Echoes of Creation (30k/Exalted)

[Yzarc]

Colchis - 832.M30

---

The Luminous Will, Lorgar's flagship, floated like a silver needle against Sundar's pale blue atmosphere. Lorgar watched the planet intently from the command deck, lost in thought as Sundar's twin stars, Althir and Mirath, cast a mesmerizing glow. The binary stars appeared locked in an eternal dance, two blazing entities entwined in balance, a metaphor Lorgar found fitting. He sensed a calling in the duality of their light, something deeply resonant with his own people's quest for unity and strength through faith.

The recently restored Ring of Iron, now being called "The Guardian Halo", symbolized not only newfound strength but an enduring hope that Colchis might now offer to others. The galaxy was vast and scattered with cultures, but he believed a greater unity was possible. Colchis had achieved this internally, and the time had come to begin seeking allies among the stars.

Beside him, his aide de camp's voice brought him back to the present.

"We're nearly at the landing coordinates, Lord Lorgar." She said, "They've requested we meet them at the Temple of Dual Light." Her words, though practical, carried an undertone of reverence towards him.

He did not focus on that, instead thinking of the coming discussions. Sundar was known for its intricate beliefs and disciplined society, a civilization that had managed to retain stability across the ages without outside interference.

"A fitting place," Lorgar replied with a solemn nod. Sundar's beauty was unlike anything he had encountered before. This was no mere ceremonial temple but the epicenter of Sundaran devotion to Althir and Mirath, twin deities of creation and destruction who embodied the interplay of light and dark.

After a respectful exchange of greetings, the Colchisian party followed Selian Ra, the High Speaker of Sundar, into the heart of the Temple of Dual Light. Lorgar was captivated by the brilliance of the structure. Crystals of various shapes and hues covered the walls and ceiling, refracting the sunlight into a spectrum that seemed almost alive. The temple's architecture was a marvel, designed to capture and amplify the suns' rays, creating an immersive experience that filled the temple with undulating light.

Once inside a central chamber adorned with mirrors and delicate prisms, Selian gestured to a semicircular seating arrangement before lowering himself with graceful poise. Lorgar, and the rest of the Colchisian delegation settled in, keenly aware of the gravity of this meeting.

Selian began, his voice smooth and measured.

"Lorgar Aurelian, you have come a long way. We Sundarans are a people who walk in our own light, given to us by Althir and Mirath. Our history, our way of life, is a reflection of their gifts to us. Sundar has remained unscathed by the darkness beyond because we are careful, patient, and listen well to our gods."

Lorgar inclined his head.

"And it is a beautiful life you have preserved. My people, too, have known isolation, though ours was borne of necessity and defense. Colchis, in its history, has faced conflict and strife. Yet through this fire, we have found unity in the Truth." He paused, gauging Selian's reaction. "An alliance with Sundar is an opportunity not only to learn from each other's strengths but also to preserve what we hold dear against the threats that linger in the galaxy."

Lorgar could see that though Selian's expression was impassive, his eyes reflected an acute awareness of Lorgar's intentions.

"The galaxy is indeed treacherous, yet Sundar has flourished under the protection of our twin gods. We have managed well on our own, without alliances or intervention. Some might wonder if an alliance would be a risk to our autonomy."

Lorgar took a deep breath. This was it.,

"An alliance need not threaten Sundar's way of life." He started, "Our desire is not to control or to reshape but to stand together as equals. Colchis believes in unity, not as a means to dominate but to lift others as we, too, have been lifted."

"Yet you come from a world forged in conflict, where survival and strength are earned through strife," Selian pointed out. "How can we be certain that this alliance, this 'unity' you propose, will not gradually erode the essence of Sundaran life?"

"The alliance would be based on mutual respect and defense. Sundar has a history of peace, but that peace is worth safeguarding. Our alliance would be a shield, one that allows Sundar to maintain its sanctity without fear." Lorgar countered.

"And this shield, what would it require of Sundar in return?" Selian said as his face softened slightly.

"Nothing beyond friendship, the wisdom to stand together, and the openness to learn from each other's journeys. Sundar is rich in knowledge, especially in optics and solar energy, that Colchis could learn from, even as we offer our defenses and resources." Lorgar replied in a gentle yet unwavering way.

As their conversation deepened, it became clear that Sundaran and Colchisian beliefs were similar yet divergent in vital ways. Selian looked out toward a shaft of golden sunlight refracted through a massive crystal prism, his face thoughtful as he addressed Lorgar directly.

"You speak of unity as though it is sacred in itself, Lorgar," Selian said. "Yet to us, true unity is found in the duality of Althir and Mirath, two forces that exist in eternal balance. Our people believe in opposites, the warmth of Althir and the cold light of Mirath. They are inseparable, and their combined light is the foundation of our peace. This is our guiding principle, our harmony, and it is why we fear alliances that may upset this balance."

Lorgar nodded, understanding the depth of Sundar's dualistic devotion.

"Unity in Colchis is found within diversity. The Truth teaches that the universe is a web of distinct beings and ideals, all contributing to a grand design. In our view, an alliance with you would not diminish Sundar's duality but enhance it, adding a new light to the constellation."

"Imagine the knowledge Sundar holds in your understanding of light, combined with Colchisian energy networks." Lorgar continued. "We could transform worlds, bringing light to places that only know shadow. I envision an alliance of upliftment, one that allows us to preserve our values, not compromise them."

The discussions grew intricate, with each side carefully stating what they could offer and what they hoped to gain. Sundar's mastery in harnessing solar energy was unparalleled, and they had long used this to power their cities and temples without damaging their natural world. They were willing to share this knowledge, provided Colchis would not misuse it.

In exchange, Lorgar offered Colchis' expertise in orbital defense and fortification, a precautionary measure in a galaxy known for its dangers. He proposed a shared system of defense, with limited Sundaran personnel trained in Colchisian strategies and technology.

Selian's advisors listened, occasionally exchanging murmurs among themselves. While they understood the value of protection, they were deeply concerned with maintaining Sundaran culture and autonomy.

"The terms you propose would strengthen Sundar against threats, no doubt, but we would not want such power to cloud our vision." Selian said simply, "Our faith in Althir and Mirath has kept our people's spirits whole, steadying us in the ebb and flow of time. Faith is our way of balance; it guides our people and must remain untouched."

