- Location
- Australia
No. He will resurrect but he will not be reborn or reincarnate.
-
Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
The Long Night Part One: Embers in the Dusk: A Planetary Governor Quest (43k) Complete Sequel Up
- Thread starter Durin
- Start date
- Location
- USA NYC
I like it and if I might add a suggestion for Liberian culture is they might be influenced by the Battle Psykers of Avernus with a focus on Psykers duals to test their Powers and skill with Force Weapons. Speaking of Battle Psykers as a group I wonder what they are like. They are one of Avernus first line of defense against Chaos and have fought in numerous other conflicts as well. Focusing on crafting the power of the Warp into a weapon of war and honing their combat skill.The Role of Librarians in the Varangian Guard
Due to the absurdly high psyker production of the Trust, especially Avernus, the Varangian Guard is "blessed" with a near unheard of proportion of Librarians to Battle Brothers. Often there will be ten Psycic recruits taken from the Unseen University and its branch on Midgard and placed into a Century of recruits.
While it is incredibly unlikely all of those selected will survive enough do that that are few companies with fewer than five Librarians in a group of around one hundred other marines, with more than that not being uncommon.
The training of these psykers primarily takes place on Avernus, where there is an abundance of skilled teachers and where the circumstances are best suited to push the will power of these psykers. Those that survive these trials are best suited to becoming Astartes, though the techniques that only Librarians can learn due to their gene seed are taught on Byzantium itself.
Because much of their early training is spent on Avernus they are often slightly more distant to their peers than is normal and have to catch up on the trials of the other core worlds. However, since much of the later training of initiates is done on Avernus where they and their Techmarine counterparts primarily train, most barriers are broken down. Avernus demands nothing less.
In many ways there has not been a shift in the role of Librarians, they are still tactical assets able to bring their powers to bare and shift the course of a battle, be it through illusions, warp fire, divination, telekinetic storms, augmenting the prowess of their brothers or dispersing hostile warp powers. What has shifted are three things, power, powers and numbers.
The first is power. The effects of astartes gene seed are augmentative. This is a well-known fact a human implanted with gene seed will grow stronger in all ways, this includes psycic abilities. In the Imperium this boost was especially useful as strong stable psykers who were eligible to be implanted with geneseed were a rarity, so most chapters had to rely on the gene seed to turn a Zeta or Epsilon psyker into a Delta or Gamma. Those that Imperial chapters recruited who were naturally stronger usually ended up as the Chief Librarian of their chapter.
In the Trust however, the sheer number of strong psykers produced is very impressive to say the least, with the conditions of Avernus being especially primed to turn them into potential recruits for the Guard. This means that there are very few Librarians under the power level of a strong Gamma and a more than significant number at the level of Beta. This increased power has proportionally increased the level of feats the Librarians can normally achieve. Where a Librarian of an Imperial chapter could on average conjure a fire storm able to wipe out a division of infantry a guard Librarian can punch significant holes in tank columns on a semi regular basis.
The powers too are of significant importance. Many of the techniques of the Unseen University are markedly more potent than the Imperial equivalents especially when used by an Astartes. In addition, there are the powers learned from Avernite wildlife, which many are able to use with some impunity due to how powerful and stable they are. The most famous example of this Harta Lee Chief Librarian of the first company, who's expert use of phased blinking and partial phasing turns the already lethal astartes into a near untouchable, ever moving blur, creating a trend to live up to among many Librarians.
In addition, due to their uniform power, stability and skill being on par with strong Primaris Psykers, many of their number are capable of utilising the Banishment and Soul Flame powers with impressive regularity.
However, the most fundamental difference in the Librarians is that there are simply more of them. Where a successful Imperial chapter's companies would at best have two Librarians (one Codicer and one Lexicanum) the average company in the Trust has enough for them to be on multiple fronts and allows for psykers who specialise in different roles.
This is not to say that all Librarians are not skilled in most aspects of their craft, but many do have one area in particular that they are better at. Thus, a diviner Librarian can remain to advise their Captain while the rest assist on various fronts with their powers. There is simply more variety and availability of their skills. This includes Librarian Choirs which before were only seen very rarely in the Imperium.
Of course, when all the Librarians of a company come together they are a force to be feared as these men have trained together their whole lives and are able to support one another instantly, with the tactic of bunching up all the Librarians becoming a popular and effective delaying tactic against Orkish Gargants.
In terms of hierarchy, one Librarian in a company is the Chief Librarian, who leads the others in a company. His second in command is an Epistolary with the rest being Codiciers. Often too a company will be joined by Dicens Lexicanum undergoing their final trainings. In turn the Chief Librarians report to the Grand Master Librarian* Publius Figulus.
Outside of battle the Librarian's duties are many, the most important, while on deployment, being to maintain contact between army battle groups. As Librarians can keep in contact with each other over immense distances compared to normal neo astropaths, as well as being less fragile, Librarians are in constant communication with each other, keeping each other informed of movements casualties and other things in case immediate support is needed.
In fact on the suggestion of Chapter Master Julius a small contingent of Librarians are present at all times on Midgard, awaiting an emergency connection from a battle group so the Trust may mobilise at rapid speed.**
When not on deployment many things have changed and not changed for the Librarians once again. They are still the keepers of knowledge for the chapter and so they write down the battles and reports of the fights they have fought, however they are much more interested in history. Many Librarians will take short sabbaticals to the Muspel Archives to immerse themselves in the histories of man's ancient and modern past.
In addition, the Unseen University has left its mark upon the Librarians, with the pursuit of knowledge being highly prized. This is most pronounced and fascinating in the understanding of psycic frequencies, particularly the frequencies of their own geneseed. A large conclave of Librarians has formed who spend their time researching their geneseed's frequencies, to create new powers in addition to powers they already have from it and seeing if they can unlock the secrets hidden within the geneseed.
