes, reaching out with his own psychic abilities. After a moment, he gasps. "He's right. There's... something else. Multiple presences, all clashing. It's utter chaos."
Dharok curses under his breath. "This could be our chance, or it could be a trap. What do you suggest, Uncle?"
Before you can respond, a massive surge of power ripples through the air. You feel it like a punch to the gut, the raw, unbridled energy of the Warp. It's building, and fast.
"We need to move, now!" you shout. "Whatever's happening back there, it's not going to end well. We need to get as far away as possible before it explodes."
Your forces start moving again, faster this time. But curiosity gnaws at you. You can't shake the feeling that understanding this sudden turn of events could be crucial. You motion for Lorgar and Dharok to follow you to a nearby dune, giving you a vantage point to observe the battlefield without getting too close.
From your elevated position, you peer through your helmet's integrated Omnispex. The scene is one of absolute pandemonium. Chaos warriors are indeed fighting among themselves, their weapons turned on each other in a frenzy of violence. Daemons clash with daemons, tearing at each other with savage fury. And in the midst of it all, you see strange, shadowy figures, seemingly attacking both sides indiscriminately.
"What in the Warp..." Dharok mutters.
Lorgar's eyes glow with psychic energy as he tries to make sense of the scene. "It's like... different factions of Chaos have turned on each other. But those shadowy figures... they're not Chaos. They're something else."
You focus your own senses, trying to understand the nature of these new entities. They're powerful, but not in the same way as the Chaos daemons. There's an unfamiliarity to their energy, a sense of purpose that's alien to the raw malevolence of Chaos.
A sudden realization hits you. "They're not just fighting among themselves. They're being attacked by something else, something that's not aligned with Chaos."
As if to confirm your suspicions, another surge of power erupts from the battlefield. You watch in horror as a massive vortex of Warp energy begins to form, the clashing forces fueling its growth. It's a chaotic storm of energy, swirling and expanding with terrifying speed.
"We need to get out of here, now!" you yell, scrambling down the dune. "Or stop that ritual before it is too late."
CHOICE:
[] Interfere and go stop whatever is happening
--You, Dharok and Lorgar will go and interfere. The army will retreat as it will be too unsafe for them. The enemy is distracted so getting there is not the problem, but escaping once you stop whatever is going on is.
[] Retreat and let what is happening, happen.
--You get away with the army, but whatever is going on there will succeed.