"Faith is indeed a remarkable guide. I've seen it inspire courage, uplift the suffering, and preserve unity. And yet," Lorgar paused, his words finding their mark in the curious glances of the priests, "is not faith made truer through reflection?"

"Reflection?" Selian's brows knit together. "Our faith has been unwavering, born of truths given to us by the suns themselves. Althir and Mirath are constants, lights that guide our path. Why must such truth be questioned?"

The room fell silent. Even the youngest acolytes felt the gravity of this dialogue, an exchange touching on the very heart of their beliefs. The Sundaran faith was strong, a fixed point in their civilization that had served them well. To question it was to cast a shadow on something sacred.

"Forgive my forwardness." Lorgar said, sensing the caution in Selian's tone. "I only wish to understand more. Colchis, too, has beliefs that we hold dear, yet we also teach that the soul's journey is one of growth, of moving from understanding to deeper understanding. We are taught that to question is not to disrespect but to honor the divine by seeking a truer understanding."

One of the older priests, a figure known as Priest Gamal, regarded Lorgar closely.

"You speak of faith as if it is a path of discovery rather than a foundation." He said. "Our god's light is complete. Why would we seek anything beyond it?"

Lorgar folded his hands thoughtfully and carefully considered his words.

"Consider this," he began, "Even a crystal that is perfect in shape can reveal hidden facets under light. To question is not to doubt the crystal's worth but to know it more fully, to appreciate its hidden splendors."

The priests exchanged glances, though their resolve remained unbested.

"And yet," Gamal stated, "There are questions that stray from reverence into ambition, into the desire to bend faith toward one's will. Sundar has avoided such dangers by choosing constancy. Althir and Mirath have gifted us this balance. We have survived without need for change."

"I honor your wisdom in this, for it is indeed a caution well-founded. Yet I would ask you, if your faith, built upon such a solid foundation, is true, would it not withstand even the trials of reflection? Should not the light of Althir and Mirath shine even brighter when gazed upon with clear sight?" Lorgar questioned, his voice calm yet impassioned.

"Your words are elegant, Lorgar, but it is easy for one who comes from without to suggest that we gaze upon our beliefs with new eyes. What if such questioning leads our people astray?" Gamal interjected, his voice tinged with an edge of skepticism.

Lorgar regarded him intently, recalling all that his father had taught him on true faith.

"To question is not to reject; it is to affirm one's trust in the truth. A people who trust in their gods can look upon them openly, secure in their knowledge of that divinity. It is the fearful heart, the heart filled with doubt, that closes its eyes and refuses to question."

The priests murmured among themselves and grew contemplative.

"Perhaps...perhaps you speak of a freedom unknown to us. We Sundarans are taught to walk in light, to not stray into paths that would darken our hearts. But your words suggest a path forward that allows faith to grow beyond the bounds of certainty."

"Certainty can be a guide, yet also a cage." Lorgar said, his expression sincere. "Would the suns not shine regardless of how they are viewed? Would their light not remain the same? And so it is with faith, it must be allowed to breathe, to grow, and to strengthen. Only then can it become an unbreakable foundation for your people."

At this, Selian's gaze sharpened and he spoke up. "And yet, we have witnessed what questioning can become, a fracture, a path to ruin. In ages past, there were those among us who spoke of duality not as balance but as conflict. They lost their way, and it was only through our devotion that we found peace again. What if such 'reflection' leads us back to chaos?"

Lorgar took a deep breath, sensing the wound within Selian's words.

"Peace is precious, Selian, and I do not wish to disrupt it. But reflection does not inherently lead to chaos. It allows us to face shadows without fear. Even the brightest light casts a shadow; even the truest faith must contend with the unknown."

"Our people do not live in the shadows." Gamal said as he frowned. "To do so would invite destruction. We stand in the light, and the light alone."

Lorgar tilted his head thoughtfully, carefully picking his words.

"But can a light exist without a shadow?" He questioned. "Sundar is blessed by two suns in harmony. Althir and Mirath are dualities. They give light, yes, but they also are bound by darkness, a darkness in which they gain their form. Can this balance not inspire us to understand that questioning is part of this same harmony?"

A murmur rippled through the chamber as the priests exchanged uneasy glances. Selian's brow furrowed, a tension between understanding and caution.

"Your words have beauty, Lorgar, and I see their appeal. But we have not faced the trials you speak of. To embrace uncertainty is a risk for a people who have found balance without it."

Lorgar's gaze softened, sensing the sincerity in Selian's hesitation.

"It is a risk, yes." Lorgar agreed, "But faith that cannot withstand question is a faith that cannot last. To know the true strength of one's belief, one must first test its bounds."

The dialogue stretched into the night, illuminated by the soft light filtering through the temple's crystal walls. Gradually, the priests' expressions shifted from skepticism to intrigue, though they remained wary. Gamal, who had remained firm in his convictions, seemed to relax, a faint smile curving his lips.

"So, you propose that we reflect upon our gods not with the purpose of altering our beliefs but to strengthen them," he said slowly, his voice softened by contemplation.

"Yes," Lorgar replied with conviction. "True faith stands resilient. To look upon Althir and Mirath not as untouchable idols, but as lights that invite reflection, is to honor them as dynamic forces. Faith becomes not a stagnant ritual, but a living relationship."

"You challenge us to engage with our faith not as a barrier but as a bridge, to explore it as the light that it is, a light that need not fear its own shadow." Selian said as he nodded thoughtfully.

"Precisely. To question is not to desecrate; it is to invite the divine to be known in a new light, a brighter and clearer light than ever before."

The following days saw Lorgar and the priests continue their conversations, each side yielding insights that deepened their mutual respect. The Sundaran priests, once staunch in their refusal to question, now found themselves walking the temple grounds in quiet contemplation, their minds alive with new thoughts.

On the final evening, Selian gathered his council.

"This man, Lorgar, has not come to disrupt but to inspire," he began. "His words have not weakened our faith but have reminded us of its depths. To honor Althir and Mirath, perhaps we must do more than simply uphold ritual. Perhaps we must welcome inquiry, for in understanding, we may draw closer to the very gods we revere."

Gamal, now reflecting a newfound openness, spoke up. "I agree, Selian. We have spoken of the suns as symbols, but now we may see them as guides through reflection, and not only through devotion. Perhaps this alliance with Colchis can be not only a shield but a bridge to greater understanding."