And done.
Probably not what @Durin had in mind, but hey ho.
@Binge-Reader satisfied for a bit
The archtype of a Psionic warrior is a intruiging one and kinda wants me to take a closer look at what makes them tick. Seeing what traditions or traits they have developed on Avernus over time as a group as they have grown.
Mechanicus Discoveries on Deiphobe and Their Impact on Civilian Life
Ridcully OP pls nerf. Also, my second omake. ConCrit appreciated.
Mechanicus Discoveries on Deiphobe and Their Impact on Civilian Life
Cyllius Fabricos, Ph.D Post-Imperium Culture in the Imperial Trust
Avernus has a reputation amongst the Adeptus Mechanicus for holding technologies thought to be long lost or previously undiscovered. Most of these technologies have contributed to all aspects of the standards of living, but there is a stereotype that Avernus holds only ancient machines or technologies of war. Less known are civilian technologies and the impacts they have had, particularly on the youth. This article is intended to address this fallacy in light of the recent discoveries in the ruins of Deiphobe.
High Performance Plasma-Based Automotives
In the age of ever improving technology, humans are still drawn to using legacy technology to feel empowered. The four-wheeled plasma automotive is one such example. Young thrill seekers on Avernus have taken to creating custom automotives, known as autos, in the same manner that one might create a personal cogitator. A nascent industry has been formed, supplying people with custom automotive parts and decorations, located mostly in Lindon for these people, who are known as Racers.
Racers take to the streets every weekend or holiday, heading towards the local stadiums, arriving in groups in their autos. Here, they will spend the day showing off their newest modifications or designs, sharing tips on maintaining or upgrading each other's autos, with the most original or distinct designs getting more attention. They also hold impromptu tournaments, which has led to a small gambling culture, which worries some older adults. Older adults have chosen to engage in the races or tip sharing, mostly those who have recently been rejuvenated.
The races themselves take place in a projected decrepit urban environment, meant to simulate the narrow roads, high-speed (upwards of 250 kph) turns, and scenic decrepit hives of old. This projection is done with mounted theatre holoprojectors, synced to a master cogitator. In addition, all autos must have a chip in them, which communicates with the master cogitator to ensure that the auto "feels" the effects of touching the projected environment. This can be as simply as feeling bumpy on cracked roads to even a partial loss in gravity as the auto goes over some ramp. Should a driver hit something "solid", their car will stop, and they must head to the nearest exit and wait for the next race. The cogitator's costs have limited who can become a Racer, though the price is always dropping.
For some, racing in hives doesn't satisfy their need for thrill and danger. These Avernites choose to race between hives, speaking volumes of their technical skill and lack of risk averseness. Firstly, they must modify their autos to meet all terrain standards, given that most routes take Racers through at least two different biomes. This requires a complete tune up of most engines, since they do not possess enough power in most cases. All tires must be of the self-repairing and self-inflating. A special chemical coat must also be applied to the car, or it results in a highly scratched and dented chassis. They must also store enough fuel, since the tank is not large enough for most trips. To improve safety and ensure that someone has the appropriate mechanical skill to fix some automotive system if it break downs, each auto carries 3-4 people as a team.
These trips are made harder by the fact that there is no pre-established route, nor any paved roads. Navigation cogitators are not usually worth it, as the autos are not stable enough while driving to keep the cogitator safe, leading most to use simply a compass and high definition map. What makes these trips deadly is that there are no weapons attached to the autos, as the engine or electric battery is simply not strong enough to run for hours on end and power any kind of mounted weapon. All members of a team are required to carry a ranged weapon, a melee weapon, and a backup for each. I have had the pleasure of riding with one of these teams on such a trip, which was difficult to do since it is technically illegal to head out with such minimal protection (automotives carry nothing in terms of safety in the event of a breakdown). I can only say that my headache from the bumping was not gone until a week after our trip was over.
High Performance Neutrino-Based Motorized Bicycles
There are many people on Avernus who are "hardcore" as defined by Avernites, which says quite a bit. A recent addition to that group is are the Free Riders of Aridia. These Riders are much like the auto Racers of Lindon, but take even fewer precautions to protect themselves. Their neutrino-bicycles (called "bikes" by the Riders) have no protection whatsoever, even from the elements. In this regard, they are much like the White Scars space marine chapter.
The bike has an even smaller engine and fuel tank than the automotive. This small size means that plasma based engines are not efficient, since the engine size of a bike is below the efficiency threshold of any plasma engine. Instead, our ancestors built a novelty engine, meant only to power such a bike or other small vehicle with technology beyond our current grasp. Though it takes anywhere between 5 to 13 minutes to recharge on ambient neutrinos, one full charge from a new battery lasts between 8 to 9 hours, allowing for constant speeds upwards of 325 kilometers per hour. Featuring powerful shock absorbing systems, rugged components, desert capable tires, and sleek designs meant to break the wind, the bike was built for people to enjoy going fast and unsafe.
Whereas the auto racers of Lindon invest their time to ultimately enjoy the thrill of high speed racing, the Riders of Aridia have different motives. Avernites succeeded at colonizing and thriving on such a world because the weak were culled out immediately, and the strong banded together, creating tightly knit communities. After all, it is difficult to succumb to the Ruinous Powers, alien hordes, or even the local wildlife with a reliable friend at your back.
The Riders of Aridia do not reject this community, as some might jump to conclude reading the previous paragraph. Instead, they simply wish to get away from everything for some time, living in their mind what can only be deemed a strangely muted apocalyptic scenario, reminiscent of some small holovid scraps from an old series called Mad Maximilian. Every trip they take, it is only them and what little they can carry into the blinding desert sun.
