Colchis - 831.M30
The sandstorm had subsided to a mere whisper of its former fury, but the Chaos camp still lay in ruins. Fires burned amidst the wreckage, and the air was thick with the scent of smoke and scorched earth. The explosions had sown chaos and confusion, but it wasn't long before the survivors began to regroup. You, Lorgar, Dharok, and the rest of your team were already on the move, putting distance between yourselves and the enemy camp.
The sound of hooves pounded behind you, growing louder by the second. The Chaos cavalry was in pursuit, their dark steeds kicking up plumes of sand as they closed in. You and your companions sprinted across the desert, power armor making your steps thunderous but giving you the speed and endurance needed to outrun the enemy, for a time.
"We need to shake them off," Dharok shouted over the din of your flight. "They're gaining on us!"
Lorgar nodded, his face set in determination. "I'll use my mind to confuse them."
You glanced back at the approaching cavalry, their numbers a dark tide against the sands. "Do it, Lorgar. We need every advantage we can get."
Lorgar slowed his pace slightly, closing his eyes and reaching out with his mind. You felt the ripple of his power as he projected thoughts of suspicion and betrayal into the minds of the Chaos soldiers. Whispers of treachery and doubt flowed from him, seeking to turn their unity into discord.
For a moment, it seemed to work. The ranks of the cavalry wavered, some riders glancing suspiciously at their comrades. You saw a few of them hesitate, their focus shifting from the chase to the growing uncertainty in their minds.
But then, something went wrong. Lorgar's holy aura, the divine power that flowed through him, began to burn the minds of those it touched. Instead of confusion, it sparked a rage within the Chaos soldiers, their eyes glowing with a mad fury as they realized the source of the intrusion.
Lorgar's eyes snapped open, his face a mask of pain. "They're resisting! My presence… it's driving them mad!"
The cavalry surged forward, their rage propelling them faster than ever. They howled with fury, the holy light that emanated from Lorgar only serving to enrage them further.
"We need a new plan!" Dharok shouted, glancing at you for direction.
You scanned the horizon, searching for anything that could offer a chance of escape or a way to slow down your pursuers. Up ahead, you spotted a series of rocky outcrops, their jagged forms promising some cover and perhaps an opportunity to turn the tide.
"Head for those rocks!" you commanded. "We'll make our stand there!"
The three of you veered towards the outcrops, the sound of hooves growing ever closer. As you reached the rocks, you took cover behind the largest one, turning to face the oncoming cavalry.
"Dharok, Lorgar, get ready to fight. We hold them here." you order.
Your hands glowed with power as you began to gather power, your focus unwavering. Lorgar and Dharok took positions on either side of you, their weapons ready.
The first wave of cavalry reached the rocks, their fury evident in their wild eyes and bared teeth. You met them head-on, your power armor enhancing your strength and speed as you struck out. Dharok fought with a brutal efficiency, his blows precise and lethal. Lorgar, despite the backlash of his telepathy, fought with a fervor that bordered on the divine, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
Your focus reached its crescendo, and you released it with a shout. A wall of force erupted from your hands, slamming into the advancing cavalry and knocking many from their mounts. The impact bought you a moment's respite, but more Chaos soldiers were pouring in, their rage undiminished.
"We can't hold them forever!" Dharok grunted, cutting down another rider.
"We just need to hold them long enough," you replied, your own staff lashing out at enemies.
The battle raged on, the air filled with the clash of steel and the cries of the wounded. Despite the odds, you and your companions fought with unwavering determination, each second buying more time for you to prepare your next explosion.
But the Chaos soldiers were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. You could feel your strength waning, the weight of the battle pressing down on you. Just when it seemed like you might be overwhelmed, you shouted.
"Get down!"
Your companions dropped to the ground as another explosion erupted, the force of it tearing through the Chaos ranks. The blast wave sent sand and debris flying, creating a temporary barrier between you and the enemy.
"Now, while they're recovering!" you shouted, rising to your feet and rallying your companions. "Fall back to the next outcrop!"
You retreated further into the rocky terrain, using the natural cover to your advantage. The explosions had thinned the enemy's ranks, but the pursuit continued. The light sandstorm, though less powerful, still provided some cover, its swirling sands obscuring your movements.
As you reached the next outcrop, you turned to face the oncoming Chaos soldiers once more. The battle was far from over, but you knew that as long as you stood together, you could withstand the storm.
"I'll challenge their leader. If I can defeat him, it will break their morale. Lorgar, once he's down, try to sway them with your words." Dharok told you and Lorgar with determination.
"Be careful, nephew. These men are fanatics." You said even as your grip was tightening on your staff.
"Fanatics or not, they bleed the same as anyone else." Dharok gave a grim smile.
With a final nod, Dharok stepped out from the shadows and into the open. The Chaos warriors tensed, their weapons at the ready, but their leader raised a hand, signaling them to hold their ground. Dharok's voice rang out, strong and unyielding.