Lorgar, listening from across the room, smiled with a quiet satisfaction. It was a step, a small but important one, in the direction of understanding, and he saw the possibilities of what lay ahead. Sundar was a people grounded in belief, and in time, perhaps they would find that true strength in faith lay not only in light but in the resilience to explore its shadows.

---

CHOOSE 4:
Poorish gift roll unfortunately. All the luck was taken by Lorgar's rolls. He did not even need mindcontrol to convince a VERY Static people to start questioning their beliefs, again. Especially as the last time it happened in the Age of Strife, they nearly blew up the planet.


[] Light-Infused Power Cells
Sundar's light-infused power cells harness the binary suns' energy in a unique crystalline matrix. This technology provides a long-lasting, renewable energy source suitable for powering everything from machinery to personal devices without the risk of overheating, making it ideal for Colchis's harsh environments.

[] Crystal Circuitry
Sundaran technology integrates light-based circuits with highly efficient processing speeds, using transparent crystal as conductors. This results in ultra-fast and resilient systems resistant to electromagnetic interference. Colchis could adapt this tech for long-range communication arrays and improved Machine Spirit interfaces.

[] Photon-Driven Data Storage
Using crystal optics and photon manipulation, Sundar offers data storage that holds vast information in a fraction of the space. Colchis can use this for Machine Spirit networks, central archives, and even the Psyker Detection Network to secure vast amounts of data with minimal physical space.

[] Luminous Medical Scanners
These advanced medical devices employ light to scan for internal injuries or diseases without invasive procedures. Colchis's healers and physicians would benefit immensely, enabling rapid diagnostics, especially in remote regions, improving health care for all citizens.

[] Optical Weaponry
A powerful form of weaponry that uses focused sunlight to pierce armor and shields, Sundar's optical weaponry is silent and precise. Colchisian forces could integrate these for specific defensive purposes or elite units, enhancing their tactical edge.

[] Astral Navigation Crystals
Sundar's mastery in using crystal matrices for stellar navigation allows vessels to chart courses by detecting even subtle star patterns and gravitational shifts. This would enable Colchis's ships to navigate vast regions of space with minimal reliance on traditional instruments, ideal for exploring unknown territories.

[] Prismatic Shields
Using refractive and reflective properties, these shields scatter energy attacks. With minimal energy drain, these shields offer an ideal defense against ranged and energy-based attacks, providing a strong defense layer for orbital platforms or even the Ring of Iron.

[] Bioluminescent Agriculture
Sundar's crops and agricultural tech use bioluminescent organisms that thrive under low light, allowing farms to be more resilient in unfavorable climates. Colchis could adopt this to improve its food production in harsh environments, ensuring sustainability and food security.

[] Synaptic Communication Nodes
A subtle form of networked communication that relies on light pulses detectable by specialized devices. It offers a low-interference, high-security way of communication over short distances, useful for stealth operations or the integration of Machine Spirit hubs.

[] Light-Harnessing Temple Architecture
Sundaran crystal structures collect sunlight and channel it into buildings for warmth and illumination, with aesthetics that symbolize unity and reverence for the stars. Colchisian architects could implement similar designs for new sanctuaries, offering beauty and energy efficiency.

 

[Yzarc]

Colchis - 832.M30

---

Dharok stepped out of the transport shuttle and took in the view of Elyn. The dwarf planet was as hostile as reports had suggested: sharp, jagged mountain ranges stretched toward a sky perpetually dimmed by clouds, and the ground was a harsh mix of shale and dry sand that cracked beneath his boots. He gave the surrounding terrain a quick scan through his visor; the atmosphere was thin but breathable, though it would make sustaining life at the forward base more challenging.

Around him, his squad of veteran soldiers disembarked, each one moving with efficient purpose as they unloaded crates of supplies, weapons, and the necessary components for their defensive installations. Despite their training, Dharok could see a faint unease among his soldiers. They, too, could feel the oppressive silence of Elyn.

"Alright, let's get this perimeter set up." Dharok said, wasting no time.

"We've got limited daylight left," he ordered, his voice a steady bass over the comm-link. "Sentries at each corner, overlapping fields of fire. I want no gaps."

The team quickly got to work. They unpacked and assembled heavy artillery, advanced automated sentry turrets, and motion-sensing tripwires. Dharok made rounds through the makeshift camp as they worked, adjusting positions where necessary and giving curt nods of approval. He knew these men could handle anything thrown at them, but Elyn felt strange, alien in a way that gnawed at even his steely confidence. And he knew he'd need every ounce of vigilance to secure this base.

The last turret snapped into place, and Dharok nodded to himself. He had only a few moments to let his thoughts wander to the strange energies he'd sensed as they landed, the odd, thrumming undertone that seemed to resonate from the very ground beneath them, when the hum of his helmet's HUD alerted him to an anomaly.

A low rumble shook the air, disturbing the stillness. Dharok looked out across the barren expanse as his HUD marked hundreds of small heat signatures surging over a distant ridge. The horizon darkened as waves of movement crested the ridge, and soon, a deafening, predatory buzz filled the air.

Giant insects, dark and segmented, their carapaces gleaming dully under Elyn's dim light, surged over the rise and poured toward the camp in a horrifying, coordinated swarm. Each one was at least the size of a large dog, their jaws gnashing, claws glinting, and antennae flicking as they honed in on the base. The sight alone was daunting, but it wasn't just their size that unsettled Dharok. These insects had a strange coordination, as if driven by a singular, intelligent force.

"Contact!" Dharok barked over the comms, bringing his plasma cannon up to full charge. "Form defensive positions! Hold the line!"

The automated turrets locked onto the swarm and opened fire, slicing into the writhing mass with bursts of concentrated energy. The insects shrieked, but new waves pressed forward, clambering over their fallen brethren without hesitation.

Dharok fired, the blue-hot plasma bolts tearing through chitin and limbs, but he barely made a dent. His HUD counted dozens of distinct types within the swarm, massive, beetle-like tanks that shrugged off artillery fire, smaller, skittering bugs that darted between gunfire with terrifying agility, and bulbous flies that soared overhead, splattering acidic fluid that sizzled against armor.

One of the larger beetles rammed into a turret, and despite the heavy plating, the automated machine lurched under the impact, sparks flying as the turret struggled to correct its aim. Dharok switched to his close-range weapon, a crackling arc blade, and brought it down onto the insect's carapace, cleaving it in two.