I wished to take a ride with one Rider who I interviewed. Our entire set of interactions were pleasant save for his response to that question, when he rudely and pointedly refused to do so. I do not begrudge him that, since it is part of Rider culture to take these trips alone. Riders traverse a hostile environment, filled with lurking Titan Scorpions, Hell Jackal packs, and fields of Bombardment Cacti, for which even the Helguard travel in groups for safety. The immense danger, as one Rider explained, is precisely why they go alone:
"Yeah, it's tough. You're hurtling through the desert on a small bike that doesn't even have any room for first aid kits or extra fuel. You've got your helmet, backpack, and your bike, and that's it. You get hurt, no one's coming to get you, and you die knowing there is a good chance the God-Emperor won't be there to save your soul. Sometimes, you might even get caught in a Cacti barrage, which is when they launch in your area and it feels like you're being hit by an air strike, what with all the need to dodge. You really feel alone out there, as if humanity would die when you do, like in some cheesy holovid. But whether it's night and you're stargazing as your bike refuels for the journey home, or you're dodging Cactus bombs by weaving left, right, left, right, left, you feel good, like you're right on the edge of discovering something about yourself. That's why I do it."
Riders outside the safety of hive walls use their high speed to outrun anything that may wish them harm, since their size and engine makes mounting most weapons or even the smallest of void shields (at the time of this writing, still too large for anything smaller than an Imperial-era walker) impossible. The battery is literally unable to provide enough current to power such things, given that everything goes into either the small information display, which reveals critical information on health of the vehicle, or the neutrino thruster, which fires the stored neutrinos into one of three to five jets, depending on when it was designed. Given the difficulty of reading such a small display when traveling at high speeds, Riders wear a helmet with a cheaper HUD that is wirelessly connected to the bike.
Trust philosophers will often ask a classic question to their students. Suppose there exists some voidship that is needs repairs with newer, better materials. Over time, as repairs are made, the captain wonders if he really leads the same vessel after so much material has been replaced with newer material? When did it change, and if so, by how much? Or did it never change at all?
Racers would answer that it is still the same. After all, if the fundamental build remains the same, repairs and upgrades are just a way to ensure that the auto remains in good condition and capable of surviving the bumps and turns of a track at high speeds. The average Racer, it should be noted, spends approximately 6500 thrones on repairs and maintenance, and another 20,000 on various upgrades. I remember seeing one Racer's car when my research trip was coming to an end, and I was surprised to learn he was still driving the same car, just with a slightly larger frame and several new systems installed, one of which was protruding out the back. I would have said he was lying, but I had taken a holopic with him and his car, so there was little denying it when I compared.
Riders would adamantly say that it changed the moment the first new material was used, or even when someone decided it needed new material. Riders believe that their bikes deserve the highest of respects, since they carry Riders through unforgiving environments, and are not cast in adamantium to lower the weight. A bike can break under attacks from Cacti storms or Hell Jackal jaws. That makes every successful journey a testament to how reliable a bike can be. Adding or replacing parts is cheapening the experience and challenge of riding solo through the desert. It is no surprise then that Riders invest much time in marking their bikes, giving them names and marking where they have been.
Cyllius Fabricos, Ph.D Post-Imperium Culture in the Imperial Trust
Avernus has a reputation amongst the Adeptus Mechanicus for holding technologies thought to be long lost or previously undiscovered. Most of these technologies have contributed to all aspects of the standards of living, but there is a stereotype that Avernus holds only ancient machines or technologies of war. Less known are civilian technologies and the impacts they have had, particularly on the youth. This article is intended to address this fallacy in light of the recent discoveries in the ruins of Deiphobe.
High Performance Plasma-Based Automotives
In the age of ever improving technology, humans are still drawn to using legacy technology to feel empowered. The four-wheeled plasma automotive is one such example. Young thrill seekers on Avernus have taken to creating custom automotives, known as autos, in the same manner that one might create a personal cogitator. A nascent industry has been formed, supplying people with custom automotive parts and decorations, located mostly in Lindon for these people, who are known as Racers.
Racers take to the streets every weekend or holiday, heading towards the local stadiums, arriving in groups in their autos. Here, they will spend the day showing off their newest modifications or designs, sharing tips on maintaining or upgrading each other's autos, with the most original or distinct designs getting more attention. They also hold impromptu tournaments, which has led to a small gambling culture, which worries some older adults. Older adults have chosen to engage in the races or tip sharing, mostly those who have recently been rejuvenated.
The races themselves take place in a projected decrepit urban environment, meant to simulate the narrow roads, high-speed (upwards of 250 kph) turns, and scenic decrepit hives of old. This projection is done with mounted theatre holoprojectors, synced to a master cogitator. In addition, all autos must have a chip in them, which communicates with the master cogitator to ensure that the auto "feels" the effects of touching the projected environment. This can be as simply as feeling bumpy on cracked roads to even a partial loss in gravity as the auto goes over some ramp. Should a driver hit something "solid", their car will stop, and they must head to the nearest exit and wait for the next race. The cogitator's costs have limited who can become a Racer, though the price is always dropping.
For some, racing in hives doesn't satisfy their need for thrill and danger. These Avernites choose to race between hives, speaking volumes of their technical skill and lack of risk averseness. Firstly, they must modify their autos to meet all terrain standards, given that most routes take Racers through at least two different biomes. This requires a complete tune up of most engines, since they do not possess enough power in most cases. All tires must be of the self-repairing and self-inflating. A special chemical coat must also be applied to the car, or it results in a highly scratched and dented chassis. They must also store enough fuel, since the tank is not large enough for most trips. To improve safety and ensure that someone has the appropriate mechanical skill to fix some automotive system if it break downs, each auto carries 3-4 people as a team.