"I challenge your leader! Face me in single combat, if you have the courage!"
As Dharok stepped forward, the warriors around them formed a rough circle, their eyes glinting with anticipation. The champion, a massive figure clad in dark, ornate armor, stepped forward, his expression a mixture of amusement and disdain.
"So, you wish to challenge me?" the champion sneered. "Very well. But know this: our battle will be one of honor. Only blessings and weapons are to be used. No other enhancements or tricks."
Dharok met the champion's gaze steadily. "Agreed. No other enhancements, only our blessings and weapons."
The champion grinned, a predatory smile. "Good. Then let us see what you are truly made of."
With a nod, Dharok reached up and deactivated the power armor's enhanced systems. The soft hum of the armor's mechanisms faded, leaving only the basic protection and strength of the suit. He felt the weight of the armor settle more heavily on his shoulders, but his resolve remained firm.
Lorgar and you watched from the sidelines, tense but ready to support Dharok if needed. The circle of Chaos warriors tightened, their focus entirely on the impending duel.
The champion hefted his massive axe, its blade glinting ominously in the fading light. Dharok flexed his hands, the powerfists he wore humming with barely contained energy. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath as the two combatants squared off, the tension palpable.
With a roar, the champion charged, his axe swinging in a deadly arc. Dharok met him head-on, the powerfists' energy field crackling as they collided with the axe. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, the resounding crash echoing across the desert. The battle had begun, and it would be a true test of skill, strength, and honor.
The leader relied on brute strength, his blows powerful but clumsy. Each swing of his axe was intended to cleave Dharok in two, but Dharok moved with precision and skill, each of his strikes calculated and deliberate. His powerfists allowed him to parry the massive blows, absorbing the force and retaliating with devastating punches.
For a moment, it seemed the leader's sheer force would overwhelm Dharok. The champion's relentless assault pushed Dharok back, his powerful strikes battering at Dharok's defenses. But Dharok remained focused, waiting for the right moment.
Then, with a swift, decisive move, Dharok found an opening. As the champion overextended with a particularly vicious swing, Dharok dodged to the side and delivered a crushing uppercut with his powerfist. The blow landed with a thunderous impact, cracking the champion's armor and sending him staggering back, his expression one of shock and disbelief.
With a final, powerful swing, Dharok struck again. His powerfist connected with the champion's helm, the force of the blow shattering the helmet and sending the leader crashing to the ground, defeated.
The Chaos warriors watched in stunned silence as Dharok stood over their fallen leader, his powerfists still crackling with energy. Lorgar stepped forward. He spoke, his voice resonant and filled with power.
"You have seen the strength of our might," Lorgar began. "But we offer more than just power. We offer a path of honor, a path free from the chains of the Chaos Gods. Join us, and you will find a better way, a way that does not require you to sacrifice your humanity."
For a moment, the Chaos warriors seemed to waver. But then, one of them began to laugh, a harsh, mocking sound. Soon, the others joined in, their laughter filling the air with derision.
"You think we would abandon our gods for your empty promises?" one of the warriors sneered. "You are fools if you believe we would trade our power for your weakness."
With a roar, one of the warriors hurled his axe at Lorgar. Lorgar's reflexes were swift, and he dodged the weapon with ease. But the message was clear. They would not be swayed by words or promises.
Dharok stepped back, his expression grim. "It seems they are too far gone."
Lorgar nodded, his eyes filled with sadness and resolve. "We tried. Now we must leave before they rally."
You raised your staff, preparing to focus power to allow a retreat. But before you could, the Chaos warriors surged forward, their rage and defiance driving them into a frenzy.
"Stand ready!" you shouted to your companions. "We'll make our escape, but we must fight our way out!"
The battle resumed, fierce and desperate. You and your companions fought with everything you had, each strike, each blast, a testament to your determination. The Chaos warriors were relentless, their numbers overwhelming. But you fought with a purpose, a belief in a better path.
As you battled, you could see the flicker of doubt in some of their eyes. Perhaps, in time, they would come to see the truth of your words. But for now, you focused on surviving, on escaping this place with your lives.
With a final burst of power, you created a barrier of force, momentarily holding back the tide of Chaos warriors. "Now! Let's go!" you shouted.
Together, you, Dharok, and Lorgar retreated into the desert, leaving the chaos behind. The battle was won, but the war was far from over. As you made your way to safety, you couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. The seeds of doubt had been planted. Perhaps, in time, they would grow into something more.
For now, you would regroup, recover, and prepare for the battles to come. The fight against the Chaos Gods was far from over, but you knew that as long as you stood together, you would continue to be a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness.
EVENT CHOICE:
Where to fight the Chaos Army
[] Attack them preemptively
–Your main settlement is safe if you win and their siege units are rendered irrelevant. But you loose any advantage from having a fortified position.
[] Be defensive
–Gain a great defensive advantage and many of the advanced static defenses. However, your main settlement is in the direct line of fire.
NEXT TURN:
XP Spending turn.