"Shift focus to the aerials! Use wide dispersal shots," he ordered, noting that the acidic bugs posed the biggest threat at the moment.

A group of his men raised their flamer units, sending gouts of fire into the sky to intercept the flying insects. Their burning bodies crashed down, creating temporary patches of flame and smoke, but the swarm continued unabated.

Suddenly, one of the large, scorpion-like bugs lunged out from the shadow of the others, catching a un unfortunate person with its powerful pincers and flinging him into a nearby crate. Dharok reached the man's side in seconds, his blade carving through the insect's armored shell in a powerful swing, but he wasn't fast enough to save the man from the creature's venomous sting.

To Dharok's left, a series of explosions sounded as the smaller, highly mobile insects broke through the lines, slipping past the turrets and breaching the inner perimeter. They tore into the equipment and supplies, their mandibles powerful enough to chew through steel as they shredded power cables and control systems. The automated defenses around the base went haywire as the bugs scrambled over them, some of the systems sparking and failing under the assault.

Desperate to regain control, Dharok ordered the remaining soldiers to fall back into a tighter formation, consolidating their firepower on the central defensive position. A tight ring of men, back-to-back, their heavy weapons firing in sync, created a wall of firepower that momentarily halted the swarm's advance.

But then came the Warrior.

Emerging over the ridge, her massive, winged form darkened the sky as she loomed over the battlefield. She was twice the size of the other insects, her wings an iridescent blend of colors that shimmered even in the dim light of Elyn. The Warrior let out a piercing scream, a sound that rattled every bone in Dharok's body, and the swarm responded, redoubling its attack with a renewed, almost rabid fury.

Dharok raised his plasma cannon and aimed directly at the Warrior. He fired a high-powered burst, but she dodged with a speed that belied her massive size. Her venomous tail whipped through the air, striking one of the soldiers, whose scream was abruptly cut off as the venom took effect. She dove into the fray, her mandibles closing on another soldier, snapping him in half with terrifying ease.

"Fall back! Regroup at the inner circle!" Dharok called, desperate to preserve what little remained of his squad. They retreated to a barricaded area they had fortified earlier, though it had been intended as storage. The Warrior and her swarm followed, pressing them into the last bastion of their camp.

Dharok gritted his teeth and pulled out a modified incendiary grenade from his belt. He hurled it directly at the Warrior, the explosion catching her off-guard and setting her wing ablaze. She screamed, thrashing wildly as she tried to extinguish the flames, but her swarm swarmed in closer, filling the space around her.

"Now! Concentrate fire!" Dharok ordered, and every weapon opened up on the wounded Warrior. Plasma bolts, flamers, and explosive rounds converged, finally bringing the beast down. Her dying screech resonated through the camp as her massive body collapsed, her wings twitching as the flames consumed her.

The swarm hesitated as if sensing their leader's death, and Dharok seized the opportunity. "Push forward! Clear them out!"

With renewed determination, the soldiers pressed the attack, driving the remaining insects back over the ridge and down the cliff. After what felt like an eternity, the swarm was finally broken, the surviving bugs scattering into the desolate plains of Elyn.

Dharok surveyed the camp, now half-destroyed and littered with the bodies of both friend and foe. The victory had come at a heavy cost; their defenses were in ruins, several of their own had fallen, and nearly all their supplies were damaged.

"Status report," Dharok called, his voice weary but resolute.

"Casualties at forty percent," replied one of the soldiers, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "Most of our heavy equipment is fried… and we're down to emergency rations."

Dharok clenched his fists, feeling a rare moment of anger welling up. They had barely set foot on Elyn, and already the planet had exacted a bloody toll. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus on the mission. They would rebuild, strengthen the base, and keep pushing forward. They had to.

---

After the harrowing battle against the swarm, Dharok and his remaining forces worked tirelessly to shore up their battered defenses. The camp lay in disarray, with broken turrets, twisted metal, and shattered weapons scattered about like remnants of a lost war. Scorch marks from the incendiary flames still smoldered on the dark, barren earth, and the air reeked of scorched chitin and ozone. Dharok couldn't let his team rest, not yet, Elyn had already proven to be too hostile for complacency.

In the camp's inner perimeter, Dharok inspected the remaining supplies with the three soldiers who had survived the onslaught. They had salvaged what they could from the scattered equipment, consolidating weapons, ammunition, and energy cells into one makeshift supply depot. He spoke with each soldier, offering curt reassurances and orders to remain vigilant. It was clear they were weary, but he had trained them well, they would hold until their last breath if needed.

"Reinforcements can't be far off now," Dharok said as he surveyed their defenses. "Once we secure this base, Colchis will send relief forces. We need only hold out."

But even as he spoke, Dharok sensed something was wrong. His HUD flickered briefly, a slight interference from the planet's strange atmosphere, he assumed. Yet, his unease deepened, an instinct honed over countless battlefields warning him of unseen dangers. He double-checked his weapon and turned to the remaining soldiers.

"Everyone stay sharp," Dharok commanded, his voice low but firm. "Something's coming."

A few moments passed in tense silence, the only sound the wind whispering through the jagged, alien landscape of Elyn. Dharok's eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon, his enhanced vision picking out movements in the distance. His HUD marked several heat signatures approaching rapidly, moving with a precision that felt… deliberate. Not animals. Not more insects. His gut twisted with the cold certainty of danger.

"Damn it," Dharok muttered under his breath. "Corsairs."

They had arrived faster than he expected. Dharok had been prepared for raiders, pirates, perhaps even some lost human factions, but the presence of Eldar corsairs, those elusive, deadly space pirates, was a complication he hadn't accounted for. He could feel the tension ripple through his soldiers as the realization set in. The Eldar had a reputation for lightning-fast strikes and precision attacks, and they were known to strip planets of their most valuable resources with ruthless efficiency.

"Alert the others," Dharok barked to one of his soldiers. "Activate the defenses, now!"

Within moments, the camp's automated turrets snapped to life, their targeting systems locking onto the incoming threat. But Dharok knew that the Corsairs wouldn't just walk into their sights without a fight. He drew his energy blade, the hum of its crackling edge a stark contrast to the eerie silence of the alien world.