These trips are made harder by the fact that there is no pre-established route, nor any paved roads. Navigation cogitators are not usually worth it, as the autos are not stable enough while driving to keep the cogitator safe, leading most to use simply a compass and high definition map. What makes these trips deadly is that there are no weapons attached to the autos, as the engine or electric battery is simply not strong enough to run for hours on end and power any kind of mounted weapon. All members of a team are required to carry a ranged weapon, a melee weapon, and a backup for each. I have had the pleasure of riding with one of these teams on such a trip, which was difficult to do since it is technically illegal to head out with such minimal protection (automotives carry nothing in terms of safety in the event of a breakdown). I can only say that my headache from the bumping was not gone until a week after our trip was over.
High Performance Neutrino-Based Motorized Bicycles
There are many people on Avernus who are "hardcore" as defined by Avernites, which says quite a bit. A recent addition to that group is are the Free Riders of Aridia. These Riders are much like the auto Racers of Lindon, but take even fewer precautions to protect themselves. Their neutrino-bicycles (called "bikes" by the Riders) have no protection whatsoever, even from the elements. In this regard, they are much like the White Scars space marine chapter.
The bike has an even smaller engine and fuel tank than the automotive. This small size means that plasma based engines are not efficient, since the engine size of a bike is below the efficiency threshold of any plasma engine. Instead, our ancestors built a novelty engine, meant only to power such a bike or other small vehicle with technology beyond our current grasp. Though it takes anywhere between 5 to 13 minutes to recharge on ambient neutrinos, one full charge from a new battery lasts between 8 to 9 hours, allowing for constant speeds upwards of 325 kilometers per hour. Featuring powerful shock absorbing systems, rugged components, desert capable tires, and sleek designs meant to break the wind, the bike was built for people to enjoy going fast and unsafe.
Whereas the auto racers of Lindon invest their time to ultimately enjoy the thrill of high speed racing, the Riders of Aridia have different motives. Avernites succeeded at colonizing and thriving on such a world because the weak were culled out immediately, and the strong banded together, creating tightly knit communities. After all, it is difficult to succumb to the Ruinous Powers, alien hordes, or even the local wildlife with a reliable friend at your back.
The Riders of Aridia do not reject this community, as some might jump to conclude reading the previous paragraph. Instead, they simply wish to get away from everything for some time, living in their mind what can only be deemed a strangely muted apocalyptic scenario, reminiscent of some small holovid scraps from an old series called Mad Maximilian. Every trip they take, it is only them and what little they can carry into the blinding desert sun.
I wished to take a ride with one Rider who I interviewed. Our entire set of interactions were pleasant save for his response to that question, when he rudely and pointedly refused to do so. I do not begrudge him that, since it is part of Rider culture to take these trips alone. Riders traverse a hostile environment, filled with lurking Titan Scorpions, Hell Jackal packs, and fields of Bombardment Cacti, for which even the Helguard travel in groups for safety. The immense danger, as one Rider explained, is precisely why they go alone:
"Yeah, it's tough. You're hurtling through the desert on a small bike that doesn't even have any room for first aid kits or extra fuel. You've got your helmet, backpack, and your bike, and that's it. You get hurt, no one's coming to get you, and you die knowing there is a good chance the God-Emperor won't be there to save your soul. Sometimes, you might even get caught in a Cacti barrage, which is when they launch in your area and it feels like you're being hit by an air strike, what with all the need to dodge. You really feel alone out there, as if humanity would die when you do, like in some cheesy holovid. But whether it's night and you're stargazing as your bike refuels for the journey home, or you're dodging Cactus bombs by weaving left, right, left, right, left, you feel good, like you're right on the edge of discovering something about yourself. That's why I do it."
Riders outside the safety of hive walls use their high speed to outrun anything that may wish them harm, since their size and engine makes mounting most weapons or even the smallest of void shields (at the time of this writing, still too large for anything smaller than an Imperial-era walker) impossible. The battery is literally unable to provide enough current to power such things, given that everything goes into either the small information display, which reveals critical information on health of the vehicle, or the neutrino thruster, which fires the stored neutrinos into one of three to five jets, depending on when it was designed. Given the difficulty of reading such a small display when traveling at high speeds, Riders wear a helmet with a cheaper HUD that is wirelessly connected to the bike.
Trust philosophers will often ask a classic question to their students. Suppose there exists some voidship that is needs repairs with newer, better materials. Over time, as repairs are made, the captain wonders if he really leads the same vessel after so much material has been replaced with newer material? When did it change, and if so, by how much? Or did it never change at all?
Racers would answer that it is still the same. After all, if the fundamental build remains the same, repairs and upgrades are just a way to ensure that the auto remains in good condition and capable of surviving the bumps and turns of a track at high speeds. The average Racer, it should be noted, spends approximately 6500 thrones on repairs and maintenance, and another 20,000 on various upgrades. I remember seeing one Racer's car when my research trip was coming to an end, and I was surprised to learn he was still driving the same car, just with a slightly larger frame and several new systems installed, one of which was protruding out the back. I would have said he was lying, but I had taken a holopic with him and his car, so there was little denying it when I compared.
Planetary Governors: Men of Today, Menace of Tomorrow
- Location
- Australia
Planetary Governors: Men of Today, Menace of Tomorrow
Planetary Governors in the Imperium were largely, notoriously incompetent. Current Planetary Governors in the Imperial Trust are good, but over the millennia the situation will likely devolve. One day the Trust may become a mere collection of planets primarily looking out for their own best interests even at the expense of the Trust, despite the Astartes and Inquisition as mitigating factors. We should point this out at the next High Council meeting and ask the others to think about ways to solve it in the next High Council meeting after that.