The Corsairs emerged over the ridge in a blur of motion, their sleek, intricately designed craft cutting through the air like predatory birds. Dharok saw them clearly now, dark, angular ships that glinted like obsidian, their hulls adorned with eerie runes and strange symbols. The Eldar were fast, their ships as much a part of their deadly persona as their skill in battle.

They dropped from the sky in a coordinated strike, their highly advanced grav-tanks touching down with a barely audible thud, while a squad of Eldar warriors in their black and gold armor leaped from their transports, landing in perfect unison. Dharok had seen these raiders in action before, and their speed and agility were unparalleled. Their weapons crackled with psychic energy, and they wielded them with deadly grace.

The soldiers quickly took their positions, manning turrets and making ready for the inevitable assault. But as the first volley of fire erupted from the Corsairs' advanced plasma weapons, it became clear this wasn't going to be a simple skirmish. The ground trembled as explosions erupted around them, sending shards of rock and debris into the air. The sound of the Eldar's psionic war cries echoed across the field, a chilling reminder of the power they commanded.

"Form up!" Dharok shouted, cutting through the chaos. His soldiers responded instantly, instinctively moving into tight defensive clusters. The automated turrets unleashed a barrage of fire, but the Eldar were faster, too fast. Their grav-tanks darted around the base like darting arrows, evading fire with ease as they laid down withering counterattacks.

Dharok ran toward the front lines, his boots crunching on the rocky terrain as his heavy bolter fired relentlessly at the incoming Corsairs. The rounds struck their grav-tanks, but they ricocheted off their shields with little effect. The Eldar returned fire, and Dharok could hear the telltale hiss of energy weapons charging. A blast struck the ground near his feet, sending him sprawling into a crouch, his armor flaring up with a warning of damage.

"Keep firing!" Dharok roared as he pushed himself up, firing his bolter into the melee of Eldar warriors that had deployed. They moved with terrifying precision, darting between cover, their limbs impossibly flexible and fast as they used their agility to evade the soldiers' shots.

Dharok's blade flickered to life in his hand, its humming edge crackling with raw energy as he charged into the fray. He cut through the first of the Eldar warriors that came within range, the blade shearing through their armor like paper. Another Corsair lunged at him, their glowing weapon flashing through the air, but Dharok sidestepped with the reflexes of a seasoned veteran, his blade slicing downward to take the warrior's arm off at the elbow.

The battle raged on, the noise deafening as plasma and energy weapons tore into the air, and yet the Corsairs' relentless assault showed no sign of slowing. The Eldar were toying with them, Dharok could tell. They weren't trying to destroy them, at least, not all at once. Instead, they were probing the base's weaknesses, picking off soldiers, damaging infrastructure, and sowing confusion.

A blinding flash of light lit up the battlefield as one of the grav-tanks fired directly at the base's central power generator. The explosion sent a shockwave through the camp, knocking Dharok to the ground. His head swam as his HUD scrambled to compensate for the sudden overload of data. Systems flickered on and off, and he saw the status of the base rapidly deteriorating: shields down, power systems fluctuating, and half of the automated defenses offline.

"No, not now," Dharok muttered, rising to his feet and gritting his teeth. The situation was dire, but he refused to give in. If they lost this base, the entire mission would fail, and the position would be lost to the Corsairs and anyone else who might come sniffing around.

"Commander, we can't hold them off much longer," one of his soldiers said through the comms, voice strained with the effort. "We're losing too much ground!"

"Then we push back," Dharok said, his voice unwavering. "Fall back to the secondary position. We'll regroup and hit them where they least expect it. Don't let them take the power core."

With that, Dharok ordered a strategic withdrawal. The soldiers made a fighting retreat, slowly drawing the Corsairs away from their critical objectives. They fell back to a fortified position, using the terrain to their advantage, while Dharok formulated a counterattack. He was no stranger to fighting smarter, not just harder, and he knew the Eldar relied heavily on their superior mobility and psychic capabilities. If he could disable or disrupt those advantages, he could turn the tide.

As the last of the soldiers reached the fallback position, Dharok issued a final order: "All remaining heavy firepower, focus on their grav-tanks. We need them grounded."

The heavy weapons squads deployed their remaining rocket launchers and plasma cannons, aiming for the weak points on the Corsairs' tanks. The first hit sent a vehicle spiraling into the air, its anti-gravity fields malfunctioning under the sustained barrage. It crashed to the ground with a resounding thud, its crew scrambling to escape.

Dharok took the opportunity to launch his final assault. His energy blade was at the ready, and his team followed suit. They pressed the attack, cutting through the remaining Eldar warriors with brutal efficiency. The Corsairs had underestimated Dharok and his soldiers, thinking they could overwhelm them easily. Now, they were paying the price for their arrogance.

By the time the dust settled and the final Corsair was slain, the base was a mess, half the camp was destroyed, and many of Dharok's soldiers were wounded. But they had survived. Against all odds, they had repelled the Eldar and held their ground.

"Status report," Dharok said, surveying the aftermath.

"We've sustained heavy damage, sir," the soldier replied, breathless. "But… we're alive. We're still standing."

Dharok nodded grimly. "Then we rebuild. We've only just begun, and Elyn still has secrets to reveal."

But in the back of his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the challenges they would face on this hostile, unknown world.

---

CHOICE:
[] Withdraw
-It is too dangerous. Whatever the Eldar want in this world, it is not worth the lives lost.

[] Continue
-You have already lost too many men. You must avenge their loss.

---

You had Size 5 men, that has been wittled down to Size 3. You lost 2 sizes due to the combined attack of the Bugs and the Eldar, but in turn, the bugs suffered total lossess as did the attacking Eldar strike force.

Dharok is close to declaring the Eldar as Evil but that would depend on if the Eldar here are Proto-Craftworlders or Proto-Dark Eldar. If you leave, this gets pushed off. Stay, and it works only IF they are Proto-Dark Eldar.

---

CHOOSE WISELY:
I know I said I would make a larger update and make choices for you, but this one, I feel, is too important for me to make. So expect another update tomorrow, if something does not come up.

Please choose wisely. This is the first time Dharok lost men under his command and he will be getting an Intimacy out of this regardless of what you choose, but the nature and type depends on your choices going forward.