Until then, I would like to submit a proposal: the revival and updating of the Orders Famulous or else the creation of an analogue or equivalent. Having a pan-Trust organisation dedicated to maintaining the unity, competence, loyalty, and purity of the Trust's leadership will help mitigate the inevitable rot and corruption that will rise in the coming millennia as well as generally improve the Trust due to having better leadership.
Planetary Governors in the Imperium were largely, notoriously incompetent. Current Planetary Governors in the Imperial Trust are good, but over the millennia the situation will likely devolve. One day the Trust may become a mere collection of planets primarily looking out for their own best interests even at the expense of the Trust, despite the Astartes and Inquisition as mitigating factors. We should point this out at the next High Council meeting and ask the others to think about ways to solve it in the next High Council meeting after that.
Until then, I would like to submit a proposal: the revival and updating of the Orders Famulous or else the creation of an analogue or equivalent. Having a pan-Trust organisation dedicated to maintaining the unity, competence, loyalty, and purity of the Trust's leadership will help mitigate the inevitable rot and corruption that will rise in the coming millennia as well as generally improve the Trust due to having better leadership.
Last edited:
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
1. unknown
1. yes
2a. you could, it totally does not fit his combat style but you could
2b. for him yes, that would be better for a more attrition style fighter like Schwartz
3. a Super-Exitus Rifle and Elite Power Amrour
4. unknown
5. try
to summaries these answers. Ridcully can use postcognition. Ridcully can push past wards below divine. That does not mean that Ridcully can use postcognition, his worst aspect of divination to push past much.Ok, but I'm pretty sure that'll be "OH GOD MY NON EXISTENT EYES WHY AM I LOOKING AT THE WARP EQUIVALENT OF SUN"
Righty ho.
@Durin
1. More potentially bad idea: But is Ridcully skilled enough to look all the way back to the birth of the emperor? Potentially redundant, but interesting to see your take on the matter.
2. Can he go back far enough to see the astronomicon light up and not... go more blind.
3. Fist palm, forgot this one please don't get angry at me. Seeing as he can now ignore all non divine wards can he see the creation and implantation processes of Grey Knight gene seed assuming he uses one as a catalyst? IIRC the emps pre throne was only transcendent and Malcador put the wards together on Titan soooo... yeah.
I don't believe that violates the FAQ on the Grey Knights (rechecks quickly... no I don't think so?), but still I am curious.
Bloody hell the galaxy/history is Ridcully's oyster at the moment.
What that?
I got no idea, I guess he hopes seeing emps's birth is enough to push him to transcendence I guess?
@Enjou
Can we please do the Immatirium research putting it off this long is getting a bit silly.
1. no, to far back
2. yes, he would not see it enough to gain anything though.
3. he can get past major interference and wards when divining, that does not mean he can do the same when using postcog, he can't
- Location
- Leeds
Why does this sound so ominous? Is it just the break from the normal pattern of 'unknown' that's scaring me?
- Location
- The Void
I think he just wants to have some personal fun, he has said before that he wants us to divine more stuff so he can show off all the background world building he has been doing.
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
Thanks @Durin
two things
1. Any clarifications on what was wrong with the Librarian omake potential fixes ect?
2. I don't know if you missed this one as I can't find it in the omake archive.
two things
1. Any clarifications on what was wrong with the Librarian omake potential fixes ect?
2. I don't know if you missed this one as I can't find it in the omake archive.
Sorry if you have, but I figured it was best to check.The Last of the Twisted
When Commorragh fell for the first time the Eldar saw the true depth of their kin's depravity. The historic echo of uncountable trillions, the billions tortured and butchered to sustain their lives. Entire species had been captured and held in unending torment so that the lords of the dark city could create twisted choirs and songs from their screams.
The reborn Eldar, the survivors saw this and their hearts, already open, went out to these wretched people. They wept and mourned, for how could a people not when they saw what their kind saw as their birth right and the depth of the rememberances of those times, preserved in mourneful and wretched song would bring a planet to suicide. Anger and violence from the younger generation towards the Commorragh converts was only just prevented and even now there is a divide within the Eldar for the crimes of their forbearers.
But still these so poorly enslaved were given what mercy the Eldar could bestow. Those that were still sane were let out for the first time into the greater galaxy, entire species so long gone reappeared on hidden worlds, chapters worth of astartes, and humans beyond counting. Those that were too badly broken were given sanctuary within the once dark city, their descendants allowed to leave or remain with the ones that broke their chains.
And then there was the third. The Twisted. The monsters created by their kin innumerable and horrid. The depravity of the minds required to order the creation of such atrocities was unthinkable to the Eldar, many oh so young. These were acts reserved for the most debased and deranged of Chaos. But, they could not deny the facts and so with heavy hearts they slew them, giving them all the dignities and kindness to beings that had never felt either.
All save one.
The Commorrites spoke of it only in whispers, of a creature so powerful that none had ever bested it in the arena. Even Lilith Hexperax had found her defeat at its hands. It was the personal pet of Vect, his prime monster that wreaked ruin upon those that found his displeasure.
And in his hurry Vect had left it behind.
With trepidation and fear a group of Eldar guided by Commorrites descended to the uttermost depths of Vect's cursed black tower, a place of utter blackness where no light had ever been until that moment. The dense macabre workshop was for the first time in memory silent, but even so the party wept, the psycic screams of billions subjected to the highest levels of pain imaginable still emanated all around them.
Stiffening their wills, they continued onwards, down and down until finally they reached the very bottom where lay the holding pen. Readying themselves they entered and found the room to be empty, until a creature charged them knocking them to the floor.
Moving faster than they could see it ran from them even as they called out desperately for it to stop, charging through doors and defences it's hide impervious to the barbs that littered the floor. Soon it left the depths and charged outside of the place of Vect into the sunlight.
Where once the Dark City was dark in a reflection of its masters that had changed. Its new masters would not skulk in the dark, and so light was brought to the city, pleasant and peaceful. But, this was light that had so long been denied to the creature and burnt trails of lightning into its skull. It screamed a cry of confusion, of pain and fear as it crushed all in its path, moving with skill and ferocity that the Eldar had rarely seen.
The Harelquins were summoned and asked to give their mercy to the creature, but the entreaties were refused with a laugh, with no explanation given to why. The Farseers were consulted, but could find no way to end the creature as it's rampage. In the end it was not a force that they could control that ended the onslaught of the creature.
A Phoenix Lord Karandas The Shadow Hunter. The battle between these beings was held up in legend to the next generation of Eldar. The Shadow Hunter was now more, even more than the millions of Eldar that made up his being. He was infused with the power of Yneed and none could stand before him.
But, the Twisted one did. It did not win it could not win, but it matched him blow for blow in its panic and pain even as the city deformed and unsettled around them. In the end there was no victor in their battle, only miles upon miles of destroyed city and the Last of the Twisted fleeing into the Webway.
A search was of course mounted to find the maddened creature, but even the most skilled pathfinders could find not a hint of a trail and the divinations of the Eldar failed them, for the creature was hidden by the same Webway that hid them.
In the end there were no more sightings of the creature and so it was put from their minds. They had time, it could be when the Silver Devils were dead and Chaos slain, but in time they would make amends for the sins of the past. They had sworn that they would.
But that was not to be fate. The Crystalline Sage had returned and with his coming, before most even had time to comprehend his cracked and wounded form came the roar. The roar that shook the webway to its core. The tunnels that had withstood the birth of Gods collapsed, the warp green as emeralds came rushing in. It was only the protections of Ynnead that saved the Eldar in those opening moments despite the precautions they had taken. The warnings of the Grandest Seers, Eldar and indeed a human had proven to be vastly understated compared to the reality of what they were facing.
Even as his form broke apart to be to be reborn through Ynnead the Crystalline Sage was ordering them, telling them what they must do.
"Come mirthless one, it is not far now." Lihina, was growing angry. The constant jabs and pricks of the Harlequin that had been sent to guide her to her quarry were wearing down her not inconsiderable patience, but she remained strong.
She was a senior Warlock, almost ready to be raised to Farseer, but when the Crystalline Sage personally implants a large number of memories and information into your head while also telling you to find the Last of the Twisted…certain things get put on hold.
And thus, she was here, sneaking through the still unstable webway on the orders of what was either the greatest mad man or seer their species had ever produced. The only being in regular contact with their kind that remembered the Old Empire.
And as they were discovering so much history that their people had simply neglected or forgotten. His prophecy had been quick and simple, champions of other races would be needed to keep the Orkish menace at bay, beings that could unite them against their common foes.
Chaos of course could be left to be slaughtered, as it deserved, but finding champions from the mortal races was significantly more challenging. Of course, there were some already, the leader of the Secundus Imperium and the High Ethereal for instance, but they were too busy fighting to truly stand against the orks. Steps were being taken already to bring them to a truce.
But that would take time, time they did not have. Which is why she was here, as her guide stopped. "I can take you no further." For once it's voice was serious a rare instance for the servants of the laughing God usually so irreverent of any situation.
"No matter what you may face, remain strong and remember, the Sage has chosen you for this and he never acts without a good reason." Frowning Lihina surveyed the path ahead, cracked and healing overrun with the rubble of vehicles and the dust of long decayed corpses.
"And where will you be?" She needed to know, in case the Harlequin decided to run off leaving her to the insane mercies of the Twisted.
"Where ever I am required, my good Warlock." Lihina could feel her mouth twisting. Of course, a non-answer so he could flee at the first sign of trouble. How typical. Squaring her shoulders and placing her Spear forwards she walked forwards, trying to ignore the fear that was percolating in her stomach.
It was irrational, but she had been raised as a child on stories, and stories of a being capable of meeting a Phoenix Warrior in combat and surviving were rare for a reason. As she stepped into the tunnel off the beaten track of the Webway darkness soon descended, as the dust grew thicker and the blackness denser. Soon it was so dark that even her Eldar eyes could not see without augmentation and she needed to save her strength.
She was trying to discern the weaves of fate to try and see the way forwards, how best to approach this being, when suddenly she saw a knot of fate fast approaching her. Before she could react, she was impacted forwards by a force, as the creature bolted from the shadows and slammed her onto the ground.
And roared.
Even as she felt her eardrums burst from the sound wave she reinforced her eyes and for the first time a being saw the face of the creature.
Scars. Trillions of tiny intricate scars, in ever pour and every nook and cranny dominated a once human face, contorted in animalistic rage and fury. Within its back and head were implanted devices that glowed green with the ominous power and warning. And despite all this, two things held her attention the most, a tattoo of a Red Lightning bolt that remained despite all the marring's that face had endured and the eyes, black as the void itself that underneath the animalistic pain still radiated the intelligence and power of a being that once strode the galaxy as a demigod.
Snarling in its fury it raised a hand that could snap her neck as easily as she would swat a fly and so she gathered all her power and released it as one telekinetic burst.
She was pressed into the floor of the tunnel, but the once Primarch was thrown back, but was on its hands and feet in an instant revealing to her stunned eyes that metal had been implanted into his body. Cruel sharp blades that would cut into his flesh if he dared to walk upright as a human should.
Still he hardily needed that to kill her, he was too fast even now. She did what the Sage had said she had to do. She had to trust in Eldrad Ulthran.
"Jaghati Khan." Her last indeed only resort. She cried out the name of the creature so harmed and wronged, its name purged by Vect who wished that it only be known as his monster, the slave that he had broken.