 

[Yzarc]

Colchis - 832.M30

---

Elyn's twilight cast long shadows over the bleak, frost-bitten plains as Dharok surveyed the developing base. The ground was a jagged lattice of stone and ice, rugged and unwelcoming, much like the dwarf planet itself. Yet, it held the promise of something valuable: strategic potential, hidden resources, and a unique vantage point for Colchis' expansion into the greater system. They'd barely scratched the surface of what Elyn had to offer.

"Lord Dharok." A scout, clad in camouflaged power armor and glistening with frost, approached with a sharp salute. "We followed the Eldar and……..we found something. A cave, sir. It's… unusual."

Dharok's eyes narrowed. "Unusual how?"

"It doesn't seem natural. The walls inside look organic, almost like bone. They curve, intertwine, almost like they were shaped, not formed. Worse, we found traces of the bugs there as well."

Dharok grunted thoughtfully. Elyn was known for its hostile surface, but there was always a chance that what lay beneath held mysteries even stranger. Reinforcements had arrived and he called for a small team of his finest, a squad of highly trained Space Marines, Gene-sons of his cousin, Lorgar, each a specialist in their own right. They approached him quickly, quiet but resolute.

"Listen up," Dharok said, his voice a deep, low rumble. "We're exploring this 'bone' cave the scouts found. There could be more to it than meets the eye. Check your weapons, but stay sharp. We don't want to be heard before we're ready."

They all nodded in unison. They fell in line behind him, silent and ghostlike, their steps barely a whisper against Elyn's frozen crust.

---

The cave yawned before them, a maw in the planet's surface. The entrance was tall enough to accommodate a battle tank, its walls slick and faintly glistening under their armor's faint red lenses. Dharok felt a chill that had nothing to do with the frigid air.

"Scans show significant structure below the surface," murmured one of the Marines, Brother Gavran, the team's tech expert. He was stoic, analytical, and precise in his movements, his helm slightly cocked as he analyzed readouts. "This 'cave' isn't a natural formation. It could be the hull of a craft… crashed or buried here long ago."

Dharok glanced back, his gaze stern. "We keep moving. Eyes open, weapons ready."

Moving deeper, the squad filed through the narrow, spiraling corridors of the cave. The 'walls' seemed alive with strange whorls and patterns, almost as if they'd been carved from the bones of a gargantuan creature. The smell was faint, but unsettling, a mixture of dust, decay, and something almost chemical, lurking just at the edge of perception.

One of the Marines, Brother Orin, chuckled softly. Known for his dark humor and stoic confidence, Orin was a scout and survivalist.

"Looks like this place might just be older than any of us," he whispered, his voice tinged with faint amusement. "Maybe we've found ourselves a ghost ship."

"Focus, Orin," Brother Sidan snapped. Sidan was the team's tactician, a quiet and intense Marine who rarely spoke outside of directives. "We're here to investigate, not sightsee."

They pressed onward, falling back into a practiced silence. Their footfalls were muffled, their senses honed to any hint of threat. Dharok moved at the front, his mind calculating distances and routes instinctively, always aware of his team's positions.

They reached a vast chamber, nearly cathedral-like, with ribbed columns stretching up into the shadows. Dharok activated his helmet's light, casting beams into the darkness. The walls were lined with strange, pod-like formations, half-crushed and brittle.

"Look at this," murmured Brother Gavran. He crouched down, scanning a fragment of the material with his optics. "It's like a mixture of bone and....something else. I've seen nothing like it in standard archives."

"So it's xenos?" Orin asked, his tone almost eager.

"Or something…ancient," Gavran replied.

Dharok nodded thoughtfully. "Let's proceed, but mark the path. We may need to retreat quickly."

The group continued, stepping over fallen debris, remnants of what might have once been a bridge or a catwalk. They entered another corridor, narrower this time, the walls pressing close like the ribs of some monstrous beast. At the end, they found another chamber, dimly lit by bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls. The air felt thicker here, stale and ancient, like the breath of a long-dead titan.

"Movement," whispered Brother Seraph, a close-quarters specialist and the team's medic, whose natural quietness and alertness made him the best watchman. He held up a hand, eyes narrowed.

They froze, weapons at the ready. The Marines scanned the room, senses straining for any sign of life. A sound echoed, faint, irregular, like the rustle of dry leaves.

"What is it?" Dharok asked, his voice low.

Gavran adjusted his optics, analyzing the source. "Readings are faint, but… there's residual power. Some systems might still be active."

Dharok's eyes narrowed as he signaled his men to proceed cautiously. The corridor led to a series of stair-like formations, descending further into the cavern. Step by step, they moved in sync, their footfalls soundless.

"Feels too quiet for my liking," muttered Brother Kael, a demolitions expert with a pragmatic, hard edge. "I've seen ruins, but this… this thing feels like it's waiting for something."

Dharok glanced at Kael, nodding. "Stay sharp, Kael. This ship could have defenses we can't detect."

Finally, they reached what appeared to be a control center. Cracked consoles stretched across the room, lined with controls and strange glyphs. Some flickered faintly with a dim, eerie light. Dharok approached, brushing frost and dust from one of the displays.

"Can you make sense of this?" he asked Gavran, who was already stepping forward.

Gavran's fingers danced over the console, linking his auspex to the ancient systems, trying to coax the………machine back to life. His eyes narrowed in concentration, and after a few tense moments, a holographic display flickered to life. Alien symbols and diagrams flashed across it.

"Most of this is ineligible but from what I can tell? It's a layout of the ship," Gavran murmured. "There's a central chamber. It might hold data cores…..or something more valuable."

"Good work, Gavran," Dharok replied. "Let's move. Stay close and keep your eyes peeled."

The team advanced down another twisting corridor, reaching a vast, cylindrical shaft lined with ladders and conduits. As they climbed, the hum of ancient power grew stronger, almost like a heartbeat reverberating through the structure.

Brother Seraph was the first to reach the top.

"It's another door, sir," he reported, his voice taut. Dharok joined him, inspecting the seal. It was thick, carved with intricate, sinuous symbols that pulsed faintly in rhythm with the ship's heartbeat.

With a calculated effort, Dharok placed his hand against the control panel, and the door hissed open.

The chamber inside was bathed in a pale, eerie glow. In the center of the room was a massive, skeletal throne of metal and bone, shaped in an alien likeness. Seated in it was a figure, massive and gaunt, clad in cracked armor, its eyes dark and empty. Dharok could feel the chill seeping into his bones as he approached. This figure was old, older than any of them could imagine, a remnant of a forgotten era.