And he screamed. The devices that were buried into his flesh activated and it collapsed screaming as the name caused them to activate, but in that moment, she could see what they had done. The animalistic intelligence had receded, for now at least.
"You." His voice was deep, painful to even hear. When was the last time he had even spoken? "Your kind… did this… to AHHH." It collapsed again and flailed even as the blades bit into his flesh and it was all she could do to not move close and heal him of the wounds he was suffering.
"You… took my… my name… what is my name?" soon the pain subsided slightly, enough for him to speak again and that was when she realised. Vect had suppressed everything and introduced pain to ensure it did not come back.
Swallowing Lihina swallowed, even as the battle rush took her, and placing down her spear stepped forwards. "I am Lihina, of the Yinnari… I have come to help you." At her words the madness that was suppressed had returned to an extent and he bolted backwards snarling in hatred.
"No, no help not from you not from any of you. With knives and poisons and…what did you do… WHAT DID YOU TAKE." His last utterance was a bellow that shook the air between them, but she stood her ground even has her hastily healed ear drums throbbed in pain.
"You are ill, you cannot remain in this tunnel. Let me help you." But she saw her words were not the right ones to use as the shell of the Primarch stepped back a laugh so hideous her skin crawled, emanating from its desiccated gullet.
"No No No. No help. Not from one of you." His last words were offered with such venom that she was surprised she still lived. But she must continue. "What can I do to help you." With a sound like choking sat down upon its haunches like a dog, still at height with her, tense. Ready to strike at the first opportunity.
"No help. Go or kill."
A final utterance. She could not fail… she could not leave this…thing here. Her mission demanded she succeed and she could not return after seeing this wretched creature. "Do you want to know who you are?"
At that the shell of the Primarch looked up at her, it's eyes wide with desperation. "You… you know?"
She nodded, she had been told for this mission. "Yes, you are Jaghat" "AHHHHH." Instantly the devices reacted, before she had even finished its true name this time, as it writhed and beat the ground, it's blows leaving craters in the path that had held back the warp before his people even reached the Stars.
"Take… me to… the…to the plains." It was a simple utterance, but filled with so much hopeless longing that she could barely suppress sympathetic tears. The sheer want in its form was incomprehensible to her, but she knew what he asked. Beckoning to him she ran, forwards knowing despite the silence that he followed her, even as she followed her guide, who melted out of the shadows in front of her.
Through the Webway these three ran, the irreverent servant of a Laughing God, the young eldar of a new generation and the broken shell of a demigod. It sounded like the start of a bad joke the Harlequins sometimes told. But, this was the company she kept as they went through the halls of the restored webway and back again off the beaten path, ever onwards towards their goal.
Soon she could smell clear air and feel the wind on her face, but as she turned she jumped to the side as the Khan barrelled forwards tears percolating in his eyes, moving past her and her guide a scream of longing pulling itself from the depths of his soul. And then he was outside and she followed him.
She stepped out of the Webway gate, held hidden high in a deserted mountain and ran forwards to see the shell sobbing. It was a song, a melody of purest grief, the like of which she had only seen once before, when the Harlequins had performed the lay of Yinnari, where the greatest triumph was achieved, but a grand battle was lost.
But to this being, who despite all the torments it had been put through, trapped for eons within a strange labyrinth that was closed off to it, hunted at every moment it had held onto this memory. Even in the depths of madness it's home had called to him.
And now it's mind rebelled. It stood to its full height even as blood poured from its body and beat its breasts in grief. It could not comprehend that this was not an illusion, and pain had been its companion for so long in waking and in dream that it could no longer help it tell the difference between the two.
Stepping forwards, she pressed her hand to its back and healed him. It was not what a true healer could do, but in that instant, it was enough. Its wounds were healed and bones which forced it to walk on all fours like a beast were changed just enough to let it stand. But more than that was the warmth. The end of pain. For the first time in eternity the pain stopped and it could see that this was real.
"Do you remember this place?" It was a simple question, but one of utmost importance. "I…" the shell was confused… no not confused "I remember, I remember my home." The devices had activated, she could see his face contort in pain.
"I remember my… my father." They were whirring now a high-pitched keening designed to cause harm. "I remember my brothers." The once ominous green was now a kaleidoscopic flurry of disorientation. "I remember… MY… MY CHILDREN." Where before they were whirring now they were screaming.
"AND… I remember." The casings were cracking. "I remember my name…," They were fracturing under the strain of holding the soul they had so long suppressed, had mutilated. All around her she could feel the planet itself rising up, welcoming back it's one true master.
"I AM JAGHATAI KHAN!" With that moment of realisation, the shackles both physical and spiritual unravelled, and the soul of the Primarch bloomed forth, transient and beautiful and this time Lihina could not restrain her tears, which burst forth in a wave of joy. How could she not at witnessing such a beautiful moment of freedom.
"Why?" The Primarch looked upon her, and she saw that even now hatred burned within his eyes. A hatred that was well earned. But one that he was keeping in check. What could she say to him. She could attempt to lie, to say that she had done it out of the goodness of her heart in remorse for the actions of her kin, but that had only been part of the reason.
No, she must tell the truth. "To right a wrong that my people made. And because your people need a champion."
His brow furrowed as he stepped forwards, silently demanding information. She bowed, a lesser to a greater. "There is much I must tell you, but you must be healed. You are too weak to stand against the coming tide, diminished as you are. Wait, but a few hours for me to bring the healers to you and you shall have all the answers you desire."
Oh boy.
First all the thanks to @Dynamesmouse for betaing this.
Second man that got away from me spoilers for some logic.
Also @Durin tagging you in just in case
Thanks a ton to you too.
Ok while this certainly not canon... or not I dunno.
Whatever the case some points that might come up.
1. How'd Khan get capture: Cause Vect wanted to capture him and he'd been annoying people for 10,000 years.
2. Why'd Vect try and suppress his identity: Because he's an egoistical ass hole
3. How are there trillions of slaves in Commorragh: Because the DE are very prolific both at raiding and breeding them, and Commorragh is huge. It could apparently hold trillions of Eldar and it's expanded due to the sub realms. It's also large enough to store purloined suns.
4. How was Khan able to fight a Phoenix Warrior: He wasn't the phoenix warrior just didn't want to kill him and so kited him out of the city.
5. Why did such a low level person get sent to chat with him: Because Eldrad said so and he knows what he's doing...sometimes.
6. Why did they not recognise him: Because it's been over 10,000 years since a loyal primarch was last seen and they've been a bit out of the public consciousness, with most assuming (with good reason) that they were dead. And Khan looks very little like what he did.
7. How was Khan so strong: Age makes things stronger in 40K Khan is about 14-15 thousand years old even before the whole conflict and soul growth thing.
8. How did Vect suppress his soul: DE BS science.
9. Why did he not rip apart the Eldar on the spot: Plot reasons
10. Why all this: Cause the Eldar ain't dumb.
11. Why couldn't the eldar scry him after the escape: Because big soul in the webway good at hiding and not a priority.
12. Why are healers going to him: Because **** if he's going back in the webway.
Probably not canon, but not bad for about an hours work all told
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
some info on The Vargarain Guard that may prove useful
Chapter Master
The Armoury- Led by Master of the Armoury
The Fleet - Led by Master of the Void
The Librarium- Led by Master of the Librarium
The Reclusiam- Led by Master of Sanctity
The Apothecarion - Led by the Master of the Apothecarion
The Master of Recruits- Tasked with overseeing all Aspirants and Neophytes
The Regent of Byzantium- Tasked with Governing Byzantium
12 Cohorts- Led by Praetors
Each Cohort has a specialty and is made up of
Cohort Command (Praetor, Fleetmaster, Chief Liberian, Forgemaster, Reclusiarch, Chief Apothecary and their subordinates)
1 Veteran Company
5 Battle Componies
5 Reserve Componies
1 Scout Company
Each Company is made up of
Company Command (Captain, 1-3 Lieutenants, Shipmaster, Epistolary , Senior Techmarine, Senior Chaplain, Senior Apochecary and their subordinates)
1-2 Techmarines, 1-2 Chaplains, 1-2 Apothecaries
10 Codicers
12 10 Man Squads
The Armoury- Led by Master of the Armoury
The Fleet - Led by Master of the Void
The Librarium- Led by Master of the Librarium
The Reclusiam- Led by Master of Sanctity
The Apothecarion - Led by the Master of the Apothecarion
The Master of Recruits- Tasked with overseeing all Aspirants and Neophytes
The Regent of Byzantium- Tasked with Governing Byzantium
12 Cohorts- Led by Praetors
Each Cohort has a specialty and is made up of
Cohort Command (Praetor, Fleetmaster, Chief Liberian, Forgemaster, Reclusiarch, Chief Apothecary and their subordinates)
1 Veteran Company
5 Battle Componies
5 Reserve Componies
1 Scout Company
Each Company is made up of
Company Command (Captain, 1-3 Lieutenants, Shipmaster, Epistolary , Senior Techmarine, Senior Chaplain, Senior Apochecary and their subordinates)
1-2 Techmarines, 1-2 Chaplains, 1-2 Apothecaries
10 Codicers
12 10 Man Squads
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
Damn, so each company is about
120 marines +11 librarians minimum 2 tech chaps and apoth 1 cap and 1 lieutenants.
Cool.
120 marines +11 librarians minimum 2 tech chaps and apoth 1 cap and 1 lieutenants.
Cool.
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
+ varies pilots, drivers ect. in total a company numbers around 150 and a cohort is around 2k while the chapter will end up being over 26k
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
Force concentration, flexibility and power is off the charts.
It maybe over confidence, but I'd put the full chapter against any legion (sans primarch).
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
given that due to Advanced Astartes Power Armour and Neutron weapons they are better equipped you are probably right (for the medium Legions of 30-60k, for the 100K+ ones no)
add the primarch however and it becomes a one sided slaughter
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
Yeah no kidding even the worst was as good as one of our better generals in the command thing and could probably beat Horatius black and blue fairly easily.
The difference in equipment is very pronounced though, most marines would have been in MKII or MKIII power armour in the legions, maybe MKIV if they were lucky.
And their terminator armour was not as up to scratch.
That reminds me
@Durin
1. How much does human scale TA cost in terms of RM?
Speaking of primarchs... Khan omake???
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- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
a Codicer has 30+ Combat and are Veteran Priarmis Psykers or higher
an Epolstery has 35+ Combat and is a Elite Priarmis Psyker or higher
a Chief Libarian is a Master Priarmis Psyker or higher
The Master of the Libariam would be a Grandmaster Priarmis Psyker or better
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
So Primari (The plural for primaris?) for everyone.
Got it.
And Primaris have to be Delta+ in power, and being a Space Marine boosts your power as well, so mass Gammas, izzat what we're looking at here?
Speaking of which, @Durin, do you want to close the vote early?
Unanimous voting...
Got it.
And Primaris have to be Delta+ in power, and being a Space Marine boosts your power as well, so mass Gammas, izzat what we're looking at here?
Speaking of which, @Durin, do you want to close the vote early?
Unanimous voting...
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Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!
Ok there is a loyal Primach back in the greater galaxy getting healed up to full by the Eldar.
That's good.
That's good.
Doomed Wombat
Let's go Darling!
- Location
- Dancing on wires!