"What… is this?" Brother Sidan whispered.

"I don't know," Dharok replied. "But it looks like we're not the first to touch this world."

The team fanned out, taking defensive positions around the chamber. Dharok approached the throne carefully, his instincts on edge. Gavran scanned the figure, his instruments chirping and whirring.

"Sir, readings are erratic," Gavran warned. "Whatever power is left here, it's… unstable. I suggest we mark this location and bring a larger team for a full recovery."

"No," Dharok replied, considering carefully, his gaze fixed on the dark, alien corridors stretching away into the shadows. "We've seen enough and this thing is too dangerous to leave intact. Set the charges; let's make sure nothing remains for the Eldar to find."

Each Marine nodded in understanding. Brother Seraph stepped forward, holding a small, streamlined explosive charge fitted with a manual timer.

"Targeting the core structure will ensure full collapse," he said, his voice a calm monotone that betrayed no hint of nerves. "Once it collapses, the implosion device will ensure nothing remains."

"Good," Dharok replied. "Spread out, set the charges along the weak points. We need maximum impact if we're to destroy this thing completely."

The Marines split up in pairs to cover more ground, moving with silent purpose as they planted explosives at strategic points along the ship's interior. Each explosive was specially designed for maximum penetration, intended to burn through even the thickest alien armor and spread shrapnel that would destabilize the structure. Brother Kael and Brother Orin worked together, placing charges near the control center, while Gavran and Seraph positioned charges in the corridors that housed the ship's strange, faintly humming machinery.

Dharok moved with Brother Sidan, guiding him toward a section that seemed to be the heart of the ship, a dark, echoing chamber filled with twisted, organic-like pillars that thrummed with a strange, low frequency. The air was thick and heavy, and Dharok's senses tingled with unease. The technology was utterly alien, almost… alive.

"Here," Dharok said, voice steady. "This area is critical. If this ship has a power source, it's somewhere within this structure."

Sidan nodded and set the charge with practiced efficiency, securing it to one of the thick, pulsating columns. The moment he activated it, the low hum seemed to grow louder, resonating through the walls and vibrating the air itself.

"Feel that?" Sidan asked, a hint of tension in his voice.

"Yes," Dharok replied, his eyes narrowing. "Whatever energy remains in this ship is responding to our presence. It's as if…"

The thought hung, unspoken. The ship seemed aware of what they were doing. They reassembled back at the central corridor, where Seraph gave a short nod.

"Charges are placed and synchronized," he reported. "Ready for detonation."

"Good," Dharok said, casting one final look around. "We make our way out, and detonate from a safe distance."

A distant rumble echoed through the corridor, growing steadily louder. The ship seemed to shudder, its structure vibrating underfoot. The bone-like walls around them began to creak, small fissures appearing, and for a split second, Dharok felt as if they were standing inside a living entity, something that had sensed their intent and was preparing to retaliate.

"Keep moving!" Dharok barked, even as he felt the ground tremble.

They broke into a run, moving with supernatural speed toward the exit, their armor thrumming as they pushed forward. But the ship had other plans. A shudder ran through the structure, a deep rumbling from the depths.

"Move, Marines!" Dharok barked. They sprinted back down the corridors, their movements silent but swift, their breathing steady.

As they rounded a bend, Brother Seraph stopped abruptly, raising a fist in a silent signal. His helmeted gaze was fixed on the corridor ahead, where a faint rustling echoed through the stale air. Dharok froze, his weapon raised, as the sounds grew louder, a clicking, chittering noise, like the shifting of countless armored bodies.

"Contact," Seraph whispered, voice sharp. "Multiple signatures approaching."

From the darkness ahead, creatures began to emerge: insectoid beasts with armored carapaces and scythe-like limbs, their compound eyes reflecting the crimson glow of the Marines' visors. They were large, moving with the alien grace of predators, each one taller than a man and covered in a chitinous exoskeleton that glistened faintly in the dim light.

Dharok's eyes narrowed. "Xenos. Everyone, fall back and hold formation. Gavran, you've got point. Orin, watch our six."

The Marines immediately adjusted, their bodies moving in a single, fluid motion as they assumed a defensive posture. Gavran opened fire first, a rapid burst of bolter rounds ripping into the lead creature, sending chunks of carapace and ichor flying. But for each one that fell, two more emerged, pushing forward with relentless, hive-driven determination.

Dharok clenched his jaw, recognizing the disciplined coordination in the creatures' assault. These were not feral beasts, they moved with a precision and aggression that belied the intelligence behind them.

Eldar.

Without hesitating, Dharok activated his vox, his voice a low growl.

"Command, this is Dharok. We've got xeno hostiles converging on our position. Prepare to fire on our coordinates for immediate orbital bombardment."

Static crackled in response, but before Dharok could finish transmitting the coordinates, a new presence swept over them, as silent and sudden as a ghost. The shadows deepened, and graceful figures in sleek, alien armor materialized along the edges of the corridor.

One of them stepped forward, raising a hand in a silent, almost mocking gesture of command. Dharok could feel their deadly focus, their disdainful contempt for the Space Marines.

"They're jamming the signal," Gavran muttered, frustration tinged with anger. "We're cut off from the fleet."

"Then we'll make them regret it," Dharok said grimly, adjusting his stance as he readied his bolter. "Orin, Kael, cover our flanks. Sidan, take overwatch."

With disciplined precision, the Marines responded, unleashing a withering barrage of fire that sent xenos and Eldar alike scattering. Explosions erupted around them, throwing fragments of chitin and alien alloy into the air. The corridor became a war zone, filled with the sharp reports of bolters, the shriek of Eldar shuriken rounds, and the chittering roars of the insectoid beasts.

Dharok kept his movements calculated, directing his team with quick, silent hand signals. Despite the chaos, each Marine moved with uncanny efficiency. Brother Orin, who had been guarding their rear, fired in precise bursts, taking down any creatures that attempted to flank them, his dark humor gone as he focused on the task with deadly accuracy.

"Dharok," Brother Sidan called out over the din. "We're boxed in. They're trying to herd us deeper into the ship."

Dharok's eyes flashed. Herd, isolate, strike, drawing their prey into a trap where they could be overwhelmed. This was an obvious attempt to keep them in the ship, forcing them to disarm their bombs. But Dharok and his men were not ordinary prey. They were Space Marines, and they would not yield.

"We move forward," Dharok commanded, his voice steely. "Push through them. Gavran, see if you can disrupt their jamming frequency. We need that orbital support."

They pressed onward, clearing a brutal path through the insectoid tide. Brother Kael drew out a plasma grenade and hurled it into a dense cluster of the creatures, which erupted in a cascade of blue plasma and thick smoke. Brother Seraph was in his element, slashing through any that closed in too near with his power sword, his movements swift and precise.

As they neared the main chamber again, Dharok caught sight of another figure, a tall, lean Eldar warrior in elaborate armor, their helm crowned with a plume of blood-red feathers. The Eldar leveled a long, serrated spear at Dharok, its tip gleaming with an unnatural light.

"Mon'keigh!" the Eldar hissed, their voice dripping with disdain.

Dharok growled, leveling his bolter at the Eldar. "We've come too far to be stopped by you."

He fired, but the Eldar dodged gracefully, darting across the floor with the agility of a serpent. The warrior struck, spear flashing forward, forcing Dharok to sidestep and parry with his power sword. The two locked in a vicious duel, their strikes swift and deadly. The Eldar's movements were fluid, weaving and shifting with an unnatural elegance, while Dharok's were grounded, powerful, and direct, every blow calculated to break through his opponent's defenses.

Around them, the battle raged. Orin fired his bolter at an approaching cluster of insectoids, then quickly turned to shoot down an Eldar Ranger who had appeared from the shadows.

"Think we're proving hard to herd, eh, knife-eared fiends?" he muttered, his voice tinged with defiance.

Gavran, working feverishly, managed to adjust his auspex settings, pinpointing the source of the jamming.

"Lord Dharok!" he called out. "The jammer's located above us, hidden in the ceiling. I can overload it with an EMP burst, but we'll need cover!"

"Do it!" Dharok ordered, barely dodging a thrust from his Eldar opponent, who had anticipated his strike. "Kael, Seraph, give him cover!"

Kael and Seraph launched a coordinated volley, forcing the Eldar to retreat temporarily while Gavran activated the EMP burst. The surge rippled through the corridor, shattering the jamming field and opening a clear channel to the Colchisian ships in orbit.

"Command, this is Dharok," he barked into the vox. "Coordinates relayed. Request immediate bombardment on my position."

The Eldar warrior's eyes widened. They lunged forward in a final desperate attack, seeking to cut down Dharok before he could complete his order. Dharok sidestepped, catching the spear with his power sword and wrenching it from the Eldar's grip. With a swift, powerful strike, he brought his sword down, cleaving through the alien's armor and ending their defiance.

"Charge!" Dharok commanded, his voice carrying over the battle. "We need to get out, NOW!"

The Marines regrouped and fell back, firing at any creatures or Eldar that dared follow. With their path clear, they raced through the darkened corridors, leaving the aliens behind as they neared the exit. Outside, they could see the distant glow of the sky, the cold stars shining overhead.

They barely made it out of the entrance before the bombardment began. High above, Colchisian warships unleashed their fury, plasma rounds and lascannon fire raining down onto the planet's surface. The ground shook as explosions tore through the crashed ship even as the internal explosives were set off, collapsing the tunnels in a cloud of dust and debris.

Watching all of this, all Dharok felt was satisfaction that he had avenged his men, but then he suddenly felt it, an ache, a psychic pressure, as if the air itself was crying out in agony.

He looked on, expression grim behind his helm, as he realized that the Eldar souls were torn from the crashed ships's broken shell. The death screams of thousands of psychic beings resonated through the warp, louder than any bombardment, echoing from realm to realm. These were not ordinary deaths. Dharok knew this was something far worse, these souls were being devoured, each essence grasped by a torment that none could fully imagine, a fate crafted by the Prince of Excess itself.

There was something almost haunting in that twisted sky. Dharok sensed the utter despair that lingered, a psychic echo of the thousands of souls who had known what awaited them as they died. Slaanesh's presence was a visceral thing, almost tangible, an entity that consumed not out of hunger alone but out of a twisted pleasure in suffering. Dharok could almost see the souls of the Eldar, their essence wrenched from shattered ship, pulled down into that vortex where nothing awaited them but unending torment.

His fists clenched involuntarily, realizing he had let his anger drive him into making a terrible mistake. These were enemies, yes, xenos whose beliefs ran counter to everything humanity stood for. But no creature, no matter how alien, deserved such a fate.

When the bombardment finally ceased, the area was left in smoking ruin. Dharok surveyed the wreckage. They had secured a critical victory, though he knew this would not be the last he'd see of the Eldar.

Orin came up beside him, grinning. "First we find ghost ships, then Eldar. What's next, sir? Daemons?"

"Pray it's not," Dharok replied, his tone only half-joking even as he pushed down his feelings on what he had witnessed. "Elyn has secrets, Orin. Dangerous ones. But we'll be ready."

He turned to the rest of the squad, each of them marked by dust and blood but unbowed. They had survived where others would have perished.

"We've taken a strong step forward today," Dharok said, his voice steady and commanding. "But this is only the beginning. Prepare for more. There's no telling what else lies hidden beneath Elyn's surface. But as long as we stand together, no xenos, no Eldar, will stop us."

The Marines nodded in silent agreement, their loyalty and determination unshaken. Elyn had tested them, and they had emerged victorious. Yet they knew, as Dharok did, that their journey had only just begun.

---

DHAROK
So what happened? Dharok did not know that the crashed ship was a mini-craft world, containign a few hundred thousand Eldar souls. So given he lost his men to the Eldar, he lost his temper and decided to blow it up, he succeeded and saw the result of his actions.
Dharok gains the following Major intimacies.

• Anger (Control)
• Eldar (Dislike/Pity)

---

ELDAR SPEAR.
Dharok gained the Eldar's spear when he disarmed and killed them. I will admit that I do not understand how to use Holden's splendor system but am willing to allow it with caveats that it does not ruin the story. This also unlocks Splendors as a craft option.

[] Write in
(This is a 3 Dot Splendor, describe it and its abilities.)

 

[Yzarc]

Hi all. I am sorry for this but the Quest is on indefinite hold. I spent the last week staring at my screen unable to type some words for the next update.

Between all the stuff going on, I am having a lot of problems with not just getting time to write but also what to write. Not sure what I will be doing, but for now, this quest is on Hiatus.